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Management Skills
When CEO Grant Edmonds meets with his new production manager, he immediately recognizes her as Silver, an exotic dancer who once mesmerized him at an exclusive fetish club. Though he was forbidden from pursuing her back then, there's nothing standing in his way now. He's not looking for an after-hours flinghe wants to own her. In every way.
As much as Allie Fairfax tries to deny her past, and the way her body responds to Grant, she soon finds herself having mind-blowing sex with the boss. Despite her own desire to surrender to Grant's sexual authority, she's not willing to risk her career. After all, she's been owned before, and it ended badly.
It's all or nothing for Grant. If Allie wants more of the fiercest orgasms she's ever experienced, she must consent to his rules...
78 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 9, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 18, 2011
Um. Yea.
So I don't even know what to say about this book. The most positive thing I can say is that it was a free copy from NetGalley. I would have been pissed if I had paid money for this. I feel guilty for hating a free book, but I can't, in all honesty, give this book anything but a 1 star rating.
It features Allie and Grant. Allie was a former dancer (named Silver) at a high class club where Grant did the lighting arrangements. He was always fascinated with her, but because of club rules....he was never allowed to meet her or even talk to her.
Fast forward several years. Allie is done with dancing and school and is now working for a company that specializes in theatrical and concert productions.....lights, sound, etc. And guess who the CEO of the company is? That's right, Grant. Now that she's not at the club, he's free to talk to her and fuck her if he wishes. And he does. And they fuck. Of course, Allie always used to see Grant while she was on stage and she kinda had a thing for him as well.
Soon the fucking turns into Grant being a Dom-douche to Allie. It doesn't take long before he collars her and starts calling her "Mine". He tries to make her into the perfect submissive.
So, here's the thing. I know nothing about the BDSM world other than what I read in books. The BDSM described (poorly) in this book is the stereotypical crap that I used to think of when I thought of Dom/sub relationship. The man is a mean douchebag who talks down the woman and tries to break her spirit until she becomes his slave. He treats her (literally) like a dog. He spanks her....and it's not like sexy bedroom punishment spanking - it comes across like punishment mean "I'm doing this instead of beating you like the caveman I am" kind of spanking. And at some other point, Grant interrogates Allie because she hasn't been "chaste". She wasn't with another man, she just accidentally orgasmed because Grant had not been allowing her to orgasm and she had had enough. And when I say he interrogated her, I mean he sat her down in front of a high powered stage light (remember, that's the business they work in) and shined it right in her face. Seriously, it was fucked up.
There was absolutely no emotion or passion in this book. None. There wasn't even a build up to where we saw any kind of anything - attraction, love, respect - for each other. Nothing about this book worked for me.
Granted, there was a tiny itty bitty bit of redemption at the end when Allie decides that she doesn't have to let Grant withhold orgasms from her. She sort of takes her power back and Grant gives in to her (for once). That being said, it happened in the last few pages of the book. Redemption....but poorly written and too little, too late.
And the writing. Meh. I won't even go there. But I will leave you with this little gem of a quote from the book: "He was like an oilrig. His thrusts would turn her into a supernova, throwing the shimmering substance of sex back out into the universe. Where was he? Why wasn't he drilling into her?" Yea. Exactly.
*ARC provided by NetGalley
So I don't even know what to say about this book. The most positive thing I can say is that it was a free copy from NetGalley. I would have been pissed if I had paid money for this. I feel guilty for hating a free book, but I can't, in all honesty, give this book anything but a 1 star rating.
It features Allie and Grant. Allie was a former dancer (named Silver) at a high class club where Grant did the lighting arrangements. He was always fascinated with her, but because of club rules....he was never allowed to meet her or even talk to her.
Fast forward several years. Allie is done with dancing and school and is now working for a company that specializes in theatrical and concert productions.....lights, sound, etc. And guess who the CEO of the company is? That's right, Grant. Now that she's not at the club, he's free to talk to her and fuck her if he wishes. And he does. And they fuck. Of course, Allie always used to see Grant while she was on stage and she kinda had a thing for him as well.
Soon the fucking turns into Grant being a Dom-douche to Allie. It doesn't take long before he collars her and starts calling her "Mine". He tries to make her into the perfect submissive.
So, here's the thing. I know nothing about the BDSM world other than what I read in books. The BDSM described (poorly) in this book is the stereotypical crap that I used to think of when I thought of Dom/sub relationship. The man is a mean douchebag who talks down the woman and tries to break her spirit until she becomes his slave. He treats her (literally) like a dog. He spanks her....and it's not like sexy bedroom punishment spanking - it comes across like punishment mean "I'm doing this instead of beating you like the caveman I am" kind of spanking. And at some other point, Grant interrogates Allie because she hasn't been "chaste". She wasn't with another man, she just accidentally orgasmed because Grant had not been allowing her to orgasm and she had had enough. And when I say he interrogated her, I mean he sat her down in front of a high powered stage light (remember, that's the business they work in) and shined it right in her face. Seriously, it was fucked up.
There was absolutely no emotion or passion in this book. None. There wasn't even a build up to where we saw any kind of anything - attraction, love, respect - for each other. Nothing about this book worked for me.
Granted, there was a tiny itty bitty bit of redemption at the end when Allie decides that she doesn't have to let Grant withhold orgasms from her. She sort of takes her power back and Grant gives in to her (for once). That being said, it happened in the last few pages of the book. Redemption....but poorly written and too little, too late.
And the writing. Meh. I won't even go there. But I will leave you with this little gem of a quote from the book: "He was like an oilrig. His thrusts would turn her into a supernova, throwing the shimmering substance of sex back out into the universe. Where was he? Why wasn't he drilling into her?" Yea. Exactly.
*ARC provided by NetGalley
June 27, 2011
When Grant Edmonds meets his new production manager, Allie Fairfax, he is surprised to recognize her from his past as Silver, who performed in a production at a bondage bar called Vault where he produced the lighting for a show she starred in. Now he is the CEO of his own company and she is fortuitously working for him.
Allie also recognizes him as the stranger she was attracted to from her days as a dancer. Their instant recognition ignites their past attraction to each other. After a night of passion and a lot of coaxing on Grant’s behalf, they fall into a long-term Dom/sub relationship. Through this relationship, they learn to love and trust one another implicitly.
Management Skills by January Rowe is a short erotic novel. The story offers insight into the world of BDSM and its mysterious, well mysterious to me, erotic lure. This facet of the the hero and heroine’s relationship is the glue that binds their feelings for each other into something deep and meaningful. That being said/written, I did not really get into this book. I am not a huge fan of BDSM.
Happy Reading from Bona Fide Reflections!!
Allie also recognizes him as the stranger she was attracted to from her days as a dancer. Their instant recognition ignites their past attraction to each other. After a night of passion and a lot of coaxing on Grant’s behalf, they fall into a long-term Dom/sub relationship. Through this relationship, they learn to love and trust one another implicitly.
Management Skills by January Rowe is a short erotic novel. The story offers insight into the world of BDSM and its mysterious, well mysterious to me, erotic lure. This facet of the the hero and heroine’s relationship is the glue that binds their feelings for each other into something deep and meaningful. That being said/written, I did not really get into this book. I am not a huge fan of BDSM.
Happy Reading from Bona Fide Reflections!!
October 19, 2014
This is an odd story to review. I felt like the beginning part didn't really match the rest of it. When Allie and Grant first hook up it was more fast and frantic after both of them have spent quite a bit of time fantasizing about the other from their brief encounters where they only saw each other.
It is only later that Grant talks to Allie about owning her. Allie is not too hot about it as her experience in the past didn't end all that well. But after getting to know more about Grant she agrees. It seems like from here their relationship becomes all about power with each person trying to get control over the other.
What I really did like was when Allie pushed back. Grant suggested something that he wanted, but Allie knew that wouldn't work for her, she wasn't interested in changing their relationship like that at all and gave him a demonstration. I liked that Grant was man enough to acknowledge it and let her know.
On a side note I loved the idea of a bed and bondage. I am sure there are places like this out there, but I never gave it any thought.
It is only later that Grant talks to Allie about owning her. Allie is not too hot about it as her experience in the past didn't end all that well. But after getting to know more about Grant she agrees. It seems like from here their relationship becomes all about power with each person trying to get control over the other.
What I really did like was when Allie pushed back. Grant suggested something that he wanted, but Allie knew that wouldn't work for her, she wasn't interested in changing their relationship like that at all and gave him a demonstration. I liked that Grant was man enough to acknowledge it and let her know.
On a side note I loved the idea of a bed and bondage. I am sure there are places like this out there, but I never gave it any thought.
March 26, 2011
This book had the potential to be really good,IMO! I just thought it was way too short. The character development wasn't there, the end was very abrupt, but the sex was good and hot. It just could have been so much better with a little more guts!
**This book was provided to me by Netgalley!
**This book was provided to me by Netgalley!
December 20, 2018
More of novella
April 14, 2011
Management Skills has one of the most original takes on “attraction across a crowded room” I’ve ever read.
Grant Edmonds first sees Allie Fairfax when she’s performing as “Silver”, an erotic dancer in a production he designed the lighting for. Grant is immediately attracted to her, but the club has a no interaction rule between dancers and patrons so he can’t even meet her. He meets her again when she’s hired as a production manager at his lighting effects company. He immediately realizes she’s the “Silver” who has fueled his sexual fantasies for years.
Grant is a strong character who knows what he wants. He comes from a large family and is very grounded. He tells Allie he doesn’t just want a relationship, he wants to own her. I questioned his forthrightness because he had no idea of her background. He also has a strong insistence for the truth. Yet I never understood if there was a reason for this, or if this was just part of his character.
Allie has fought hard to erase her past as an erotic dancer. She’s strong, confident, and dresses for the job she wants. She finished school, and worked her way up. She’s excited at her new job until she meets her boss, Grant, who recognizes her from her former life. When Grant tells her he wants to own her, she doesn’t immediately say yes because she was previously in a D/s relationship that ended badly.
Although the book started out strong, it was an interesting combination of strong ideas, great sex play, abrupt scenes, and incomplete storylines. Some great starts included: the overall setting of a high tech lighting company, hot office sex, the Bed and Bondage, orgasm denial, and Allie rebelling against orgasm denial. Some abrupt scenes include: Allie deciding to have sex with Grant, the gaps between them being together, and the ending. Orgasm denial would have worked if they were interacting together. But when orgasm denial simply means that you don’t see each other due to business trips, it didn't work for me. And the ending left me questioning what the relationship would ultimately be. Watching them transform from Grant simply owning Allie to a loving relationship would have been beautiful. I would classify this as a happy-for-now romance.
Still, the author’s voice is solid. There are no noticeable grammatical or spelling errors. The sex scenes and play were steaming and left me hot and blushing. What was needed to make this a truly stellar story is some follow through with character motivations. For example, Allie says yes to being owned by Grant after a business meeting with Satin who was previously owned by Grant. Something was there, but I didn’t know Satin and Grant’s story. I was left wondering what Allie saw that convinced her to be his submissive. I see great potential in Ms. Rowe’s writing and I'll be looking for more from her as she continues to grow as an author. It’s one step from the magic that would have made this book great.
