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LA Doms #1
The Dom Project
By day, Robin Lessing has a successful career as a university archivist. By night, she blogs about her less-than-successful search for Mr. Tall, Dark and Dominant. Living up to her handle "The Picky Submissive," she's on the verge of giving up and settling for vanilla with a side of fuzzy handcuffs when she discovers her best friend and colleague has a kinky side, too.
Sexy, tattooed techie John Sun is an experienced Dom who never lacks for playmates, male or female. If he can't satisfy Robin's cravings, maybe no one can—after all, he knows her better than anyone. So he offers to help her master the art of submission for one month.
Robin eagerly agrees to John's terms, even the pesky little rule forbidding any friendship-ruining sex. But rules are made to be broken, and once they begin their stimulating sessions, it's not long before she's ready to beg him for more—much more…
Sexy, tattooed techie John Sun is an experienced Dom who never lacks for playmates, male or female. If he can't satisfy Robin's cravings, maybe no one can—after all, he knows her better than anyone. So he offers to help her master the art of submission for one month.
Robin eagerly agrees to John's terms, even the pesky little rule forbidding any friendship-ruining sex. But rules are made to be broken, and once they begin their stimulating sessions, it's not long before she's ready to beg him for more—much more…
157 pages, ebook
First published December 23, 2013
17 people are currently reading
564 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
December 22, 2013
This book --- Kink 101.
Light and sweet. The Dom Project is a work of two authors - Heloise Belleau and Solace Ames. I was always wondering how does this kind of writing works out - I'm guessing that you have to share a lot of similarities with your co-author. This two managed to bring to life wonderful characters and really sweet story.
One Dom/best friend, one blog about sex, willing girl and the project. I believe that a lot of people will love story about Robin and John. One of the reasons is that The Dom Project is a story about a friends who become lovers and second, this is more sugar-kink - there are no hard, dark aspects most of the BDSM stories have. Perfect for readers who like a little bit of power play and a lot of romantic gestures.
Robin is a woman who has hard time finding a right man. Main reason for that is her secret submissive nature. When she finally decides to take a risk and try to find out what does she like, Robin finds herself eye to eye with her best friend John. In the sex club. Looks like she wasn't the only one who kept secrets.
What starts as an experiment soon turns out to be much more.
Fans of hardcore BDSM novels will probably be disappointed with this book. The Dom Project can be described as romance with few kinky twists. Perfect for those who didn't like books like Captive in the Dark or Comfort Food.
Happy reading!
***Copy of this book provided by publisher, Carina Press, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.***
Light and sweet. The Dom Project is a work of two authors - Heloise Belleau and Solace Ames. I was always wondering how does this kind of writing works out - I'm guessing that you have to share a lot of similarities with your co-author. This two managed to bring to life wonderful characters and really sweet story.
One Dom/best friend, one blog about sex, willing girl and the project. I believe that a lot of people will love story about Robin and John. One of the reasons is that The Dom Project is a story about a friends who become lovers and second, this is more sugar-kink - there are no hard, dark aspects most of the BDSM stories have. Perfect for readers who like a little bit of power play and a lot of romantic gestures.
Robin is a woman who has hard time finding a right man. Main reason for that is her secret submissive nature. When she finally decides to take a risk and try to find out what does she like, Robin finds herself eye to eye with her best friend John. In the sex club. Looks like she wasn't the only one who kept secrets.
What starts as an experiment soon turns out to be much more.
Fans of hardcore BDSM novels will probably be disappointed with this book. The Dom Project can be described as romance with few kinky twists. Perfect for those who didn't like books like Captive in the Dark or Comfort Food.
Happy reading!
***Copy of this book provided by publisher, Carina Press, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.***
August 30, 2016
When friends become lovers, there is always the worry about potentially ruining a friendship. When the friends embark on a kinky submissive journey, it could spell a lot of trouble, especially if no sex is allowed. Robin is a "picky" submissive looking for the right dominant to "rock her world". The way she goes about it isn't too different than many single curious females looking to hook up with their dream dom. She goes through on-line fetish websites to find her play mates. Little does she know, her best friend, John, is the sexual dominant who can show her the ropes.
As a Chinese female, John is very attractive. He actually reminds me of a best friend of mine who was also named John with similar "motivation" issues. He too was quite kinky and over six feet tall. My rating of this book may be bias because of how much of John reminds me of someone I adored. John in this story is a sexy tall Chinese man with tattoo sleeves. He's very appealing in both physique and mannerism. He does hold a certain command which gives off a decent dominant vibe. As a side note, there are many Chinese men who are over six feet tall. Just visit Northern China and they will be in abundance.
Robin on the other hand is a character I loathed. Authors Belleau and Ames depicted her perfectly. She is not only picky, but confused about submission. This is to be expected because she's new and just learning about how this lifestyle could work or not work for her. Some of her mistakes are excellent examples of newbie assumptions. Honestly, John is too good for her. Why he settles for her, I'm not sure, but they are best friends and he's lusted after her for years. So it all works out.
An example of what irked me is Robin's misunderstanding of voyeurism. To be a voyeur, the generally accepted definition is watching only. No participation is expected and sometimes, it means the voyeur isn't even seen. Instead, Robin thought she would be the center of attention. This shows a self-centered side to her which is never appealing to me, no matter how realistic. It makes me think less of her. When I start disliking the main character, the book rating is going to take a hit. John and his male submissive go through a scene. Robin knows she's there to watch and learn. Her response to John is befuddling to me.
“That wasn’t voyeurism though, John. That was—I don’t even know what to call whatever that was. You called me sweetheart. You’ve never used a pet name with me since we started all this, and then you do, and it’s just to humiliate someone else? How’s that supposed to get me off? How’s that supposed to make me feel like —like you want me, and my submission?” loc. 2413-2417
I'd be okay with this scene if the duo authors brought some understanding to Robin. Showed that she learned this is not what voyeurism represents. Instead, they allow Robin to dictate to John and John somehow ends up the bad guy. Then again, I don't understand why Robin is so upset. I have been accused as not understanding the complexity of a female mind so it may just be me. Still, if Robin felt this is humiliation, then even light humiliation is a hard limit for her. I didn't see anything humiliating in the scene. In addition, she's there as a submissive. Her pleasure should be tied with John's pleasure. Otherwise, these two are just not on the same page. Lastly, really, getting off? Honey, many submissives don't get off. It's called orgasm denial or control. Perhaps Robin should be renamed to bratty submissive. From my personal experience, Robin isn't willing to enter into an erotic power exchange with John. She never really trusts him and without that power exchange, it's hard to have a D/s dynamic. There is nothing wrong with that. Top and bottoms have loads of fun too!
The BDSM scenes are fair. The most memorable for me are the ones John interacts with his male submissive. Robin's scenes with him are forgettable. John as a bisexual is very desirable - panty wetting inducing. The authors also give him better dialog and frequently humorous behaviour.
