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Denial #1
Not Your Damn Submissive
I’m beyond pissed off with Callum Connors.
Yeah—THE Callum Connors, star of my favourite TV show…and all my most private fantasies.
He’s a self-confessed Dom, and he wants me, even though I told him outright that I’m not interested in submission or in him.
But then I kissed him.
What possessed me? I don’t even remember who started it, me or him—just that I brushed against him, and then we were on the way to third base in the middle of the set.
Maybe I should have told him no again afterwards, but I just wanted to escape before he tried to take it further. I didn’t think I’d be able to resist him.
I still don’t.
Now he’s somehow thrown us together for two whole weeks, getting the studio to temporarily change my job from set decorator to his personal assistant. I can live with being his assistant, but I am not his damn submissive.
No matter how sexy he is.
Yeah—THE Callum Connors, star of my favourite TV show…and all my most private fantasies.
He’s a self-confessed Dom, and he wants me, even though I told him outright that I’m not interested in submission or in him.
But then I kissed him.
What possessed me? I don’t even remember who started it, me or him—just that I brushed against him, and then we were on the way to third base in the middle of the set.
Maybe I should have told him no again afterwards, but I just wanted to escape before he tried to take it further. I didn’t think I’d be able to resist him.
I still don’t.
Now he’s somehow thrown us together for two whole weeks, getting the studio to temporarily change my job from set decorator to his personal assistant. I can live with being his assistant, but I am not his damn submissive.
No matter how sexy he is.
Paperback
First published May 30, 2014
10 people are currently reading
605 people want to read
About the author
Amy Valenti
36 books118 followersAmy Valenti is a tarnished tease, and her mind has lived in the gutter since the day she realised what sex was. She hails from England, which she doesn’t find quite as exotic and sexy as the average US citizen seems to, but if people want to compliment her on her accent, that’s all fine with her! Her muses are many, fickle and very demanding.
She has a degree in creative writing and currently works as a proofreader/editor. In her free time, she reads, writes and plays videogames. On the rare occasions she doesn’t have a laptop on her knee, she loves to curl up with friends and pets – and chocolate – for TV show and movie marathons.
Want to get in touch? Email Amy at axvalenti (at) yahoo (dot) com or check out her Facebook or Twitter pages.
She has a degree in creative writing and currently works as a proofreader/editor. In her free time, she reads, writes and plays videogames. On the rare occasions she doesn’t have a laptop on her knee, she loves to curl up with friends and pets – and chocolate – for TV show and movie marathons.
Want to get in touch? Email Amy at axvalenti (at) yahoo (dot) com or check out her Facebook or Twitter pages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
August 20, 2014
Hate to do it, but DNF at 23%.
I tried, I really did, I put it down for a few weeks, read other books and came back hoping it would improve. But I just couldn't do it. It is probably just me, b/c the book did receive good ratings from other readers. Probably just a case of the wrong book at the wrong time.
I couldn't get into the story line or relate with any of the characters. Maybe in the future I will be able to try it again.....
ARC kindly provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
I tried, I really did, I put it down for a few weeks, read other books and came back hoping it would improve. But I just couldn't do it. It is probably just me, b/c the book did receive good ratings from other readers. Probably just a case of the wrong book at the wrong time.
I couldn't get into the story line or relate with any of the characters. Maybe in the future I will be able to try it again.....
ARC kindly provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
December 28, 2014
This was the cheesy, corny sister of the billionaire BDSM trope. I wanted to strangle both characters right after starting it, but I thought I was over-reacting. I wasn't.
June 21, 2014
I really enjoyed this book a lot!
First, I'm a sucker for anything with movie stars/rock stars/whatever, and second, I loved the plot in the book too!
Kat and Callum were really fun together. I liked how I could really get to hear and feel how they felt, which is often of more interest to me than anything. I am not a normal person, and I am pretty sure I don't quite understand how one is supposed to feel in most of the situations people get into in romantica/BDSM novels, so having a window into their thoughts is awesome for me!
The characters are great. Kat is a set designer who gets drafted into being a Personal Assistant on set for the soon to be famous movie star. She's afraid of the BDSM lifestyle, as she's had a truly terrible non-consentual BDSM experience in her past, and has been fed some erroneous information by the counsellors of the shelter for women where she recovered, and her whole story arc is just great.
Callum is an actor, who is also into BDSM. He's a top and he is into Kat from the start. He wants her enough to get her vacation cancelled and get her as his personal assistant, but he doesn't do anything non-consentual, and explains BDSM to her, in its "proper" form, and just generally wins her over.
The sex is hot, the D/s is really well done. I liked how easily Kat fell into submission, it felt natural for her, unlike many books where we're told she's a "Natural Submissive" and then the character keeps lipping off to everyone in sight, Kat is generally submissive, with moments of aggression, that seemed based on her past, understandably so.
I wavered on 5 stars on this one, but it really settles in for me at 4.5 stars. Goodreads won't allow half stars, unfortunately, which means this one ends up at 4, but I really like it more than a 4 star read.
The copy was provided by Ms. Valenti in return for an honest review.
First, I'm a sucker for anything with movie stars/rock stars/whatever, and second, I loved the plot in the book too!
Kat and Callum were really fun together. I liked how I could really get to hear and feel how they felt, which is often of more interest to me than anything. I am not a normal person, and I am pretty sure I don't quite understand how one is supposed to feel in most of the situations people get into in romantica/BDSM novels, so having a window into their thoughts is awesome for me!
