What do you think?
Rate this book
Toy Box
Lauren and Rafe have been coasting along since they had kids, letting things in the bedroom match their vanilla suburban lifestyle. But they have a blistering-hot Dominant/submissive history, and this weekend, Rafe will remind Lauren of all the deviant delights awaiting her when they open up…the Toy Box.Toy Box is a 14,000 word novella.
44 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2012
About the author
Delphine Dryden
38 books368 followersI write contemporary and erotic romance, and sometimes steampunk romance! To contact me, go to my website or find me on social media.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 18, 2015
Smutty/BDSMy novella about a married couple finding time for passion amid parenthood; 4 stars!!
February 19, 2015
Recently rereleased by Delphine Dryden, Toy Box is a slightly unconventional erotic romance as the hero and heroine are already married. And unlike most romances where the main characters are already married, Lauren and Rafe's marriage isn't in any real trouble. But after two kids, no free time, slightly squidgier middles, vet bills and the grind of daily life, they've lost their identities as sexual beings.
Before all of this life stuff transpired, Rafe and Lauren had a very hot and kinky D/s relationship. So when Rafe decides it's time to get back into the groove, he builds them a toy box to hold all of their kinky accoutrements. He sends the dog to the boarder, the kids to the grandparents, orders delivery and readies Lauren for a weekend of seduction where he is firmly in control.
One thing I appreciated about Toy Box was the exceedingly low level of angst. I don't know what I expected, but a married couple trying to relight their flame seemed like a recipe for drama that simply didn't manifest at all. And there are some quite funny bits, characteristic of Dryden's writing, like one moment when Lauren pauses the scene so she can write down a couple of things on their grocery list before she can fully turn off her wife-mommy brain and just enjoy herself.
Even if you're feeling a bit burned out on BDSM erotic romance, I'd highly recommend Toy Box. It's short, it's sweet, it's comfortable and it's deliciously kinky. I enjoyed it.
Before all of this life stuff transpired, Rafe and Lauren had a very hot and kinky D/s relationship. So when Rafe decides it's time to get back into the groove, he builds them a toy box to hold all of their kinky accoutrements. He sends the dog to the boarder, the kids to the grandparents, orders delivery and readies Lauren for a weekend of seduction where he is firmly in control.
One thing I appreciated about Toy Box was the exceedingly low level of angst. I don't know what I expected, but a married couple trying to relight their flame seemed like a recipe for drama that simply didn't manifest at all. And there are some quite funny bits, characteristic of Dryden's writing, like one moment when Lauren pauses the scene so she can write down a couple of things on their grocery list before she can fully turn off her wife-mommy brain and just enjoy herself.
Even if you're feeling a bit burned out on BDSM erotic romance, I'd highly recommend Toy Box. It's short, it's sweet, it's comfortable and it's deliciously kinky. I enjoyed it.
October 11, 2012
This is a short that is for all of us who have normal bodies, normal lives, and desire to incorporate kink. Rafe and Lauren had a very deep D/s relationship and then came the kids, the mortgage, and the mutt. In an effort to rekindle the D/s side they have been missing they arrange a weekend. This is the story of the weekend. Nothing extreme here - milder kink but realistic. It has what I think is the funniest thing I've EVER read in a BDSM novel
Enjoyable and recommended. It didn't seem as short as I thought it would for an Ellora's quickie...I thought it was fine..It would be great to have a few more quickies with them!
Enjoyable and recommended. It didn't seem as short as I thought it would for an Ellora's quickie...I thought it was fine..It would be great to have a few more quickies with them!
February 13, 2015
Sure, there are a lot of books about kink relationships as they start - but what about a married couple reigniting their passion for kink after years of obstacles keeping them from their M/s relationship?
This novella was the perfect little story about not only a married couple falling in love all over again, but a Master and his slave sinking back into their comfortable, almost forgotten roles. I loved every moment of it, and the kink was incredibly well written - though I of course expected no less coming from Del Dryden. With the kink is the passion and love so visible between the characters. It was executed wonderfully, especially considering how short of a story this really is.
Totally recommended! I had a huge, goofy grin on my face by the end. So sexy, passionate, and loving.
This novella was the perfect little story about not only a married couple falling in love all over again, but a Master and his slave sinking back into their comfortable, almost forgotten roles. I loved every moment of it, and the kink was incredibly well written - though I of course expected no less coming from Del Dryden. With the kink is the passion and love so visible between the characters. It was executed wonderfully, especially considering how short of a story this really is.
Totally recommended! I had a huge, goofy grin on my face by the end. So sexy, passionate, and loving.
February 28, 2015
I think I highlighted most of the book. This story of a married couple re-claiming their D/s relationship after a life-got-busy-and-real hiatus feels both real and fantastical. Brilliant, sensual writing and characters I can believe in and relate to. Definitely keeping this on my Kindle for re-reads when I want a spankingly-sweet tidbit.
October 6, 2014
Reviewed by Shyla
Book provided by the publisher for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Laura and Rafe have hit that post wedding slump. Where the kids come first, romance takes a back burner, and necessity dulls the sharp blaze of passion. It’s hard to feel sexy with those post pregnancy pounds, the real fear of being discovered, or interrupted, and plain old exhaustion. What used to be hours of kinky play has whittled down to quickies in bed with the lights off. Recognizing the switch and disliking it Rafe sets out to make a change. When he builds a toy box with the help of their eldest son what he has adult play things in mind. For this reason alone I adored Rafe. Sexy, sensitive in everyday life, but a total Dom in the bedroom he takes initiative to change things on personally. The total reverence he has for his wife’s post baby body would make any woman’s toes curl.
I think we can all relate to Laura. Bogged down by family responsibility, stress, and that extra she hasn’t had time to whittle away she’s lost her “Sexy.” Then a weekend with the kids at her mother turns their home into a personal play ground she remembered the rules of the kinky game she and Rafe play very well. I enjoyed seeing her re-awaken and become tuned back into who she is a woman and what she needs.
Stimulating, erotic, sweet, and sincere, Toy Box makes you wonder what your neighbors might be up to behind closed doors. Caution to those who prefer vanilla. The play is not for the faint of heart.
Book provided by the publisher for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Laura and Rafe have hit that post wedding slump. Where the kids come first, romance takes a back burner, and necessity dulls the sharp blaze of passion. It’s hard to feel sexy with those post pregnancy pounds, the real fear of being discovered, or interrupted, and plain old exhaustion. What used to be hours of kinky play has whittled down to quickies in bed with the lights off. Recognizing the switch and disliking it Rafe sets out to make a change. When he builds a toy box with the help of their eldest son what he has adult play things in mind. For this reason alone I adored Rafe. Sexy, sensitive in everyday life, but a total Dom in the bedroom he takes initiative to change things on personally. The total reverence he has for his wife’s post baby body would make any woman’s toes curl.
I think we can all relate to Laura. Bogged down by family responsibility, stress, and that extra she hasn’t had time to whittle away she’s lost her “Sexy.” Then a weekend with the kids at her mother turns their home into a personal play ground she remembered the rules of the kinky game she and Rafe play very well. I enjoyed seeing her re-awaken and become tuned back into who she is a woman and what she needs.
Stimulating, erotic, sweet, and sincere, Toy Box makes you wonder what your neighbors might be up to behind closed doors. Caution to those who prefer vanilla. The play is not for the faint of heart.
October 2, 2015
Delphine Dryden takes into the lives of Lauren and Rafe, a young married couple who once had a Dominant/submissive relationship. It has now gone to the wayside with pregnancy and kids. Their desire has never waned, but the time and effort it took to maintain a D/s relationship just happening.
Rafe decides to remind Lauren of all their deviant behaviors. To get ready he custom crafts a toy box to store all their adult toys. Arranging for the kids to go to the grandparents house, Rafe reminds Lauren she is a strong and desirable woman, His woman.
This isn't a very long book, but it probably mirrors so many D/s relationship that move into having kids, jobs and soccer games. The story reconnected a man and woman to the desires they felt before kids. I throughly enjoyed watching the two learn each other once again. There was one act that had me hopping in pain, but you will have to read that yourself.