John watched with reptilian anticipation as Robin squeezed her chopsticks too tightly…and there it went. The salty-sweet eel meat popped off the rice ball and fell down to her plate. He was lightning-fast. While she still fumbled with her own chopsticks, he snatched up the eel—he knew how much Robin loved eel—and swallowed it down with a grin. loc. 1014-1018
John also enjoys a better sexual experience. Wish there is a back story prequel showing how John first started in the lifestyle. Graphic details are a must, especially after this tiny reveal.
I thought I was going to have the typical straight porn fantasy threesome, and instead I ended up tied to the bed, blindfolded and ass-fucked with a strap-on.” loc. 2087-2088
Oh boy is this hawt! Bound, blindfolded and butt-fucked - what more could a submissive want on a Friday night warm up? From a voyeur perspective, another panty wetting scene, only it's only one sentence! The images this conjures up make me bite my lips to hold back a moan.
Authors Belleau and Ames do have a good sense of humour. It's injected in randomly which makes it quirky fun. One of my favourite lines is below.
“That wasn’t me! I told you, it was a student assistant who pulled up the tentacle penis thing. They’re all sex- crazed maniacs, especially the anime fangirls. loc 171-173
As an anime fangirl, I confess to loving tentacle sex themes and I might be a bit sex-crazed. Good observation on the authors' part.
Overall, this is a good Gateway to BDSM book. The BDSM is realistic. The characters responses are believable and the erotic discovery journey is sweet. Recommended for kinky readers who enjoy friends becoming lovers stories. Also recommended to kinky readers who enjoy interracial relations.
*provided by BDSM Book Reviews
As a Chinese female, John is very attractive. He actually reminds me of a best friend of mine who was also named John with similar "motivation" issues. He too was quite kinky and over six feet tall. My rating of this book may be bias because of how much of John reminds me of someone I adored. John in this story is a sexy tall Chinese man with tattoo sleeves. He's very appealing in both physique and mannerism. He does hold a certain command which gives off a decent dominant vibe. As a side note, there are many Chinese men who are over six feet tall. Just visit Northern China and they will be in abundance.
Robin on the other hand is a character I loathed. Authors Belleau and Ames depicted her perfectly. She is not only picky, but confused about submission. This is to be expected because she's new and just learning about how this lifestyle could work or not work for her. Some of her mistakes are excellent examples of newbie assumptions. Honestly, John is too good for her. Why he settles for her, I'm not sure, but they are best friends and he's lusted after her for years. So it all works out.
An example of what irked me is Robin's misunderstanding of voyeurism. To be a voyeur, the generally accepted definition is watching only. No participation is expected and sometimes, it means the voyeur isn't even seen. Instead, Robin thought she would be the center of attention. This shows a self-centered side to her which is never appealing to me, no matter how realistic. It makes me think less of her. When I start disliking the main character, the book rating is going to take a hit. John and his male submissive go through a scene. Robin knows she's there to watch and learn. Her response to John is befuddling to me.
“That wasn’t voyeurism though, John. That was—I don’t even know what to call whatever that was. You called me sweetheart. You’ve never used a pet name with me since we started all this, and then you do, and it’s just to humiliate someone else? How’s that supposed to get me off? How’s that supposed to make me feel like —like you want me, and my submission?” loc. 2413-2417
I'd be okay with this scene if the duo authors brought some understanding to Robin. Showed that she learned this is not what voyeurism represents. Instead, they allow Robin to dictate to John and John somehow ends up the bad guy. Then again, I don't understand why Robin is so upset. I have been accused as not understanding the complexity of a female mind so it may just be me. Still, if Robin felt this is humiliation, then even light humiliation is a hard limit for her. I didn't see anything humiliating in the scene. In addition, she's there as a submissive. Her pleasure should be tied with John's pleasure. Otherwise, these two are just not on the same page. Lastly, really, getting off? Honey, many submissives don't get off. It's called orgasm denial or control. Perhaps Robin should be renamed to bratty submissive. From my personal experience, Robin isn't willing to enter into an erotic power exchange with John. She never really trusts him and without that power exchange, it's hard to have a D/s dynamic. There is nothing wrong with that. Top and bottoms have loads of fun too!
The BDSM scenes are fair. The most memorable for me are the ones John interacts with his male submissive. Robin's scenes with him are forgettable. John as a bisexual is very desirable - panty wetting inducing. The authors also give him better dialog and frequently humorous behaviour.
John watched with reptilian anticipation as Robin squeezed her chopsticks too tightly…and there it went. The salty-sweet eel meat popped off the rice ball and fell down to her plate. He was lightning-fast. While she still fumbled with her own chopsticks, he snatched up the eel—he knew how much Robin loved eel—and swallowed it down with a grin. loc. 1014-1018
John also enjoys a better sexual experience. Wish there is a back story prequel showing how John first started in the lifestyle. Graphic details are a must, especially after this tiny reveal.
I thought I was going to have the typical straight porn fantasy threesome, and instead I ended up tied to the bed, blindfolded and ass-fucked with a strap-on.” loc. 2087-2088
Oh boy is this hawt! Bound, blindfolded and butt-fucked - what more could a submissive want on a Friday night warm up? From a voyeur perspective, another panty wetting scene, only it's only one sentence! The images this conjures up make me bite my lips to hold back a moan.
Authors Belleau and Ames do have a good sense of humour. It's injected in randomly which makes it quirky fun. One of my favourite lines is below.
“That wasn’t me! I told you, it was a student assistant who pulled up the tentacle penis thing. They’re all sex- crazed maniacs, especially the anime fangirls. loc 171-173
As an anime fangirl, I confess to loving tentacle sex themes and I might be a bit sex-crazed. Good observation on the authors' part.
Overall, this is a good Gateway to BDSM book. The BDSM is realistic. The characters responses are believable and the erotic discovery journey is sweet. Recommended for kinky readers who enjoy friends becoming lovers stories. Also recommended to kinky readers who enjoy interracial relations.
*provided by BDSM Book Reviews
April 12, 2021
3.5 stars. I'm not into BDSM romances anymore but I was curious about this one when I saw this was friends to lovers and the hero was bi and Asian. I definitely would've enjoyed this one more if we got more of the romance, because the friendship was set up well. Robin and John were fun together – it's a light-hearted and sweet read, just with BDSM elements sprinkled throughout.
March 27, 2014
Copy received by author in exchange for an honest review.
***********
Oh I love a good Friends to lovers story.
And I really liked this story.
Robin Lessing is successful and assured by day, and at night blogs as "The Picky Submissive" about her search for the perfect Dom.
John Sun is her best friend, and unknown to Robin, an experienced Dom.
So what happens when you discover your best friend, who you love, is hiding something, something you want and need?
What I really liked about this book, is that Robin is fully aware of her submissive nature, and has an idea of what she likes and does not like when it comes to a Dom and what she wants. In her search for the perfect Dom, you can tell she is in control of it, has the power to say no and tell a guy to back off.
