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Nomi Thalia is very careful when it comes to picking partners. She knows what she wants, but more importantly she knows what other people—men—want. And most of the time, what they want isn’t her.

Blind dates and assigned partners are two of her worst nightmares, so when Las Palmas announces the new game, Nomi is ready to run. It may be L.A.’s most exclusive kink club, but she’d rather resign her membership than play this “game” and sub for a man who might hurt her in the non-fun way.

But Tareq Zine has other ideas. For a Dom who believes the power exchange is about far more than physical pleasure and pain, gaining Nomi’s trust is going to be just as enjoyable as turning her over his knee.

235 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2023

112 people are currently reading
790 people want to read

About the author

L. DuBois

39 books290 followers
See Lila DuBois.

Lila (writing as L. DuBois and Lila Dubois) is a top selling author of paranormal, fantasy and contemporary erotic romance. Having spent extensive time in France, Egypt, Turkey, England and Ireland Lila speaks five languages, none of them (including English) fluently. She now lives in Los Angeles with a cute Irishman and a half-Irish mini human.

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5 stars
198 (41%)
4 stars
154 (32%)
3 stars
95 (19%)
2 stars
21 (4%)
1 star
9 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Profile Image for Cécile Smits .
1,451 reviews285 followers
February 21, 2023
The letter Q had me wondering what the possibilities were within this game,and the solution turned out to be an easy one.
Nomi and Tareq were the ones assigned it,and Tareq was very….creative with it.
The story itself was sweet and i liked the way he dealt with Nomi’s “issues”
At the start i understood where she came from,the body-shaming and how she felt about herself.
But as the story progressed,she lost me if i’m totally honest.
Because it was so obvious Tareq was into her,he showed it with everything he did,and how he looked at her.
But still she wasn’t sure he wanted her for more than just the game…..
For a sadist,Tareq was a total sweetheart,he took her issues into consideration,worked with them,and had solutions that showed respect for her.
I know they played for a short while because they only had two things on the list that they needed to do,but you could feel he wanted more.
He wanted to keep her,but even though she wanted him too,she got cold feet….
She kept second guessing him in spite of his enthousiasme and their quick connection..
The end wás a happy one,and i loved how he convinced her to give them a try.

And i dó look forward to the letter R,because i already know it’s got Kinbaku!
Because Tareq arranged to have her added to a scene involving exactly that…..
Profile Image for JD (on semi-hiatus).
984 reviews217 followers
February 15, 2023
"No lab partner left behind."

We're back at Las Palmas for another episode of BDSM checklist, where assigned partners engage in kinks starting with a specific letter. Here, we get Tareq and Nomi and and . Can he stop the skittish sub from leaving before they've even begun?

I enjoyed this story featuring two likable people whose insta-connection was a tad more believable than some (the two share a similar love of banter, for instance). I appreciated Nomi's strength and Tareq's sensitivity to her feelings. But, even though I appreciated the discussion of weight's connection to class, the insecure plus-size woman is a stereotype that's been done to death in this genre and isn't the strike against fatphobia that these authors believe. I also wished we learned something -- anything -- about Tareq other than his ethnicity.

4 stars. As always, I appreciate the diversity and emphasis on consent and communication. We get hints of what some of the rest of the letters will contain. Note: Really, really, really could have done without the repeat of the cringe-worthy "Comfort and safety is for the mortals out there. We are gods, gods who are growing lazy and stupid in our complacency.” Now, that's what I would have laughed at.
Profile Image for ✨Tia✨.
33 reviews
July 3, 2023
Read this In one sitting. Loved it. Kinda healed a part of me.💜 who needs therapy when you have books!
70 reviews2 followers
February 24, 2023
Nomi is plus sized and, whilst outwardly confidant, has lots of hang-ups about her curves. She's highly selective in her partners and hates the idea of being forcibly partnered with men, who can't possibly really want her. She would even give up her membership of Las Palmas rather than play the game. She's partnered with Tareq, who has an instant attraction to her. He's very easy-going and extremely patient with her.

I liked he relationship between the two and the characters were very likeable but, having personal experience of being plus-sized person, I very soon found Nomi's constant angst over how Tareq saw her and the constant need for affirmation that he really wanted to be with her very irritating. It was just not a convincing characterisation and I just could not invest in her.

I hate to say it but it really feels like this series is running out of steam. Nomi's issues aside, it feels like this series is being dragged out to the bitter end. The fact that each letter allows for different activities is not enough to stop these stories drowning in predictably. The sex and BDSM (the whole point of this series) are no longer fresh, erotic and exciting. It just feels like 'painting by numbers' now. Reading the sex scenes is like a chore now and the storyline are no longer enough to keep me invested. I'm really not sure I can bear to read another 9 of these books.
Profile Image for Becky.
1,251 reviews122 followers
February 19, 2023
This was a fast an easy read. It just what you expect when you pick up a BDSM title. The exploration of the 2 bodies as they reach the height of pleasure. Consent is very prevalent in this book and lots of communication and discussion about the steps they are taking and works for both. The author did an amazing job with her Fat Rep descriptions in this book. And real plausible sexual positions based on body size. It was a big focus of the book but due to Nomi’s education and her wealthy it did not fight fatphobia the way I think the author intended. I think that in this book the author tried to take a step towards addressing classism in weight, but it felt disingenuine. I won’t spoil what the Q is for… You will have to read to find out!
Profile Image for Dar.
4,513 reviews92 followers
February 27, 2023
I was torn on how to rate this book, it was mostly 3 stars, but there were some parts that were more than that, so I settled on 3 ½, closer to the 3 side. The BDSM and heat level between the characters was amazing, I mean, Tareq was yum, yum, yummy! I just didn’t like Nomi sometimes, she said she accepted herself as she was, but then she continually proved that she didn’t. I’m also not a fan of making weight a major plot point, a consideration, yes, but it took over the story. Without that, this would’ve been top notch read for me.
Profile Image for Angela.
3,493 reviews15 followers
February 11, 2023
I love the names of the characters (Nomi and Tareq). They are unique and reflect the differences and interests outside the norms. Nomi is plus sized, and while she has come to see herself as desirable, she recognizes that her body type is rarely appreciated. Tareq's interest lies in the true exchange of power and finding a partner to explore his own differences with. Through their exploration of the letter "Q", he hopes to capture her thoughts, her truth, and possibly her trust for a future.
Honourable mention to the model used on the cover: she is perfect for Nomi's character.
752 reviews9 followers
February 19, 2023
I really enjoyed this one!
Who would have thought Q could be such an exciting letter!
The time those two spend with each other is rather shorter than usual, but their interaction goes deeper than most.
Not only are the Q-tasks extremely inventive, the psychological side of them shows the deep roots some convictions can have.
Profile Image for Jenna.
1,212 reviews
February 11, 2023
This was a super kinky, laugh out loud, all out - body positivity story with love winning in the end.
Profile Image for Mia.
550 reviews5 followers
February 20, 2023
Finally a real life heroine, someone who looks like many of us. Nomi is a sub but she is not on the skinny side. She is "normal" or on the plus side as she calls herself. And she isn't happy with the alphabet game that Overseers have put out. She isn't comfortable with being with many of the Masters.

But Nomi is a very smart woman and also happens to enjoy some eye candy so she ends up staying at the Club. One "piece" of eye candy that had caught her eye during the announcement turns out to be Tareq aka Master Zine. And the heavens are in alignment and these two are assigned the letter Q.

Tareq is well respected Dom at the Club and a very smart man. He knows that can't strongarm Nomi into things but instead he has to listen to her needs, even her unspoken needs. Plus it helps that he is really into Nomi. When he first saw her at the announcement, the zings he was feeling were enough to startle this experienced Dom.

So settle in and learn all about how the letter Q fits into the world of BDSM in the twisted mind of Lila DuBois, Although really, Lila, you need to do make sure that the same model is used in all of your social media posts. I love that the model on the cover is a plus size model but she isn't the same one in some of your teasers. Love you still though so keep writing since I am waiting impatiently for the next one.
67 reviews
February 15, 2023
Tareq & Nomi Are A Fabulous Addition To The Series!

Plus-size Sub Nomi Thalia has serious body issues. So, at the mandatory meeting at Las Palmas, she catches herself as she starts to laugh when she hears what the Overseers are telling them. As she holds it in, she looks up to see if anyone else finds it funny, and she sees one of the Dom’s whose lips are twitching – he’s very handsome – and trying to hide a smile as well. Then they tell everyone the rules regarding the “Checklist Game.” No longer funny, she storms out debating if she’ll keep her membership or not. Master Zine is given her picture and imagine his surprise when he finds out its her and one word comes to mind, “Mine!” But as he is standing in the parking lot one of the other Master’s points out that his sub is leaving. Fortunately, he catches her and finds out what’s going on. Now he must convince her to stay. “Yes,” they are paired together because of the “Checklist,” but he’d already planned to find her after the game. Unfortunately, because of miscommunication and misunderstandings, will he be able to convince her she’s who he wants, and that she’ll always be his.

**I received a copy of the ARC and I am voluntarily leaving this honest review**
Profile Image for Melanie Marnell.
4,210 reviews34 followers
February 11, 2023
I really, really loved this pair and their dynamic. I think Nomi and Tareq just might be my favorite Las Palmas couple. From the moment he seees Nomi he was openly fixated on Nomi rather well endowed "assets." He charmingly up front and candid about that. This new alphabet game the overseers foisted on the club members is Nomi's worst nightmare. She's is very judicious in her choice of Doms to scene with. Over the years she's finally come to terms with her plus size and has adopted the philosophy that the best offense is a good defense. She now choses to embrace her curves rather than be ashamed of them. She only scenes with Doms who find her attractive and who don't try to "fix" her. Tareq is everything she could want in a Dom and a man but, she doesn't trust what she doesn't know. After he talks her off the ledge, he gives her two days of pleasure, pain and lots of affirmations. Now that's not to say that he doesn't indulge his sadistic side. As their time together draws to an end, once again Nomi chooses to protect herself by being the one to "disappear" early. Tareq has to scramble to stop her and get her to listen to his future plans...for them as a couple.
Profile Image for Anij.
1,323 reviews12 followers
February 22, 2023
“Topping Nomi was like lighting a candle only to find out it was a firecracker.”

So, after the intense, high angst in the last book, for Q we get something lighter and fun. Despite being a hot, dominant sadist Tareq was in many ways almost playful. He had the perfect temperament to handle Nomi who claimed she has no body issues but to me was filled with them. Her constant dwelling on her size is actually why I dropped a star. It would be nice if for once a full figured heroine truly did embrace and love her body enough that she never felt the need to make negative comments about it or even reference it. Clearly Tareq had no issues with her size and truly loved what he saw. I especially liked it when he indicated he also was concerned she was only with him because she had to be and not by choice. In the end I think they are a great pairing, once again showing the big three really know exactly what they are doing. Really looking forward to Ilias next. I think R is going to be a good one and we’ve already had some teasers about it.
Profile Image for Linda.
100 reviews5 followers
February 15, 2023
What a great addition to the Checklist Series! I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book, because I didn’t know how many “Q“ options there would be for the characters to play. (There doesn’t need to be many options to make a great game!) I was surprised and happy with how this story progressed. I loved Tareq and Nomi. The two catch each other’s interests, as they hear about the Alphabet Game. Due to past issues, Nomi decides to leave the club rather than play the game. Tareq sees Nomi leaving, and convinces her to stay. I think the issues with body image, bullying, humiliation, and body shaming were handled extremely well. I loved the chemistry between the two characters, and I found them both to be thoroughly likable. I can’t wait for the next book in the series (there was an introduction to characters that will be in the “R” and “S” books).
Profile Image for ✨amillionbooksjourney✨.
250 reviews1 follower
January 16, 2024
Las Palmas is a sex club for dom’s, sub’s, slaves and masters.
One day the owners decide that they have become complacent. And that is time to spice things up with a game - an alphabet game.
Each sub is assigned to a letter, and each letter is assigned to a dom. Each will receive a list with every kink and fetish in that part of the alphabet, associated activities, kinks and tools, and the partner checklist.
Naomi has the letter Q, which stands for questioning and queening.
The thing is Naomi has problems with Doms. She has been burned in the past, so she is not very excited to be partnered with a new Dom, instead of one chosen for herself.
Want to know how creative Tariq can be with the scenes? Go read this book 😉
Ps.: for a sadist Tariq was actually a sweetheart.

