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Lyon on a Leash
Every woman should experience the love of an Alpha submissive man at least once in her life…
Successful attorney Vera Knight has it all – an interesting career, a stunning home, and all the money she needs to travel the world in style. The only thing she doesn’t have is a man - and not just any man will do. She needs a submissive who will let her be as successful in the bedroom as she is in the courtroom.
Innovative graphic artist Marcus Lyon is on the hunt for the right woman to serve. Pleasing a Dominate and keeping her happy rocks his world. But a former D/s relationship has left him with emotional scars and a new attitude. The next woman he pleases will need to follow a few rules…
When Vera and Marcus meet at a fund raising slave auction in New York City, sparks fly, and she corners her man. Vera is sure she’s found the Alpha Submissive she’s been looking for, but will Marcus agree to give her the key to his heart as well as his collar?
****
This romantic story is a fictional account of a couple who have chosen to have a Female Led Relationship or FLR. In the BDSM community she is called his Domme, Dominant or Mistress and he is her submissive. He is no doormat. This story is not about pain, or whips and chains, rather it deals with the challenges a couple faces with the day to day grind of living and loving together.
Successful attorney Vera Knight has it all – an interesting career, a stunning home, and all the money she needs to travel the world in style. The only thing she doesn’t have is a man - and not just any man will do. She needs a submissive who will let her be as successful in the bedroom as she is in the courtroom.
Innovative graphic artist Marcus Lyon is on the hunt for the right woman to serve. Pleasing a Dominate and keeping her happy rocks his world. But a former D/s relationship has left him with emotional scars and a new attitude. The next woman he pleases will need to follow a few rules…
When Vera and Marcus meet at a fund raising slave auction in New York City, sparks fly, and she corners her man. Vera is sure she’s found the Alpha Submissive she’s been looking for, but will Marcus agree to give her the key to his heart as well as his collar?
****
This romantic story is a fictional account of a couple who have chosen to have a Female Led Relationship or FLR. In the BDSM community she is called his Domme, Dominant or Mistress and he is her submissive. He is no doormat. This story is not about pain, or whips and chains, rather it deals with the challenges a couple faces with the day to day grind of living and loving together.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2013
37 people are currently reading
491 people want to read
About the author
Erosa Knowles
57 books191 followers"Hello,I'm a self-proclaimed read-a-holic. I love most genres and would rather read than do most things. Stands to reason, that I'd have this inexplicable love affair with the written word!
Reading was the balm that soothed me during tough times as a single mother, working two jobs. As things leveled out, I found I enjoyed the places books took me, there was a certain solace learning about various times and cultures. When I began traveling, many of the places I visited felt like old friends. I could envision the characters from the books walking the cobbled streets, or running along the swift moving streams.
After twenty years of reading and collecting my favorite authors, I decided to indulge my passion for storytelling. I took classes, invested in seminars and sat nervously across the table from editors. It was a lengthy process, Finally, I got the courage to allow the market to judge my work. The market can be a brutal, but I think fair, mistress. Hard work is rewarded and appreciated. Slackers don't stand a chance. :-)."
Reading was the balm that soothed me during tough times as a single mother, working two jobs. As things leveled out, I found I enjoyed the places books took me, there was a certain solace learning about various times and cultures. When I began traveling, many of the places I visited felt like old friends. I could envision the characters from the books walking the cobbled streets, or running along the swift moving streams.
After twenty years of reading and collecting my favorite authors, I decided to indulge my passion for storytelling. I took classes, invested in seminars and sat nervously across the table from editors. It was a lengthy process, Finally, I got the courage to allow the market to judge my work. The market can be a brutal, but I think fair, mistress. Hard work is rewarded and appreciated. Slackers don't stand a chance. :-)."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
June 14, 2013
Firstly, author Erosa Knowles gets major kudos for even attempting and pulling off a D/s book with a male alpha submissive. Let's face it, few romance readers are ready for a submissive male of any sort (M/M romance notwithstanding) and unfortunately erotica tends to depict them as sissies and/or playing up the humiliation factor. Natural Law tried (and in my opinion failed) to craft a compelling alpha sub, but kept tripping on its own feet.
Now we have Lyon on a Leash and to say that I was pretty impressed is an understatement. For one thing, I appreciate the fact that that Ms. Knowles cared enough about the subject of BDSM to go and do the legwork. She stated in her acknowledgments the Dommes and subs she met and talked to. I think, just from her wording that she went into the scene with certain preconceived notions about male subs and that she left with a deeper understanding. That understanding is clear in the character of Marcus.
I've been in the scene. I've met and have known alpha subs like Marcus Lyon. They are, like him, rare and amazing men. What I loved about this book is the author doesn't constantly harp on his alpha-ness. She allows Marcus' actions towards Vera to do the work. It's subtle, especially to someone unfamiliar with the careful dance of D/s. Contrary to another review, Marcus is not a beta male (though I love them too). It takes a strong man, which Marcus is, to be willing to serve a woman in the way he does Vera--too bad she wasn't worthy until the end. I really loved how protective he was of her, but how he leashed his protector instincts when she said so. That was so hot. His control when Vera was sexually arousing him hit all my happy buttons. Seriously, I want a Marcus Lyon of my very own! A real alpha with guts! Sorry BDB boys, your chest beating and funny-spelled names just don't measure up to a man so secure in his masculinity that he lives to serve, honor, protect, love and cherish the woman whom he has given his heart. The fact that Marcus can and does without being threatened by Vera's independence...swoonworthy I tell ya!