Unlike so many BDSM book, she is not a naive little thing, with no clue that she is submissive who happens to come across a Man, who is a Dom, who then overwhelms her, tells her she is submissive and off they go with the Dom in the driving seat!
This is not what this book is about. These two are friends, and approach this as friends. They decide to conduct an experiment "The Dom Project" to fully explore what exactly Robin likes and dislikes.
It is not dark, it is a lovely, cute, enjoyable story about two friends discovering something about each other and themselves.
I had some little niggles. I felt, with her blog and her internal musings, sometimes Robin over analysed what was happening and what she liked/disliked (but then, it was about finding what she liked). And while we do get Johns thoughts about what is going on, I felt he was more of an intriguing character and wanted to spend more time in his head as opposed to Robins. But then, I always seem to prefer the H in a book over the h (women are so hard on other women!)
All in, it is a great story, the trust and love between these two is lovely. Neither want to lose the friendship, but when it becomes clear that there is a chemistry they cannot deny that. It is obvious how much they mean to each other.
I have read book 2 in this series, written just by Solace Ames (although be aware it is not as light as this book) and I really enjoyed that book. There is something very real about how these books are written. You can imagine it happening. It is not some "rich man brandishing a whip" fantasy that just never happens! These are just people, like every other person, with the same hopes, dreams and issues that plague the rest of us.
Solace Ames is fast becoming an auto buy for me.
***********
Oh I love a good Friends to lovers story.
And I really liked this story.
Robin Lessing is successful and assured by day, and at night blogs as "The Picky Submissive" about her search for the perfect Dom.
John Sun is her best friend, and unknown to Robin, an experienced Dom.
So what happens when you discover your best friend, who you love, is hiding something, something you want and need?
What I really liked about this book, is that Robin is fully aware of her submissive nature, and has an idea of what she likes and does not like when it comes to a Dom and what she wants. In her search for the perfect Dom, you can tell she is in control of it, has the power to say no and tell a guy to back off.
Unlike so many BDSM book, she is not a naive little thing, with no clue that she is submissive who happens to come across a Man, who is a Dom, who then overwhelms her, tells her she is submissive and off they go with the Dom in the driving seat!
This is not what this book is about. These two are friends, and approach this as friends. They decide to conduct an experiment "The Dom Project" to fully explore what exactly Robin likes and dislikes.
It is not dark, it is a lovely, cute, enjoyable story about two friends discovering something about each other and themselves.
I had some little niggles. I felt, with her blog and her internal musings, sometimes Robin over analysed what was happening and what she liked/disliked (but then, it was about finding what she liked). And while we do get Johns thoughts about what is going on, I felt he was more of an intriguing character and wanted to spend more time in his head as opposed to Robins. But then, I always seem to prefer the H in a book over the h (women are so hard on other women!)
All in, it is a great story, the trust and love between these two is lovely. Neither want to lose the friendship, but when it becomes clear that there is a chemistry they cannot deny that. It is obvious how much they mean to each other.
I have read book 2 in this series, written just by Solace Ames (although be aware it is not as light as this book) and I really enjoyed that book. There is something very real about how these books are written. You can imagine it happening. It is not some "rich man brandishing a whip" fantasy that just never happens! These are just people, like every other person, with the same hopes, dreams and issues that plague the rest of us.
Solace Ames is fast becoming an auto buy for me.
December 7, 2013
Don't expect anything dark or super steamy, peeps. Instead this is short and sweet and romantic. I loved how The Dom Project was about two close friends finally finding love with each other.
Both John and Robin were so adorable that sometimes I couldn't quite believe in John switching into his dominant mode and ordering Robin around. They were certainly an interesting couple as well.
Robin, small and very self-assured librarian looking gal and John - all gorgeous limbs, tall, tattooed American Chinese work together in the university. While Robin unsuccessfully tries to find her perfect Dom because this is the type of relationship she craves, John has been into the lifestyle for years and kept it secret from Robin whom he always fancied but considered pretty straight.
When they discover that their interests align both are wary of losing their friendship if their other relationship fail, so John goes very slowly trying to help Robin with her fantasies while both become increasingly unsatisfied with the boundaries they set for each other. I don't have to tell you that when their boiling point is reached, it's all very satisfying.
There is also a side story as well where they both chase the collection of mysterious old pornographic photographs for the university which works with the main story nicely. Overall, a nice light read. Recommended as a bookish snack.
Both John and Robin were so adorable that sometimes I couldn't quite believe in John switching into his dominant mode and ordering Robin around. They were certainly an interesting couple as well.
Robin, small and very self-assured librarian looking gal and John - all gorgeous limbs, tall, tattooed American Chinese work together in the university. While Robin unsuccessfully tries to find her perfect Dom because this is the type of relationship she craves, John has been into the lifestyle for years and kept it secret from Robin whom he always fancied but considered pretty straight.
When they discover that their interests align both are wary of losing their friendship if their other relationship fail, so John goes very slowly trying to help Robin with her fantasies while both become increasingly unsatisfied with the boundaries they set for each other. I don't have to tell you that when their boiling point is reached, it's all very satisfying.
There is also a side story as well where they both chase the collection of mysterious old pornographic photographs for the university which works with the main story nicely. Overall, a nice light read. Recommended as a bookish snack.
August 10, 2016
The idea of this book was a good one. But for me, this book dragged for the most part, and I found myself skimming it and just waiting for it to end. For the most part it was a sweet love story between 2 best friends that find they have the same "interests".
But there was just too much talk about things that really didn't matter. I also had a hard time believing in John's Domination, but I did believe in their friendship and their love for each other, the growth the both found with each other.
Story Concept 4 Stars
Writing 4 Stars
Believability 2 Stars
Character investment 2 Stars
Average of 3 Stars for this book.
But there was just too much talk about things that really didn't matter. I also had a hard time believing in John's Domination, but I did believe in their friendship and their love for each other, the growth the both found with each other.
Story Concept 4 Stars
Writing 4 Stars
Believability 2 Stars
Character investment 2 Stars
Average of 3 Stars for this book.
December 23, 2013
There seems to be a wellspring of light, fun BDSM romance these days, for which I am very grateful! The Dom Project is one such tale, balancing the exploration of a "picky submissive"'s sexual journey and the path of two geeky friends to lovers. Robin and John have a wonderful chemistry, fun and flirty with just enough angst to create some conflict, and Belleau and Ames ensure that I'll be picking up the next in their L.A. Doms series.
January 15, 2014
The Dom Project
Heloise Belleau and Solace Ames
I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review.
I must admit I love to read Erotica, the idea of BDSM is just very tintillating for me. When I saw this title I was instantly drawn to it. Robin Lessing is just discover her submissive nature and nuturing her desires, I was in.
These authors did not disappoint, in fact they add lots of humour and life to this story, they made it have lots of character and I truly enjoyed it.
