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Tired of her abysmal sex life, Myla will do just about anything to find release. When her enemy coworker David catches her in the act, he makes a proposition that’s hard to refuse. But he’ll only offer to teach her submission if she dumps her boyfriend Liam, and he’s not giving up without a fight.

It’s time to learn the rules. David hates a poser, and he knows Myla is fully capable of everything she desires. Remove her boyfriends overbearing gaze, and she’ll thrive. He can’t look away from the marks left behind, and Liam will have to answer for his crimes before the end.

Myla always did want to be a good girl.

Hardcover

Published December 30, 2023

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1114 people want to read

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H.N. DeFore

36 books247 followers

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5 stars
212 (32%)
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225 (34%)
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157 (23%)
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50 (7%)
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13 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
Profile Image for Laz the Sailor.
1,772 reviews80 followers
February 21, 2024
I enjoyed this take on the lost sub being rescued from her abusive boyfriend. I liked the way the "bad" BDSM was transformed into "good" BDSM. Of course there was a sex club, but I appreciated that she was not pressured into trying things that she knew she didn't want. The romance was a slow burn with a predictable ending, but still heartwarming alongside the steamy sex. Also, I thought the descriptions of the characters and their feelings were quite detailed without being OTT. I will definitely read the next one.
1,372 reviews13 followers
March 1, 2024
She left her boyfriend after he treats her badly. D/s relationship that was wrong. He steps up and shows her how a real d/s relationship is and he developed feelings for her. They are perfect and it's was hot. It was a great book. I want more
Profile Image for Franzi.
985 reviews50 followers
July 15, 2025
This had a great premise and I really liked the beginning but it derailed at some point. Her ex is EVERYWHERE in the book, even in their sex scenes 😭 And the way the MMC handles her ex in the end is just straight up out of a dark mafia romance, I was so taken aback. So didn't live up to my expectations, sadly.
Profile Image for Echo.
74 reviews
June 29, 2024
DNF @ 75%. Too much ex drama for me.
Profile Image for Nicole  Henderson.
1,353 reviews22 followers
March 16, 2024
Why didn’t anybody tell me!?!? Myla wanted more in the bedroom. She knew what she wanted. When she voiced her thoughts to her boyfriend, Liam, he agreed. Unfortunately neither one actually researched the lifestyle. The dom/sub lifestyle is not for the weak. Whatever they were doing was not it and Myla was still in search of more. Myla was caught trying to get more at the office by her co-worker, David. David knew exactly what she needed.

David was willing to give Myla everything she craved but he refused if Liam was still in the picture. David and Myla’s best friend, Laci, knows that there is something wrong with Liam and want to get Myla away from him. Myla feels like it is her fault because she asked for this. What Liam is doing is not what Myla asked for. He is using the lifestyle to hurt her. David is ready to show her how it is supposed to be. Myla leaves Liam and becomes David’s trainee. She will live with him while she is learning the real lifestyle with the caveat that she cannot take what she learned and go back to Liam.

There is a lot more going on here. David is ready to get to the bottom of things and maybe rough Liam up a bit. David feels a connection to Myla. He just needs to find out her fears. Myla went through so much at Liam’s hands. Will she ever be free of the fears? Will she be able to let David in? David knows Myla will not let go until she is completely free of Liam. I loved David and how patient he was with Myla. I’m not going to lie, Myla got on my nerves with her constant fear and refusal to just let Liam go. Liam had a hold on her deeper than anyone knew. Don’t worry. I grew to love Myla the more I understood her. She just needed to be taught the lifestyle the right way.
Profile Image for Bella Street.
234 reviews4 followers
February 16, 2024
Myla and David are the most healthy couple I have ever heard, seen, or read about. The way he cares and takes the time to make sure she’s comfortable. And the way he looks for signs that she isn’t over exerting and pushing her boundaries is everything I want in a partner. MYLA AND DAVID FOR THE WIN. This is really what consensual BDSM should look like and I’m living for it. I really liked the D/s scenario where he wasn’t too controlling and she still got her independence. The DV topic was handled so well and THAT was something I really appreciated. And the way David dealt with it? DREAM MANNNNN. He understood her so well and the way he handled things that he required, but didn’t push makes him so swoonworthy. I LOVED Laci, Myla’s best friend, from the beginning and she just kept getting better. I loved her relationship with Myla, David, and Emilio. I can’t wait to read about Laci and Emilio, that seems SO interesting (and hopefully get more Laci and David scenes). I especially loved that they all worked in the same building. Workplace romance + workplace best friends? Who could ask for a better dynamic??? But Liam oh god I don’t even want to focus on him. Lets just say he’s a douche and WAY too ballsy to be showing up to her work and doing/saying the things he does SURROUNDED BY LAWYERS.
Profile Image for Kristina Marquardt.
211 reviews12 followers
February 16, 2024
What do you do when you want a little more sizzle in your romantic life? 

These main characters hit the mark for me. The FMC is open to learning new things. Unfortunately, she is not in the best romantic situation. (Please check trigger warnings. ) The MMC is willing to teach her. 

I really enjoyed this story. The characters were likable or easy to hate. With just the right amount of heat between the characters to make several scenes explosive with passion. The club was perfectly written.  I was a little sad because it was only a fictional place. The plot was interesting, having me thinking about the story even when I set the book down. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a lot of passion with a good plot between their pages. 
Profile Image for Abbs.
35 reviews2 followers
January 9, 2024
Good quick read

I got this book for free on stuff your kindle day. It gives “who did this to you” and I loved it. It brings awareness to DV which is so important. Quite a few typos but nothing that took away from the story. Probably like 🌶️🌶️ spice level. Nothing crazy! I will read the sequel for sure.
Profile Image for Jess.loves2read.
104 reviews4 followers
February 16, 2024
Really great read. Goes deep into a D/s relationship which was quite interesting. Myla is in a D/s relationship that is actually not that at all but really an abusive relationship. This book was quite intense at certain parts but the journey to realizing she deserved better was really great.
Profile Image for Tabatha Slagle.
388 reviews15 followers
February 28, 2024
David and Myla had an interesting dynamic to read. They'd known each other since high school and were now coworkers but certainly not friends. Myla wanted to spice things up but her boyfriend took things too far. Will David's training only be training or does she find the one she's been looking for? Guess you'll have to read it and find out.
Profile Image for Kelsey-rose🍉.
806 reviews9 followers
December 30, 2023
i fucking loved this book!!
the importantance of consent in this book is omg
. i loved it

myla and david >>

myla is a shy woman in her mid 20s who is in an abusive relationship. david is her coworker in his late 20s who notices this.

he sees he watching porn one day and gets her off.

he notices she has a pet collar on her and told her to get her boyfriend to get her a better one


one day her boyfriend drugs her and like RAPES HER AND PUNCHES HER FACE ( this is when she finally leaves the pos)

david is literally the best!!!!



he wont stop messaging or blackmailing her.
david is so soft with her snd patient with her .

this book has so much praise in and SHOWS WHAT A CONSENSUAL BDSM RELATIONSHIP LOOKS LIKE.


she calls him sir during scenes and DAVID OTHERWISE

THE CHEMISTRY BETWEEN THESE TWO

I LOVE HOW LITTLE SOFT YET FIRM HE IS WITH HER .

HER EX WAS A FAKE DOM AND WANTED TO CONTROM HER COMPLETELY AND WAS ABUSIVE

I LIKED WHEN DAVID TORTURED HER EX AND BASICALLY BROKE HIS HSND MULTIPLE TIMES AS HE DESERVED IT


DAVID HELPed myla realise her self worth and build her self esteem

~ the talk about consent and safe words and collaring in this book was done so well!!

myla already had an interest in bdsm and David helped her finally experience it safely unlike with her abusive ex




this is a cute d/s book
with praise ,

warning:
dv ( domestic violence mentions)
violence




i had so much fun reading this book
it made me swoon and go all


soft!! they are so cute . i fucking love them
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sabrina.
1,275 reviews2 followers
November 6, 2024
Man DeFore jumps right in there. We are NOT easing you into this... book starts off with a description of what Myla is watching and it is not a generic description... and I LOVE it.

I always start a spicy book off wondering just how rauncy/spicy/naughty it will get and I am left guessing until we finally get to the scene. Well, DeFore let me know right away, Thanks girl!

This was a great story because while I am here for the sexiness and spice, there truly is a real abusive situation and DeFore grabbed me by by emotions, mostly rage, and brought me along for the ride and that is what I consider good writing. I was heartbroken for what Myla experienced and then a little upset at her when she could stand her ground with David but let Liam affect her so much... and then that is when I realized how real the writing for that is because it is true in life that though we can see the hypocrisy, those who are in the abuse can't. So, be warned with the triggers.

However, Myla and David... chef's kiss!



I just have 1 question and it might be a spoiler....

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Profile Image for Ashley Elizabeth.
24 reviews5 followers
July 9, 2023
I really enjoyed this book!

I loved the protectiveness of David from the very beginning of the book. He knew exactly what to do to help Myla and even though he barely knew her, he cared from the very first interaction between them.

Myla at times got a bit on my nerves with her personality. That being said, I definitely was made to feel horrible for the way she was treated and I felt as though the author did a good job representing DV.

I did not expect what happened with Liam's "punishment" and I found it quite satisfying. I think that might have been my favourite part of the book.

As for the smut parts: they were on point. I really enjoyed all of the scenes between David and Myla. I felt that there was a good balance between smut and storyline which is how I like my books to be.

Overall, I really enjoyed it! Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Katrina.
101 reviews13 followers
August 4, 2023
Wow I was pleasantly surprised by this book, spice and humor on the first page. It delves into D/s toxic dynamics that are actually masked dv. A very good look into the bdsm lifestyle, red flags to look for, and what permissions should be gone over prior to engaging in play. The book, of course, is not a guide into the lifestyle, but it does reflect over “healthy” versus “unhealthy”, no matter which dynamic you prefer. There is triggering content, so proceed with caution. But for all you dirty folks that love a good, dark smutty read, this one’s for you. Favorite Quote: “Because I want to see you be my little mess. You can mouth off all you want to at the office, but here, you'll listen to me. The only reason your mouth should gape is if it’s waiting to take my dick down your throat.”
Profile Image for Elle.
179 reviews3 followers
January 3, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 rounded up
🌶️🌶️🌶️

I really enjoyed this one, it was a good representation of what a D/s relationship should be like and the writing wasn't super crazy, and felt quite believable!

We meet Myla our FMC, a girl looking for a spicer fun life with her boyfriend in the form of a D/s relationship, but what she doesn't realise is he's doing all wrong, taking advantage of her and actually being quite a toxic and abusive partner under the guise of a D/s relationship (this was an excellent representation of what is healthy and unhealthy in these kind of relationships!).

We also meet David, our MMC, Myla's direct rival at work, and he does not like what he see's at all! After all, he is an experienced Dom. Turns out Myla is going through a pretty terrible time in her life and David extends her an olive branch... a chance how to learn to be a proper submissive at the hands of someone who knows what their doing.

This was an excellent read, the pacing was excellent as were all of the characters we are introduced to! I really enjoyed it and the the use of consent and the showing of how important it was - absolutely impeccable!

What to expect:
• enemies to lovers
• D/s dynamic
• slight bdsm
• eager to learn
• forced proximity

This is a dark romance so be sure to check TW/CW before starting as it does get pretty heavy.
Profile Image for Consuelo.
82 reviews
December 19, 2023
Wow. 🔥
Spice Level is 5/5
Myla & David • D/s partnership
The dynamics of this relationship were great. Abused Myla is feeling like a failure in her relationship, though he was just taking advantage of a role to control her. David steps in quickly confusing her, but then explains how the D/s partnerships should work and tells her to leave her bf and he’ll help train her into a good girl. And he did just that, helping her let go of her feelings of failure and showing her praise like she needed. The sparks fly off the pages! I could not put down my kindle I wanted to soak in all of the details. Can’t wait to read the next books in the series!
Profile Image for Cassidy.
163 reviews2 followers
March 31, 2024
I originally got this book from a stuff your kindle day and I didn’t have the highest hopes for this book but I was thoroughly impressed! I appreciated the education that went into the BDSM community and all the safety rules and regulations that are involved in a proper and safe D/s relationship. I enjoyed how patient David was with Myla while they worked through her trauma.
The scenes were good! Creative and visual - definitely something to enjoy. I wish there was a little more play around the club but I still enjoyed this. Definitely going to be recommending to friends. (Pay attention to triggers!)
Profile Image for Manda Rae.
124 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2024
beautifully written

Myla and David’s story is so beautifully done!
Myla is coming out of a toxic and bad relationship when David offers to give her what she wants. Training for a true D/s relationship.

What happens when training becomes more?

Ok not only is the story good and easy to follow, it follows along with Myla’s journey through coming out of the mindset that you find yourself in after those type of relationships.

Add to it the amazing way HN explains the D/s relationship and how it works is so well done.

This story, this world is more than worth diving into!
Profile Image for Kellie Waldron.
728 reviews17 followers
March 3, 2025
HN Defore did it again.

As always look at the trigger list as there are some in it. Otherwise, be ready for a great story.

Myla wants to spice it up a bit with her boyfriend. They have very different ideas of spice and he becomes a little bit of a controlling person. It takes some bad things happening for Myla to realize that this ain't the one.

David has always know Myla. They went to school. Now that they are the same firm, he can't keep his mind focused around her. When he realizes what is happening he finds a way to help her. Introducing her to some D/s and BDSM hep her so much.

This was a great read.
Profile Image for Dirty Birdy~Bonnie.
7 reviews3 followers
July 9, 2023
Rules aren’t just for submissives 🌶️🌶️🌶️

TW: DV, Abuse

Enemies to Lovers, D/s dynamic, eager to learn, forced proximity

Myla wants to explore her naturally submissive desires but Liam’s heavy hand wants to break her. David’s touch sends heat straight to her core but he
Wants her submissive not scared. David has the skills to teach them both. “Rules of Play” must be followed by everyone in the lifestyle.

Great book for your 1st or 1000th spicy read. By the end of the book, I wanted to know everything about the MCs and how their story builds. Can’t wait for book 2!
1,098 reviews19 followers
March 8, 2024
Loved this Story!



Myla is in a toxic relationship with someone posing to be a Dom. Myla is craving the D/s relationship and is willing to settled but as this story unfolds, she gets to see what it truly is like to be with a real Dom. Lyla and David have hot, hot, HOT chemistry that lit up my kindle.  He was perfect for her. He helped her to see what her relationship truly was and through this process they fell in love.  This book gave me all the feels and was a truly great read!  I’ve loved every book I read from this author and can’t wait to read more!!!

Profile Image for DarkLioness22.
114 reviews1 follower
March 31, 2024
Sensing some communication breakdown with the lifestyle she has chosen for the bedroom.

I have a feeling that, this lack of simple communication might very well spoil the book for me. But it is very early days so there is hope yet.

Reading a little further I'm starting to understand, that Liam, doesnt really care about Myla.
I can't help sense a toxic relationship so early and to be honest its not really doing it for ma as a book in general.

Im hoping the spice is worth this.

Not worth finishing!!
Profile Image for Allison Comis.
776 reviews11 followers
July 3, 2024
Myla

This is about Myla who works at a law firm. She grew up with David and Laci. They all went to the same schools for the most part until college. Laci went a different path than Myla and David. Myla was dating a guy Liam and they lived together. One day Myla was out of it. She called her friend Laci and didn’t remember calling her. Laci ended up coming to the apartment and Myla went outside to meet her. She got in the car and Laci left the complex and took Myla to her home. This is a great book. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series
101 reviews4 followers
August 19, 2024
great intro to D/s

I really enjoyed this book.

David has incredible patience. I wish Myla’s character would have grown a *little* more.

Personally, I feel like this is a great intro to Dom/sub relationships and BDSM. Many think they know what’s involved, but the book spends a lot of time explaining the lifestyle. I suspect each book in the series will explore another relationship type.

The last third of the book drugs a bit. Some of the inner monologue was excessive but overall a good read. Would recommend.
Profile Image for Jaime Cantrell.
574 reviews14 followers
December 1, 2024
Rules of Play is book two Sins and Secrets Club. I loved this book. I couldn’t put it down as soon as I opened it up and started reading. I loved Myla’s and David’s chemistry. Myla knows what she wants, and she thinks she has it with her boyfriend. David knows better. Will he help her with what she wants and needs? You will have to grab this book and find out! I love H.N DeFore’s books. I cannot wait to read the next book!

As always be mindful of trigger warnings, what I like you may not.

Happy Reading!
Profile Image for Brandi Sylvester.
210 reviews1 follower
August 4, 2023
Dom/Sub Relationship for the win in this book!

For starters, abuse triggers are real throughout this book. The relationship between David and Myla is beautiful and dirty all at the same time. What happens when a co-worker finds out you're into the same kinks you are and that you're being abused in your current relationship with someone else? It turns to a hot kink training relationship...SO HOT!
Profile Image for evie is reading.
68 reviews4 followers
January 8, 2024
a surprising little gem

this was a stuff your kindle deal this january, and i’m so glad i snagged it! it’s a nice, low pressure read i actually meant to be a palate cleanser after i read a few emotionally heavy books recently. it was so much more than that though! the story is really on point for a shorter read, and the spice doesn’t disappoint. i was so pleased with this book, i’ve already purchased the next two books in the series, as well as preordered the fourth
Profile Image for Biggs_bookshelf.
1,569 reviews27 followers
January 15, 2024
hard but good read

A beautiful romance develops from a tragic extremely abusive relationship. This book isn’t for the faint of heart and the trigger warnings should not be taken lightly. The triggering parts weave through a lot of this book and truly cause heartbreaking reactions. It’s a dark read but in the same breath is the light and determination of a man determined to save the girl from her demons.
Profile Image for Gemma Osment.
269 reviews
February 18, 2024
This is david and myla's story.
There are some triggers in this.
I loved how david was with myla,caring for her and not rushing,going at a pace that was comfortable for her.He was so protective,charming and caring.Exactly how a dom should be.
Myla had gone through so much at her exs hand that she struggled to show or communicate with david.i did think think that she shouldnof just blocked his number though.
Overall it was a brilliant book and cant wait to read the next one
Profile Image for Erin.
3,509 reviews79 followers
April 12, 2024
Well, that was a deliciously smutty, slow burn romance that kept me glued to the pages from beginning to end.

Myla and David take us on an emotional journey into their wonderful, sweet and sexy BDSM relationship. Their journey is filled with many ups and downs, loads of healing and a ton of sizzing passion between the two of them.

An entertaining, exciting and at times it became intense, but overall a highly enjoyable story!


Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews

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