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The Lay of You
A deliciously intense erotic romance. Two resilient women, both juggling the weight of heavy pasts, find hope and healing in each other.
Jennifer Dupont lives a successful solitary life as crème de la crème of San Francisco's most elite escort service. To clients, she is the Director, an imposing beauty with a fondness for expensive whisky, tailored suits, and uncompromising control. It's a fitting persona even outside work, as old wounds have left her unwilling to risk her heart. That is, until she meets her newest client. Over a decade has passed since Theodosia "Dosie" Fisher was rescued from an isolated, abusive cult founded by her father, and while years of therapy have earned her an emotional maturity most never acquire, her body remains neglected, riddled with questions she has long been afraid to confront. So, when her two best friends suggest she hire an escort as a pressure-free way to explore, she decides to go for it. The attraction is immediate, the curiosity and connection even more so. Every exchange is electric. Every touch sparks. Every kiss siphons secrets and edges them nearer a level of intimacy that Dosie has sought all her life. Jennifer, on the other hand, has only ever wanted the opposite.
Content Warning
This novel explores aspects of psychology and mental health and contains occasionally descriptive references to past traumas, including child abuse, physical and mental abuse, cult/religious abuse, sexual abuse, domestic violence, and murder. Please read with care.
Jennifer Dupont lives a successful solitary life as crème de la crème of San Francisco's most elite escort service. To clients, she is the Director, an imposing beauty with a fondness for expensive whisky, tailored suits, and uncompromising control. It's a fitting persona even outside work, as old wounds have left her unwilling to risk her heart. That is, until she meets her newest client. Over a decade has passed since Theodosia "Dosie" Fisher was rescued from an isolated, abusive cult founded by her father, and while years of therapy have earned her an emotional maturity most never acquire, her body remains neglected, riddled with questions she has long been afraid to confront. So, when her two best friends suggest she hire an escort as a pressure-free way to explore, she decides to go for it. The attraction is immediate, the curiosity and connection even more so. Every exchange is electric. Every touch sparks. Every kiss siphons secrets and edges them nearer a level of intimacy that Dosie has sought all her life. Jennifer, on the other hand, has only ever wanted the opposite.
Content Warning
This novel explores aspects of psychology and mental health and contains occasionally descriptive references to past traumas, including child abuse, physical and mental abuse, cult/religious abuse, sexual abuse, domestic violence, and murder. Please read with care.
416 pages, Paperback
Published August 29, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews
October 8, 2025
Second read. 6 ⭐️. The writing just blows me away. The desire. The emotions. The humanity. Ugh. So good.
5 ⭐️ - wow. No doubt this book is steamy. I’m talking six alarm fire steam. But it’s also heartbreaking and heartwarming and full of emotion. What a surprising read!
5 ⭐️ - wow. No doubt this book is steamy. I’m talking six alarm fire steam. But it’s also heartbreaking and heartwarming and full of emotion. What a surprising read!
June 7, 2024
One of the most intense books I’ve read. Ever. Wow!
March 30, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. It tackles some incredibly heavy topics, but the author handles them with such grace, sensitivity, and a sense of hope that I couldn’t put it down. Dosie and Jennifer are two of the strongest characters I've come across, and their journey from trauma to finding happiness and love is both powerful and inspiring. I can't imagine a better match than these two—they truly bring out the best in each other.
March 5, 2026
I needed some time to put my thoughts into words. This book is something special and definitely belongs in the category “Where is the sixth star to rate it?!” because it deserves so much more.
I read the book quite quickly, even though I really tried to restrain myself, but I just couldn't put it down. I was hooked after the first meeting between Dosie and Jennifer in the first chapter. When I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about the two of them the whole time. I mean, Jennifer is an escort and Dosie falls for her after only a short time, can that work out?
What particularly fascinated me was the deep connection between the different women and watching how the lines and boundaries of Jennifer's professionalism became increasingly blurred and eventually dissolved completely. The character development was incredible, and even though Dosie in particular had endured endless suffering in the past, I found it to be handled with care and sensitivity. But Jennifer also had so much depth, and I still have a few questions that I hope will be answered in the second book.
