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Honey #1
The Deep End
Enter a decadent sensual world where gorgeous alpha males are pleasure slaves committed to fulfilling a woman's every desire. At the elite Honey club, no boundary will be left untested, and one's darkest desires will become a sensual reality.
Olivier isn’t sure what he’s gotten himself into when he joins the Honey Club, only that a dark part of him craves the lifestyle offered by this secret, exclusive club.
When Amèlie invites Olivier to surrender, she pushes him to explore his deepest desires as a submissive. As they grow closer and find themselves falling harder than either of them anticipated, the truth about Olivier’s past could threaten the budding relationship they both long for.
Gripping and seductive, The Deep End is the first book in a sensational new series from bestselling author Kristen Ashley.
Olivier isn’t sure what he’s gotten himself into when he joins the Honey Club, only that a dark part of him craves the lifestyle offered by this secret, exclusive club.
When Amèlie invites Olivier to surrender, she pushes him to explore his deepest desires as a submissive. As they grow closer and find themselves falling harder than either of them anticipated, the truth about Olivier’s past could threaten the budding relationship they both long for.
Gripping and seductive, The Deep End is the first book in a sensational new series from bestselling author Kristen Ashley.
480 pages, Paperback
First published March 7, 2017
1190 people are currently reading
10071 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Ashley
132 books39.4k followersKristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn't taken her first breath!).
Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.
Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).
Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.
And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.
Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.
Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).
Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.
And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,122 reviews
dnf
May 25, 2017DNF
***I felt that I should edit this to more clearly explain why I didn't like it...***
For clarification, it was NOT domme/sub the story line itself that made this unreadable for me...
It was the writing.
My best GR homie texted me asking me if I was able to finish it and I blatantly said I hadn't even started it because I was so afraid of not liking it.
And BOY did I want to like it.
She told me she finally had to put it down for good after numerous attempts to finish it and told me the flowery purple prose was what made her want to launch it.
In my head I thought, there's no way it could be that bad...so I jumped in...
And discovered that it was.
That bad, that is.
Seriously though, the writing was so lyrical and flowery that it was like KA got hit by the Leah Reader bus.
And then ran over by the Shakespeare trolley.
Nothing against Leah Reader. But that style of writing is just not my jam.
That said, if you like that kind of writing...you might be able to stomach this.
I, sadly, was not.
My apologies to the ARC gods, but I would rather be lobotomized than attempt to finish this book.
Being that I had NO business reading this anyway after my most recent failures with KA, I will say no more and refrain from rating.
Sadly, I think I will also have to refrain from reading any future KA books...
...which is a huge bummer.
After reading and loving 40+ KA novels, it's safe to say she is one of my favorite authors.
As they say...breaking up is hard to do...but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.
There's always re-reads!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Please let this not suck...
Please let this not suck...
Please let this not suck...
Please let this not suck...
Please let this not suck...
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Oh.
My.
Fucking.
God.
An ENTIRE SERIES named "Honey?"
***I felt that I should edit this to more clearly explain why I didn't like it...***
For clarification, it was NOT domme/sub the story line itself that made this unreadable for me...
It was the writing.
My best GR homie texted me asking me if I was able to finish it and I blatantly said I hadn't even started it because I was so afraid of not liking it.
And BOY did I want to like it.
She told me she finally had to put it down for good after numerous attempts to finish it and told me the flowery purple prose was what made her want to launch it.
In my head I thought, there's no way it could be that bad...so I jumped in...
And discovered that it was.
That bad, that is.
Seriously though, the writing was so lyrical and flowery that it was like KA got hit by the Leah Reader bus.
And then ran over by the Shakespeare trolley.
Nothing against Leah Reader. But that style of writing is just not my jam.
That said, if you like that kind of writing...you might be able to stomach this.
I, sadly, was not.
My apologies to the ARC gods, but I would rather be lobotomized than attempt to finish this book.
Being that I had NO business reading this anyway after my most recent failures with KA, I will say no more and refrain from rating.
Sadly, I think I will also have to refrain from reading any future KA books...
...which is a huge bummer.
After reading and loving 40+ KA novels, it's safe to say she is one of my favorite authors.
As they say...breaking up is hard to do...but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.
There's always re-reads!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Please let this not suck...
Please let this not suck...
Please let this not suck...
Please let this not suck...
Please let this not suck...
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Oh.
My.
Fucking.
God.
An ENTIRE SERIES named "Honey?"
dnf
March 2, 2017
DNF
I'm so sad I didn't love this one. Seriously KA is my favorite and the last thing I ever want to do is not finish one of her books, but I couldn't get into this one. After reading the first few chapters, nothing appealed to me about the story and the writing felt off to me.
I'm sure many will love this one, and I, of course, will continue to read more KA books in the future- I just don't think this particular series is for me.
August 13, 2017
Judge on the journey…not just the individual stops
I’ll warn you straight up this may end up as a whole bunch of babbling…
I was really nervous starting The Deep End. Kristen Ashley is my favouritist favourite author. I have a lot of favourite authors but she’s the Queen. So, when she decided to do something new and different I was more than interested. Then…she shared that she created a hero that was an Alpha/Sub. WHAT??? Now, don’t blame me, but all I could see was the sub part. I couldn’t take in the Alpha part at the time because, in my little old head, those two words do not compute together. With a few deep breaths and a talk me down from the ledge from hubby (of course, his talk me down from the ledge was VERY tongue in cheek), I remembered it was KA and decided to just see how things went.
With an advanced copy of The Deep End sitting on my kindle, I was bloody nervous. It took a wee bit of time to prepare myself for the journey. I had to pack away my pre-conceived ideas, clear my mind of previous similar journeys and plan to not judge on every stop/station that I visited. I needed to make sure to remember that one stop/station that I don’t like, doesn’t have to ruin the whole trip. It’s how I feel at the end that counts.
Then I started…
OK…
Houston, we have a problem…
I didn’t like the heroine. I had to put down my kindle for a minute or two and re-evaluate. I admit, I have read some BDSM books and enjoyed them. There’s something about a man giving orders, taking his sub to a different level of awareness and giving pleasure unimaginable. So, I thought to myself…Sassy, don’t be so sexist, these same things from a woman can be just as sexy.
There were times where I could understand where the heroine was coming from. She’s confident, beautiful, rich and taller than quite a few men which give her power and control. If this power and control are in her everyday life, of course, it could be something that flows into the bedroom too.
So, we’ve established that I struggled a little with the heroine dominating. I eventually worked through that and moved onto other issues.
A BDSM setting is a hard one to get your mind around. With every story that has had this element, I can’t help but think…how the hell do they get off on this stuff? I don’t get the humiliation and putting your partner on display to show ownership, control and ability to make someone act on your bidding.
Well, this stage took a wee bit longer to process. In the end, I did because it was bloody obvious that our hero, while at first angry and vulnerable, gets off on it. I mean…REALLY GETS OFF ON IT!!
Which brings us to the crux of the story and where all readers must make a decision. How do we accept that an "Alpha" male in real life, NEEDS pain, control and ownership in the bedroom? We're talking about a blokey bloke in real life, coming to accept that in the bedroom, he likes to be pushed out of his comfort zone. The hero doesn’t like to be ordered around or embarrassed but something in him snaps and a button is pushed in the play room that gives him the high…the release…the ecstasy he craves.
How can I judge? What right do I have to say it’s wrong? Who am I to think what I want or like is what everyone else should too?
In the end, it’s all about pleasure and finding your happy place. He can still be a blokey bloke in his everyday life, say what he wants when he wants and be bossy if he needs to. What he likes in the bedroom doesn't change the man he is on the street. He will still knock your block off if you touch him inappropriately, talk in a degrading way or boss him around...in his everyday life.
The Deep End was interesting, sexy and thought provoking. When you find your happy place in the four walls of a BDSM club, can you take that connection to the outside world? Do the four walls move outward to include parts of your world? Can you leave that part of yourself just for the bedroom? Will you expect it all the time?
I thoroughly enjoyed the journey. There were highs and lows but they somehow all came together in a way that I could understand and appreciate. Yes, their scene is not my cup of tea, but geez I can’t complain about standing at the window and observing the action…connection…feelings that develop.
The Deep End will not be for everyone and Kristen Ashley fans will be surprised where she goes. The story has a little mystery and intrigue thrown in but it definitely wasn't the main focus of the story. A lot of The Deep End revolves around the club, the Bee's Honey and the Dominant's of the club. It has her usual style to it but it goes deeper into the kinky than she’s ever been before.
Good luck…and may the force be with you.
Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
March 3, 2017
This cover is OK. It is certainly better than some of her other covers that's for sure. It's a good representation of the story within. Good composition. Ok typography (why is the title in lower case??) It's bright and eye-catching as well.
If you know me, then you know that KA and I haven't been the best of friends lately. Apart from the Daisy novella, her last eight or nine books have been total misses for me. In fact, I had pretty much given up on her ever getting back to the greatness that was the ROCK CHICKS or SWEET DREAMS or MOTORCYCLE MAN or KNIGHT...well you get the picture. That said my curiosity got the better of me for this one and I requested an ARC. Since her same-same wasn't working for me then MAYBE something entirely different from her would. What can I say, I am an optimist...Well, I ended up liking this one. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it with the passion of a thousand white-hot suns like some of her other recent ones. I didn't find myself overly engaged in it either. I found it dull and long winded (I know I know it's KA she is ALWAYS long winded) in places. Both Amèlie and Olivier were prone to go off on pages and pages of inner dialogue that after awhile had me skimming. Pretty much anything outside of Amèlie and Olivier interacting had me losing interest.
I didn't connect with Amèlie and Olivier as a couple either. Mostly because I just didn't like Amèlie. It wasn't that she was a Domme. It wasn't that she was older than Olivier (a year). It was that she just came off so cold and hard and frigging PRETENTIOUS. With her annoying little French endearments and her total disregard for Olivier's requests. OMG, she annoyed me!
How she was top Domme at this place boggles the mind. Olivier's and her first scene he tells her he doesn't like humiliation, doesn't like being watched and isn't really into "ass play" What does she do? She ties him down, spreads his ass open and opens the blinds for everyone to watch. In real life, this chick would have been out on her ass and banned from ANY respectable club. Her whole "You are in my room, so you do what I want" crap was appalling. That pretty much ruined her character from the start. That said as the book went on she I did start to warm up to her a bit but I never came to like her completely.
Olivier, on the other hand, I really liked. I've read books with males subs before, so this wasn't a new thing for me. I liked how he submitted, but he had an edge. He was an alpha male struggling with his need to let go in the bedroom. It felt real to me, and it worked. I like when he stood up to Amèlie and called her out on her behavior. I wish we would have seen more of him (both of them) outside the club.