Robin works as an university archivist and is the author of a blog titled "The Picky Submissive", this is where she is telling the world, OK, whoever is reading about her journey in the world of BDSM, or in her case her want of a journey.
John one of her best friends since their college days has been a practising Dom with Robin being aware of it. He is six foot tall, Asian, and has a full sleeve tattoo along with alot of muscles, definately some yummy eye candy.
Together they are researching the photographs on Irina Mareau a erotic model from the 1930's. Robin is surprised to learn that John knows more about the subject that she had thought. When John learns of Robins wants and needs he offers to dominate her, to help her discover what her likes and dislikes are. They both agree.... no sex and they draw up a contract to sign. They start out by meeting three times a week and venture into many aspects of the life style, exploring things like spanking, role play, butt plugs, bondage and even some funky vibrators.
Robin's blogging of the whole experience is certainly fresh and humourful. It was hilarious to read both the positive and negative comments that her blog was getting. How great that she was able to share what she was feeling in such a manner.
Now when experimenting with BDSM and not allowing sex, there is bound to be some tension, some feelings, some lustfull thoughts and soon these guidelines may need to be enlarged. Can it be possible to take things further? To make a new contract? Will Robin still like John after he introduces her to some of the heavier things he likes to do? Will Robin find that she likes the lifestyle and want to continue living this way.
I thought this story was very well done. The idea of discovering what turns you on with someone that you trust makes the experience all the deeper and more meaningfull. There is a whole lot of lust going on here and many feelings that these two are not aware of come quickly into play. It was great to see Robin learn more about herself. I thought John was just so very hot. I would be interested in reading more by these authors and would rate this story a 4/5.
January 13, 2014
As the head of Saylor University’s archival department, Robin Lessing is organized, detailed, and a complete Type A personality. She also is a submissive, although less success in this venture. As a way to vent frustrations as well as document her journey, she created a blog call The Picky Submissive. In the past, she has been lacking in serious relationships but not for sex.
John Sun is the laidback A/V guy on campus with his typical uniform of black t-shirts, boots, and his sleeve of tattoos. Even though he’s known Robin since they were undergrads, he has been less fervent in his ambitions but that does not make him any less intelligent. Because he is able to leave his work at the door, he is able to live it up spending much of his time focusing as a Dominant with many playdates.
Although best friends, after Robin makes an offhanded comment, John begins to suspect there may be more to her than he knows. With just a little searching he not only finds her blog but that she is attending a bdsm themed event, so he decides to pay her a visit. At this point they both admit to each other the parts of their lives they previously didn’t know. He decides to help her define her limits as well as her fetishes and interests but with no sex.
I think anyone who has either tried online dating or tiptoed into the lifestyle can relate to her issues of dealing with wannabe Dominants poaching the newbies. About halfway through, there is a scene which raised my eyebrows and made me a bit uncomfortable…the whole “your kink is not my kink” thing. As distressing as that particular section is, it is equally pivotal to the overall arc of the story. While the humiliation play is somewhat unsettling, there are other scenes more than scintillating to entice you to keep going. Several instances exist where Robin likes to run and John likes to place blame and anger; I wished some expansion for the reasons behind these behaviors. I believe it could not only broaden the knowledge of their history but put their relationship on a different level. Overall, it is an interesting foray to understand how this submissive finds her Wonderland.
Rating: 4 stars
~ARC received in exchange for honest review.~
John Sun is the laidback A/V guy on campus with his typical uniform of black t-shirts, boots, and his sleeve of tattoos. Even though he’s known Robin since they were undergrads, he has been less fervent in his ambitions but that does not make him any less intelligent. Because he is able to leave his work at the door, he is able to live it up spending much of his time focusing as a Dominant with many playdates.
Although best friends, after Robin makes an offhanded comment, John begins to suspect there may be more to her than he knows. With just a little searching he not only finds her blog but that she is attending a bdsm themed event, so he decides to pay her a visit. At this point they both admit to each other the parts of their lives they previously didn’t know. He decides to help her define her limits as well as her fetishes and interests but with no sex.
I think anyone who has either tried online dating or tiptoed into the lifestyle can relate to her issues of dealing with wannabe Dominants poaching the newbies. About halfway through, there is a scene which raised my eyebrows and made me a bit uncomfortable…the whole “your kink is not my kink” thing. As distressing as that particular section is, it is equally pivotal to the overall arc of the story. While the humiliation play is somewhat unsettling, there are other scenes more than scintillating to entice you to keep going. Several instances exist where Robin likes to run and John likes to place blame and anger; I wished some expansion for the reasons behind these behaviors. I believe it could not only broaden the knowledge of their history but put their relationship on a different level. Overall, it is an interesting foray to understand how this submissive finds her Wonderland.
Rating: 4 stars
~ARC received in exchange for honest review.~
January 6, 2014
The Dom Project by Heloise Belleau and Solace Adams
B+, inferno, high kink, BDSM, contemp
Robin blogs about her search to find her perfect Dom to help her explore her submissiveness but so far all she's come across is a long line of duds. Her best friend John is a Dom, although neither knows of the other's sexual preferences. When they find out, they make a deal. John will act as Robin's Dom and help her discover what aspects of submission she wants/needs. No sex involved. Surely they can do this experiment and maintain their friendship too.
If you want to take this story down to its bare bones, it's a friends-to-lovers story with a heavy dose of BDSM. But it is so much more than just that. The characters were deep and complex. The story was fast paced and gripping, hot and searing. The resolution...*insert contented sigh.* This book has stayed in my head since I finished it a few days ago. In a good way.
I do want to mention that there are some scenes involving John and other partners. I mention it because I know that some readers are bothered by their heroes and/or heroines being with other characters. I felt it added more layers to John's character. It made me want to know even more about him.
I love a story that sticks with me after I read it. The characters come alive in my head. This one certainly fit the bill. I certainly hope that the authors work together again because I can't wait to see what else they could come up with. What a great read to kick off 2014.
B+, inferno, high kink, BDSM, contemp
Robin blogs about her search to find her perfect Dom to help her explore her submissiveness but so far all she's come across is a long line of duds. Her best friend John is a Dom, although neither knows of the other's sexual preferences. When they find out, they make a deal. John will act as Robin's Dom and help her discover what aspects of submission she wants/needs. No sex involved. Surely they can do this experiment and maintain their friendship too.
If you want to take this story down to its bare bones, it's a friends-to-lovers story with a heavy dose of BDSM. But it is so much more than just that. The characters were deep and complex. The story was fast paced and gripping, hot and searing. The resolution...*insert contented sigh.* This book has stayed in my head since I finished it a few days ago. In a good way.
I do want to mention that there are some scenes involving John and other partners. I mention it because I know that some readers are bothered by their heroes and/or heroines being with other characters. I felt it added more layers to John's character. It made me want to know even more about him.