I haven't really changed my mind about Vera since my updates. I still didn't like her and I still hate the "OMG I'm in the lifestyle but/because I have deep-seated emotional issues" trope that is far too common in these books. However, that's my view of her outside of the D/s milieu, where she was just a hot mess. When she's in Mistress mode, she's good. She understands the concept of safewords, she and Marcus negotiated the rules and more important, she LISTENED to his concerns. I would have liked a few aftercare scenes, just because I'm a stickler for those details. Yes, I am a hardass when it comes to my heroines. I don't expect perfection nor do they have to be drama-free; but it drives me batshit crazy that too many romance authors shortchange their heroines in order to build up the hero. It's almost a weird form of sexism. Oh, and what is up with the light-skin and red hair thing? I wasn't quite sure this was even an IR until a secondary character mentioned Vera's race. Granted, not a fan of food adjectives as skin tone, but as a writer whose stock in trade IS creativity, there had to be something better than the oblique (coy) references.
I would have liked more intense dungeon sessions between Vera and Marcus as well, though the auction scene at the beginning was well done. I also loved the mix of Dommes; they weren't all thin model types, but sounded like real women. Marguerite as "mama Bear" was wonderful, if a bit overprotective. I loved the respect shown towards the different types of subs. The author made no value judgments between the more alpha and less alpha males. Besides Marcus, Michelle/Michael was my favorite. The sex scenes were hot especially with the control factor thrown in, but please for future reference, no more "weeping p*ssies". That doesn't sound erotic, more like some form of an STD.
Lyon on a Leash is a risky romance. It's not for everyone, especially for those who like their tropes. I love a good femdom romance, and this one, in spite of the heroine fail, is still a keeper. Good job, Ms. Knowles.
Now we have Lyon on a Leash and to say that I was pretty impressed is an understatement. For one thing, I appreciate the fact that that Ms. Knowles cared enough about the subject of BDSM to go and do the legwork. She stated in her acknowledgments the Dommes and subs she met and talked to. I think, just from her wording that she went into the scene with certain preconceived notions about male subs and that she left with a deeper understanding. That understanding is clear in the character of Marcus.
I've been in the scene. I've met and have known alpha subs like Marcus Lyon. They are, like him, rare and amazing men. What I loved about this book is the author doesn't constantly harp on his alpha-ness. She allows Marcus' actions towards Vera to do the work. It's subtle, especially to someone unfamiliar with the careful dance of D/s. Contrary to another review, Marcus is not a beta male (though I love them too). It takes a strong man, which Marcus is, to be willing to serve a woman in the way he does Vera--too bad she wasn't worthy until the end. I really loved how protective he was of her, but how he leashed his protector instincts when she said so. That was so hot. His control when Vera was sexually arousing him hit all my happy buttons. Seriously, I want a Marcus Lyon of my very own! A real alpha with guts! Sorry BDB boys, your chest beating and funny-spelled names just don't measure up to a man so secure in his masculinity that he lives to serve, honor, protect, love and cherish the woman whom he has given his heart. The fact that Marcus can and does without being threatened by Vera's independence...swoonworthy I tell ya!
I haven't really changed my mind about Vera since my updates. I still didn't like her and I still hate the "OMG I'm in the lifestyle but/because I have deep-seated emotional issues" trope that is far too common in these books. However, that's my view of her outside of the D/s milieu, where she was just a hot mess. When she's in Mistress mode, she's good. She understands the concept of safewords, she and Marcus negotiated the rules and more important, she LISTENED to his concerns. I would have liked a few aftercare scenes, just because I'm a stickler for those details. Yes, I am a hardass when it comes to my heroines. I don't expect perfection nor do they have to be drama-free; but it drives me batshit crazy that too many romance authors shortchange their heroines in order to build up the hero. It's almost a weird form of sexism. Oh, and what is up with the light-skin and red hair thing? I wasn't quite sure this was even an IR until a secondary character mentioned Vera's race. Granted, not a fan of food adjectives as skin tone, but as a writer whose stock in trade IS creativity, there had to be something better than the oblique (coy) references.
I would have liked more intense dungeon sessions between Vera and Marcus as well, though the auction scene at the beginning was well done. I also loved the mix of Dommes; they weren't all thin model types, but sounded like real women. Marguerite as "mama Bear" was wonderful, if a bit overprotective. I loved the respect shown towards the different types of subs. The author made no value judgments between the more alpha and less alpha males. Besides Marcus, Michelle/Michael was my favorite. The sex scenes were hot especially with the control factor thrown in, but please for future reference, no more "weeping p*ssies". That doesn't sound erotic, more like some form of an STD.
Lyon on a Leash is a risky romance. It's not for everyone, especially for those who like their tropes. I love a good femdom romance, and this one, in spite of the heroine fail, is still a keeper. Good job, Ms. Knowles.
