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Blackwood Manor Training Center #1
Breaking Josh
In Breaking Josh, we see how far a man will go to win the love of the girl of his dreams. Juliette Hartford runs Blackwood Manor, a successful winery in the Pacific Northwest. But the business is actually a front for something much more bizarre: the country’s foremost training center for submissive males.
When Josh Stevens runs into his ex-girlfriend Juliette, he finally realizes he can’t live without her. Juliette still loves him, but requires a test of obedience before taking him back: graduate from her center’s training program.
It won’t be easy. He faces three months of intensive slave training and re-education at the hands of Juliette’s lover, Talia, who has her own reasons for hoping Josh washes out of the program.
Will he succeed at becoming the “man” Juliette wants?
When Josh Stevens runs into his ex-girlfriend Juliette, he finally realizes he can’t live without her. Juliette still loves him, but requires a test of obedience before taking him back: graduate from her center’s training program.
It won’t be easy. He faces three months of intensive slave training and re-education at the hands of Juliette’s lover, Talia, who has her own reasons for hoping Josh washes out of the program.
Will he succeed at becoming the “man” Juliette wants?
38 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 17, 2014
34 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 25, 2014
Will have to think this over, but it's between 1 and 2 stars. Not yet sure whether to round up or down.
ETA: After some consideration there is no way that I'm saying that this was an okay read. Maybe it was a bit better than "all bad", mainly because the SPaG didn't suck, but not enough to give it 2*.
What is particularly obnoxious is that this is one of the very few Femdom stories, so it's doubly disappointing to have read such unmitigated bull manure.
Contrary to general rumour I am actively hoping to enjoy a good BDSM story when I start reading one. And contrary to first impression I reward excellent BDSM stories with excellent reviews, whether it's a known author or not. So, as you can see, I'm not exactly one-sidedly miserly and rantsy there. It's just that unfortunately so many BDSM stories are either very low in quality, misrepresent BDSM or are fantasies which shouldn't actually be called BDSM, but the authors decided to ride on the (financially rewarding) wave. Especially when authors profess and push actively that they allegedly are in the lifestyle and you come across factual errors, things tend to be less than satisfying.
Let's start from the beginning.
Once again, like so many, many times before (that I actually remember only 2-3 stories _at all_ which feature a regular Femdom) the female heroine aka Femdom is a prostitute. Now, nothing against whores, I may not like or condone their work but I respect the women who for one or other reason do it. That doesn't mean I would ever choose such a work and I don't like to be treated as if it was a logical progression. However, by now "Femdom = whore" has become such a household staple that I'm severely squicked each time I read it! As if it needs or necessitates selling oneself against money to become a female Top. Dear authors, please stop that shice already! This alone detracted 2 full stars.
So, now that we have a prostitute as heroine again, let's have a look at how BDSM is described:
Apparently all it takes to become deeply submissive for a man is being whipped by a beautiful woman. Of course that guy has to be a dom first (because of course he couldn't ever be attractive NOT being an alpha first, huh?). And of course switching is the easiest thing on the planet (at the drop of a hat). I'm sure submissive men will welcome being belittled in such a manner.
Of course SSC is entirely done away with a little wave of the hand and a horny peener right at the gate. Which makes for such a "super-intelligent" man that I'm all in lurv with that dumb arse. That is where the fail sets in, because neither slavery nor brainwashing are SSC. At all. Truly.
And lastly, we have the typical parade of BDSM tripe which never once changes, always incorporates loads and loads of ultra-beautiful women (who all seem to be born with stilettos on their feet, feet which have to be made of iron to be able to wear them all day long!), who're horny like hell all day, are super-delighted to engage in pony play, are long-haired, have big boobs, are trim and curvy, wear lingerie out of a fashion catalogue, of course have Master degrees from the best universities, yada-yada-yada... funnily inspite of allegedly not being subservient to the male gaze and sexist POV? Ouch. OUCH!
And the man needs to be "broken", crushed into the ground and then rebuilt according to female specification. Hmm. Not only is that again a major show of disrespect for the male submissive, and men in general, I also really start wondering about these women's worldview each time I'm reading something like this. As if being a female Top means you automatically hate men.
Lastly, puhlease. If you describe a position which will have any normal person scream with pain being locked into it for half an hour (and yes, been there, done that, of course achieved that reaction), then don't state that this is harmless and painless! Any contorted kneeling position, especially on a hard surface and without a means to move will cause severe pain and strain, and possibly end in thrombosis. Such positions are used for torture, and here I mean the kind which Amnesty International reports. In a BDSM story such a gaffe outs you as not even having done your research.
ETA: After some consideration there is no way that I'm saying that this was an okay read. Maybe it was a bit better than "all bad", mainly because the SPaG didn't suck, but not enough to give it 2*.
What is particularly obnoxious is that this is one of the very few Femdom stories, so it's doubly disappointing to have read such unmitigated bull manure.
Contrary to general rumour I am actively hoping to enjoy a good BDSM story when I start reading one. And contrary to first impression I reward excellent BDSM stories with excellent reviews, whether it's a known author or not. So, as you can see, I'm not exactly one-sidedly miserly and rantsy there. It's just that unfortunately so many BDSM stories are either very low in quality, misrepresent BDSM or are fantasies which shouldn't actually be called BDSM, but the authors decided to ride on the (financially rewarding) wave. Especially when authors profess and push actively that they allegedly are in the lifestyle and you come across factual errors, things tend to be less than satisfying.
Let's start from the beginning.
Once again, like so many, many times before (that I actually remember only 2-3 stories _at all_ which feature a regular Femdom) the female heroine aka Femdom is a prostitute. Now, nothing against whores, I may not like or condone their work but I respect the women who for one or other reason do it. That doesn't mean I would ever choose such a work and I don't like to be treated as if it was a logical progression. However, by now "Femdom = whore" has become such a household staple that I'm severely squicked each time I read it! As if it needs or necessitates selling oneself against money to become a female Top. Dear authors, please stop that shice already! This alone detracted 2 full stars.
So, now that we have a prostitute as heroine again, let's have a look at how BDSM is described:
Apparently all it takes to become deeply submissive for a man is being whipped by a beautiful woman. Of course that guy has to be a dom first (because of course he couldn't ever be attractive NOT being an alpha first, huh?). And of course switching is the easiest thing on the planet (at the drop of a hat). I'm sure submissive men will welcome being belittled in such a manner.
Of course SSC is entirely done away with a little wave of the hand and a horny peener right at the gate. Which makes for such a "super-intelligent" man that I'm all in lurv with that dumb arse. That is where the fail sets in, because neither slavery nor brainwashing are SSC. At all. Truly.
And lastly, we have the typical parade of BDSM tripe which never once changes, always incorporates loads and loads of ultra-beautiful women (who all seem to be born with stilettos on their feet, feet which have to be made of iron to be able to wear them all day long!), who're horny like hell all day, are super-delighted to engage in pony play, are long-haired, have big boobs, are trim and curvy, wear lingerie out of a fashion catalogue, of course have Master degrees from the best universities, yada-yada-yada... funnily inspite of allegedly not being subservient to the male gaze and sexist POV? Ouch. OUCH!
And the man needs to be "broken", crushed into the ground and then rebuilt according to female specification. Hmm. Not only is that again a major show of disrespect for the male submissive, and men in general, I also really start wondering about these women's worldview each time I'm reading something like this. As if being a female Top means you automatically hate men.
Lastly, puhlease. If you describe a position which will have any normal person scream with pain being locked into it for half an hour (and yes, been there, done that, of course achieved that reaction), then don't state that this is harmless and painless! Any contorted kneeling position, especially on a hard surface and without a means to move will cause severe pain and strain, and possibly end in thrombosis. Such positions are used for torture, and here I mean the kind which Amnesty International reports. In a BDSM story such a gaffe outs you as not even having done your research.
March 8, 2017
A very interesting introduction
Essentially an introduction to Josh and Juliette, this first installment establishes time, place, and character.
While light on overtly erotic narrative, there are hints of great potential and some mildly enjoyable scenes that whet the readers' appetites.
Essentially an introduction to Josh and Juliette, this first installment establishes time, place, and character.
While light on overtly erotic narrative, there are hints of great potential and some mildly enjoyable scenes that whet the readers' appetites.
February 21, 2017
This is not a book. This is a teaser to try to get you to buy the next volume, which presumably contains a whole story, but who knows, perhaps the next book contains nothing either and is just a teaser to get you to fork over some more money for the 3rd book?
Look, I'm all for authors giving away a novella, a short-story or even a whole novel for free as an incentive to get into a series. It's a sound marketing strategy. But this is not a story, it's the first two chapters of a story. Padded out and dragged out. I'm not against that either, except that it was mis-labelled. This is clearly called 'Book 1'. It should be called '1st Few Chapters of Book 1, ending just as theplot smut begins'.
Look, I'm all for authors giving away a novella, a short-story or even a whole novel for free as an incentive to get into a series. It's a sound marketing strategy. But this is not a story, it's the first two chapters of a story. Padded out and dragged out. I'm not against that either, except that it was mis-labelled. This is clearly called 'Book 1'. It should be called '1st Few Chapters of Book 1, ending just as the
July 26, 2016
I find it difficult to find femdom stories that appeal to me but enjoyed this one a lot. I found the entire concept fascinating.
I read this instalment in the box set of books 1-5.
I read this instalment in the box set of books 1-5.
October 22, 2017
Submitting Josh
This is my first foray into strict femdom erotica, though the writing style and action reminds me of the classic erotic Sleeping Beauty series. (Unstated theme: remain still long enough and someone will stick something in you, whether you like it or not.) There's a better understanding of consent in this volume, however, which is a nice touch.
The story ends abruptly when Josh fully submits to Juliette, leading to the next book in the series. It's well written and cleanly edited, immersing the reader in the story quite nicely. So far there's more implied sexual contact than descriptions of the acts, but sexual tension rises with each page turned.
This is my first foray into strict femdom erotica, though the writing style and action reminds me of the classic erotic Sleeping Beauty series. (Unstated theme: remain still long enough and someone will stick something in you, whether you like it or not.) There's a better understanding of consent in this volume, however, which is a nice touch.
The story ends abruptly when Josh fully submits to Juliette, leading to the next book in the series. It's well written and cleanly edited, immersing the reader in the story quite nicely. So far there's more implied sexual contact than descriptions of the acts, but sexual tension rises with each page turned.
August 12, 2022
I guess it's ok if you're into that sort of thing. Not too badly written, though there are some awkward phrases. I guess it just seems odd to me that this guy would willingly make himself a sex slave for this woman. Why? Because she's hot? There just doesn't seem like any real chemistry or anything that would motivate him to be so hopelessly devoted that he'd put himself through this. But then that's not really the point, is it?
January 13, 2019
Wow!
This is fantastic, I really loved this, and it was so easy to read. I’m so happy I decided to see what was on amazon books. I was itching something fierce for some femdom, and this delivered! Really good!
This is fantastic, I really loved this, and it was so easy to read. I’m so happy I decided to see what was on amazon books. I was itching something fierce for some femdom, and this delivered! Really good!
February 12, 2022
This is just the intro to what promises to be the kinkiest thing I have ever read.
Femdom slave camp. Josh is in for a wild 3 months.
Femdom slave camp. Josh is in for a wild 3 months.
January 3, 2024
More!!!
It's not 5* because of the cliffhanger.
I'm pretty sure that finishing the series i will give it 10*.
I found a new author to stalk *cough**cough*.... I meant follow
It's not 5* because of the cliffhanger.
I'm pretty sure that finishing the series i will give it 10*.
I found a new author to stalk *cough**cough*.... I meant follow
March 12, 2024
submission from a good sissy
It was a great but short read the bondage descriptions were great the story had me wishing i was there
It was a great but short read the bondage descriptions were great the story had me wishing i was there
July 29, 2020
As with almost all the erotic romances at Amazon, the concept of a "book" would be no more than a few chapters in any print edition. The fact that all five "books" amount to only 188 pages only emphasizes that. It's why this isn't rated higher. Yes, it was free, but 43 pages isn't a BOOK unless you're writing for 8 year olds. As well, if this was a BOOK, the entire story would be here, not just the beginning of it.
Okay, rant over.
This Juliette must really be something if Josh is willing to completely change himself at a core level to be with her. It isn't very realistic, but then this, overall, is just a wild fantasy to begin with. I know there are men and women in such relationships, and I have no problem with that. Of course, there is precious little backstory as to why Josh has fallen so hard for Juliette, especially after three years apart, that he'd be willing to submit (no pun intended) himself to training that is intended to change everything he is. Possibly that backstory is in one of the other installments, but with the length of these things, sufficient backstory would take up two whole "books."
