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Force Majeure
One simple act could change your life.
Ian Groden and Taren Murdoch have a good life. Their marriage is solid, and their Dom/sub lifestyle makes for an amazing and extra spicy sex life. Meeting with another man, Kevin, on occasion adds another level of excitement to their marriage.
For Ian, the only thing better than one Dom is two!
Taren loves watching Ian being dominated by Kevin. Ian craves complete submission to Taren when they’re alone again.
Problems arise when Kevin decides he doesn’t want to remain the casual third man. He puts in motion a plan to drive a wedge through Taren and Ian’s relationship, forcing them to fight for each other and their marriage. Can they put their life back together and regain what could be lost?
Ian Groden and Taren Murdoch have a good life. Their marriage is solid, and their Dom/sub lifestyle makes for an amazing and extra spicy sex life. Meeting with another man, Kevin, on occasion adds another level of excitement to their marriage.
For Ian, the only thing better than one Dom is two!
Taren loves watching Ian being dominated by Kevin. Ian craves complete submission to Taren when they’re alone again.
Problems arise when Kevin decides he doesn’t want to remain the casual third man. He puts in motion a plan to drive a wedge through Taren and Ian’s relationship, forcing them to fight for each other and their marriage. Can they put their life back together and regain what could be lost?
- GenresBDSM
110 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 18, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 18, 2025
FORCE MAJEURE: A PAIN AND PLEASURE STORY BY ELIZABETH NOBLE
Ian Groden and Taren Murdoch have a special type of marriage as Dom/Sub. Taren is a Dom and will do anything that is agreed upon by him and his Sub Ian. Allowing a third into their situation proved pleasing to sub Ian. For Taren he loved giving into Ian and anything that would please him.
They had met another Dom on a vacation, Kevin. He added excitement to their marriage and the Dom/Sub relationship. But there were rules. When Kevin comes into their lives once again, neither Ian or Taren know what to expect.
Elizabeth Noble takes readers deep into the dark world of BDSM with “Force Majeure”. I have read many a book with BDSM but some are not as intense as the research that the author seems to have detailed in this short story. Ms. Noble takes the aspect of BDSM step by step and makes it clear for the readers what’s happening in this fragile relationship. There’s also a deep psychological side to the story that covers: arrest, guilt, love and the chances that are taken that could cause danger.
The character of Doug was well played. He never criticized Taren and Ian’s relationship or life style. He provided major support to both.
The “Pain and Pleasure” series begins with the first book “Home Coming” and is followed by four other books in the lives of Ian and Taren. As for “Force Majeure” it has a good flow to the story and easy to understand. I’ve read other stories by Elizabeth Noble, so for me this was a different subject matter and well done.
Ian Groden and Taren Murdoch have a special type of marriage as Dom/Sub. Taren is a Dom and will do anything that is agreed upon by him and his Sub Ian. Allowing a third into their situation proved pleasing to sub Ian. For Taren he loved giving into Ian and anything that would please him.
They had met another Dom on a vacation, Kevin. He added excitement to their marriage and the Dom/Sub relationship. But there were rules. When Kevin comes into their lives once again, neither Ian or Taren know what to expect.
Elizabeth Noble takes readers deep into the dark world of BDSM with “Force Majeure”. I have read many a book with BDSM but some are not as intense as the research that the author seems to have detailed in this short story. Ms. Noble takes the aspect of BDSM step by step and makes it clear for the readers what’s happening in this fragile relationship. There’s also a deep psychological side to the story that covers: arrest, guilt, love and the chances that are taken that could cause danger.
The character of Doug was well played. He never criticized Taren and Ian’s relationship or life style. He provided major support to both.
The “Pain and Pleasure” series begins with the first book “Home Coming” and is followed by four other books in the lives of Ian and Taren. As for “Force Majeure” it has a good flow to the story and easy to understand. I’ve read other stories by Elizabeth Noble, so for me this was a different subject matter and well done.
April 13, 2025
What sets this novel apart is its honest portrayal of non-traditional relationships—specifically the challenges that come when clear boundaries and trust are tested. The arrival of Kevin, who initially seems like an exciting addition, gradually shifts the emotional balance. His desire to become more than a casual third sparks tension, manipulation, and ultimately, a threat to everything MMCs have built together.
Elizabeth Noble handles these dynamics with both heat and heart. The sex scenes are intense and vividly written, steeped in authentic BDSM themes without overshadowing the emotional core of the story. But it’s not just about the spice—there’s a genuine exploration of vulnerability, jealousy, and the hard work it takes to keep love alive when temptation and sabotage loom.
Elizabeth Noble handles these dynamics with both heat and heart. The sex scenes are intense and vividly written, steeped in authentic BDSM themes without overshadowing the emotional core of the story. But it’s not just about the spice—there’s a genuine exploration of vulnerability, jealousy, and the hard work it takes to keep love alive when temptation and sabotage loom.
April 15, 2025
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
*insert sigh*
I wanted to love this book, I really did. It has the buttons I liked pressed, but it just felt a little bit . . .flat? . . .maybe. . .not sure what the word is I'm feeling and ya'll know I'm ALL about the book feelings! And I don't know why I'm not loving this, so maybe typing the review will clear it up.
So, here's what I DID like.
Both Ian and Taren have a say. They are an established couple and I liked that we got them on their own, as well as with Kevin in a three way. I liked the dynamics between the two, and then the three. They were clearly defined and well thought out and I liked the boundaries that Taren set for Kevin. I liked that Taren was the most level headed of the pair, but then again, as the Dom he had to be. It came across really well.
It is steamy, as only a three way can be. There are a more than a few scenes of Taren and Ian on their own, but I think only one with Kevin, and I think I might have wanted more (again, trying to work it out!)
I found that the story line with Kevin was a little short lived, but this is only a short book, some 100 pages.
And also, it appears this book is part of a series about Taren and Ian, and I think maybe if I had read them first, I might have enjoyed this more, as I would have had a better understanding of their emotio . . . .oooh! . . . .I think I might have figured it out!
I found the emotions coming off Taren and Ian were not really what I would have expected, but then again, if this is part of a series, and I haven't read them, I might have missed clues to their personalities and emotional expressions.
So, I'm gonna leave it with a good 3 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
*insert sigh*
I wanted to love this book, I really did. It has the buttons I liked pressed, but it just felt a little bit . . .flat? . . .maybe. . .not sure what the word is I'm feeling and ya'll know I'm ALL about the book feelings! And I don't know why I'm not loving this, so maybe typing the review will clear it up.
So, here's what I DID like.
Both Ian and Taren have a say. They are an established couple and I liked that we got them on their own, as well as with Kevin in a three way. I liked the dynamics between the two, and then the three. They were clearly defined and well thought out and I liked the boundaries that Taren set for Kevin. I liked that Taren was the most level headed of the pair, but then again, as the Dom he had to be. It came across really well.
It is steamy, as only a three way can be. There are a more than a few scenes of Taren and Ian on their own, but I think only one with Kevin, and I think I might have wanted more (again, trying to work it out!)
I found that the story line with Kevin was a little short lived, but this is only a short book, some 100 pages.
And also, it appears this book is part of a series about Taren and Ian, and I think maybe if I had read them first, I might have enjoyed this more, as I would have had a better understanding of their emotio . . . .oooh! . . . .I think I might have figured it out!
I found the emotions coming off Taren and Ian were not really what I would have expected, but then again, if this is part of a series, and I haven't read them, I might have missed clues to their personalities and emotional expressions.
So, I'm gonna leave it with a good 3 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
April 19, 2025
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Force Majeure is a short and intense contemporary story featuring two husbands with incredible chemistry in nearly all situations. The narration is in third person and Ian and Taren share nearly all scenes, yet their idiosyncrasies are clearly communicated through their actions. During the rare times Ian and Taren were not in the same scene, there were major revelations that added excitement to the story.
Overall, I was delighted by this incredibly spicy, complicated story of love and betrayal. With few exceptions, Ian and Taren felt like a fictional representation of “couple goals.” Watching them be so in love with each other, then deal with a casual friend swinging in like a wrecking ball made for an exciting story. If you like stories with established couples, or the theme of love conquers all, or even just want a story where marriage wasn’t the end-game of the romance, then I think you’ll find a lot to enjoy in this book.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Force Majeure is a short and intense contemporary story featuring two husbands with incredible chemistry in nearly all situations. The narration is in third person and Ian and Taren share nearly all scenes, yet their idiosyncrasies are clearly communicated through their actions. During the rare times Ian and Taren were not in the same scene, there were major revelations that added excitement to the story.
Overall, I was delighted by this incredibly spicy, complicated story of love and betrayal. With few exceptions, Ian and Taren felt like a fictional representation of “couple goals.” Watching them be so in love with each other, then deal with a casual friend swinging in like a wrecking ball made for an exciting story. If you like stories with established couples, or the theme of love conquers all, or even just want a story where marriage wasn’t the end-game of the romance, then I think you’ll find a lot to enjoy in this book.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
January 18, 2026
0 stars. M/M and MMM BDSM erotica short story. 6/6 of the Pain and Pleasure Series.
Taren, a cop, and Ian, a CEO, are a married Dom and sub/masochist. Ian is into a LOT of CBT including fancy toys.
This plot is a year after the last one and up ends that conclusion. Somehow Taren and Ian have changed their mind about playing with Kevin despite their resolve to not do any more threesomes after their anniversary.
It is clear that Ian continued to be uncomfortable with it yet they both go ahead anyway with another threesome.
Then the plot goes off the rails and makes zero sense. There is no logic whatsoever in how batshit crazy Kevin becomes. How on earth would that !!!!
Told from dual POV, the plot is full of holes and is just desperate for any drama whether it makes sense or not. Having Ian blames Taren then getting impatient when Taren blames himself just add to the general incoherence!
This plot was totally unnecessary and I am not sure what’s the point? That opening your marriage can only lead to psychotic results? What a weird end to a series about kink!!!
Taren, a cop, and Ian, a CEO, are a married Dom and sub/masochist. Ian is into a LOT of CBT including fancy toys.
This plot is a year after the last one and up ends that conclusion. Somehow Taren and Ian have changed their mind about playing with Kevin despite their resolve to not do any more threesomes after their anniversary.
It is clear that Ian continued to be uncomfortable with it yet they both go ahead anyway with another threesome.
Then the plot goes off the rails and makes zero sense. There is no logic whatsoever in how batshit crazy Kevin becomes. How on earth would that !!!!
Told from dual POV, the plot is full of holes and is just desperate for any drama whether it makes sense or not. Having Ian blames Taren then getting impatient when Taren blames himself just add to the general incoherence!
This plot was totally unnecessary and I am not sure what’s the point? That opening your marriage can only lead to psychotic results? What a weird end to a series about kink!!!
April 11, 2025
I want to start by saying that Force Majeure is part of a larger series (Pain and Pleasure), featuring the same couple, but can absolutely be read as a standalone. I haven’t read any of the other books (but now I’d like to) and I never felt lost or like I was really missing anything.
This is a fairly short read at about 26,000 words but it’s a very complete story with a satisfying ending. I won’t rehash the blurb but I want to say that this story really captivated me and held me in suspense for much of it. Ian and Taren are an established married couple so this doesn’t have a traditional HEA but it does have a happy ending and I really enjoyed reading it.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
This is a fairly short read at about 26,000 words but it’s a very complete story with a satisfying ending. I won’t rehash the blurb but I want to say that this story really captivated me and held me in suspense for much of it. Ian and Taren are an established married couple so this doesn’t have a traditional HEA but it does have a happy ending and I really enjoyed reading it.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
April 15, 2025
An absolutely amazing exploration of the relationship between Ian and Taren and what happens when they bring Kevin into the mix. I've read quite a few stories like this where the third party turns out to fit neatly into the original relationship and everyone lives happily ever after with not a lot of drama. That definitely isn't the case here. When Kevin decides to change the rules of the game, all sorts of emotions are brought to light and these characters have to do some real soul searching to decide what/who they want and what their lives are going to look like.
June 5, 2025
A mixture of pain and pleasure in the lives of Ian and Taren, that's what makes them happy, occasionally with a third. Life is good until that 'third' gets bigger ideas and then there's a whole new kind of pain but no pleasure. Very sexy in the first half and then panic and fear follows in the second. A good exciting read.
April 9, 2025
Elizabeth Noble knows how to write - the characters are engaging and interesting, and there weren't any bits that felt weirdly paced. There was plenty of spice, and a bit of action.
July 30, 2025
Steamy read. Was well done!
March 19, 2025
Wow, great Dom/sub dynamic. They were really hit and I loved reading about their relationship. I am going to go back and read where their relationship began.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews