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Buckin' Bull Riders #1
Impact
Professional bull rider Conner Raub hides a secret from the world. He's a Dom. When he meets a submissive on tour who pulls at his Dom tendencies, he fights to deny his true self, believing his colleagues will condemn his lifestyle.
Jessica Talbot is new to the BDSM scene and the bull riding tour, but after seeing Conner come to the aid of a submissive being mistreated in a club, she sets out to have him for her own. After their first night together she asks him to train her to submit and he refuses, afraid to mix business with pleasure. But Jessica isn't deterred. She'll do whatever it takes to make him realize he can have it all--a career, true love and the BDSM lifestyle he craves.
Jessica Talbot is new to the BDSM scene and the bull riding tour, but after seeing Conner come to the aid of a submissive being mistreated in a club, she sets out to have him for her own. After their first night together she asks him to train her to submit and he refuses, afraid to mix business with pleasure. But Jessica isn't deterred. She'll do whatever it takes to make him realize he can have it all--a career, true love and the BDSM lifestyle he craves.
155 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2012
58 people are currently reading
793 people want to read
About the author
Cassandra Carr
72 books445 followersCassandra Carr is a multi-award winning romance writer. When not writing she enjoys watching hockey and hanging out online. Cassandra's books have won numerous "Best Book Of" awards and her novella Unexpected Top was nominated in the E-book Erotic Romance category of RT's Reviewers' Choice Awards.
She thinks the best part of being a writer is penning stories about love and sex while most others struggle with commutes, micro-managing bosses and cranky co-workers.
Website http://www.booksbycassandracarr.com
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/AuthorCassand...
Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Cassandra_Carr
Email AuthorCassandraCarr AT gmail.com
She thinks the best part of being a writer is penning stories about love and sex while most others struggle with commutes, micro-managing bosses and cranky co-workers.
Website http://www.booksbycassandracarr.com
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/AuthorCassand...
Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Cassandra_Carr
Email AuthorCassandraCarr AT gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
September 23, 2013
4 stars
There are two sides to Conner Raub, a professional bull rider and a Dom. Working for one of the conservative leagues in America, life on the road is no place for his kink which makes it almost impossible to have permanent sub even if he wanted to. This means keeping his dirty secret tucked away, knowing his career would be ruined if the news gets out. He’s never played while on tour, of course that all changes when he saves Jessica from an ugly situation, something in her eyes calls on every Dominant instinct he has. Jessica is a natural, feisty but submissive, a rare combination. Jessica had her work cut out for her, she had to prove to Conner that he could have everything he ever wanted and more. Impact was an erotically sexy read, can’t go wrong with a cowboy who’s a pro at riding ;)
"I’ve got a fifteen-hundred-pound bull to ride in an hour and the only thing I can think about in relation to riding is you riding my dick.”
There are two sides to Conner Raub, a professional bull rider and a Dom. Working for one of the conservative leagues in America, life on the road is no place for his kink which makes it almost impossible to have permanent sub even if he wanted to. This means keeping his dirty secret tucked away, knowing his career would be ruined if the news gets out. He’s never played while on tour, of course that all changes when he saves Jessica from an ugly situation, something in her eyes calls on every Dominant instinct he has. Jessica is a natural, feisty but submissive, a rare combination. Jessica had her work cut out for her, she had to prove to Conner that he could have everything he ever wanted and more. Impact was an erotically sexy read, can’t go wrong with a cowboy who’s a pro at riding ;)
February 5, 2012
Smokin' HOT!! Lots of ridin' going on in this book, and it wasn't just on the bulls!! I really enjoyed Jessica and Conner's relationship, they had great chemistry. She's new to the BDSM scene and although Conner is very assertive, he's also very sweet and charming. We get a little bit of Jessica's background, but virtually none of Conner's. Maybe one or two sex scenes could have been eliminated...uh...maybe get Jessica off her knees, just sayin'...and those pages could have been used to give these two some more depth. It still would have been a very sensual read.
I fell in love with Brady, Conner's traveling partner, and I'm really looking forward to his book!
I fell in love with Brady, Conner's traveling partner, and I'm really looking forward to his book!
June 9, 2012
Okay...just re-read and yikes this one was HOT! While I have to say that Connor kept promising the 9 orgasms...they didn't end up coming to fruition...but Connor came and kept coming (in and on Jesse girl). That said, the way it was written, you really felt that Jesse loved it all and wanted the scenes the way they were. Really, if she wanted it otherwise, Connor did seem amenable.
But my first feelings are still true...I WANT GRADY!
First Read through:
Connor was great but I can't wait for that sweety Grady!
I was a bit ticked at Jessica running...first forces herself in there and then runs like a rabbit? What's up with that?
I love cowboys and I absolutely adore the PBR (one of my dirty little secrets along with Swamp People)...I enjoyed those parts describing Connor's rides, but would have like even more mixing with the other cowboys on the circuit.
Over all, the steam was about 8/10 on the BDSM scale. Nothing too off, but Connor's favorite way to start off a scene was a bit different (never saw that one in other books)...just saying.
Enjoyed this novella...and the epilogue to give us the HEA.
But my first feelings are still true...I WANT GRADY!
First Read through:
Connor was great but I can't wait for that sweety Grady!
I was a bit ticked at Jessica running...first forces herself in there and then runs like a rabbit? What's up with that?
I love cowboys and I absolutely adore the PBR (one of my dirty little secrets along with Swamp People)...I enjoyed those parts describing Connor's rides, but would have like even more mixing with the other cowboys on the circuit.
Over all, the steam was about 8/10 on the BDSM scale. Nothing too off, but Connor's favorite way to start off a scene was a bit different (never saw that one in other books)...just saying.
Enjoyed this novella...and the epilogue to give us the HEA.
January 7, 2013
Ever since I read what I considered a bad BDSM romance I’ve been telling people that I don’t read BDSM books. I bought this book after having met Cassandra at a book convention. I didn’t even pay attention to what the book was about. I thought Cassandra was a doll and I wanted to read her book. So there was a bit of a surprise when I saw that the hero was a Dom.
I loved Conner. He is the kinky, chatty, very sexy cowboy hero of Impact. He keeps his Dom lifestyle a secret. He doesn't want to deal with any prejudice from his fellow bull riders. The rodeo life keeps him traveling so he has never even considered keeping his own sub. He has a few girls he plays with when he is home and away from the rodeo.
Jessica is so curious of the BDSM life that she finds herself in a club to see just what it is all about. The more she watches the more she knows that this is what she wants. She is shocked when she sees one of the cowboys from the rodeo circuit she works is there and a very serious Dom. Now she just has to convince him that he is the Dom to bring her into the BDSM world.
I truly enjoyed the story. Conner was an interesting mix of alpha Dom, and caring sweet gentleman. He sees the perfect submissive in Jessica. He wants her, he just doesn’t want the drama caused by people not understanding his lifestyle. Jessica was perfectly matched for him. She’s not a pushover submissive. She also knows what she wants and she doesn’t let Conner use his flimsy excuses for not giving her what she wants.
Conner definitely delivers in the giving Jessica what she wants department. Holy hell hotness, this is one hot book! Every single sex scene has a scorching intensity. I kept finding myself wondering what will this kinky cowboy do next. I had to google a few things, just because as I said in the beginning I’ve only read one BDSM romance. I am most certainly continuing not only this series, but I will read more of Cassandra’s books.
I learned something very interesting in the pages of Impact, bull rider don’t wear cups. That just seems painful.
February 10, 2012
A Cowboy who is a Dom...every girl's dream!! Our hero is Connor bull rider extraordinaire who is conflicted with how his sexual preferences can mix with the conservative atmosphere of the rodeo circuit. Then suddenly there is Jessica, she is curious about the lifestyle and is blown away when she sees Connor at a BDSM club. Jessica is with the Rodeo too and has had a crush on Connor for a while now... In his story we see if they can come together and made a relationship work.
Cassandra Carr did an excellent job of creating characters who are very easy to connect to emotionally. Her writing from both POV gives us the opportunity to see how Connor struggles with his sexuality and how of the two Jessica seems to be more confident in her choice of lifestyle. CC's writing of Brady as a sidekick for Connor and his curiosity about BDSM sets him up as a natural hero in book 2 of this series. I totally enjoyed the read and was all set to give this book a 4 star rating. Then I got to the last couple chapters and I dropped out of the head space of the book totally. When Connor called Brady it just ruined the book for me...it was totally out of character for a Dom and for Connor's character. I liked that Brady went through the check list with Connor but it just didn't "feel" right for the characters. We were also introduced to Jessica's family in the last couple chapters ..which was ok as I can see how we will be seeing them in further books in the series but it felt rushed and awkward..the whole meeting the family just didn't work IMO...I wish Ms Carr's beta readers had pointed these fact out to her because I think it would have been pretty easy to fix.
Sadly I have to give the book a 3 star rating but it really should have been a 4 I did love the story, characters and am looking forward to her next book in the series.
Cassandra Carr did an excellent job of creating characters who are very easy to connect to emotionally. Her writing from both POV gives us the opportunity to see how Connor struggles with his sexuality and how of the two Jessica seems to be more confident in her choice of lifestyle. CC's writing of Brady as a sidekick for Connor and his curiosity about BDSM sets him up as a natural hero in book 2 of this series. I totally enjoyed the read and was all set to give this book a 4 star rating. Then I got to the last couple chapters and I dropped out of the head space of the book totally. When Connor called Brady it just ruined the book for me...it was totally out of character for a Dom and for Connor's character. I liked that Brady went through the check list with Connor but it just didn't "feel" right for the characters. We were also introduced to Jessica's family in the last couple chapters ..which was ok as I can see how we will be seeing them in further books in the series but it felt rushed and awkward..the whole meeting the family just didn't work IMO...I wish Ms Carr's beta readers had pointed these fact out to her because I think it would have been pretty easy to fix.
Sadly I have to give the book a 3 star rating but it really should have been a 4 I did love the story, characters and am looking forward to her next book in the series.
February 11, 2012
Book Description:
Professional bull rider Conner Raub hides a secret from the world. He’s a Dom. When he meets a submissive on tour who pulls at his Dom tendencies, he fights to deny his true self, believing his colleagues will condemn his lifestyle.
Jessica Talbot is new to the BDSM scene and the bull riding tour, but after seeing Conner come to the aid of a submissive being mistreated in a club, she sets out to have him for her own. After their first night together she asks him to train her to submit and he refuses, afraid to mix business with pleasure. But Jessica isn’t deterred. She’ll do whatever it takes to make him realize he can have it all—a career, true love, and the BDSM lifestyle he craves.
My Thoughts:
This story grades at about a 3.75. I can't identify that type of rating on GR so I rounded up to a 4 stars. This story was fantastic...right up to the last 20% where he took a strange turn off the path.
I loved that Connor was a strong Dom who knew what he wanted and went after it. I appreciate Jessica's strength as well. She was no shrinking violet. She was the sole female in a male dominated world and sport. She also knew what she wanted...and that want was Connor. She was interested in the BDSM lifestyle and she knew that her sexual predilections took on a darker hue than others. She went to a local BDSM club where she saw Connor in action as a Dom and a man. At that moment, he drew her interest and she knew that she had to have him. She wanted him to train her as his sub but she had to idea how to open the subject up with him because they had never met formally even though she recognized him from their work. However, a few days later, Jessica was abruptly introduced to Connor at work when a cowboy in the bull riding circuit physically man-handled her and Connor rescued her from him. From this introduction, Connor and Jessica engaged each other and began a rapid paced sexual romance that started off vanilla and then gradually turned into dark chocolate.
Lust turns to love.
The story was so well done between the two characters. But alas, at 80% into the story, Jessica is suspended from her position because of a jealous co-worker and she goes home to lick her wounds of disappointment. She leaves without telling Connor and he becomes desperately worried about her. Long story short, Connor finds out where Jessica is, her parents home, so he goes there to "get her back". It was during this process that Connor turns from a strong Dom to a weak and insecure male. He has to ask his friend Brady if he (Connor) is in love with Jessica. Huh? He was so decisive and sure about everything else but he had to ask if he loved a woman. And then after receiving the answer from his friend, he was resolutely sure that he loved her. That was just kinda weird, IMO. And then when he meet up with Jessica he is basically begging her to tell him that she loved him. What happened to the strong Dom? His personality took a 180 degree turn. I appreciate the fact that he was sensitive but that type of sensitive was bordering on wimpy. The last part of the story dropped it from a four star to a 3.75 star read.
Overall, it was an enjoyable enough story that non-cynical readers may find to be a completely enjoyable read.
Professional bull rider Conner Raub hides a secret from the world. He’s a Dom. When he meets a submissive on tour who pulls at his Dom tendencies, he fights to deny his true self, believing his colleagues will condemn his lifestyle.
Jessica Talbot is new to the BDSM scene and the bull riding tour, but after seeing Conner come to the aid of a submissive being mistreated in a club, she sets out to have him for her own. After their first night together she asks him to train her to submit and he refuses, afraid to mix business with pleasure. But Jessica isn’t deterred. She’ll do whatever it takes to make him realize he can have it all—a career, true love, and the BDSM lifestyle he craves.
My Thoughts:
This story grades at about a 3.75. I can't identify that type of rating on GR so I rounded up to a 4 stars. This story was fantastic...right up to the last 20% where he took a strange turn off the path.
I loved that Connor was a strong Dom who knew what he wanted and went after it. I appreciate Jessica's strength as well. She was no shrinking violet. She was the sole female in a male dominated world and sport. She also knew what she wanted...and that want was Connor. She was interested in the BDSM lifestyle and she knew that her sexual predilections took on a darker hue than others. She went to a local BDSM club where she saw Connor in action as a Dom and a man. At that moment, he drew her interest and she knew that she had to have him. She wanted him to train her as his sub but she had to idea how to open the subject up with him because they had never met formally even though she recognized him from their work. However, a few days later, Jessica was abruptly introduced to Connor at work when a cowboy in the bull riding circuit physically man-handled her and Connor rescued her from him. From this introduction, Connor and Jessica engaged each other and began a rapid paced sexual romance that started off vanilla and then gradually turned into dark chocolate.
Lust turns to love.
The story was so well done between the two characters. But alas, at 80% into the story, Jessica is suspended from her position because of a jealous co-worker and she goes home to lick her wounds of disappointment. She leaves without telling Connor and he becomes desperately worried about her. Long story short, Connor finds out where Jessica is, her parents home, so he goes there to "get her back". It was during this process that Connor turns from a strong Dom to a weak and insecure male. He has to ask his friend Brady if he (Connor) is in love with Jessica. Huh? He was so decisive and sure about everything else but he had to ask if he loved a woman. And then after receiving the answer from his friend, he was resolutely sure that he loved her. That was just kinda weird, IMO. And then when he meet up with Jessica he is basically begging her to tell him that she loved him. What happened to the strong Dom? His personality took a 180 degree turn. I appreciate the fact that he was sensitive but that type of sensitive was bordering on wimpy. The last part of the story dropped it from a four star to a 3.75 star read.
Overall, it was an enjoyable enough story that non-cynical readers may find to be a completely enjoyable read.
February 11, 2012
Oh boy, where to start with this book. I enjoyed the story quite a bit—it was a short, fun, easy read. HOWEVER (notice that’s a big however), I am only giving this book 3 stars because of the BDSM aspects of the story. Now, anyone who knows the type of books I like to read is probably wondering about that statement, because I love BDSM novels. I also love cowboy romances, so when you put the two together I'm like a kid in a candy story. But this story, in my opinion, would have been better without the BDSM. The problem for me was Conner, he felt about as dominant as my grandmother.
In the beginning I believed it for a while, but by the middle of the book I was shaking my head wondering where his dominance went. I don’t think being a master means just threatening to paddle someone’s ass ever other sentence. I thought Jessica was way more in control of their encounters than he was. What do they call that “Topping from the bottom”? Let me give you an example, there is an encounter where Jessica is going to…ahem, do something for Conner. She is down on her knees (I think you get the picture) and he asks what she’s doing. She tells him what her plans are, and then he “orders” her to do exactly what she was already doing. That doesn’t feel like him controlling anything.
The other thing that undermined his supposed dominant nature was his fickleness. He didn’t seem sure if he wanted to be in a BDSM relationship half the time. He blames it on his career, he mentions traveling and things like thin walls and no place to tie up his sub. I’m sorry, you either like to take control or you don’t. Here you have a sub willing to surrender control and he’s just not sure. It felt off for me. Then, he has to ask his best friend if he’s in love? Really? He can’t make up his own mind about something so important, and yet I’m supposed to believe him to be a decisive, commanding personality. I just didn't buy it.
I wanted to mention one other contradiction that bothered me. The whole reason he’s unsure about having a BDSM relationship is because of his career. Jessica also mentions that her career and independence is really important to her. I was really disappointed in the resolution at the end of the book because
Overall, it was an enjoyable read, but if the BDSM elements weren’t in this story, it would've definitely gotten at least 4 stars from me.
In the beginning I believed it for a while, but by the middle of the book I was shaking my head wondering where his dominance went. I don’t think being a master means just threatening to paddle someone’s ass ever other sentence. I thought Jessica was way more in control of their encounters than he was. What do they call that “Topping from the bottom”? Let me give you an example, there is an encounter where Jessica is going to…ahem, do something for Conner. She is down on her knees (I think you get the picture) and he asks what she’s doing. She tells him what her plans are, and then he “orders” her to do exactly what she was already doing. That doesn’t feel like him controlling anything.
The other thing that undermined his supposed dominant nature was his fickleness. He didn’t seem sure if he wanted to be in a BDSM relationship half the time. He blames it on his career, he mentions traveling and things like thin walls and no place to tie up his sub. I’m sorry, you either like to take control or you don’t. Here you have a sub willing to surrender control and he’s just not sure. It felt off for me. Then, he has to ask his best friend if he’s in love? Really? He can’t make up his own mind about something so important, and yet I’m supposed to believe him to be a decisive, commanding personality. I just didn't buy it.
I wanted to mention one other contradiction that bothered me. The whole reason he’s unsure about having a BDSM relationship is because of his career. Jessica also mentions that her career and independence is really important to her. I was really disappointed in the resolution at the end of the book because
Overall, it was an enjoyable read, but if the BDSM elements weren’t in this story, it would've definitely gotten at least 4 stars from me.
February 9, 2012
I hate this book; it made me betray my principles ;).
I've sworn not to buy any new books before I've read the ones already on my Kindle, but then I read one of the sex scenes from this book in an excerpt and thought: "Well...uhm....Meh...I'll buy just THIS ONE, but it's the last, really..."
The sex in this book is....wait...let me find the right term here...mind-blowing? Earth-shattering? So hot my fingertips burned off?
No, that's too weak...
Let's try the following: for those sex scenes alone I would have suffered through a menage-scene (and that's the ultimate sacrifice for me, because I always get white-hot jealous when I have to read menage and usually want to maim at least one of the involved guys AND the hero for sharing the heroine- not a feeling I crave, I assure you!)- that's how hot those scenes were. As it turned out, I needn't have worried- Conner learns that he doesn't want to share after all... that's smart. And made me abstain from wanting to slaughter him.
I pretty much wanted to hurt Maria, though, for blowing the hero in the beginning, but technically, he wasn't Jessica's then, so I decided to be magnanimous here- but I made Maria darn ugly in my head!!!
About the frequency of blowjobs in this book- you know the good old German saying that translates "everything in moderation"? Well, it's bullshit. I LOVE OBSESSIONS! And I happen to love a lot of sperm in my erotica, and since blowjobs amost require talking about seed all the time- YAY!!
Cassandra Carr is one of the authors who combine SCORCHING sex with a perfect HEA- I read the book in one day and was a very happy camper afterwards!
Anything I didn't like? Oh yes: the hero wasn't blond (how dare he)! He was blond in my mind, though, so no complaint there :D.
GREAT book, can't wait for Brady's story, who seems a nice guy!!!
I've sworn not to buy any new books before I've read the ones already on my Kindle, but then I read one of the sex scenes from this book in an excerpt and thought: "Well...uhm....Meh...I'll buy just THIS ONE, but it's the last, really..."
The sex in this book is....wait...let me find the right term here...mind-blowing? Earth-shattering? So hot my fingertips burned off?
No, that's too weak...
Let's try the following: for those sex scenes alone I would have suffered through a menage-scene (and that's the ultimate sacrifice for me, because I always get white-hot jealous when I have to read menage and usually want to maim at least one of the involved guys AND the hero for sharing the heroine- not a feeling I crave, I assure you!)- that's how hot those scenes were. As it turned out, I needn't have worried- Conner learns that he doesn't want to share after all... that's smart. And made me abstain from wanting to slaughter him.
I pretty much wanted to hurt Maria, though, for blowing the hero in the beginning, but technically, he wasn't Jessica's then, so I decided to be magnanimous here- but I made Maria darn ugly in my head!!!
About the frequency of blowjobs in this book- you know the good old German saying that translates "everything in moderation"? Well, it's bullshit. I LOVE OBSESSIONS! And I happen to love a lot of sperm in my erotica, and since blowjobs amost require talking about seed all the time- YAY!!
Cassandra Carr is one of the authors who combine SCORCHING sex with a perfect HEA- I read the book in one day and was a very happy camper afterwards!
Anything I didn't like? Oh yes: the hero wasn't blond (how dare he)! He was blond in my mind, though, so no complaint there :D.
GREAT book, can't wait for Brady's story, who seems a nice guy!!!
October 10, 2013
LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. Combination of buckin' bull rider and a splash of FSoG...heheh. I know, right?! What's even more shocking is that this was an Amazon freebie!
Though... how was this guy not arrested for assault about a million times? HAHA
I really liked the relationship between these two and the mix of rodeo. Although I must say... ending: Lame. Not impressed with that part.
ONE LAST THING! The cover!!! OMG, please, please, please get a new one. The guy on the cover looks dirty, skeezy, and well... no thanks. He looks nothing like the man described in the book and it was hard getting this picture out of my head!
This is what real bull riders look like....
This is part of Buckin' Bull Riders series, so I hope to get reading the rest of the series! Now to ask Santa for some more Amazon gift cards...
Though... how was this guy not arrested for assault about a million times? HAHA
I really liked the relationship between these two and the mix of rodeo. Although I must say... ending: Lame. Not impressed with that part.
ONE LAST THING! The cover!!! OMG, please, please, please get a new one. The guy on the cover looks dirty, skeezy, and well... no thanks. He looks nothing like the man described in the book and it was hard getting this picture out of my head!
This is what real bull riders look like....
This is part of Buckin' Bull Riders series, so I hope to get reading the rest of the series! Now to ask Santa for some more Amazon gift cards...
April 9, 2012
This was OK. It was a group read. It seemed sort of repetitive, and it really bugged me that he kept saying over and over "I can't have this relationship because I can't be who I really am on the road... it could ruin my career... blah blah blah". And then he'd turn around and become all possessive of Jessica again. At the beginning, there was mention of Conner sharing women with his friend Brady, but then absolutely nothing happened with that. I mean what was the point of mentioning it? Conner never even had the THOUGHT of sharing Jessica with Brady. Also, the whole "educating Brady about BDSM" was sort of superfluous. I don't think the next book has anything to do with BDSM, so them talking about it just seemed out of place, except for the fact that it was the reason Conner was all kerfluffled about Jessica. I definitely didn't hate it, I just didn't love it.
March 31, 2015
My thoughts on this book is WOW. A hot cowboy who is a Dom too. Well that's just a beautiful thing.
I loved both Connor and Jessica. Connor was a strong man with a sweet gentleman type to him. Jessica a strong female but even though she new to the Dom/Sub scene, she was a perfect match for Connor. She just needed to find a way to make him see that he could have it all. There were a few weak moments but overall it was a really hot book to read, right from the beginning and I need to see how this series will continue.
I loved both Connor and Jessica. Connor was a strong man with a sweet gentleman type to him. Jessica a strong female but even though she new to the Dom/Sub scene, she was a perfect match for Connor. She just needed to find a way to make him see that he could have it all. There were a few weak moments but overall it was a really hot book to read, right from the beginning and I need to see how this series will continue.
September 17, 2013
Really enjoyed this book--looking forward to many more from Cassandra Carr---I love me some cowboys. Thank you.
April 29, 2012
Full review at http://delightedreader.com
Connor Raub is a bull rider with a secret. He’s a Dom in a highly conservative rodeo circuit. While saving a sub at a BDSM sex club, his hood is knocked off allowing a few people to see his true face. Hoping no one saw, he continues on with is life, none the wiser that he has been made.
Jessica Talbot is a new to the BDSM world and just watching from the sidelines. When she see’s Connor rescue a sub in trouble, she recognizes him right away when his hood is knocked off. Jessica works on the circuit keeping track of the cattle and making sure all the paperwork is filled out. When Connor sees her get manhandled, he steps in to prevent it from going any further but makes her promise to meet later.
The two end up in bed together and when Connor jokingly threatens to spank her and she puts him to the test. She admits she saw him and wants to have him train her to be a BDSM submissive. He refuses, afraid that more than just Jessica has seen him and his business and pleasure. Jessica won’t take no for an answer and they fall into a loose BDSM relationship as they travel from rodeo to rodeo.
Let me say that this book is well written, I just had problems with the BDSM aspects. So what was the problems? Jessica topped from the bottom…a lot. She would take over and start to do something and he would let her, throwing out his plans. Then there was Connor knowing what he wants, but not being able to decide if he really wants it or not. He never seems to be in control. At one point he gives Jessica a task to shave herself. She works late and then he gets injured and she never gets around to shaving. He says they will do it that night. They don’t. In fact they don’t for the entire book. How is he going to keep the respect of being the Dom if he doesn’t follow through with what he asked for? Oh, yeah, he punishes her for something he wants her to quit doing and he even says she won’t respect him if he doesn’t follow through. The last thing I had a problem with in the BDSM realm…they never once negotiate or talk about limits. While they only do mild BDSM stuff, it is something I just can’t get over. Neither one really knew what the other one wanted or needed from this relationship.
The love scenes were delightfully hot, but I also had problems with those. There were a lot of blow jobs. No delicate way to put it. Almost every sexual encounter ends or begins with a blow job. In fact, he is with a different sub in the beginning of the book. She is due a punishment, but they get interrupted when he goes to save another sub in distress. When he gets back, the sub he is with wants to give him a blow job as a way of saying thanks for saving the other sub. It constantly felt forced and unnatural.
We get to meet Jessica’s family, all three brothers, mom and dad. On the flip side we never see Connor’s family. We don’t even hear about them. It is like they aren’t even in his life. Maybe I just didn’t intake that part of the book for long term knowledge, but it would seem you need to learn more about each other’s past or nothing at all.
After all of this you probably think I didn’t like the book? Well, I had mixed emotions. If the book had not gotten into the BDSM elements, it probably would have gotten a higher score from me. It is a very spicy erotic book that didn’t need the BDSM elements to make it a very fun book. Unfortunately, those BDSM elements pulled me away from enjoying the book as much as I wanted to. I wanted so much more from this book, but couldn’t find what I wanted.While this one book hasn’t turned me off this author or series, I am hoping the next book is better and gets over some of the issues I found in this book.
Connor Raub is a bull rider with a secret. He’s a Dom in a highly conservative rodeo circuit. While saving a sub at a BDSM sex club, his hood is knocked off allowing a few people to see his true face. Hoping no one saw, he continues on with is life, none the wiser that he has been made.
Jessica Talbot is a new to the BDSM world and just watching from the sidelines. When she see’s Connor rescue a sub in trouble, she recognizes him right away when his hood is knocked off. Jessica works on the circuit keeping track of the cattle and making sure all the paperwork is filled out. When Connor sees her get manhandled, he steps in to prevent it from going any further but makes her promise to meet later.
The two end up in bed together and when Connor jokingly threatens to spank her and she puts him to the test. She admits she saw him and wants to have him train her to be a BDSM submissive. He refuses, afraid that more than just Jessica has seen him and his business and pleasure. Jessica won’t take no for an answer and they fall into a loose BDSM relationship as they travel from rodeo to rodeo.
Let me say that this book is well written, I just had problems with the BDSM aspects. So what was the problems? Jessica topped from the bottom…a lot. She would take over and start to do something and he would let her, throwing out his plans. Then there was Connor knowing what he wants, but not being able to decide if he really wants it or not. He never seems to be in control. At one point he gives Jessica a task to shave herself. She works late and then he gets injured and she never gets around to shaving. He says they will do it that night. They don’t. In fact they don’t for the entire book. How is he going to keep the respect of being the Dom if he doesn’t follow through with what he asked for? Oh, yeah, he punishes her for something he wants her to quit doing and he even says she won’t respect him if he doesn’t follow through. The last thing I had a problem with in the BDSM realm…they never once negotiate or talk about limits. While they only do mild BDSM stuff, it is something I just can’t get over. Neither one really knew what the other one wanted or needed from this relationship.
The love scenes were delightfully hot, but I also had problems with those. There were a lot of blow jobs. No delicate way to put it. Almost every sexual encounter ends or begins with a blow job. In fact, he is with a different sub in the beginning of the book. She is due a punishment, but they get interrupted when he goes to save another sub in distress. When he gets back, the sub he is with wants to give him a blow job as a way of saying thanks for saving the other sub. It constantly felt forced and unnatural.
We get to meet Jessica’s family, all three brothers, mom and dad. On the flip side we never see Connor’s family. We don’t even hear about them. It is like they aren’t even in his life. Maybe I just didn’t intake that part of the book for long term knowledge, but it would seem you need to learn more about each other’s past or nothing at all.
After all of this you probably think I didn’t like the book? Well, I had mixed emotions. If the book had not gotten into the BDSM elements, it probably would have gotten a higher score from me. It is a very spicy erotic book that didn’t need the BDSM elements to make it a very fun book. Unfortunately, those BDSM elements pulled me away from enjoying the book as much as I wanted to. I wanted so much more from this book, but couldn’t find what I wanted.While this one book hasn’t turned me off this author or series, I am hoping the next book is better and gets over some of the issues I found in this book.
March 17, 2012
Conner is a Dom, a cowboy bull ridin’, sweet talkin' sexy Dom. Yay!! I love cowboys!! Right away after starting Impact, Conner sees another Dom mistreating his sub at the D/s club, Decadence. Conner is right there, putting a stop to it. I really loved this scene, because it showed a huge part of the man, his character. One of my favorite quotes is “Character is what you do when no one is looking”. Well, that applies here, because at Decadence, the Doms where hoods, so character is what you do when no one knows it’s you. And Conner, well, Conner is a famous bull rider, and something happens in this confrontation that could seriously compromise his anonymity and perhaps jeopardize his job. And someone does see him. Jessica. Jessica has visited the club several times, and has always been drawn to Conner, but has never taken part. And now she sees who he is – and she knows him.
Whew! This book is hot. I mean seriously, it is situation after situation and it is just…hot. For an erotic romance, this story will get you revved up and ready to go! Conner is a dominant person throughout his entire life, from taking control of them bulls for 8 seconds at a time, to sticking up and taking care of the one who has captured his attention. He isn’t afraid to step forward when he sees something wrong. And if you are someone he loves, you have a bull on your side. As for Jessica, she is strong in her own right, but you definitely see the sub streak in her, which makes her the perfect match for Conner.
“When you walked away from me last night, I felt like a piece of me was gone.”
Conner and Jessica get to know each other a bit on the tour, and I found myself glued to my kindle. Of course, Conner is a man, and he has a million reasons not to move forward with what is obviously so right for him. And Jessica is naturally submissive, so she doesn’t rightly speak up and scream what she wants. The dance of getting to know you vs. I want you right now vs. I can’t imagine myself without you is so interesting and intriguing. The drama and tension that builds between them is ridiculously hot. And Conner is Dom and alpha and everything that is wonderful with a cowboy. He is what cowboy dreams are made of!
I read this story in one sitting, unwilling to let it go. This story was fast paced and full of action, in and out of the bedroom…and supply closet, and RV… and, and… you get the picture. And on top of that the author did a fantastic job of really setting the scene outside of the erotic parts. I mean it ladies; this is definitely not one to miss. These two people are such a great pair; my only wish is that I could read a few hundred pages more about them!
Whew! This book is hot. I mean seriously, it is situation after situation and it is just…hot. For an erotic romance, this story will get you revved up and ready to go! Conner is a dominant person throughout his entire life, from taking control of them bulls for 8 seconds at a time, to sticking up and taking care of the one who has captured his attention. He isn’t afraid to step forward when he sees something wrong. And if you are someone he loves, you have a bull on your side. As for Jessica, she is strong in her own right, but you definitely see the sub streak in her, which makes her the perfect match for Conner.
“When you walked away from me last night, I felt like a piece of me was gone.”
Conner and Jessica get to know each other a bit on the tour, and I found myself glued to my kindle. Of course, Conner is a man, and he has a million reasons not to move forward with what is obviously so right for him. And Jessica is naturally submissive, so she doesn’t rightly speak up and scream what she wants. The dance of getting to know you vs. I want you right now vs. I can’t imagine myself without you is so interesting and intriguing. The drama and tension that builds between them is ridiculously hot. And Conner is Dom and alpha and everything that is wonderful with a cowboy. He is what cowboy dreams are made of!
I read this story in one sitting, unwilling to let it go. This story was fast paced and full of action, in and out of the bedroom…and supply closet, and RV… and, and… you get the picture. And on top of that the author did a fantastic job of really setting the scene outside of the erotic parts. I mean it ladies; this is definitely not one to miss. These two people are such a great pair; my only wish is that I could read a few hundred pages more about them!
February 21, 2012
While I'm not a huge cowboy fan, Cassandra Carr doesn't give us cowboys - oh no - she gives us BDSM and bull riders in this first book in what seems like what's on its way to be a terrific new series! Conner Raub is a bull rider and also a Dom, but never the two shall meet - in his eyes - they belong seperate.
Jessica Talbot is working in a man's world of bull riding and isn't always respected, but she is a strong woman who doesn't take crap from anyone, except when she wants to - no - craves to be submissive. Sadly Jessica has experience in this area but when she finds out that the man she has been lusting over in both her worlds of bull riding and BDSM are both the same man - Conner Raub - she sets out to strike up a deal with him to help her learn to be the perfect submissive.
Conner is thrown for a loop and WOW what an amazing Sex-tacular loop it is. So get your ropes ready and throw on your boots - don't forget your spurs a little pain is always good :) - and hold on tight 'cause this is no 8-second ride...once you start, you won't stop until you are done.
So, if I scored this book like a bull ride, here would be my score -
Judges give 1-25 points for the cowboy's performance (Conner Raub) 23
1-25 points for the animal's performance (story line) 22
50 points being the maximum.
My Score total 45! Buckin' Hot Read
Jessica Talbot is working in a man's world of bull riding and isn't always respected, but she is a strong woman who doesn't take crap from anyone, except when she wants to - no - craves to be submissive. Sadly Jessica has experience in this area but when she finds out that the man she has been lusting over in both her worlds of bull riding and BDSM are both the same man - Conner Raub - she sets out to strike up a deal with him to help her learn to be the perfect submissive.
Conner is thrown for a loop and WOW what an amazing Sex-tacular loop it is. So get your ropes ready and throw on your boots - don't forget your spurs a little pain is always good :) - and hold on tight 'cause this is no 8-second ride...once you start, you won't stop until you are done.
So, if I scored this book like a bull ride, here would be my score -
Judges give 1-25 points for the cowboy's performance (Conner Raub) 23
1-25 points for the animal's performance (story line) 22
50 points being the maximum.
My Score total 45! Buckin' Hot Read
May 2, 2012
Connor is a professional bullrider who also considers himself a "dom". Jessica works for the rodeo circuit and after finding out that Connor is a "dom" wants to be his submissive.
Connor does not want a submissive because he is on the road all the time ( which stops him from living the lifestyle) and he does not want anybody to know how he prefers his sex. This was beaten to death throughout the book. I get that his lifestyle is not socially accepted by alot of people, that you don't want your neighbors and co-workers to know. I get it.
So when Connor finally relents and agrees to teach her how to be a submissive I got bored really fast with his constant request to her for sucking him off while denying her orgasms. He came across as selfish and cruel.
What took the cake is the punishment spanking( which he later referred to as erotic spanking). He beats the tar out of her because she bites her lips and that makes him hard. Are you kidding me? His constant threatening to spank her got old fast.
I liked Jessica. She knew what she wanted and was not afraid to go after it.
I never felt that Connor loved Jessica. He came across as a possessive bully who had to have his way.
Connor does not want a submissive because he is on the road all the time ( which stops him from living the lifestyle) and he does not want anybody to know how he prefers his sex. This was beaten to death throughout the book. I get that his lifestyle is not socially accepted by alot of people, that you don't want your neighbors and co-workers to know. I get it.
So when Connor finally relents and agrees to teach her how to be a submissive I got bored really fast with his constant request to her for sucking him off while denying her orgasms. He came across as selfish and cruel.
What took the cake is the punishment spanking( which he later referred to as erotic spanking). He beats the tar out of her because she bites her lips and that makes him hard. Are you kidding me? His constant threatening to spank her got old fast.
I liked Jessica. She knew what she wanted and was not afraid to go after it.
I never felt that Connor loved Jessica. He came across as a possessive bully who had to have his way.
May 24, 2013
I got this book for free in the Erotica group May Anniversary Event, donated by the author. I normally would not read about that had anything to do with cowboys but it sounded hot so I took a chance and I am really glad I did. The one thing that could have made this book even better? More sex! I know, I know. lol.
March 15, 2015
This was a pretty good book that I liked. Conner Raub is a successful bull rider who has a secret. He is a Dom and is afraid that if those in the straight lace rodeo world find out about him they will condemn him for his choices. Jessica Talbot is a stock contractor liaison working with the NBT and has noticed Conner at various times while working on the tour. Jessica has decided she would like to explore a more interesting sexual side of her life and visits a local BDSM club where she watches Conner at work and immediately wants him for herself.Jessica asks him to train her as a submissive while they travel together, however he does not want to get involved with someone who is new to the lifestyle. Conner believes he will not find anyone who can live the way he wants while on tour and thinks he will only find someone after he returns home to his local club. This book was well written and I liked both MC's a lot I also like Connor's friend Brady. This is my first time reading this author this book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
November 6, 2013
Our "Hero" is a BIG LOSER!
He makes her "service" him one night and she gets NOTHING in return! WHAT!!!!
Half the time I wanted to punch him in the throat! He was NOT sexy bossy he was down right just scuzzy!! Everytime he called her "Darlin'" I threw up in my mouth alittle.
This was a big DNF at 70%
He makes her "service" him one night and she gets NOTHING in return! WHAT!!!!
Half the time I wanted to punch him in the throat! He was NOT sexy bossy he was down right just scuzzy!! Everytime he called her "Darlin'" I threw up in my mouth alittle.
This was a big DNF at 70%
January 30, 2014
DNF after 20%. Clunky writing, an awkward established D/s relationship and zero captivating elements made me discontinue this Ellora's Cave freebie. In the very first part of the story the hero is shown how he plays with a willing sub and gets orally satisfied. Reading about sex in the very first scene of a book usually doesn't work out for me. In order for me to find the sex scenes actually sensual and erotic, I need to connect with the characters which I am not given time to do in the first chapters.
Also, I don't normally buy into the situation that after seeing the heroine once, the hero knows for sure that she's a natural submissive. One word and she creams her panties and apparently emits such strong smell that he can detect her.
I am always willing to go with a love or attraction at first sight story, hell, I really have a weak spot for them, but it needs chemistry to make it work. At least in my opinion. DNF.
Also, I don't normally buy into the situation that after seeing the heroine once, the hero knows for sure that she's a natural submissive. One word and she creams her panties and apparently emits such strong smell that he can detect her.
I am always willing to go with a love or attraction at first sight story, hell, I really have a weak spot for them, but it needs chemistry to make it work. At least in my opinion. DNF.
September 24, 2013
I liked the premise and storyline with only minor problems overall. The characters fleshed out well though the characterization of Alpha Male and Beta Female were pretty well defined. The background of the rodeo was interesting though I would have enjoyed more detail. Some problems I had revolved around the bdsm aspects. They felt forced and uncomfortable. I couldn't tell if the author wanted h/h to be in a true D/s relationship or just play around in the bedroom. Lack of discussion beforehand of limits is also confused me. It sent confusing signals. Though, the sex scenes were super hot-even if blow jobs seemed to be the main area of play.
July 11, 2013
I feel so bad giving this 2 stars, because the story had potential. Unfortunately the BDSM elements didn't work well with the story, and Conner came across as an out of control neanderthal a majority of the time instead of a controlled and experienced Dom. I won't even get into the weird bull riding inaccuracies that this author wove into the story. lol (we all know I love my bull riding *winks*) I might try book two in this series to see where things go though, because like I said the potential was there.
September 21, 2013
I love hot, dominant cowboys, the only problem I had with this book was that while Connor is a Dom in the bedroom, he was awfully wimpy emotionally for me. He is so afraid that people on the circuit will find out his "secret" that he hurts his sub repeatedly, emotionally. Hell at one point he asks his best friend, "Do I love her?" Seriously, don't you think you ought to know if you love someone?
But, I guess even a sexy Dom can have self-doubts.
Other than that, I liked the characters, It was incredibly hot and had a nice HEA.
But, I guess even a sexy Dom can have self-doubts.
Other than that, I liked the characters, It was incredibly hot and had a nice HEA.
July 9, 2014
I enjoyed the story but Conners speaking manner kept jerking me out of the book. I think you can achieve the semblance of a southern accent other then using words like hafta. That to me gives it more of an uneducated feel to the character. I also took another half of a star off for the fact that the author gave some great steamy blow jobs but didn't put the same effort into all the sex scenes. I also didn't feel like Conner was a true dom. It just felt a little off for me.
If you are looking for a quick easy read with an enjoyable story line and a few hot sex scenes the is your book.
If you are looking for a quick easy read with an enjoyable story line and a few hot sex scenes the is your book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2012
Connor, Connor, Connor... what can i say? You had me at bull rider! LOL! You're a closet Dom who loves being serviced...*cough cough*.. i'm not normally a fan of either of those, but Ms Carr has done such an excellent characterisation that for Connor, i too would get on my knees...*smirk*! Loved Connors' dirty mouth too :) An awesome ride err... read and i'm changing the usual saying to' "Save a Bull, Ride Connor"! Hehehe! CAN'T WAIT FOR BRADYS' STORY!!
September 18, 2013
This is a good book for all you BDSM fans. I am not as much a fan so this book does have some graphic sex scenes. It is a story of Jessica and Connor a well known bull rider. Conner is into the alternate sex style and he doesn't realize so is Jessica. As their relationship grows she starts to reveal about her liking to learn this life style. Find out how their romance develops. read this one
February 25, 2012
4.5 LOVED this book! Review post on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews.
2-25-12
Cassandra did an interview and contest with GP. Here's the link.
http://www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews...
THANKS,
K
2-25-12
Cassandra did an interview and contest with GP. Here's the link.
http://www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews...
THANKS,
K
September 11, 2016
This was another scorching hot read in the Buckin’ Bull Riders series. I started with book four, Velocity, as a part of a blog tour, and I enjoyed it. Now that I’ve started at the beginning, I will say that from a story stand point, I preferred the later book more.
I liked Conner mainly because that man could talk duuuurty! Outside of his Dom persona, I found him to be ambitious, caring, a great friend, protective and just downright sexy. Jessica was a great heroine and perfect for him. She had the right blend of innocence and vixen that just sent him reeling. I liked that she wasn’t afraid to experience new things, express her desires and go after what she wanted; she wasn’t pushy about it. She still had some vulnerabilities that surfaced from time to time that I chalk up to inexperience.
As for the story itself, prepare for A LOT of sex. The majority of the book is Jessie giving Conner blowjobs because she does them exquisitely, and he loves the hell out of them. Normally I would get bored with so many back-to-back sex scenes, but Conner made each one very hot.
“I’m coming. You started this, you’re gonna end it.” He pulled out. “Open up.” He grabbed his shaft and began to jerk it into her open mouth, sending streams of his seed inside. He kept at it until his dick softened. Looking down, he saw his cum splashed on her tongue, her teeth, her lips, her chin, even a little bit on her cheek. He couldn’t help the growl working its way up from deep in his chest.
I don’t think the BDSM elements were explored enough in this short story to make them feel believable. If you’re already a connoisseur of BDSM, you will probably have issues with Conner. He was called a Dom, but his behavior throughout the book wasn’t an accurate representation of one. He commanded her to do quite a few things, but mostly it was to take all of him down her throat. Her lip biting drove him crazy mostly because it drew attention to her lips and that made him wild, but later he called it a bad and nervous habit. She couldn’t change a habit overnight so it often felt like he was using it as an excuse to exact punishment. I could go on, but I’m sure you get the general idea of how I felt about the D/s aspect. I think Ms Carr did a better job with the theme in her BDSM heavy story called Master Class.
Jessica got what she set out from the beginning to do which was find a Dom she could submit to completely. Connor waffled a lot between wanting to pursue the lifestyle without compromising his participation in the rodeo. I thought the ending tied up their obstacles in too neat a bow that it felt a little rushed. The hiccup with her job was too convenient and suddenly Conner had won enough money that he could call it quits and thus put an end to their sneaking around. Another minor disappointment was having the hero ask his best buddy to tell him if he was in love or not. Not standard hero behavior, but we never got insight into his past that would explain why Conner wouldn’t know what love was. I really liked his best friend, Brady Parish so I’m looking forward to reading his story next.
The Bottom Line
Impact was heavy on the sex, minimal on the character development. The story moved very quickly (I think they were together about a week) with a bit of drama mixed in to push the characters into their HEA. They were a cute couple, nothing more, nothing less. Let’s be honest, what I liked the most was the sex and the author didn’t skimp on the details. If you’re looking for a quickie to get off on, this is for you.
“I’ve got a fifteen-hundred-pound bull to ride in an hour and the only thing I can think about in relation to riding is you riding my dick.”***
“Deep throat me again, darlin’, I want you to take my whole cock.” He grabbed her head and pushed her down until her nose met the coarse hairs of his groin. Holding her there, he growled, “Fuck yes, keep me in your throat. Accept my cock.”***
She slipped out of bed and he slapped her ass on her way by. “Ow! What was that for?”***
“I wanted to see my handprint on your ass. It turns me on.”
February 15, 2012
*Really it's 3.75*
Conner Raub is a professional bull rider with a secret; he is also a Dom. Sure that his professional career will take a hit if anyone finds out about his kinky side, Conner goes to a club where secrecy is the name of the game. When his mask slips after coming to the aid of a submissive in need, he has to hope that no one guesses his real life identity. Unfortunately, things don’t quite work out that way.
Jessica has always read kinky love tales, especially literary tales of BDSM. Tempted by the thought of submitting, she finds herself at one of the most secretive BDSM clubs. Entranced by an overprotective Dom who stops his own scene to go protect a sub in distress, she can’t quite believe when he is revealed to be the gorgeous Conner Raub. Jessica works with the bulls that Conner rides and has lusted after him on a daily basis. Finding out he is the kind of Dominant she dreams of is just the icing on top of the cake.
Getting him to sleep with her isn’t that hard a task but getting him to top her is another matter entirely. He doesn’t want to mix his two worlds, no matter what he may be throwing away. Can Jessica convince him that he can have his cake and eat it?
Jessica is a fab character. Experimental, unafraid of her own sexuality and quite fearless when it comes to getting what she wants, I enjoyed reading her tale. I enjoyed that she was unafraid to deal with the continual rejection that Conner kept throwing her way, kept plugging because she believed that he was the right Dom for her. She was a woman that wasn’t afraid to lose the little things in her life in the hopes of achieving the things that really matter. I really really enjoyed the background settings of the rodeo; I love the competition, the grit and the camaraderie that goes with this event. Conner too was a fun character. A stubborn male who held fairly old fashioned beliefs about the roles of men and women, I didn’t mind that he saw himself as the protector (in fact, as a Dom, I’d have questioned if he didn’t!). I loved his interactions with other rodeo stars; I really am looking forward to seeing where this goes.
I have always enjoyed Cassandra Carr’s writing and this one was no exception. When she approached me asking if I wanted to review her Cowboy Dom book, I leapt at the chance! Cowboys? Doms? That’s all of my favourite things in one book! The thing is I think I’d have preferred the book if there was no BDSM at all. As an experienced reader of BDSM, I know what I like and what I don’t like in this genre. I had an issue with Conner being a Dom; I just didn’t believe it. He didn’t really seem to be there for Jessica’s pleasure, more his own. He didn’t want to seem to push her boundaries and seemed happy with some mild bondage, spanking and ordering her to give him head. The only real training she had was how to hold off her orgasm; I didn’t feel she was particularly submissive by the end.
This is where my review gets tricky. I didn’t like the BDSM aspects of this book, but I loved the romance part of this book. The chemistry between them was undeniable and, if you ignored the references to BDSM, the sex scenes were very very hot. I know Cassandra Carr writes good sex; I have seen examples of it time and time again. These scenes were no exception unless you thought of them BDSM ones. The fact that I couldn’t see the Dom in Conner had a massive impact on how I viewed this book BUT if I hadn’t read a lot of BDSM, I think I’d have loved the whole thing. It was very well written.
I’m giving this book 3.75 Stars because, as a Cowboy romance, it is very very good. Just because Conner doesn’t fit my idea of a Dom, doesn’t mean he won’t fit yours. With a rodeo backdrop and a host of gorgeous men lined up for the series, I can’t wait to see where she takes this next. With lots of smutty sex and a feisty heroine, I liked the book overall. Bring on the next guy
Conner Raub is a professional bull rider with a secret; he is also a Dom. Sure that his professional career will take a hit if anyone finds out about his kinky side, Conner goes to a club where secrecy is the name of the game. When his mask slips after coming to the aid of a submissive in need, he has to hope that no one guesses his real life identity. Unfortunately, things don’t quite work out that way.
Jessica has always read kinky love tales, especially literary tales of BDSM. Tempted by the thought of submitting, she finds herself at one of the most secretive BDSM clubs. Entranced by an overprotective Dom who stops his own scene to go protect a sub in distress, she can’t quite believe when he is revealed to be the gorgeous Conner Raub. Jessica works with the bulls that Conner rides and has lusted after him on a daily basis. Finding out he is the kind of Dominant she dreams of is just the icing on top of the cake.
Getting him to sleep with her isn’t that hard a task but getting him to top her is another matter entirely. He doesn’t want to mix his two worlds, no matter what he may be throwing away. Can Jessica convince him that he can have his cake and eat it?
Jessica is a fab character. Experimental, unafraid of her own sexuality and quite fearless when it comes to getting what she wants, I enjoyed reading her tale. I enjoyed that she was unafraid to deal with the continual rejection that Conner kept throwing her way, kept plugging because she believed that he was the right Dom for her. She was a woman that wasn’t afraid to lose the little things in her life in the hopes of achieving the things that really matter. I really really enjoyed the background settings of the rodeo; I love the competition, the grit and the camaraderie that goes with this event. Conner too was a fun character. A stubborn male who held fairly old fashioned beliefs about the roles of men and women, I didn’t mind that he saw himself as the protector (in fact, as a Dom, I’d have questioned if he didn’t!). I loved his interactions with other rodeo stars; I really am looking forward to seeing where this goes.