I found it more than a little creepy when Josh arrived to begin his training, and one of the first things that happens is that they drug him. He submits himself to this willingly, so why the need for the drugs? Seems more like a kidnapping to me. Of course, this is a training ground where women submit their own men for this training, so according to the text, more often than not, the men ARE kidnapped. Consent is one of the primary tenets for BDSM. Where is the consent for these other men? As far as is intimated in the text, Josh is the only male there who has consented to this training.
While I had little problem with some of the treatment they gave Josh once he awoke, the whole bit with the cage seemed excessive. I got the hamster cage drinking fountain with the dildo, and the ass thing, but some of the other restraint stuff was pretty confusing and as one of the other comments mentioned: bare knees on a hard surface for an extended period? Not good.
There's a morbid curiosity in the back of my brain that would like to see where it goes, since this is just a tease, but I really doubt I'll go any farther. It has nothing to do with my gender or any feelings toward femdom. I have no problems with female domination. Whatever gets you hard or wet. If I went on, I'd probably enjoy it. I enjoyed what I've already read, but I don't know that it interested me enough to pay for the rest of the story.
Okay, rant over.
This Juliette must really be something if Josh is willing to completely change himself at a core level to be with her. It isn't very realistic, but then this, overall, is just a wild fantasy to begin with. I know there are men and women in such relationships, and I have no problem with that. Of course, there is precious little backstory as to why Josh has fallen so hard for Juliette, especially after three years apart, that he'd be willing to submit (no pun intended) himself to training that is intended to change everything he is. Possibly that backstory is in one of the other installments, but with the length of these things, sufficient backstory would take up two whole "books."
I found it more than a little creepy when Josh arrived to begin his training, and one of the first things that happens is that they drug him. He submits himself to this willingly, so why the need for the drugs? Seems more like a kidnapping to me. Of course, this is a training ground where women submit their own men for this training, so according to the text, more often than not, the men ARE kidnapped. Consent is one of the primary tenets for BDSM. Where is the consent for these other men? As far as is intimated in the text, Josh is the only male there who has consented to this training.
While I had little problem with some of the treatment they gave Josh once he awoke, the whole bit with the cage seemed excessive. I got the hamster cage drinking fountain with the dildo, and the ass thing, but some of the other restraint stuff was pretty confusing and as one of the other comments mentioned: bare knees on a hard surface for an extended period? Not good.
There's a morbid curiosity in the back of my brain that would like to see where it goes, since this is just a tease, but I really doubt I'll go any farther. It has nothing to do with my gender or any feelings toward femdom. I have no problems with female domination. Whatever gets you hard or wet. If I went on, I'd probably enjoy it. I enjoyed what I've already read, but I don't know that it interested me enough to pay for the rest of the story.
March 8, 2017
A thrilling intro to this serie.
Reading this beginning of Josh's future life left me in state of emptiness, I must know what the three months will force the miserable guy through.
I think a training center like described makes a great use of the wasteland you will find at most vineries.
This book should be recommended to all girls strugling with pseudo macho guys, so they can be inspired to change their own situation.
I like this book because it do not contain unnecessary violence, humiliation can be obtained with a kind of love and without cruelty.
Reading this beginning of Josh's future life left me in state of emptiness, I must know what the three months will force the miserable guy through.
I think a training center like described makes a great use of the wasteland you will find at most vineries.
This book should be recommended to all girls strugling with pseudo macho guys, so they can be inspired to change their own situation.
I like this book because it do not contain unnecessary violence, humiliation can be obtained with a kind of love and without cruelty.
August 5, 2015
I'm seeing why other people say it's hard to find good femdom/male-sub fiction out there. As a feminist, I like seeing woman have the chance to even out all the female-sub books. But the main female character here is all about "female supremacy" which is as annoying and irritating to me as the patriarchy. Couple other problems with subject matter being unrealistic here, but the naughty bits are OK. Will have to consider before getting the rest of the series as it could get better or worse, since it had such a short beginning. Full review at my blog.
January 30, 2015
Nice introduction to what could be an interesting series, but it's hard to tell if this will turn out to be a good series since this was fairly short. Unfortunately I'm guessing that each of the following books will be just as short, which could be a bit frustrating. But since it covers what seems to be an uncommon topic, female dom and male sub, it's worth looking into further.
December 16, 2014
I would have rated this higher if the author had been honest by calling this a sample, not referring to it as a, "book". It was definitely a good start though, lots of potential.....
January 12, 2015
Interesting start to a series. This is only about 40 pages, gives a good setup with some interesting possibilites to come.
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