I love a story that sticks with me after I read it. The characters come alive in my head. This one certainly fit the bill. I certainly hope that the authors work together again because I can't wait to see what else they could come up with. What a great read to kick off 2014.
January 7, 2014
Received an ARC from NetGalley.
I was looking forward to reading this. It had a little bit of everything, but I love the friends-to-lovers element. That being said, I'm starting to wonder if I need to lower my expectations when it comes to books. It felt like Belleau glossed over the most important parts of John and Robin's relationship. We got very little about their friendship and even less, it seemed, about their weeks during the "project". We never find out how Robin realized she was in to the scene and kept getting exposed to John's bi side, but never talk about how that effects their relationship in the future. The mystery commenter element? Teased for a sentence or two, and then we find out who it is, but never really get an explanation for why. The whole Irina Mareau aspect of the story is also glossed over, finishing kind of awkwardly. Again, I'm forced to ask for more. I understand that authors don't want to bore their readers (especially in erotica), but I need a reason to keep reading. And let's be honest, the love scenes were not that descriptive, at least not enough to take away from other elements of the story.
In all, Belleau has the beginnings of a terrific story, but it needs more to make me truly care about the characters and what I'm reading.
I was looking forward to reading this. It had a little bit of everything, but I love the friends-to-lovers element. That being said, I'm starting to wonder if I need to lower my expectations when it comes to books. It felt like Belleau glossed over the most important parts of John and Robin's relationship. We got very little about their friendship and even less, it seemed, about their weeks during the "project". We never find out how Robin realized she was in to the scene and kept getting exposed to John's bi side, but never talk about how that effects their relationship in the future. The mystery commenter element? Teased for a sentence or two, and then we find out who it is, but never really get an explanation for why. The whole Irina Mareau aspect of the story is also glossed over, finishing kind of awkwardly. Again, I'm forced to ask for more. I understand that authors don't want to bore their readers (especially in erotica), but I need a reason to keep reading. And let's be honest, the love scenes were not that descriptive, at least not enough to take away from other elements of the story.
In all, Belleau has the beginnings of a terrific story, but it needs more to make me truly care about the characters and what I'm reading.
December 16, 2013
I finished this book last night and it's played on my mind for quite a while today, the writing was really good although i felt the John's parts were a little short at times, i loved the rawness of it, it wasn't a standard love story there were some darker bits and it wasn't always roses in the good bits either, it was real, how i imagine things to actually happen in the real world, minus the gay scenes and weird brother, it wasn't so far fetched (them being millionaires or owning some large country house) that you couldn't believe it but it also wasn't so grim you may as well of looked out of the window at real life, it was a happy medium, the writer didn't write them to be perfect, or know everything but to be on a learning curve which a lot of people can relate to.
I'd be happy to look at more of the authors work and would recommend this book to others.
Story: 4.5
Characters: 4.5
Cover: 5
TJ x
I'd be happy to look at more of the authors work and would recommend this book to others.
Story: 4.5
Characters: 4.5
Cover: 5
TJ x
July 29, 2016
Although I was very intrigued by the premise of this book, I also wasn't exactly expecting what we received either... in a good way. I will admit that I loved the friends to lovers storyline, and definitely enjoyed the light to moderate BDSM elements as well. The two main characters, John & Robin, definitely have intense chemistry once they decide to engage in moving their friendship beyond the set boundaries they established at the onset of their project. I have to be honest here and admit that I did find it rather hard to believe that neither of them had thought of one another in a sexual sense prior to setting up their arrangement. Casting those feelings aside though, I enjoyed the way things worked out for them once they truly embraced the potential relationship they could achieve. Overall, this was definitely an enjoyable read.
*I received a review copy of this from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
*I received a review copy of this from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
December 8, 2013
The BDSM will get 3 stars. The chemistry between the two heroes gets 2.5 stars, the idea of the story 4 and the way it actually happened 1. 2.65 stars in total.
I have a question about the nature of the relationship Robin and John Howe. Do they have an open relationship or just let someone else sub for them or spank them? Are they going to be 100% exclusive? I don't like it when the hero has sex with someone else other than the heroine (the same goes to her) when he has feeling for her (Kellan is the only exception).
I would have liked the book more if John and Robins scenes were more detailed and not recapped on her blog. The characters didn't involve. I could feel the passion between the two of them.
I have a question about the nature of the relationship Robin and John Howe. Do they have an open relationship or just let someone else sub for them or spank them? Are they going to be 100% exclusive? I don't like it when the hero has sex with someone else other than the heroine (the same goes to her) when he has feeling for her (Kellan is the only exception).
I would have liked the book more if John and Robins scenes were more detailed and not recapped on her blog. The characters didn't involve. I could feel the passion between the two of them.
September 6, 2016
Fabulous strong female character who is an intelligent archivist by day and a "picky submissive" looking for guidance by night? Check. An equally strong tattooed, smart male character - and not white! - who knows what he enjoys and isn't afraid to go for it? Check? A solid relationship already established, allowing them to develop and explore their attraction in a hot and fun fashion? Check. I enjoyed this one, mainly because it avoided a lot of the tropes we find in most BDSM novellas these days. Also appreciated - the older Dom character, the idea that sometimes things don't work out the way you expect and that not all families are open and accepting of character flaws (in this case, the drug addicted sibling and the ostrich parents). I'll look for more from this pair of authors.
January 2, 2014
Arc via netgalley
A not so great story of friends who don't know the other is into bdsm and are looking for each other. 2 selfish people with clinical experience and settings. Very hard to connect to this. This appears to be a bdsm bandwagon book. Lacking true experience and depth ... Sick of reading novels, or short ones at that where the author doesn't have a clue what emotional depths occur in D/s relationships. Well it appears not only authors but many men and woman jumping on this now that society is becoming more accepting. Don't waste your time. If your like me, enjoy ready depraved dark and real scenes via fiction, not for you
A not so great story of friends who don't know the other is into bdsm and are looking for each other. 2 selfish people with clinical experience and settings. Very hard to connect to this. This appears to be a bdsm bandwagon book. Lacking true experience and depth ... Sick of reading novels, or short ones at that where the author doesn't have a clue what emotional depths occur in D/s relationships. Well it appears not only authors but many men and woman jumping on this now that society is becoming more accepting. Don't waste your time. If your like me, enjoy ready depraved dark and real scenes via fiction, not for you
January 20, 2014
I expected a heroine that I'd hate. An annoying woman who would piss me off and I'd throw my iPad at the wall.
Nope. Not what happened. What I got was this woman that I found fun and adventurous. When she sets out to find what it means to her to be submissive, she goes all out. She's cautious, but not so much so that she doesn't have fun. Robin really works at it, sure, but when she lets go it's awesome.
Then there is John. Someone else who was so open to things. Open to showing Robin the way, helping her on her journey. I liked him a lot, may be more for his openness than anything.
This was a fun book to read.