I've rarely read such good spice! Wow. Even though Jennifer is an escort, everything is so full of deep connection, trust, caution, and tenderness. The book has many spicy scenes, and each one was different in its own way and showed a different facet of the relationship between the two. I can't say enough how exceptionally well everything is written.
If you like spice, age gap, and complex characters, then you have to read this book! There's no way around it.
I read the book quite quickly, even though I really tried to restrain myself, but I just couldn't put it down. I was hooked after the first meeting between Dosie and Jennifer in the first chapter. When I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about the two of them the whole time. I mean, Jennifer is an escort and Dosie falls for her after only a short time, can that work out?
What particularly fascinated me was the deep connection between the different women and watching how the lines and boundaries of Jennifer's professionalism became increasingly blurred and eventually dissolved completely. The character development was incredible, and even though Dosie in particular had endured endless suffering in the past, I found it to be handled with care and sensitivity. But Jennifer also had so much depth, and I still have a few questions that I hope will be answered in the second book.
I've rarely read such good spice! Wow. Even though Jennifer is an escort, everything is so full of deep connection, trust, caution, and tenderness. The book has many spicy scenes, and each one was different in its own way and showed a different facet of the relationship between the two. I can't say enough how exceptionally well everything is written.
If you like spice, age gap, and complex characters, then you have to read this book! There's no way around it.
June 7, 2024
This unassuming book has a treasure trove of emotional upheaval and stirrings hidden underneath its erotic exterior. I was simply floored by how amazing the author weaved together sex, trauma, healing, relationships and presented the readers with this lil ole modest-looking cover dressed up as typical erotica. I’m not saying the book is tame. By no means were the sex scenes tame. What I’m saying is, the sex scenes felt right because it was rooted in emotional connection between characters and thus more favourably received by myself in particular because I’m not a fan of just pure lust.
March 8, 2026
Heat. Caution. Sex. Trauma. Sex. Triggers. Run. Pain. Sex. Safe. Awakening. Vulnerability. Emotion. Love. Sex. Life. Resilence. Healing. ....Transcendence.
Original storyline? Perhaps. Certainly to me; when sex, in very healthy ways, becomes the main theraputic tool and coping mechanism for the emergence of awakenings between these two characters. The sex cultivated intense emotional bonding linking body and mind. Neither intentional, both by default (certainly for the "Director" - Jennifer) resulting in transcendence. dare I say existential.
Trauma, the underlying storyline for Dosie, has been slowly putting herself back together from an unimaginable past (years of layers of abuse), and is demanding sexual exploration (of which she has had none-or at least not in the ways she desires). You can't help but love Dosie. Whose strength and courage to heal, from a despicable violent childhood, years of work & therapy, shapes her now impressive level of emotional intelligence. I'm rather jealous (from years of therapy myself), how well articulate she is as she navigates her feelings, her desires. Her level of self-awareness and understanding is truly inspiring. And, addicting. Reclaiming her power. Her life which was unfairly taken from her. And now - sexual discovery.
....enter the "Director." Jennifer DuPont. and yes, saying the name will do things).
Jennifer, an owner and active participant in a very descret, elite escort service. Mackay creates a lustful character whose power, control, and confidence in human desire "knock.You.Out.Of.The.Park." However, the reader will learn that Jennifer has her own trauma - untamed - neglected - and therefore is trapped and limited by it. Crafting a life that protects her from the trauma. Limited. Painfully limited.
Jennifer disparately wants to help Dosie explore every inch of her beautiful body and experience the flavor of erotica. And she wants to be the one to give it. All of it.
Doise recognizes Jennifer’s fear of connection, of intimacy (beyond sex), of holding, leaning in on another and loving. She wants to desperately hold her tight and squeeze love into her blood.
These two characters pull life out of each other. A mutual exchange of discovery. They are teachers, "gardeners" of each other. One certainly recognizes it well before the other but their journey to the finish line is exquisitely placed. And although I said "finish line" it really is just the beginning for these two. Hense book 2 - The Depth of You.
August 10, 2023
Firstly thank you so much Corrie for the ARC! What a lovely book.
The connection between Jennifer and Dosie is clear from the outset and throughout. This book is about overcoming fears about sex and more, it's showing that even with past trauma you can have healthy sex and be sex-positive.
The way both protagonists grow individually and together is wonderful, it was an amazing read, the way they come together to help each other get through their trauma is just, I can't tell you how beautiful it is. And don't get me started on how beautiful it was reading how their feelings for each other develop and the love they share for one another is undeniable.
It's brilliant, beautiful and wonderfully written and I honestly didn't want it to end, I can't recommend it enough it's so good! Please do yourselves a favour and go get this book now if you haven't already, it's such a fantastic book!
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
The connection between Jennifer and Dosie is clear from the outset and throughout. This book is about overcoming fears about sex and more, it's showing that even with past trauma you can have healthy sex and be sex-positive.
The way both protagonists grow individually and together is wonderful, it was an amazing read, the way they come together to help each other get through their trauma is just, I can't tell you how beautiful it is. And don't get me started on how beautiful it was reading how their feelings for each other develop and the love they share for one another is undeniable.
It's brilliant, beautiful and wonderfully written and I honestly didn't want it to end, I can't recommend it enough it's so good! Please do yourselves a favour and go get this book now if you haven't already, it's such a fantastic book!
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
November 26, 2023
Highly recommend!
Trigger warning though, deals with some dark topics. It doesn’t go in that much detail but still- cult, SA,
Trigger warning though, deals with some dark topics. It doesn’t go in that much detail but still- cult, SA,
December 5, 2025
Wow. What a great read. This was totally unique with two very damaged people finding each other and being brave enough to love. On to the next in the series.
April 23, 2026
In my progress update, I called this book ‘dense’ but in a good way. That’s not a great word, ‘dense.’ What I should have said was that this book is intense. It is an intense romance, in a very good way.
It might also sound weird to call this intense, heavy-themed Sapphic Romance a refreshing change of pace for me, but after reading a slew of lighthearted romcoms, it was a delightful change of pace. I mentioned in a review Comment that this is a book I should read, even if it is hard to read at times. It is, but I’m still glad I read this book and really enjoyed it.
The Lay of You is brilliantly written. The author navigates the hardest parts of both protagonists' pasts in a way that leaves the reader hopeful. This is especially true for the first FMC, Dosie, who we know was abused as a child at the hands of a cult leader. Dosie is hopeful despite her past and that hopefulness is what attracts the second FMC, Jennifer, to Dosie. Jennifer needs some hopefulness in her life and Dosie gives it to her. It’s lovely, and it leaves the reader rooting hard for the couple to HEA, which is a complete win for me.
This book also accomplishes what I’ve often said never works; falling in love through crazy hot sex. In TLOY, the well written and extremely sexy sapphic steam is not used as a plot device as is often the case, but it is the vehicle that drives the couple's healing which unlocks the feelings Dosie (love that name) and Jennifer have for each other.
Because this book is so perfectly beautiful, I’m hesitant to move on to Book 2, fearful of a letdown, but the positive reviews from my trusted GR Friends has me deciding to do so, though maybe not immediately.
Cheers and Brava. Do, do, do read this book.
It might also sound weird to call this intense, heavy-themed Sapphic Romance a refreshing change of pace for me, but after reading a slew of lighthearted romcoms, it was a delightful change of pace. I mentioned in a review Comment that this is a book I should read, even if it is hard to read at times. It is, but I’m still glad I read this book and really enjoyed it.
The Lay of You is brilliantly written. The author navigates the hardest parts of both protagonists' pasts in a way that leaves the reader hopeful. This is especially true for the first FMC, Dosie, who we know was abused as a child at the hands of a cult leader. Dosie is hopeful despite her past and that hopefulness is what attracts the second FMC, Jennifer, to Dosie. Jennifer needs some hopefulness in her life and Dosie gives it to her. It’s lovely, and it leaves the reader rooting hard for the couple to HEA, which is a complete win for me.
This book also accomplishes what I’ve often said never works; falling in love through crazy hot sex. In TLOY, the well written and extremely sexy sapphic steam is not used as a plot device as is often the case, but it is the vehicle that drives the couple's healing which unlocks the feelings Dosie (love that name) and Jennifer have for each other.
Because this book is so perfectly beautiful, I’m hesitant to move on to Book 2, fearful of a letdown, but the positive reviews from my trusted GR Friends has me deciding to do so, though maybe not immediately.
Cheers and Brava. Do, do, do read this book.
September 13, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - I’d give it 6 if Goodreads would let me
Was I scared starting this because I read so many reviews and didn’t want to be disappointed? Yes, hell I was. Did I still read it? ABSOLUTELY.
And thank every literary deity I did.
The Lay of You was sooo emotional and yet the payoff is sooo satisfying. It’s one of those rare books that makes you ache while you’re reading it, and still somehow leaves you glowing by the end. The story is incredible; rich, immersive, and so full of heart that I basically forgot to breathe.
I loved the characters, every last one of them. I adored Jennifer and I was absolutely in love with Dosie. Their relationship is everything: I was on edge, gripping my seat and desperately hoping they’d make it, hoping for that breakthrough, hoping for them to finally say “I love you.” And when they do… good luck recovering.
The sex was spectacular. Genuinely some of the best-written intimate scenes I’ve read in ages. They weren’t just hot (though they definitely are), they were layered with emotion and meaning. The writing in general is like that, flowing and addictive, almost too easy to fall into. I couldn’t even put the book down.
Even the side characters shine. Carolina was such a vibrant part of the story, and Dosie’s friends? I need friends like hers. They don’t just orbit the main characters, Jennifer and Dosie, they add weight, warmth, and texture to the whole thing.
And then there’s this line, my absolute favorite:
“It was true what they said: Love hurt. Not in the way most expected but in that overly full way. The ache of being at capacity and still growing, of having everything you wanted and still wanting it with all your heart—wanting it closer, hotter, for longer. At the same time, and always, there was the fear of losing it, harming it, abusing it, finding yourself ultimately unworthy of having it. A fear one could only feel if they also felt the opposite: unyielding, insurmountable joy. It was perfect anguish.”
Perfect anguish is exactly what this book delivers, and somehow, it makes you grateful for it.
5 stars, with every piece of my overwhelmed heart.
Was I scared starting this because I read so many reviews and didn’t want to be disappointed? Yes, hell I was. Did I still read it? ABSOLUTELY.
And thank every literary deity I did.
The Lay of You was sooo emotional and yet the payoff is sooo satisfying. It’s one of those rare books that makes you ache while you’re reading it, and still somehow leaves you glowing by the end. The story is incredible; rich, immersive, and so full of heart that I basically forgot to breathe.
I loved the characters, every last one of them. I adored Jennifer and I was absolutely in love with Dosie. Their relationship is everything: I was on edge, gripping my seat and desperately hoping they’d make it, hoping for that breakthrough, hoping for them to finally say “I love you.” And when they do… good luck recovering.
The sex was spectacular. Genuinely some of the best-written intimate scenes I’ve read in ages. They weren’t just hot (though they definitely are), they were layered with emotion and meaning. The writing in general is like that, flowing and addictive, almost too easy to fall into. I couldn’t even put the book down.
Even the side characters shine. Carolina was such a vibrant part of the story, and Dosie’s friends? I need friends like hers. They don’t just orbit the main characters, Jennifer and Dosie, they add weight, warmth, and texture to the whole thing.
And then there’s this line, my absolute favorite:
“It was true what they said: Love hurt. Not in the way most expected but in that overly full way. The ache of being at capacity and still growing, of having everything you wanted and still wanting it with all your heart—wanting it closer, hotter, for longer. At the same time, and always, there was the fear of losing it, harming it, abusing it, finding yourself ultimately unworthy of having it. A fear one could only feel if they also felt the opposite: unyielding, insurmountable joy. It was perfect anguish.”
