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Dani Barker & Camila Callaghan #1
Changing Perspectives
Art director Dani Barker lives life on the edge, and getting into a fight in a lesbian leather bar on a Friday night isn't an unusual occurrence. Camila Callaghan, finance director for a large company, feels satisfied with her life in most respects. She enjoys her job and thinks it's necessary to stay in the closet to maintain the position she's worked hard to achieve.
When Dani and Camila meet, they both sense an attraction, but is it merely curiosity with each other's contrasting lives? Dani hopes that Camila can be the partner she has longed for since her earliest forays into SM. The boundaries of Camila's settled world start to blur as she questions her own feelings for Dani and what she represents.
Will their differences make a long-term relationship achievable? A change of perspective for both women is needed if they are to reach this goal.
When Dani and Camila meet, they both sense an attraction, but is it merely curiosity with each other's contrasting lives? Dani hopes that Camila can be the partner she has longed for since her earliest forays into SM. The boundaries of Camila's settled world start to blur as she questions her own feelings for Dani and what she represents.
Will their differences make a long-term relationship achievable? A change of perspective for both women is needed if they are to reach this goal.
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Published July 16, 2019
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84 people want to read
About the author
Jen Silver
23 books24 followersJen lives near Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire with her long-term partner whom she married in December 2014. She has always enjoyed reading an eclectic range of genres including sci-fi, fantasy, historical fiction and lesbian fiction. As well as reading and writing, other activities include golf, archery, and taking part in archaeological digs. Jen's debut novel, Starting Over, was published by Affinity in October 2014.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 9, 2017
4.4 stars. Thoroughly enjoyed this one. BDSM is one of my favorite subjects and here it was explored in one of it's heavier forms - pain. It was fresh for me and definitely well written.
Both leading ladies are well developed and I enjoyed the supporting cast too, no complaints in that department.
My only nitpick is that the story largely resolves around their sex lives while paying very little attention to the emotional side of things in comparison. Would have preferred for them to connect more emotionally because they definitely connected physically and then some.
There's nothing redundant in this book either but another ~50 pages exploring their emotional side would've made it perfect.
Overall a worthwhile read.
Both leading ladies are well developed and I enjoyed the supporting cast too, no complaints in that department.
My only nitpick is that the story largely resolves around their sex lives while paying very little attention to the emotional side of things in comparison. Would have preferred for them to connect more emotionally because they definitely connected physically and then some.
There's nothing redundant in this book either but another ~50 pages exploring their emotional side would've made it perfect.
Overall a worthwhile read.
November 12, 2017
Incredible sexy!
Camila is careful not to let people know who she really is. Except for a few friends, nobody knows her past. In her job she has everything under control and quite able to handle herself. Dani doesn’t care a fig what others thought about her. Her lifestyle can be quite shocking and she fills her desires regularly with interactions at clubs. Meeting Dani brought her world crashing down around her and unleashed a passion she didn't know she has it in her. Naughty thoughts penetrate her mind but she is unfamiliar with that lifestyle. Both women are very successful. One is very creative, talented and not only in her designs but also in the bedroom. The other is only creative with numbers. A great story with a fantastic plot, incredible sexy, hot chapters, unexpected turns and an excellent mix of characters. A more than great story and highly recommended.
Camila is careful not to let people know who she really is. Except for a few friends, nobody knows her past. In her job she has everything under control and quite able to handle herself. Dani doesn’t care a fig what others thought about her. Her lifestyle can be quite shocking and she fills her desires regularly with interactions at clubs. Meeting Dani brought her world crashing down around her and unleashed a passion she didn't know she has it in her. Naughty thoughts penetrate her mind but she is unfamiliar with that lifestyle. Both women are very successful. One is very creative, talented and not only in her designs but also in the bedroom. The other is only creative with numbers. A great story with a fantastic plot, incredible sexy, hot chapters, unexpected turns and an excellent mix of characters. A more than great story and highly recommended.
