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Learning To Drown
Ember is into the whole abduction scenario. She tries and tries to coach her boyfriend Damien in the fine art of being her abductor and sexual tyrant. It's not working. One night, while locked in his truck's tool box, she's towed from Damien's property. Lucas Crow, freelance repo man and all around growly dominant, rescues her from her self-imposed prison. He even takes her home, feeds her and gets her cuffs off when it becomes evident that Damien is not coming to her rescue.
Taken with Ember and her story, Lucas gives her a choice. Stay in her unhappy relationship and play 'games' (basically dominating Damien by dictating his behavior) or stay with him as his 'captive' and learn what true surrender is. It's like learning to drown, giving up to get where you want to be. Ember is eerily taken with this man and his quiet and sure ways. The more she discovers the more she wants to discover. Like his history, his back story, where that sexy scar in his eyebrow came from.
When Ember meets Matthew Crow, she's not sure she can do what might be expected of her. Matthew's everything his brother isn't. He's mouthy, petulant, younger and spoiled. And he informs her on the way to a repo job, that they share women–he and Lucas. And they're going to share her–and he can't wait to get his taste.
Ember is torn. Stay and get to experience more of the sexual talents of Lucas and Matthew Crow or leave. Does she stay and learn to drown and maybe experience the erotic levels she truly craves, or does she keep struggling and never learn the joy of submission and surrender?
Taken with Ember and her story, Lucas gives her a choice. Stay in her unhappy relationship and play 'games' (basically dominating Damien by dictating his behavior) or stay with him as his 'captive' and learn what true surrender is. It's like learning to drown, giving up to get where you want to be. Ember is eerily taken with this man and his quiet and sure ways. The more she discovers the more she wants to discover. Like his history, his back story, where that sexy scar in his eyebrow came from.
When Ember meets Matthew Crow, she's not sure she can do what might be expected of her. Matthew's everything his brother isn't. He's mouthy, petulant, younger and spoiled. And he informs her on the way to a repo job, that they share women–he and Lucas. And they're going to share her–and he can't wait to get his taste.
Ember is torn. Stay and get to experience more of the sexual talents of Lucas and Matthew Crow or leave. Does she stay and learn to drown and maybe experience the erotic levels she truly craves, or does she keep struggling and never learn the joy of submission and surrender?
224 pages, Nook
First published February 10, 2011
22 people are currently reading
2296 people want to read
About the author
Sommer Marsden
267 books281 followersProfessional dirty word writer, gluten free baker, sock addict, fat wiener dog walker, expert procrastinator. That sums it up.
Sommer Marsden has been called “…one of the top storytellers in the erotica genre” (Violet Blue), “Unapologetic” (Alison Tyler), “…the whirling dervish of erotica” (Craig J. Sorensen),and "Erotica royalty..." (Lucy Felthouse). Her erotic novels include Restricted Release, Restless Spirit, Boys Next Door, and the Zombie Exterminator series. Sommer currently writes for Harper Collins Mischief, Ellora's Cave, Xcite Books, Pretty Things Press, Excessica and Resplendence Publishing.
You can find Sommer's short works in well over one hundred and twenty-five (and counting) erotic anthologies.Visit her at Unapologetic Fiction http://sommermarsden.blogspot.com
Sommer Marsden has been called “…one of the top storytellers in the erotica genre” (Violet Blue), “Unapologetic” (Alison Tyler), “…the whirling dervish of erotica” (Craig J. Sorensen),and "Erotica royalty..." (Lucy Felthouse). Her erotic novels include Restricted Release, Restless Spirit, Boys Next Door, and the Zombie Exterminator series. Sommer currently writes for Harper Collins Mischief, Ellora's Cave, Xcite Books, Pretty Things Press, Excessica and Resplendence Publishing.
You can find Sommer's short works in well over one hundred and twenty-five (and counting) erotic anthologies.Visit her at Unapologetic Fiction http://sommermarsden.blogspot.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
October 13, 2011
"It had been amazing. Such a good surrender. Almost what I wanted. Almost. But then...it had waned. Every time after, the whole scenario was a little less. Not quite as bright or magical or surreal as that first time. I didn't come as hard. My heart didn't beat as fast. My surrender was less crisp and a little petulant."
What happens when your fantasy is your reality and your reality is your fantasy? Hmmm...that got you thinking didn't it?
Ember is an addict of sorts. Like all addicts, she is constantly chasing that blissful euphoric state that she only achieves through kidnap and non-consensual fantasies. She needs constant titillation or in this case, escalation in order to achieve the same high. Along her journey, she uncovers a lot about herself and what she needs. She discovers that she has been going about things all wrong. In hindsight, of-course, it is glaringly obvious what she needs--it just takes a stranger to show her.
I really enjoyed this book. The insight gained by allowing the reader into the mind of both the hero and heroine was crucial especially for those of us who have no first hand knowledge of the lifestyle. Learning To Drown is a little dark, okay, maybe more than a little dark. It contains elements of the BDSM culture like bondage, domination and submission to name a few, but nothing too extreme. It's also important to note that the main theme to this book is kidnap fantasy and non-con fantasy, so if that is a topic that bothers you , then you should steer clear. If you have no aversion to that, then you should enjoy this darkly sexy and romantic book. It is sure to add some spice and excitement to an otherwise boring night!
There were a lot of great scenes with sexy lines in this book, but the following was really the epitome of domination...I must have read it a million times...
"I don't mind being the bad guy. Bad guys have bigger guns, don't they? And they cheat. So go on, Ember, suck my gun."
✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews
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Erotic Enchants
Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group
What happens when your fantasy is your reality and your reality is your fantasy? Hmmm...that got you thinking didn't it?
Ember is an addict of sorts. Like all addicts, she is constantly chasing that blissful euphoric state that she only achieves through kidnap and non-consensual fantasies. She needs constant titillation or in this case, escalation in order to achieve the same high. Along her journey, she uncovers a lot about herself and what she needs. She discovers that she has been going about things all wrong. In hindsight, of-course, it is glaringly obvious what she needs--it just takes a stranger to show her.
I really enjoyed this book. The insight gained by allowing the reader into the mind of both the hero and heroine was crucial especially for those of us who have no first hand knowledge of the lifestyle. Learning To Drown is a little dark, okay, maybe more than a little dark. It contains elements of the BDSM culture like bondage, domination and submission to name a few, but nothing too extreme. It's also important to note that the main theme to this book is kidnap fantasy and non-con fantasy, so if that is a topic that bothers you , then you should steer clear. If you have no aversion to that, then you should enjoy this darkly sexy and romantic book. It is sure to add some spice and excitement to an otherwise boring night!
There were a lot of great scenes with sexy lines in this book, but the following was really the epitome of domination...I must have read it a million times...
"I don't mind being the bad guy. Bad guys have bigger guns, don't they? And they cheat. So go on, Ember, suck my gun."
✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews
___________________________________________________
If you like this type of book, you might enjoy one of these groups. Check us out!
Menage Readers
Erotic Enchants
Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group
May 19, 2011
A marvelous romantic, erotic love story between two people who meet under very trying circumstances: September Sullivan, known as Ember throughout the story, has been trying to meet an inner need by playing abduction/rape scenarios with her boyfriend to overcome a very stale and vanilla relationship. Now she is bound and locked in the tool box of Damien's pick-up when it is re-possessed, in an outside temperature of 12 degrees, clad only in nightie. Damien was supposed to be "abducting" her but while inside their house to retrieve one of their "toys", the truck is hauled away. It is only when reaching the impound yard that her cries for help and rescue are heard and the driver begins to find a way to free from the tool box and from the handcuffs binding her. Her whole mind and heart are completely hurt at Damien's upset over losing his truck but not a word of objection that his girlfriend is being hauled away as well. Lucas Crow, the driver, is a very complicated man who is immediately "taken" with Ember, and when she states she has nowhere to go other than back to Damien who has put forth no efforts to rescue her himself, Lucas takes her to his house, gives her a hot shower and clothing, feeds her, and their encounter/relationship begins. Lucas is a very dominant man and recognizes that the games Ember is staging with Damien are a the cry of a submissive person who needs to let go of some fairly significant emotional and psychological burdens. Lucas' brother is also involved, only because in the past the women in Lucas' life have been shared. He is unwilling to do this with Ember. As confused and ruffled as Ember is by this change in direction in her life, Lucas is confused as well. This is a very emotional story with lots of ups and downs, times when Ember's mind has so many questions, dealing with a myriad of new and distressing feelings, and struggling to recognize what an authentic love really is. This novel really grabbed me from word one, and I was not able to put it down. It ended up being an "all-nighter" for me and it was well worth it. One of those stories that continues to resonate in my mind long after I put it down. It is truly a "keeper."
January 13, 2013
Interesting read.
So, we have Ember, who is in a relationship with this dude who can't satisfy her. Not as in "can't satisfy", but he can't seem to get it right this fantasy that she has, which I thought was a bit bizarre. She wants to be kidnaped and she wants it to be real. Not "I play the victim and you play the kidnapper.", but at the same time she doesn't want to be a kidnaped for real, by some phycho maniac (What? What do you want?). One day, their game goes wrong and she gets kidnaped, by accident. Their car gets stolen, with her in it :). That is how she meets Lucas. Now, she have to tell him this embarrassing story about how she ended up cuffed and half naked in a back of the car :-).