I love the concept of this series. I’m so gonna read all of them.
Happy Readings 🤍
3,045 reviews17 followers
February 14, 2023
I Love this Letter Series!!

I think my favorite things about this series is the depth of emotions and character building that come through the pages. Not only do you understand the characters, but usually there is a tough backstory and some issues to work through, and there is a character (usually the Dom) who is caring and patient and breaks through those walls and is just what their partner needs.

Q is a short list, but beautifully executed. Again, it is not just the couple, but some secondary characters who are needed to make sure things work out in the end. A beautiful read. Another stellar story to add to the list of delightful items to be found within this series.

***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
370 reviews2 followers
May 16, 2023
I have enjoyed all of the reads in this series. They offer great plots, characters, and exploration of sexual and emotional needs. Nomi and Tareq's story was surprising on many levels even though I know what to expect from DuBois. I loved to see the vulnerabilities of Nomi. What was going on in her mind. How her insecurities tried to sabotage their fun at every turn. I think most readers can understand and relate to that. What was unexpected was how the writing got you in their minds. Made you feel the emotions of the characters.

Let's face it Q was going to be an interesting read as there aren't many things for DuBois to work with. The characters and the storyline had to make up for the letter. I'm happy to report that you won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Tamara.
398 reviews
February 13, 2023
Wonderful add to the Checklist Series!

Loved Tareq and Nomi! For a letter that had so few things assigned to it, this was an amazing story! Nomi with her body issues that she's overcome but still has "flashbacks" from. Tareq's pushiness, his sometimes gentleman-ness, his alarming smile, and silliness...ah perfection!

Warning: do not start this book if you want/need to go to sleep too soon - couldn't/didn't want to put it down. Tareq and Nomi just pulled me in & didn't let go! They were just immediately clicking and laughing, they really drew me in, etc.

The pirate story is hot and a hoot! Boyfriend material, emotionally compromised, their meet cute story... - loved it all! Tareq trying to be responsible - thankfully Master Mikel straightened him out - in time.

Can't wait to see Ben/Ilias in R and Morton/Julen, Peter, and Lihn in S, looks like those letters will be fun!
Profile Image for Judi.
1,903 reviews14 followers
February 14, 2023
Quintessential kink with so many feels…

The first thing I love about these books is the varied characters. No John, Jane, Bob, or Betty. Nomi is Greek and Tareq is Moroccan, I imagine Tareq as a big suave man and Nomi very statuesque even in a large size. While they practice RACK (Risk Aware Consensual Kink) risk is something Nomi is averse to take. The chemistry is palpable as the discussions spark during the sexy kinky play but Tareq soon finds out Nomi’s brain starts to whirl when she’s not taken away by the physical sensations that sate her masochism. Loved this smoking hot angsty tale.
2,933 reviews14 followers
February 15, 2023
Great story with an awesome MMC! Plus sized Nomi loves her body but is a bit fearful when it comes to playing with Doms she doesn't know because of past bad experiences. Being assigned a Dom she isn't familiar with for the alphabet game has her ready to head for the hills but Tareq isn't going to let her do that. He is genuinely attracted to her and wants her to trust that he will give her what she needs. He earns her trust every step of the way. This likeable pair have great chemistry and I enjoyed their story very much. 4.5 stars

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
377 reviews3 followers
February 16, 2023
Unexpected, steamy, body acceptance

I identified with Nomi as a larger woman who has been body shamed. I too worry about being to heavy to sit on a lap or indulge in some kinks. Nomi also thinks about if a man would ever want her or if he is being kind by topping her.

I wondered what Q would bring. I think "questioning" is a bit of a reach but does work here. Loved Tariq and his interaction with Nomi. As for the other Q activity, too good to tell but you will want to add this to your fantasies. Clearly the author indulged a bit into her fantasies while writing this.
Profile Image for Charleys Bookshelf.
204 reviews5 followers
May 6, 2023
This book is part of the BDSM checklist series with a letter for every kink. This book was fun and intrigued me about the kink associated with the letter Q. Nomi was the plus-size FMC and very confident in herself and her sexuality. I liked that L. DuBois created a plus-size character with previous insecurities based on real-life actions, not just her body dysmorphia. Nomi was a very relatable character as a plus-sized woman myself. I loved the chemistry that L. DuBois created between Tareq and Nomi; this novella's banter is excellent. I appreciate when an author can make good sass and banter, and L. DuBois did that!
646 reviews9 followers
December 6, 2024
Pretty good read.

The male lead was awesome, the relationship-building was great and the smut was enjoyable.

However, the female lead kept saying she liked her plus size body but her thoughts, words and behavior said the opposite. I understood her reluctance at the beginning but if she actually thought her body was attractive, she wouldn't have had so much trouble believing the male lead's attraction to her.

But it was still a sweet romance and I can recommend it with a clear conscience.

Profile Image for Jennifer.
953 reviews
February 15, 2023
L. Dubois has delivered a read that is sexy, beautiful, emotional at times, and even thought provoking in the next checklist book, Q is for…. Nomi is a woman that is strong and sure about herself but questions many things while Tareq is a confident man that is going after what he wants. These two together have very intense and explosive moments throughout this read that makes their connection so strong. I loved this couple and can’t wait for the next book.
Profile Image for lovestoread.
961 reviews11 followers
February 16, 2023
This was such a rollercoaster read. Loved every second of it. Nomi and Tareq are absolutely fantastic. I love their dynamic. Nomi is confident, yet worries so much about others actually wanting to scene with her. Tareq has his work cut out for him to gain her trust.

I think this is one of the best ...is for books Lila has done so far! I can't wait to see what else she comes up with. Not long now until we reach the end of the alphabet.
351 reviews
February 16, 2023
I think this was the first book in this series where the female lead was plus size. Nomi has some serious self perception issues. While she keeps saying she loves herself it early was hard to see with a lot of her inner thoughts. Tareq is a Dom who is a boob guy and a sadist. While this letter did not have a lot of items to do, the development of their relationship takes up a fair bit of the book. While overall, it was a good read, I really struggled getting into this book.
Profile Image for Vik.
133 reviews8 followers
February 19, 2023
I love this book series.
The checklist series by Lila DuBois is about a BDSM club where every book is a different couple and they're given one letter of the alphabet. That letter represents everything on a club checklist. It's deliciously inventive and entertaining while also being very eye opening to different kinks. It's really well written with every book having hea. "Q is for" has just been released with a beautiful curvey woman Nomi and master Zane. Nomi is had a positive body image in general but unsure on the club. Little does she know that Master Zane just can't get enough of her.
Well worth reading if you're interested in a BDSM series.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
1,150 reviews1 follower
February 22, 2023
I'm going to sound crazy but I never thought I'd use the word sweet to describe a Sadist.. but here we are, lol. Being a heavier woman, it warms my heart to see through Tariqs eyes. I love though she challenged him he took the time to step back when needed and apply pressure when she was stuck in her head. You can tell in this club that the overseers took the time to put the right people together, even if it was just to shake things up.
Profile Image for Alice Greenfield.
112 reviews1 follower
April 9, 2023
Q is for... can be read as a standalone, but is part of a BDSM Checklist novella series with multiple POV's and ends in a HFN.

I don't always love BDSM stories, but this one was quite empowering. I won't tell you what Q stands for in the clubs checklist, because it was fun to not know until it happened. Let's just say it was term I had never heard.

Nomi and Tareq were a fantastic couple and their banter and chemistry was amazing. There isn't much plot, but it's a BDSM novella, so I never expected one.
Profile Image for Julie.
550 reviews2 followers
February 28, 2023
Interesting Read

Tareq and Nomi were lovely. I did feel as though their relationship (and the story) was incredibly rushed. This was my first read in the checklist series so that could be the author’s intention. The scenes were delightfully detailed, but at the same time lacking. I did love the easy way these two were able to enjoy each other’s company.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews

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