There is a TON of sex in this one. In fact, for the first 70%, it is ALL these two do. Scene after scene in the club. To be honest (and I can't believe I am saying this) there were too many sex scenes that went on WAY too long. I started to skim them because they got repetitive with Amèlie doing the same things to Olivier every time. They never did ANYTHING outside the club but talk on the phone for three-quarters of the book. It made it hard to connect with them as a couple on a deeper level. Not to mention some of the sex scenes made me laugh. I mean seriously calling the base of his dick "the seat of his meat"? I laughed for ten minutes straight.
Wrapping this up because I feel like I have already written a book-length review on this one. I enjoyed this enough that I will read the next book mostly because Branch intrigued me in this one. In fact, there were quite a few interesting side characters in this book that I am curious in hearing more about (Barclay, Stellan, Aryas.) Like I said, I am an optimist, so hopefully, the next one will be better. I'm not writing this series off yet.
Want to read
February 2, 20172/2/17 - ok so I know some ppl have arcs.....so waiting on seeing if this is ok, but I am still disappointed, especially when there are so many other book ppl have been waiting on, such as Lach from Ghosts and Reincarnation, for years he has been left dangling on a cliffhanger!
Original review:
I think this is the first time I have ever been unsure about a KA book!
And I even liked Walk Through Fire, Jagged and Kaleidoscope! And rather enjoyed Mystery Man, liking both Gwen and Hawk!
So, true or false, an Alpha Sub might work?
Now think about it, we will only accept your first answer....
No, seriously, come on, we will have to rush you....
ok, ok then..
HOWEVER....I may be proved wrong and it may be brilliant. I kind of half hope it is, and this is the something fresh so many of us have wanted from KA..
It might actually work??
But in reality...
So....
Want to read
May 25, 2016NEW KRISTEN ASHLEY BOOK!!!!!!!!
Enter a decadent sensual world where gorgeous alpha males are pleasure slaves committed to fulfilling a woman's every desire. At the elite Honey club, no boundary will be left untested, and one's darkest desires will become a sensual reality.
Olivier isn’t sure what he’s gotten himself into when he joins the Honey Club, only that a dark part of him craves the lifestyle offered by this secret, exclusive club.
When Amèlie invites Olivier to surrender, she pushes him to explore his deepest desires as a submissive. As they grow closer and find themselves falling harder than either of them anticipated, the truth about Olivier’s past could threaten the budding relationship they both long for.
Pre-order here: http://amzn.to/1WNe7IA
Enter a decadent sensual world where gorgeous alpha males are pleasure slaves committed to fulfilling a woman's every desire. At the elite Honey club, no boundary will be left untested, and one's darkest desires will become a sensual reality.
Olivier isn’t sure what he’s gotten himself into when he joins the Honey Club, only that a dark part of him craves the lifestyle offered by this secret, exclusive club.
When Amèlie invites Olivier to surrender, she pushes him to explore his deepest desires as a submissive. As they grow closer and find themselves falling harder than either of them anticipated, the truth about Olivier’s past could threaten the budding relationship they both long for.
Pre-order here: http://amzn.to/1WNe7IA
March 14, 2017
Review to come.
After reading 54 Kristen Ashley books and rating 99% of them 4 or 5 stars, I'm the first surprised by how much I disliked that book.
Not because it's a change from her usual alpha heroes, not because it's BDSM (I enjoyed many books in this genre, displaying many kinks and even alpha submissive) but because of the writing and the lack of story, emotion and development( And I'll get back to that later in a proper review).
Seeing a few KA fans judging/accusing other readers/reviewers for picking a book that was obviously not made for them ( ? ) I wanted to address this here.
As admirable as it was for the author to step out of her comfort zone and write something new, everyone should remember that it is as admirable for her readers to get out of their own comfort zone and try a new genre. I don't think my reading horizon would have extended past Heroic-Fantasy books and Thrillers if hadn't decided to step out of my comfort zone a few years back and try that Fifty Shades everyone was talking about.
I tried something new, this something being romance and its many sub-genres and look where am I now? + 2000 romance books read. And I was convinced Fifty Shade was not for me.
A review is written to help other readers, if their reaction to a book can help another, they're completely entitled to their opinion, even one some might judge "unhelpful" because it lacks constructivism. I picked up book based on funny Gifs reviews because they made me laugh. I tried books from hateful reviews wanting to know what the fuss was about ( and ended up liking it ).
Every KA fan who tried The Deep End and didn't like it took a chance to read something new from their favorite author, they are entitled to review and say it wasn't for them. Where's the harm? I guess I just wanted to say, it's perfectly okay to try something you never tasted before, even something you have preconceived ideas about, or something you think is not for you. It's okay to say you didn't like it. It's okay say you loved it. You are the reader and this is your review.
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
After reading 54 Kristen Ashley books and rating 99% of them 4 or 5 stars, I'm the first surprised by how much I disliked that book.
Not because it's a change from her usual alpha heroes, not because it's BDSM (I enjoyed many books in this genre, displaying many kinks and even alpha submissive) but because of the writing and the lack of story, emotion and development( And I'll get back to that later in a proper review).
Seeing a few KA fans judging/accusing other readers/reviewers for picking a book that was obviously not made for them ( ? ) I wanted to address this here.
As admirable as it was for the author to step out of her comfort zone and write something new, everyone should remember that it is as admirable for her readers to get out of their own comfort zone and try a new genre. I don't think my reading horizon would have extended past Heroic-Fantasy books and Thrillers if hadn't decided to step out of my comfort zone a few years back and try that Fifty Shades everyone was talking about.
I tried something new, this something being romance and its many sub-genres and look where am I now? + 2000 romance books read. And I was convinced Fifty Shade was not for me.
A review is written to help other readers, if their reaction to a book can help another, they're completely entitled to their opinion, even one some might judge "unhelpful" because it lacks constructivism. I picked up book based on funny Gifs reviews because they made me laugh. I tried books from hateful reviews wanting to know what the fuss was about ( and ended up liking it ).
Every KA fan who tried The Deep End and didn't like it took a chance to read something new from their favorite author, they are entitled to review and say it wasn't for them. Where's the harm? I guess I just wanted to say, it's perfectly okay to try something you never tasted before, even something you have preconceived ideas about, or something you think is not for you. It's okay to say you didn't like it. It's okay say you loved it. You are the reader and this is your review.
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
December 18, 2018
4.5 cliché breaking stars
I read this book out of curiosity and in protest against cliché; and I never thought that I would like it so much.
I liked it a lot!
I don’t read much BDSM anymore, I’m tired of the same story with only different names and sometimes another kink-level. 98% of BDSM books I read had male Dom and female sub. Same old, same old.
I’m the first one to protest against sexism in books,
I’m the first one to criticize double standards and
I’m the last one to judge people because of their sexuality!
What mature willing adults (key-word willing - not manipulated or played, but from own will) do in bedroom (sex-club etc.) doesn’t define their personality.
A woman, who likes to be called dirty sl*t during sex, can be a devoted mother and a perfect wife;
a person, who knees before his/her partner, can be a strong leader in the boardroom.
And after so many authors tried to convince me that a female submission incl. humiliation etc. doesn’t make a woman weak in real life, why should I think that a male sub can’t be an Alpha?!?
This author succeeded to convince me that a male sub can be a strong man, a real Alpha.
My definition of Alpha doesn’t only include muscles, big c*ck and even bigger ego, and definitely not the ability to bark demands and use flogger, and not a bit the craving to break/push female, humiliate her and get off on her submission. All these qualities were often sold me as a key to mutual satisfaction and as an instrument a man uses to please a woman. But sometimes I had a feeling that her pleasure wasn’t the main goal, but his…
I even had a suspicion that many of these books were written not for female readers, but for the male ones.
I don’t practice BDSM lifestyle personally, but I have good friends who live it for years. The real BDSM world is so different from what I read in books and the biggest myth I still want to believe and often choose to read - that the authoritarians in real life are always/often dominants in bedroom (it’s actually a myth).
But it’s a story for another day, don’t let me destroy my romance illusion.
I like to read about strong heroes, but NOT at the cost of breaking female part or weaken her character! And I also don’t want to read about strong woman paired with a pathetic male lead.
This book had 2 strong characters – Domme and Alpha.
Brilliantly written female protagonist – strong cold-minded woman with a touch of vulnerability and human longing to love and to be loved.
She didn’t make me question her intensions and fish for hidden complexes and insecure (which made her want to break another person), she was just strong and dominant. Period.
Absolutely loved her.
She pushed the hero to the edge, she tested his limits. But he craved everything she gave him - every single scene/play/touch.
He craved it! He really got off on this stuff every single time.
There were many beautiful scenes, too much butt play for my liking (but it was his high); there were some settings that were a bit too much for me.
But every single scene was still esthetically sexual.
(I read worse things in reversed stories where the female submissive was pushed excessively far and humiliated on much higher level).
The hero was hot and sexy. Alpha sub. Alpha.
I saw him as Alpha, as a strong man who wasn’t afraid to follow his desires and his sexuality; who gave himself to his woman, who trusted his woman, who adored his woman.
The strongest scene in this book and the real proof of H’s masculinity and great character wasn’t a sex-scene, it wasn’t even a Vanilla sex-scene (yeah, they also had Vanilla sex and he was “on top”), but the dialog with his buddies who insulted him and his woman, who made abhorrent comments about women in general – he literally shut them up! The things he told, how strong and Alpha he was, how he guarded the honor of women – it was more than Alpha, it was freaking amazing. I can’t remember any hero I read lately who was strong and confident enough to defend females and speak against his friends.
Damn, it was hot!
I loved the communication between the MCs. The hero was cocky and open; he didn’t tremble with fear, but with desire. I assume he was way to cheeky for a sub and the heroine was often a bit too neat for a Domme. But it just fitted in; it worked for me.
I liked how the issue with her/his sexuality and its resonance was approached and solved.
…my sexuality out there in the ordinary world does not define me, like it doesn’t anybody…
It was one of the best BDSM books I read.
It was hot!
And I’m not ashamed to admit it. Not a bit ashamed! :-)
Safety note: safe. No OM/OW. NO SHARING!!!
Ok, not everything was perfect. I struggled with the writing style. The heroine was verbally very sophisticated and the hero way too plain sometimes.
I didn’t like two last chapters. They almost ruined the book for me. Either I didn’t get the hidden meaning or I didn’t get the hidden meaning. It started with their fight – was it the same hero I read through 18 chapters? Why did they fight? And the whole trope with attack/her call to him/and again their fight before - it was just WTF. Even his talk was different – too much cursing and less depth. (Nothing really bad happened, but 2 last chapters didn’t fit into the book. IMO.)
To be honest I must say the book was more like 3.5-4 stars. However, I added 1 star for the unique plot and as thanks for breaking stereotypes.
Short version of my review without being nice and polite.
-------------------------------------------
I wrote a short pre-review and if you clicked “like” but don’t agree with my review, please feel free to unlike it. No offence will be taken! :-)
I will read it. On principle. In protest against cliché!
Because why always female submissive?
Why always it's a woman who submit to bring a man pleasure,
why always to "break" her and not him?
Let's turn the tables, ladies!
Alex sets up the flogger and is waiting patiently...
“You know you give me more, Amélie. You know I’m only me with you.”
I read this book out of curiosity and in protest against cliché; and I never thought that I would like it so much.
I liked it a lot!
I don’t read much BDSM anymore, I’m tired of the same story with only different names and sometimes another kink-level. 98% of BDSM books I read had male Dom and female sub. Same old, same old.
I’m the first one to protest against sexism in books,
I’m the first one to criticize double standards and
I’m the last one to judge people because of their sexuality!
What mature willing adults (key-word willing - not manipulated or played, but from own will) do in bedroom (sex-club etc.) doesn’t define their personality.
A woman, who likes to be called dirty sl*t during sex, can be a devoted mother and a perfect wife;
a person, who knees before his/her partner, can be a strong leader in the boardroom.
…my sexuality out there in the ordinary world does not define me, like it doesn’t anybody.
Amélie/the heroine
And after so many authors tried to convince me that a female submission incl. humiliation etc. doesn’t make a woman weak in real life, why should I think that a male sub can’t be an Alpha?!?
This author succeeded to convince me that a male sub can be a strong man, a real Alpha.
My definition of Alpha doesn’t only include muscles, big c*ck and even bigger ego, and definitely not the ability to bark demands and use flogger, and not a bit the craving to break/push female, humiliate her and get off on her submission. All these qualities were often sold me as a key to mutual satisfaction and as an instrument a man uses to please a woman. But sometimes I had a feeling that her pleasure wasn’t the main goal, but his…
I don’t practice BDSM lifestyle personally, but I have good friends who live it for years. The real BDSM world is so different from what I read in books and the biggest myth I still want to believe and often choose to read - that the authoritarians in real life are always/often dominants in bedroom (it’s actually a myth).
But it’s a story for another day, don’t let me destroy my romance illusion.
I like to read about strong heroes, but NOT at the cost of breaking female part or weaken her character! And I also don’t want to read about strong woman paired with a pathetic male lead.
This book had 2 strong characters – Domme and Alpha.
Brilliantly written female protagonist – strong cold-minded woman with a touch of vulnerability and human longing to love and to be loved.
She didn’t make me question her intensions and fish for hidden complexes and insecure (which made her want to break another person), she was just strong and dominant. Period.
Absolutely loved her.
She pushed the hero to the edge, she tested his limits. But he craved everything she gave him - every single scene/play/touch.
He craved it! He really got off on this stuff every single time.
There were many beautiful scenes, too much butt play for my liking (but it was his high); there were some settings that were a bit too much for me.
But every single scene was still esthetically sexual.
(I read worse things in reversed stories where the female submissive was pushed excessively far and humiliated on much higher level).
The hero was hot and sexy. Alpha sub. Alpha.
“I’m yours, you can claim me, but get me now, Amélie, or we gotta have another conversation. You claim me, I claim you. I get my place. I get you make this decision. But I’m fuckin’ sayin’ it anyway. You’re mine.”
I saw him as Alpha, as a strong man who wasn’t afraid to follow his desires and his sexuality; who gave himself to his woman, who trusted his woman, who adored his woman.
“And Leigh-Leigh, I’m an alpha-sub and the operative part of that in every sense … and I’ll say that’s even when you’re jacking my ass, as I proved tonight … is alpha. No way I’m gonna leave any woman, much less one who means something to me, alone with a visibly ticked-off dude.”
The strongest scene in this book and the real proof of H’s masculinity and great character wasn’t a sex-scene, it wasn’t even a Vanilla sex-scene (yeah, they also had Vanilla sex and he was “on top”), but the dialog with his buddies who insulted him and his woman, who made abhorrent comments about women in general – he literally shut them up! The things he told, how strong and Alpha he was, how he guarded the honor of women – it was more than Alpha, it was freaking amazing. I can’t remember any hero I read lately who was strong and confident enough to defend females and speak against his friends.
Damn, it was hot!
I loved the communication between the MCs. The hero was cocky and open; he didn’t tremble with fear, but with desire. I assume he was way to cheeky for a sub and the heroine was often a bit too neat for a Domme. But it just fitted in; it worked for me.
I liked how the issue with her/his sexuality and its resonance was approached and solved.
…my sexuality out there in the ordinary world does not define me, like it doesn’t anybody…
It was one of the best BDSM books I read.
It was hot!
And I’m not ashamed to admit it. Not a bit ashamed! :-)
Safety note: safe. No OM/OW. NO SHARING!!!
Ok, not everything was perfect. I struggled with the writing style. The heroine was verbally very sophisticated and the hero way too plain sometimes.
I didn’t like two last chapters. They almost ruined the book for me. Either I didn’t get the hidden meaning or I didn’t get the hidden meaning. It started with their fight – was it the same hero I read through 18 chapters? Why did they fight? And the whole trope with attack/her call to him/and again their fight before - it was just WTF. Even his talk was different – too much cursing and less depth. (Nothing really bad happened, but 2 last chapters didn’t fit into the book. IMO.)
To be honest I must say the book was more like 3.5-4 stars. However, I added 1 star for the unique plot and as thanks for breaking stereotypes.
Short version of my review without being nice and polite.
F*CK SEXISM!
F*CK CLICHÉ!
F*CK, IT WAS HOT!
-------------------------------------------
I wrote a short pre-review and if you clicked “like” but don’t agree with my review, please feel free to unlike it. No offence will be taken! :-)
I will read it. On principle. In protest against cliché!
Because why always female submissive?
Why always it's a woman who submit to bring a man pleasure,
why always to "break" her and not him?
Let's turn the tables, ladies!
Alex sets up the flogger and is waiting patiently...
March 7, 2017
3.5 'Risk taking' Stars!
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Kristen Ashley never ceases to amaze me. I have to confess.. I was extremely scared to start this book. I knew this would throw me out of my comfort zone but I also really wanted to give it a try because Kristen is one of my favorite authors ever. I have to say I actually enjoyed The Deep End more than I thought even though it’s definitely not something I would normally read.
The Deep End is the first installment in Kristen’s new series called Honey. All these books will be all related around a BDSM club and here is what is/will be different about them: the heroine is a Domme. Amélie is more than ready to find the perfect man for her when Olivier appears in the Bee’s Honey. He is an alpha-sub and even though he is reluctant to accept it at first, he can’t stop himself from wanting to be with Amélie.
“I’m open to anything,” he confirmed.
“Anything?” she pushed.
He held her gaze like a dare. “Anything.” Again his lips twitched. “Mistress.”
I still have mixed feelings about The Deep End. It is different from anything else I have ever read and I appreciate that! It’s new but still has Kristen Ashley’s touches all over it. I read this so fast! I loved the emotional part of The Deep End best and I loved Olly, the hero. Even though he likes to submit in his sex life, he still is a KA alpha! I don’t know how Kristen managed to keep that flowing but she did!
“I’m yours, you can claim me, but get me now, Amélie, or we gotta have another conversation. You claim me, I claim you. I get my place. I get you make this decision. But I’m fuckin’ sayin’ it anyway. You’re mine.”
Now, about those mixed feelings.. Amélie is not my favorite KA heroine. Besides the getting used to having a Domme as female MC, I just could not connect with her. Also, some sex scenes (even though they are hawt!) just felt weird to me and I could not get passed it. Still, as I said, I felt all the feels. KA always manages to make me cry lol I enjoyed experiencing this ride!
They fit. They worked splendidly in all ways that could be. When the explosion settled, it ended with Amélie and Olly tangled together magnificently.
Therefore, my rating for The Deep End is 3.5 STARS because to me this still felt like a KA book even though it definitely has a kinkier and more unexpected plot! And I am positively curious abot the next book! I say give this one a try if you are interested to know more about this world or just if you are a massive KA fan like me!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Kristen Ashley never ceases to amaze me. I have to confess.. I was extremely scared to start this book. I knew this would throw me out of my comfort zone but I also really wanted to give it a try because Kristen is one of my favorite authors ever. I have to say I actually enjoyed The Deep End more than I thought even though it’s definitely not something I would normally read.
The Deep End is the first installment in Kristen’s new series called Honey. All these books will be all related around a BDSM club and here is what is/will be different about them: the heroine is a Domme. Amélie is more than ready to find the perfect man for her when Olivier appears in the Bee’s Honey. He is an alpha-sub and even though he is reluctant to accept it at first, he can’t stop himself from wanting to be with Amélie.
“I’m open to anything,” he confirmed.
“Anything?” she pushed.
He held her gaze like a dare. “Anything.” Again his lips twitched. “Mistress.”
I still have mixed feelings about The Deep End. It is different from anything else I have ever read and I appreciate that! It’s new but still has Kristen Ashley’s touches all over it. I read this so fast! I loved the emotional part of The Deep End best and I loved Olly, the hero. Even though he likes to submit in his sex life, he still is a KA alpha! I don’t know how Kristen managed to keep that flowing but she did!
“I’m yours, you can claim me, but get me now, Amélie, or we gotta have another conversation. You claim me, I claim you. I get my place. I get you make this decision. But I’m fuckin’ sayin’ it anyway. You’re mine.”
Now, about those mixed feelings.. Amélie is not my favorite KA heroine. Besides the getting used to having a Domme as female MC, I just could not connect with her. Also, some sex scenes (even though they are hawt!) just felt weird to me and I could not get passed it. Still, as I said, I felt all the feels. KA always manages to make me cry lol I enjoyed experiencing this ride!
They fit. They worked splendidly in all ways that could be. When the explosion settled, it ended with Amélie and Olly tangled together magnificently.
Therefore, my rating for The Deep End is 3.5 STARS because to me this still felt like a KA book even though it definitely has a kinkier and more unexpected plot! And I am positively curious abot the next book! I say give this one a try if you are interested to know more about this world or just if you are a massive KA fan like me!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
March 7, 2017
NOW LIVE!!!
PAPERBACK SALE! http://amzn.to/2lFv0Vu
READ AN EXCERPT HERE
Kristen Ashley is one of my favorite authors so I just couldn't pass up a book of hers. That doesn't mean I wasn't nervous going into this though because honestly I was terrified that I wouldn't like it. Sure, an Alpha-Sub isn't a fake thing and a lot of subs in the lifestyle are actually Alpha in their everyday lives. But reading about it, and especially when said sub is male, isn't really my thing. But again, this author is my favorite and she's actually one of the only authors that has been able to redeem a character for me (Sebring) so I had to give it a go.
Anyway, on to the book. The Deep End is a new endeavor for KA fans and takes you on a very carnal and hedonistic ride through the Bee's Honey. Here we meet Amelie, a top Domme at the club, and Olivier, a new sub to the scene. Amelie has a desire for Alpha-subs and Olly fits that bill to a T, so she takes up with the sub and makes him her toy.