If you’re looking for a hot romance with interesting characters and a unique setting, try Management Skills. You’ll especially enjoy the twist at the end.
Originally posted at http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...
Grant Edmonds first sees Allie Fairfax when she’s performing as “Silver”, an erotic dancer in a production he designed the lighting for. Grant is immediately attracted to her, but the club has a no interaction rule between dancers and patrons so he can’t even meet her. He meets her again when she’s hired as a production manager at his lighting effects company. He immediately realizes she’s the “Silver” who has fueled his sexual fantasies for years.
Grant is a strong character who knows what he wants. He comes from a large family and is very grounded. He tells Allie he doesn’t just want a relationship, he wants to own her. I questioned his forthrightness because he had no idea of her background. He also has a strong insistence for the truth. Yet I never understood if there was a reason for this, or if this was just part of his character.
Allie has fought hard to erase her past as an erotic dancer. She’s strong, confident, and dresses for the job she wants. She finished school, and worked her way up. She’s excited at her new job until she meets her boss, Grant, who recognizes her from her former life. When Grant tells her he wants to own her, she doesn’t immediately say yes because she was previously in a D/s relationship that ended badly.
Although the book started out strong, it was an interesting combination of strong ideas, great sex play, abrupt scenes, and incomplete storylines. Some great starts included: the overall setting of a high tech lighting company, hot office sex, the Bed and Bondage, orgasm denial, and Allie rebelling against orgasm denial. Some abrupt scenes include: Allie deciding to have sex with Grant, the gaps between them being together, and the ending. Orgasm denial would have worked if they were interacting together. But when orgasm denial simply means that you don’t see each other due to business trips, it didn't work for me. And the ending left me questioning what the relationship would ultimately be. Watching them transform from Grant simply owning Allie to a loving relationship would have been beautiful. I would classify this as a happy-for-now romance.
Still, the author’s voice is solid. There are no noticeable grammatical or spelling errors. The sex scenes and play were steaming and left me hot and blushing. What was needed to make this a truly stellar story is some follow through with character motivations. For example, Allie says yes to being owned by Grant after a business meeting with Satin who was previously owned by Grant. Something was there, but I didn’t know Satin and Grant’s story. I was left wondering what Allie saw that convinced her to be his submissive. I see great potential in Ms. Rowe’s writing and I'll be looking for more from her as she continues to grow as an author. It’s one step from the magic that would have made this book great.
If you’re looking for a hot romance with interesting characters and a unique setting, try Management Skills. You’ll especially enjoy the twist at the end.
Originally posted at http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...
March 12, 2011
Management Skills / 978-1-426-89130-4
Carina Press has recently gotten me interested in erotic literature, if only because I find the concept of the genre somewhat fascinating. I've read some domination/submission literature before, but I always found it too fake and frustrating to really enjoy the concept - if you look at something like Saalih's "Harem Girl", no one ever has to use (or even gets to have) safe words because the Dom is always magically aware of the Sub's needs, desires, and limits, and it's just pure fantasy and my mind disconnects from the unreal characters after awhile.
I'm pleased and surprised at how relatively realistic "Management Skills" is. Author Rowe is clearly of the mindset that the Dom portion of the relationship carries a significant burden of responsibility to constantly be aware of the Sub's actual (not perceived) needs, and to engage the Sub in dialogue and "re-negotiation" as necessary to ensure that they're actually happy and not just submissively pretending to be. This is, in fact, probably the most realistically successful Dom/Sub relationship I've seen in literature - both members are publicly strong, respected figures and they care enough about each other to really engage in dialogue and discuss their needs and desires as the relationship evolves.
As such, the "management skills" implied in the title is all about being a good Dom who takes proper care of their Sub. At least half of the novel revolves around discussions and internal monologues about this subject, as the Dom here struggles to deal with his controlling nature - he starts with good intentions of wanting to increase his Sub's pleasure, but then starts to spiral into a need for control that would actually do nothing to increase her pleasure and would end in her being very unhappy with the relationship. His Sub has to decide whether to leave the relationship or speak to him frankly and honestly about her real needs and how to mesh them with his own.
I do like this as a very frank and realistic discussion about light Dom/Sub play, and I think as a "manual" for role playing in the real world, outside of the fantasy bounds of erotica literature, that this novella has a lot to offer, but I'm not sure that erotica fans will be blown away by the actual content. There's actually not a whole lot of sex here, and it's heavily framed by long discussions and internal worries about the relationship and where it's heading. The story ends on a happy, positive note, but very abruptly and with very little warning.
I think, if you're looking for a more "realistic" approach to Dom/Sub relationships, this book is a good, positive piece that is definitely worth a look, but if you're just looking for a hot read, there are probably faster-paced novellas available.
NOTE: This review is based on a free Advance Review Copy of this book provided through NetGalley.
~ Ana Mardoll
Carina Press has recently gotten me interested in erotic literature, if only because I find the concept of the genre somewhat fascinating. I've read some domination/submission literature before, but I always found it too fake and frustrating to really enjoy the concept - if you look at something like Saalih's "Harem Girl", no one ever has to use (or even gets to have) safe words because the Dom is always magically aware of the Sub's needs, desires, and limits, and it's just pure fantasy and my mind disconnects from the unreal characters after awhile.
