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The Carters

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When Erica and Brian are faced with the hardships of conceiving, it takes Erica leaving for them to realize things have not been great in their marriage for a while. After some much-needed time apart, they agree to seek out the help of a marriage counselor. With her unorthodox ways, she suggests a brief time with no intimacy, a chance to reconnect. Then the couple is to explore their newfound desires. Can something as simple as spending time together with no expectations be the thing to save them? Or will the newfound desires pull them together, reminding them the flame is still there?

233 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2024

17 people are currently reading
108 people want to read

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Katie Night

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for high.lady.katie .
153 reviews1 follower
February 28, 2025
⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️

A married couple dealing with infertility. This was an emotional read and done really well. It was raw and relatable. I loved the dual pov. Fast paced & I was anxious to see how Erica and Brian would get the spark back into their relationship & it gets hot and kinky as they explore their Femme dom & male sub sides and their new love language Yes ma’am & good boy 🤭

✨ Tropes ✨
🖤 TW: Infertility
🖤 Femme dom x male sub
🖤 spicy
🖤 marriage therapy
🖤 second chance
🖤 kink exploration
🖤 pegging



Thanks for the ARC opportunity!
Profile Image for Heather.
249 reviews9 followers
February 13, 2025
Erica and Brian face difficulties conceiving, which leads Erica to leave, and both to realize their marriage has been struggling. After some time apart, they seek help from a marriage counselor who suggests a period without intimacy to reconnect. This time together allows them to explore their desires again. Will this simple act of spending time together save their marriage, and will it reignite the passion they once had?

This book was really good, but also really hard to read. My heart hurt so bad for Erica and Brian and the struggles they were going through- their struggles are so realistic for so many people. Katie did such a great job at highlighting the emotions that both characters were feeling.

I loved the way that Erica and Brian worked through their problems and grew throughout the book- individually and as a couple. Overall, this was such a beautiful (and spicy) story. Highly recommend this one! (please check trigger warnings before reading)

Rating: 4.5/5
Spice: 4/5

Tropes:
Second chance
Marriage Therapy
Infertility
BDSM

Thank you so much Katie Night for a chance to read this ARC. All thoughts are my own!
294 reviews6 followers
February 23, 2025
This book was amazing! I loved everything in this book. I want more of this story because it was just that good. I loved the build up and the way that the characters were together.
Profile Image for Jo Bailey.
42 reviews4 followers
March 5, 2025
The Carters follows a Married couple struggling with the torture of Infertility issues surrounded by family and friends who don't realise the struggles they are going through. The lack of solid communication leads to Erica deciding she needs to leave. The emotions are raw, the writing is beautifully done and leaves the readers feeling all the feels or both MC's.

Told from dual POV's they decide to try marriage counselling to work on their relationship before addressing the Infertility problems. Seeing an unconventional counsellor is the key to unlocking a part of themselves they didn't realise they needed to find.

Add in a femme Dom, some BDSM elements, a healthy dose of spice and your in for a good time.

I'd say this one is a good balance of story and spice definitely not too dark but has some kinks you may or may not be into. I loved it from start to finish. I didn't put it down.
Profile Image for Curvy Girl Book Nerd   (Jen S).
4,720 reviews63 followers
June 3, 2025
The Carters is Book 2 of the Second Vow series. It's a steamy, kinky, marriage in trouble, second-chance romance. Brian and Erica have been struggling with infertility for a while. Erica decides to leave which causes introspection on both their parts. They realize their marriage was already suffering. They decide to go to marriage counseling and the counselor is a bit unconventional. They decide to explore their sexuality and intimacy wants and needs and end up growing close as they explore their desires. Erica realizes she's a natural Dom while Brian is submissive. This book was both heartbreaking and hot and spicy. The infertility issues were dealt with well. Their chemistry was hot. I'm so glad they found their way back to each other.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Christie Smith.
22 reviews
March 25, 2025
First, this is an easy 5 star read and at the top of my list of books to recommend.

The story between Brian & Erica is so relatable and realistic. The struggle to conceive hits close after seeing people I love go through the same struggle. It gives insight into both Brian and Erica and the internal struggle they are both experiencing.

The spice is every bit as good as the plot. The BDSM twist adds to the story, and to the journey, Brian and Erica are on to rekindle the fire between them.
Profile Image for Jackie.
567 reviews9 followers
May 18, 2025
I really enjoyed this book and the struggles that come after marriage. Brian and Erica both love eachother but have lost the passion and themselves with the struggles of their relationship. I enjoyed seeing the struggles and then working through it and rediscovering themselves and their true desires.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Shere.
276 reviews12 followers
April 1, 2025


Another book where Katie just hits you in the feels. The Carters, I wanted to hug them both. Like a big long whole body hug. Fertility is no joke, I feel like Katie did a wonderful job giving some light onto a very sensitive topic.

As the book progressed I loved the way Brian was absolutely putting his wife first. How he was thoughtful and sweet. I wanted to say yes ma’am to Erica. You can feel her energy and presence come off the page.

It’s an emotional read but so worth it!


Favourite quotes-

“His whole body radiates need—not just desire, but need. The kind that settles deep in your bones, the kind that makes you ache.”


“I stare at my reflection for a long moment, taking in the woman looking back at me. She’s been through hell. And she’s still standing.”

Profile Image for Ashley LaPorte.
62 reviews2 followers
March 22, 2025
This book was really good at showing how a couple who goes through challenges to conceive are able to work through them and find passion in their relationship again. Erica and Brian go through what a lot of couples experience but hardly are able to put into words. This book would greatly help them navigate those waters and give insight to how the other may feel. I gave it four stars for the impact it could have on other struggling couples, but just know that it mainly
Only talks about that and their bedroom lives. If that’s not your cup of tea, then I’d pass on this, but if you don’t mind SPICE then this one is def worth the read!
Profile Image for Marianna Giannopoulou.
50 reviews3 followers
October 19, 2025
This book... This masterpiece... I need a hot minute after reading this.

First of all, it had NO right being this emotional. I was up all night reading this, and crying because my goodness those first few chapters were sad. But also, moving on from the sadness... THE HEAT! Tell you what, I have never before—and I mean ever, in my whole life—read a p*gg*ing book but my, oh my this was HOT. Erica is the Mistress all of us want, and Brian is the perfect Sub.

Absolute masterpiece. Definitely recommend to everyone looking for an emotional, realistic and spicy af contemporary romance.
Profile Image for Alexis Piele.
12 reviews18 followers
March 5, 2025
The carters is an emotional roller coaster book about a couple who is struggling with infertility and it’s quickly tanking their marriage. They both desperately want to save their marriage but are unaware of how - until they meet an “unorthodox” therapist who helps them find their spark. With a dominant fmc it’s a nice twist compared to other spicy reads popular right now. I have completely developed a soft spot for Brian and Erica.
Profile Image for Shelbie.
73 reviews7 followers
March 6, 2025
This was an emotional deep dive into love, loss, and rediscovery. Erica and Brian’s journey through heartbreak, intimacy struggles, and self-discovery is brutally honest and deeply relatable. The tension is real, the emotions hit hard, and when they finally reconnect—wow. Steamy, heartfelt, and completely unfiltered, this book doesn’t just tell a story; it makes you feel it. A must-read for anyone who loves raw, passionate, and unapologetically real romance!
Profile Image for Angela L.
238 reviews13 followers
March 8, 2025
I gotta start by saying this wasn't my normal read. I read to escape reality, and there was a lot of reality in this book. It wasn't bad. It just wasn't for me. It's about a couple who are struggling to conceive, which causes marital problems. They go to counseling to get their marriage back on track. I did enjoy the dual POV. While it's not my cup of tea, I'm sure others will enjoy it. I just went in with different expectations of it being more like her 12 Nights of Christmas.
Profile Image for SensBaby21.
90 reviews5 followers
March 5, 2025
The struggles of many couples dealing with infertility issues. How it impacts a marriage and intimacy becoming a chore. Erica and Brian turn to new ways to get their marriage back on track with some Dom/Sub play. But will this work?
Profile Image for Blondies Book Binge.
96 reviews13 followers
February 14, 2025
Wowwwww. This book is so beautiful and realistic and raw and spicy. It has been a while since I’ve read something that felt so relatable and realistic. Erica and Brian have been drifting apart and the pressures of inability to conceive have pushed them even further apart. Erica can’t take it anymore and she needs a break. The first two chapters of this book had me crying out of just total empathy for their situstion, I felt as if I was there and this hit home because I have friends struggling to conceive currently. They seek out the help of an unorthodox marriage counselor and lean on BDSM to heal and bring them back together. Erica is a ma’am/dom and Brian is such a good boy sub. I loved their dynamic!
The spice in this book was so juicy and flawlessly written and so much spicier than many contemporary romance books. Because of how well the characters are developed, I was so attached to this story from the very first page and rooting for them.
I loved this book. Five easy stars. I will read this one again and I will definitely recommend it to friends.

The ending is as realistic as the rest of the book. I can’t tell you what happens, you have to read it. I’d call it a definite happily ever after but maybe consider it unconventional. I loved that this book felt like reality and the author didn’t try to make their struggles and overcoming their issues something it wasn’t. Infertility is real and it affects so many people and the way this book started and was executed and how it ended, I was immersed the entire time.

Sneaky peeky:

“Good.” She gestures to the chair across from her. “Kneel,” she instructs. “Arms over the back. Face the other way.” “Yes, ma’am.” A pleased hum leaves her throat. “Mmm. Already being such a good boy for me, aren’t you?” I nod, lost in the moment. The sound of the lube bottle clicking open makes my breath hitch. Then-……..

I love seeing her like this. Completely undone, just for me.

I’m not asking. Because right now, she needs me to take care of her. And that’s exactly what I’ll do. Now. Always. No matter what the future holds.


I may or may not have taken the BDSM quiz the therapist in the book gave Erica and Brian (it’s a real thing) after I finished, out of curiosity’s sake. 🤣🫣
Profile Image for espookymami.
59 reviews7 followers
February 20, 2025
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

When I first saw the tropes for this book floating around on Instagram and spotted Katie Night looking for ARCs, I thought, Why not? Femme Domme and BDSM as a form of healing? Say less. I was in. I went in with zero expectations beyond those two elements, assuming I was in for a dark romance. Plot twist: this is not a dark romance. This is a fluffy romance… with BDSM themes.

Now, I am not a fluffy romance reader. My usual vibe is a lot more grittier, so this was definitely out of my comfort zone. That said, the writing style was smooth and modern. It honestly felt like reading diary entries from both the FMC and MMC, like a friend was spilling their tea over brunch. And as someone in their 30s, I really appreciated the portrayal of an already married couple dealing with infertility and the everyday ups and downs of marriage.

Now, let’s talk spice. It was lovely. Very intimate, yet just the right amount of filthy. Not full-on smut, but definitely seasoned. And the fact that the FMC was the Dom? Chef’s kiss. There was a generous amount of steam, and it fit the tone of the book perfectly.

The ending? Realistic. The story? A solid read, even if it wasn’t quite my usual thing. Would I read it again? Probably not. But would I recommend it to friends dealing with similar struggles? Absolutely. If you’re into wholesome romance with a kinky twist, this one’s for you!
Profile Image for Caitlin.
988 reviews15 followers
February 11, 2025
This is book 2 in a series of interconnected standalones- you do NOT have to read the first book in order to read this one.

Tropes:
- Second chance
- Marriage-in-crisis
- BDSM

I LOVE a marriage-in-crisis, I think because they make you feel so hopeful about life, love, relationships.

This is dual POV of Erica (FMC) and Brian (MMC). They both want their marriage to survive but after fertility struggles, Erica feels like she no longer knows who she is and Brian doesn't really understand what Erica is going through.

The love that they have for each other is unmistakable. Watching them make their way back to each other was beautiful and real. And the things that they discover about themselves and their relationship...enter BDSM exploration, with a FEMALE Domme and male sub- something we don't see nearly enough. I mean, "good boy", say less.

This book is so emotional, heartbreaking, hopeful, sexy. Check triggers first but this is an absolute 5 star read
Profile Image for Heather Angeli.
239 reviews9 followers
February 28, 2025
✨The Carters✨by @katienight_author

Erica-
Dom, ma’am
Occupation- Web designer
Favorite color- dark green
favorite food- Pizza
love language- Acts of service

Brian-
Sub, good boy
Occupation- Market researcher
favorite color- Red
Favorite food- Italian
love language- Quality time


Blurb:
When Erica and Brian are faced with the hardships of conceiving, it takes Erica leaving for them to realize things have not been great in their marriage for a while. After some much-needed time apart, they agree to seek out the help of a marriage counselor. With her unorthodox ways, she suggests a brief time with no intimacy, a chance to reconnect. Then the couple is to explore their newfound desires. Can something as simple as spending time together with no expectations be the thing to save them? Or will the newfound desires pull them together, reminding them the flame is still there?

TW: infertility
Review:
I wish I would have read this book sooner! Katie poured her heart and soul into The Carters, and it shows throughout the book. Dealing with infertility in any relationship is hard, but for Brian and Erica- it threatens to break their marriage.
The emotions felt while seeing their issues come to life, how they planned to seek out help, the hurt on not just them- but their families and support system was heart breaking.
For anyone going through the struggles, know that you are NOT alone.
4⭐️
4🌶️
5💕
Profile Image for Rachael.
226 reviews3 followers
February 20, 2025
Erica and Brian are a married couple dealing with the hardships of trying to have a baby. When physical intimacy becomes more of a mechanical act rather than a way to express their love for one another, other aspects of their relationship also suffer. Erica chooses to take some time away to reconnect with herself and decide how she feels about her marriage. Brian is blindsided by Erica's departure but is determined to fix their relationship. When the couple reunites, they agree to see a counselor. The counselor gives them advice that leads the couple to explore their desires both in and out of the bedroom...

Fellow readers: Check trigger warnings!

I was hooked from the very first chapter! The raw and heartbreaking emotions, struggles, and issues Brian and Erica were dealing with both together and apart had my heart breaking. As the couple started to explore their carnal desires, I not only felt their physical connection strengthening but their emotional and mental connections solidified as well. I was rooting for them the entire time!

The spice was *chef's kiss* perfect for the story and the characters' personalities. Their roles in the bedroom translated into how they interacted with each other and others outside of the bedroom, and I felt that made the story even better. I would highly recommend The Carters to anyone looking for a sweet and emotional read with lots of steamy scenes!
Profile Image for Ella.
45 reviews2 followers
February 27, 2025
Wow, just wow

Brian and Erica have been trying to conceive for over a year, but to no avail. The pressures they feel from society, family, friends, and work colleagues are starting to take its toll on their marriage. Erica decides she needs space as the joy of sex has now turned into a chore and seriously questions if their marriage can be saved, which devastes Brian.

A story of the difficulties of conceiving and the massive impact it has on a marriage, a breakdown in communication, and the journey to rediscover themselves to remind them selves as to why they fell for each other in the first place.

This book has it all. It will leave you reaching for your tissues, wiping the tears away, leaving you blushing at the spicy scenes, pulling at your heartstrings each step of the way.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Crystal Reads.
1,031 reviews61 followers
February 28, 2025
Oh this book, talk about some spice and hard topic subject matter! It was done so well though, I love every part of it.

Erica like most women wants to become a mom, but it’s just not happening for her right now and that’s hard for her. She is used to being in control and this she can’t control.

Brian loves his wife without a doubt, but the infertility is getting to the both of them. When she leaves he finds himself missing her and feeling incomplete.

When the two come together and go to therapy!!! That is when everything starts to explode and sparks begin to fly! They are both open and communicate and explore all new sides. Erica takes on a more dominant side and lets Brian explore his sub side. And it was SPICY!

The character development and relationship building was done so well. Makes me think about areas I could possible explore and improve.

4⭐️
3.5🌶️
Profile Image for Jennifer Hash.
108 reviews4 followers
February 11, 2025
This book had me hooked from the very beginning! An amazing love story.

Erica and Brian have been trying to start a family but have had fertility roadblocks. It got bad enough to drive a serious wedge between them. Erica decides she needs some time away. They each have to decide if they wish to remain married. And if they do, what will they do to salvage their marriage? And how far are they willing to go to reconnect?

This book truly had me in my feels with all the issues these two are facing. Katie did an amazing job capturing the heartache that comes with fertility issues. And also with how Erica and Brian are able to come back to each other, and their perhaps unusual method of doing so.
Profile Image for Stephanie Hayes.
4 reviews2 followers
February 28, 2025
So so good! My first ARC and I’m so happy I got to read this!! The spice was giving and it wasn’t one of those ‘all spice no plot’ books. In the words of the great Hannah Montana “you get the best of both worlds”. I love a good second chance romance but especially the fact there’s real life/every day struggles. Speaking of, may need to check the trigger warnings. And even with the TW I think those topics were just so beautifully written. You know it’s good when you can feel the heartbreak physically in your chest. I love the feeling, does that make me weird? Haha!

I blushed, giggled, laughed, even shed a few tears but I truly loved this book. If this gets an audiobook, especially duet narration, I’m going to listen again and again.
Profile Image for Lianne Scheepers.
156 reviews2 followers
February 22, 2025
This story was beautifully written, it had so much heart and feeling. I loved Brian and Erica, they’re such a lovely couple, yet lost in grief. In order to find their way back to each other, they seek out a marriage counselor.

Their journey is such an emotional one, I had to wipe a few tears myself if I’m honest. The story felt real and heartfelt, and it is written so well that the characters don’t feel like fictional characters at all. Their pain is real, so is their love for each other.

The outcome of their story was perfect. I have learned, through my own heartships, to make the most of what is within your reach. To look at what you can do, instead of what you can not. The Carters did just that, making this a wonderful read.
Profile Image for kayleighsBookCorner.
84 reviews24 followers
February 25, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

This book was honestly so emotional that I cried following Erica and Brian's story as they learned how to navigate the struggles of infertility. Their emotions were just so raw and realistic but beautiful at the same time.

Throughout all this, with the help of a marriage counsellor, Erica and Brian get a second chance at love, all the while, learning new things about what they like in the bedroom. Like how she's the Dom and he's the Sub.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and it was easy to read in one setting. There's a lot of open door spice, which is definitely spicy, but at the same time, it never took away from the emotional side of the story.
Profile Image for Micki-D.
1,473 reviews37 followers
March 2, 2025
This book is raw and emotional it had me crying a few times you could really feel the pain the couple is going through. This a a dual point of view story so you really get to see what each person is feeling.

The Carters are a Married couple dealing with infertility and a lack of communication, they don’t see how hard each other is struggling until it’s too late.
Until they find the help of an unconventional marriage counsellor and discover their kinker side.


RATING BREAKDOWN
Characters: 4
Setting: 4
Plot: 4
Emotional Impact: 3
Personal Enjoyment:4
Total Rounded Average: 4.5 ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for Celina  Rosa.
331 reviews
March 6, 2025
The Carters follows married couple Erica and Brian through a very serious rough patch that nearly destroys their marriage as well as their family. The dual POV of each character shows their personal struggles, growth and how much they each were willing to fight for their marriage including seeking assistance from an unconventional counselor that leads them back to each other as well as exploring BDSM as a way to reconnect. This beautifully written story is raw, realistic, emotional, spicy and I highly recommend reading it.
Profile Image for Jamie Williams.
503 reviews10 followers
February 18, 2025
This was a beautiful and heartwarming story, and I absolutely loved it. It was refreshing to read a romance about a couple trying to heal their marriage, even if it was through some unconventional means. It was so well written, and I really connected to the story and the characters. It definitely had me in my feels several times while reading. I highly recommend checking this book out, and I will definitely be reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Manda  PandaMonium.
151 reviews6 followers
February 28, 2025
The Carters
Katie Night

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

This book was a cathartic read for me. I really am Erica. Like almost exactly in some aspects. The love Erica and Brian have for each other is real and endearing. The spice is spicing. And I love how they both struggle in very real ways.

The way this book has me crying was…. Honestly it's what made the book so amazing for me. For anyone with fertility issues, if that doesn't trigger you, this book will make you feel seen. Absolutely seen. And in a world where you can feel so alone…. It's fantastic.

#addtotbr #arcreader #arcreview #booklover #reader #fiction #mustread #booktok #bookstoread #bookgirl #booklover #bookworm #bookstagrammer #booksbooksbooks #bookish #booksta #bookaddict #bookslover #bookstagrammers #bibliophile #bookrecommendations #bookstoread #romancebooks #booknerd #bookreader #readmorebooks #bookreview #readromance #bookpost #booktok
Profile Image for Krystina.
186 reviews8 followers
February 24, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
You are for sure going to want to check your triggers as this deals with a sensitive matter. However when I tell you that The Carters broke me and healed me in a way I didn’t know I needed. This one hit close to home for me especially because this is something many couples struggle with. This was such a great representation of not only fertility problems but also the fact that love can truly get you through some of the hardest things. I would definitely recommend this one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews

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