Last Dance for Cadence

by Maren Smith

The ad read: “Full-time housekeeper/nanny position. Live-in preferred. References and experience required. Salary negotiable. Apply in person.”

Cadence Westmore knew she wasn’t qualified for the job, but for a paycheck and an apartment, she was determined to apply. As an ex-dancer with two bad legs and no experience with children, she expected to be turned down. What she didn’t expect was the instant attraction she felt when Corbin’s Bend’s resident doctor took her in his capable hands.

A widower with three boys to raise, Dr. Marcus Devon knew he needed help. But he also knew Cadence Westmore was the last person he should hire. Still he gave her the job, opening his home and his life to a woman as stubborn as she was lovely, and as determined not to need him as he was to make her his. She was her own worst enemy, pushing herself to exceed her wounded body’s physical limitations until the doctor finally stepped in to apply some good old-fashioned bare-bottom medicine. The more she rebelled, the more he took her across his knee until at last Cadence realized if she wasn’t careful, she just might lose everything all over again.

Genres: BDSM

212 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 21, 2014

About the author

Fortunate enough to live with my Daddy Dom, I am a Little, coffee fanatic, dog and cat mom, was an administrator for six years at my local BDSM dungeon, and have since become a Utah resident and submissive to the love of my life. An International and USA Bestselling Author several times over, I have penned more than 160 novels, novellas and short stories, and am the author of the Masters of the Castle and Daddy’s Little series.

Reviews

[Marybeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, I really like the Corbin’s Bend series. I also love Maren Smith, she is a great author. I had a little trouble with this story. Cadence is down on her luck, REALLY down on her luck. She is still recovering from having both of her legs crushed by a car being driven by her then boyfriend, which ends her career as a ballerina. She has no money, no home and has mountains of bills from her recovery. She walks away from her apartment and goes to the only person that she can think of; Mama Venia. But, Venia has moved to Corbin’s Bend and Cadence has no idea of the lifestyle of the community. Once she gets there, she answers an ad for a housekeeper/nanny by the local doctor, Marcus Devon. Marcus’s wife has died, leaving him with three young boys. His last housekeeper/nanny resigned once she had her own baby. Cadence agrees to be his housekeeper/nanny before she learns about Corbin’s Bend. Once Marcus figures out that she doesn’t understand, there is a meeting with Brent and Venia in Brent’s office and everything is explained. Brent tells her she must abide by the community standards and Marcus tells her that he would never spank her without her permission, but that if she needed to be spanked and refused, he would fire her. And then Brent told her that she would have to leave Corbin’s Bend if that happened. This is where I have a problem. Cadence has nowhere to go except Venia’s, and they tell her that she must accept being spanked or leave. That is just plain wrong! In fact, Cadence ends up being disciplined by Marcus on the very first day for “undermining him in front of the children”. Honestly, I would have left then! But, this being a spanking story, she gets spanked many more times. At first, she hates him, but eventually she accepts it and even falls for him. But, I really had to work to get past that point of the story! Because, really, she wasn’t giving permission, she had nowhere else to go and she had to agree. But, other than that part, it was a good story of how a woman who has no idea she is submissive, comes to accept discipline in her life as she falls in love with a dominant man. I give this 4 stars.

[Jacqueline J · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know this was a domestic discipline story but I had a problem with the heroine being so down and out and having such physical limitations that she literally had nowhere else to go. So that when she is told she has to accept a DD lifestyle or leave town, it made me feel that she was being forced since there is no way that she could have left town and even managed to survive.

The story otherwise was pretty fun. The DD relationship was well described from the man's POV which is uncommon and I really enjoyed reading about his thoughts and feelings about why he liked this kind of a relationship.

The sex scenes were well done and pretty hot but I did worry all the time about the poor girls knees.

At the end I was sort of freaked out about something the heroine did. She takes the hero's kids and heads for Denver after only knowing them for a week. Holy crap! she needed to be spanked for that one. As a mother that just freaked me out. I have a problem letting other mothers that I've known since my teenagers were in kindergarten drive them to town. That spanking was deserved.

Will I read more in this series? I don't know. I kind of like my DD stories more ordinary and by that I mean not in a city where everyone is in the lifestyle. That just doesn't work for me and I know that's only a personal preference thing.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

Cadence Westmoreland is in trouble. After a terrible car accident, she lost her job, her health insurance and her mobility. With nothing left for her in Denver besides bills, bills and more bills. Knowing that she's only hours away from being evicted she calls her "Other Mother" Mama Venia, who just happens to live in Corbin's Bend.

Dr. Marcus Devon is a widower with three young boys who is looking for a new nanny/housekeeper. Marcus is instantly attracted to Cadence and he has no intention of hiring her, with her legs not fully healed, she doesn't believe she can ride herd on his wild boys. Surprising himself, he offers her the job AND has to explain the rules of DD to her.

Lots of pitfalls, stubborness and misunderstandings cloud their relationship from the start. Can Cadence let of the past, her anger and her dreams in order to grab the happiness in front of her.

Corbin's Bend a place where we'd all like to call home.

[Ruthie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads."

I have now read all the Corbin's Bend books, and this rates as one of my favourites - that said they have all been good reads. It has been such a pleasure to discover such a range of talented authors through this series - and many are on my look out for list now.

We have seen Dr Marcus Devon deal with injuries in a number of books, but this is finally about him as a man, as well as physician. It is fascinating to see the dance that he and Cadence undertake, as their relationship changes. The children are also great side characters, which give the author some great opportunities for comedy when things get heavy. I love Cadence's stubbornness and independence, and her internal dialogue is wonderful. Great story, and the intimacy is brilliantly interwoven into the plot. I just wish there was more...

Very enjoyable story - I recommend it to you.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads Review Team~

This was another one of my favorite books in the series. Cadence was a dancer whose dreams were shattered in a blink of an eye. Marcus has been through his own trials and tribulations and is in search of a new nanny. Desperate and not having any other options Cadence applies for the nanny job. This was a sweet story filled with love and passion. Marcus has the best bedside manner, even if Cadence does tell him at one point it sucks. Marcus’s boys will also melt your heart. It is a must read in my opinion.

Characters: The characters were well written and believable.

Sex: yes

Religious: no

Would I recommend to others: yes

More than one book in the series: yes

Genre: Romance

Would I read more by this author: yes

~Wicked Reads Review Team~

[JD (on semi-hiatus) · Rating 2 out of 5]

As other reviewers have mentioned, this supposedly caring community tells a penniless young woman who is recovering from a serious accident and has nowhere else to go that she has to agree to be beaten by one of the town's H's or leave. And, that, everyone is a perfect example of a choice-that-isn't-really-a-choice choice. And, any time there isn't real consent, then what you have is domestic violence, not domestic discipline, as Ms. Smith, who writes often in this genre, well knows.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

3*

[Angela Goodrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do believe that Last Dance for Cadence may now be my favorite of the Corbin’s Bend series. Ms. Smith’s contribution to the series was an emotional read that made my heart break for Cadence time and time again throughout the book. I cannot fathom the betrayal someone would feel having their dreams, their future, and their ability to walk ripped away so painfully by someone who was supposed to care for them. While Cadence has clearly persevered, she sees herself as a failure when she is anything but that. Hitting bottom forces her to contact her “Other Mother” and Cadence goes to stay with her as she tries to get her life back on track.

Mama Venia lives in Corbin’s Bend and has told Cadence nothing about the community. I will say that this lead to a couple of rather entertaining and humorous scenes. Determined to get her life back on track sooner rather than later, Cadence immediately begins looking for a job and finds herself at the home/office of the community’s doctor who is in need of a live-in nanny for his three sons. Despite a rather lackluster first impression, Marcus felt compelled to give her a chance in spite of his reservations about her physical limitations. While the time-frame of the book appears to be relatively short, the author packs so much into the novel showing how the relationship between Cadence and Marcus develops and strengthens that it felt completely right, whereas such a short courtship in the majority of books I’ve read often feels rushed. Regardless of her lack of previous exposure to DD or BDSM, it was clear that Marcus was able to give Cadence the penance she felt she needed and this is perhaps one of the primary reasons I enjoyed the book so thoroughly.

Last Dance for Cadence is a wonderfully written emotional read that is an excellent addition to the Corbin’s Bend series. I loved the way the boys warmed up to Cadence in varying degrees and that while Michael was the last to accept her, he became her fiercest protector. This book has definitely been added to my re-read list, especially when I’m in the need for a cathartic read. As ever, I look forward to the next book in the Corbin’s Bend series.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Dr. Marcus Devon's book. I'm so glad that it was his turn. What can I say about Marcus besides "oh boy, yes please, and does he have a brother?" He is a widower with three young boys doing the best he can while being the only Doctor.
He is smart, down to earth and just the kind of person you know has your back. Enter Cadence who is Venia's "other daughter". Cadence comes to stay at Venia's after having survived a terrible accident that has left her in terrible pain, bitter yet with an attitude that nothing and no one will label or stop her. She is smart and independent, along with reckless and prideful. In other words, the perfect heroine for a Corbin's Bend book. Oh and just FYI she has no idea what kind of community she is getting involved in.(How much you want to bet that the people who have been reading this series just smiled?). After a rather stumbling start, Cadence takes a job nannying Marcus' three boys even though she has never done it before. I mean come on, how hard could it be? The dialog is funny (I found myself laughing out loud in several places), heart-warming, witty, gut wrenching and real. At times you actually almost feel Cadence's pain fly off the page at you. C'mon and read along as these two find their way into your heart. You'll thank me, I promise.

This was another smash hit for the series. Maren Smith, is a gifted writer who has a way of making you believe that you are a fly on the wall with her words and the imagery that they call forth. So finish reading this review and go get the book already! By the way, does anyone have the directions on how to get to Corbin's Bend? Anyone? Anyone?

[Katherine Deane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite book from the series so far! It was amazing!

Cadence lived and breathed dancing – until that fateful night when she lost it all. A year after a horrific accident, Cadence is not only, NOT dancing, she can barely walk. Her legs are a mess, and her life is an even bigger mess.

She goes to the only home she has ever known. Her honorary mother’s home, which is now in Corbin’s Bend.

Mama Venia takes her in, and gives her a gentle push to apply for a job as a live in nanny for the community’s doctor.
I absolutely loved their first meeting!

Dr. Marcus Devon, widowed father of three young boys has his hands full running his small medical practice and taking care of his sons.

When Cadence takes the job, sparks fly in more than one way. Both characters are beautifully flawed and realistic, proud and strong, making for a wonderful dynamic.

Especially once Cadence found out about the nature of Corbin’s Bend.

The spankings he gives her, are fantastic!!!

What I really loved about this story, was the family dynamic. Having the young boys as active characters, really added to the beauty of the story.

The emotions were wonderfully shown through each POV, but not so heavy to make the story drag. It was still a very fast paced book.

I loved the humor, the emotions, the character growth, the family dynamic, the romance, the spankings.
I loved it all!

This was definitely my favorite book from this series!

[Etta Stark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent story in the Corbin's Bend series. Maren Smith has created a couple of fantastic characters with Cadence and Marcus. The number of women who come to Corbin's Bend with no idea that it is a spanking community is quite astonishing, though. Cadence must be the fourth Corbin's Bend heroine with no idea what she's letting herself into. They really ought to start putting it on the signs.

Still, she finds out soon enough because as soon as she gets the job as housekeeper and childminder to Dr Marcus Devon's three sons, her new boss makes it clear what his rules on discipline are. Some of the punishments are quite hard to deal with because Cadence is already in a lot of pain from the injuries she sustained in the car accident which put an end to her dancing career. It seems a bit harsh to spank a woman while she's down but of course as it turns out, it's the very best thing for her. The compassion that Marcus shows towards Cadence in helping her get her life back in order is actually very touching. The struggles that the heroes have been through make the happy ever after all the more satisfying.

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this latest installment in the Corbin's Bend series we meet Dr. Marcus Devon, a widower with three small boys to raise. He has lost his latest housekeeper/nanny because she is now a new mother with responsibilities of her own family. Cadence Westmore is an injured former dancer who has hit rock bottom and decides she has to get to her surrogate mother, Venia, who lives in Corbin's Bend. Browsing the help wanted ads she decides to try for the housekeeper/nanny position for Dr. Devon. He gives her the job and she must accept the rules and regulations of Corbin's Bend, which includes her employer punishing her if she misbehaves. She is stubborn and he is strict with her for her own good. She will pay for her stubbornness over his knee. This story has bare bottom spankings, anal play, moderate sex scenes and a HEA ending.

[Dakota Storm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story very much. I loved Marcus, he's sexy, he's dominant, he's a good father and doctor and he's sexy! Lol..Cadence I loved too, she's tough as nails, sweet, emotional (even when she says she's not) and she's awesome. I was in awe of her determination and strength and stubbornness. Love love love the boys, especially Buddy. Too freaking cute. I thought the over all story was a interesting idea, very intriguing and unique. it did drag a little in places, maybe too many spankings drawn out...but I thought it was emotional and feel good story too. Very sweet and funny and loving all in one.I enjoyed the story very much, would love to read more by this author. 4-4.5 stars review by Nanee at upallnightreadallday.blogspot.com

[Margo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my favourite Corbin's Bend books and one of my favourite all time. The chemistry between the doctor and his housekeeper/patient/sub is explosive. She is stubborn because an accident earlier in her life. She wants to prove she can make it on her own, even at the expense of her own health. He is a hard nosed widowed doctor with 3 little boys who needs a babysitter and housekeeper. He takes on Candence even though he knows she won't be able to do the work. He is a closet Dom and really strict with her when she puts her health in jeopardy. Love this book. I will read again and again.

[ScarlettPhoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last Dance for Cadence is a book full of wonderful characters all woven into a great story. Cadence suffers a preventable, tragic accident which precludes her from ever dancing again. Not wanting to become a burden or be known as a cripple, she pushes herself past the limits of endurance. Marcus is the doctor living in Corbin's Bend who needs a nanny/housekeeper for his 3 rambunctious boys. When Cadence applies for the job, sparks fly and the doc deals with Cadence's stubborn streak the only way he knows how. Beautifully written story. Another masterpiece by Maren Smith.

[Katy Beth Mckee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again another unique flavor of Corbin's Bend. Candence has had enough and she just wants a break. She's willing to push herself to have a job and stay in Corbin's Bend. Marcus just wants to keep the house running while he works. The is a strong and fast attraction and some really strong emotion in this story.

[Sissi Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, wonderful. I've loved Cadence and her struggle to accept her limits and Marcus loving, strong hand to help her. An other confirmation of Maren Smith. Read in one stand and I'm italian, so...

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot Sweet Entertaining

This book is another triumph for Maren Smith! Well edited, great hero and heroine, awesome love-making, hot spanking scenes, snappy dialogue, everything about it was amazing! Also check out Have Paddle, Will Travel.

[Cara Bristol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. One of my faves in the Corbin’s Bend series. Author Maren Smith makes the characters come alive in an authentic, realistic way even though this is a spanking romance.

[Kyra Tinker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. This was, in my opinion, one of the best Corbin's Bend books to date. If you haven't read it please do. I can't wait for her next release.