November 20, 2017
Wow. Just wow. So I won a copy of this off of https://iheartlesfic.com/ during one of their give aways. I'd read her Starling Hill series and generally liked it, although loved book 3. She said this was a departure from that series, cough, I'll say so.
Right, so Dani and Camila. In 1993 no less. And yea you can really tell, she wrote the setting perfectly. Poor Dani kept getting her face in the way of fast moving body parts, ie, fists. I was like, ugh, not again. But it's a romance of kinda unexpected a pairing. But it works. Toss in a little kink, and it's that much better.
And it's UK lesfic. Who doesn't love that. The vernacular alone, swoon.
Positively, completely, loved this book.
Right, so Dani and Camila. In 1993 no less. And yea you can really tell, she wrote the setting perfectly. Poor Dani kept getting her face in the way of fast moving body parts, ie, fists. I was like, ugh, not again. But it's a romance of kinda unexpected a pairing. But it works. Toss in a little kink, and it's that much better.
And it's UK lesfic. Who doesn't love that. The vernacular alone, swoon.
Positively, completely, loved this book.
November 27, 2017
Dani Baker is an artistic director with a high-flying career and successful business who lives her life on the edge of ‘polite’ society. Wearing grunge with pride, a leather dyke who likes S&M and regularly visits very private members clubs, she is used to being judged and sneered at for her life choices.
Camilla Callaghan couldn’t be more different. Uptight, finance director, well dressed and repressed, she is so far in the closet nobody but a few friends even knew she was living with a woman for 10 years, or lost her partner in a tragic attack.
When the two meet through work the attraction is instant but they are so far apart in so many ways it seems a very unlikely pairing. Dani might pursue Camilla and convince her to take a chance, but will Camilla be everything she desires or another vanilla lesbian who shy’s away from Dani’s real needs?
Set in London in 1993 this is a great flash back novel and brought back all sorts of memories. No mobiles, using an A to Z instead of google maps, dial up modems and Silver Moon books. Jen Silver has perfectly recaptured the mood and tone of the gay scene and reminds us how far we have come. How brave we felt being ‘out and proud’ and how public awareness of LGBT people and AIDS has changed.
Dani is an amazing character, presenting herself as a rough and tough dyke in men’s suits and leathers she is a highly intelligent, well educated and cultured woman who accepts the price she has to pay for being herself. Camilla is the exact opposite in terms of the price she pays because she chooses to hide who she is, even from herself. Dani doesn’t expect acceptance even on a social level, whereas Camilla doesn’t expect to ever feel strong passions and real fulfilment.
A brilliant supporting cast of friends and colleagues, Camila’s bosses and Dani’s workmates are extremely well drawn, and morph from sketchy background figures into real friends. The reaction of Camila’s friends and family to Dani is well done even if her parents relatively easy acceptance might be something we all wished for back in 1993.
Excellent storyline, interesting characters, gentle exploration of the fetish/S&M scene of the era and a delightful journey of self-discovery, this is definitely Jen Silver’s best to date and it’s great to see her step outside the charming and rather parochial English romances into something with a lot more bite.
Camilla Callaghan couldn’t be more different. Uptight, finance director, well dressed and repressed, she is so far in the closet nobody but a few friends even knew she was living with a woman for 10 years, or lost her partner in a tragic attack.
When the two meet through work the attraction is instant but they are so far apart in so many ways it seems a very unlikely pairing. Dani might pursue Camilla and convince her to take a chance, but will Camilla be everything she desires or another vanilla lesbian who shy’s away from Dani’s real needs?
Set in London in 1993 this is a great flash back novel and brought back all sorts of memories. No mobiles, using an A to Z instead of google maps, dial up modems and Silver Moon books. Jen Silver has perfectly recaptured the mood and tone of the gay scene and reminds us how far we have come. How brave we felt being ‘out and proud’ and how public awareness of LGBT people and AIDS has changed.
Dani is an amazing character, presenting herself as a rough and tough dyke in men’s suits and leathers she is a highly intelligent, well educated and cultured woman who accepts the price she has to pay for being herself. Camilla is the exact opposite in terms of the price she pays because she chooses to hide who she is, even from herself. Dani doesn’t expect acceptance even on a social level, whereas Camilla doesn’t expect to ever feel strong passions and real fulfilment.
A brilliant supporting cast of friends and colleagues, Camila’s bosses and Dani’s workmates are extremely well drawn, and morph from sketchy background figures into real friends. The reaction of Camila’s friends and family to Dani is well done even if her parents relatively easy acceptance might be something we all wished for back in 1993.
Excellent storyline, interesting characters, gentle exploration of the fetish/S&M scene of the era and a delightful journey of self-discovery, this is definitely Jen Silver’s best to date and it’s great to see her step outside the charming and rather parochial English romances into something with a lot more bite.
April 12, 2018
I enjoyed Jen Silver’s book Starting Over, so I was looking forward to reading more from her. I was a bit hesitant when I realised that the book description for Changing Perspectives mentioned SM, but I’m glad I tried this book. As other reviewers have mentioned, the SM element was tastefully done and nothing was too graphic. The reader is introduced to Dani’s world partly through Camila’s eyes, and this provides an interesting way to understand why Dani is attracted to SM.
The story pulled me in right away. Camila and Dani are brought together through work and I found the aspects of the story related to Dani’s business as a graphic designer, the setting of London in the early 1990s, and the corporate world at the time to be a very interesting background.
Changing Perspectives offers something different from the usual lesbian romance. However, what makes it different isn’t just the fact that one of the characters is into SM. The book is about discovering things about a partner at a deep level and accepting those aspects of them, understanding them for who they are and embracing them, all as part of a solid foundation for a relationship. In this sense, there is a lot of depth to the romance and the characters—it’s a story of two people discovering each other, with something different layered over.
Another thing that made Changing Perspectives a great read for me was Jen Silver’s writing style. I will definitely be reading more of her work.
The story pulled me in right away. Camila and Dani are brought together through work and I found the aspects of the story related to Dani’s business as a graphic designer, the setting of London in the early 1990s, and the corporate world at the time to be a very interesting background.
Changing Perspectives offers something different from the usual lesbian romance. However, what makes it different isn’t just the fact that one of the characters is into SM. The book is about discovering things about a partner at a deep level and accepting those aspects of them, understanding them for who they are and embracing them, all as part of a solid foundation for a relationship. In this sense, there is a lot of depth to the romance and the characters—it’s a story of two people discovering each other, with something different layered over.
Another thing that made Changing Perspectives a great read for me was Jen Silver’s writing style. I will definitely be reading more of her work.
December 20, 2019
It might surprise you but this story wasn’t just about the kinky side of Dani. The story was very well written and added in the thoughts and feelings of both main characters. I felt their connection. You also got to here from some of the supporting characters as well which was nice. Nicola did a wonderful job with the narrative. Love all the accents.
August 30, 2021
I really liked this one. It’s the first one I’ve read by Jen Silver. I plan to read more by her. I loved the ice queen with the bad girl vibe. I truly enjoyed everything and cannot say one thing could be improved. It’s worth a read. I highly recommend this book and this author.
February 27, 2019
Loved this!!!!
Dani is utterly helpless, a complete disaster, and a total mess but she is one damn cool woman. She really was the making of this story, and it is her character alone that really drew me in and kept me hooked on every word. I hadn’t known what to expect from this book but I got more from it than I bargained for and am so glad I grabbed a copy, because I would have been missing out.
When Dani meets Camila through work sparks literally fly, and between them they are a complete disaster. Dani obviously just a mess, and Camila unsure of Dani’s very unique habits and lifestyle but together they work at forming a relationship because it is just obvious they are destined for each other. Dani gives Camila a lease of life she has been hiding from, and Camila is a grounding for Dani that she so desperately needs. Together they were just fantastic.
The story was fast paced and exciting, focusing lightly on erotic and S&M but mostly on the gritty relationship of a troubled woman who needed love. I am completely in love with Dani, she was amazing and I guarantee you will too! It’s just impossible not to.
Of course the story isn’t without added drama, especially where Camila and Dani’s friends are concerned, and one in particular especially managed to get on my nerves. But that what makes such a fun, exciting and vibrant read. I really couldn’t but this book down!!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story, and highly recommend it.
Dani is utterly helpless, a complete disaster, and a total mess but she is one damn cool woman. She really was the making of this story, and it is her character alone that really drew me in and kept me hooked on every word. I hadn’t known what to expect from this book but I got more from it than I bargained for and am so glad I grabbed a copy, because I would have been missing out.
When Dani meets Camila through work sparks literally fly, and between them they are a complete disaster. Dani obviously just a mess, and Camila unsure of Dani’s very unique habits and lifestyle but together they work at forming a relationship because it is just obvious they are destined for each other. Dani gives Camila a lease of life she has been hiding from, and Camila is a grounding for Dani that she so desperately needs. Together they were just fantastic.
The story was fast paced and exciting, focusing lightly on erotic and S&M but mostly on the gritty relationship of a troubled woman who needed love. I am completely in love with Dani, she was amazing and I guarantee you will too! It’s just impossible not to.
Of course the story isn’t without added drama, especially where Camila and Dani’s friends are concerned, and one in particular especially managed to get on my nerves. But that what makes such a fun, exciting and vibrant read. I really couldn’t but this book down!!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story, and highly recommend it.
February 1, 2018
S&M genre is not typically within my comfort zone, but I found this to be so very tasteful and well written. The story did not lag at any point, and I found myself surprised at a few turns. Pleasantly surprised. Perhaps as surprised as Camilla found herself, when she was challenged with expanding her own comfort zone. I would be interested to see where their relationship goes...
August 19, 2023
Changing Perspectives by Jen Silver is an opposites attract, butch/femme romance with scenes of BDSM/Kink set in London, UK, during the early ‘90’s. This novel includes violence.
Dani Barker is the art director and co-manager of a company. People underestimate Dani because of the goth way of dressing and her attitude toward life. Dani's life outside of work mainly focuses around the S&M clubs where she can fulfil her needs. Dani has more business acumen that they give her credit for, but flies under the radar. Living in an affluent area along the river contradicts her lifestyle and appearance.
Camila Callaghan is the finance director at a company where Dani and George, her business partner, are pitching a proposition. Camila is everything Dani is not, femme, uptight and all business.
This novel took me on a nostalgic journey before the real take on of computers and devices as we know them today and back to the scenes of ‘90’s London. The characters are interesting and hold your attention, as do the stigmas of certain lifestyles around this era. Some of what people went through during this time is quite hard hitting.
The only downside for me is I thought the ending didn’t fit with the rest of the story. However, I look forward to reading the next book set 30 years on called Changing Times.
Dani Barker is the art director and co-manager of a company. People underestimate Dani because of the goth way of dressing and her attitude toward life. Dani's life outside of work mainly focuses around the S&M clubs where she can fulfil her needs. Dani has more business acumen that they give her credit for, but flies under the radar. Living in an affluent area along the river contradicts her lifestyle and appearance.
Camila Callaghan is the finance director at a company where Dani and George, her business partner, are pitching a proposition. Camila is everything Dani is not, femme, uptight and all business.
This novel took me on a nostalgic journey before the real take on of computers and devices as we know them today and back to the scenes of ‘90’s London. The characters are interesting and hold your attention, as do the stigmas of certain lifestyles around this era. Some of what people went through during this time is quite hard hitting.