July 6, 2013
Ok, I'm going to sound like a total perv but oh well… embrace what you are & all that, right? Basically, this is BDSM 101 which is fine & all, but you read someone's on a leash on the cover & then read the blurb & it talks about a slave auction… Am I the only one that thought there was going to be some serious business happening here? It's basically a love story with some kink & is actually very reminiscent of another love story that embraced kinky fuckery. Really, there's nothing wrong with the book. The writing's not bad, the storyline is ok but… it's boring. The conversations are mundane & tedious & the pacing is just slow.
Vera, a former Dominatrix, is determined to find a lifestyle sub at an auction in NYC to take back home with her to Atlanta. She's only every had professional experience previously but is looking for a long term submissive & becomes enamored with Marcus through the brochure sent out for said auction. They hit it off & cause a stir at the auction. So off to Atlanta they go to discover each others kinks & quirks. They have an adult relationship without contrived dramatics or hijinks & they communicate with each other well & often, which I appreciated.
Can I just say if I had to read about her germaphobia & her insistence upon unopened bottled water wherever she goes one more time… I get it already! And him being an "alpha" submissive & wanting to get into a boxing match with everyone that pisses her off. Uh, she's the Domme here I'm pretty sure that equates to her being fairly self-sufficient but what do I know. Then there's Vera's mentor, self proclaimed mother & best friend who is meddling, intrusive & melodramatic & generally a busybody. There's this whole background storyline between Vera & her inappropriate boss that was a major snoozefest & far too much time is dedicated to it for my taste.
Bottom line: it's a stretch to call it kink & it's not very exciting overall.
Vera, a former Dominatrix, is determined to find a lifestyle sub at an auction in NYC to take back home with her to Atlanta. She's only every had professional experience previously but is looking for a long term submissive & becomes enamored with Marcus through the brochure sent out for said auction. They hit it off & cause a stir at the auction. So off to Atlanta they go to discover each others kinks & quirks. They have an adult relationship without contrived dramatics or hijinks & they communicate with each other well & often, which I appreciated.
Can I just say if I had to read about her germaphobia & her insistence upon unopened bottled water wherever she goes one more time… I get it already! And him being an "alpha" submissive & wanting to get into a boxing match with everyone that pisses her off. Uh, she's the Domme here I'm pretty sure that equates to her being fairly self-sufficient but what do I know. Then there's Vera's mentor, self proclaimed mother & best friend who is meddling, intrusive & melodramatic & generally a busybody. There's this whole background storyline between Vera & her inappropriate boss that was a major snoozefest & far too much time is dedicated to it for my taste.
Bottom line: it's a stretch to call it kink & it's not very exciting overall.
October 24, 2014
I started off liking this one. I really liked Marcus and Vera, though quirky, was interesting. The story, however, couldn't keep my interest. Maybe if this had been sold as a regular romance, it might have worked...maybe. But as D/s, it fell flat. I wasn't looking for hardcore BDSM scenes (in fact the St. Andrews cross/hot wax/ice play felt hokey and clichéd to me) but I, at least, needed the Domme to understand submission. For Vera to be confused by the attention Marcus showed her in bed, "Is that what gets you off? Knowing I'm enjoying myself?" left me baffled. I was confused as to why she was confused. He is a sub. His desire is to please his Mistress; it fulfills him, it's what drives him. You don't even need to be trained as a professional to know that. Later in the book she says something like she doesn't understand why Marcus is the way he is, but she's grateful. Umm what?? So you researched the sub you wanted, flew to New York, paid $7000 for 24 hours with him but you don't understand why a sub would be submissive? Do you understand why you are a Domme?? Just weird.
The progression of the relationship is all off page. Even the discussion of the terms are told to us as a recap of a conversation that Marcus and Vera supposedly already had, off page. Terms are the foundation of service! We needed to be privy to that. We spend more time admiring Vera's house, her S-class Mercedes Benz and talking about her high profile job as a lawyer, than we do showing any real, quality time with Marcus. Apart from him cooking meals, and meeting her at the door with sparkling water with a slice of lemon when she got home from work, there's nothing of note. Forget training, or protocol, I mean any interaction or relationship. They go to a charity benefit, deal with drama with her boss at work, we get some sex here and there and Marcus gets one punishment but there is no detail. Again, it's all off page. No actual dealing with how they got through the punishment. Just 'the punishment was for 48hours and they were glad when it was over'. Really?? Then there are the time jumps. Six weeks. Then 5 months. When I saw 'They'd been together five months' and Vera was all, 'Marcus, will you wear my collar?' I almost fell off my bed. Talk of commitment ceremonies. Umm what??? Forget the fact that Marcus wanted a relationship while Vera was still fooling herself thinking she wanted D/s only, collaring under those circumstances was just a ludicrous idea.
At 70% I had to bail. I didn't care anymore. I actually really liked Marcus and was hoping Vera would be a worthy Domme to him. Maybe she got better after 70%; I didn't care enough to find out.
With the exception of Marcus calling Vera Mistress and Ma'am, this could have been any interracial romance with a very attentive and protective man who worked from home. It's a basic romance, with a little kink. Not enough to keep me reading till the end. 2.5 stars.
The progression of the relationship is all off page. Even the discussion of the terms are told to us as a recap of a conversation that Marcus and Vera supposedly already had, off page. Terms are the foundation of service! We needed to be privy to that. We spend more time admiring Vera's house, her S-class Mercedes Benz and talking about her high profile job as a lawyer, than we do showing any real, quality time with Marcus. Apart from him cooking meals, and meeting her at the door with sparkling water with a slice of lemon when she got home from work, there's nothing of note. Forget training, or protocol, I mean any interaction or relationship. They go to a charity benefit, deal with drama with her boss at work, we get some sex here and there and Marcus gets one punishment but there is no detail. Again, it's all off page. No actual dealing with how they got through the punishment. Just 'the punishment was for 48hours and they were glad when it was over'. Really?? Then there are the time jumps. Six weeks. Then 5 months. When I saw 'They'd been together five months' and Vera was all, 'Marcus, will you wear my collar?' I almost fell off my bed. Talk of commitment ceremonies. Umm what??? Forget the fact that Marcus wanted a relationship while Vera was still fooling herself thinking she wanted D/s only, collaring under those circumstances was just a ludicrous idea.
At 70% I had to bail. I didn't care anymore. I actually really liked Marcus and was hoping Vera would be a worthy Domme to him. Maybe she got better after 70%; I didn't care enough to find out.
With the exception of Marcus calling Vera Mistress and Ma'am, this could have been any interracial romance with a very attentive and protective man who worked from home. It's a basic romance, with a little kink. Not enough to keep me reading till the end. 2.5 stars.
November 3, 2014
First - I absolutely ADORED both Marcus and Vera!!! As a reader, it is rare to find a book where you actually LIKE both characters. Usually there is something off about one of them and you sort of wish they would disappear until the next scene! But Lyon on a Leash exposed just the right mixture of good and bad for Marcus and his Mistress Vera.
While "Alpha Submissive" sounds like an oxymoron, I think Marcus epitomizes that definition. He knew who the “Queen” was but he also stated things that would not be up for debate and was willing to walk away from it all if she couldn’t agree. Vera, although new to this type of relationship, did an awesome job of being honest about her inexperience and her expectations.
I loved - How Marcus stood up to anyone who got in his way. How Vera let Marcus be a man at all the right times. How they worked on building their very own family. How they beat the odds and made their relationship work on their own terms.
This was a great book to me.... mainly because Vera and Marcus were so darn cute and likeable!
While "Alpha Submissive" sounds like an oxymoron, I think Marcus epitomizes that definition. He knew who the “Queen” was but he also stated things that would not be up for debate and was willing to walk away from it all if she couldn’t agree. Vera, although new to this type of relationship, did an awesome job of being honest about her inexperience and her expectations.
I loved - How Marcus stood up to anyone who got in his way. How Vera let Marcus be a man at all the right times. How they worked on building their very own family. How they beat the odds and made their relationship work on their own terms.
This was a great book to me.... mainly because Vera and Marcus were so darn cute and likeable!
May 29, 2013
This was a different read from Erosa Knowles. I liked it. It is not heavy BDSM if that is what you are looking for, but it is still a good read about the lifestyle nevertheless. I thought the entire storyline flowed nicely. I could really feel the chemistry between Vera and Marcus. They bounced well off of one another. I didn't know going in how the story would flow with a female Domme, but it really turned out nicely. I think Erosa has found a niche in this genre and I'd love to read more BDSM stories from her.
February 1, 2020
Definitely not what I expected but I did really enjoy this story. I was swept along by the romance of it all. Possibly the blurb and the cover let my imagination run riot about what might lie within the pages so I was left surprised at the limited protocol involved.
Essentially this is a romance between high flying attorney Vera and her graphic designer Lyon who agrees to up sticks and come and live in her house. The story follows their journey to discover if this D/S relationship will meet their needs.
Frankly most of the kink takes place off the page, and whilst Lyon clearly adores Vera I was surprised at the minimal D/s elements over and above him calling her Mistress (as requested), but only very occasionally and it seemed to me he mostly didn’t bother. More surprisingly he seemed to prefer to interchange it more often with Ma’am (and Vera never mentioned it) until midway through the book she insisted he use her name.
The other surprise for me is that Vera is black. Kudos to the author for that. I say surprise because I only picked up on that midway through the book, but I was delighted to realise it and to query my own blindness and assumptions. I am intrigued about not having picked that up sooner.
I’ve awarded this four stars in truth it’s probably closer to three and a half stars for me, but I did love the story and I read through it voraciously cheering on the main characters and hoping that their relationship would work long-term.
At the risk of sounding like a total perv I would have appreciated a bit more obvious protocol between both main characters and if both were just a wee bit more fleshed out. These are minor niggles and I did love the romance and the building chemistry between this pair.
Essentially this is a romance between high flying attorney Vera and her graphic designer Lyon who agrees to up sticks and come and live in her house. The story follows their journey to discover if this D/S relationship will meet their needs.
Frankly most of the kink takes place off the page, and whilst Lyon clearly adores Vera I was surprised at the minimal D/s elements over and above him calling her Mistress (as requested), but only very occasionally and it seemed to me he mostly didn’t bother. More surprisingly he seemed to prefer to interchange it more often with Ma’am (and Vera never mentioned it) until midway through the book she insisted he use her name.
The other surprise for me is that Vera is black. Kudos to the author for that. I say surprise because I only picked up on that midway through the book, but I was delighted to realise it and to query my own blindness and assumptions. I am intrigued about not having picked that up sooner.
I’ve awarded this four stars in truth it’s probably closer to three and a half stars for me, but I did love the story and I read through it voraciously cheering on the main characters and hoping that their relationship would work long-term.
At the risk of sounding like a total perv I would have appreciated a bit more obvious protocol between both main characters and if both were just a wee bit more fleshed out. These are minor niggles and I did love the romance and the building chemistry between this pair.
October 7, 2013
I thought that this was an interesting read. Even though it was fictional, it helped me to envision the role reversal that can happen between a Dom/sub relationship when the genders are reversed. Marcus was by no means a weak man, but his willingness to submit his will to please his woman was remarkable. He would have beat down any man into the ground if he felt that person was threatening Vera. Marcus was a man that was willing to follow and took the lead when he was allowed to. Marcus was cautious going into this relationship because of his last one in which his Domme left abruptly, leaving him in a deep depression.
Now we have Vera. Here is an ex-dominatrix turned lawyer who knows her own mind and what she wants out of a relationship. True, she never has has a D/s relationship , but she knows that it will provide for her needs. Vera thinks that she would be able to keep the emotional baggage in check, but that doesn't happen. She is scared because she has emotional issues with her mother giving her up, her father getting killed, and her extended family wanting nothing to do with her except her grandmother who ended up passing away. I could see where the attachment issues come from.
Vera and Marcus are both entering this agreement with shielded hearts because of their pasts. I liked the fact that besides that, there wasn't a lot of drama. They were just two people who were learning about one another. The definition of their relationship more clear than most because of the boundaries that they had to talk about.
I loved the dialogue that Vera had with Marcus when she put the temporary collar on him when she chose him at he auction, as well as when she gave him his permanent collar at the end of the book. Vera realized why kind of commitment she was making, and her nervousness displayed the gravity of the situation that she was undertaking. The vows that Vera shared with Marcus made me a little teary eyed. It was a good story.
Now we have Vera. Here is an ex-dominatrix turned lawyer who knows her own mind and what she wants out of a relationship. True, she never has has a D/s relationship , but she knows that it will provide for her needs. Vera thinks that she would be able to keep the emotional baggage in check, but that doesn't happen. She is scared because she has emotional issues with her mother giving her up, her father getting killed, and her extended family wanting nothing to do with her except her grandmother who ended up passing away. I could see where the attachment issues come from.
Vera and Marcus are both entering this agreement with shielded hearts because of their pasts. I liked the fact that besides that, there wasn't a lot of drama. They were just two people who were learning about one another. The definition of their relationship more clear than most because of the boundaries that they had to talk about.
I loved the dialogue that Vera had with Marcus when she put the temporary collar on him when she chose him at he auction, as well as when she gave him his permanent collar at the end of the book. Vera realized why kind of commitment she was making, and her nervousness displayed the gravity of the situation that she was undertaking. The vows that Vera shared with Marcus made me a little teary eyed. It was a good story.
October 19, 2016
More Femdom books like this please! I loved it!
A submissive 33 years old graphic designer attends a charity auction with the hope to find a Domme to get back to the D/s lifestyle. A 30 years old top lawyer attends the same auction with the same hopes. Both manage to be on time for the auction and she bids for him and after a pricey duel with another Domme, gets him.
From there this becomes a story of cohabitation, learning curve and discovery (self and other's), and hot steaming sex, and laughs, reassurance, doubts and pain. All the ingredients of life wrapped in their dominant/submissive natures. Is not a BDSM explicit story, although BDSM there, a subtle part of the background.
The main topic is how Marcus and Vera learn to be what they are without holding back, trusting one another to be on it 100% with real and honest intentions, and with time if it's to be, developing feelings beyond the D/s common interest.
Marcus is a power submissive, he craves to submit but finds difficult to tame himself into it, and Vera has the same hung ups from her dominant side, she needs submission, is the big missing part in her life, she has been exposed to the lifestyle but never on a 24/7 basis, for her this is a first, and she jumps into it with doubts and all, and Marcus gladly accepts the challenge and collaborates with her to make it work.
God I love Marcus :-) He's the kind of man who makes a woman's life flourish in a wonderful spectrum of feelings, both physical and emotional. We can expand ourselves as much as we are able to, but with the right person complementing us, is a synergy, a catalyst that prompts a supernova explosion of new experiences and knowledge about ourselves that we weren't aware of. Marcus and Vera are their respective philosopher stones, both make the other shine and glow from inside and on the outside.