And that's when the fun begins :-). They get to know each other, sparks fly and she finds out that she didn't need any stupid fantasies to be happy, she just needed some good old fashion manhandleing, that's all :-). And boy did Lucas gave it to her some :). Their games were fun.
One day they go shopping and he asks her to try some clothes on IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREAKING STORE! He says "No buts. Come on, we're burning daylight. Peel that fucker off and try these on.". Dear god !
Then, she meets Lucas's brother, who constantly gets her into trouble. You see, brothers use to share women before and this time Lucas says no, which pisses his brother off. Why Ember ends up paying for the consequences of his brother's stupid doings, I don't know, but good for her :). There was a scene where he tries to explain to his brother why he won't be sharing this particular woman with him and chooses very funny way to proves point. "Since you say she is nothing special then you wouldn't mind if I..." OMG! Lets say that after that, his brother stopped nagging him :-D.
One day, things turn for the worst when she gets kidnaped for real and realizes that she never ever wanted that. Things get really creepy and scary and it's not as fun as she thought it would be...
I liked the book, I just don't understand why the need to choos such a sleazy book cover :-S. other then that, it was interesting story.
So, we have Ember, who is in a relationship with this dude who can't satisfy her. Not as in "can't satisfy", but he can't seem to get it right this fantasy that she has, which I thought was a bit bizarre. She wants to be kidnaped and she wants it to be real. Not "I play the victim and you play the kidnapper.", but at the same time she doesn't want to be a kidnaped for real, by some phycho maniac (What? What do you want?). One day, their game goes wrong and she gets kidnaped, by accident. Their car gets stolen, with her in it :). That is how she meets Lucas. Now, she have to tell him this embarrassing story about how she ended up cuffed and half naked in a back of the car :-).
And that's when the fun begins :-). They get to know each other, sparks fly and she finds out that she didn't need any stupid fantasies to be happy, she just needed some good old fashion manhandleing, that's all :-). And boy did Lucas gave it to her some :). Their games were fun.
One day they go shopping and he asks her to try some clothes on IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREAKING STORE! He says "No buts. Come on, we're burning daylight. Peel that fucker off and try these on.". Dear god !
Then, she meets Lucas's brother, who constantly gets her into trouble. You see, brothers use to share women before and this time Lucas says no, which pisses his brother off. Why Ember ends up paying for the consequences of his brother's stupid doings, I don't know, but good for her :). There was a scene where he tries to explain to his brother why he won't be sharing this particular woman with him and chooses very funny way to proves point. "Since you say she is nothing special then you wouldn't mind if I..." OMG! Lets say that after that, his brother stopped nagging him :-D.
One day, things turn for the worst when she gets kidnaped for real and realizes that she never ever wanted that. Things get really creepy and scary and it's not as fun as she thought it would be...
I liked the book, I just don't understand why the need to choos such a sleazy book cover :-S. other then that, it was interesting story.
July 28, 2011
Between 2.5 and 3 Stars.
Ember has some kidnapping fantasies, that her boyfriend tries to fulfill. But he's not good enough. At least not for her.
When she ended up being "robbed" by a tall, dark, handsome and very dominating stranger, it's like all her prayers have been attended. Amen!
Learning to Drown started really good. I was really liking, even with the 1st person narration. It was fun, Ember was kinda crazy. Her thoughts and actions made me chuckle 40% of this book.
Then, my personal nightmare in erotica books, The Love, steps in.
WHY?? WHY??
Let's just be VERY serious. I don't buy the I love you after just one freaking day of knowing each other! Come on. Wtf?
No, no, and Hell No.
And let's just NOT start with the Matthew (Lucas's ass brother) thing. Lol
After the love declaration, I lost the interest in this book, but finished anyway. I half liked, but all the feelings, and Ember's childish/annoying/clingy personality, plus Lucas's bouncer attitude (Look, but don't touch or talk) made me not like half of it.
Ember has some kidnapping fantasies, that her boyfriend tries to fulfill. But he's not good enough. At least not for her.
When she ended up being "robbed" by a tall, dark, handsome and very dominating stranger, it's like all her prayers have been attended. Amen!
Learning to Drown started really good. I was really liking, even with the 1st person narration. It was fun, Ember was kinda crazy. Her thoughts and actions made me chuckle 40% of this book.
Then, my personal nightmare in erotica books, The Love, steps in.
WHY?? WHY??
Let's just be VERY serious. I don't buy the I love you after just one freaking day of knowing each other! Come on. Wtf?
No, no, and Hell No.