I'm pleased and surprised at how relatively realistic "Management Skills" is. Author Rowe is clearly of the mindset that the Dom portion of the relationship carries a significant burden of responsibility to constantly be aware of the Sub's actual (not perceived) needs, and to engage the Sub in dialogue and "re-negotiation" as necessary to ensure that they're actually happy and not just submissively pretending to be. This is, in fact, probably the most realistically successful Dom/Sub relationship I've seen in literature - both members are publicly strong, respected figures and they care enough about each other to really engage in dialogue and discuss their needs and desires as the relationship evolves.
As such, the "management skills" implied in the title is all about being a good Dom who takes proper care of their Sub. At least half of the novel revolves around discussions and internal monologues about this subject, as the Dom here struggles to deal with his controlling nature - he starts with good intentions of wanting to increase his Sub's pleasure, but then starts to spiral into a need for control that would actually do nothing to increase her pleasure and would end in her being very unhappy with the relationship. His Sub has to decide whether to leave the relationship or speak to him frankly and honestly about her real needs and how to mesh them with his own.
I do like this as a very frank and realistic discussion about light Dom/Sub play, and I think as a "manual" for role playing in the real world, outside of the fantasy bounds of erotica literature, that this novella has a lot to offer, but I'm not sure that erotica fans will be blown away by the actual content. There's actually not a whole lot of sex here, and it's heavily framed by long discussions and internal worries about the relationship and where it's heading. The story ends on a happy, positive note, but very abruptly and with very little warning.
I think, if you're looking for a more "realistic" approach to Dom/Sub relationships, this book is a good, positive piece that is definitely worth a look, but if you're just looking for a hot read, there are probably faster-paced novellas available.
NOTE: This review is based on a free Advance Review Copy of this book provided through NetGalley.
~ Ana Mardoll
April 30, 2011
Grant is a man with power, money, and influence, but something is lacking in his life. To fill that hole, it will take a special kind of woman who will submit ultimate sexual command of her body. His need to dominate is further inspired when he watches a particularly sensual performance by an exotic dancer. Unfortunately, she is forbidden to him, which makes her even more desirable.
Allie is a woman on a mission to becoming a household name in the stage production management business. Having put herself through school while on the other side of the bright lights as an exotic dancer, she now wants to be the one in control of things offstage. Her new boss is the man who stars in her own erotic fantasies and is the man who can fulfill her sexual needs, but when talks turn to ownership discussion, Allie isn't sure how to respond.
Grant and Allie are driven and ambitious characters when it comes to their careers. Both strive to be the best at what they do and dominate the stage management production market. In private, their sexual needs are perfectly complimented by their dominant/submissive roles. Grant aims to command Allie’s body while Allie aims to please by obeying. The story is almost completely centered on the couple and their sexual escapades while allowing moments of their individual realities to filter through. It is unfortunate that I wasn’t able to connect with these characters. There were moments where the chemistry was there, but the intensity of their unique relationship didn’t appeal to me.
Stage management production is an intriguing profession to be added to a storyline and the author seems very well versed in what that entails. That and the circumstances around the main characters had great potential to add depth to the story, but instead it fell short and left questions. The transitioning between scenes was a bit hard to follow as the timeline of events wasn't seamless and the focus seemed scattered. While I wouldn’t recommend this story for those looking for a romance with a light to moderate BDSM twist, I would recommend to readers who are looking for a much deeper connection between a dom and his sub. The writing is a little too edgy for me, but this type of "ownership" may appeal to others.
Reviewed for Carina Press via NetGalley:
http://www.netgalley.com/
Allie is a woman on a mission to becoming a household name in the stage production management business. Having put herself through school while on the other side of the bright lights as an exotic dancer, she now wants to be the one in control of things offstage. Her new boss is the man who stars in her own erotic fantasies and is the man who can fulfill her sexual needs, but when talks turn to ownership discussion, Allie isn't sure how to respond.
Grant and Allie are driven and ambitious characters when it comes to their careers. Both strive to be the best at what they do and dominate the stage management production market. In private, their sexual needs are perfectly complimented by their dominant/submissive roles. Grant aims to command Allie’s body while Allie aims to please by obeying. The story is almost completely centered on the couple and their sexual escapades while allowing moments of their individual realities to filter through. It is unfortunate that I wasn’t able to connect with these characters. There were moments where the chemistry was there, but the intensity of their unique relationship didn’t appeal to me.
Stage management production is an intriguing profession to be added to a storyline and the author seems very well versed in what that entails. That and the circumstances around the main characters had great potential to add depth to the story, but instead it fell short and left questions. The transitioning between scenes was a bit hard to follow as the timeline of events wasn't seamless and the focus seemed scattered. While I wouldn’t recommend this story for those looking for a romance with a light to moderate BDSM twist, I would recommend to readers who are looking for a much deeper connection between a dom and his sub. The writing is a little too edgy for me, but this type of "ownership" may appeal to others.
Reviewed for Carina Press via NetGalley:
http://www.netgalley.com/
April 20, 2011
The Synopsis to this short-erotica novel explains exactly what this story is about. So I'll just get on with what I thought.
Hmmm...Well it did have have an okay story plot,a little ciché;but good. The heroine to the story, Allie Fairfax,does what she must,in order to finish up college and pursue her dreams.Even if she'd been a member of the cast at the Vault, a high-class bondage club in LA. Although she danced and pranced in a sexual manner, she wasn’t a stripper. Meaning she didn’t strip off her own clothing............... Uh Really? Who would have guessed,if it weren't mentioned more than once in the story? I would have never known. and guessed off hand "She is a Stripper". As for the hero,I guess I could say he was A-Okay also.Grant Edmond is the CEO of Synthos Systems Group,which is the place where Allie gets a job as the new production manager.Creativity of designing is what the company is famous for.