I just need another similar story to read! I have a terrible book hangover after this :_(
A submissive 33 years old graphic designer attends a charity auction with the hope to find a Domme to get back to the D/s lifestyle. A 30 years old top lawyer attends the same auction with the same hopes. Both manage to be on time for the auction and she bids for him and after a pricey duel with another Domme, gets him.
From there this becomes a story of cohabitation, learning curve and discovery (self and other's), and hot steaming sex, and laughs, reassurance, doubts and pain. All the ingredients of life wrapped in their dominant/submissive natures. Is not a BDSM explicit story, although BDSM there, a subtle part of the background.
The main topic is how Marcus and Vera learn to be what they are without holding back, trusting one another to be on it 100% with real and honest intentions, and with time if it's to be, developing feelings beyond the D/s common interest.
Marcus is a power submissive, he craves to submit but finds difficult to tame himself into it, and Vera has the same hung ups from her dominant side, she needs submission, is the big missing part in her life, she has been exposed to the lifestyle but never on a 24/7 basis, for her this is a first, and she jumps into it with doubts and all, and Marcus gladly accepts the challenge and collaborates with her to make it work.
God I love Marcus :-) He's the kind of man who makes a woman's life flourish in a wonderful spectrum of feelings, both physical and emotional. We can expand ourselves as much as we are able to, but with the right person complementing us, is a synergy, a catalyst that prompts a supernova explosion of new experiences and knowledge about ourselves that we weren't aware of. Marcus and Vera are their respective philosopher stones, both make the other shine and glow from inside and on the outside.
I just need another similar story to read! I have a terrible book hangover after this :_(
June 2, 2013
I really like Erosa Knowles, but this book was hit and miss for me for a few reasons. I never saw an Alpha submissive in this book , I just saw a submissive, maybe it’s just my closed mind but when I think of an Alpha male, submissive does not come to mind. Marcus Lyon was a sweet man, a tall man, a well-endowed man but he was not an alpha to me. Though this was a good story the alpha description kept messing with my head, I also felt like the author kept mentioning Marcus was Alpha to try to convince you he was, well it did not work for me.When my son was small he wanted to protect me from people, he was jealous when men talked to me, he looked out for me but he was a boy, that was one of the description of Marcus as alpha, my son was 5, Marcus was no more an alpha than my son at that age. This story was pretty good but not my favorite by this author.
April 6, 2018
A romance of a dominant (but a little lonely and a tiny bit insecure) and a submissive (but firm and protective, and sometimes even "Alpha") male. An interesting combination that overall works fairly well, reading like the fantasy of a strong woman who wants a man to cater to her desires, needs, and whims (inside the bedroom and out) while being strong enough to stand up and protect her. Despite the potentially kinky theme and setting (starting with an auction of submissive men to female Dommes), the physical BDSM is only alluded to in off-page scenes and the action in the book is more about control and pleasure (and a bit of romance) than fetish.
October 7, 2014
4.25 stars. The first few chapters of the dealt with the ins and outs of this auction of acquiring a submissive. Once Vera Knight got Marcus Lyon home it was more of a romance story. The idea of the woman as the Dominant and the man as the submissive was different: she didn't abuse nor demean him in any manner similar to story lines on this genre where men dominate women. I concluded he was considered an alpha male because he refused to be treated like a manservant, or a lackey and because of his intent to assert himself as the man in her life.
February 7, 2014
Great portrayal of D/s relationship in which there is a male submissive who also happens to be an alpha male! Gotta love the women worshiping!
July 27, 2018
Hawt
I think I will have to explore new options. Floved the story. Vera and Marcus are da business!! Beautifully done.
I think I will have to explore new options. Floved the story. Vera and Marcus are da business!! Beautifully done.
February 5, 2018
I wanted to try something different so I gave this book a try. I read tons of romance but BDSM isn't my thing, but when I came across this title, I thought the premise was too interesting to pass up. I'd never heard the term alpha submissive before and I just had to find out what it was all about. So brief summary, Vera is a high powered attorney who used to work as a professional dominatrix to pay her way through school. Since then she's been in strictly "vanilla" relationships, none of which have been successful. Plus as a side note she is being sexually harassed by her boss. She decided she needs a submissive and goes to an auction to purchase one for 24 hours with the option to make it permanent. Marcus is so called Alpha submissive, meaning he's 100% submissive to as he repeatedly refers to her in the book "his lady" but is also super protective and doesn't back down from anyone else.
For me, the idea was really interesting, but the execution left something to be desired. By the end of the book both characters had professed their love and commitment, but I didn't really see the romance between them. I'm done with the book and I'm still not sure what it is that Marcus and Vera want from each other, or rather what they want in a romantic relationship. Vera makes it pretty clear that she wants Marcus to be her personal assistant, but that's about it. There was a lot of telling instead of showing and so much seems to happen off the page that just happens to get mentioned later. I was also thrown off by the changing POV and the seemingly random time jumps. Also to be quite honest some of the aspects of the plot just made no sense or served no purpose. There were also some inconsistencies that were frustrating. The author does state clearly that this isn't erotica so I was not looking for that but I did want some type of development and progression of a romance. I don't think I got that.
Overall it was just OK. It wasn't truly horrible but I wouldn't call it good. I don't think I will be reading this author again but I'd be willing to read more of this alpha submissive idea.
For me, the idea was really interesting, but the execution left something to be desired. By the end of the book both characters had professed their love and commitment, but I didn't really see the romance between them. I'm done with the book and I'm still not sure what it is that Marcus and Vera want from each other, or rather what they want in a romantic relationship. Vera makes it pretty clear that she wants Marcus to be her personal assistant, but that's about it. There was a lot of telling instead of showing and so much seems to happen off the page that just happens to get mentioned later. I was also thrown off by the changing POV and the seemingly random time jumps. Also to be quite honest some of the aspects of the plot just made no sense or served no purpose. There were also some inconsistencies that were frustrating. The author does state clearly that this isn't erotica so I was not looking for that but I did want some type of development and progression of a romance. I don't think I got that.
Overall it was just OK. It wasn't truly horrible but I wouldn't call it good. I don't think I will be reading this author again but I'd be willing to read more of this alpha submissive idea.
June 22, 2013
Good Lord, who knew reading about a D/s relationship could have your heart fluttering. I read two paragraphs into the sample and bought it. There aren't many stories with a black female dominant and young to boot. If you know of more please let me know!! Erosa beautifully masters this story.
Vera is a Domme who's looking for an alpha submissive. She knows exactly what she wants and knows how she going to get it. Marcus is a sub who is longing for a long term D/s relationship after having his heart broken by his last Domme. Vera doesn't want to fall in love with her sub, she wants it to be business and that's it. She goes to NY to a sub auction to find what she wants. Vera is smart and does her homework on the possibles candidates and out of forty there are only two who really catch her eye. Marcus is one of them. The attraction is instant and visible for both. The problem is, Marcus is in for the long haul love included and Vera is still about the business. The story is about how you can find the peace and understanding in another person that you didn't even know you needed or wanted. I loved it. Marcus is officially my new book bf!!!!!
Vera is a Domme who's looking for an alpha submissive. She knows exactly what she wants and knows how she going to get it. Marcus is a sub who is longing for a long term D/s relationship after having his heart broken by his last Domme. Vera doesn't want to fall in love with her sub, she wants it to be business and that's it. She goes to NY to a sub auction to find what she wants. Vera is smart and does her homework on the possibles candidates and out of forty there are only two who really catch her eye. Marcus is one of them. The attraction is instant and visible for both. The problem is, Marcus is in for the long haul love included and Vera is still about the business. The story is about how you can find the peace and understanding in another person that you didn't even know you needed or wanted. I loved it. Marcus is officially my new book bf!!!!!
February 10, 2015
I am no self proclaimed BDSM, D/s, FLR expert however, I can rock with what they had going on in this book. Need I say how much I love Lyon, yes he had a little bit of barely controlled danger when it comes to others and his woman. Wow, the total absolute devotion is sure to make a girls heart melt. I love the interaction between Vera and Marcus.
Sign me up for an Alpha/sub anytime, well... you probably have to give me a manual on what to do :). This is definitely a book I would take for another spin.
Was this a novel escape? Yes (8 out of 10)
Would I check out other books by the author? Yes (8.5 out of 10)
Would I buy part two in the series? I don't think there is one
Sign me up for an Alpha/sub anytime, well... you probably have to give me a manual on what to do :). This is definitely a book I would take for another spin.
Was this a novel escape? Yes (8 out of 10)
Would I check out other books by the author? Yes (8.5 out of 10)
Would I buy part two in the series? I don't think there is one
July 29, 2015
This story wasn't entirely what I expected, going by the cover and the blurb. However it was well written. Lyon was a gem, Vera came across as needing a lapdog not a submissive.
I like a lot of the side characters and was able to form a mental image of them more so than the main character. Apparently Vera is a black woman, but reminders of her creamy complexion, red hair and freckles, made it difficult for me to get a grasp on her appearance, let alone her character.
I have not tagged this story as femdom, most of the story these two were like a mainstream couple, albeit with Lyon being at Vera's beck and call, cleaning house, running her bath and generally pampering her.
I like a lot of the side characters and was able to form a mental image of them more so than the main character. Apparently Vera is a black woman, but reminders of her creamy complexion, red hair and freckles, made it difficult for me to get a grasp on her appearance, let alone her character.
I have not tagged this story as femdom, most of the story these two were like a mainstream couple, albeit with Lyon being at Vera's beck and call, cleaning house, running her bath and generally pampering her.
June 10, 2015
Ok. Female led relationship (aka Domme, though they are not the same thing), male sub. Very loving relationship builds between the two of them. There were red herrings that come to nothing, which was mildly irritating. The trope of heroine's mother/close relative lies to weakened heroine to get hero out of her life was used here. I don't know why that trope pisses me off so much but it does.
In summary: I liked their relationship and how it developed. A lot of the action was behind the bedroom door, which felt strange to me. I was annoyed by the extraneous plot details.
(Bought from Kobo)
In summary: I liked their relationship and how it developed. A lot of the action was behind the bedroom door, which felt strange to me. I was annoyed by the extraneous plot details.
(Bought from Kobo)
June 11, 2015
This wasn't quite what I was expecting. I knew the book was essentially about a dominatrix building a relationship with a new sub but... I was curious as to *why* each character needed such roles in sex-play. Usually a BDSM book outlines why the characters ended up in the lifestyle and their predilection to be a dom/sub. Not so much in Lyon on a Leash. The character development was also non-existent. And the big event towards the end of the book didn't really assist with advancing the story. Not my cup of tea and not the best display of Erosa Knowles' writing.
September 27, 2013
This genre is one that I normally leave it up to someone else to read and fill me in by giving me the short version. But I must say that Ms. Erosa did not let me down. An alpha submissive, wow, did not see that coming. This book has changed my view on other reads of this nature. The author bundled everything I enjoy about reading books and wrapped it in a 200 page masterpiece. Hats off to you. Highly Recommend.
Tasha~ Divas of the Serengeti Book Club
Tasha~ Divas of the Serengeti Book Club
June 24, 2013
It's a pretty good book. I never knew there were Alpha Subs and I want one. I didn't like the way the Vera was keeping Marcus at arms length and the next thing you know Vera is about to colar Marcus. But all in all it was a good read. I want more like this, please.
February 3, 2014
This was a brilliant story about love and submission using the theme of BDSM but not much of that in there thank God.
This is a must read the woman is in charge which I loved. I thought the story was beautiful.
This is a must read the woman is in charge which I loved. I thought the story was beautiful.
April 26, 2016
Not a bad story, and well written, but not what I expected based on the synopsis. I was perpared for a story written from a sub's feelings point of view, and instead I got a story that focussed mostly on the physical aspects of BDSM and only a little on the emotions beyond love.
June 13, 2013
Great read. I felt for both of the main characters. I enjoyed watching their love unfold and was interested in the environment that fueled their passion. I will definitely seek more like this.
January 12, 2015
I really enjoyed reading this book. Good Domme books are few and far between and most are so short. This was a truly satisfying read.
Read
June 29, 2016DNF early on out of sheer boredom...
October 2, 2013
WOW! Would love my own Lyon! Great love story with BDSM as a plus! Vera and Marcus made my heart sing. Buy it cause you gonna love it!
September 26, 2013
Much potential here. What I expected I didn't find. Is is weird that still I'm not sure if Marcus is Black or White or multi-hued?
November 30, 2014
Loved the Lyon
Great read with a strong female lead. The submissive male still had Alpha traits and didn't allow himself to be rolled over. Loved the story!
Great read with a strong female lead. The submissive male still had Alpha traits and didn't allow himself to be rolled over. Loved the story!
May 9, 2024
I read Daisy Jane's Stray last year, and while I didn't like the story that much, it did make me very interested in finding more femdom romances. Unfortunately, despite this one starting interesting, it quickly fell flat and then went into the bizarre, so it wasn't the femdom story I was hoping for either.
Vera used to work as a dominatrix, and when she needs an assistant to help her create a website, she decides to go buy a submissive so that it's easier to boss him around.
Despite the questionable reason she wants a sub, I actually really liked the beginning of this. The auction event was interesting, and I just loved Marcus and how self-conscious he was about not being attractive enough to be chosen.
Things started going downhill when Marcus moves into Vera's, though. They have a few cute relationship moments, but Vera is often quite rude to him. I know that she's supposed to be strict, but it doesn't come across as strict, mostly she seems mean.
Then there are a whole bunch of extra subplots that just pull away from the main story. Like Vera wanting to be a writer, but being terrible at it, and her constantly being hit on by a guy at her law firm, who she eventually scares off by insinuating that he's gay.
But then we get to the end, and I don't want to spoil it, but there's something big that happens to Vera, and then her mentor tries to scare Marcus off so she can take care of her again.
I just couldn't nail down what the point of this book was supposed to be. Added to that, all of the "lifestyle" stuff is all done off page and only vaguely mentioned, and a lot of the interactions and dialogue was really awkward.
Loved Marcus, but the rest just didn't work.
Vera used to work as a dominatrix, and when she needs an assistant to help her create a website, she decides to go buy a submissive so that it's easier to boss him around.
Despite the questionable reason she wants a sub, I actually really liked the beginning of this. The auction event was interesting, and I just loved Marcus and how self-conscious he was about not being attractive enough to be chosen.
Things started going downhill when Marcus moves into Vera's, though. They have a few cute relationship moments, but Vera is often quite rude to him. I know that she's supposed to be strict, but it doesn't come across as strict, mostly she seems mean.
Then there are a whole bunch of extra subplots that just pull away from the main story. Like Vera wanting to be a writer, but being terrible at it, and her constantly being hit on by a guy at her law firm, who she eventually scares off by insinuating that he's gay.
But then we get to the end, and I don't want to spoil it, but there's something big that happens to Vera, and then her mentor tries to scare Marcus off so she can take care of her again.
I just couldn't nail down what the point of this book was supposed to be. Added to that, all of the "lifestyle" stuff is all done off page and only vaguely mentioned, and a lot of the interactions and dialogue was really awkward.
Loved Marcus, but the rest just didn't work.
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