Perfect anguish is exactly what this book delivers, and somehow, it makes you grateful for it.
5 stars, with every piece of my overwhelmed heart.
May 23, 2024
This book is so sensual and deep that it will keep you engaged till the very end.
Two broken souls with traumatic pasts.
The encounter of body and mind.
Experiencing physical love and romantic love for the first time.
Carnal, haunting, gut wrenching and so rewarding in the end.
It makes you think so much. It sent me on a rabbit hole online to see the true horrors of nowadays humanity.
It made me fall in love with the characters in it. So much, that I feel protective of them.
The Lay of You has been surprising, and more people should read it. It is intense and gripping.
*There are triggers, but they are not fully described.
Two broken souls with traumatic pasts.
The encounter of body and mind.
Experiencing physical love and romantic love for the first time.
Carnal, haunting, gut wrenching and so rewarding in the end.
It makes you think so much. It sent me on a rabbit hole online to see the true horrors of nowadays humanity.
It made me fall in love with the characters in it. So much, that I feel protective of them.
The Lay of You has been surprising, and more people should read it. It is intense and gripping.
*There are triggers, but they are not fully described.
March 2, 2026
I absolutely loved this! Another new author to me, and I will definitely be reading others by her. Wonderfully spicy. And what made it extra special was the way those scenes captured emotion and were so unhurried. The MCs were so well developed with great back stories. ❤️
November 3, 2024
The Lay of You by Corrie MacKay is more than just an erotic romance; it’s an emotional, deeply affecting exploration of resilience, healing, and love. With top-tier writing and characters that linger long after the last page, MacKay has crafted an intense, thought-provoking story that’s absolutely worth every moment.
From the outset, the connection between Jennifer and Dosie is palpable and undeniable. Jennifer Dupont, the elegant and guarded Director of an elite escort service, exudes control and confidence, keeping her heart under lock and key. In contrast, Theodosia "Dosie" Fisher, a woman tenaciously piecing herself back together after escaping an abusive cult, is ready to reclaim her life. When Dosie decides to hire Jennifer as a way to safely explore her desires and confront past fears, it sets off a journey of mutual discovery and vulnerability that’s both poignant and intense.
MacKay’s sensitive handling of difficult themes, including trauma and recovery. Dosie’s journey especially resonated with me—her courage in facing her past and stepping into her power made me want to give her the biggest hug. I found myself rooting for her happiness, for her to finally find a space where she could feel safe and loved. Despite the heavy topics, the story shines as a testament to overcoming fear and embracing a sex-positive life, showing that even after unimaginable trauma, healthy, fulfilling relationships are possible.
The emotional growth between Jennifer and Dosie is beautiful. Their intimacy is gradual and beautifully built, each touch, each kiss peeling away layers and breaking down walls. They don’t just find solace in each other; they inspire each other to confront their own pasts, fears, and insecurities, blossoming both individually and together. Watching them go from guarded strangers to passionate lovers was heart-wrenching and uplifting. The development of their love is so achingly real and undeniable that you can’t help but cheer them on.
The Lay of You is brilliant, beautiful, and wonderfully written—a book I didn’t want to end. It’s a hauntingly intimate, unforgettable story that’s stayed with me, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. Please, do yourself a favor and grab this book; it’s an emotional and rewarding experience that will leave you reflecting on love, resilience, and connection.
From the outset, the connection between Jennifer and Dosie is palpable and undeniable. Jennifer Dupont, the elegant and guarded Director of an elite escort service, exudes control and confidence, keeping her heart under lock and key. In contrast, Theodosia "Dosie" Fisher, a woman tenaciously piecing herself back together after escaping an abusive cult, is ready to reclaim her life. When Dosie decides to hire Jennifer as a way to safely explore her desires and confront past fears, it sets off a journey of mutual discovery and vulnerability that’s both poignant and intense.
MacKay’s sensitive handling of difficult themes, including trauma and recovery. Dosie’s journey especially resonated with me—her courage in facing her past and stepping into her power made me want to give her the biggest hug. I found myself rooting for her happiness, for her to finally find a space where she could feel safe and loved. Despite the heavy topics, the story shines as a testament to overcoming fear and embracing a sex-positive life, showing that even after unimaginable trauma, healthy, fulfilling relationships are possible.
The emotional growth between Jennifer and Dosie is beautiful. Their intimacy is gradual and beautifully built, each touch, each kiss peeling away layers and breaking down walls. They don’t just find solace in each other; they inspire each other to confront their own pasts, fears, and insecurities, blossoming both individually and together. Watching them go from guarded strangers to passionate lovers was heart-wrenching and uplifting. The development of their love is so achingly real and undeniable that you can’t help but cheer them on.
The Lay of You is brilliant, beautiful, and wonderfully written—a book I didn’t want to end. It’s a hauntingly intimate, unforgettable story that’s stayed with me, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. Please, do yourself a favor and grab this book; it’s an emotional and rewarding experience that will leave you reflecting on love, resilience, and connection.
March 1, 2026
4.25⭐️ this was way better than i expected!! i finished this in only a couple hours i couldn’t put it down
January 1, 2024
5 ★ | What a BEAUTIFUL book. Top tier writing. Dark topics are delved into. But with that being said, I absolutely got on board with this one. I thought about this book (and still do) for so long after. I just couldn’t stop thinking about it, dissecting it all and understanding Dosie and what she’s been through and how hard it must have been for her and ugh. I just wanna hug the girl and tell her I’ve got her.
I found myself routing for Dose, so much, she deserves to be happy and be in love! The epigraph resented with me hugely. Another added bonus. Thank you Corrie, can’t wait for the second instalment!
I found myself routing for Dose, so much, she deserves to be happy and be in love! The epigraph resented with me hugely. Another added bonus. Thank you Corrie, can’t wait for the second instalment!
June 16, 2024
This book takes the escort/client trope to another level. The spice level is top shelf and nonstop. I was starting to think how this sexy time can keep going on, yet me and Dosie and the Director did. lol. This is so well written I didn't want to put it down, but work kept getting in the way. ugh. The path in this book is not all hot sexy times, there are trigger warnings to check on as you go. The MCs did not have a gentle life before meeting each other and so deserve the happiness that they may find together. I'm putting this out to the universe, this is my new favorite book. It's so well written, you will care about what Dosie and Jennifer go through to get to each other. You will want to stay up all night reading this. You will want to sneak longer breaks at work to keep reading this. You will want to stand in line for the next book that Corrie MacKay is writing. You have been warned 5+ stars
August 20, 2025
I’m honestly not even sure what to say…. just wow. Straight to my favourites shelf. Possible rtc if I can actually formulate thoughts haha 🙈
June 19, 2026
Enjoyable read...not thrilled with the trauma depiction, but it is fiction. 4 stars
August 13, 2024
Wow, this was great! It was a mash up of romance and erotica (which I didn't realise going in lol) that touched on some heavy topics. Read the content warnings before reading, but thankfully they aren't graphic.
The writing was amazing, and Jennifer and Dosie felt like real, well-rounded characters. They had depth, and it was fantastic to read. Their chemistry and connection were immediate, and it was great to see that evolve and deepen as real feelings developed. Great book!
My one little gripe was that Jennifer referred to Dosie as 'girl' a lot. It irritates me when grown women are called girls, but that's less about this book in particular and more about other books/media/the world in general.
The writing was amazing, and Jennifer and Dosie felt like real, well-rounded characters. They had depth, and it was fantastic to read. Their chemistry and connection were immediate, and it was great to see that evolve and deepen as real feelings developed. Great book!
My one little gripe was that Jennifer referred to Dosie as 'girl' a lot. It irritates me when grown women are called girls, but that's less about this book in particular and more about other books/media/the world in general.
October 8, 2024
What did I just read? I cannot believe how deliciously smutty this was. But ya’ll, there’s so much more to this than the steam. There are a ton of trigger warnings that should come with this book (sexual abuse, religious trauma, domestic violence, sex work, therapy). More than I can name, but this little book handled them with such care. The communication between Jennifer and Dosie was out of this world, which made the sex scenes so better than plain smut and generic erotica.