In all honestly the beginning of this book didn't go too well for me and up until 20% I was thinking that it wouldn't be more than a three star read. Amelie was kind of hard to believe as being a Top Domme in the club and her character just wasn't likable. It almost seemed like she was the one that was new to the scene and not Olly. It also got a little frustrating when some scenes were just too wordy and I had to go back and re-read them to get a picture in my head of what was actually going on. KA's writing is usually very full but here it almost seemed like she got lost in her own words and a few things weren't described very well.
But after that initial beginning everything changed and I got very into the story. Olly and Amelie had some fantastic scenes together from this point on and I was completely captivated by them. When I finished the book I actually forgot for awhile that the beginning wasn't a hit for me and all I could think about was how amazing the rest of the story was. This is a true erotica so the majority of the story takes place in the club or the bedroom but I was more than okay with that. There's still a romantic story under all of the sensual scenes, though, and I enjoyed that just as much.
KA definitely put her own unique twist on the usual BDSM stories and I loved seeing the differences she put on this type of story. One of the reasons I love her as an author so much is because she'll never conform to what most authors are doing and there's no doubt in my mind that no matter what genre she writes, she will always make it her own. She also threw in a few side characters that really intrigued me so I really hope this won't be just a two book series. I need more of these hot men!
Bottom line, there are many people that won't like this story but that's just the way it goes. But from me it's definitely recommended read and if you're up for a different kind of erotic tale I think it's a must-try. I'm really excited for the next story, and I have my suspicions on who it will be about so I hope I'm right.
ARC kidnly provided via the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
PAPERBACK SALE! http://amzn.to/2lFv0Vu
READ AN EXCERPT HERE
Kristen Ashley is one of my favorite authors so I just couldn't pass up a book of hers. That doesn't mean I wasn't nervous going into this though because honestly I was terrified that I wouldn't like it. Sure, an Alpha-Sub isn't a fake thing and a lot of subs in the lifestyle are actually Alpha in their everyday lives. But reading about it, and especially when said sub is male, isn't really my thing. But again, this author is my favorite and she's actually one of the only authors that has been able to redeem a character for me (Sebring) so I had to give it a go.
Anyway, on to the book. The Deep End is a new endeavor for KA fans and takes you on a very carnal and hedonistic ride through the Bee's Honey. Here we meet Amelie, a top Domme at the club, and Olivier, a new sub to the scene. Amelie has a desire for Alpha-subs and Olly fits that bill to a T, so she takes up with the sub and makes him her toy.
In all honestly the beginning of this book didn't go too well for me and up until 20% I was thinking that it wouldn't be more than a three star read. Amelie was kind of hard to believe as being a Top Domme in the club and her character just wasn't likable. It almost seemed like she was the one that was new to the scene and not Olly. It also got a little frustrating when some scenes were just too wordy and I had to go back and re-read them to get a picture in my head of what was actually going on. KA's writing is usually very full but here it almost seemed like she got lost in her own words and a few things weren't described very well.
But after that initial beginning everything changed and I got very into the story. Olly and Amelie had some fantastic scenes together from this point on and I was completely captivated by them. When I finished the book I actually forgot for awhile that the beginning wasn't a hit for me and all I could think about was how amazing the rest of the story was. This is a true erotica so the majority of the story takes place in the club or the bedroom but I was more than okay with that. There's still a romantic story under all of the sensual scenes, though, and I enjoyed that just as much.
KA definitely put her own unique twist on the usual BDSM stories and I loved seeing the differences she put on this type of story. One of the reasons I love her as an author so much is because she'll never conform to what most authors are doing and there's no doubt in my mind that no matter what genre she writes, she will always make it her own. She also threw in a few side characters that really intrigued me so I really hope this won't be just a two book series. I need more of these hot men!
Bottom line, there are many people that won't like this story but that's just the way it goes. But from me it's definitely recommended read and if you're up for a different kind of erotic tale I think it's a must-try. I'm really excited for the next story, and I have my suspicions on who it will be about so I hope I'm right.
The Deep End Playlist:
Sex and Candy - Maroon 5
Lovely - Brent Faiyaz
Versace On The Floor - Bruno Mars
What You Need - The Weeknd
Never Gonna Give You Up - The Black Keys
Lovin', Touchin, Squeezin' - Journey
Neighbors Know My Name - Trey Songz
ARC kidnly provided via the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 2, 2017
I can not believe I have finally broken my KA Cherry!! And what a way to break it!!
"That magnificent beast was a sub. An alpha-sub, assuredly"
"He was colossal. A mighty beast. A magnificent beast. Exquisite."
This book tells the story of a male sub, an alpha sub and his dominatrix. I must say I have never read anything like this before so it was a bit of an experience reading a BDSM book that didn’t have a female sub. It definitely took me a few chapters to get the story however I was soon hooked.
"He watched her approach not like he was taking the risky liberty he was taking but like it was his God-given right"
What i loved about these characters is from the moment they meet you knew you are going to be reading the most intense, unique & wonderful love story unfold.
"It's like he was made for you."
Mistress Amélie (Leigh) and Olivier (Olly) first meet at the Honey club where they start their sexual journey together. Straight away we are thrown into a seriously hot sex scene. The story continues to follow them and their sexual adventures with ups and downs they overcome along the way. The sexual tension between the two keeps you continuously captivated. This book has kink, a lot of kink. If you think of the things that might happen to a male sub at a BDSM club then you are spot on. If that isn't your cup of tea this book wont be for you at all.
"The beauty of play was earning the treasure of that trust and the honor of holding it precious."
The majority of this book is about the d/s relationship between Mistress Amélie and Olivier built together which although was hot by the end I wish we got to see a bit more of their life outside of the Domme & Alpha Sub to take that connection that much further.
Overall I did really enjoy this book, it took me well out of my comfort zone but this book was HOT, KINKY, SEXY AND UNDENIABLY FILTHY. I would recommend going into this book with an open mind and be prepared blown away.
****Not recommended for anyone under 18 years of age.
March 1, 2017
3.5 -4 STARS !!!!
This is a new series and a totally different book from everything we've ever read by Kristen Ashley. Kristen Ashley doesn't hesitate to try something new for her bringing the world of BDSM to us in her own unique way.
I have to admit that in the beginning I didn't know what to expect, but I found myself enjoying the story and the characters. Not as much as I wanted to but still it was very good. The Deep End is a super hot story and I loved the relationship Amelie had with Olivier. Everything about these two and how things built up felt realistic.
I'm excited for the next book in the series!
This is a new series and a totally different book from everything we've ever read by Kristen Ashley. Kristen Ashley doesn't hesitate to try something new for her bringing the world of BDSM to us in her own unique way.
I have to admit that in the beginning I didn't know what to expect, but I found myself enjoying the story and the characters. Not as much as I wanted to but still it was very good. The Deep End is a super hot story and I loved the relationship Amelie had with Olivier. Everything about these two and how things built up felt realistic.
I'm excited for the next book in the series!
February 27, 2017
**ARC generously provided via publisher, St. Martin's Press, for an honest review! It was not finalize copy and is subject to change.**
Well... Ima have to think on this one. Maybe actually write something out to try and organize my thoughts, rather than writing what initially comes to mind just as I've finished. Right now, my thoughts are ALL OVER THE PLACE. There are parts I loved, and there are parts I hated. And then, there are all the extra words... so many words; and syllables. I'll try to organize this jumble of thoughts into something that may help someone decide if they want to read this or not.
Couple days later...
2 1/2 "Alpha-sub????" Stars.
Ok, here we go. I'm just going to jump right in.
I hated all the BDSM parts of this book. I don't think the female Dom and male sub was for me in this case. I have only read one other such story and even though the Domme/sub relationship is not my cuppa in general, the other book I read was done better in my opinion. I don't actually think it was the male/female roll reversal (I'm used to it being the other way around) that bothered me as such, but more the type of BDSM play that went on. From the very beginning, I was disturbed by the subjugation that took place. It felt humiliating to me. Being humiliated is not sexy, IMO. Of course, according to the author, BDSM was all about "pushing boundaries". I suppose this was what Olivier, our H, was looking for because as much as I didn't like it, he LOVED it. So please don't think there was any abuse that took place in this story. This was all very consensual, and their kink worked for them both splendidly! Just to finish up on this part, BDSM books have been very hit or miss for me lately. I think I am fading this genre out of my reading repertoire. There is only one series I am still going to read, by another of my favorite authors. I sincerely hope I will like that upcoming release.
Notice there were a lot of "I(s)" in that paragraph. This was just my opinion and others may enjoy this kink.
Any ramble...
What I liked about the book was the actual story. We have Amelia, who was a female Domme, but she was absolutely more than her sexuality. She was woman that wanted things out of life that a lot of women want: someone to love to love her in return and build a life and family with. Outside her kink, I really liked her. And of course if she were a RL person and we met, I would know nothing about her sex life, and I think I'd like her quite a bit. Olivier was quite the typical KA alpha male; complete with being a very intelligent, strong man, despite his limited vocabulary (the way these men talk drives me insane sometimes). He just enjoyed being dominated sexually. He struggled with this a great bit and there inlays a large part of the book's conflict. I liked Olivier very much as well. His alpha tendencies come through in his protective and possessiveness. I think what this showed was that people are multifaceted. People shouldn't judge other people based off one aspect of their personalities/lives. I enjoyed those parts.
Overall, I liked the story, hated the sex. And because this was an erotic BDSM story, the sex was a big part of the book. This was very much a KA book as far as the writing style goes. There were tons and tons of scenery descriptions, clothing descriptions, everything descriptions, broken sentences that you may have to reread, ect. If that was something that you were not fond of that KA does, this won't be any better for you. It was very much not a typical KA book as far as the explicit sex scenes go. It was VERY explicit! Before this book, Deacon was as sexually explicit as I had read from KA. This goes far beyond that. There were also some very interesting side characters that I can see getting their stories told, but at this point, I don't think I will be continuing this series. Anyway, so there you go. That's my opinion. Happy reading!!
Well... Ima have to think on this one. Maybe actually write something out to try and organize my thoughts, rather than writing what initially comes to mind just as I've finished. Right now, my thoughts are ALL OVER THE PLACE. There are parts I loved, and there are parts I hated. And then, there are all the extra words... so many words; and syllables. I'll try to organize this jumble of thoughts into something that may help someone decide if they want to read this or not.
Couple days later...
2 1/2 "Alpha-sub????" Stars.
Ok, here we go. I'm just going to jump right in.
I hated all the BDSM parts of this book. I don't think the female Dom and male sub was for me in this case. I have only read one other such story and even though the Domme/sub relationship is not my cuppa in general, the other book I read was done better in my opinion. I don't actually think it was the male/female roll reversal (I'm used to it being the other way around) that bothered me as such, but more the type of BDSM play that went on. From the very beginning, I was disturbed by the subjugation that took place. It felt humiliating to me. Being humiliated is not sexy, IMO. Of course, according to the author, BDSM was all about "pushing boundaries". I suppose this was what Olivier, our H, was looking for because as much as I didn't like it, he LOVED it. So please don't think there was any abuse that took place in this story. This was all very consensual, and their kink worked for them both splendidly! Just to finish up on this part, BDSM books have been very hit or miss for me lately. I think I am fading this genre out of my reading repertoire. There is only one series I am still going to read, by another of my favorite authors. I sincerely hope I will like that upcoming release.
Notice there were a lot of "I(s)" in that paragraph. This was just my opinion and others may enjoy this kink.
Any ramble...
What I liked about the book was the actual story. We have Amelia, who was a female Domme, but she was absolutely more than her sexuality. She was woman that wanted things out of life that a lot of women want: someone to love to love her in return and build a life and family with. Outside her kink, I really liked her. And of course if she were a RL person and we met, I would know nothing about her sex life, and I think I'd like her quite a bit. Olivier was quite the typical KA alpha male; complete with being a very intelligent, strong man, despite his limited vocabulary (the way these men talk drives me insane sometimes). He just enjoyed being dominated sexually. He struggled with this a great bit and there inlays a large part of the book's conflict. I liked Olivier very much as well. His alpha tendencies come through in his protective and possessiveness. I think what this showed was that people are multifaceted. People shouldn't judge other people based off one aspect of their personalities/lives. I enjoyed those parts.
Overall, I liked the story, hated the sex. And because this was an erotic BDSM story, the sex was a big part of the book. This was very much a KA book as far as the writing style goes. There were tons and tons of scenery descriptions, clothing descriptions, everything descriptions, broken sentences that you may have to reread, ect. If that was something that you were not fond of that KA does, this won't be any better for you. It was very much not a typical KA book as far as the explicit sex scenes go. It was VERY explicit! Before this book, Deacon was as sexually explicit as I had read from KA. This goes far beyond that. There were also some very interesting side characters that I can see getting their stories told, but at this point, I don't think I will be continuing this series. Anyway, so there you go. That's my opinion. Happy reading!!
March 20, 2017
Holy hot submissiveness! The Deep End is a scorchingly sensual and provocative read wrapped up in a delicious love story, and Kristen Ashley proves she can write just about any kind of romance.
Olivier Hawkes is a firefighter, a man’s man who just joined the Honey, an elite sex club where his entire being will be dedicated to pleasing a woman’s every craving, because underneath his turnout suit lives a man with dark and lascivious desires that aren’t easily satisfied.
With his physique, Olivier has garnered considerable attention but with a lack of experience and only knowing that there are no fantasies that won’t be explored he only acts until Mistress Amèlie challenges his will and asks for his surrender embarking with him on a journey of exploration and fulfillment they never expected.
Kristen Ashley fans get ready to strap yourselves because this is going to be one kinky ride, but don’t worry, even when we know this a departure from her usual romances with this series revolving around a BDSM club, you can still expect to find a gorgeous alpha male and a woman that’s made just for him along with the kind of sweet and tender addicting love story that you’ve come to love about Ashley’s books because she has her own unique way of making her readers feel. And yes, I’m also talking about her very own writing style which any KA fan can easily identify.
Although I tend to avoid erotica and prefer domineering alpha males as opposed to submissive alphas, this was for one, a Kristen Ashley book and two, the way she portrays Olly’s character was an incredibly sexy turn on. He’s a strong, confident and a caring man with added kink who knows he wants to explore a darker side of himself. And while Amèlie can wield a paddle and bring a man to unbelievable pleasure like no other, she’s also a woman who yearns to find deep and true love.
As an erotic romance, copious amounts of kinky sex are expected and Kristen Ashley demonstrates she did her homework with lots and lots of imaginative and blindingly hot ways for Domme and submissive to enjoy each other. But there’s so much more to The Deep End than that.
The connection that develops between the two as night after night they consume each other slowly turns into more and as they take their relationship outside the decadent walls of The Honey they will discover that love cannot defined or limited by preconceptions or stereotypes.
This book is not for the faint of heart. It should be read with an open mind, because if you take away all the kink, you’re left with a sweet and tender love story about living life at its fullest.
The Deep End is book #1 in the Honey series by Kristen Ashley. It is a DBSM erotic read, with loads of sex and kink and yes romance. It’s told from both points of view with a happy ending.
Final WARNING: This book hot! kinky hot! push your limits how! And it will burn up your eRead. Proceed at your own risk!
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via InkSlinger. The excerpts are from that copy. *
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
Olivier Hawkes is a firefighter, a man’s man who just joined the Honey, an elite sex club where his entire being will be dedicated to pleasing a woman’s every craving, because underneath his turnout suit lives a man with dark and lascivious desires that aren’t easily satisfied.
With his physique, Olivier has garnered considerable attention but with a lack of experience and only knowing that there are no fantasies that won’t be explored he only acts until Mistress Amèlie challenges his will and asks for his surrender embarking with him on a journey of exploration and fulfillment they never expected.
Kristen Ashley fans get ready to strap yourselves because this is going to be one kinky ride, but don’t worry, even when we know this a departure from her usual romances with this series revolving around a BDSM club, you can still expect to find a gorgeous alpha male and a woman that’s made just for him along with the kind of sweet and tender addicting love story that you’ve come to love about Ashley’s books because she has her own unique way of making her readers feel. And yes, I’m also talking about her very own writing style which any KA fan can easily identify.
Although I tend to avoid erotica and prefer domineering alpha males as opposed to submissive alphas, this was for one, a Kristen Ashley book and two, the way she portrays Olly’s character was an incredibly sexy turn on. He’s a strong, confident and a caring man with added kink who knows he wants to explore a darker side of himself. And while Amèlie can wield a paddle and bring a man to unbelievable pleasure like no other, she’s also a woman who yearns to find deep and true love.
“I’m yours, you can claim me, but get me now, Amélie, or we gotta have another conversation. You claim me, I claim you. I get my place. I get you make this decision. But I’m f*ckin’ sayin’ it anyway. You’re mine.”
As an erotic romance, copious amounts of kinky sex are expected and Kristen Ashley demonstrates she did her homework with lots and lots of imaginative and blindingly hot ways for Domme and submissive to enjoy each other. But there’s so much more to The Deep End than that.
The connection that develops between the two as night after night they consume each other slowly turns into more and as they take their relationship outside the decadent walls of The Honey they will discover that love cannot defined or limited by preconceptions or stereotypes.
This book is not for the faint of heart. It should be read with an open mind, because if you take away all the kink, you’re left with a sweet and tender love story about living life at its fullest.
The Deep End is book #1 in the Honey series by Kristen Ashley. It is a DBSM erotic read, with loads of sex and kink and yes romance. It’s told from both points of view with a happy ending.
Final WARNING: This book hot! kinky hot! push your limits how! And it will burn up your eRead. Proceed at your own risk!
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via InkSlinger. The excerpts are from that copy. *
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
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March 9, 2017OK DNF AND I'M SOOO SORRY
I am a HUGEEE KA fan, I've read so so many of her books, they quench my thirst when it comes to Alpha males and feisty women. I've been reading her books for years but sadly with this it just didn't work out. I knew it was going to be different but the writing is so so different to anything I've read before and I just can't keep on. Yes there is an Alpha sub but there was no depth and again where's my KA gone? Anyway I'm just going to leave it there and move on..
That Is All Xo
I am a HUGEEE KA fan, I've read so so many of her books, they quench my thirst when it comes to Alpha males and feisty women. I've been reading her books for years but sadly with this it just didn't work out. I knew it was going to be different but the writing is so so different to anything I've read before and I just can't keep on. Yes there is an Alpha sub but there was no depth and again where's my KA gone? Anyway I'm just going to leave it there and move on..
That Is All Xo
March 26, 2017
3.5 stars. All these 'dnf' just made that I even more wanted to read it. And I understand lots of them, because I have myself mixed feelings, but also I really admire going beyond the comfort zone and except certain things, I liked the story.
Amèlie liked to play. She is Mistress Amèlie, a Dominatrix, who is well known and appreciated in the Honey. After many years of this lifestyle, she was looking for a challenge. She missed the true connection and relation that could happen also outside the playroom. Olivier is confused and doesn't understand why he is like he is and why he likes what he likes. It's not proper for a man like him. But he decides to get into the club to explore it, and there meets Mistress Amèlie.
I was truly intrigued by Olivier and Amèlie story. Although I definitely prefer the alpha characters, it was something mysterious in the alpha-sub hero. But I craved more of these scenes, when his alpha nature come forth and those out of playroom. These are my favorite moments, I can't get rid of it. It's just that what works for me most. However, I had no problem with the erotic scenes, and there are many, among Mistress and sub male.
What I did not like is that it was strangely written. Especially on the hero part, I have to read several times many of his dialogues to understand what he wants to say. And there was too much sex scenes. They are great, creative and... revealing. But I would prefer to cut a few of them and more develop relationship between the characters. For example, I loved the scene like this:
In summary, I like books that push me out of the comfort zone, but it is not for everyone. Which for me could be inventive, for others may be too shocking, and even gross. But it's okay. Kristen Ashley has so many other books that certainly everyone will find something for yourself.
***
ARC kindly provided for an honest review. Thank you!
Amèlie liked to play. She is Mistress Amèlie, a Dominatrix, who is well known and appreciated in the Honey. After many years of this lifestyle, she was looking for a challenge. She missed the true connection and relation that could happen also outside the playroom. Olivier is confused and doesn't understand why he is like he is and why he likes what he likes. It's not proper for a man like him. But he decides to get into the club to explore it, and there meets Mistress Amèlie.
“Careful, baby, I’m gonna start thinking you’re a real person and not an angel sent from heaven to jack my shit.”
I was truly intrigued by Olivier and Amèlie story. Although I definitely prefer the alpha characters, it was something mysterious in the alpha-sub hero. But I craved more of these scenes, when his alpha nature come forth and those out of playroom. These are my favorite moments, I can't get rid of it. It's just that what works for me most. However, I had no problem with the erotic scenes, and there are many, among Mistress and sub male.
“All of you is mine. All. And I’ll play with it. I’ll make you beg for me to play with it. All of it. And I’ll give you my promise that I’ll make it worth it for you to give that to me.”
What I did not like is that it was strangely written. Especially on the hero part, I have to read several times many of his dialogues to understand what he wants to say. And there was too much sex scenes. They are great, creative and... revealing. But I would prefer to cut a few of them and more develop relationship between the characters. For example, I loved the scene like this:
“You’re being very bossy, Olivier.”
“Good, that means you might paddle my balls later. Now, get your ass over here so I can kiss you and finish eating.”
In summary, I like books that push me out of the comfort zone, but it is not for everyone. Which for me could be inventive, for others may be too shocking, and even gross. But it's okay. Kristen Ashley has so many other books that certainly everyone will find something for yourself.
***
ARC kindly provided for an honest review. Thank you!
March 16, 2017
I could get lost in this one, she thought. Lost and never found.
Known for her hot alpha heroes and her strong heroines, Kristen Ashley breaks new ground with this novel by offering to her reader not only a story that is decidedly more erotic than any of her previous works, but also by making the distinctive sexual dynamic between the characters the key building block in their relationship. With no holds barred, the author pulls us into a sensual new world where pleasure and pain are intimate bedfellows, and where the characters’ deepest, darkest desires come to life in a series of truly tantalizing sex scenes that give shape to a love affair like no other.
Continue reading this review...
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February 15, 2017
Wow! KA totally did it. Doubters have no fear. This rocks!
Completely impressed! KA has stepped out of her box and into the playroom of sexual debauchery and I like it! I know many KA fans have raised an eyebrow due to the couple dynamic in The Deep End. I mean, I had reservations as well. An alpha submissive? How in the world can that work? Honey, it doesn’t only work, it goes down smooth as… well…honey!
It’s written with such care that it comes off just right. Oliver is a reluctant sub, but he knows what he needs and wants sexually. I really did love this set up for a book. Why is it only the female that needs to be dominated to feel sexually fulfilled and to be reassured that it’s okay to feel this way? Why can’t an everyday alpha guy, who feels the need to protect and love his woman, find what fulfills him in the bedroom as well?
Amelie understands the needs that drive Oliver to purchase membership in the exclusive club named Honey. She has a reputation as caring and discerning dom. What they find together is both surprising and exactly what the other needs.
The Deep End is a fabulously filthy ride into a new world for Kristen Ashley and I love every single moment of it.
5 STARS!
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Completely impressed! KA has stepped out of her box and into the playroom of sexual debauchery and I like it! I know many KA fans have raised an eyebrow due to the couple dynamic in The Deep End. I mean, I had reservations as well. An alpha submissive? How in the world can that work? Honey, it doesn’t only work, it goes down smooth as… well…honey!
It’s written with such care that it comes off just right. Oliver is a reluctant sub, but he knows what he needs and wants sexually. I really did love this set up for a book. Why is it only the female that needs to be dominated to feel sexually fulfilled and to be reassured that it’s okay to feel this way? Why can’t an everyday alpha guy, who feels the need to protect and love his woman, find what fulfills him in the bedroom as well?
Amelie understands the needs that drive Oliver to purchase membership in the exclusive club named Honey. She has a reputation as caring and discerning dom. What they find together is both surprising and exactly what the other needs.
The Deep End is a fabulously filthy ride into a new world for Kristen Ashley and I love every single moment of it.
5 STARS!
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March 29, 2017 DNF sooner than I want to admit.
This book just didn't work for me and I'm so bummed. I love Kristen Ashley's writing style and this is POLAR opposite the style I'm accustomed to. It's frankly almost as if she used a ghost writer. I know that's not true but the prose is very flowery and lyrical and the FemDomme plot isn't holding my attention. It's a bummer but I'll cut my losses at 10% (oops, I said it) as I've put it down three times now.
I won't likely continue this series but this won't deter me from reading a more traditional Kristen Ashley trope- with her signature hot Alpha males and tough-as-nails heroines. THAT'S her specialty.
Advanced copy received by St Martin's Press in exchange for my honest review.
This book just didn't work for me and I'm so bummed. I love Kristen Ashley's writing style and this is POLAR opposite the style I'm accustomed to. It's frankly almost as if she used a ghost writer. I know that's not true but the prose is very flowery and lyrical and the FemDomme plot isn't holding my attention. It's a bummer but I'll cut my losses at 10% (oops, I said it) as I've put it down three times now.
I won't likely continue this series but this won't deter me from reading a more traditional Kristen Ashley trope- with her signature hot Alpha males and tough-as-nails heroines. THAT'S her specialty.
Advanced copy received by St Martin's Press in exchange for my honest review.
March 10, 2017
3.5 Stars
There’s been a lot of talk about the alpha-sub dynamic and the kink level in this book, however, at its core The Deep End is a love story. It’s about 2 characters finding their other half while filling a void in their sex life. Don’t get me wrong, the lifestyle is an overt part of the story and is prominent throughout.
Here’s the breakdown: To deal with his personal darkness, Olivier Hawke seeks the type of release only submission can provide. He experimented in the lifestyle with less than stellar results, so he devises a plan to join the most exclusive club BDSM club in Phoenix – The Bee’s Honey. Almost immediately, he is drawn to Mistress Amèlie. Does she possess the talents to tame this wild beast of a man?
Here’s what I enjoyed: Being introduced to the BDSM culture from a Domme’s perspective. This world was completely unexpected. The various relationships that are explored whether sexual or purely platonic were interesting.
The characters – some were more fleshed out than others, but I’m also interested in Branch and want to see him in the next book. I was particularly interested in the dynamic between Amelie and Stellan, a Dominant at the club. I kinda hated his guts early in the story, but became intrigued in his story by the end. I hope he shows up in later installments. Ooh, and Aryas. I need more of him!
The relationship development between Olivier and Amèlie. On the surface, the sex/kink is OTT. However, underneath all that these two characters slowly start to share intimate details with one another. They are both closed off individual, but open to each other. It was sweet to experience that.
What didn’t work so well: The writing. I’m well versed in K.A syntax and diction, but this book was on a whole other level! I found myself confused and re-reading sentences to ensure I understood what was going on. That was not enjoyable at all. I found the book way too wordy.
With that said, I’m glad I didn’t give up on it because it has stuck with me. Overall, it’s an enjoyable love story. The relationship development and interweaving of future storylines were quite entertaining. I commend Kristen Ashley on taking this risk and look forward to seeing how future stories unfold.
I attempted to write this review and not focus on sex and the kink level, but feel it prudent to say - if you decide to read this book you’ll need an open mind and hopefully enjoy reading about the BDSM lifestyle and play because it is front and center throughout the novel. This was unlike anything else I’ve ever read.
Read
March 21, 2017Sadly this was a DNF for me. I love stories with BDSM, the high emotion the psychological aspect and many of my favourite books feature this element. However, in my humble opinion what I read of this story was too clinical, cold and with little emotion and no real connection. I love to see Authors trying new things, I applaud it, and also I am a long time KA fan, but this one just didn't work for me sadly.
March 10, 2017
I think this was the hardest KA book to rate that I've ever read. It was not what I expected, but then again I didn't know what to expect so I went into this with zero expectations. When I heard that Kristen Ashley was introducing a new erotica series, I was intrigued. My curiosity has been slaked but I'm not sure exactly what to say about this read. At first I was going to DNF this story for a multitude of reasons, one of which was the oddity of what I was reading. But then I looked at it from a different angle and found that if I read this as regular old smut, it was quite entertaining. So I've labeled this smut and encourage smut lovers to take a chance on it.
Amelie is a domme at the Honey Club who has finally figured out, after seven years on the scene, that she wants more. She wants more than what the posturing subs that frequent the place have to offer. She wants more than a sub who will break under pressure. She wants a sub that she can bond with and have a future with. She meets Olivier and while he's new to the club (and to the life), it's almost immediately apparent that he is all that she's wished for and more. He offers a fulfillment and a kinship she hadn't found before.
Olivier was obviously no ordinary sub. For one, he was huge and I mean everywhere ladies *wink. He was also quite the Alpha and found it hard to relinquish the rigid control he held over himself. I think that's what I liked about him and Amelie. There was a fluidity and sensuality throughout their relationship, both in and out of the bedroom/playroom and they both seemed to have an inherent sense of each other's limits.
So, what didn't work for me was the fact that Olivier was an Alpha and I was expected to believe that he wanted to be submissive. Huh? That didn't work for me. Maybe if I didn't find plenty of KA-isms throughout this story, such as typical Alpha/caveman behavior like grunting and "babe" and the use of incomplete sentences, maybe then this would be easier to read. But the KA formula was still there and as much as I still love that formula, there was an idiosyncrasy when linked to the idea of an Alpha male as a submissive. And I didn't completely buy the idea of Amelie as a domme. The scenes where she played weren't enjoyable for me. I preferred when she and Olivier were real with each rather than playing a scene that lacked authenticity. This was a huge step out of the box for KA fans such as myself and I'm unsure if it was a hit or a miss. I'm still contemplating the effect this story had on me.
Release Date: March 7, 2017
Genre: Erotica - BDSM
POV: Dual - 3rd person
Steam: 5 out of 5
Book Type: Book One of the Honey series
Amelie is a domme at the Honey Club who has finally figured out, after seven years on the scene, that she wants more. She wants more than what the posturing subs that frequent the place have to offer. She wants more than a sub who will break under pressure. She wants a sub that she can bond with and have a future with. She meets Olivier and while he's new to the club (and to the life), it's almost immediately apparent that he is all that she's wished for and more. He offers a fulfillment and a kinship she hadn't found before.
Olivier was obviously no ordinary sub. For one, he was huge and I mean everywhere ladies *wink. He was also quite the Alpha and found it hard to relinquish the rigid control he held over himself. I think that's what I liked about him and Amelie. There was a fluidity and sensuality throughout their relationship, both in and out of the bedroom/playroom and they both seemed to have an inherent sense of each other's limits.
So, what didn't work for me was the fact that Olivier was an Alpha and I was expected to believe that he wanted to be submissive. Huh? That didn't work for me. Maybe if I didn't find plenty of KA-isms throughout this story, such as typical Alpha/caveman behavior like grunting and "babe" and the use of incomplete sentences, maybe then this would be easier to read. But the KA formula was still there and as much as I still love that formula, there was an idiosyncrasy when linked to the idea of an Alpha male as a submissive. And I didn't completely buy the idea of Amelie as a domme. The scenes where she played weren't enjoyable for me. I preferred when she and Olivier were real with each rather than playing a scene that lacked authenticity. This was a huge step out of the box for KA fans such as myself and I'm unsure if it was a hit or a miss. I'm still contemplating the effect this story had on me.
Release Date: March 7, 2017
Genre: Erotica - BDSM
POV: Dual - 3rd person
Steam: 5 out of 5
Book Type: Book One of the Honey series
August 6, 2017
2.5 ★'s
Okay, so I knew before going in that I probably wouldn't be a big fan of this book (and I wasn't) but...I've been curious about it since the reviews started rolling in and figured I'd give it a chance.
One "good" thing is that this is still told in the typical Kristen Ashley style...full of Alpha-male speak and long, descriptive sentences. I seriously don't think there's a way to edit her! ;)
And that makes the beginning of this book particularly painful because it is so very dry...ugh! Add into that LOTS of describing, well, EVERYTHING and it's almost too much. (And I haven't even gotten to the club stuff yet!)
Let me start off by saying that I'm not very educated about the BDSM club scene besides what I've read in a few books so I really have no idea how accurate some of these things are.
What I do know is that Amèlie is a Dommes and apparently is pretty well known and sought after. Olivier is an Alpha-sub and that is exactly what it sounds like...Alpha in normal life and sub in sex life. He wants her and as soon as she sees him, they are inseparable.
We get a little insight about why Olivier, aka Olly, is the way he is and to be honest, I was a little WTH? I guess I expected more for an Alpha to be that way. (again, I have no clue if this is common or not) Amèlie, aka Leigh, on the other hand, no explanation (at least from what I could find) which is a tad disappointing.
We do get to know that Amèlie loves to call Olivier "her beast" or "her steed" and even "stallion" is thrown in there a few times. When she actually has him wear a certain "device", I about lost it. Now, that's something I would die to see!
They hit it off sexually. Amèlie is everything Olivier has been looking for but Amèlie is looking for something... more . She's been in the life for a while and wants to merge the sexual relationship with a normal relationship outside the club.
We get to know a few of the other Doms and Dommes and their slave/partners. There's some drama going on in a few of the relationships but there are some happy ones too.
Unfortunately, some of the concern Amèlie has for some members ends up causing her harm. Naturally, this comes at a time when Amèlie and Olivier are not talking and this is a catalyst for them to get their act together.
We also get to meet Branch. He's the Hero in the next book, The Farthest Edge, and I do have to say that between him and the heroine, Kristen Ashley has made me want to read their book as well. The seemingly good part is that these are two broken people and their "sessions" are isolated so maybe there are less Club scenes?
If you're a fan of Club scenes and Kristen Ashley, this should be a win-win for you. I enjoyed Leigh and Olly when they were not at the club and kept wishing for more of those times. However, Kristen Ashley has managed to intrigue me with a few characters so I imagine I will pick up a few books just to see. *SMDH*
Okay, so I knew before going in that I probably wouldn't be a big fan of this book (and I wasn't) but...I've been curious about it since the reviews started rolling in and figured I'd give it a chance.
One "good" thing is that this is still told in the typical Kristen Ashley style...full of Alpha-male speak and long, descriptive sentences. I seriously don't think there's a way to edit her! ;)
And that makes the beginning of this book particularly painful because it is so very dry...ugh! Add into that LOTS of describing, well, EVERYTHING and it's almost too much. (And I haven't even gotten to the club stuff yet!)
Let me start off by saying that I'm not very educated about the BDSM club scene besides what I've read in a few books so I really have no idea how accurate some of these things are.
What I do know is that Amèlie is a Dommes and apparently is pretty well known and sought after. Olivier is an Alpha-sub and that is exactly what it sounds like...Alpha in normal life and sub in sex life. He wants her and as soon as she sees him, they are inseparable.
We get a little insight about why Olivier, aka Olly, is the way he is and to be honest, I was a little WTH? I guess I expected more for an Alpha to be that way. (again, I have no clue if this is common or not) Amèlie, aka Leigh, on the other hand, no explanation (at least from what I could find) which is a tad disappointing.
We do get to know that Amèlie loves to call Olivier "her beast" or "her steed" and even "stallion" is thrown in there a few times. When she actually has him wear a certain "device", I about lost it. Now, that's something I would die to see!
They hit it off sexually. Amèlie is everything Olivier has been looking for but Amèlie is looking for something... more . She's been in the life for a while and wants to merge the sexual relationship with a normal relationship outside the club.
We get to know a few of the other Doms and Dommes and their slave/partners. There's some drama going on in a few of the relationships but there are some happy ones too.
Unfortunately, some of the concern Amèlie has for some members ends up causing her harm. Naturally, this comes at a time when Amèlie and Olivier are not talking and this is a catalyst for them to get their act together.
We also get to meet Branch. He's the Hero in the next book, The Farthest Edge, and I do have to say that between him and the heroine, Kristen Ashley has made me want to read their book as well. The seemingly good part is that these are two broken people and their "sessions" are isolated so maybe there are less Club scenes?
If you're a fan of Club scenes and Kristen Ashley, this should be a win-win for you. I enjoyed Leigh and Olly when they were not at the club and kept wishing for more of those times. However, Kristen Ashley has managed to intrigue me with a few characters so I imagine I will pick up a few books just to see. *SMDH*
maybe
April 10, 2016A BDSM story about an alpha-sub? How does that even work?Not sure if I want to read this. It's KA but alpha and sub for me don't go together...
March 25, 2017
I picked up my first Kristen Ashley book in 2011 -- Rock Chick. It was a difficult time in my life and when I found KA, I found the perfect escape. Since that time I have devoured most of her collection and proven wrong by my belief that I didn't like Fantasy. KA has always been a constant for me. Her books have been my happy place.
When I heard about The Deep End, to say I was intrigued puts it mildly. I love when authors flip the script. When what we are used to becomes different. And that is what I expected when I picked up The Deep End. Only, the different I found was that it didn't read like the Kristen Ashley I had come to love. I didn't feel the romance and I didn't like the heroine. While I loved the fact that she was a female alpha, her standoffish attitude and behavior were a turn-off for me.
A strong character, whether they be male or female, needs to have a balance. Ashley's alpha-males certainly do. You can count on them to be protectors, sometimes a$$holes but always, always I can count on them to be endearing, loving and kind to their love interest. The positives balance out the negatives.
Going into this story I expected that there would be a lot of sex ... I mean, "Enter a decadent sensual world where gorgeous alpha males are pleasure slaves committed to fulfilling a woman's every desire. At the elite Honey club, no boundary will be left untested, and one's darkest desires will become a sensual reality." warns us of that. So I guess this was my fault. In that, I expected this book to be more like what I had come to love from KA where relationship and romance were the focus. With The Deep End, I felt like the plot/story was secondary to the sex.
I did love that Olivier maintained some of his strength. He didn't fully submit. I loved the warring between his desires and who he was.
Before reading this book -- and I hope you do -- go into it without expectations. Have an open mind. I think had I done those things, I would have had a different experience.
**I received an Advanced Reader Copy. This did not influence my opinion of the book, nor my review.**
When I heard about The Deep End, to say I was intrigued puts it mildly. I love when authors flip the script. When what we are used to becomes different. And that is what I expected when I picked up The Deep End. Only, the different I found was that it didn't read like the Kristen Ashley I had come to love. I didn't feel the romance and I didn't like the heroine. While I loved the fact that she was a female alpha, her standoffish attitude and behavior were a turn-off for me.
A strong character, whether they be male or female, needs to have a balance. Ashley's alpha-males certainly do. You can count on them to be protectors, sometimes a$$holes but always, always I can count on them to be endearing, loving and kind to their love interest. The positives balance out the negatives.
Going into this story I expected that there would be a lot of sex ... I mean, "Enter a decadent sensual world where gorgeous alpha males are pleasure slaves committed to fulfilling a woman's every desire. At the elite Honey club, no boundary will be left untested, and one's darkest desires will become a sensual reality." warns us of that. So I guess this was my fault. In that, I expected this book to be more like what I had come to love from KA where relationship and romance were the focus. With The Deep End, I felt like the plot/story was secondary to the sex.
I did love that Olivier maintained some of his strength. He didn't fully submit. I loved the warring between his desires and who he was.
Before reading this book -- and I hope you do -- go into it without expectations. Have an open mind. I think had I done those things, I would have had a different experience.
**I received an Advanced Reader Copy. This did not influence my opinion of the book, nor my review.**
not-reading
February 17, 2017Alpha Sub?
Wait
What?
No
No
No
Just hell no
There is no such thing KA
KA you are getting my author behaving badly award for this sure to be nonsense of a book.
Update January 5th
So i decided I'd read the alpha sub teaser.
"When Amélie invites Olivier to surrender, she gives the alpha submissive what he craves."
KA needs to look up the definition of alpha and submissive. Does she not understand how ridiculous this is? That he cant be both?
Two pages in she tells this " Alpha Sub " his safeword is "kitten"
Thus ending my reading of the preview.
Because no. Just no.
2/9/16. I just DNF'd on this excerpt too......https://www.rtbookreviews.com/blog/13.... First time I've DNF'd a book, on excerpt only. So stupid.
2/17/17 so I get this " personal note" from KA today
Now KA must have paid goodreads a pretty penny to get everyone's email addresses to send this out. I doubt she will get her money's worth because there is no way half her fans are reading this. I wish her not writing this book sooner for " reasons she couldn't fathom " had won out. And she never wrote it. Put down the bottle KA. Come back to us.
Wait
What?
No
No
No
Just hell no
There is no such thing KA
KA you are getting my author behaving badly award for this sure to be nonsense of a book.
Update January 5th
So i decided I'd read the alpha sub teaser.
"When Amélie invites Olivier to surrender, she gives the alpha submissive what he craves."
KA needs to look up the definition of alpha and submissive. Does she not understand how ridiculous this is? That he cant be both?
Two pages in she tells this " Alpha Sub " his safeword is "kitten"
Thus ending my reading of the preview.
Because no. Just no.
2/9/16. I just DNF'd on this excerpt too......https://www.rtbookreviews.com/blog/13.... First time I've DNF'd a book, on excerpt only. So stupid.
2/17/17 so I get this " personal note" from KA today
Now KA must have paid goodreads a pretty penny to get everyone's email addresses to send this out. I doubt she will get her money's worth because there is no way half her fans are reading this. I wish her not writing this book sooner for " reasons she couldn't fathom " had won out. And she never wrote it. Put down the bottle KA. Come back to us.
February 22, 2017
I have never read a Kristen Ashley book and I'm sad to say that I didn't enjoy this one. I made it through to the end to find out what happens but there was A LOT of skimming involved. I am normally not a BDSM, D/s, sex club, explicit sex kind of reader but the blurb caught my attention and this is KA, I have heard so much about her books and I wanted to give her a try.
I REALLY wish I had gotten a recommendation of a good KA book to read because this was just not my thing. Yes, it was sexy as hell, crazy intense, mind boggling hot, and it did hold my attention at times.
I guess for me the sex was just TOO much, too over the top and really tested my comfort zone while reading. Maybe this is my own fault for picking up a book with a warning about explicit sex. There was also some drama that felt unnecessary as it could have been solved simply by communication. While the plot/story was interesting, I just wish I was more into it. I truly believe that the overabundance of sex ruined it for me. :(
Would I read the next one in the series? Probably not honestly. But would I try another KA book? Probably yes - if someone could give me a good recommendation of one to try :)
P.S. I didn't love how the hero spoke...sometimes without the pronouns - I think I read somewhere that this is her thing? I didn't really love that either.
I REALLY wish I had gotten a recommendation of a good KA book to read because this was just not my thing. Yes, it was sexy as hell, crazy intense, mind boggling hot, and it did hold my attention at times.
