The Man Who Holds The Whip

by Shoshanna Evers

When Grace discovers her gorgeous ex-boyfriend Ian broke her heart three years ago so he could pursue a career as a Dom on a BDSM internet porn site, she never expected to be intrigued...and aroused. Ian looks damn good holding that whip. But can a girl who’s always considered herself “vanilla” fire up her kinky side for love?


To find out, she’s going to audition for a chance to play Ian’s sexual submissive—and maybe find her way back into his heart.


The Man Who Holds the Whip is a 28,000 word MaleDom BDSM adult romance novella from New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Shoshanna Evers.

Genres: BDSM, Erotica, Romance, Dark, Novella, Contemporary, Anthologies

108 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 9, 2012

About the author

New York Times and USA Today New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Shoshanna Evers has written dozens of sexy stories since her debut in 2010, including Beauty and the Beast (an erotic re-imagining), The Man Who Holds the Whip, and I Am Not Your Melody, all of which hit the bestseller lists in box sets. Among her most popular books are The Tycoon’s Convenient Bride...and Baby, Overheated, The Enslaved Trilogy, How to Write Hot Sex, and the controversial novella Held Captive by the Cavemen.

Shoshanna Evers has been listed on Amazon as one of the "Most Popular Authors in Romance," as well as on the Contemporary Romance, and Erotica "Most Popular Authors" lists.
Reviewers have called Shoshanna’s writing “fast paced, intense, and sexual…every naughty fantasy come to life for the reader” with stories where “the plot is fresh and the pacing excellent, the emotions…real and poignant.”

Ms. Evers is also the cofounder of SelfPubBookCovers.com, the largest selection of instantly customizable, one-of-a-kind, premade book covers in the world.

Shoshanna used to work as a syndicated advice columnist and a registered nurse, but now she’s a full-time smut writer and a home-schooling mom. She lives in the mountains of north Idaho with her family and three big dogs, and loves to connect with readers on Twitter @ShoshannaEvers, and Facebook at facebook.com/shoshanna.evers. Visit her on the web at ShoshannaEvers.com for excerpts, contests and updates!

She welcomes emails from readers and writers, and loves to interact on Twitter and Facebook.

Sexily *Evers* After... ShoshannaEvers.com

Blogs:
TheWritersChallenge.com
ShoshannaEvers.com/blog

@ShoshannaEvers
Facebook

Reviews

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

After 3 years apart Grace decides to text her ex boyfriend Ian. She wants to see him, but he replies with a mysterious web address saying it's who she really is. Grace is intrigued to learn about his new lifestyle and decides to pay him a visit at work. The sparks fly! Grace & Ian have to see if what they had can move in the direction of what Ian now needs. This book was sexy as hell and I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to read something a little naughty!

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you can wrap your brain around a promising young lawyer giving up everything to become an internet porn Dom, then you'll enjoy this one from Shoshanna Evers.

Ian had left Grace because he was worried she couldn't handle his kink. Grace had been plagued with self doubt ever since Ian had dumped her. Determined to prove she could handle whatever had driven him away from her, Grace enters Ian's world. You will not be disappointed. Ms. Evers has a knack for writing good, believable smut.

Unfortunately, the beginning was clunky - the dialogue just didn't seem to flow correctly. But once she got her characters moving it became a nice short story about two people reconnecting.

Book courtesy of Ms. Evers who gave away many copies on twitter while hosting a contest.

[★Winter★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a really cute story. I had a hard time believing the Grace was that naïve about BDSM though.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

an eye opener.....loved how she made exploring with someone you love sexy

[Kathelin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mediocre book. What saved it was the subject of the book but the plot and storyline were half-assed and the sex was poorly described.

[Beachbaby]

In boxed set - "Make Me: Twelve Tales of Dark Desire"

[Marleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually rated this book 4.5 stars but it deserves rounding up.

It has been three years since Ian broke up with Grace and crushed her heart when she discovers what the straight-laced lawyer she used to know and hasn't been able to forget is up to now. Ian is a lawyer no more; now he is the man who holds the whip in BDSM videos. Grace's initial reaction is one of disbelief and revulsion, but after watching a video of Ian in action she can't deny that she is also fascinated.

Her curiosity aroused, Grace decides to check out this operation where Ian works, and if getting inside means that she has to sign up for an audition as a submissive, so be it.