The only downside for me is I thought the ending didn’t fit with the rest of the story. However, I look forward to reading the next book set 30 years on called Changing Times.
September 25, 2023
A story with somewhat edgy characters.
In her search for the woman with whom she can be herself.
Dani often finds herself in violent situations again and again and she knows that her appearance probably provokes it. However, she doesn't care.
She loves her leather outfits or her ripped jeans and shirts. That's just how she is and she knows all about pain.
She even love and needs pain.
Those around her can't really understand that.
When she meets Camila, she meets someone who doesn't want the world to know exactly who she actually is and what she desires.
With a broken heart and still kinda mourning the loss of her lover, she feels strongly drawn to Dani and neither of them knows why...just that there is chemistry.
I like Dani, but she often doesn't make things easy for herself. The same applies to Camila and although Dani's friends just want to help her, Penny sometimes gets on my nerves. As a good friend you just have to hold back sometimes.
It's not a simple, all-round smooth romantic story, but rather a bit rougher.
However, the S/M scenes in the club that Dani visits to get the pain she needs and intimate scenes in general are not shown in detail.
Anyone can read the story...
I would have liked details, but that’s just me.
In her search for the woman with whom she can be herself.
Dani often finds herself in violent situations again and again and she knows that her appearance probably provokes it. However, she doesn't care.
She loves her leather outfits or her ripped jeans and shirts. That's just how she is and she knows all about pain.
She even love and needs pain.
Those around her can't really understand that.
When she meets Camila, she meets someone who doesn't want the world to know exactly who she actually is and what she desires.
With a broken heart and still kinda mourning the loss of her lover, she feels strongly drawn to Dani and neither of them knows why...just that there is chemistry.
I like Dani, but she often doesn't make things easy for herself. The same applies to Camila and although Dani's friends just want to help her, Penny sometimes gets on my nerves. As a good friend you just have to hold back sometimes.
It's not a simple, all-round smooth romantic story, but rather a bit rougher.
However, the S/M scenes in the club that Dani visits to get the pain she needs and intimate scenes in general are not shown in detail.
Anyone can read the story...
I would have liked details, but that’s just me.
February 13, 2023
It took me more than half the book before I could actually enjoy any of the characters. It felt like the old school lesbian books where the characters can’t be happy or one of them have to die before the end. The behaviors of Dani were definitely problematic and it’s clear she could use some therapy. The bdsm portrayed wasn’t healthy and isn’t the way things should be done. Camilla reads a book and freaks out over witnessing other scenes but jumps into canning. Canning isn’t for beginners and a lot of damage can be done by an inexperienced top. They don’t really discuss scene expectations or limits, they don’t mutually discuss safe words, and there’s no aftercare at any point. Dani being totally okay with any and all abuse is problematic too.
And once again… #CropsARENTwhips!
And once again… #CropsARENTwhips!
July 19, 2023
I did enjoy this book. I wasn't sure at first, BDSM not being my thing, but I found out early it wasn't the central crux of the novel, more like an aspect of a complex MC who was searching for acceptance and understanding. I found all characters, main and supporting, to be well thought out and substantial. Both Dani and Camilla are opposites, an unlikely match, however they both want a relationship and put effort and commitment into making it work. The plot, with all of the supporting characters and sub stories, built onto the foundation story well and gave an added dimension. Happy reading!
August 7, 2019
Sexy, can't deny it, but I thought I was gonna find a heavier conflict given that the main characters are - a priori- so different. Interesting glimpse into the 90' and how queer people lived their lives and how those who showed themselves as they were and felt were brave as hell
October 9, 2019
I have listened to the audio-book and loved the story. It is different with light BDSM setting. The characters and their stories are very interesting and the interaction between the numbers of people involved in this book is great! It ended on a happy note and it was exactly what I wanted to end.
December 12, 2017
Good book
I really enjoyed the story. I like how Camille and Dani got together and work together on their differences to make it better between the both of them.