Nope. Not what happened. What I got was this woman that I found fun and adventurous. When she sets out to find what it means to her to be submissive, she goes all out. She's cautious, but not so much so that she doesn't have fun. Robin really works at it, sure, but when she lets go it's awesome.
Then there is John. Someone else who was so open to things. Open to showing Robin the way, helping her on her journey. I liked him a lot, may be more for his openness than anything.
This was a fun book to read.
December 26, 2013
This one was one exceptionally good book. Engaging, witty, funny and real. A true romance with a BDSM setting but so everyday life as well. Fantastic writing, great memorable characters and a very unique twist to the friends into lovers trope. There are a lot of elements going into this book but its all flawlessly put together making the flow of the story great. It has enough of everything for every reader. Highly recommended reading whether you are into the BDSM romantic genre or not.
*The ARC for this novel was provided by the publisher and NetGalley in return for an honest review*
*The ARC for this novel was provided by the publisher and NetGalley in return for an honest review*
August 12, 2016
This is my sixth novel from Carina Press, and so far I am not really overwhelmed by this publisher's titles. Concerning "The Dom Project", I didn't really get in the authors' voice, but more important, I didn't like the BDSM style portrayed in it. As soon as the hero ordered one of his trainees to serve as a table, my eyes started rolling on their own, and discontinued.
There have been BDSM stories in my backlist much more hardcore, but I have little taste for certain aspects of the lifestyle and therefore decided to save myself some time. DNF
There have been BDSM stories in my backlist much more hardcore, but I have little taste for certain aspects of the lifestyle and therefore decided to save myself some time. DNF
April 3, 2014
Book given and read/reviewed romfanreview
Review is here:
http://www.romfanreview.com/2014/04/r...
Review is here:
http://www.romfanreview.com/2014/04/r...
January 3, 2018
Short and somewhat fluffy with super likeable main characters, this was such a fun read! I loved the friends to lovers arc, their workplace, and most of all the sweetness. This feels like the perfect antidote to so many of the books I've read where the guy is rich/high powered/THE BOSS and the girl is broke/scrappy/innocent. I much prefer the more equal starting place for the power dynamics and BDSM elements of this story. Also: archives and libraries and IT stuff in my romance=yes plz.
July 16, 2017
I read this three weeks ago and I can't remember it. Huh. I'm not sure if I finished it or not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
May 23, 2023i read too much fluffy romance, i need to try something new💀👀
December 16, 2024
As the first book of a loosely tied together world in 3 parts, it's not bad.
I liked the characters and the pacing.
I liked the characters and the pacing.
dnf
January 25, 2025I made it to 27% but just could not connect with the characters and just didn't love the book.
March 24, 2017
Slow start
I thought this book got off to a very slow start. I had to struggle to keep interested. By the second third of the story though I was committed to seeing them through to the end. Not the most romantic or most naughty but a good story to just past some time.
I thought this book got off to a very slow start. I had to struggle to keep interested. By the second third of the story though I was committed to seeing them through to the end. Not the most romantic or most naughty but a good story to just past some time.
February 21, 2014
This review was originally undertaken in association with The Romance Reviews. The story is about a young woman discovering how she might be able to live her submissive desires within a relationship. Robin is an academic in the library sciences of a well-known university and a compulsive blogger. She has learnt that she is not satisfied in a vanilla relationship but has also learnt how hard it is to find a dominant who she can trust and who fits with her desires and needs.
John is Robin’s best friend since childhood and he is a dominant as well as a player. He is quite happy in that position and has no intention of changing it. However, when he finds out his best friend is experimenting with her submissive nature he realises he does not want to let her run the dangers of that first trial and error period without some protection. He therefore agrees to dominate her, platonically and for the purpose of science.
The book is the story if their journey — both of their journeys. It gives us an insight into the early times of submission from both points of view as well as the changing relationship of the two main characters.
What did I like about the book? I liked that it was not one sided, that we were let into the minds of both players in the game and were able to live through the changes in their attitudes. I liked that the book started not with a complete innocent who meets the dream Dominant but gives room to the difficulty in defining your own nature and the dangers of searching for a Dominant you can trust. I like the fact that she is neither naive nor overly brash — she is just human and struggling to find the way she wants to live and love.
What don’t I like? I don’t like the stereotypes which raise their heads on occasion and I don’t like the dichotomy in the characters, especially her. She has clearly experimented, in her head and in private, with her submission. She has clearly done some research — she writes a blog about it. But when her and John start to play she wavers from being believably intelligent to stupidly cringeworthy. On the one page she reacts as you would expect from someone who has, at least theoretically, collected some information on the topic and knows what to expect — on the next she turns into a naive dunce (and not believably so). For example, whilst she refers to her interest in voyeurism and exhibitionism but when led into the situation she seems to be knowledgable about intricacies, but not about the basics. It feels forced, as if her insecurities are added to give the character depth but not in a believable way.
A similar issue applies to John, though his character is more one dimensional and therefore less lacking in consistency. The authors try to create in him the perfect dominant without creating the “perfect” and therefore unbelievable man. So his flaw, his internal conflict is that he is a player, or at least emotionally distant and unavailable — but he is not consistently so because were he so then there would be no way for the relationship to develop. The way his internal conflict develops and is resolved however feels too scripted, too stereotypical, for him to remain a human for the reader.
So, overall, do I like this book? Yes, it is a fun read. On occasion the reader has to disband belief but overall it is a lot of fun. The beginning is particularly strong, drawing in the reader and making us empathise with the characters. We want to read more, we want to know what is happening at each point in time. Yes, there might be moments when the characters are a little diffuse but overall it catches your attention. It is an engaging and hot read - and what makes it special is the beauty in the style and language in some places.
John is Robin’s best friend since childhood and he is a dominant as well as a player. He is quite happy in that position and has no intention of changing it. However, when he finds out his best friend is experimenting with her submissive nature he realises he does not want to let her run the dangers of that first trial and error period without some protection. He therefore agrees to dominate her, platonically and for the purpose of science.
The book is the story if their journey — both of their journeys. It gives us an insight into the early times of submission from both points of view as well as the changing relationship of the two main characters.
What did I like about the book? I liked that it was not one sided, that we were let into the minds of both players in the game and were able to live through the changes in their attitudes. I liked that the book started not with a complete innocent who meets the dream Dominant but gives room to the difficulty in defining your own nature and the dangers of searching for a Dominant you can trust. I like the fact that she is neither naive nor overly brash — she is just human and struggling to find the way she wants to live and love.
What don’t I like? I don’t like the stereotypes which raise their heads on occasion and I don’t like the dichotomy in the characters, especially her. She has clearly experimented, in her head and in private, with her submission. She has clearly done some research — she writes a blog about it. But when her and John start to play she wavers from being believably intelligent to stupidly cringeworthy. On the one page she reacts as you would expect from someone who has, at least theoretically, collected some information on the topic and knows what to expect — on the next she turns into a naive dunce (and not believably so). For example, whilst she refers to her interest in voyeurism and exhibitionism but when led into the situation she seems to be knowledgable about intricacies, but not about the basics. It feels forced, as if her insecurities are added to give the character depth but not in a believable way.
A similar issue applies to John, though his character is more one dimensional and therefore less lacking in consistency. The authors try to create in him the perfect dominant without creating the “perfect” and therefore unbelievable man. So his flaw, his internal conflict is that he is a player, or at least emotionally distant and unavailable — but he is not consistently so because were he so then there would be no way for the relationship to develop. The way his internal conflict develops and is resolved however feels too scripted, too stereotypical, for him to remain a human for the reader.
So, overall, do I like this book? Yes, it is a fun read. On occasion the reader has to disband belief but overall it is a lot of fun. The beginning is particularly strong, drawing in the reader and making us empathise with the characters. We want to read more, we want to know what is happening at each point in time. Yes, there might be moments when the characters are a little diffuse but overall it catches your attention. It is an engaging and hot read - and what makes it special is the beauty in the style and language in some places.
January 19, 2014
I received my copy from Carina Press through NetGalley.
I seem to be saying it a lot these days and I’m getting a bit tired of it, but once again I’ve finished a book that I feel could have been a lot more. Another book in which I loved the idea behind the story and wasn’t as happy as I’d hoped to be with the way in which it was executed.
The idea; I loved Robin’s quest for a Dom and her frustration with all the creeps she meets along the way. And I adored Jason. He had the exact right combination of arrogance, dominance and vulnerability to make me a very happy reader.
I guess I didn’t click with Robin. In real life I would say that I had nothing against her but she wasn’t doing anything for me either. She left me cold. I had problems with her switching from perfectly poised professional in work to squeely geek on her blog. I felt myself in the strange position of rooting for John’s happiness (and if that was with Robin so be it) and not caring at all about Robins. On top of that I found myself torn between thinking how nice it was to read a book in which the characters manage to stick to their no sex contract and wanting to shout at them to get on with it already.
But what got to me most was the lack of communication between these characters. John is an experienced Dom and as such well aware of the need for good communication, yet he doesn’t open his mouth. These two are supposed to have been friends for ages and yet they don’t talk to each other when it is important. It’s not so much that I had a problem with the lack of communication as such – there are plenty of books in which the same idea fits the story and characters perfectly - as that it didn’t make sense for these two specific characters to fall into that trap.
And finally, there were moments in this book where the writing just didn’t work for me. I don’t want to have to read sentences twice because I’m not entirely sure what I just read. It didn’t happen a lot, but often enough for me to want to mention it. The following sentence is an example. The sentiment is so beautiful and yet there’s something about the wording that makes it lose its power.
“He remembered thinking of love – love could mean so many things. Pain and pleasure and compassion all braided together and tied them close, Robin and John, hearts and flowers and collars and mine.”
On the other hand, there were moments when the writing worked all too well and managed to touch me.
“I’ll always want more from you. Even if you give me yourself, even if you give me everything, I’ll want more.”
And then there were the moments when the authors managed to make the sexy poetic.
“I’ll be your doll. Your toy. Serve you as long as you make me feel this way, like heaven made flesh, like dying, like coming alive.”
And the same is true for the sex scenes. Some of them rocked my world, took my breath away and managed to draw me completely into the story. Others left me more or less cold. I didn’t always feel the chemistry between these two characters and when I didn’t, the story more or less fell apart for me.
I guess you could say I’m conflicted about this book. There were parts of it I loved and parts of it that just fell flat. And I’m afraid that I’m sounding far more negative about this book than I want to. It is not as if there is a lot wrong with this book. It just didn’t have the wow factor for me. I was expecting more and disappointed when I didn’t get it. I’m convinced there is a multitude of readers who will find exactly what they are looking for in ‘The Dom Project’.
I seem to be saying it a lot these days and I’m getting a bit tired of it, but once again I’ve finished a book that I feel could have been a lot more. Another book in which I loved the idea behind the story and wasn’t as happy as I’d hoped to be with the way in which it was executed.
The idea; I loved Robin’s quest for a Dom and her frustration with all the creeps she meets along the way. And I adored Jason. He had the exact right combination of arrogance, dominance and vulnerability to make me a very happy reader.
I guess I didn’t click with Robin. In real life I would say that I had nothing against her but she wasn’t doing anything for me either. She left me cold. I had problems with her switching from perfectly poised professional in work to squeely geek on her blog. I felt myself in the strange position of rooting for John’s happiness (and if that was with Robin so be it) and not caring at all about Robins. On top of that I found myself torn between thinking how nice it was to read a book in which the characters manage to stick to their no sex contract and wanting to shout at them to get on with it already.
But what got to me most was the lack of communication between these characters. John is an experienced Dom and as such well aware of the need for good communication, yet he doesn’t open his mouth. These two are supposed to have been friends for ages and yet they don’t talk to each other when it is important. It’s not so much that I had a problem with the lack of communication as such – there are plenty of books in which the same idea fits the story and characters perfectly - as that it didn’t make sense for these two specific characters to fall into that trap.
And finally, there were moments in this book where the writing just didn’t work for me. I don’t want to have to read sentences twice because I’m not entirely sure what I just read. It didn’t happen a lot, but often enough for me to want to mention it. The following sentence is an example. The sentiment is so beautiful and yet there’s something about the wording that makes it lose its power.
“He remembered thinking of love – love could mean so many things. Pain and pleasure and compassion all braided together and tied them close, Robin and John, hearts and flowers and collars and mine.”
On the other hand, there were moments when the writing worked all too well and managed to touch me.
“I’ll always want more from you. Even if you give me yourself, even if you give me everything, I’ll want more.”
And then there were the moments when the authors managed to make the sexy poetic.
“I’ll be your doll. Your toy. Serve you as long as you make me feel this way, like heaven made flesh, like dying, like coming alive.”
And the same is true for the sex scenes. Some of them rocked my world, took my breath away and managed to draw me completely into the story. Others left me more or less cold. I didn’t always feel the chemistry between these two characters and when I didn’t, the story more or less fell apart for me.
I guess you could say I’m conflicted about this book. There were parts of it I loved and parts of it that just fell flat. And I’m afraid that I’m sounding far more negative about this book than I want to. It is not as if there is a lot wrong with this book. It just didn’t have the wow factor for me. I was expecting more and disappointed when I didn’t get it. I’m convinced there is a multitude of readers who will find exactly what they are looking for in ‘The Dom Project’.
March 22, 2021
This turned out to be quite the fun and steamy read! University archivist Robin (white Canadian) and A/V techie John (bisexual Chinese American) are long-time best friends but neither realize they have a BDSM interest in common. John is long established in the scene but Robin has had trouble finding a Dom to call her own and burning out on finding one online. One thing leads to another and John offers to help Robin explore her submissiveness so she’ll have a better idea of what she’s looking for. It’s a sex pact…but minus the sex. After all, they don’t want to ruin their friendship. LOL.