The characters are great. Kat is a set designer who gets drafted into being a Personal Assistant on set for the soon to be famous movie star. She's afraid of the BDSM lifestyle, as she's had a truly terrible non-consentual BDSM experience in her past, and has been fed some erroneous information by the counsellors of the shelter for women where she recovered, and her whole story arc is just great.
Callum is an actor, who is also into BDSM. He's a top and he is into Kat from the start. He wants her enough to get her vacation cancelled and get her as his personal assistant, but he doesn't do anything non-consentual, and explains BDSM to her, in its "proper" form, and just generally wins her over.
The sex is hot, the D/s is really well done. I liked how easily Kat fell into submission, it felt natural for her, unlike many books where we're told she's a "Natural Submissive" and then the character keeps lipping off to everyone in sight, Kat is generally submissive, with moments of aggression, that seemed based on her past, understandably so.
I wavered on 5 stars on this one, but it really settles in for me at 4.5 stars. Goodreads won't allow half stars, unfortunately, which means this one ends up at 4, but I really like it more than a 4 star read.
The copy was provided by Ms. Valenti in return for an honest review.
June 15, 2014
Not Your Damn Submissive is the latest BDSM series by author Amy Valenti. In the first installment, you follow the story of Kat and Callum, told in both their perspectives. And now that I've gotten the basics down, I can get on with my opinion of it.
It's an amazing little book. First off, I really enjoyed the characters of Kat and Callum. Even though this is a small story, they feel fleshed out and I liked their instant chemistry. They're attracted to each other from the start, but Kat is scared about giving in to a Dom -- she's been down that road before and came out badly injured. Her issues don't feel like they drag down the story, though -- if anything, they made me love Callum even more. Yes, he wants to get Kat to submit, but when he finds out what happened to her, he doesn't pressure her, nor does he force her into BDSM. Instead, he's patient and caring, and, together, they explore Kat's limits, little by little. And that's how it should be.
The sex scenes are great and don't feel repetitive. Character development is great for a book so small. In fact, my only issue is that this novel's too short, but oh well.
Also, you know how a lot of BDSM writers are completely out of their depth when writing the genre? Yeah? Well, Amy Valenti is not among that select group. She knows her stuff, and it shows.
If you're looking for a book with sane, consensual, safe BDSM with light scenes, then look no further. This one's it.
It's an amazing little book. First off, I really enjoyed the characters of Kat and Callum. Even though this is a small story, they feel fleshed out and I liked their instant chemistry. They're attracted to each other from the start, but Kat is scared about giving in to a Dom -- she's been down that road before and came out badly injured. Her issues don't feel like they drag down the story, though -- if anything, they made me love Callum even more. Yes, he wants to get Kat to submit, but when he finds out what happened to her, he doesn't pressure her, nor does he force her into BDSM. Instead, he's patient and caring, and, together, they explore Kat's limits, little by little. And that's how it should be.
The sex scenes are great and don't feel repetitive. Character development is great for a book so small. In fact, my only issue is that this novel's too short, but oh well.
Also, you know how a lot of BDSM writers are completely out of their depth when writing the genre? Yeah? Well, Amy Valenti is not among that select group. She knows her stuff, and it shows.
If you're looking for a book with sane, consensual, safe BDSM with light scenes, then look no further. This one's it.
January 5, 2015
First book review of the year!
This is also the first book I've read by Amy Valenti and I am officially a new fan. She really knows how to get into the heads of her characters. Particularly during the love scenes. I'm used to a lot of erotica/BDSM sex scenes being the 'tab A into slot B' style of explaining what is going on. With Amy's scenes I felt like I was experiencing the scenes with the characters in a slightly voyeuristic 'in their brain' sort of way.
Kat and Callum are great characters and I liked both them and the story more as I got further into the book. I have to admit that I wasn't too fond of the way the story started but I loved the way it ended up. I was impressed with how the author dealt with Kat's abuse/flashbacks and how Callum helped her through them. He proved himself to be a Dom of the highest quality.
There is a very nice mix of romance with the BDSM scenes and I happily recommend this book to anyone interested in reading about the lifestyle as Amy really seems to know her stuff.
I already have the next book in the series and I'll be starting it soon as I can't wait to read Spencer's story. What a fabulous way to start 2015!
This is also the first book I've read by Amy Valenti and I am officially a new fan. She really knows how to get into the heads of her characters. Particularly during the love scenes. I'm used to a lot of erotica/BDSM sex scenes being the 'tab A into slot B' style of explaining what is going on. With Amy's scenes I felt like I was experiencing the scenes with the characters in a slightly voyeuristic 'in their brain' sort of way.
Kat and Callum are great characters and I liked both them and the story more as I got further into the book. I have to admit that I wasn't too fond of the way the story started but I loved the way it ended up. I was impressed with how the author dealt with Kat's abuse/flashbacks and how Callum helped her through them. He proved himself to be a Dom of the highest quality.
There is a very nice mix of romance with the BDSM scenes and I happily recommend this book to anyone interested in reading about the lifestyle as Amy really seems to know her stuff.
I already have the next book in the series and I'll be starting it soon as I can't wait to read Spencer's story. What a fabulous way to start 2015!
August 3, 2014
Not Your Damn Submissive (Denial Book 1) by Amy Valenti
** I received an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review. **
This book turned out to be totally different than I was expecting from the title. I thought it would be the usual fluff with some BDSM thrown in but that was not the case at all. This turned out to be a very captivating story. The main characters of Kat and Callum were very well developed and their chemistry was truly palpable. Kat is a strong young women who is trying to overcome an abusive relationship. Callum is an up and coming actor who is also a very patient and sensitive Dom. This book was very enjoyable! I am looking forward to reading Book 2 in the Denial series.
** I received an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review. **
This book turned out to be totally different than I was expecting from the title. I thought it would be the usual fluff with some BDSM thrown in but that was not the case at all. This turned out to be a very captivating story. The main characters of Kat and Callum were very well developed and their chemistry was truly palpable. Kat is a strong young women who is trying to overcome an abusive relationship. Callum is an up and coming actor who is also a very patient and sensitive Dom. This book was very enjoyable! I am looking forward to reading Book 2 in the Denial series.
August 2, 2015
This copy kindly provided by NetGalley on behalf of the publishers
Kat & Callum - OMG!! smoking hot, great chemistry, & keep you thoroughly entertained with their witty banter & fun loving shit stirring.
the only problem I have with this book is, I find it a little too hard to believe that all this would transpire in only 2 weeks, especially taking into account Kat's history. maybe 2 months would have been a little easier for me to take...
but all in all, it was a great fun read!! :)
Kat & Callum - OMG!! smoking hot, great chemistry, & keep you thoroughly entertained with their witty banter & fun loving shit stirring.
the only problem I have with this book is, I find it a little too hard to believe that all this would transpire in only 2 weeks, especially taking into account Kat's history. maybe 2 months would have been a little easier for me to take...
but all in all, it was a great fun read!! :)
March 3, 2016
Title:Not Your Damn Submissive
Author: Amy Valenti
Series: Denial Series, Book #1
Publisher:
Release Date: June 6, 2014
Genre(s): Erotica/BDSM
Page Count:
Heat Level: 4 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:
“All the uncertainty, the fear, the anger and longing and lusting...it combined to form a rush of adrenaline that I put to work immediately, meeting his demanding lips with mine.”
4 submissive stars! What a hot, sexy, dirty book!
Kat lusts over Callum while watching him on her favorite tv show and he’s the star of her naughty fantasies. And now Callum has told her he wants her to be his Sub, to which she refuses, there’s no way she is going to be his sub……..that is until she kisses him. And then it just gets hotter and more complicated from there.
This book is explosively hot and so dirty! I was sucked in and couldn’t put the book down until I was done and now I can’t wait to read the next one! This series is addicting and so craveable! I need more…..
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club
Author: Amy Valenti
Series: Denial Series, Book #1
Publisher:
Release Date: June 6, 2014
Genre(s): Erotica/BDSM
Page Count:
Heat Level: 4 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:
I’m beyond pissed off with Callum Connors.
Yeah—THE Callum Connors, star of my favourite TV show…and all my most private fantasies.
He’s a self-confessed Dom, and he wants me, even though I told him outright that I’m not interested in submission or in him.
But then I kissed him.
What possessed me? I don’t even remember who started it, me or him—just that I brushed against him, and then we were on the way to third base in the middle of the set.
Maybe I should have told him no again afterwards, but I just wanted to escape before he tried to take it further. I didn’t think I’d be able to resist him.
I still don’t.
Now he’s somehow thrown us together for two whole weeks, getting the studio to temporarily change my job from set decorator to his personal assistant. I can live with being his assistant, but I am not his damn submissive.
No matter how sexy he is.
“All the uncertainty, the fear, the anger and longing and lusting...it combined to form a rush of adrenaline that I put to work immediately, meeting his demanding lips with mine.”
4 submissive stars! What a hot, sexy, dirty book!
Kat lusts over Callum while watching him on her favorite tv show and he’s the star of her naughty fantasies. And now Callum has told her he wants her to be his Sub, to which she refuses, there’s no way she is going to be his sub……..that is until she kisses him. And then it just gets hotter and more complicated from there.
This book is explosively hot and so dirty! I was sucked in and couldn’t put the book down until I was done and now I can’t wait to read the next one! This series is addicting and so craveable! I need more…..
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club
February 20, 2015
Callum Connors is starring in a pilot episode of a new drama which is being filmed in the studios Kat Armstrong works at. They kiss and then she decides she has to keep away from him. She knows he's dom and she's scared to go down that route after her ex dom abused her. To keep her around, Callum persuades the director to employ Kat as his PA for the two weeks he's there. She is not impressed with his tactics and doesn't hesitate to tell him, earning the nickname "Little Miss Badass".
Having her around proves rather a distraction for him at times. Had a 'hard' time not showing his arousal when on camera (yeah, pun intended).
Male leads who are famous, so actors, musicians, sports men, are usually not my thing. Their fame and pompous attitudes do nothing for me but I liked Callum. He's not a bighead but he knows who he is and what he wants. He steps back when he realises there's more to her refusal and gives her choices rather than imposing his will until she backs down. I liked Kat's cheek and sass too.
My only criticism is I don't like cheesy cliche lines, such as "I can tell you want me, Kat. Doms notice these things". Otherwise a fun BDSM erotic romance.
Having her around proves rather a distraction for him at times. Had a 'hard' time not showing his arousal when on camera (yeah, pun intended).
Male leads who are famous, so actors, musicians, sports men, are usually not my thing. Their fame and pompous attitudes do nothing for me but I liked Callum. He's not a bighead but he knows who he is and what he wants. He steps back when he realises there's more to her refusal and gives her choices rather than imposing his will until she backs down. I liked Kat's cheek and sass too.
My only criticism is I don't like cheesy cliche lines, such as "I can tell you want me, Kat. Doms notice these things". Otherwise a fun BDSM erotic romance.
