Only If It Pleases

Iron Butterfly #1

by Sindra van Yssel

Iron Butterfly, Book 1

When Vanessa is gambled away by her Dom, she ends up the slave of the handsome Hart Wolfe for a weekend. Hart has a well-deserved reputation as a strict Master into heavy play. Vanessa isn’t sure if she can live up to Hart’s expectations, but she’s certain that he’s in control and knows the way to pleasure a kinky woman.

Hart isn’t sure he even wants a weekend with Vanessa, though he’s attracted to her. He knows right away she’s not into the kind of pain he’s become so skilled at dishing out, much to the delight of Baltimore’s masochists, but decides to teach her a few things to help her get a better Dom. Little does Hart know Vanessa will rise to any challenge. Her desire to submit can capture even the hardest Master’s heart.

A Romantica® BDSM erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

Genres: BDSM, Erotic Romance

185 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 4, 2014

Reviews

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the weekend they spent getting to know each other. But the story seemed to drag a little after.

[Pansy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been reading this author for several years. She has never let me down, and here again, is another wonderful, character driven story. This story is about Hart Wolfe and Vanessa. Doesn’t that name – Hart Wolfe – just get your imagination flowing? *sigh*
Vanessa is a lovely young woman just learning about who she is and what she wants. Just her luck that the first Dom she experiences has to be . . . um . . . well not someone I want to know. I could never really decide if Walt was a poser, a wannabe, or just not much more experienced than Vanessa. Regardless, he was not the one for Vanessa, especially when he gambles her away. How much respect can he have for her if he does that? That action was the last straw for Vanessa. She knew she wanted a Dom, so why not go along with it. If nothing else, she would get some training and maybe this winning Dom would help find a Dom for her. I liked how Vanessa, knew her mind - mostly. Sometimes she had to give things some serious thought, but she usually made good chooses. She didn’t wear blinders or compromise her values or self-respect just to get what she wanted. I liked that about her. Learning patience was one of the best lessons she could learn. Good things come to those who wait.

Now Hart Wolfe, on the other hand, is a very goal orientated guy. He had his plans, and a relationship at this time was not part of those plans. Silly man. Best laid plans and all that. But, he likes what he sees in Vanessa. She sure messed with his world though. He likes to give pain, but she doesn’t like pain. How is that going to work? Her house is perfect for his derailed plans for a private BDSM club, or at the very least, play parties. But, does he want her house or her?

The journey this couple takes to finding happiness together is fun and entertaining. They sizzle when within a couple feet of each other. Sparks fly when they touch. You may want a shower when you finish reading this. You will definitely want something cold to drink on hand while you read it. A very enjoyable read.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars maybe? Overall pretty delightful. I'm glad I didn't read the blurb before buying though, as it suggests that Vanessa and Hart's D/s relationship is initially non-consensual, which isn't the case at all.

Vanessa and Hart are caring, thoughtful adults who helped each other grow throughout the story. Even when the hero was stuck in his "I don't date, I just play" headspace, you could see him struggling internally between that self-identity and his desire to get involved with the heroine. And when Vanessa decides to prove to Hart that she can be what he wants by asking him to cane her, even though she doesn't like pain, because she thinks he's going to have to ask a different sub to do it at an upcoming demo, they're able to work through the issue in a way that feels both authentic and loving.

I also like how much better the author's writing has gotten over the years. Of all her books, I think this is the smoothest and has the best flow.

Minor niggle: the heroine's constant fat-shaming of herself and how the hero responds by feeding her. Is it too much to ask for a heroine whose body observation is "Yeah, I'm fat and I look fabulous" or "Yeah, I'm big, and I can barbell squat 150 pounds. Suck on that, haters"? Plus, food pushing pisses me off to no end :P

[CoffeeTimeRomance andMore · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a kink for every taste, and unlimited levels to each and every one. Vanessa’s character is all about pleasing and servicing her Dom, which seems like the complete opposite of what Hart enjoys. They do; however, find wonderful and sexy ways of compromising, which makes the story come together naturally. This is a great start to the Iron Butterfly series, and this reader is very anxious for more to come.
Lototy
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More

Official Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
I couldn't give this a solid four stars because, while the story progressed soundly - if not wistfully - the angst was lacking, specifically the antagonist was such a weak character - mentioned maybe a handful of times - it made for a rather bland tale.
The steamy scenes were well written and enjoyable but extremely tame for BDSM.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the characters they are realistic and human or maybe I am just a romantic at heart. Vanessa and Hart seemed well matched in personality. The strengths of one supported the weaknesses of the other.

[viva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you!