At the same time John is expanding Robin’s BDSM horizons, she’s working to get a coup of a photograph collection featuring an erotic model from the 1930s. I really loved how John and Robin supported each other at work and the way Irina Mareau’s life and photos featured into the story. As a long-time blogger (who is much more dormant these days), I also got a kick out of how much Robin enjoyed blogging.
More than that, there were so many great steamy scenes. Robin gets to figure out what she likes and what she doesn’t, while John is grappling with the fact that it’s going to be harder to stuff down his pants feelings for his best friend than he expected. The way things evolve from friends to genuine lovers was so great. They have a lot to figure out and it doesn’t all go smoothly but I sure did love them together.
I do have some questions around representation. John is referred to as an Asian American man by Robin and by himself. However, as his best friend, Robin would know that he’s Chinese American and I’m pretty sure he’d refer to himself that way as well. We aren’t given many clues about his background until his mother speaks Mandarin to him on the phone. His character didn’t feel stereotypical to me but I’m a white woman and could definitely be missing some things. At the same time, it certainly wasn’t as nuanced as it would be if written by a Chinese American author. (One of the co-authors is Japanese American and I’m not sure about the other.)
FYI this came out in 2013 and there are a few references and language choices that are dated. None of them bothered me overly much but they did stand out nonetheless. John also does some light cyber “stalking” to find Robin’s blog at the start of the story and he knows it’s not entirely on the up and up, which turns out to be a weird juxtaposition for what his brother ends up doing toward the end. () On the one hand, he could have just asked her if she had any blogs, especially since they’re best friends, even though she would have been justified in not telling him about The Picky Submissive. On the other hand, who among us hasn’t googled someone?
CW: kink-shaming, toxic family, internet bullying, slut-shaming, outed for being kinky, side character with substance abuse issues, side character with COPD who is hospitalized and ultimately goes on hospice, reference to date-rape (female character being aware of the risk but not in danger)
At the same time John is expanding Robin’s BDSM horizons, she’s working to get a coup of a photograph collection featuring an erotic model from the 1930s. I really loved how John and Robin supported each other at work and the way Irina Mareau’s life and photos featured into the story. As a long-time blogger (who is much more dormant these days), I also got a kick out of how much Robin enjoyed blogging.
More than that, there were so many great steamy scenes. Robin gets to figure out what she likes and what she doesn’t, while John is grappling with the fact that it’s going to be harder to stuff down his pants feelings for his best friend than he expected. The way things evolve from friends to genuine lovers was so great. They have a lot to figure out and it doesn’t all go smoothly but I sure did love them together.
I do have some questions around representation. John is referred to as an Asian American man by Robin and by himself. However, as his best friend, Robin would know that he’s Chinese American and I’m pretty sure he’d refer to himself that way as well. We aren’t given many clues about his background until his mother speaks Mandarin to him on the phone. His character didn’t feel stereotypical to me but I’m a white woman and could definitely be missing some things. At the same time, it certainly wasn’t as nuanced as it would be if written by a Chinese American author. (One of the co-authors is Japanese American and I’m not sure about the other.)
FYI this came out in 2013 and there are a few references and language choices that are dated. None of them bothered me overly much but they did stand out nonetheless. John also does some light cyber “stalking” to find Robin’s blog at the start of the story and he knows it’s not entirely on the up and up, which turns out to be a weird juxtaposition for what his brother ends up doing toward the end. () On the one hand, he could have just asked her if she had any blogs, especially since they’re best friends, even though she would have been justified in not telling him about The Picky Submissive. On the other hand, who among us hasn’t googled someone?
CW: kink-shaming, toxic family, internet bullying, slut-shaming, outed for being kinky, side character with substance abuse issues, side character with COPD who is hospitalized and ultimately goes on hospice, reference to date-rape (female character being aware of the risk but not in danger)
August 30, 2014
This isn’t the type of romance I would normally read. After reading Fifty Shades I wanted to read more BDSM books to see if it’s a sub genre I could get into. I was listening to old episodes of the DBSA podcast and Jane talked about this book. It appealed to me because it’s a BDSM story, but more cutesy. Neither of the main characters have deep dark pasts.
I did enjoy this book, especially the characters. John-the hero- is strong, but not over-the-top alpha. He’s also a good friend. And not just to the main characters. He’s generous and kind to practically everyone he knows. This is an easy way to show he’s a good person. He’s also Asian-American which I don’t think I’ve ever read before.
Robin is also a well-done character. What I like most is how honest and open she is with her sexuality. She knows what she wants sexually and, for the most part, isn’t afraid to ask for it. And she isn’t ashamed to enjoy herself sexually.
I only have a few issues with the book and some of them are personal choice. First, there was a conflict that came up with his family that was a little forced for me. The ending was also a little unresolved for me. I feel like some parts of their relationship, especially sexually were open-ended. I don’t want to spoil anything, but it just wasn’t complete for me.
Like I said before some of my issues are personal. Honestly, I’m just not sure I’m completely on board with BDSM stories. There’s parts of the lifestyle that makes me uncomfortable-especially when it comes to the pain thing. Whether it’s fair or not, those things do pull me out of the story so I have to lower my rating.
All of that being said: I would like to read some more BDSM stories. I want to give it the best chance I can. What I think would be a really interesting read is a story about a dominant woman and submissive man. I’m sure they’re out there but I haven’t heard of one.
Originally posted: http://daydreamingthroughbooks.blogsp...
I did enjoy this book, especially the characters. John-the hero- is strong, but not over-the-top alpha. He’s also a good friend. And not just to the main characters. He’s generous and kind to practically everyone he knows. This is an easy way to show he’s a good person. He’s also Asian-American which I don’t think I’ve ever read before.
Robin is also a well-done character. What I like most is how honest and open she is with her sexuality. She knows what she wants sexually and, for the most part, isn’t afraid to ask for it. And she isn’t ashamed to enjoy herself sexually.
I only have a few issues with the book and some of them are personal choice. First, there was a conflict that came up with his family that was a little forced for me. The ending was also a little unresolved for me. I feel like some parts of their relationship, especially sexually were open-ended. I don’t want to spoil anything, but it just wasn’t complete for me.
Like I said before some of my issues are personal. Honestly, I’m just not sure I’m completely on board with BDSM stories. There’s parts of the lifestyle that makes me uncomfortable-especially when it comes to the pain thing. Whether it’s fair or not, those things do pull me out of the story so I have to lower my rating.
All of that being said: I would like to read some more BDSM stories. I want to give it the best chance I can. What I think would be a really interesting read is a story about a dominant woman and submissive man. I’m sure they’re out there but I haven’t heard of one.
Originally posted: http://daydreamingthroughbooks.blogsp...
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