July 13, 2014
Received an ARC for review
This is the first book I've read by Ms. Valenti but won't be the last. Great characters all around. Kat had been hurt by BDSM in the past but it wasn't beaten to death in the book. Callum was great working thru all her issues. Loved how even though she was a "natural" submissive he didn't harp on it over and over and over. Nice to know his friend, Spencer will be the next book.
This is the first book I've read by Ms. Valenti but won't be the last. Great characters all around. Kat had been hurt by BDSM in the past but it wasn't beaten to death in the book. Callum was great working thru all her issues. Loved how even though she was a "natural" submissive he didn't harp on it over and over and over. Nice to know his friend, Spencer will be the next book.
August 13, 2014
First, I love the title! Second, I love the cover... the model looks so defiant. (She fits the heroine perfectly.) I purchased the book mostly because of the cover and title. That being said, I really enjoyed the book. The chemistry between the two main characters felt real and the BDSM aspects of the romance didn't take over the story.
(Just a warning to those who are sensitive to it... the heroine is a sexual/physical abuse survivor.)
(Just a warning to those who are sensitive to it... the heroine is a sexual/physical abuse survivor.)
October 20, 2018
This was my first book by Amy Valenti and it won’t be my last 😁
Fun story, great Dom and spunky and intelligent submissive. The D/s lifestyle is nicely portrayed and the play scenes are Safe, Sane and Consensual. The BDSM in this book is very light and mild. (To light for my likings, if I am honest) what I did like is the emphasis on safewords, limits and communication.
Fun story, great Dom and spunky and intelligent submissive. The D/s lifestyle is nicely portrayed and the play scenes are Safe, Sane and Consensual. The BDSM in this book is very light and mild. (To light for my likings, if I am honest) what I did like is the emphasis on safewords, limits and communication.
September 30, 2014
Finished ~ Not Your Damn Submissive (Denial 01) by Amy Valenti
Completed 7/10/14
2 of 5 stars
182 page eBook
I received this book from NetGalley for my honest review.
Kat is the assistant of a set designer on a new TV show. Callum is the TV star Kat has had a schoolgirl crush on, and he just happens to be guest staring on the show. The meet and instantly the Dom in Callum knows that Kat is a submissive and he wants her. Kat was burned by a "dom" in a previous relationship and wants nothing to do with "that".
As with all my reviews, these are my personal opinions. I have very strong opinions about how BDSM is portrayed, but they are my personal thoughts and opinions on the matter.
That being said, where should I start with this book?! This book was not a good and positive BDSM book. Callum was the only thing that saved this book. He made some mistakes, BUT did end up doing some of the right things.
First, Kat read what sounds like a "non-consent" BDSM type book. From there, she decided the lifestyle was for her and told the wrong person about it. He abused her in the name of BDSM. Wrong wrong wrong. Perhaps there are people this stupid out there? I sure hope not!! You're going to read ONE thing about a subject and decide it's for you? So if you read a book about a guy that rode over Niagara Falls in a barrel, you'll just jump right in one and go for it too? IF she, even at this young age, read it and was curious, she would have read more, and researched it more, before even bringing it up.
Then she gets OUT of that relationship and spends the next 10 years in the dark about everything that is BDSM. She never once thought to look into it? People are into it, and not abused as she was, she didn't wonder why? No. Even after being so badly abused, a normal person would have started to wonder what got her interested in the first place and what could have went wrong. She would have found out VERY quickly that she was never in a BDSM relationship and she wouldn't have had such negative opinions about it for so long.
She knew Callum, who has a reputation as a Dom, was coming to the set and she scheduled time off to not be around him. Of course, she ends up meeting him and he likes her so much that he asks for her as his personal assistant while he is there.
This is where Callum first went wrong. Yes, she's obviously turned on but she's obviously skittish as well. He should have done what he did half way through the book, apologize and have her just be his assistant. As they got to be friendly and got to know each other, THEN he should have started gently questioning her. After he sleeps with her, vanilla style, he SHOULD have pulled her close and made her talk about all her fears, instead he lets her have her way and leaves. Wrong again! He didn't have to drag everything out of her at that point, but he should have found out the root of the problem. To walk away, and leave a sub hurting, NOT a good Dom.
Callum gets better as time goes on. He does, eventually, get her to open up about her fears, why she is the way she is and he explains, a little, real BDSM to her. It wasn't enough and it took too long to do. It should have been done right away. Of course, it's what created drama in the book and that's all that matters to authors these days. Create the drama, no matter how it looks.
I could go on and on about this book, but I won't. It irked me in so many more ways. This is not an author or series I will visit again.
Setting = B
Plot = D
Conflict = C
Characters = D-
Theme = B
Completed 7/10/14
2 of 5 stars
182 page eBook
I received this book from NetGalley for my honest review.
Kat is the assistant of a set designer on a new TV show. Callum is the TV star Kat has had a schoolgirl crush on, and he just happens to be guest staring on the show. The meet and instantly the Dom in Callum knows that Kat is a submissive and he wants her. Kat was burned by a "dom" in a previous relationship and wants nothing to do with "that".
As with all my reviews, these are my personal opinions. I have very strong opinions about how BDSM is portrayed, but they are my personal thoughts and opinions on the matter.
That being said, where should I start with this book?! This book was not a good and positive BDSM book. Callum was the only thing that saved this book. He made some mistakes, BUT did end up doing some of the right things.
First, Kat read what sounds like a "non-consent" BDSM type book. From there, she decided the lifestyle was for her and told the wrong person about it. He abused her in the name of BDSM. Wrong wrong wrong. Perhaps there are people this stupid out there? I sure hope not!! You're going to read ONE thing about a subject and decide it's for you? So if you read a book about a guy that rode over Niagara Falls in a barrel, you'll just jump right in one and go for it too? IF she, even at this young age, read it and was curious, she would have read more, and researched it more, before even bringing it up.
Then she gets OUT of that relationship and spends the next 10 years in the dark about everything that is BDSM. She never once thought to look into it? People are into it, and not abused as she was, she didn't wonder why? No. Even after being so badly abused, a normal person would have started to wonder what got her interested in the first place and what could have went wrong. She would have found out VERY quickly that she was never in a BDSM relationship and she wouldn't have had such negative opinions about it for so long.
She knew Callum, who has a reputation as a Dom, was coming to the set and she scheduled time off to not be around him. Of course, she ends up meeting him and he likes her so much that he asks for her as his personal assistant while he is there.
This is where Callum first went wrong. Yes, she's obviously turned on but she's obviously skittish as well. He should have done what he did half way through the book, apologize and have her just be his assistant. As they got to be friendly and got to know each other, THEN he should have started gently questioning her. After he sleeps with her, vanilla style, he SHOULD have pulled her close and made her talk about all her fears, instead he lets her have her way and leaves. Wrong again! He didn't have to drag everything out of her at that point, but he should have found out the root of the problem. To walk away, and leave a sub hurting, NOT a good Dom.
Callum gets better as time goes on. He does, eventually, get her to open up about her fears, why she is the way she is and he explains, a little, real BDSM to her. It wasn't enough and it took too long to do. It should have been done right away. Of course, it's what created drama in the book and that's all that matters to authors these days. Create the drama, no matter how it looks.
I could go on and on about this book, but I won't. It irked me in so many more ways. This is not an author or series I will visit again.
Setting = B
Plot = D
Conflict = C
Characters = D-
Theme = B
July 13, 2014
Not Your Damn Submissive, BDSM Erotic Romance, Amy Valenti
Review from jeannie zelos book reviews
I was looking forward to this – I love both erotic romances, and romances set in the film world but....I didn't enjoy it. I didn't hate it, it just didn't strike a chrod with me. Too many negatives for it to work my way.
So, what went wrong for me? Well, the film star and film making setting never really developed. It was just backdrop, as if Connor was a star in name only. There wasn't the usual interaction that comes with famous people. Then Kat, she's 18 when she first reads a book with a BDSM romance and tells her then boyfreind about it. One book? That's all she read? Then did no research or anything? Of course the boyfriend is older, and takes advantage and she ends up badly abused, escapes, but then avoids anything BDSM related for the next ten years. I just can't see that scenario somehow – it provides a vehicle for the book, but seems unrealsitic to me.
Then Connor, as I said – huge Film Star allegedly, so where were the paparazzi, the starlets flirting and hoping for some action, the autograph hunters etc ? Could he really pull off all this with Kat without anyone knowing, if he's as famous as he's supposed to be?
When they did get together it was a bit backward and forward, and though I understood Kat over the panic/ball gag event, much of what she was saying or doing was just a puzzle to me. I didn't feel her actions added up to her emotions somehow. Connor was out of touch with her as a Dom initially, didn't take the care a good Dom should and a big black mark for that, though he did redeem that once he knew more – but it's his job as a Dom to find out that before starting.
So, others have loved this, but sadly not me. Thats how books work, not everyone will love everything :-) and this is just my opinion.
Stars: just a two, sorry. I doubt I'll try another by this author, though clearly she has a devoted fan base who love her work. That's all to the good, just that I need something different.
ARC supplied via Netgalley.
Review from jeannie zelos book reviews
I was looking forward to this – I love both erotic romances, and romances set in the film world but....I didn't enjoy it. I didn't hate it, it just didn't strike a chrod with me. Too many negatives for it to work my way.
So, what went wrong for me? Well, the film star and film making setting never really developed. It was just backdrop, as if Connor was a star in name only. There wasn't the usual interaction that comes with famous people. Then Kat, she's 18 when she first reads a book with a BDSM romance and tells her then boyfreind about it. One book? That's all she read? Then did no research or anything? Of course the boyfriend is older, and takes advantage and she ends up badly abused, escapes, but then avoids anything BDSM related for the next ten years. I just can't see that scenario somehow – it provides a vehicle for the book, but seems unrealsitic to me.
Then Connor, as I said – huge Film Star allegedly, so where were the paparazzi, the starlets flirting and hoping for some action, the autograph hunters etc ? Could he really pull off all this with Kat without anyone knowing, if he's as famous as he's supposed to be?
When they did get together it was a bit backward and forward, and though I understood Kat over the panic/ball gag event, much of what she was saying or doing was just a puzzle to me. I didn't feel her actions added up to her emotions somehow. Connor was out of touch with her as a Dom initially, didn't take the care a good Dom should and a big black mark for that, though he did redeem that once he knew more – but it's his job as a Dom to find out that before starting.
So, others have loved this, but sadly not me. Thats how books work, not everyone will love everything :-) and this is just my opinion.
Stars: just a two, sorry. I doubt I'll try another by this author, though clearly she has a devoted fan base who love her work. That's all to the good, just that I need something different.
ARC supplied via Netgalley.
August 17, 2014
Title - Not Your Damn Submissive
Author - Amy Valenti
Source - Net Galley
Summary -
Kat is in lust, along with most of the country with Callum, an actor whose one big break away from going stellar. Only, she also knows that Callum is a Dom who is into hurting the women he loves. At least that is how she sees it. Kat has experience with men like that and no matter how she wants Callum she will not be his Submissive.
Callum wants Kat, her little badass attitude is one he rarely encounters. He can also feel the desire in her as well, a wanting to be the submissive to a Dom. But something is holding her back and Callum knows that to get the center of what is holding Kat back, he must understand why she is so against his lifestyle. A lifestyle he knows she secretly craves.
Kat can feel the yearning in her to give in to Callum, but with the desire comes the memory of pain and humiliation that another man hurt her with. Another man who betrayed her trust and abused the young girl that once been Kat.
Review -
This is not your run of the mill, Dom and Submissive relationship erotica novel. If anything it takes a good swing at those novels and points out what is wrong with them. Valenti actually goes into the emotional needs of such a sexual relationship and the trust that is involved. Trust that once betrayed is difficult to achieve again.
The abuse suffered at the hands of an older man when Kat first tried the Submissive lifestyle left deep emotional scars in her that have never healed. Counseling and time in a shelter have left her with the impression that all Dom and submissive relationships are abusive. This is what Callum must get passed.
Valenti does a masterful job of showing the trust and safety that goes into a true BDSM relationship and what is needed on both parts.
Trust and honesty. What any real love needs to work. More so in a BDSM relationship. Don't get me wrong, Valenti does a terrific job with the sex as well, but like any good relationship, she shows that its about much more than sex.
A real good read.
Author - Amy Valenti
Source - Net Galley
Summary -
Kat is in lust, along with most of the country with Callum, an actor whose one big break away from going stellar. Only, she also knows that Callum is a Dom who is into hurting the women he loves. At least that is how she sees it. Kat has experience with men like that and no matter how she wants Callum she will not be his Submissive.
Callum wants Kat, her little badass attitude is one he rarely encounters. He can also feel the desire in her as well, a wanting to be the submissive to a Dom. But something is holding her back and Callum knows that to get the center of what is holding Kat back, he must understand why she is so against his lifestyle. A lifestyle he knows she secretly craves.
Kat can feel the yearning in her to give in to Callum, but with the desire comes the memory of pain and humiliation that another man hurt her with. Another man who betrayed her trust and abused the young girl that once been Kat.
Review -
This is not your run of the mill, Dom and Submissive relationship erotica novel. If anything it takes a good swing at those novels and points out what is wrong with them. Valenti actually goes into the emotional needs of such a sexual relationship and the trust that is involved. Trust that once betrayed is difficult to achieve again.
The abuse suffered at the hands of an older man when Kat first tried the Submissive lifestyle left deep emotional scars in her that have never healed. Counseling and time in a shelter have left her with the impression that all Dom and submissive relationships are abusive. This is what Callum must get passed.
Valenti does a masterful job of showing the trust and safety that goes into a true BDSM relationship and what is needed on both parts.
Trust and honesty. What any real love needs to work. More so in a BDSM relationship. Don't get me wrong, Valenti does a terrific job with the sex as well, but like any good relationship, she shows that its about much more than sex.
A real good read.
October 15, 2014
Contemporary settings for BDSM romances are often very difficult reads for me. Keeping in mind that I read male dominant, female submissive stories, I often want to cause bodily harm (to an area that will remain unspecified, but you can use your imagination *evil grin*) to the dominant, and advize the submissive to get a backbone transplant - since hers is clearly missing. It is, generally, so much easier for me to read BDSM D/s romances in science fiction, historical, or paranormal settings where I can set aside my judgmental self and just enjoy the story with all it's erotic fun. However, this book hit most every note beautifully.
I do have a few quibbles. For example, I greatly disliked the name Callum used to refer to Kat, "little miss". There is no age play in the story and, although there is a reason for the nickname, it set my teeth on edge. This sort of thing is personal preference and I know it is impossible for an author to find terms that will work for every reader.
Although I am not in the lifestyle, the BDSM scenes felt quite realistic to me. The story is fantasy fodder, very few romances aren't after all. Callum is a rising movie star with great talent, a heartthrob who is unbelievably handsome, but, he's also very down to earth. He knows how to play a woman's body like a virtuoso and regularly gives Kat perfectly timed O's to beat all O's. The story also takes place in an unrealistically short period of time, particularly given Kat's horrible background.
It was the way the author deftly explored the difference between abuse and consensual BDSM, without excessively heavy angst or darkness, that I found most impressive. Ms. Valenti also made clear the difference between a submissive and a victim. Although the story is unrealistically short, a sufficiently long time has passed since Kat was cruelly abused at a very young age.
I enjoyed this book and recommend it to those who like BDSM romance. It is on the light side so would probably qualify as sugar kink, but the story had enough meat to make a balanced meal.
I do have a few quibbles. For example, I greatly disliked the name Callum used to refer to Kat, "little miss". There is no age play in the story and, although there is a reason for the nickname, it set my teeth on edge. This sort of thing is personal preference and I know it is impossible for an author to find terms that will work for every reader.
Although I am not in the lifestyle, the BDSM scenes felt quite realistic to me. The story is fantasy fodder, very few romances aren't after all. Callum is a rising movie star with great talent, a heartthrob who is unbelievably handsome, but, he's also very down to earth. He knows how to play a woman's body like a virtuoso and regularly gives Kat perfectly timed O's to beat all O's. The story also takes place in an unrealistically short period of time, particularly given Kat's horrible background.
It was the way the author deftly explored the difference between abuse and consensual BDSM, without excessively heavy angst or darkness, that I found most impressive. Ms. Valenti also made clear the difference between a submissive and a victim. Although the story is unrealistically short, a sufficiently long time has passed since Kat was cruelly abused at a very young age.
I enjoyed this book and recommend it to those who like BDSM romance. It is on the light side so would probably qualify as sugar kink, but the story had enough meat to make a balanced meal.
July 24, 2014
"Not Your Damn Submissive" is the first installment of the series "Denial" by Amy Valenti.
The story is about Kat, a film set designer, and Callum, actor, who meet on set and are attracted to each other from the start.
this book was really amazing. both characters, Kat and Callum are great and as we see the developments from both POVs, we really get the necessary insights to feel the story. normally I am not really keen on instant attraction but Mrs. Valenti made it real for these two and I loved it.
Kat is a submissive but scared about the whole scene as she was really badly injured by her first experiences. Her issues were well done and it made her behaviour understandable. Callum does not realize at first that Kat has issues and does not understand her - how he dealt with this through the whole story, made him a wonderful character. He wants her to get past her fear and does not pressure her but he allows her to explore her limits. their interactions (in and out of bed) are sizzeling and hot and the chemistry between them makes it really hot.
for a novella this book was worth five stars because has not really the problems, novellas normally have. the characters are well done, the storyline was captivating and the sex was hot.
my only misgiving (and the reason for the missing star) was the last "Scene"
all in all a great book and I can't wait for the next in this series.
Disclaimer: an ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review
The story is about Kat, a film set designer, and Callum, actor, who meet on set and are attracted to each other from the start.
this book was really amazing. both characters, Kat and Callum are great and as we see the developments from both POVs, we really get the necessary insights to feel the story. normally I am not really keen on instant attraction but Mrs. Valenti made it real for these two and I loved it.
Kat is a submissive but scared about the whole scene as she was really badly injured by her first experiences. Her issues were well done and it made her behaviour understandable. Callum does not realize at first that Kat has issues and does not understand her - how he dealt with this through the whole story, made him a wonderful character. He wants her to get past her fear and does not pressure her but he allows her to explore her limits. their interactions (in and out of bed) are sizzeling and hot and the chemistry between them makes it really hot.
for a novella this book was worth five stars because has not really the problems, novellas normally have. the characters are well done, the storyline was captivating and the sex was hot.
my only misgiving (and the reason for the missing star) was the last "Scene"
all in all a great book and I can't wait for the next in this series.
Disclaimer: an ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review
July 14, 2014
Kat is a feisty submissive who has had a bad experience in the past, and she is trying to push her submissive tendencies to the side. Callum is a self-proclaimed dom, on the edge of being an A-list actor, who finds Kat irresistible. What happens when he coerces her into being his personal assistant? Lots and lots of fireworks with a side of sexy time. This was an entertaining book that held my attention, obviously it involved BDSM, and those parts were very saucy. The storyline was unique and captivating. I also enjoyed the sweet times, Callum realized that Kat is different, and needed a little more TLC than normal. He stepped up and showed her what being a dominant is supposed to mean. This book made my heart flutter when the two of them were together, I loved the interaction. At times though, I wanted to explore the deeper connection. With Kat's backstory, I thought this book could have been more serious, things felt a little glassed over. This made the story lighter and easier to read for sure, I guess I personally wanted a little more angst at times. Overall, this was a well-written and fascinating book. I am truly looking forward to more from Amy Valenti. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 2, 2014
Ahhh I loved this one! Honestly if you love erotic romance and love books with a kink, this is a great one to try out. Kat is strong. She has trouble accepting her submissive side because of her past, so her journey is more difficult and even admirable to me because of that. Callum is of course a strong Dominant, but I love that we get to see his vulnerable side as well. It makes the reader fall just a little bit more in love with him when he's so in tune to Kat and her needs, even when she's terrified of what she wants and is afraid and ashamed to explore it.
I had to go with 4 stars because the beginning of the story was so rushed. I typically enjoy the long slow fall, and this kind of skipped over all of that. However, once I got on board with the idea that Amy doesn't beat around the bush, I loved it. I honestly want to see more of these characters, so I'm hoping Amy goes through with the sequel and we get to see glimpses of Kat and Callum.
I'll definitely be checking out more of Ms. Valenti's work!
I had to go with 4 stars because the beginning of the story was so rushed. I typically enjoy the long slow fall, and this kind of skipped over all of that. However, once I got on board with the idea that Amy doesn't beat around the bush, I loved it. I honestly want to see more of these characters, so I'm hoping Amy goes through with the sequel and we get to see glimpses of Kat and Callum.
I'll definitely be checking out more of Ms. Valenti's work!
August 18, 2014
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I though that the author did an amazing job addressing the dangers of improperly preformed BDSM. And the importance of being fully educated on the subject for your own safety. I've read so many books, that once I'm finish I think to myself, "That was borderline abusive," or "That was an abusive relationship masked as a BDSM couple." Amy did an amazing job conveying the respect, love, and general concern that Cal had for Kat from their very first meeting. The one thing I did find a wee bit odd was Kat appeared to have no friends and though her family was mentioned briefly in the past tense no current connection was mentioned. This made me feel extremely sad for KAT, to have survived something so terrible and ten years later still be completely alone. Anyways this is a well written book, with interesting multidimensional characters check it out.
July 18, 2014
Loved it!!!!!! Not your typical BDSM romance. Kat has no desire to be near the hot mover star aka man of her fantasies, Collum Conners. He may be the hottest, sexiest man alive, but his lifestyle is everything she hates. After one glance at Kat, Collum turns on the full Dom charm to seduce her into his bed. Kat, being the badass that she is, sets him straight that she is not his damn submissive :) In her eyes, he's delusional for wanting to abuse, beat, torture and mistreat women and cover it up by calling it BDSM. But Kat has her reasons for her preconceived judgments of him. She shuts him down at every turn and he wants more than anything to get past her walls to reveal the real submissive Kat is too scared to acknowledge. Kat's road to self discovery is amazing as she learns to embrace who she and Collum really are and what BDSM truly can be.
May 25, 2019
I wasn't sure what to expect from the title, but I loved this book! Kat and Callum meet on the set of a TV pilot and there is an immediate attraction. Kat tries to keep her distance - Callum is a Dom and Kat had a very bad experience with a pseudo-dom/abuser in the past. The lifestyle scares her to death, but she still feels a pull towards it and doesn't understand why. But Callum isn't going to let her get away that easily and is determined to break down her barriers. I loved both of these characters and was rooting for them to make it work. Although the book tackles the serious subject of abuse, overall it is a fun, easy read with some hot scenes 'fanning myself.' Can't wait to read the next book in the series!
July 1, 2014
Well, damn this was such a awesome, we have Kat would was abused by her previous dom (if you could call him that), and even tho she is a born submissive she now wants nothing to do with it. But then we have Callum a hot actor who falls for Kat but he is a known Dom and so Kat fights the relationship but she falls hard for him. This book made me laugh, but it also made me cry (BATHROOM SCENE), Callum was so awesome through all is dealings with Kat just loving her in his dom ways. This book was a winner! I cannot wait to read more of Amy's books, her writing is wonderful. When a book can go thru my emotions like this one, I know I have found a winning author.
July 26, 2016
This was a great book. Well written and edited which you don't always see with indi authors. I really like how the story progressed, the pace was right on target for me. You could feel the tension between to two main characters and the internal struggle of Kat. Not to mention the sarcastic banter between Kat and Callum that I found amusing. I found this to be more of a D/s book with one light BDSM scene. The sex in the book was well written and well placed in the book/story, not repetitive; very hot! I will definitely be reading the next story, Not Your Damn Dom, so I can see what happened to Spencer.
August 2, 2014
A fresh and surprising take on the BDSM and erotica genre. Kat is a set designer and meets up with up coming actor Callum on the set. In a moment of passion, they kiss. Callum is a Dom and recognizes submissive traits in Kat. Unfortunately, Kat escaped from an abusive and terrifying relationship that she though fell under the realm of BDSM. The book is the story of how Kat and Callum fallmin love and set boundaries within their relationship that are safe, sane, and consensual. This book is in lines with Club Shadowlands series in being BDSM done well. It carefully explores abusive relationships and show how a healthy BDSM relationship is different.
June 21, 2016
Callum is a Dom who knows what he wants and he wants Kat. He calls her Miss Bad Ass when she's sassy and little miss when she's submissive. I thought the latter was a bit insulting, but came to see it as an endearment.
Kat has been through hell with submission in the past. I appreciated the author pointing out how books can be completely unrealistic when it comes to representing BDSM and how potentially damaging that can be.
Callum, once he got his head out of his rear, goes out of his way to try and be the dom she needs. And Kat is able to let go and embrace her submission.
This book is loving, sweet and very hot. I'm a new fan of Amy Valenti!
Kat has been through hell with submission in the past. I appreciated the author pointing out how books can be completely unrealistic when it comes to representing BDSM and how potentially damaging that can be.
Callum, once he got his head out of his rear, goes out of his way to try and be the dom she needs. And Kat is able to let go and embrace her submission.
This book is loving, sweet and very hot. I'm a new fan of Amy Valenti!
June 17, 2014
I loved this book. Callum sees Kat and senses a spark between them. However she is to start her vacation and then he wouldn't be able to find her. So he tells the director that he wants her as his personal assistant. Kat is not happy about this but she agrees. She was abused by a former Dom and knowing that Callum is also a Dom makes her nervous. She refuses to be his Sub but her body wants him. Together they overcome her fears and even tho she is very sassy he still wants her. I will definitely read more from this author.
September 16, 2014
Not Your Damn Submissive is the first book in the Denial Series. This stand alone book is a captivating, intriguing, addictive, enthralling, and well-written story that tells the emotional story of love and pain, healing, fate and circumstances, forgiveness and hope, second chances, and moving on.
From the very first page to the very last, Amy Valenti has written a story that keeps you interested. Ms. Valenti has the ability to make her characters seem real and you can't help but empathize with them. What a hot and sexy read!
From the very first page to the very last, Amy Valenti has written a story that keeps you interested. Ms. Valenti has the ability to make her characters seem real and you can't help but empathize with them. What a hot and sexy read!
July 10, 2014
Thanks netgalley for a free read in exchange for my opinion. I thought overall this was a very good read, but the believability factor really ran thin a couple of times. Kat kept having a 360 degree turn which kept her going for Callum, after she had some pretty serious misgivings, which were authentic after what she had been through. I needed something that changed her mind but it just wasn't there. But the author pulled the ending in nicely which made me bring it back up to four stars. The author showed great potential, so I would read from her again. Overall entertainment is four stars.
July 14, 2014
Ten years ago, Kat dipped her toes in the BDSM lifestyle and paid dearly with an abusive Dom. She managed to escape and move on with her life but she is not willing to test the waters again for anyone. Callum a TV star and a Dom meets Cat and wants to bring out her submissive side again. Callum shows Kat what a true Dom should be. The story was good, I did have a few issues with how Cat jumped in so quickly to the life style and a TV star with so much time on his hands. Looking forward to reading more.
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