Ian can't believe it when Grace walks into his workplace. The Grace he used to know and hasn't been able to forget was pure vanilla. In fact, that's the reason he broke up with her in the first place. And now she is here, claiming that she wants to submit?!

It soon becomes clear that Grace is not a natural submissive, but it is equally clear that she does like the kinky games Ian introduces her too. The big question is whether Grace likes those games enough to consider rekindling her relationship with Ian? And is Ian willing to settle for a "typical life with a kinky nightlife"?

The road to finding the answer to these questions is going to be hot, funny and kinky; for the characters as well as for the reader.

I only discovered Shoshanna Evers earlier this month when I read "Dominatrix Fantasy" but I find that I'm quickly turning into a fan of her writing. This story is a lot sweeter and less hard-core than Dominatrix Fantasy but it is equally well written and easy to get lost in.

I love that the author uses her books to show that there are many sides to kink. It is not always about total submission; BDSM doesn't have to be a 24/7 commitment. While there is nothing wrong with such an arrangement it is no better or worse than a relationship in which BDSM is restricted to the bedroom.

I loved that there were no forced conflicts between the characters in this book. Any misunderstandings between Grace and Ian are a result of Grace's ignorance when it comes to BDSM and Ian having to figure out what it is exactly that he wants. It all makes perfect sense in the story.

This story made me smile and even laugh on several occasions. It also had me captivated and getting quite excited during some scenes. If I had to come up with a complaint it would be that the story wasn't any longer. I wouldn't have said no to more scenes starting these two hot and adorable characters. But I guess that is not really a complaint; it's more like wishful thinking and I guess that I have my fantasies for that.

One thing is sure though; I will have to get myself another book by Shoshanna Evers in the not too distant future.

[David Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my review of the Audible version, but the content of the story is the same. I highly recommend reading the print version and then listen to the Audible version. When you purchase the ebook, you can add the Audible version for $3.61!

This is one of my favorite Shoshanna stories. I read this as an ebook when it came out. I enjoyed it even more on the Audible version. The narration is excellent. She brings Grace and Ian to life--especially Grace with the intonations that you do not get in a written version. Her thoughts and dialogue gives an entirely enhanced understanding of Grace's journey from a non-existent vanilla sex life to a woman who can be a "regular" person by day and submissive to Ian at night.

Ian left her 3 years before because of his proclivity to BDSM sex play and he thought Grace would not understand. He was probably right then, but not now! He texts her to not contact him anymore, but puts a hyper-link to a site that features his bondage movies, thinking he would scare her off for good. He did not! She looks at a couple and she shows up at his studio the next day saying she wants an audition as one of Ian's bondage girls, but mostly to see Ian.

There are only 2 actual BDSM scenes. But the sex scenes between Grace and Ian are very HOT and have just the right amount of description of the hot sex and the emotions Grace feels--everything for the the first time. This is my perfect mix for a BDSM romance. I love all of Shoshanna's books. But this audio version is one of my favorites. Her stories have a great mix of hot sex and emotional growth. And she can do it without the characters spending hundreds of pages with their struggles.

[In Fifty Shades there was very little actual BDSM, but the author took 1600+ pages mostly with Christian's struggles. It was important to understand where he came from, but it could have been done in 400 pages before you have an HEA ending.] Shoshanna can accomplish the same thing in 100 to less than 300 pages! You enjoy the sexy growth without being bored to death with hundreds of pages of struggles. Too many authors (even some of my favorites) spend 60 to 70 % of the book with the struggles before anything good happens. Shoshanna is a master of mixing the right amounts of all the important elements.

Listen to it, you will love the audio version, and can take it with you (using a head set in public areas)!

Note: i received an advanced Audible download in exchange for an honest review. This had no influense on my review. I am always honest with my reviews. I call it as I see it!

[Jade Onyx · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Man Who Holds the Whip is a BDSM contemporary romance between Grace Pontaine and her ex-boyfriend Ian from three years back. After a trying day at work as a nurse practitioner, Grace caves into an evening of wine to drown in her woes of being disrespected by an arrogant boss. Furthermore, she does the one thing that often results from her drunken spells: she texts Ian. Unlike the many times before when he responds from a standoffish manner, he actually bares a secret that shocks Grace into actually looking more into it.

Apparently, he stepped away from his old life—leaving her and his life as a lawyer—to work as a Dom for an internet porn site. Grace, intrigued and aroused by the little she did see at the website, takes matters into her own hands. If showing up at the studio is the only way to see Ian now, then she may just as well test how far she would go to do that—including auditioning and starring in a video herself! At a rate that exceeds a whole week's pay per video, how can Grace pass up such an opportunity? Then again, she has been living her life as a goody-two shoes who has done everything right and respectable. Who's to say that Ian wants her back anyway when he left years ago and broke her heart? Can she with her vanilla ways really fulfill his kinky needs?

The Man Who Holds the Whip is a touching story between a feisty heroine awakening to sexual fantasies she previously never entertained (nor conceived) and a compartmentalizing male exploring the possibilities of the spectrum of kink (≤ 24/7 TPE) in daily life. When they work out their kinks, the sparks fly and possibilities previously unexplored open up. Definitely a must-read!

[Book Girl · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book through the Make Me: Twelve Tales of Dark Desire. With that series, I got 12 books from some of the darkest authors I know for 99 cents! Squeal! The Man Who Holds the Whip is the 3rd book I have read on this collection.

This was a quick read, only 8 chapters. It was well written and flowed quickly. Besides that, that’s all I really have to say. I enjoyed it. It was not my favorite, but still good.

Grace & Ian broke up 3 years ago. She never really understood why and that has bothered her. Turns out the reason Ian broke up with her and refuses to see her is bc he is a Dom and she was so vanilla she couldn’t give him what he wanted/ needed (even though he never asked or told her he was a Dom). Flash forward to present and Ian tells Grace he is a Dom and the star of a BDSM porn site. One thing leads to another and Grace go to the set to see what all this BDSM stuff is about. Thus Ian & Grace start a relationship again…

Off to read the next book in this collection…

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a BDSM 101 kind of feel to it, but with a more curious angle. Grace is looking to learn more about her ex's new lifestyle. I don't think she is really into the kink, so much as into the kink with Ian.

This book goes into detail of her research and their journey to finding one and another again.

Plenty of playtime and just enough steam to keep a gal happy. I am not into whips, so that part wasn't as appealing. Still it will be right up other kinkster's alleys.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Scarlett Day, who has a great read. I enjoyed her pace and energy throughout the read. Terrific tone for both the male and female characters. She brought a great energy to the read, especially the naughty scenes!

This is a super quick read, a yummy appetizer! I am interested in reading more of Ms Evers' work. She seems to go to a deeper place with her BDSM, touching on rougher scene play.

Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, ratings and opinions are my own.

[Phuong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this BDSM story written by author Shoshanna Evers and Grace's journey in discovering kinkier sex with a past love. Ian confesses his need to be a Dom and was afraid that Grace would not have accepted his kinkier side when they were together and having "vanilla" sex.

Grace is intrigued with this new revelation and is aroused at the prospect of experiencing it with Ian. It was nice to see that Grace didn't judge Ian for his lifestyle choice and I loved that Ian was protective of Grace and made sure she was comfortable as he introduced her to the pleasure of BDSM in the bedroom. The chemistry between these two characters was sizzling, the sex was hot and you could feel how much they still loved each other even after three years apart. The author did a great job writing an interesting story that flowed smoothly and with characters I enjoyed and wanted to root for.

[LAKristy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written and edited.

The tone of this story is light and a little cheeky, which is a nice departure from most self-serious BDSM books. Some of the risk-taking behaviors with regards to internet video are a little hard to believe, especially for the two characters described. But, I suspended that disbelief and found this to be an entertaining and sizzling hot story.

My rating is more like 3.5 stars, but I rounded down, instead of up, because the story started much stronger than it ended. The very end of the book felt rushed and abrupt. Even the final sex scene lacked the heat of prior scenes because it was too short and lacked detail that was in the prior scenes.

Despite the weakness at the end, I'd still recommend this story for fans of BDSM.

[Rene Lewis Mahood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novella. Grace's lawyer boyfriend, Ian, broke up with her 3 years ago but she hasn't completely gotten over him. They have kept in touch but he has been secretive with his life until one night when he finally gives her a website to look at. It is then that she realized he is on a BDSM site. She want to see him and her curiosity gets the better of her so she goes to an audition. It made for an interesting read in the respect of a person needing to determine just how far they are willing to go for a person they care about and what boundaries they are willing to cross to try to find happiness.