After Grant,sees Allie at Vault he is now acquainted with her as the his companies new Production Manager. He has many plans on seducing Allie,he's had lustful fantasies about her, and now wants the opportunity of owning her and having her as his own submissive. Grant's Dom side was a little cheesy for me,his character didn't give me the tingles and feel flustered enough to say I liked him.He claims he doesn't like the "Nilla Type of Relationships" But I saw otherwise. The only thing he did that I thought "Ouch,that was harsh" was the wax scene,everything else was Vanilla and outdated. Not my type of BDSM story. I thought the way he pushes the "owning her" upon Allie was pretty suave,all she wanted was a "Bang Me Buddy" But he convinced her to surrender to him,so she got more then what she expected.
That being said.
This story had potential,it was headed in the right direction,but it was way to short. The beginning was mediocre,then started to pick up a little. I didn't know it ended until I was reading about the "Author" I had expected more and thought "if it would have continued",I just might have actually liked it. I wanted to feel that sexual urge and impulse that makes me wanna jump in a frigid cold pool to release the tension,but it never happened. Otherwise this short-story was okay,but nothing to brag and swoon over.
Hmmm...Well it did have have an okay story plot,a little ciché;but good. The heroine to the story, Allie Fairfax,does what she must,in order to finish up college and pursue her dreams.Even if she'd been a member of the cast at the Vault, a high-class bondage club in LA. Although she danced and pranced in a sexual manner, she wasn’t a stripper. Meaning she didn’t strip off her own clothing............... Uh Really? Who would have guessed,if it weren't mentioned more than once in the story? I would have never known. and guessed off hand "She is a Stripper". As for the hero,I guess I could say he was A-Okay also.Grant Edmond is the CEO of Synthos Systems Group,which is the place where Allie gets a job as the new production manager.Creativity of designing is what the company is famous for.
After Grant,sees Allie at Vault he is now acquainted with her as the his companies new Production Manager. He has many plans on seducing Allie,he's had lustful fantasies about her, and now wants the opportunity of owning her and having her as his own submissive. Grant's Dom side was a little cheesy for me,his character didn't give me the tingles and feel flustered enough to say I liked him.He claims he doesn't like the "Nilla Type of Relationships" But I saw otherwise. The only thing he did that I thought "Ouch,that was harsh" was the wax scene,everything else was Vanilla and outdated. Not my type of BDSM story. I thought the way he pushes the "owning her" upon Allie was pretty suave,all she wanted was a "Bang Me Buddy" But he convinced her to surrender to him,so she got more then what she expected.
That being said.
This story had potential,it was headed in the right direction,but it was way to short. The beginning was mediocre,then started to pick up a little. I didn't know it ended until I was reading about the "Author" I had expected more and thought "if it would have continued",I just might have actually liked it. I wanted to feel that sexual urge and impulse that makes me wanna jump in a frigid cold pool to release the tension,but it never happened. Otherwise this short-story was okay,but nothing to brag and swoon over.
April 22, 2011
After reading January Rowe's Management Skills I'm never going to look at the phrase "dress like a nun" the same way again. In fact there are a lot of things I'm not going to be looking at the same way again. For example my shower head, the pool (lavender scented only, I hope) and the BDSM community. I've spent some time in this community and while I wouldn't say that this book gives and accurate description of the going's on, it does give a small peak into what a relationship, between a master and his sub, could look like.
Grant Edmonds first meets his new employee Allie Fairfax several years prior to her actual hiring at his company. In her previous life she was Silver, an exotic dancer from a fetish club he did work for and her dances did way more than titillate his senses. When he recognizes her on her first day at work he's determined to have her in his bed at all costs.
While I enjoyed the premise of this story, the inconsistencies with Allie's characterization made it difficult to buy into the plot. I kept readings echoes of the Madonna and the Whore within her actions to Grant. She went from being called a prude by her friend in her first week of employment and having her fashion described as nun-like to wearing almost nothing under her suit. The image of her very conservative clothing style was thrown off by how little she actually wore. Further confusion arose when her very vocal protests of "I'm not a slut," is turned on its head a few short paragraphs later:
"Do you want me to go? No harm, no foul?"
With a cry, her arms shot up to embrace his neck.
Her hesitancy to not have sex with Grant was unrealistic given how quickly she gave in to his seduction. Furthermore, learning about her vow of chastity and her previous foray into the lifestyle just makes her characterization ring even more false. How can I believe that she wants to stick to her vows if she drops her panties at the first provocation from a man who shoes interest?
Read the rest...
http://somelikeithotbooks.blogspot.co...
Grant Edmonds first meets his new employee Allie Fairfax several years prior to her actual hiring at his company. In her previous life she was Silver, an exotic dancer from a fetish club he did work for and her dances did way more than titillate his senses. When he recognizes her on her first day at work he's determined to have her in his bed at all costs.
While I enjoyed the premise of this story, the inconsistencies with Allie's characterization made it difficult to buy into the plot. I kept readings echoes of the Madonna and the Whore within her actions to Grant. She went from being called a prude by her friend in her first week of employment and having her fashion described as nun-like to wearing almost nothing under her suit. The image of her very conservative clothing style was thrown off by how little she actually wore. Further confusion arose when her very vocal protests of "I'm not a slut," is turned on its head a few short paragraphs later:
"Do you want me to go? No harm, no foul?"
With a cry, her arms shot up to embrace his neck.
Her hesitancy to not have sex with Grant was unrealistic given how quickly she gave in to his seduction. Furthermore, learning about her vow of chastity and her previous foray into the lifestyle just makes her characterization ring even more false. How can I believe that she wants to stick to her vows if she drops her panties at the first provocation from a man who shoes interest?
Read the rest...
http://somelikeithotbooks.blogspot.co...
March 21, 2011
Publisher: Carina Press
Publish Date: 3/7/11
How I got this book: NetGalley
Management Skills is a short and quick novella that really didn’t do anything for me. Grant is CEO of his own company, and when he works on the lighting for a fetish club, he sees a woman who has more pull on him than he can remember. When he doesn’t get the chance to meet her, he thinks his chance is gone forever. Later, when meeting with his newest employee, he realizes that Allie is the woman he fantasized about.
Grant wants nothing more than to have Allie in every way possible. But she is weary of Grant and all that he wants from her. Although their bodies connect of a level she never thought possible, Allie isn’t looking to become involved as deeply as Grant wants. But as her body wins over more than her mind, will she allow herself to let go and let him take charge?
I’ve been known to read (and very much so enjoy) my far share of smutty books. But Rowe’s Management Skills really didn’t click for me. Allie and Grant share a night of passion early on in the story, but they soon dance away from each other, not really ready and willing to move forward. I thought that their relationship was forced, and awkward. I never really bought into the chemistry or the passion between the two.
Although this book is supposed to be about a D/s relationship, it took awhile to develop. After their first vanilla night together, Allie avoided Grant like the plague. When they did finally come together like that, it felt off and odd to me. It didn’t seem like there was any real fire or heat between the two.
All in all, I give Management Skills 1.5 out of 5 former strippers.
May 21, 2011
Management Skills by January Rowe
* I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Allie is so excited to start her new job at SSG as production manager. She can’t wait to get out in the field and show them what she is capable of. She doesn’t count on her boss recognizing her as Silver, the former exotic dancer she used to be. She can’t believe he is the man she used to dance for and dream about in the audience.
Grant has desired Silver since that first night he saw her on stage. She was off limits then but now she works for him and he is determined to have her. He won’t stop until he owns her, its all or nothing.
Allie and Grant are both driven individuals that are very good at what they do. Grant built his company from the ground up and Allie has quickly made a name for herself in their industry. They share similar tastes and desires but they each fill a different role in the relationship.
Throughout the book we get little glimpse’s of Allie’s past and how it has shaped her today. She wants to give in to Grant but she is scared because of what happened before. We see her grow both professionally and personally. With Grant’s help, she learns to trust and love again.
I loved the ending, throughout the whole book Grant remains in total control and keeps his passion reigned in. It’s nice to see him pushed to the point that he is so turned on that he gives in to his desires with turn abandon. I think he’s met his match in Allie.
Overall I enjoyed Management Skills and give it 3½ Flaming Hearts.
* I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Allie is so excited to start her new job at SSG as production manager. She can’t wait to get out in the field and show them what she is capable of. She doesn’t count on her boss recognizing her as Silver, the former exotic dancer she used to be. She can’t believe he is the man she used to dance for and dream about in the audience.
Grant has desired Silver since that first night he saw her on stage. She was off limits then but now she works for him and he is determined to have her. He won’t stop until he owns her, its all or nothing.
Allie and Grant are both driven individuals that are very good at what they do. Grant built his company from the ground up and Allie has quickly made a name for herself in their industry. They share similar tastes and desires but they each fill a different role in the relationship.
Throughout the book we get little glimpse’s of Allie’s past and how it has shaped her today. She wants to give in to Grant but she is scared because of what happened before. We see her grow both professionally and personally. With Grant’s help, she learns to trust and love again.
I loved the ending, throughout the whole book Grant remains in total control and keeps his passion reigned in. It’s nice to see him pushed to the point that he is so turned on that he gives in to his desires with turn abandon. I think he’s met his match in Allie.
Overall I enjoyed Management Skills and give it 3½ Flaming Hearts.
June 15, 2011
This book started with a strong base...good characters...good storyline, but then it just sort of fizzled for me.
So, here's what I liked: I really liked the H/h and I loved their secret "history" and I really loved that "Silver" truly is more than just a pretty face. I thought their initial sexual encounter was a little forced... When he walked into her office and questioned her about her stint at the bondage club then asked her if she wanted him to stay or go...I totally do not buy that this strong, professional woman threw her arms around his neck to keep him in her office. That was one of many abrupt and awkward interactions between the two lovers.
I thought the ending was extremely abrupt and really left a lot open. I think Rowe should have gone a little further with the orgasm control--that felt very unfinished to me.
✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
______________________________________________________________________
If you like this type of book, you might enjoy one of these groups. Check us out!
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So, here's what I liked: I really liked the H/h and I loved their secret "history" and I really loved that "Silver" truly is more than just a pretty face. I thought their initial sexual encounter was a little forced... When he walked into her office and questioned her about her stint at the bondage club then asked her if she wanted him to stay or go...I totally do not buy that this strong, professional woman threw her arms around his neck to keep him in her office. That was one of many abrupt and awkward interactions between the two lovers.
I thought the ending was extremely abrupt and really left a lot open. I think Rowe should have gone a little further with the orgasm control--that felt very unfinished to me.
✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
______________________________________________________________________
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 eBook Exchange
April 5, 2011
Ahem . . . to say that I was unprepared for this book is an understatement. "Mind-blowing sex"and "fiercest orgasms" aside, I didn't expect what I got when I dove into this book.
Maybe I'm being naive but I really didn't grasp what the description meant when it said "own" and I brushed it off, assuming that this would just be a sexy-romp-in-the-bedroom kind of book. Well, unknowingly so, I was introduced to the world of BDSM and my head is still spinning.
I liked the characters in this book. Now removed from the world of exotic dancing, Allie seems determined to leave that part of her life behind her and move on. She dresses, as her friend would say, like a nun to cover her assets and is determined to be taken seriously by her peers. She is strong and independent, at least until Grant gets her in the bedroom (or wherever they happen to be!).
Grant, despite his uncommon sexual desire, is your average sexy millionaire who is smitten with the new woman in the office. Not a new character by any means, until he's behind closed doors. Then he's persuasive, aggressive and incredibly sensual.
See the rest of my review here:
http://secretsofabooklover.blogspot.c...
Maybe I'm being naive but I really didn't grasp what the description meant when it said "own" and I brushed it off, assuming that this would just be a sexy-romp-in-the-bedroom kind of book. Well, unknowingly so, I was introduced to the world of BDSM and my head is still spinning.
I liked the characters in this book. Now removed from the world of exotic dancing, Allie seems determined to leave that part of her life behind her and move on. She dresses, as her friend would say, like a nun to cover her assets and is determined to be taken seriously by her peers. She is strong and independent, at least until Grant gets her in the bedroom (or wherever they happen to be!).
Grant, despite his uncommon sexual desire, is your average sexy millionaire who is smitten with the new woman in the office. Not a new character by any means, until he's behind closed doors. Then he's persuasive, aggressive and incredibly sensual.
See the rest of my review here:
http://secretsofabooklover.blogspot.c...
April 1, 2011
In this book we meet Grant who is first attracted to Allie when he sees her dancing in a voyeuristic show at a bondage club. They have an attraction to each other but never act on it. Skip to 5 years later - Allie has left the dancing business and now comes to work for Grant his lighting design company. From there the they start a very hot D/s relationship.
While I really like the storyline concept, I felt as if I didn't get enough of their story. That may be due to the fact that this was in a novella/short story format. I would of loved to see more than just their D/s story explored. It seems that the story only concentrated on the sex and the struggle between Grant/Allie to find the right balance between them & not the personal side of getting to know each other & ultimately falling in love. I was also unsatisfied with the ending, it was rushed and the last scene just did not feel natural or flow with the storyline.
If the story was presented in a full book format and the author had word count sufficient to develop the characters, I think this would have been a much better story. All in all - it was good quick read. I look forward to reading more from January Rowe.
While I really like the storyline concept, I felt as if I didn't get enough of their story. That may be due to the fact that this was in a novella/short story format. I would of loved to see more than just their D/s story explored. It seems that the story only concentrated on the sex and the struggle between Grant/Allie to find the right balance between them & not the personal side of getting to know each other & ultimately falling in love. I was also unsatisfied with the ending, it was rushed and the last scene just did not feel natural or flow with the storyline.
If the story was presented in a full book format and the author had word count sufficient to develop the characters, I think this would have been a much better story. All in all - it was good quick read. I look forward to reading more from January Rowe.
August 19, 2013
I really don't know what to think of this book. I honestly enjoyed January Rowe's first publication My One, but this novella just turned out so ... wrong for me.
As far as the sex scenes are concerned I would give this story a solid B, but the dynamics between the dom and the sub ring completely wrong to me. Grant wants to own Allie as a sexual slave after one short impromptu encounter. Allie is, understandably, reluctant to give control over to Grant, especially as she had been burned quite badly in a previous relationship. Grant's reply to this is that he doesn't want a vanilla relationship but desires to own and possess her! WTF? What happened to plain ol' submission without slavery and ownership? What happened to negotiating a sexual relationship and setting boundaries beyond sexual blackmail and deprivation? And I never quite understood what made Allie switch and finally give in to Grant, it certainly wasn't portrayed in the character arc. Nevertheless, I quite liked Grant as a dom up until the very end of the book when he exaggerated his sexual abstinence fetish and startet talking about orgasm control and restricting Allie's climaxes. .... noooot sexy, sorry.
As far as the sex scenes are concerned I would give this story a solid B, but the dynamics between the dom and the sub ring completely wrong to me. Grant wants to own Allie as a sexual slave after one short impromptu encounter. Allie is, understandably, reluctant to give control over to Grant, especially as she had been burned quite badly in a previous relationship. Grant's reply to this is that he doesn't want a vanilla relationship but desires to own and possess her! WTF? What happened to plain ol' submission without slavery and ownership? What happened to negotiating a sexual relationship and setting boundaries beyond sexual blackmail and deprivation? And I never quite understood what made Allie switch and finally give in to Grant, it certainly wasn't portrayed in the character arc. Nevertheless, I quite liked Grant as a dom up until the very end of the book when he exaggerated his sexual abstinence fetish and startet talking about orgasm control and restricting Allie's climaxes. .... noooot sexy, sorry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2011
Reviewed at: Over A Cuppa Tea
Date reviewed: 27th Feb 2011
Review link: http://cleffairy.com/?p=4848
I think I nearly fainted when I spotted this book, Management Skills by January Rowe available for review in Netgalley. Good Lord, the title surely fooled the readers.
One could easily mistook this book for a business management or a self help book if one did not see the cover of the book.
This book, despite of it's misleading title, is definitely NOT a self help book or a business related book. It's a literotica, which means, there's only hot, sizzling, sexy stuff inside.
Management Skills is a very provocative erotica, and it's pretty much promoting office scandal and romance. Despite of it all, this book is a good, tantalizing erotica that will definitely arouse your senses.
I rate this book 4 out of 5 for all the romance, sexiness as well as funny quirks.
Date reviewed: 27th Feb 2011
Review link: http://cleffairy.com/?p=4848
I think I nearly fainted when I spotted this book, Management Skills by January Rowe available for review in Netgalley. Good Lord, the title surely fooled the readers.
One could easily mistook this book for a business management or a self help book if one did not see the cover of the book.
This book, despite of it's misleading title, is definitely NOT a self help book or a business related book. It's a literotica, which means, there's only hot, sizzling, sexy stuff inside.
Management Skills is a very provocative erotica, and it's pretty much promoting office scandal and romance. Despite of it all, this book is a good, tantalizing erotica that will definitely arouse your senses.
I rate this book 4 out of 5 for all the romance, sexiness as well as funny quirks.
May 6, 2011
I enjoyed the romance between Grant and Allie. Having seen Allie years before in a revue, he was obsessed but unable to make contact. Allie surprises Grant when she walks in on her first day at work, and all he can think is “Mine.” And Allie reciprocates. Allie is no shy miss; she knows what Grant is asking, and she’s smart enough to think on it to figure out if she is ready to give herself that way. As for Grant, he’s capable and confident, and he knows exactly what he wants.
It was interesting to see how their lifestyle fit into their jobs, and how they learn one another beyond their sexual sides. I’d definitely pick up another book by this author, but I’m hopeful for more Grant and Allie. I enjoyed this, but my largest complaint is that the story was too short. There was a lot of character development that was lacking because of its length, and I really wanted to learn more about the characters.
It was interesting to see how their lifestyle fit into their jobs, and how they learn one another beyond their sexual sides. I’d definitely pick up another book by this author, but I’m hopeful for more Grant and Allie. I enjoyed this, but my largest complaint is that the story was too short. There was a lot of character development that was lacking because of its length, and I really wanted to learn more about the characters.
March 4, 2011
I am torn on this one.
On one hand I really LOVED these characters. They really could rank up there as a couple of my favorites.
But, it was short and as I closed the book (ok powered down the Kindle)I just did't feel finished. I think of the strong and disturbed characters I really enjoyed by Harte, Joseph, Burke.... and these two could really hang right up there...if it had been longer and she'd really let them tell their whole story.
It is a short novella. Very fast read. It did leave a mark on me for such a short experience.
Honestly, I wish she would let this be a prequel one day and write them a novel where Grant wants to revisit his need for orgasm control and how that plays out in their relationship. But I want to read it as a whole novel that I can fall into, not a series of chunked up stories about them, 'cause I don't like this incomplete feeling.
On one hand I really LOVED these characters. They really could rank up there as a couple of my favorites.
But, it was short and as I closed the book (ok powered down the Kindle)I just did't feel finished. I think of the strong and disturbed characters I really enjoyed by Harte, Joseph, Burke.... and these two could really hang right up there...if it had been longer and she'd really let them tell their whole story.
It is a short novella. Very fast read. It did leave a mark on me for such a short experience.
Honestly, I wish she would let this be a prequel one day and write them a novel where Grant wants to revisit his need for orgasm control and how that plays out in their relationship. But I want to read it as a whole novel that I can fall into, not a series of chunked up stories about them, 'cause I don't like this incomplete feeling.
April 30, 2012
This short story is a bit a departure for me. The “owning” aspect is a bit out there for my liking, but I thought I would give it a chance. I very much enjoyed Allie and her fierce personality. I too was drawn into Grant and his magnetic sex appeal. Their relationship; however, left me scratching my head. There was such distance and disconnect between their intimate moments and the times they were apart. I would have thought that when you accept a man’s collar that you would be involved his life at least semi-permanently. Ironically, Allie had the same idea and their HEA was a lovely renegotiation of the power exchange. Enjoy!
March 31, 2011
I am a big fan of erotic fiction, but I often find that a lot of the books in the genre are too extreme and unrealistic for me, and this was one of them. Usually, I'm not a fan of Dominance/Submission, and that still hasn't changed. Also, one might find this novel a bit lacking in character development and maybe depth (but I guess this was as deep as an erotic romance novel could get). But despite all of this, I still enjoyed this one. This novel is definitely on my list of bawdy aphrodisiacs.
June 28, 2011
I got this as an ARC and while not bad, it wasn't exactly my style. I am not much into the whole dominance and submissive thing, as I could never let anyone ever dominant me, so it was hard for me to understand the attraction or relationship. Rowe has a pretty decent writing style, but I did feel that she shorten things at times, probably to fit within the printing parameters. I may have like it better if the story had not been so compact and those in between times were more fleshed out.
April 2, 2011
I really wanted to like this story. The blurb was a great hook but I feel disappointed by the actual thing. The story felt clinical and the fact he keeps calling her Mine is plain annoying. It almost felt like a how to manual. I didn't feel any emotional depth from them until right at the end. the last chapter made the book worth reading and got it the extra mark.
March 11, 2011
Ugghh and arrghh! That's all I can say right now. This novel was so bad for so many reasons.. I made tons of notes (though I usually never do because I prefer to focus on the novel, but here it was impossible to enjoy the story). Detailed review coming soon.
August 22, 2011
Boring! Was really disapointed because it sounded so promising and I couldn't wait to read it. I know it's a shortie, but ideas and scenes just didn't feel fleshed out enough. I wanted to care about the characters but just couldn't.
April 14, 2011
I tried so hard to like this book but it was so painful to read,the dialogue seemed strange and forced. I ended up skipping through several parts just to get to the end.
May 22, 2011
Check out my review at: Escape by Fiction
May 10, 2011
It didn't flow well. Didn't like how it progressed unevenly.
June 4, 2011
Review Available Soon At:
www.nighowlreviews.com
www.nighowlreviews.com
February 24, 2013
3.5 stars
good hot quick read. fell a little flat at the end.
good hot quick read. fell a little flat at the end.
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