And let's just NOT start with the Matthew (Lucas's ass brother) thing. Lol
After the love declaration, I lost the interest in this book, but finished anyway. I half liked, but all the feelings, and Ember's childish/annoying/clingy personality, plus Lucas's bouncer attitude (Look, but don't touch or talk) made me not like half of it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2012
1 1/2 STARS ROUNDED UP FOR THIS ONE.
I wanted to like this book. The premise was a good one for me - woman has abduction fantasies, needs them to be realistic, locked in car's toolbox, which is picked up by repo man who appears he may be able to work with her fantasies in a more authentic fashion. One of my complaints is that hetero books often take a softly, softly approach because readers will be offended with things that happen to a female. This book promised to take things to a place that I sometimes want to go, but it failed to deliver.
What I didn't like -
1) Ember is way too trusting for BDSM with a man she's just met. Like ridiculously, dangerously trusting with a guy who is very strange and conflicted himself. She is co-dependent and sets subs and, in particular, women back 40 years. 2) Lucas is not particularly likeable or stable as a man, let alone as a supposed Dom. In my opinion he isn't a decent Dom, just a man releasing his pent-up frustrations by bossing people around. I wouldn't go near him with a 20 foot barge pole. 3) The brother, Matthew, was an annoying distraction, who went from bratty nutjob to (kind of) OK in 0-60 seconds. 4) Even the dog was obnoxious, down Daisy, you stink. AND 5) Learning to Drown wins the worst editing of the decade award. I am not a writer, an editor or paid critic, but the errors in this book were glaringly obvious to me. There were typos, grammatical errors and poorly formatted pages - absolutely everywhere. It thoroughly slaughtered the flow of the book.
What I liked -
Hmmm. 1) The sex wasn't too bad. 2) The premise was good and, with better execution, could have been a very interesting book. 3) There is promise for dark works oustide of the standard hetero box with Sommer Marsden. 4) The cover was very appealing.
Overall, Learning to Drown was a disappointing book. I don't know whether her other books are better....but an editor would bloody well help.
I wanted to like this book. The premise was a good one for me - woman has abduction fantasies, needs them to be realistic, locked in car's toolbox, which is picked up by repo man who appears he may be able to work with her fantasies in a more authentic fashion. One of my complaints is that hetero books often take a softly, softly approach because readers will be offended with things that happen to a female. This book promised to take things to a place that I sometimes want to go, but it failed to deliver.
What I didn't like -
1) Ember is way too trusting for BDSM with a man she's just met. Like ridiculously, dangerously trusting with a guy who is very strange and conflicted himself. She is co-dependent and sets subs and, in particular, women back 40 years. 2) Lucas is not particularly likeable or stable as a man, let alone as a supposed Dom. In my opinion he isn't a decent Dom, just a man releasing his pent-up frustrations by bossing people around. I wouldn't go near him with a 20 foot barge pole. 3) The brother, Matthew, was an annoying distraction, who went from bratty nutjob to (kind of) OK in 0-60 seconds. 4) Even the dog was obnoxious, down Daisy, you stink. AND 5) Learning to Drown wins the worst editing of the decade award. I am not a writer, an editor or paid critic, but the errors in this book were glaringly obvious to me. There were typos, grammatical errors and poorly formatted pages - absolutely everywhere. It thoroughly slaughtered the flow of the book.
What I liked -
Hmmm. 1) The sex wasn't too bad. 2) The premise was good and, with better execution, could have been a very interesting book. 3) There is promise for dark works oustide of the standard hetero box with Sommer Marsden. 4) The cover was very appealing.
Overall, Learning to Drown was a disappointing book. I don't know whether her other books are better....but an editor would bloody well help.
June 30, 2011
This is my first book by Sommer Marsden, and I will definitely be looking for more! What grabbed me about this story was how the author wove in touching dialogue about why a person would need to be controlled by another person -- lots of BDSM novels gloss over this underlying need, but it's pretty much the central theme in Learning to Drown.
I couldn't rate it 5 stars because some of the most sexual scenes took place when main character had a raging fever. While it was romantic how he ultimately cared for her while she was ill, the sex part was really just beyond believable. Even in hot BDSM novels, women do not easily and repeatedly orgasm when suffering from what turned out to be a bout of influenza.
Kudos to Selena Kitt for an awesome cover!
I couldn't rate it 5 stars because some of the most sexual scenes took place when main character had a raging fever. While it was romantic how he ultimately cared for her while she was ill, the sex part was really just beyond believable. Even in hot BDSM novels, women do not easily and repeatedly orgasm when suffering from what turned out to be a bout of influenza.
Kudos to Selena Kitt for an awesome cover!
July 10, 2011
I was rolling my eyes at the beginning of this book. It felt like the old familiar theme but I am glad I didn't put it down.
I loved that we had September's insights from a first person point of view. It seemed like just when I needed clarification for what she had done the author provided it.
The sex while she had the flu seemed a bit silly. When I have the flu - sex is the last thing I am considering - nor would I want to kiss someone who HAD the flu. But, that is just me....
The story felt a bit overly long but I think that is because most books in this genre tends to just get rolling then suddenly you are looking at- The End. This was much more satisfying.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Sommer Marsden.
I loved that we had September's insights from a first person point of view. It seemed like just when I needed clarification for what she had done the author provided it.
The sex while she had the flu seemed a bit silly. When I have the flu - sex is the last thing I am considering - nor would I want to kiss someone who HAD the flu. But, that is just me....
The story felt a bit overly long but I think that is because most books in this genre tends to just get rolling then suddenly you are looking at- The End. This was much more satisfying.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Sommer Marsden.
April 19, 2011
A Recommended Read. Learning to Drown by Sommer Marsden is a story of desperately wanting to have one’s needs met, about having the courage to both pursue and withdraw and about being learning to be careful what you wish for. To read the rest of this review, please visit http://www.blackravensreviews.com/?p=...
August 13, 2011
Borrowed Nook e-book. I wasn't sure I would like the whole BDSM abduction theme but it was handled well. The only thing I found off was at first she was so into playing the submissive but within a week she's mouthing off, yelling and throwing tantrums. She did get a spanking but if she was really into this lifestyle, it would seem it would last a little longer.
May 29, 2012
Ember wants to be kidnapped and dominated. What female who has kinky fantasies doesn't want this? Unfortunately, Ember's boyfriend Damien is not into this kink and she tops from the bottom. This is a great example of how things can go wrong when topping from below. Well, this is an exaggerated outcome, but it still is a valid one as far as how Damien feels. What really threw me was Damien not calling the cops when Ember was kidnapped. If I were Ember, I wouldn't have left my stuff with a guy like him. I'd be afraid he'd throw everything of mine away.
This story was interesting in concept. I also liked Lucas very much. I didn't like Ember. She had issues that I just didn't connect with. What I found more interesting was Lucas and his brother, Matthew. The dynamic between the two brothers was odd yet not exactly incestuous. Matthew's flip flopping threw me.
What bothered me was some of the switching of points of view. I didn't like when we switched from Ember to Lucas in the middle of a scene. One time we even switched from 1st to 3rd person for Ember which totally threw me. I'm not a big grammar person so for me to see it, it's not a plus. I think this book is for those who have a capture fantasy and wish for a white knight. Lucas is definitely a white knight. Ember is definitely a damsel in distress.
This story was interesting in concept. I also liked Lucas very much. I didn't like Ember. She had issues that I just didn't connect with. What I found more interesting was Lucas and his brother, Matthew. The dynamic between the two brothers was odd yet not exactly incestuous. Matthew's flip flopping threw me.
What bothered me was some of the switching of points of view. I didn't like when we switched from Ember to Lucas in the middle of a scene. One time we even switched from 1st to 3rd person for Ember which totally threw me. I'm not a big grammar person so for me to see it, it's not a plus. I think this book is for those who have a capture fantasy and wish for a white knight. Lucas is definitely a white knight. Ember is definitely a damsel in distress.
May 15, 2011
Once I picked up this book I couldn't put it down. I loved watching Ember a very strong woman go through her journey with Lucas. Ember wasn't afraid to ask for some odd things with her love making and when she meets Lucas and Matthew she's taken for a whole new ride. Ember and Lucas' journey to find out who they really are and what they really want in life is fantastic and full of suspense.
I thank Sommer Marsden and her publishing company for the chance to read this fantastic book. Thanks to goodreads too for being able to have the chance to read this book via giveaway.
I thank Sommer Marsden and her publishing company for the chance to read this fantastic book. Thanks to goodreads too for being able to have the chance to read this book via giveaway.
May 15, 2011
After a shaky start (WTF was she doing tied up in a box), I got it.......Ember is really a sweet character, almost unsure of herself and her cravings for domination and pain.
And Lucas, the strong, silent type, really grew on me as the story progressed, and I was really glad as he worked out that he could actually come to love someone.
The sex scenes were very well written, and HOT; and although I was not sure of Matthew's involvement (or character), again I got it in the end.........thank goodness.
A really super story, very well done.
And Lucas, the strong, silent type, really grew on me as the story progressed, and I was really glad as he worked out that he could actually come to love someone.
The sex scenes were very well written, and HOT; and although I was not sure of Matthew's involvement (or character), again I got it in the end.........thank goodness.
A really super story, very well done.
February 23, 2013
I loved it. Short read & for it being so short, it was still thorough. It still touched on vital key points. Such as why Ember wanted to submit, the whole thing with the brothers sharing, & last but not least, the change in ALL of them. Decisions needed to be made. And made they were. What I really liked was that the BDSM was very tasteful. Nothing too over the top. I was satisfied with the way it ended. No cliffhangers, just a solid ending.
January 4, 2015
I love me some Lucas Crow. DAmian, not so much because he is a bit off. But HEA Lucas, yum.
This wa a great abduction tale with a twist (and boy did it have some twist. One of the twist is how Matthew expresses his brotherly love. I would love to read a story on Matthew and maybe June.
I look forward to reading more by Sommer Marsden.
This wa a great abduction tale with a twist (and boy did it have some twist. One of the twist is how Matthew expresses his brotherly love. I would love to read a story on Matthew and maybe June.
I look forward to reading more by Sommer Marsden.
November 29, 2012
Great love story?: Not sure it was meant to be, but the relationships develop interestingly enough to keep me reading. And it's really dirty! Yum!
I found it quite funny, I actually laughed out loud at some parts of the book! Some very hot sex scenes, I'll give her that.
I'll definitely read more Sommer Marsden - this is a great smutty read!
I found it quite funny, I actually laughed out loud at some parts of the book! Some very hot sex scenes, I'll give her that.
I'll definitely read more Sommer Marsden - this is a great smutty read!
August 11, 2011
2.5 Stars
It was okay. I liked the premise but didn't really like the main characters. I just cannot imagine showing the blind trust Ember showed Lucas upon first meeting him and I wish more of the story had been from Lucas's point of view. Also Marsden needs a better editor.
It was okay. I liked the premise but didn't really like the main characters. I just cannot imagine showing the blind trust Ember showed Lucas upon first meeting him and I wish more of the story had been from Lucas's point of view. Also Marsden needs a better editor.
October 25, 2012
Hot little book! Love me a broken angry alpha who knows how to make a women come and come and come. Thank you Lucas and bro!! Oh and the icing on top of the amazing lusty cake, the author is from Baltimore... Like me:)
January 6, 2013
3.5 Stars!!
Really enjoyed the book and the story, pretty interesting.
“I know you’re stubborn but snow is not leaking out of your eyes. Why are you crying?”
LOL
Really enjoyed the book and the story, pretty interesting.
“I know you’re stubborn but snow is not leaking out of your eyes. Why are you crying?”
LOL
November 30, 2014
This was one of those books I had expected to be... I can't say dark, but definitely of the darker variety. In reality, it turned out to be a fun read. And by fun I mean the book was full of sexy times. *wink*
As for the protagonists of said times, there was the heroine Ember. When it came to sexual games, she was quite into abduction scenario, but every time she did it with her boyfriend, each time she got more annoyed than it managed to get her off. Then one day, during their game, she got abducted for real. Don't panic. That was just the hero of the book entering the scene to repo the truck of Ember's boyfriend. And with the truck came an unusual... let's call it bonus.
Lucas and the situation Ember found herself in were like something from her fantasies, so even though she knew she should have been afraid, and do everything to get away, instead she was aroused by Lucas, very aroused, constantly aroused. You may think I overused the word aroused, but believe me, I did not. My rough estimate is that Ember was in a state of high arousal during 90% of the book (but it could be more). And good for her, but I would have liked to get to know these characters more deeply, not just what turns them on. I didn't feel like I got to actually get to know any of the main characters. There was only a few pieces of information about their pasts revealed as to explain why they were they way they were, but I'm not going to lie, I would've liked more. For example, Lucas and his brother seemed to have a very interesting relationship going on, something Ember was caught in. I'd like to know how that came to be, how it worked, and would it continue in some way now.
Anyhow, Ember and Lucas meeting was like fate -- she a submissive needing a true Dominant, and not having to top from the bottom (which really was what she was doing with her boyfriend Damien), and he a Dominant who got tired of the women who passed through his life without leaving a trace. Yes, in each other they found what they were looking for without looking for it. You can already guess there was professing of love very early, which, to be honest, I'm always skeptical about, and I usually want to say: "Oh, come on!" However, I didn't let it bother me too much.
Even though I would've changed some things like having more parts in Lucas' POV, and those things I've already mentioned, and a few more, this was an interesting idea, and I've had my fun reading it.
As for the protagonists of said times, there was the heroine Ember. When it came to sexual games, she was quite into abduction scenario, but every time she did it with her boyfriend, each time she got more annoyed than it managed to get her off. Then one day, during their game, she got abducted for real. Don't panic. That was just the hero of the book entering the scene to repo the truck of Ember's boyfriend. And with the truck came an unusual... let's call it bonus.
Lucas and the situation Ember found herself in were like something from her fantasies, so even though she knew she should have been afraid, and do everything to get away, instead she was aroused by Lucas, very aroused, constantly aroused. You may think I overused the word aroused, but believe me, I did not. My rough estimate is that Ember was in a state of high arousal during 90% of the book (but it could be more). And good for her, but I would have liked to get to know these characters more deeply, not just what turns them on. I didn't feel like I got to actually get to know any of the main characters. There was only a few pieces of information about their pasts revealed as to explain why they were they way they were, but I'm not going to lie, I would've liked more. For example, Lucas and his brother seemed to have a very interesting relationship going on, something Ember was caught in. I'd like to know how that came to be, how it worked, and would it continue in some way now.
Anyhow, Ember and Lucas meeting was like fate -- she a submissive needing a true Dominant, and not having to top from the bottom (which really was what she was doing with her boyfriend Damien), and he a Dominant who got tired of the women who passed through his life without leaving a trace. Yes, in each other they found what they were looking for without looking for it. You can already guess there was professing of love very early, which, to be honest, I'm always skeptical about, and I usually want to say: "Oh, come on!" However, I didn't let it bother me too much.
Even though I would've changed some things like having more parts in Lucas' POV, and those things I've already mentioned, and a few more, this was an interesting idea, and I've had my fun reading it.
November 28, 2011
If ever there was a tag line to get me to read a book, "while locked in his tool box" was it! My first reaction was to laugh out loud at the ridiculousness of it and my next was to think...'What the heck' and buy it. My curiosity always gets the better of me and sometimes I'm left shaking my head wishing I'd left well enough alone, and other times, like this, I'm glad I went for it! I really enjoyed Learning to Drown. And not for the obvious reasons. The motivations of the characters is what draws me into any story. Why they do what they do or feel what they feel....With a book in this particular genre my question is always, what happened in their past that was so traumatic they feel the need to be dominated by someone or to be the person demanding submission from another person? And the answers in the few books I've read so far have never failed to move me or get me to understand why they chose to cope with it in such a way.
September and Lucus's story was no different. They both have painful pasts that set them on a path of trying to ease something inside them through dominating sex and roll play. Ember's boyfriend at the beginning is a real jewel btw. He's the guy who locks her in said toolbox. When she is rescued by Lucas the sparks fly and these two are off on a race of instalove and crazy sex. And I mean crazy. I had to skip pages at times. Not suitable for us "Vanilla Sex" gals out there that's for sure. But regardless I found the love story heartwarming. I'm a sucker for two emotionally messed up people finding peace and love with each other.
And the humor! I swear Sommer Marsden had me laughing as much as she had me blushing. There were some pretty funny conversations and inner monologues by Ember.
September and Lucus's story was no different. They both have painful pasts that set them on a path of trying to ease something inside them through dominating sex and roll play. Ember's boyfriend at the beginning is a real jewel btw. He's the guy who locks her in said toolbox. When she is rescued by Lucas the sparks fly and these two are off on a race of instalove and crazy sex. And I mean crazy. I had to skip pages at times. Not suitable for us "Vanilla Sex" gals out there that's for sure. But regardless I found the love story heartwarming. I'm a sucker for two emotionally messed up people finding peace and love with each other.
And the humor! I swear Sommer Marsden had me laughing as much as she had me blushing. There were some pretty funny conversations and inner monologues by Ember.
February 9, 2013
I borrowed this on a whim, opened it to read a couple of chapters to get an idea of the writing style and finished it in just a few hours - I literally could not put it down. I had to force myself to leave it for a few hours to go to sleep.
Some of the reviews say that the "L" word is used much too soon - I agree, and so do the Main Characters.
"I love you," I whipered, and when he opened his mout to answer me, I kissed it shut. "Don't answer me," I said. "It makes no sense."......"Don't remember that I said that. It's all too fast, I know."
They struggle with how fast it all happens too, they don't blissfully step into the perfect relationship after a day and never look back. They struggle, they fight, they lash out at each other in a pretty normal way - change is not something that human beings generally deal well with.
I loved the struggles in this book, Ember's struggle with who she is and what she REALLY needs out of life, in the bedroom, in a mate and partner; and Lucas's struggle with allowing anyone besides his brother behind the massive barriers he has built out of necessity. The book only covers a little more than a week, but we get genuine growth and developement, actual relationship issues, and a few twists that you don't see coming.
Oh, and by the way, the sex (both real and in Ember's head) are scorching and inventive. Public exhibition, breath play, multiple partners, punishment, orgasm denial, bondage...I could go on, but is it getting hot in here?
Let me be clear, that I think this is a Five-Star book, but some editing and odd formatting issues kept me from giving it the full Five Star Rating. That being said, this is definitely a keeper and a great book.
Some of the reviews say that the "L" word is used much too soon - I agree, and so do the Main Characters.
"I love you," I whipered, and when he opened his mout to answer me, I kissed it shut. "Don't answer me," I said. "It makes no sense."......"Don't remember that I said that. It's all too fast, I know."
They struggle with how fast it all happens too, they don't blissfully step into the perfect relationship after a day and never look back. They struggle, they fight, they lash out at each other in a pretty normal way - change is not something that human beings generally deal well with.
I loved the struggles in this book, Ember's struggle with who she is and what she REALLY needs out of life, in the bedroom, in a mate and partner; and Lucas's struggle with allowing anyone besides his brother behind the massive barriers he has built out of necessity. The book only covers a little more than a week, but we get genuine growth and developement, actual relationship issues, and a few twists that you don't see coming.
Oh, and by the way, the sex (both real and in Ember's head) are scorching and inventive. Public exhibition, breath play, multiple partners, punishment, orgasm denial, bondage...I could go on, but is it getting hot in here?
Let me be clear, that I think this is a Five-Star book, but some editing and odd formatting issues kept me from giving it the full Five Star Rating. That being said, this is definitely a keeper and a great book.
October 3, 2011
I give this 3-1/2 stars
I actually really enjoyed this story except for the horrible editing job!!! It's really hard to read a book when the editing is bad - you have to stop and figure out "oh, there are too many words added here", it makes the story choppy.
The BDSM aspect of the story wasn't much - mostly just spanking.
September 6, 2016
2.5 BDSM-on-the-wrong-side-of-the-tracks Stars
Learning to Drown is a coarse "white trash" version of a typical BDSM plot: troubled young woman randomly meets a stranger who is the perfect Dom who knows her better than she knows herself and who rescues her from danger and schools her in submission. Just the fact that the Dom/Hero is NOT a gazillionaire or CEO of a large company makes this an innovative take on the initiation-into-BDSM trope. I admit it; I enjoyed it as a 2.5 star read even with the insta-love and the need to suspend expectations of reality.
Learning to Drown is a coarse "white trash" version of a typical BDSM plot: troubled young woman randomly meets a stranger who is the perfect Dom who knows her better than she knows herself and who rescues her from danger and schools her in submission. Just the fact that the Dom/Hero is NOT a gazillionaire or CEO of a large company makes this an innovative take on the initiation-into-BDSM trope. I admit it; I enjoyed it as a 2.5 star read even with the insta-love and the need to suspend expectations of reality.
February 9, 2014
Learning to Drown had my attention from start to finish. I loved it!
There where a few times where I got lost. Like the authors writing was just confusing, one min I would think his cock was already inside her, but then the next it never had been... Or there was a scene with her ex, in the past that included spanking, but later when Luke asked if her Ex ever spanked her she said NO...Did he? Or not? Like the story couldn't be kept straight, weather just in MY head or in the writing, IDK.
Overall it was still a quite enjoyable read :D
There where a few times where I got lost. Like the authors writing was just confusing, one min I would think his cock was already inside her, but then the next it never had been... Or there was a scene with her ex, in the past that included spanking, but later when Luke asked if her Ex ever spanked her she said NO...Did he? Or not? Like the story couldn't be kept straight, weather just in MY head or in the writing, IDK.
Overall it was still a quite enjoyable read :D
February 22, 2011
Once again... a book that I started that I couldn't put down. This book is about a women who likes her loving with some kink and isn't afraid to ask for it. I liked that about Ember. She knew what she wanted and asked for it. Lucas finds Ember in a potentially embarrassing situation and "rescues" her. He is a dominant man and he recognizes a kindred spirit in Ember. Sommer - thank you for another great read that helped me get through yet another snowy day in Minnesota.
December 5, 2012
This was a fun little erotic read. It had just the right amount of story in between the sex scenes. The main character, Ember is acting out an abduction fantasy when it all goes terribly wrong. She finds herself in the hands of a Dom, Lucas, and discovers the real reason she never enjoyed her past relationships. She is a submissive and was having to top from the bottom to get what she needed. The pair explore their budding relationship. Overall it was a fun and fast read.
May 18, 2011
4.5 Gold Crowns. Sommer Marsden does such a great job of character development here that you really feel as if you were the proverbial fly-on-the-wall for the bulk of the story. To view the remainder of the review, please visit http://thereadersroundtable.com/eroti...
February 28, 2013
I did enjoy this short read, but wished there would have been a bit more abduction play. It also could have done well being a bit longer and drawn out. I really enjoyed the characters and wish there would have been more to the story. Overall, a pretty good read.
April 19, 2012
I loved this book! It was the best read I've had in a long time. You get excitement and love!
September 29, 2012
Hot Hot Hot! Lucas was top alpha dog, luved him! Ember wasn't as crazy as one would think, she's got balls! Together, they were smoking!
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