[Siobhan Muir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Evers sent me an excerpt of this story with her newsletter and I immediately went out to pick it up. This is a hot, sexy tale of BDSM and finding your true self with your true love. It also illustrates that BDSM comes in all flavors and variations, and other than being safe, sane, and consensual, there is no one way to do it right. I loved the interaction between Ian and Grace, and I really liked their embracing a lifestyle of Bondage-after-bedtime. I enjoyed this story and highly recommend it. :)

[Dar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read as part of the Make Me collection, and glad it was there!

Usually not a fan of lost live stories, but in this case, the two stayed friends while apart, or at least in contact. While Ian wasn't true as to why he left, he was right to leave at the time.

Even now, both Ian and Grace need to move past some preconceived notions to determine if things can work out for them!

Sexy story about being realistic versus ideology and accepting that sometimes there is that one and you adjust to be together

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a hot and spicy read. I saw the cover and then I read what the book was about. Ok I admit the name of the book helped me make my decision too.

If Ian was the one holding the whip I would say bring it on big boy! Just reading about him was exciting and I don't blame Grace at all for wanting to have a relationship with him again. I would be kind of afraid to try it after I found out what he does for a living.

Hey a girl only lives once. Let the whipping begin.

[Lisa Guzman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was good. I liked that Grace was the vanilla girl through and through and when her relationship with Ian ended she had no idea why except that it just didn't work out. Then after three years texting and a bottle of cheap merlot she learns who and what he really is. And you all know what they say about curiosity? Well in this story it didn't kill but it didn't kill but it did bring pain that led to pleasure.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grace´s last relationship ended, and she never knew why. Now, through drunken texting with him, she gets a glimpse into what he never found the courage to tell her, his Dom side.
Grace gets a crash course into what BDSM stands for, and the choice to leave her vanilla life.
Quick listen (3 hours) smutty fluff and dominance in a great read. Perfect for an afternoon in the sun =)

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this audiobook, in return for an honest review.

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I got a copy of this, the title alone turned me on but that was nothing compared to the context in this novel. If you want hot, spicy, kinky and yet very beautiful sex, then you need to definitely read this novel. I've never read anything by this author before but in the future, I will be on the look out!

[Mary Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot, steamy, sexy quick read. Really enjoyed Grace's journey as she ventured into the world Ian left her for 3 years ago. Grace is a true beginner into BDSM and Ian is just the person to teach her. I also enjoyed Ian's journey figuring out that his BDSM world didn't have to be an all or nothing situation. Highly recommend is you need a short sexy read.

[Kitten]

Won't rate this because I DNF at about 10%

I can't stand all the cliche BDSM books with heroines who know nothing about it, and just somehow get lured into it thinking it's "abuse" or whatever. So annoying. Also annoying... female characters who act so pure and never say, or even *gasp* think about the word pussy. Oh my. And yes, that is from the book. Blah.... just couldn't do it.

[Carole-Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Questionable.
Grace (vanilla as all get out!) goes to an audition (bc she's curious) as Ian's (an ex who left her 3 yrs ago to become a Dom) sexual submissive.
Ian is actually quite manipulative as he encourages Grace to 'do' a virgin video; then convinces her to make private dates with him.
Actually don't know who's the most stupid :(

[Brandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute quick read, Grace surely never expected that her ex Ian was carrying suck a crazy secret. What would she be willing to do for Ian just for another chance to be in his arms? Maybe become his slave...

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this as part of the Make Me anthology. It is a novella; definitely a quick read. Some of it was hot. Not bad, but I'm not loving the D/s part of BDSM stories so it's an okay read vs. a really good or great one.

[Marina (Living In Our Own Story) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short but quite hot read (or audio in this case ;) )


I enjoyed the story and listening to it. Grace and Ian are quite an interesting couple and I loved listening how they rediscover each other after their 3 year separation :)

[Tracie Redmond · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very good story. hot and steamy. Loved Ian, who wouldn't want normal by day and a Dom at night. quick read but very entertaining.

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed it. a little too short.

[Jennifer Keish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the storyline - very sexy book. Really liked how she became the person he needed all along once she trusted him.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

would have given it 5 stars, if it didn't end so quickly.