I really enjoyed the story. I like how Camille and Dani got together and work together on their differences to make it better between the both of them.
September 7, 2018
Not my type of book but it good PG 18
I was excited on the dominance and submission in the bedroom part but they was no details just a nice story of two different loving each other
I was excited on the dominance and submission in the bedroom part but they was no details just a nice story of two different loving each other
March 31, 2018
I really loved this one. I decided to read it because I'm not very familiar with S&M, especially between women. I still can't say I get it, but it wasn't a turn-off. The best part of this book were the two main characters (but the main characters were interesting too) Dani was butch-like, with enough feminine characteristics to endear me to her and Camille, the ice queen wasn't too icy. I loved watching these two women get to know each other and start falling in love. The plot that holds it all together was very real-world, which makes it all believable. Lots of writing skill went into this book.
November 18, 2018
I confess, I only wanted to read this story because of the cover. Why bother with the blurb? I'm happy to say sometimes you can judge a book by its cover. Camila and Dani's journey includes a healthy dose of "sensuality and mutuality." Sure they are experts in their fields and are motivated to succeed; however, they each have character flaws and need help to overcome these flaws. Before Dani, Camila's life was bland and too structured. Similarly, before Camila, Dani was a bit untamed. Together, Camila and Dani balanced/enhanced each other. They are an example of the phrase "opposites attract." Camila needs to let loose and be open about her sexuality (like Dani), and Dani needs to kick Lisa to the curb and settle down. I admit that while reading, I predicted at some point one of the main characters would either cheat, end the relationship, or join some S&M addiction center, but I was wrong. The sex scenes left more to the reader's imagination rather than go into details about Cami and Dani's love making. There is a little angst at the beginning of their relationship, but overall their journey represents a progressive sense of happiness.
From a setting perspective, you know you're a digital native when...
During the first half of the story I kept saying to myself "Why don't they just text or call each other on their cell phones and be done with it." Yeah, I'm a digital native and proud of it.
From a setting perspective, you know you're a digital native when...
During the first half of the story I kept saying to myself "Why don't they just text or call each other on their cell phones and be done with it." Yeah, I'm a digital native and proud of it.
April 29, 2020
Sooo... I'm not gonna lie, but the cover drew me in. I'm an easy target for leather wrapped studs that ooze sex, and don't get me started on the little hairs that fall away from the tousled coif, either.
This story was set in 1993. I would have been 7 years old at the time, lol. Dani was an interesting character who was intelligent underneath the at times aloof personality. She would get lost in her own psyche, which then resulted in her seeking out pain; initiated or not. Camila was an in the closet workaholic, but she was damn good at her job. Then she met Dani. It wasn't exactly an ideal meet and greet, given that Dani sported an array of colours on her face with bruised ribs to match. I did like this story, and reading about Dani was like peeling an onion, slowly and painfully. In my honest opinion, though, I felt there was more heat, drama, and suspense inside the walls of the company Dani part owned and amongst her business partner than there was between Dani and Camila. There was some SM (this was before BD was added) and the love scenes were short and tasteful. Too tasteful for my liking. I like details in my love scenes.
Good story, give it a read.
This story was set in 1993. I would have been 7 years old at the time, lol. Dani was an interesting character who was intelligent underneath the at times aloof personality. She would get lost in her own psyche, which then resulted in her seeking out pain; initiated or not. Camila was an in the closet workaholic, but she was damn good at her job. Then she met Dani. It wasn't exactly an ideal meet and greet, given that Dani sported an array of colours on her face with bruised ribs to match. I did like this story, and reading about Dani was like peeling an onion, slowly and painfully. In my honest opinion, though, I felt there was more heat, drama, and suspense inside the walls of the company Dani part owned and amongst her business partner than there was between Dani and Camila. There was some SM (this was before BD was added) and the love scenes were short and tasteful. Too tasteful for my liking. I like details in my love scenes.
Good story, give it a read.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews