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Ball & Chain #2
Unexpected Top
Nominated in the E-book Erotic Romance category of RT's Reviewers' Choice Awards!
Sometimes a wife has to go to extreme measures to save her marriage. Cissy Holden isn't happy. Her husband Len doesn't help out around the house and shows little respect for her. Even worse, their sex life leaves much to be desired. The chemistry they enjoyed when they first met has faded and Cissy is at her wits' end.
She decides to take matters into her own hands--literally--and introduces her wayward husband to the concept of a Female-Led Relationship (FLR), an offshoot of BDSM. At first he's all for it since he's getting sexual favors for doing chores, but as Cissy ratchets up the control, Len starts to wonder if he's less of a man if he lets her.
Even more confusing is the fact that the sex, another area where Cissy has taken control, is through the roof. What does that say about him? Only time will tell if Len will fully jump on board, or if Cissy has made the biggest mistake of her life.
Sometimes a wife has to go to extreme measures to save her marriage. Cissy Holden isn't happy. Her husband Len doesn't help out around the house and shows little respect for her. Even worse, their sex life leaves much to be desired. The chemistry they enjoyed when they first met has faded and Cissy is at her wits' end.
She decides to take matters into her own hands--literally--and introduces her wayward husband to the concept of a Female-Led Relationship (FLR), an offshoot of BDSM. At first he's all for it since he's getting sexual favors for doing chores, but as Cissy ratchets up the control, Len starts to wonder if he's less of a man if he lets her.
Even more confusing is the fact that the sex, another area where Cissy has taken control, is through the roof. What does that say about him? Only time will tell if Len will fully jump on board, or if Cissy has made the biggest mistake of her life.
66 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 18, 2013
1 person is currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
Cassandra Carr
72 books443 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 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 26, 2013
I have no idea how to express exactly what I felt about this novella. There is one overwhelming feeling that I need to get out the way because it’s absolutely ridiculous and has no bearing on the rating; I wish it were longer. The subject matter was so different that I would have loved to see it extended, to see the long-term workings of this relationship because it really was just the starting point of this service top relationship we got to see.
This is isn’t BDSM in the way that I have ever read before. Len is definitely submissive; he gets off on being controlled in bed, gets off on the pleasure of being “rewarding” for pleasing his wife. At the start of the novella, he is pretty much a douche. He does nothing around the house, doesn’t actually appreciate his wife and has basically allowed his marriage to go to rack and ruin. He was a deadbeat husband but rather than leave his lazy arse, she decides to bring a few new tactics in to try to correct his bad behaviour. Cissy isn’t necessarily Dominant though. She introduced the idea of sexual rewards for chores as a last ditch attempt to save her marriage. I respected her in a way I never respected him throughout the book. Even with his “corrections”, his underlying reason for helping out was to get his reward.
I did enjoy the struggles that Len had with accepting his submissive side. I’ll be honest, I could have done with a higher word count on it but I suppose it wasn’t really his book. It was more heavily slanted towards Cissy’s POV and her reasoning/feelings towards becoming a service top. There was a lot of complaining from Cissy whilst she was explaining her “plan” and I did get a little annoyed that she hadn’t addressed this earlier in their relationship. Overall, I thought the feel of the book was one of hope; this couple had a new lease of life because of bringing in these new sexual techniques.
This book was ridiculously hot and I don’t know why! It isn’t FemDom but I love a manly submissive (is it any surprise I always come up as Switch in those BDSM quizzes?). He did want to lose control but he still wanted to be the man of the house, still wanted to take her out for date night etc. That setup is always hotter to me and this one definitely did provide. Again, I would have liked to see more detail about how this relationship would work and develop, but it is hard to cover all bases in a novella.
This is very good novella from a very good author. Its unfamiliar storyline hooked me in and I really would like to read more. It was fun, sexy and very, very dirty J
This is isn’t BDSM in the way that I have ever read before. Len is definitely submissive; he gets off on being controlled in bed, gets off on the pleasure of being “rewarding” for pleasing his wife. At the start of the novella, he is pretty much a douche. He does nothing around the house, doesn’t actually appreciate his wife and has basically allowed his marriage to go to rack and ruin. He was a deadbeat husband but rather than leave his lazy arse, she decides to bring a few new tactics in to try to correct his bad behaviour. Cissy isn’t necessarily Dominant though. She introduced the idea of sexual rewards for chores as a last ditch attempt to save her marriage. I respected her in a way I never respected him throughout the book. Even with his “corrections”, his underlying reason for helping out was to get his reward.
I did enjoy the struggles that Len had with accepting his submissive side. I’ll be honest, I could have done with a higher word count on it but I suppose it wasn’t really his book. It was more heavily slanted towards Cissy’s POV and her reasoning/feelings towards becoming a service top. There was a lot of complaining from Cissy whilst she was explaining her “plan” and I did get a little annoyed that she hadn’t addressed this earlier in their relationship. Overall, I thought the feel of the book was one of hope; this couple had a new lease of life because of bringing in these new sexual techniques.
This book was ridiculously hot and I don’t know why! It isn’t FemDom but I love a manly submissive (is it any surprise I always come up as Switch in those BDSM quizzes?). He did want to lose control but he still wanted to be the man of the house, still wanted to take her out for date night etc. That setup is always hotter to me and this one definitely did provide. Again, I would have liked to see more detail about how this relationship would work and develop, but it is hard to cover all bases in a novella.
This is very good novella from a very good author. Its unfamiliar storyline hooked me in and I really would like to read more. It was fun, sexy and very, very dirty J
September 6, 2019
It is a very sensitive story about a married couple, Len and Cyssy, who will take action to bring back respect and passion introducing a soft dominance from the wife. Since Len has become distant, doesn't help much around the house and is unpleasant at home, Cissy searches the Internet to find a solution; she comes with the Female Led Relationship concept of the wife taking control of her marriage. She will start with a system of sexual rewards for good Len's behaviour. Eventually, Len will make amend for his lack of support and discovering how his wife's control excites him, he will recognize his submissive and will asks Cissy to punish him when failing to complete her task list. The sex is mild but it is the realistic approach that stands out. Interesting book for any curious couple about giving the wife more control in the relationship.
January 9, 2013
3.5 stars rounded to 4 on account of the unique subject matter.
This one had me so curious I just had to put everything else aside to plow through. Cissy and Len's relationship is about to hit the skids (and in some cases it has already) and so she tries a very drastic measure - which is the FLR type relationship. I really enjoyed how she eased him into it. I def. think if she would have come out and said it he would have been all over that as a no go. I thought it was very intriguing that I could clearly see what might be a difference between this (how the author explains it here) and how a Male Dominant relationship (with a female) might develop. Here she first lures him with sex as a reward. (OK no that did not just remind me of a black widow but I digress) After that is established she moves on and it takes a more natural sort of organic flavor as she and Len go forward.
I would have liked more time to get to "see" them in their relationship before the changes and I would have liked more expansive time after a bit but the book is too short to go all those places. Yes that does mean this is one I'd add some words too in order to completely flesh it out although it is very well done for a shorter story (novella sized). I did enjoy how Cissy stood her ground and, frankly, I thought Len was a right jerk for how he treated her. I guess this is the opposite of the female brat trope - that's o.k. because while I hate that trope with a passion this one here (the husband who takes advantage and doesn't do much around the house and doesn't recognize when he is not fulfilling the wifey sexuallY) I think is pretty common and to some degree possibly ingrained in society so it seemed easier to read and not irritating. Not that his actions were not...just that it didn't grate. It also helped HE came to the realization of what he'd been doing and he wanted to change. You know that's the first step.
Overall a really unique novel - and yes elements of FemDom but not really FemDom IMHO or at least it didn't feel that way to me. I'd recommend it for the difference factor alone!
Original comment: So this has me very curious. I love the author. This is the first FLR book I've ever seen labeled as such. Female Led Relationship - so it is FemDom but maybe with a twist? Kind of like how DD is slightly different from BDSM? I'm not sure..but very intrigued -- anyone else curious? There are a bunch of websites on this but I never even knew it existed!
* Review copy provided for an honest review *
This one had me so curious I just had to put everything else aside to plow through. Cissy and Len's relationship is about to hit the skids (and in some cases it has already) and so she tries a very drastic measure - which is the FLR type relationship. I really enjoyed how she eased him into it. I def. think if she would have come out and said it he would have been all over that as a no go. I thought it was very intriguing that I could clearly see what might be a difference between this (how the author explains it here) and how a Male Dominant relationship (with a female) might develop. Here she first lures him with sex as a reward. (OK no that did not just remind me of a black widow but I digress) After that is established she moves on and it takes a more natural sort of organic flavor as she and Len go forward.
I would have liked more time to get to "see" them in their relationship before the changes and I would have liked more expansive time after a bit but the book is too short to go all those places. Yes that does mean this is one I'd add some words too in order to completely flesh it out although it is very well done for a shorter story (novella sized). I did enjoy how Cissy stood her ground and, frankly, I thought Len was a right jerk for how he treated her. I guess this is the opposite of the female brat trope - that's o.k. because while I hate that trope with a passion this one here (the husband who takes advantage and doesn't do much around the house and doesn't recognize when he is not fulfilling the wifey sexuallY) I think is pretty common and to some degree possibly ingrained in society so it seemed easier to read and not irritating. Not that his actions were not...just that it didn't grate. It also helped HE came to the realization of what he'd been doing and he wanted to change. You know that's the first step.
Overall a really unique novel - and yes elements of FemDom but not really FemDom IMHO or at least it didn't feel that way to me. I'd recommend it for the difference factor alone!
Original comment: So this has me very curious. I love the author. This is the first FLR book I've ever seen labeled as such. Female Led Relationship - so it is FemDom but maybe with a twist? Kind of like how DD is slightly different from BDSM? I'm not sure..but very intrigued -- anyone else curious? There are a bunch of websites on this but I never even knew it existed!
* Review copy provided for an honest review *
January 19, 2013
Four and a half stars.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked this up, and I find that I quite enjoyed this novella by Cassandra Carr.
Cissy and Len have been married for years and are childless by choice. But while Cissy knows she still loves Len, she's increasingly unhappy about their relationship and feels disrespected and UNloved. Not only that, she's a little frustrated about their sex life and how one-sided the satisfaction seems to be, and gets to the point where she knows they need a change.
While doing some research on-line, she stumbles across a site discussing Female-Led-Relationships (FLR), and decides that she definitely cares enough about Len and their marriage to give this a try. It remains to be seen whether Len can get on board and whether they can both be happier when Cissy takes the lead. Does Len still love her? And does he love her enough?
Ms. Carr does a great job getting us inside Cissy and later Len's heads (and hearts). It was a pleasure to get to know them and follow along as they discovered new truths about themselves and what worked for their relationship, in and out of bed. It was fascinating to get a peek into FLR alongside Cissy and Len, and not only was that educational, the story was heartfelt and hot! I also really enjoyed how she showed communication within their relationship--just as in in real life, when you're able to open yourself up to the other person, usually good things happen. It was neat to read and inspiring ;)
Definitely looking forward to reading more from Ms. Carr!
I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked this up, and I find that I quite enjoyed this novella by Cassandra Carr.
Cissy and Len have been married for years and are childless by choice. But while Cissy knows she still loves Len, she's increasingly unhappy about their relationship and feels disrespected and UNloved. Not only that, she's a little frustrated about their sex life and how one-sided the satisfaction seems to be, and gets to the point where she knows they need a change.
While doing some research on-line, she stumbles across a site discussing Female-Led-Relationships (FLR), and decides that she definitely cares enough about Len and their marriage to give this a try. It remains to be seen whether Len can get on board and whether they can both be happier when Cissy takes the lead. Does Len still love her? And does he love her enough?
Ms. Carr does a great job getting us inside Cissy and later Len's heads (and hearts). It was a pleasure to get to know them and follow along as they discovered new truths about themselves and what worked for their relationship, in and out of bed. It was fascinating to get a peek into FLR alongside Cissy and Len, and not only was that educational, the story was heartfelt and hot! I also really enjoyed how she showed communication within their relationship--just as in in real life, when you're able to open yourself up to the other person, usually good things happen. It was neat to read and inspiring ;)
Definitely looking forward to reading more from Ms. Carr!
January 24, 2013
Now, THIS is what I call the ultimate female fantasy. Finally a BDSM book featuring a male and female relationship I can dig. Nice change.
Cissy and Len are married and they are at the point their marriage has...gone stale. I think we all know what's that like. They love each other, but something's missing.
Len doesn't help around the house, is rude, doesn't strive to please his wife in bed. He's gotten lazy. Cizzy decides to take him in hand. She makes a set of chores for him to do and once he does them, he gets rewarded with hot sexual acts. But this way, Cissy gets something out of it too. She gets help around the house, gets the dishes done right...
And emotionally, this begins to affect Len. He starts to realize what a jerk he's been, that he NEEDS to be taken in hand.
Ultimate women's wet dream. *sigh* She even gets to spank him when he's bad, and I confess at first I was turned off by it because it made him seem like a child, but then we get into Len's head and he tells us how he feels about and why it's good for him and it made total sense. He needed punishment and forgiveness.
I'm not done! Full review on Book Babe: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2013/...
Cissy and Len are married and they are at the point their marriage has...gone stale. I think we all know what's that like. They love each other, but something's missing.
Len doesn't help around the house, is rude, doesn't strive to please his wife in bed. He's gotten lazy. Cizzy decides to take him in hand. She makes a set of chores for him to do and once he does them, he gets rewarded with hot sexual acts. But this way, Cissy gets something out of it too. She gets help around the house, gets the dishes done right...
And emotionally, this begins to affect Len. He starts to realize what a jerk he's been, that he NEEDS to be taken in hand.
Ultimate women's wet dream. *sigh* She even gets to spank him when he's bad, and I confess at first I was turned off by it because it made him seem like a child, but then we get into Len's head and he tells us how he feels about and why it's good for him and it made total sense. He needed punishment and forgiveness.
I'm not done! Full review on Book Babe: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2013/...
July 30, 2021
It's a good consensual story of a couple's transformation into FLR. Characters are good. Buildup is good. Only problem is that the second part and the climax demanded certain traits to be developed in the wife's character. But overall it was fun to read.
April 23, 2021
Almost written like a case study.
March 26, 2016
A lot of times, romance books are about a new couple or a reunited couple, so it’s refreshing to read stories about a married couple. Cissy and Len have lost their chemistry and Cissy’s desperate to get back, along with some respect from her husband. In her research, she learns of a Female-Led-Relationship (FLR). She decides to take a chance and try some things. The rest of the story is about the results and their journey together.
One of the things that really stands out for me in this book is that research is done to fix a stale marriage. It’s about a random interest or whim, but stems from a deep desire to fix the marriage and a desperate need to do whatever it takes even if it means stepping out of her comfort zone. When they tried some things, it didn’t magically make everything better. They struggled with how it felt, what it meant, and where they should go from there.
Overall, Unexpected Top is truly a beautiful story about getting that spark back. Naturally it’s also a very sexy story and sex plays a large part, but it’s the emotion behind it that leaves an impact. The most important part to me is how much I appreciate the authenticity of the story. Definitely a really great read!
Merged review:
A lot of times, romance books are about a new couple or a reunited couple, so it 19s refreshing to read stories about a married couple. Cissy and Len have lost their chemistry and Cissy 19s desperate to get back, along with some respect from her husband. In her research, she learns of a Female-Led-Relationship (FLR). She decides to take a chance and try some things. The rest of the story is about the results and their journey together.
One of the things that really stands out for me in this book is that research is done to fix a stale marriage. It 19s about a random interest or whim, but stems from a deep desire to fix the marriage and a desperate need to do whatever it takes even if it means stepping out of her comfort zone. When they tried some things, it didn 19t magically make everything better. They struggled with how it felt, what it meant, and where they should go from there.
Overall, Unexpected Top is truly a beautiful story about getting that spark back. Naturally it 19s also a very sexy story and sex plays a large part, but it 19s the emotion behind it that leaves an impact. The most important part to me is how much I appreciate the authenticity of the story. Definitely a really great read!
One of the things that really stands out for me in this book is that research is done to fix a stale marriage. It’s about a random interest or whim, but stems from a deep desire to fix the marriage and a desperate need to do whatever it takes even if it means stepping out of her comfort zone. When they tried some things, it didn’t magically make everything better. They struggled with how it felt, what it meant, and where they should go from there.
Overall, Unexpected Top is truly a beautiful story about getting that spark back. Naturally it’s also a very sexy story and sex plays a large part, but it’s the emotion behind it that leaves an impact. The most important part to me is how much I appreciate the authenticity of the story. Definitely a really great read!
Merged review:
A lot of times, romance books are about a new couple or a reunited couple, so it 19s refreshing to read stories about a married couple. Cissy and Len have lost their chemistry and Cissy 19s desperate to get back, along with some respect from her husband. In her research, she learns of a Female-Led-Relationship (FLR). She decides to take a chance and try some things. The rest of the story is about the results and their journey together.
One of the things that really stands out for me in this book is that research is done to fix a stale marriage. It 19s about a random interest or whim, but stems from a deep desire to fix the marriage and a desperate need to do whatever it takes even if it means stepping out of her comfort zone. When they tried some things, it didn 19t magically make everything better. They struggled with how it felt, what it meant, and where they should go from there.
Overall, Unexpected Top is truly a beautiful story about getting that spark back. Naturally it 19s also a very sexy story and sex plays a large part, but it 19s the emotion behind it that leaves an impact. The most important part to me is how much I appreciate the authenticity of the story. Definitely a really great read!
April 24, 2015
While I didn't love this book as much as some of Cassandra Carr's other novels, I did still enjoy reading Power Shift. I felt like it was more "real life" than a lot of the other romance stories out there. It wasn't the story of some hot steamy spontaneous relationship. It was the story of a married couple having a plateau, of sorts, in their relationship. I could relate... because it was real life.
Len and Cissy love each other... but life is just happening. They both work. They both come home. Those little annoying things about each other are really annoying. Their sex life is in a rut. But, Cissy loves her husband and wants to figure out how to get more from their relationship.
I absolutely loved how Cissy & Len proceeded as a couple. I especially loved that when Cissy really started taking control of their sex life (with a chores reward chart!!!) after the initial experience... Len really had some issues. He didn't jump right on board... he questioned his manhood and what giving control up meant. There was hesitance. There was worry. There was conversation once Len & Cissy finally decided to have a really open and honest talk. And... their conversation was a real sit down talk.
I just can't say enough... I just felt like they were a REAL couple. It wasn't about big sweeping gestures. It wasn't about being swept off your feet. It wasn't about being hot for the gorgeous stud... or the beautiful vixen. It was about a married couple... trying to be a happily married couple.
Len and Cissy love each other... but life is just happening. They both work. They both come home. Those little annoying things about each other are really annoying. Their sex life is in a rut. But, Cissy loves her husband and wants to figure out how to get more from their relationship.
I absolutely loved how Cissy & Len proceeded as a couple. I especially loved that when Cissy really started taking control of their sex life (with a chores reward chart!!!) after the initial experience... Len really had some issues. He didn't jump right on board... he questioned his manhood and what giving control up meant. There was hesitance. There was worry. There was conversation once Len & Cissy finally decided to have a really open and honest talk. And... their conversation was a real sit down talk.
I just can't say enough... I just felt like they were a REAL couple. It wasn't about big sweeping gestures. It wasn't about being swept off your feet. It wasn't about being hot for the gorgeous stud... or the beautiful vixen. It was about a married couple... trying to be a happily married couple.
March 23, 2017
Cissy is unhappy in her marriage. She loves her husband Len deeply but feels that she is unappreciated. Len never helps around the house and their sex life is two thumbs down. So she decides it's time for a change. Cissy introduces Len to the world of a Female-Led Relationship. Can he give into his desires and let Cissy control him or will it be too much?
I've read plenty of BDSM books but never one where it was a FLR relationship. This book was great! Author Cassandra Carr has done a fabulous job of presenting two wonderful characters with all their flaws and insecurities. You could feel Cissy frustrations and fears. I can see myself in Len's shoes have those exact same insecure thoughts. The honesty of their emotions completely drew me in. I was definitely laughing to myself thinking "You go girl!" the whole way through the book. Unexpected Top was definitely a book where you are cheering for both sides. This was such a page turner for me I hated to see it end. I really look forward to reading more from Cassandra Carr. Unexpected Top was definitely a winner!
I was provided a copy of the book for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review in any way and the opinions of this review are all mine.
Stars - 5 Flames - 4
I've read plenty of BDSM books but never one where it was a FLR relationship. This book was great! Author Cassandra Carr has done a fabulous job of presenting two wonderful characters with all their flaws and insecurities. You could feel Cissy frustrations and fears. I can see myself in Len's shoes have those exact same insecure thoughts. The honesty of their emotions completely drew me in. I was definitely laughing to myself thinking "You go girl!" the whole way through the book. Unexpected Top was definitely a book where you are cheering for both sides. This was such a page turner for me I hated to see it end. I really look forward to reading more from Cassandra Carr. Unexpected Top was definitely a winner!
I was provided a copy of the book for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review in any way and the opinions of this review are all mine.
Stars - 5 Flames - 4
December 26, 2018
After 3 years and 9 months, the review came!
The novella was too short to deliver such a disappointment. To me, Cissy wasn't a true Domme, but someone who wanted a maid of sorts and a better sex life for herself (though the later is not so bad). Len is a sexual submissive and it was quite obvious. After having read a novel from Cherise Sinclair, any other BDSM novel is hard to compete against. To be honest, I wouldn't even place the book in the BDSM category. The couple spiced up their bedroom life, but for me, the whole thing was just ridiculous. Cissy wasn't feeling it enough and it turned me off. I still can't believe that she never told her husband how she felt about all the aspects of their lives. And I find it absurd that she had health issues with cleaning up the toilet and they hadn't worked this out earlier. It's not mentioned why she kept doing it after she realized that she had a problem and I could come up with 2 possibilities. A) Len was a jerk who wanted to torture his wife or B) and more likely, she never said a thing to him and kept the "I am the victim" card. Either way, this problem could have been easily fixed. The whole thing felt like a plot to have Len do some chores in the house and nothing more.
The novella was too short to deliver such a disappointment. To me, Cissy wasn't a true Domme, but someone who wanted a maid of sorts and a better sex life for herself (though the later is not so bad). Len is a sexual submissive and it was quite obvious. After having read a novel from Cherise Sinclair, any other BDSM novel is hard to compete against. To be honest, I wouldn't even place the book in the BDSM category. The couple spiced up their bedroom life, but for me, the whole thing was just ridiculous. Cissy wasn't feeling it enough and it turned me off. I still can't believe that she never told her husband how she felt about all the aspects of their lives. And I find it absurd that she had health issues with cleaning up the toilet and they hadn't worked this out earlier. It's not mentioned why she kept doing it after she realized that she had a problem and I could come up with 2 possibilities. A) Len was a jerk who wanted to torture his wife or B) and more likely, she never said a thing to him and kept the "I am the victim" card. Either way, this problem could have been easily fixed. The whole thing felt like a plot to have Len do some chores in the house and nothing more.
January 20, 2013
Cissy and Len Holden have been married a long time and they have lost that sexual spark in the bedroom. Cissy feels like she's been taken for granted for too long and is desperate to change things because she doesn't want to lose Len, whom she's loved forever. She takes matters into her own hands by researching about Female-Led-Relationship and hopes by introducing Lento this, she can open his eyes to what's been missing and save their marriage. I admit I'm not a fan of FemDom stories but had to read Unexpected Top by author Cassandra Carr and her take on this type of relationship. I actually enjoyed this story since it was not written too over-the-top and it did not dominate the book. I liked that it opened the lines of communication between Cissy and Len that had bee missing for too long. It was fun to see their interaction when Len came to collect on his reward for doing chores and their playful moments. This also brought forth the realization that he gets turned on with this role reversal and the insecurity he feels about it. It was great to see them act as a couple and face this possible prospect in their relationship. Another well written story by this wonderful author.
January 21, 2013
What does a woman have to do to get the attention of her husband…and the respect and love she deserves in their relationship? Well, Cissy is a woman on a mission, she browses the web and finds a site with a lot of information about Female-Led-Relationships or FLR. She loves her husband, Len and decides this is her next step in ramping up their love life. She is apprehensive as to how he will take it, will he let her be on top, so to speak. Len also comes to realize how much he was taking his wife for granted, as he starts embracing her dominance.
It was so encouraging to read about their emotions, they sure spoke from the heart, it really touched me because I could see that happening in real life, how a couple needs to communicate with each other…I so enjoyed their ‘scenes’ and my-oh-my they were hot, very interesting to see it from a female point of view. You will want to find out about their reward system, very entertaining!
This was a totally different type of story than what Ms. Carr usually writes and she did not disappoint.
* Book provided by author for honest review.
It was so encouraging to read about their emotions, they sure spoke from the heart, it really touched me because I could see that happening in real life, how a couple needs to communicate with each other…I so enjoyed their ‘scenes’ and my-oh-my they were hot, very interesting to see it from a female point of view. You will want to find out about their reward system, very entertaining!
This was a totally different type of story than what Ms. Carr usually writes and she did not disappoint.
* Book provided by author for honest review.
January 5, 2013
Such a great short little read. I love the progression and how Cissy and Len found a steamy way to reconnect as a couple and save their marriage, how Len found the courage to speak up for what he wanted and Cissy found the strength to go after what she needed from him. It was sweet when Len realised how much Cissy had been doing for him and all she had on her plate, how he started to help her out more and give her the respect she deserved. It was great when Len made a suggestion about trying something different with Cissy to try and increase her pleasure, and Cissy suggested that he try it as well.
I like how this was about a female dominant, but it wasn’t overly done or on the more extreme level, so if you are just starting onto sub/dom reads this would be a great choice. I found this read to be refreshing and enjoyable, my only wish is that it had been longer, I would have loved to see what other lengths Len would go to get his rewards from Cissy. This was my first FLR read, and I will definitely be on the look out for more reads with this concept.
*Submitted for review by Publisher*
I like how this was about a female dominant, but it wasn’t overly done or on the more extreme level, so if you are just starting onto sub/dom reads this would be a great choice. I found this read to be refreshing and enjoyable, my only wish is that it had been longer, I would have loved to see what other lengths Len would go to get his rewards from Cissy. This was my first FLR read, and I will definitely be on the look out for more reads with this concept.
*Submitted for review by Publisher*
August 13, 2013
Unexpected Top by Cassandra Carr is a very interesting read, very different from typical romance books I've been reading lately. Instead of book about a new relationship, Unexpected Top is about a pre-existing relationship and how the couple deals with a lull in their relationship. This is the first time I've read a romance about an already married couple and I absolutely loved it.
Maybe I loved this story so much because it reminded me of aspects of my marriage (minus the dom aspect ;-)). It is very easy for couples to get in a rut. I loved how Cissy took charge and decided to not let her marriage fall apart without a fight. As mush as I love romances that are complete fantasy, it is also nice to read romances that are quite similar to real life. Highly recommend!
Maybe I loved this story so much because it reminded me of aspects of my marriage (minus the dom aspect ;-)). It is very easy for couples to get in a rut. I loved how Cissy took charge and decided to not let her marriage fall apart without a fight. As mush as I love romances that are complete fantasy, it is also nice to read romances that are quite similar to real life. Highly recommend!
April 17, 2015
Cassandra Carr has outdone herself with this unique take on a Service Top relationship that comes after a 12 year marriage starts to go stale. This is a new subject matter for me in this field and I would have loved for it to have been longer and more developed, but since we are rating what was actually there I will say that it is Interesting, Sexy, Hot and a really fun read.
Cissy and Len's relationship is not what she wants anymore, Cissy feels like she is being taken for granted and being left unsatisfied in bed and decides to take matters into her own hands. After some research she discovers that a female led relationship has some definite advantages, but how will Len react to these changes.... This one is worth checking out Ladies :)
Cissy and Len's relationship is not what she wants anymore, Cissy feels like she is being taken for granted and being left unsatisfied in bed and decides to take matters into her own hands. After some research she discovers that a female led relationship has some definite advantages, but how will Len react to these changes.... This one is worth checking out Ladies :)
August 12, 2013
Unexpected Top is book two in the Ball and Chain, BDSM erotica series by Cassandra Carr. I've read this before and am rereading it for a challenge involving far too many 'U' titles. So, this story is about a husband and wife, Len and Cissy, and the sexual decline in their relationship.
April 20, 2015
Cissy isn’t too happy in her marriage to Len right now. They are lacking love and some other things; among them being that Cissy isn’t being taken care of in the bedroom. So Cissy goes online to see what to do to spice this marriage up and get back to what they once had.
This was a good read and I think that it captured my attention because it relates to real life. I believe a lot of people have this issue. The author wrote in a way the kept my attention the whole way through.
I give this book 5***** and as I have read other books by this author, she is quickly becoming a favorite of mine.
This was a good read and I think that it captured my attention because it relates to real life. I believe a lot of people have this issue. The author wrote in a way the kept my attention the whole way through.
I give this book 5***** and as I have read other books by this author, she is quickly becoming a favorite of mine.
April 13, 2015
*I received this book free in exchange for an honest review*
This was an interesting take on BDSM, D/s relationships. I've read a lot of these books. This was my first with the Woman taking over. It was a great story about making a marriage work and finding something new to turn things around. I really loved this It was nice to see a couple that truly had to work at a marriage, instead of it always seeming so easy. For any woman who is married and feels unappreciated, you're going to love this book. Even if you aren't into kinky things, that doesn't matter, you'll still enjoy this book.
This was an interesting take on BDSM, D/s relationships. I've read a lot of these books. This was my first with the Woman taking over. It was a great story about making a marriage work and finding something new to turn things around. I really loved this It was nice to see a couple that truly had to work at a marriage, instead of it always seeming so easy. For any woman who is married and feels unappreciated, you're going to love this book. Even if you aren't into kinky things, that doesn't matter, you'll still enjoy this book.
February 3, 2015
Overall, this was an enjoyable and hot femdom story. I gave it 3 stars only because the author didn't convince me that this is the kind of relationship that really suits their needs. It seems to be working for Len, but not for Cissy. Instead of being portrayed as someone who can actually take charge, she comes across as an insecure and weary wife looking for a way to divide up the household chores.
March 2, 2013
I really enjoyed this story. I think this might be my favorite book yet by Cassandra Carr. It still held her well crafted and spunky writing, but the overall aspect of the book really appealed to me. As well a lot of women can probably relate to Cissy.
Pick this one up. You won't be disappointed.
Pick this one up. You won't be disappointed.
May 3, 2015
I was surprised at how much I liked this book. I didn't know anything about it when I started reading it and at the start, the topic made me a bit uncomfortable. But the more I read, the more I liked the book. It was well written and the characters and situation was quite realistic. Don't let the topic put you off from a well written and enjoyable book.
October 9, 2013
Ugh she was an unmitigated, ball busting, man-hating, bitch. Or at least thats the vibe I felt from her. I didnt enjoy this power swap story in the least. Serves me right for trying to read one I suppose.
February 2, 2014
Enjoyed this little novella. It was fresh and thought provoking.
August 11, 2015
I wasn't expecting to enjoy this as much as I did but man oh man I'm in love! My only complaint is that it ended, I would have loved to read more about Cissy and Len's relationship!
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