I have always enjoyed Cassandra Carr’s writing and this one was no exception. When she approached me asking if I wanted to review her Cowboy Dom book, I leapt at the chance! Cowboys? Doms? That’s all of my favourite things in one book! The thing is I think I’d have preferred the book if there was no BDSM at all. As an experienced reader of BDSM, I know what I like and what I don’t like in this genre. I had an issue with Conner being a Dom; I just didn’t believe it. He didn’t really seem to be there for Jessica’s pleasure, more his own. He didn’t want to seem to push her boundaries and seemed happy with some mild bondage, spanking and ordering her to give him head. The only real training she had was how to hold off her orgasm; I didn’t feel she was particularly submissive by the end.
This is where my review gets tricky. I didn’t like the BDSM aspects of this book, but I loved the romance part of this book. The chemistry between them was undeniable and, if you ignored the references to BDSM, the sex scenes were very very hot. I know Cassandra Carr writes good sex; I have seen examples of it time and time again. These scenes were no exception unless you thought of them BDSM ones. The fact that I couldn’t see the Dom in Conner had a massive impact on how I viewed this book BUT if I hadn’t read a lot of BDSM, I think I’d have loved the whole thing. It was very well written.
I’m giving this book 3.75 Stars because, as a Cowboy romance, it is very very good. Just because Conner doesn’t fit my idea of a Dom, doesn’t mean he won’t fit yours. With a rodeo backdrop and a host of gorgeous men lined up for the series, I can’t wait to see where she takes this next. With lots of smutty sex and a feisty heroine, I liked the book overall. Bring on the next guy
January 18, 2014
3.5-4 stars
This was a pretty good story. I really liked Conner and Jessica and enjoyed their story. This is the first thing I've read by this author. I have to say that I did like this book enough that I intend to try more of Carr's work in the future.
Jessica is a smart young woman. She works for the rodeo circuit and spends most of her time on the road for her job. She doesn't have a personal life to speak of but she's discovered that she's a natural submissive and has visited a BDSM club a few times to observe. She's seen a Dom there a few times that interests her but never got up the nerve to try to approach him. He's usually hooded but one night she gets a glimpse of his face and realizes that he's one of the men from the rodeo, Conner, who she's been drooling over for a while. Once she realizes he's a Dom she wants him even more but has no idea how to get him.
Conner is a good guy. He rides in the rodeo circuit and has for a number of years. He's a Dom but usually only indulges when he's home and can go to a BDSM club. He's too afraid that his lifestyle would be found out on the road and if it did it could jeopardize his career (since the rodeo circuit management likes to portray rodeo as a "family friendly" sport). Conner manages to keep things separate until he meets Jessica.
Jessica and Conner's first "official" meeting (after Jessica sees Conner at the club) is at the rodeo. Jessica is trying to get some info from a subcontractor and when she threatens to disqualify his bulls if he doesn't submit the required paperwork he decides to try to threaten her physically. Conner sees this and comes to her rescue. There's an instant connection between them and he realizes pretty quickly that she's a natural sub. Jessica calls strongly to Conner and he can't stay away from her and also can't seem to stem his Dom instincts when he's around her. They end up in bed together pretty quickly but it's strictly vanilla. Afterwards, Jessica admits to Conner about seeing him in the BDSM club and her interest in BDSM. Conner kind of freaks because he's worried others will know about him as well. Also he doesn't want to engage in BDSM while on the road for the rodeo so he's fighting himself and Jessica's wants.
There's some back and forth between Conner and Jessica as they try to figure out their relationship...is it just screwing around or more? Are they engaging in a BDSM relationship or not? Things are kind of confusing for both of them and there are a few times when it seems like they might break things off but neither of them can really stay away from the other. It would probably be easier on Conner if he could stay away but he can't...and every time he's with Jessica he feels the need to be a Dom even though he knows he shouldn't (at least in his mind). Things are kind of confusing but regardless the feelings run strong between these two as they manage their way through the minefield of their feelings/expectations. As things are haltingly moving along, a jealous jerk ends up causing problems for Jessica and makes trouble in her job situation. There's some stress and such and it causes a separation between Jessica and Conner but Conner isn't having it and goes after her. In the end, the job situation doesn't end up working out but Jessica and Conner do. The drama makes Conner realize his feelings and he and Jessica admit their feelings for each other. The story ends a little down the line with us getting a glimpse of how things are progressing with Conner and Jessica's HEA.
This was a pretty enjoyable story. I liked the characters and overall the story was good. There were a few things I didn't like but overall it worked and I was very satisfied with the ending. I'm planning to read book #2 in the series in the future. I'd recommend this book. :)
This was a pretty good story. I really liked Conner and Jessica and enjoyed their story. This is the first thing I've read by this author. I have to say that I did like this book enough that I intend to try more of Carr's work in the future.
Jessica is a smart young woman. She works for the rodeo circuit and spends most of her time on the road for her job. She doesn't have a personal life to speak of but she's discovered that she's a natural submissive and has visited a BDSM club a few times to observe. She's seen a Dom there a few times that interests her but never got up the nerve to try to approach him. He's usually hooded but one night she gets a glimpse of his face and realizes that he's one of the men from the rodeo, Conner, who she's been drooling over for a while. Once she realizes he's a Dom she wants him even more but has no idea how to get him.
Conner is a good guy. He rides in the rodeo circuit and has for a number of years. He's a Dom but usually only indulges when he's home and can go to a BDSM club. He's too afraid that his lifestyle would be found out on the road and if it did it could jeopardize his career (since the rodeo circuit management likes to portray rodeo as a "family friendly" sport). Conner manages to keep things separate until he meets Jessica.
Jessica and Conner's first "official" meeting (after Jessica sees Conner at the club) is at the rodeo. Jessica is trying to get some info from a subcontractor and when she threatens to disqualify his bulls if he doesn't submit the required paperwork he decides to try to threaten her physically. Conner sees this and comes to her rescue. There's an instant connection between them and he realizes pretty quickly that she's a natural sub. Jessica calls strongly to Conner and he can't stay away from her and also can't seem to stem his Dom instincts when he's around her. They end up in bed together pretty quickly but it's strictly vanilla. Afterwards, Jessica admits to Conner about seeing him in the BDSM club and her interest in BDSM. Conner kind of freaks because he's worried others will know about him as well. Also he doesn't want to engage in BDSM while on the road for the rodeo so he's fighting himself and Jessica's wants.
There's some back and forth between Conner and Jessica as they try to figure out their relationship...is it just screwing around or more? Are they engaging in a BDSM relationship or not? Things are kind of confusing for both of them and there are a few times when it seems like they might break things off but neither of them can really stay away from the other. It would probably be easier on Conner if he could stay away but he can't...and every time he's with Jessica he feels the need to be a Dom even though he knows he shouldn't (at least in his mind). Things are kind of confusing but regardless the feelings run strong between these two as they manage their way through the minefield of their feelings/expectations. As things are haltingly moving along, a jealous jerk ends up causing problems for Jessica and makes trouble in her job situation. There's some stress and such and it causes a separation between Jessica and Conner but Conner isn't having it and goes after her. In the end, the job situation doesn't end up working out but Jessica and Conner do. The drama makes Conner realize his feelings and he and Jessica admit their feelings for each other. The story ends a little down the line with us getting a glimpse of how things are progressing with Conner and Jessica's HEA.
This was a pretty enjoyable story. I liked the characters and overall the story was good. There were a few things I didn't like but overall it worked and I was very satisfied with the ending. I'm planning to read book #2 in the series in the future. I'd recommend this book. :)
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