I guess for me the sex was just TOO much, too over the top and really tested my comfort zone while reading. Maybe this is my own fault for picking up a book with a warning about explicit sex. There was also some drama that felt unnecessary as it could have been solved simply by communication. While the plot/story was interesting, I just wish I was more into it. I truly believe that the overabundance of sex ruined it for me. :(
Would I read the next one in the series? Probably not honestly. But would I try another KA book? Probably yes - if someone could give me a good recommendation of one to try :)
P.S. I didn't love how the hero spoke...sometimes without the pronouns - I think I read somewhere that this is her thing? I didn't really love that either.
March 10, 2017
The Queen of all Alphas finally entered the BDSM genre realm with her latest release, The Deep End. Welcome to the decadent world of the Bee's Honey Club and prepare yourself for Olivier and Amèlie’s wildly erotic ride.
I'm always excited when hearing there's a new series in the making and Kristen Ashley, my favorite author, now writing BDSM stories is like making all my literary dreams come true. Her romances are extremely steamy, I could only imagine what a full-blown D/s read would be like. Reading the synopsis piqued my curiosity and all these wicked thoughts flooded my mind…
A love story set in a sex club! Sign me up!
A hedonistic den where all dark desires are fulfilled;
Limits of sexual fantasies are boundless;
The promise of sizzling mouth-watering kinkery;
And gorgeous Alpha males submit to the salacious commands of their Mistresses...
Wait. What??
Okay, so the concept of an Alpha submitting to a Domme was nerve-wracking and screwed with my mind a little. It was inconceivable that KA, the author who spoiled me with so many beloved and incomparable heroes, would write about an Alpha-sub. (Not even sure what an “Alpha-sub” was for shit's sake – but I certainly do now). I LOVE the way her fictional men dominate both in and out of the bedroom. How can I possibly love a hero who sexually submits? It's their overly controlling nature that melts me into a big pile of goo and one of the countless reasons why I love getting lost within her stories.
Nervousness be damned, I trustingly laid my heart in KA's hands knowing full well that she would never - could never let me down. Delighted to say she hasn’t. Admittedly, the beginning of this read had a different feel than what I'm used to and it took some time for me to connect with Olivier and Amèlie. However, the vividly descriptive writing that I am familiar with surfaced as the story progressed. Once these characters revealed themselves, and their relationship evolved from sexual encounters and club scenes to feelings of love, I was all in. And note ~ it is a testament to Ashley's story-telling talents to pen an extremely different kind of tale, one that really tested my comfort level, while remaining true to her a style. That's why she's my queen of romance. Whether writing about badass bikers, anti-heroes, vampires & werewolves, ghosts that haunt the living, insanely hot PI's, brooding sexy cops or D/s erotica - I know down to my bones the very essence of a KA story that I relish will ultimately shine through. This time, she sprinkled a heavy dose of delicious kink into her goodness.
Olivier (Olly) is a KA hero through and through, who could be extremely dominant at times, despite his sexually submissive nature. He's all sorts of sexy, swoon-worthy manliness and I love him. A cocky and cheeky S.O.B who's insanely intense, temperamental, possessive, controlling and most importantly... ALL ALPHA-MALE. Amélie is undoubtedly his woman, and Olivier goes about claiming her in every way, in a very clear and dominant way, inside and out of the Honey Club.
Olivier is a mighty beast. Strong, passionate, devoted – he possesses some of the important qualities I look for in a storybook hero. But it was his internal conflict that fascinated me.
He struggled with submitting, regardless of his deep-seated yearning to surrender control. I loved the way Amélie sensed his hesitations and as his Mistress, handled him with care by freely giving exactly what he desired during their scenes. Amélie was both patient and forceful when opening up her world to Olly. She broke through the barriers while allowing him the time to find comfort with his sexual proclivities. Conversely, being a dominant herself, Amélie willingly accepted the man Olly needed to be when playtime was over. It was an essential part of their dynamic relationship that I needed to understand in order to connect with this couple.
Amélie was both patient and forceful when opening up her world to Olly. She broke through the barriers while allowing him the time to find comfort with his sexual proclivities. Conversely, being a dominant herself, Amélie willingly accepted the man Olly needed to be when playtime was over. It was an essential part of their dynamic relationship that I needed to understand in order to connect with this couple.
Amélie's (Leigh-Leigh) character took me by surprise and not what I expected a Domme to be. Overly sophisticated, reserved and confident in her sexuality, she wielded her dominance and riding crop with finesse. However, she was burdened with insecurities. Tired of entertaining temporary "toys", Amélie wanted to share her life with a man who could own her heart and satisfy her desires. I adored the way Olivier recognized Amélie's vulnerabilities and affectionately tended to her needs as well. Together, this couple’s relationship grew sexually and emotionally, both giving and taking. They balanced each other beautifully. I savored every moment of their journey from building bonds of trust to discovering a shared deep-rooted connection from their play/love relationship.
Now with a new series, a new genre and taking a great departure from the norm, fans may be apprehensive fearing the unknown. After all, this is unchartered territory for Ms. Ashley. Having read The Deep End and expressing the same concerns, I would encourage both fans and those who enjoy BDSM reads to open their minds, take a faithful leap into this couple’s story, and judge it for themselves. I had my doubts, it was unfamiliar to me in the beginning, but happy to say I enjoyed it. I will warn that Olivier and Amèlie's sexual play was wildly kinky and outrageous at times. More than once I needed to take a step back, catch my breath and wrap my head around the scenes – they were extremely intense and scorching hot. A good start to what I believe will be a great series. I cannot wait to play with more sexy bees from the Honey.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this publication
February 28, 2017
Well, well! The writing in 'The Deep End' is VERY different from other Kristen Ashley books but not to fear, the author turns the heat WAY up in this book. I'll be honest, I had to think about this story for a while after I finished reading it.
I loved the plot of this book. The heroine Amelia is a Domme and is very accepting of herself and her needs. She was unapologetic about her lifestyle and for that, I applaud the author. In many other ways, she was just a normal human being with a desire to build a relationship with someone outside the BDSM scene and club life.
Amelia is a member of the ultra-exclusive club The Bee's Honey. They have a very rigorous screening process and she knows the men she will meet will have to pass certain requirements before they can walk in the door. She has never quite met the "perfect" sub but once she sets her sights on Olivier, all bets are off. He's her dream man, an Alpha sub who can meet her every need. He is everything I love about a KA hero: strong, confident, loving and caring. I had a bit of difficulty with their dynamic because he didn't seem like he was really a true submissive but their relationship worked. Olivier and Amelie didn't have a "typical" D/s relationship (if there even is such a thing) but they both seemed perfect for each other.
I am a diehard Kristen Ashley fan so I will read anything this woman writes. I LOVED the erotic aspects of this story and the BDSM scenes did not offend me at all. I think that KA writes some very explicit sex scenes but 'The Deep End' is VERY explicit!! If you are a fan of this author's books, then definitely give this one a try. It is different and intriguing and has some very unique characters. Just be prepared to be surprised. Enjoy!!
ARC provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
I loved the plot of this book. The heroine Amelia is a Domme and is very accepting of herself and her needs. She was unapologetic about her lifestyle and for that, I applaud the author. In many other ways, she was just a normal human being with a desire to build a relationship with someone outside the BDSM scene and club life.
Amelia is a member of the ultra-exclusive club The Bee's Honey. They have a very rigorous screening process and she knows the men she will meet will have to pass certain requirements before they can walk in the door. She has never quite met the "perfect" sub but once she sets her sights on Olivier, all bets are off. He's her dream man, an Alpha sub who can meet her every need. He is everything I love about a KA hero: strong, confident, loving and caring. I had a bit of difficulty with their dynamic because he didn't seem like he was really a true submissive but their relationship worked. Olivier and Amelie didn't have a "typical" D/s relationship (if there even is such a thing) but they both seemed perfect for each other.
I am a diehard Kristen Ashley fan so I will read anything this woman writes. I LOVED the erotic aspects of this story and the BDSM scenes did not offend me at all. I think that KA writes some very explicit sex scenes but 'The Deep End' is VERY explicit!! If you are a fan of this author's books, then definitely give this one a try. It is different and intriguing and has some very unique characters. Just be prepared to be surprised. Enjoy!!
ARC provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
Read
March 10, 2017DNF
Five days it's taken me to push through to 50%, trying to talk myself into enjoying it, but I'm not.
My main issues:
The formal, stilted third person narrative style from Amelie. It's cold, it's aloof and it's not allowing me to immerse myself in the story or feel like I know the characters.
The use of complicated apparatus during smut scenes. Body part A is strapped to body part B and a long chain links through phlange D so that body part E is pinned to the floor...my eyes glaze over very quickly and then I'm struggling to figure out the logistics. I guess I didn't appreciate how much I rely on these directions in the text to build an image in my mind. When that fails I'm just reading the words.
I feel awkward seeing an alpha being bossed around. I can see he's getting off on it, but it wasn't convincing enough to get me past the sense that he was being emasculated every time it happened and that doesn't sit well with me. Just not my thing I suppose.
Plot. There just wasn't enough going on to hold my interest. Perhaps if the smut had worked better for me then it wouldn't be as noticeable, but I kept holding out for that curl of excitement as the story started to take off, but it just wasn't happening.
This is only my second ever KA dnf, I've read everything else she's written and (mostly) loved it, so not a bad track record really. She's still my fave, but I'll skip the rest of this series and look forward to her using all of her smut writing skills, hopefully minus the complicated apparatus and away from the sex club, in her next book.
Five days it's taken me to push through to 50%, trying to talk myself into enjoying it, but I'm not.
My main issues:
The formal, stilted third person narrative style from Amelie. It's cold, it's aloof and it's not allowing me to immerse myself in the story or feel like I know the characters.
The use of complicated apparatus during smut scenes. Body part A is strapped to body part B and a long chain links through phlange D so that body part E is pinned to the floor...my eyes glaze over very quickly and then I'm struggling to figure out the logistics. I guess I didn't appreciate how much I rely on these directions in the text to build an image in my mind. When that fails I'm just reading the words.
I feel awkward seeing an alpha being bossed around. I can see he's getting off on it, but it wasn't convincing enough to get me past the sense that he was being emasculated every time it happened and that doesn't sit well with me. Just not my thing I suppose.
Plot. There just wasn't enough going on to hold my interest. Perhaps if the smut had worked better for me then it wouldn't be as noticeable, but I kept holding out for that curl of excitement as the story started to take off, but it just wasn't happening.
This is only my second ever KA dnf, I've read everything else she's written and (mostly) loved it, so not a bad track record really. She's still my fave, but I'll skip the rest of this series and look forward to her using all of her smut writing skills, hopefully minus the complicated apparatus and away from the sex club, in her next book.
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