I was reading something else with high angst and when I couldn’t take it anymore, I switched to this. I am so glad I did. I can’t believe this is the ONLY story written by this author. She only has 8 or so instagram posts and I can’t find any more of her writing. I guess I’m just gonna have to reread this one. Again and again.
I was reading something else with high angst and when I couldn’t take it anymore, I switched to this. I am so glad I did. I can’t believe this is the ONLY story written by this author. She only has 8 or so instagram posts and I can’t find any more of her writing. I guess I’m just gonna have to reread this one. Again and again.
October 2, 2023
5 ⭐️
Wow! I really enjoyed reading this book and couldn't put it down. It was so well written. I had high expectation going in as I saw some good reviews and I'm glad to report that it didn't disappoint. I look forward to the sequel (I hope it will be released soon).
Highly recommend!
June 12, 2024
Intense. Can't wait for book 2.
October 27, 2025
“People forget sometimes that seeing someone else’s trauma can be a kind of trauma itself. Especially when you, um, when you care about the person” - Dosie (Page 283).
“Instead, she chose to believe in the divinity that was simple nature, the nature of attraction and communion, desire and care. She believed in Jennifer and in herself and in what they could be together, the kind of joy and purpose they could carve into each other’s paths. That was sacred” - Jennifer (page 296).
“A breathless kind of need. The need to protect her, to care for her, to respect her. To give to her anything, everything she’d been denied. Anything, everything she’d missed out on. Anything, everything she’d wanted or could ever want” - Jennifer (page 152).
To express my general thoughts on this book I loved how MacKay had written both Jenifer and Dosie to be so complex and loveable. As a reader who has never read any book from her, I wasn't sure what to expect despite the high level of praise this book has received. From the very beginning I was immediately hooked with Jennifer and Dosie's first interaction, and I was thinking "omg this cannot be happening this soon (inserts laughing emoji)." I feel like MacKay's way of introducing these characters this way set the tone for the rest of the book, and I believe it couldn't have been any better.
Taking a shift in direction, I absolutely loved Dosie and her progression throughout the book. She was primarily written to be an ex-cult follower and was navigating her way of healing and getting outside her comfort zone through exploring her body. Jennifer (a professional escort) is written to be particularly flawed in not knowing how open herself to people and have a stable relationship. She's the kind of individual who would prefer to stick to herself and have a strict invisible line that shouldn't be crossed between her and her clients. Slowly, Jennifer's walls slowly fall when she soon figures out her growing attraction towards Dosie. To continue, I loved how Jennifer was written to be careful and concerning towards helping Dosie. I can recall several moments where she only ever thought of Dosie's needs and desires instead of just focusing on what she wanted to do. Then as Dosie started to become confident, she helped Jennifer open up, feel loved, and know what it's to truly be cared for.
Overall, I loved everything about this book and it being very refreshing of reading how both main characters helped each other with their trauma's. I absolutely adore Jennifer and Dosie's relationship. Whoever comes across this review please give this book a read you won't be disappointed.
“Instead, she chose to believe in the divinity that was simple nature, the nature of attraction and communion, desire and care. She believed in Jennifer and in herself and in what they could be together, the kind of joy and purpose they could carve into each other’s paths. That was sacred” - Jennifer (page 296).
“A breathless kind of need. The need to protect her, to care for her, to respect her. To give to her anything, everything she’d been denied. Anything, everything she’d missed out on. Anything, everything she’d wanted or could ever want” - Jennifer (page 152).
To express my general thoughts on this book I loved how MacKay had written both Jenifer and Dosie to be so complex and loveable. As a reader who has never read any book from her, I wasn't sure what to expect despite the high level of praise this book has received. From the very beginning I was immediately hooked with Jennifer and Dosie's first interaction, and I was thinking "omg this cannot be happening this soon (inserts laughing emoji)." I feel like MacKay's way of introducing these characters this way set the tone for the rest of the book, and I believe it couldn't have been any better.
Taking a shift in direction, I absolutely loved Dosie and her progression throughout the book. She was primarily written to be an ex-cult follower and was navigating her way of healing and getting outside her comfort zone through exploring her body. Jennifer (a professional escort) is written to be particularly flawed in not knowing how open herself to people and have a stable relationship. She's the kind of individual who would prefer to stick to herself and have a strict invisible line that shouldn't be crossed between her and her clients. Slowly, Jennifer's walls slowly fall when she soon figures out her growing attraction towards Dosie. To continue, I loved how Jennifer was written to be careful and concerning towards helping Dosie. I can recall several moments where she only ever thought of Dosie's needs and desires instead of just focusing on what she wanted to do. Then as Dosie started to become confident, she helped Jennifer open up, feel loved, and know what it's to truly be cared for.
Overall, I loved everything about this book and it being very refreshing of reading how both main characters helped each other with their trauma's. I absolutely adore Jennifer and Dosie's relationship. Whoever comes across this review please give this book a read you won't be disappointed.
May 2, 2024
I devoured this book in nearly one sitting. Really well done romance with delicious angst and plenty of heat. Take note of the TW though, some scenes were pretty intense.
January 11, 2024
I love a good romance and I also love erotica, and I swear this book is like the perfect mix. Although it is packed full of naughty scenes, this book features such a beautiful romance as well.
Jennifer is an escort that has been hired by Dosie. What slowly uncovers is why Dosie has hired Jennifer, and the storyline is completely compelling. I also loved Jennifer. She's strong, sassy and absolutely domineering, but deep down she's a big softie who's had her own trauma.
This book is such a great novel. I'll be looking out for more from Corrie MacKay in future.
Also, big thanks to @sirmamsur for recommending me this book!
Jennifer is an escort that has been hired by Dosie. What slowly uncovers is why Dosie has hired Jennifer, and the storyline is completely compelling. I also loved Jennifer. She's strong, sassy and absolutely domineering, but deep down she's a big softie who's had her own trauma.
This book is such a great novel. I'll be looking out for more from Corrie MacKay in future.
Also, big thanks to @sirmamsur for recommending me this book!
March 22, 2025
Just speechless. This book broke my heart in the best ways possible. Sometimes you sit after reading a book and just think: okay, what next? (I'd give more than 5 stars if it was possible)
This book made me sad, anxious, and so so so happy all at the same time. I'm a dialogue girly all the way, and let me tell you, the writing of the dialogues in this book is exquisite and just so natural.
The connection between the MCs is obvious from the get-go, and they both have so much to teach each other. If you're looking for a beautifully written romance between two people battling a dark difficult past, both in their own ways, that will wrack you and make you smile at the same time read this one.
Another note, thank you to the author for tackling such deep and dark topics with such grace and subtlety. Amazing work, I'm looking forward to reading more from MacKay.
This book made me sad, anxious, and so so so happy all at the same time. I'm a dialogue girly all the way, and let me tell you, the writing of the dialogues in this book is exquisite and just so natural.
The connection between the MCs is obvious from the get-go, and they both have so much to teach each other. If you're looking for a beautifully written romance between two people battling a dark difficult past, both in their own ways, that will wrack you and make you smile at the same time read this one.
Another note, thank you to the author for tackling such deep and dark topics with such grace and subtlety. Amazing work, I'm looking forward to reading more from MacKay.
June 27, 2024
I enjoyed this read a lot. I felt the story carried really well. I loved the chemistry between the characters and there was a ton of spice. It was such a fun read, and the cliffhangers always left my jaw dropping open and wanting to know what happened next! I loved the detail in the writing and felt the author handled trauma with care. There are definite trigger warnings - please be sure to check them out before reading.
September 9, 2023
There is just something about the lack of trigger warnings that makes me hate authors sometimes. Like.... argh. Dark erotica with a deep touch of sexual trauma is very TRAUMATISING. Chapter 11, just damn. Jesus. Poor Dosie but by all the fuck in this fucked up world, poor Jennifer.
I like the book cover, though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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