Rafe decides to remind Lauren of all their deviant behaviors. To get ready he custom crafts a toy box to store all their adult toys. Arranging for the kids to go to the grandparents house, Rafe reminds Lauren she is a strong and desirable woman, His woman.
This isn't a very long book, but it probably mirrors so many D/s relationship that move into having kids, jobs and soccer games. The story reconnected a man and woman to the desires they felt before kids. I throughly enjoyed watching the two learn each other once again. There was one act that had me hopping in pain, but you will have to read that yourself.
October 3, 2012
Delphine Dryden takes into the lives of Lauren and Rafe, a young married couple who once had a Dominant/submissive relationship. It has now gone to the wayside with pregnancy and kids. Their desire has never waned, but the time and effort it took to maintain a D/s relationship just happening.
Rafe decides to remind Lauren of all their deviant behaviors. To get ready he custom crafts a toy box to store all their adult toys. Arranging for the kids to go to the grandparents house, Rafe reminds Lauren she is a strong and desirable woman, His woman.
This isn’t a very long book, but it probably mirrors so many D/s relationship that move into having kids, jobs and soccer games. The story reconnected a man and woman to the desires they felt before kids. I throughly enjoyed watching the two learn each other once again. There was one act that had me hopping in pain, but you will have to read that yourself.
Rafe decides to remind Lauren of all their deviant behaviors. To get ready he custom crafts a toy box to store all their adult toys. Arranging for the kids to go to the grandparents house, Rafe reminds Lauren she is a strong and desirable woman, His woman.
This isn’t a very long book, but it probably mirrors so many D/s relationship that move into having kids, jobs and soccer games. The story reconnected a man and woman to the desires they felt before kids. I throughly enjoyed watching the two learn each other once again. There was one act that had me hopping in pain, but you will have to read that yourself.
May 12, 2013
I really enjoyed Dryden's recent nerd romance stories, so I thought I'd try some of her backlist.
Rafe and Lauren started their relationship as Dom/sub, but everything turned vanilla when their first child arrived. Now the kids are spending the weekend with the grandparents and Rafe decides it's time to step into his Dom role once more.
Ahhhh. I love a good husband and wife reuniting story and I really liked that there wasn't any real conflict in this short (such as overcoming infidelity). It was all about them connecting with their Dom/sub relationship again. I highly recommend this quick read.
Rafe and Lauren started their relationship as Dom/sub, but everything turned vanilla when their first child arrived. Now the kids are spending the weekend with the grandparents and Rafe decides it's time to step into his Dom role once more.
Ahhhh. I love a good husband and wife reuniting story and I really liked that there wasn't any real conflict in this short (such as overcoming infidelity). It was all about them connecting with their Dom/sub relationship again. I highly recommend this quick read.
May 10, 2015
Quick & dirty....
The Toy Box felt very real to me. A couple with all the real life issues revisiting & rediscovering the part of their love life BK (before kids). It was sweet & it was raw. It was the perfect bite. Would more stories about this couple.
The Toy Box felt very real to me. A couple with all the real life issues revisiting & rediscovering the part of their love life BK (before kids). It was sweet & it was raw. It was the perfect bite. Would more stories about this couple.
September 28, 2016
Loved it. A glimpse into the lives of a couple who are figuring out how to live their suburban-2.5 children life and bring back the Master/slave dynamic. The love they have for each other is so nice to read, wishing that I had the same.
Bought from kobo
Bought from kobo
September 26, 2012
very naughty little quicky!
May 12, 2013
This book really worked for me! A great short story about a happily (but busy!) married couple who reconnects with their BDSM relationship. It was great!
May 20, 2013
Truly enjoyed this short story! I found it very romantic, funny and highly entertaining! Thank you CB for the recommendation!
February 21, 2015
great couple story
Love after two kids does not mean giving up your master and brat personas. This couple gets a new "toy box" and rediscovers their sex life all in one weekend.
Love after two kids does not mean giving up your master and brat personas. This couple gets a new "toy box" and rediscovers their sex life all in one weekend.
Read
April 12, 2015Heartsqueeze.
May 17, 2018
This story is so CUTE what the FUCK
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews