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Obedience
A state of tension where words, spoken from the loneliness of grief become not commands but walls, standing between her desire to be known and the ease of being obeyed.
It was supposed to be just sex.
It was supposed to be just a job.
That was until their clear boundaries began to blur in ways they never imagined.
Renowned medical oncologist, Dr Greta Vincent is a frequent user of the services that Dylan St John offers outside of caring for her dependent mother and her university studies.
For the past 2 years, Greta has been seeing Dylan through one of Manchester’s most exclusive escort agencies, neither of them knowing who the other really is beyond the confines of their carefully choreographed sub-domme dynamic.
When their worlds collide at The Pankhurst Cancer Institute, outside the anonymity of hotel rooms and pseudonyms, there is a tectonic shift. The connection between them is real, undeniable and suddenly dangerous. What was once contained and carefully controlled now threatens a career, formidable reputation and the fragile balance of both their lives.
Their relationship is tangled in secrecy, guilt and seemingly impossible choices but could it still lead to something worth risking everything for?
It was supposed to be just sex.
It was supposed to be just a job.
That was until their clear boundaries began to blur in ways they never imagined.
Renowned medical oncologist, Dr Greta Vincent is a frequent user of the services that Dylan St John offers outside of caring for her dependent mother and her university studies.
For the past 2 years, Greta has been seeing Dylan through one of Manchester’s most exclusive escort agencies, neither of them knowing who the other really is beyond the confines of their carefully choreographed sub-domme dynamic.
When their worlds collide at The Pankhurst Cancer Institute, outside the anonymity of hotel rooms and pseudonyms, there is a tectonic shift. The connection between them is real, undeniable and suddenly dangerous. What was once contained and carefully controlled now threatens a career, formidable reputation and the fragile balance of both their lives.
Their relationship is tangled in secrecy, guilt and seemingly impossible choices but could it still lead to something worth risking everything for?
- GenresLesbianContemporary
440 pages, Paperback
Published September 25, 2026
About the author
Chez Ackland
1 book18 followersEy up! I'm Chez, Mancunian born and bred. After leaving a 23 year nursing career in 2025 I decided that I’d had enough of gatekeeping my writing and it was high time I got my stories down on the page.
When I'm not writing, I run a pet care services business. With a mantra that ‘music is life’, my record collection and playlists are, shall we say, whiplash inducingly eclectic. In my spare time I play guitar, devour queer literature and films, and travel in my camper van with my wife, Jen and our (loudly snoring) French Bulldog, Vinnie - honestly if we are in Anglesey she could be heard in Bognor Regis.
I am a proud lesbian, unapologetically queer and this is at the heart of every story I write because they are the stories I craved growing up.
I believe in being vocal about the things that matter and making space for everyone to be exactly who they are. Growing up in the 80s and 90s under the cruelty of Section 28 and the oppression of religion, have made me fiercely protective of the rights of others. I'm a staunch advocate for the rights of our trans siblings, believing deeply that until we are all free to live openly and proudly as ourselves without the threat of legislation, violence or reprisal, none of us are truly free.
After spending far too much time hiding my writing behind closed doors, I have finally decided that my stories of messy northern women, in the throes of life’s struggles; dealing with careers, love, hardships and issues such as loss and addiction, deserve to be out in the wild.
Follow @chez_ackland_writes on Instagram for upcoming releases
When I'm not writing, I run a pet care services business. With a mantra that ‘music is life’, my record collection and playlists are, shall we say, whiplash inducingly eclectic. In my spare time I play guitar, devour queer literature and films, and travel in my camper van with my wife, Jen and our (loudly snoring) French Bulldog, Vinnie - honestly if we are in Anglesey she could be heard in Bognor Regis.
I am a proud lesbian, unapologetically queer and this is at the heart of every story I write because they are the stories I craved growing up.
I believe in being vocal about the things that matter and making space for everyone to be exactly who they are. Growing up in the 80s and 90s under the cruelty of Section 28 and the oppression of religion, have made me fiercely protective of the rights of others. I'm a staunch advocate for the rights of our trans siblings, believing deeply that until we are all free to live openly and proudly as ourselves without the threat of legislation, violence or reprisal, none of us are truly free.
After spending far too much time hiding my writing behind closed doors, I have finally decided that my stories of messy northern women, in the throes of life’s struggles; dealing with careers, love, hardships and issues such as loss and addiction, deserve to be out in the wild.
Follow @chez_ackland_writes on Instagram for upcoming releases
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Review of advance copy received from Author
Obedience by @chez_ackland_writes
Release 25th date Sept
5 ⭐'s is NOT enough!
WOW WOW WOW my fellow Sapphic Readers!!
We have a new author who’s come bolting out the gates, swinging her rainbow flag and pen! Okay, a 💻 but you get the idea!
Chez Ackland is a name you want to make note of; she sure can put a brilliant story together!
With her debut book, she’s given us a beautiful heart felt story, bags of humour- Which for me is important in a relationship and I find incredibly sexy, two hot MC’s, some seriously touching moments as they both deal with loss and grieving in different forms.
The first chapter gives you the heat level for this book. There's plenty of it, it's full on descriptive and decent chunks without it being too much or feeling like it isn't part of the story.. IT REALLY IS 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Greta Vincent has created a character to hide behind…She likes control, order and keeping an emotional detachment. The Wall is well a truly up after her heart broke into millions of pieces 5 years before.
Dylan St John has enjoyed the pleasure of Margot for the last 2 years, being an escort to help pay for her mother’s medical support.
She may have other clients but there’s always been something about Margot.
After one particular night, at the very start of the book, things start to change for both characters.
Don’t get me wrong, this book isn’t just SEX! It’s a whole other level…
It’s grief, pain, healing, self-preservation, allowing someone to hold you and just love you.
It’s a beautiful age gap story with a fine balance of emotionally breaking the reader lol and making them laugh out loud.
Greta and Dylan have moved onto my Top Fav MCs list, and this book will hold a special place in my heart.
I’m super excited to see what Chez brings to the table next! No pressure lol
Thanks to @ellecobinauthor for making sure I read this one 🤪
Release 25th date Sept
5 ⭐'s is NOT enough!
WOW WOW WOW my fellow Sapphic Readers!!
We have a new author who’s come bolting out the gates, swinging her rainbow flag and pen! Okay, a 💻 but you get the idea!
Chez Ackland is a name you want to make note of; she sure can put a brilliant story together!
With her debut book, she’s given us a beautiful heart felt story, bags of humour- Which for me is important in a relationship and I find incredibly sexy, two hot MC’s, some seriously touching moments as they both deal with loss and grieving in different forms.
The first chapter gives you the heat level for this book. There's plenty of it, it's full on descriptive and decent chunks without it being too much or feeling like it isn't part of the story.. IT REALLY IS 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Greta Vincent has created a character to hide behind…She likes control, order and keeping an emotional detachment. The Wall is well a truly up after her heart broke into millions of pieces 5 years before.
Dylan St John has enjoyed the pleasure of Margot for the last 2 years, being an escort to help pay for her mother’s medical support.
She may have other clients but there’s always been something about Margot.
After one particular night, at the very start of the book, things start to change for both characters.
Don’t get me wrong, this book isn’t just SEX! It’s a whole other level…
It’s grief, pain, healing, self-preservation, allowing someone to hold you and just love you.
It’s a beautiful age gap story with a fine balance of emotionally breaking the reader lol and making them laugh out loud.
Greta and Dylan have moved onto my Top Fav MCs list, and this book will hold a special place in my heart.
I’m super excited to see what Chez brings to the table next! No pressure lol
Thanks to @ellecobinauthor for making sure I read this one 🤪
Review of advance copy received from Author
2.75 ⭐
I went into this book with pretty high hopes. That blurb was just too good to pass up, and it's Chez's debut, an author I've had the pleasure of talking to, so I was really rooting for this book to work for me. Unfortunately, the execution didn't fully come together the way I hoped it would. That said, I don't doubt that Chez has an incredible amount of potential. Her writing is already so melodic and tender, and that's definitely something I'll be keeping an eye on going forward!
Obedience follows Greta, a medical oncologist and professor at the University of Manchester who has essentially withdrawn from the world after losing her wife, throwing herself entirely into her work. Then there's Dylan, who's almost her complete opposite. She's a master's student at the same university while caring for her sick mother. The two have spent the past two years knowing each other through an exclusive escort arrangement and secret identities, but things get complicated when they finally meet as mentor and mentee at university and discover that whatever exists between them might be more than either of them expected. Now they have to figure out whether their growing feelings can survive all the complications surrounding them.
For me, the main hurdle was how repetitive the tension became, particularly during the first half. The story seemed to fall into the same cycle over and over again: get close, panic, pull away, have sex, reset, repeat. And after a while, I started feeling like we were going in circles rather than actually getting somewhere. It made the plot seem much simpler than I expected because so much of the early story revolves around this same pattern without introducing enough progression to keep it feeling fresh.
The romance itself also gave me some pretty strong insta-love vibes. Yes, these two technically knew each other for two years beforehand, but we're never really shown what that connection looked like during that period. There aren't flashbacks or much context to establish the emotional foundation between them, so when they suddenly become so intimate at the beginning, I struggled to understand where that intensity was coming from. I know this is partly personal preference because insta-love has never really worked for me, but I do think having more insight into those two years could've made their attraction feel more convincing.
Something else that didn't quite work for me was how heavily the book relied on physical intimacy to develop their bond. So much of their connection is explored through kink negotiation and sex that I sometimes felt like I was missing the quieter process of actually watching two people learn about one another. Even once they start opening up about their real lives and their very rigid D/s dynamic becomes more balanced, there was a lingering emotional disconnect between them that I just couldn't ignore. Greta, in particular, seemed to hold a piece of herself back.
I really wanted to understand her because the Ice Queen archetype can be SO compelling when you get to explore what's underneath all those defenses. We know that guilt and grief are major reasons behind her behavior, and I appreciated the glimpses we got of her mourning process, but I wanted so much more. Her inner world felt comparatively sparse, especially next to Dylan, who came across as a much more fully realized person. Greta's emotional armor rarely seemed to come off, so even when we were given explanations for why she became so closed off, I never felt like I truly got to know the woman underneath it.
I did appreciate the way Chez approached grief, though. There was something deeply heartbreaking about the idea that grief isn't something you simply overcome, but something you gradually learn to carry with you. I think that perspective was meant to connect both Greta's loss of her wife and Dylan's loss of her mother, and while that message didn't completely land emotionally for me, I could definitely appreciate what the author was trying to convey.
The supporting cast likewise suffered from a similar problem. Priya, Margaret, and Greta's parents are there, but we barely get enough time with any of them before the narrative shifts back to the main couple. I don't need every side character to have an elaborate subplot, but I do want them to feel like actual people rather than placeholders. I think a little more development here could've added some lovely found-family energy, so that definitely felt like a missed opportunity.
The power imbalance subplot was another element I really wish had been explored more. Honestly, I think I would've been much more invested if the story had focused on the ethical complications of the mentor, student, and client overlap. That would've created a much stronger sense of danger for me because it would have been an ongoing complication rather than something that mostly resurfaces toward the end. It honestly felt like random last-minute drama, and the way it wrapped up so easily just left me wanting more.
Despite all of that, I don't think this book is without its strengths. Obedience has a clear thematic heart: learning to release your grip on people, memories, guilt, and anything else keeping you from living authentically. I can totally see readers connecting strongly with the introspective approach to grief, and if you're someone who prioritizes high spice and intense physical chemistry, there's plenty here for you. The intimate scenes are definitely one of the book's strongest elements.
Ultimately, I just didn't connect with the story as deeply as I wanted to. Still, I don't regret giving Chez's debut a chance, and I'm genuinely curious about what's coming next. Her prose already has such a beautiful, lyrical quality to it, and if this is where she is starting, I'm really excited to see how her writing develops from here.
A huge thanks to Chez for the eARC! I really appreciate the opportunity to read this early!
I went into this book with pretty high hopes. That blurb was just too good to pass up, and it's Chez's debut, an author I've had the pleasure of talking to, so I was really rooting for this book to work for me. Unfortunately, the execution didn't fully come together the way I hoped it would. That said, I don't doubt that Chez has an incredible amount of potential. Her writing is already so melodic and tender, and that's definitely something I'll be keeping an eye on going forward!
Obedience follows Greta, a medical oncologist and professor at the University of Manchester who has essentially withdrawn from the world after losing her wife, throwing herself entirely into her work. Then there's Dylan, who's almost her complete opposite. She's a master's student at the same university while caring for her sick mother. The two have spent the past two years knowing each other through an exclusive escort arrangement and secret identities, but things get complicated when they finally meet as mentor and mentee at university and discover that whatever exists between them might be more than either of them expected. Now they have to figure out whether their growing feelings can survive all the complications surrounding them.
For me, the main hurdle was how repetitive the tension became, particularly during the first half. The story seemed to fall into the same cycle over and over again: get close, panic, pull away, have sex, reset, repeat. And after a while, I started feeling like we were going in circles rather than actually getting somewhere. It made the plot seem much simpler than I expected because so much of the early story revolves around this same pattern without introducing enough progression to keep it feeling fresh.
The romance itself also gave me some pretty strong insta-love vibes. Yes, these two technically knew each other for two years beforehand, but we're never really shown what that connection looked like during that period. There aren't flashbacks or much context to establish the emotional foundation between them, so when they suddenly become so intimate at the beginning, I struggled to understand where that intensity was coming from. I know this is partly personal preference because insta-love has never really worked for me, but I do think having more insight into those two years could've made their attraction feel more convincing.
Something else that didn't quite work for me was how heavily the book relied on physical intimacy to develop their bond. So much of their connection is explored through kink negotiation and sex that I sometimes felt like I was missing the quieter process of actually watching two people learn about one another. Even once they start opening up about their real lives and their very rigid D/s dynamic becomes more balanced, there was a lingering emotional disconnect between them that I just couldn't ignore. Greta, in particular, seemed to hold a piece of herself back.
I really wanted to understand her because the Ice Queen archetype can be SO compelling when you get to explore what's underneath all those defenses. We know that guilt and grief are major reasons behind her behavior, and I appreciated the glimpses we got of her mourning process, but I wanted so much more. Her inner world felt comparatively sparse, especially next to Dylan, who came across as a much more fully realized person. Greta's emotional armor rarely seemed to come off, so even when we were given explanations for why she became so closed off, I never felt like I truly got to know the woman underneath it.
I did appreciate the way Chez approached grief, though. There was something deeply heartbreaking about the idea that grief isn't something you simply overcome, but something you gradually learn to carry with you. I think that perspective was meant to connect both Greta's loss of her wife and Dylan's loss of her mother, and while that message didn't completely land emotionally for me, I could definitely appreciate what the author was trying to convey.
The supporting cast likewise suffered from a similar problem. Priya, Margaret, and Greta's parents are there, but we barely get enough time with any of them before the narrative shifts back to the main couple. I don't need every side character to have an elaborate subplot, but I do want them to feel like actual people rather than placeholders. I think a little more development here could've added some lovely found-family energy, so that definitely felt like a missed opportunity.
The power imbalance subplot was another element I really wish had been explored more. Honestly, I think I would've been much more invested if the story had focused on the ethical complications of the mentor, student, and client overlap. That would've created a much stronger sense of danger for me because it would have been an ongoing complication rather than something that mostly resurfaces toward the end. It honestly felt like random last-minute drama, and the way it wrapped up so easily just left me wanting more.
Despite all of that, I don't think this book is without its strengths. Obedience has a clear thematic heart: learning to release your grip on people, memories, guilt, and anything else keeping you from living authentically. I can totally see readers connecting strongly with the introspective approach to grief, and if you're someone who prioritizes high spice and intense physical chemistry, there's plenty here for you. The intimate scenes are definitely one of the book's strongest elements.
Ultimately, I just didn't connect with the story as deeply as I wanted to. Still, I don't regret giving Chez's debut a chance, and I'm genuinely curious about what's coming next. Her prose already has such a beautiful, lyrical quality to it, and if this is where she is starting, I'm really excited to see how her writing develops from here.
A huge thanks to Chez for the eARC! I really appreciate the opportunity to read this early!
Review of advance copy received from Author
An Absolute Masterpiece That Had Me Hooked From the Very First Page!
What a book! If I had to sum this book up in one word, it would be “masterpiece.” Chez has written a phenomenal book, and I implore you to not walk, but RUN, to get yourself a copy! This book was an unexpected goldmine, and I genuinely could not put it down.
The storyline was easy to follow, exceptionally well written, and packed with humour that had me laughing out loud. Alongside the humour was some of the most palpable sexual tension I’ve experienced in a book. You could practically feel the passion emanating from the pages. From the very first page, I was HOOKED!
Dylan, Dylan, Dylan! I have honestly fallen for her. She is sweet, cheeky, sexy, and absolutely hilarious. Then we have Greta… oh, Greta! Sexy, intelligent, beautiful, and one hell of a woman. Put these two together and the sparks fly off the page. So. Gods. Damn. HOT. What I loved most is how perfectly they complement each other. Dylan is exactly what Greta needs, and Greta is exactly what Dylan needs. They bring out the best in each other, making their relationship even more captivating.
Their relationship development was captivating and undeniable. Their attraction was palpable, their chemistry breathtaking, and their passion sensational. Seriously, the steamy tension between these two will blow you away!
Chez, if book two is even a fraction as good as this one, I’m sold already! My gods! Thank you for the opportunity to read this MASTERPIECE. You are exceptionally talented, and it’s an honour to have read your book.
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
🎭 Tropes/ Content:
Student × Teacher, Escort × Client, Emotionally Guarded, Emotionally Stretched, Anonymous Encounters, Real-Life Collision, Age-Gap, Religious Trauma, set in Manchester UK, Forbidden Love, Morally Messy, Emotionally Earned, Ice Queen, Golden Retriever, Love After Loss
What a book! If I had to sum this book up in one word, it would be “masterpiece.” Chez has written a phenomenal book, and I implore you to not walk, but RUN, to get yourself a copy! This book was an unexpected goldmine, and I genuinely could not put it down.
The storyline was easy to follow, exceptionally well written, and packed with humour that had me laughing out loud. Alongside the humour was some of the most palpable sexual tension I’ve experienced in a book. You could practically feel the passion emanating from the pages. From the very first page, I was HOOKED!
Dylan, Dylan, Dylan! I have honestly fallen for her. She is sweet, cheeky, sexy, and absolutely hilarious. Then we have Greta… oh, Greta! Sexy, intelligent, beautiful, and one hell of a woman. Put these two together and the sparks fly off the page. So. Gods. Damn. HOT. What I loved most is how perfectly they complement each other. Dylan is exactly what Greta needs, and Greta is exactly what Dylan needs. They bring out the best in each other, making their relationship even more captivating.
Their relationship development was captivating and undeniable. Their attraction was palpable, their chemistry breathtaking, and their passion sensational. Seriously, the steamy tension between these two will blow you away!
Chez, if book two is even a fraction as good as this one, I’m sold already! My gods! Thank you for the opportunity to read this MASTERPIECE. You are exceptionally talented, and it’s an honour to have read your book.
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
🎭 Tropes/ Content:
Student × Teacher, Escort × Client, Emotionally Guarded, Emotionally Stretched, Anonymous Encounters, Real-Life Collision, Age-Gap, Religious Trauma, set in Manchester UK, Forbidden Love, Morally Messy, Emotionally Earned, Ice Queen, Golden Retriever, Love After Loss
September 27, 2026
This book. THIS BOOK. I can’t believe this is a debut novel. As Mancunian I adored the setting and the dialect - ‘is she fit?’ 😂 so nice to see a sapphic novel set in my city.
Greta - Jesus. Excuse the hyperbole but if I cried once I cried a hundred times. Broken, bleeding and hiding behind walls of steel.
Dylan- this woman could melt a squad of ice queens. Absolutely HILARIOUS one liners and her empathy and affection was jumping off the page and into my throat.
The author has address very real, very hard hitting issues with such grace it’s astounding. She captured two women, broken for very different reasons, navigating life but desperate for more - even if they don’t know it (I’m looking at you Dr Vincent)
Together the chemistry is electrifying and some of the best I’ve ever read. They bounce off one another and the dialogue is outstanding.
This book is seriously not to be missed. If you like your love stories with a seriously healthy amount of off the scale spice (though not gratuitous and integral to the story) then Obedience is for you.
An incredible, INCREDIBLY good book! Well done Chez Ackland. I’m eager for book two! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Greta - Jesus. Excuse the hyperbole but if I cried once I cried a hundred times. Broken, bleeding and hiding behind walls of steel.
Dylan- this woman could melt a squad of ice queens. Absolutely HILARIOUS one liners and her empathy and affection was jumping off the page and into my throat.
The author has address very real, very hard hitting issues with such grace it’s astounding. She captured two women, broken for very different reasons, navigating life but desperate for more - even if they don’t know it (I’m looking at you Dr Vincent)
Together the chemistry is electrifying and some of the best I’ve ever read. They bounce off one another and the dialogue is outstanding.
This book is seriously not to be missed. If you like your love stories with a seriously healthy amount of off the scale spice (though not gratuitous and integral to the story) then Obedience is for you.
An incredible, INCREDIBLY good book! Well done Chez Ackland. I’m eager for book two! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 26, 2026
The Art of Making the Broken Beautiful Again
Obedience was so much more than I expected it to be. What I expected to be a steamy professor/student romance turned into a surprisingly emotional story about grief, healing, and learning to let someone in. It’s full of humor and heart, balancing some incredibly heavy moments with enough wit and levity to keep the story from ever feeling too overwhelming.
Dylan was an absolute delight—spunky, cheeky, tenacious, and genuinely hilarious, using perfectly timed humor to deflect whenever her emotions get too heavy. Underneath all the humor is a woman running herself completely ragged, but despite everything she’s juggling, she uses her jokes as armor and refuses to let life’s setbacks steal her optimism. Meanwhile, Greta is intelligent, confident, sexy, accomplished, and desperately committed to keeping everyone—including herself—at arm’s length. After losing her wife so suddenly, she has built an entire life around control and emotional detachment, terrified that allowing herself to love again would betray the woman she lost and lead to another heartbreak. Watching them both learn that they could carry their pain without letting it consume them, while still making room for something new, was incredibly moving.
The chemistry between Dylan and Greta is immediate and absolutely undeniable, and this book dives headfirst into the steam. Their attraction is palpable from the first page, but what makes their intimacy so authentic was how naturally it evolved from raw, feral lust into something incredibly tender. These two fit together so seamlessly, and I loved that their relationship was never confined to the bedroom. As their trust grows, so does their ability to open up to each other, creating a space where they can be completely honest without ever feeling completely exposed. Dylan becomes Greta’s safe space and the one who can cut through the noise when Greta starts spiraling. The way she continually meets Greta in those moments of emotional panic is just as intimate as anything physical between them. Their relationship evolves into something breathtakingly passionate and achingly soft, often within the same scene.
The academic and professional complications of a professor/student romance add an entirely different layer of tension as Dylan and Greta struggle between what they feel for each other and the lives they had already built before meeting. Both women are carrying complicated families, demanding careers, and losses that have fundamentally changed them, which gives them an authentic understanding of each other that goes far beyond attraction. Greta taking the time to connect with Dylan’s mother was incredibly heartwarming, while Dylan bonding with Greta’s dad over media and terrible dad jokes was equally sweet. Their relationship doesn’t magically erase the grief or struggles surrounding them; instead, they learn that healing means facing the past without letting it define the future, and trusting each other enough to support one another and giving themselves permission to grow through it.
Beneath all the heat, humor, and undeniable chemistry is a story about learning that broken hearts don’t have to stay broken forever. Grief will always leave its mark, but so can love—and sometimes the right person doesn’t take away the weight you’re carrying; they simply become the someone you can finally carry it with. Dylan and Greta’s journey was messy, painful, hilarious, tender, and deeply hopeful, and by the end, I felt like I had watched two people painstakingly put pieces of themselves back together. A beautiful reminder that sometimes the greatest act of healing is allowing yourself to be loved again.
Favorite Quotes:
“She had come to accept that nothing stops when your heart is broken. The tsunami of grief simply drags you along as you go about life.”
“This new level of intimacy, an intimacy she never thought would happen, had stolen her words as well as her breath, and was moving toward her heart.”
“You’re all I think about. All the f*cking time. You are consuming me completely.”
“How can you rip open the truth, make me bleed from it and walk away?”
“This woman was fast becoming her safe space and the only person who could bring any sort of clarity to the noise of her own thoughts and emotions.”
“I know now that I can’t function with a broken heart. It’s not sustainable. So I have to try and keep it held together by the glue of good and new things. I have to let things, silly things...and the not so silly things, like you, hold it together. Otherwise, it’s too sharp and painful to carry in my chest.”
“She needed all of the woman responsible for gathering the pieces of her broken heart and painstakingly gluing it back together… It was a heart made beautiful again; glowing pink and beating rhythmically beneath shining streaks of gold.”
“LYMSIL; Love you more, said it last.”
“[Grief] was no less cumbersome or heavy. The all-consuming weight of their grief never got easier as people said it would. It became a shapeshifter; an insidious entity fitting into the spaces of their lives, filling every crevice. They lived with the constant push and pull between the people gone and the life that was still happening.”
“Neither of them ever looked away. Under the crushing force of their combined grief, the golden glue keeping their hearts whole, beating and strong never faltered.”
Obedience was so much more than I expected it to be. What I expected to be a steamy professor/student romance turned into a surprisingly emotional story about grief, healing, and learning to let someone in. It’s full of humor and heart, balancing some incredibly heavy moments with enough wit and levity to keep the story from ever feeling too overwhelming.
Dylan was an absolute delight—spunky, cheeky, tenacious, and genuinely hilarious, using perfectly timed humor to deflect whenever her emotions get too heavy. Underneath all the humor is a woman running herself completely ragged, but despite everything she’s juggling, she uses her jokes as armor and refuses to let life’s setbacks steal her optimism. Meanwhile, Greta is intelligent, confident, sexy, accomplished, and desperately committed to keeping everyone—including herself—at arm’s length. After losing her wife so suddenly, she has built an entire life around control and emotional detachment, terrified that allowing herself to love again would betray the woman she lost and lead to another heartbreak. Watching them both learn that they could carry their pain without letting it consume them, while still making room for something new, was incredibly moving.
The chemistry between Dylan and Greta is immediate and absolutely undeniable, and this book dives headfirst into the steam. Their attraction is palpable from the first page, but what makes their intimacy so authentic was how naturally it evolved from raw, feral lust into something incredibly tender. These two fit together so seamlessly, and I loved that their relationship was never confined to the bedroom. As their trust grows, so does their ability to open up to each other, creating a space where they can be completely honest without ever feeling completely exposed. Dylan becomes Greta’s safe space and the one who can cut through the noise when Greta starts spiraling. The way she continually meets Greta in those moments of emotional panic is just as intimate as anything physical between them. Their relationship evolves into something breathtakingly passionate and achingly soft, often within the same scene.
The academic and professional complications of a professor/student romance add an entirely different layer of tension as Dylan and Greta struggle between what they feel for each other and the lives they had already built before meeting. Both women are carrying complicated families, demanding careers, and losses that have fundamentally changed them, which gives them an authentic understanding of each other that goes far beyond attraction. Greta taking the time to connect with Dylan’s mother was incredibly heartwarming, while Dylan bonding with Greta’s dad over media and terrible dad jokes was equally sweet. Their relationship doesn’t magically erase the grief or struggles surrounding them; instead, they learn that healing means facing the past without letting it define the future, and trusting each other enough to support one another and giving themselves permission to grow through it.
Beneath all the heat, humor, and undeniable chemistry is a story about learning that broken hearts don’t have to stay broken forever. Grief will always leave its mark, but so can love—and sometimes the right person doesn’t take away the weight you’re carrying; they simply become the someone you can finally carry it with. Dylan and Greta’s journey was messy, painful, hilarious, tender, and deeply hopeful, and by the end, I felt like I had watched two people painstakingly put pieces of themselves back together. A beautiful reminder that sometimes the greatest act of healing is allowing yourself to be loved again.
Favorite Quotes:
“She had come to accept that nothing stops when your heart is broken. The tsunami of grief simply drags you along as you go about life.”
“This new level of intimacy, an intimacy she never thought would happen, had stolen her words as well as her breath, and was moving toward her heart.”
“You’re all I think about. All the f*cking time. You are consuming me completely.”
“How can you rip open the truth, make me bleed from it and walk away?”
“This woman was fast becoming her safe space and the only person who could bring any sort of clarity to the noise of her own thoughts and emotions.”
“I know now that I can’t function with a broken heart. It’s not sustainable. So I have to try and keep it held together by the glue of good and new things. I have to let things, silly things...and the not so silly things, like you, hold it together. Otherwise, it’s too sharp and painful to carry in my chest.”
“She needed all of the woman responsible for gathering the pieces of her broken heart and painstakingly gluing it back together… It was a heart made beautiful again; glowing pink and beating rhythmically beneath shining streaks of gold.”
“LYMSIL; Love you more, said it last.”
“[Grief] was no less cumbersome or heavy. The all-consuming weight of their grief never got easier as people said it would. It became a shapeshifter; an insidious entity fitting into the spaces of their lives, filling every crevice. They lived with the constant push and pull between the people gone and the life that was still happening.”
“Neither of them ever looked away. Under the crushing force of their combined grief, the golden glue keeping their hearts whole, beating and strong never faltered.”
October 5, 2026
Greta and Dylan are both dealing with their own share of baggage, and between them there’s a 21-year age gap. From the start, there’s a strong sexual attraction, but Greta is determined to keep Dylan at arm’s length. Unfortunately for her, the pull keeps winning over the push — and quite a few of those pull moments end in intimacy.
The book opens with sex, and the first part focuses heavily on that. At this point, Greta only knows Dylan as an escort. But then feelings start getting involved, and everything becomes a long, drawn-out push-and-pull of attraction, denial, emotional turmoil, and taking one step forward only to take two steps back.
Around the halfway point, there’s another shift. Greta and Dylan finally start letting their emotions in and actually get to know each other. The sexual chemistry remains convincing, but unfortunately, this is also where the story started to lose me. From there, it began to meander rather than really go anywhere.
There was a lot of crying, comforting, backtracking, and emotional angst. I believed the sexual attraction between Greta and Dylan, but I struggled to understand what else they were so drawn to in each other. For quite a while, Dylan honestly felt more like a rebound for Greta than someone she had genuinely fallen for.
And there is a lot of explicit sex. Which normally isn't something I'm going to complain about, but when the actual story starts feeling increasingly repetitive, it becomes harder to stay invested. I found myself struggling to keep my attention on the book, and the further I got, the more bored I became.
Then there were the little things that started getting on my nerves. By the end, I was genuinely irritated by the constant app messages ending in Gx or Dx. Who signs every single text they send to their girlfriend?
Then there was the repeated use of the word fuck. And I mean repeated. By the end, I had developed a personal grudge against that word. The same goes for the endless descriptions of how beautiful they found each other — preferably with their eyes glistening with tears. Bruh. After a while, the sheer repetition turned what was probably meant to be romantic into something seriously cheesy.
The frustrating thing is that this book actually started at a solid 5 stars for me. But the longer it went on, the more things started to annoy me and the less I enjoyed reading it. By the end, I was honestly relieved to be finished.
And it didn't exactly end with a bang. It felt more like a candle quietly going out because it had simply burned itself down to nothing. There was an epilogue, but by that point I barely bothered reading it.
So, after starting at 5⭐️ and gradually working my way down to 2⭐️, I'm landing on 3⭐️ overall.
The book opens with sex, and the first part focuses heavily on that. At this point, Greta only knows Dylan as an escort. But then feelings start getting involved, and everything becomes a long, drawn-out push-and-pull of attraction, denial, emotional turmoil, and taking one step forward only to take two steps back.
Around the halfway point, there’s another shift. Greta and Dylan finally start letting their emotions in and actually get to know each other. The sexual chemistry remains convincing, but unfortunately, this is also where the story started to lose me. From there, it began to meander rather than really go anywhere.
There was a lot of crying, comforting, backtracking, and emotional angst. I believed the sexual attraction between Greta and Dylan, but I struggled to understand what else they were so drawn to in each other. For quite a while, Dylan honestly felt more like a rebound for Greta than someone she had genuinely fallen for.
And there is a lot of explicit sex. Which normally isn't something I'm going to complain about, but when the actual story starts feeling increasingly repetitive, it becomes harder to stay invested. I found myself struggling to keep my attention on the book, and the further I got, the more bored I became.
Then there were the little things that started getting on my nerves. By the end, I was genuinely irritated by the constant app messages ending in Gx or Dx. Who signs every single text they send to their girlfriend?
Then there was the repeated use of the word fuck. And I mean repeated. By the end, I had developed a personal grudge against that word. The same goes for the endless descriptions of how beautiful they found each other — preferably with their eyes glistening with tears. Bruh. After a while, the sheer repetition turned what was probably meant to be romantic into something seriously cheesy.
The frustrating thing is that this book actually started at a solid 5 stars for me. But the longer it went on, the more things started to annoy me and the less I enjoyed reading it. By the end, I was honestly relieved to be finished.
And it didn't exactly end with a bang. It felt more like a candle quietly going out because it had simply burned itself down to nothing. There was an epilogue, but by that point I barely bothered reading it.
So, after starting at 5⭐️ and gradually working my way down to 2⭐️, I'm landing on 3⭐️ overall.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC of Obedience. I have to say it was outstanding! Sexy, funny, relatable - just ‘average’ Mancunian women trying to get through life with their worlds in tatters. Finding each other and allowing themselves to fall in love is the only thing that can rebuild them both. Very spicy but so beautifully done. If you don’t fall in love with Greta and Dylan I’d be very VERY shocked!
September 27, 2026
So tender and brave, 4.5⭐️. Excited to see what this author does next!
October 9, 2026
I thought I knew what this book was about before diving in, but holy hell, I was so surprised (in the best way!) and quickly realised the deeper I got into it, that Obedience was SO much more and I was in for an emotional rollercoaster.
Yes, it’s sexy AF from Chapter One, and it’s a wild ride with all the sexcapades, but what I was not quite expecting was the guttural, emotional depth of these women and the inner lives they lead, separately and together.
The whiplash I got from experiencing the utterly sizzling spice to then seeing such deep rooted and excruciating emotional hurt, it was masterfully done.
Obedience had me feeling
Everything!
Fear, guilt, longing, yearning, responsibility and so much care.
Dr Greta Vincent is a power house of a woman, I still haven’t decided if I want to be with her or be her yet.
Every time her façade cracked and she released some of the hurt she’d buried, I felt it in my ribs. Her pain was so clear. When she eventually allows herself to be loved, it was so fucking satisfying I had to read it twice.
Dylan also has a heart of gold, and deserves all the love! When my girl falls, she falls hard, and she’s persistent enough to go for what she wants, and I love that.
I loved their banter and the tender moments as much as their flirting! Between dad-jokes and observational humour, I was chuckling all the way through.
Chez Ackland has a knockout debut on her hands, and I can’t wait to see what comes next for her!
I also loved all the British-isms that I don’t see often! Reading so many US based sapphic books, it was refreshing and so fun to see very British/ Northern England specific quips and references.
So in short. This book will get you hot under the collar, giggling, and might just hurt your heart a little.
Yes, it’s sexy AF from Chapter One, and it’s a wild ride with all the sexcapades, but what I was not quite expecting was the guttural, emotional depth of these women and the inner lives they lead, separately and together.
The whiplash I got from experiencing the utterly sizzling spice to then seeing such deep rooted and excruciating emotional hurt, it was masterfully done.
Obedience had me feeling
Everything!
Fear, guilt, longing, yearning, responsibility and so much care.
Dr Greta Vincent is a power house of a woman, I still haven’t decided if I want to be with her or be her yet.
Every time her façade cracked and she released some of the hurt she’d buried, I felt it in my ribs. Her pain was so clear. When she eventually allows herself to be loved, it was so fucking satisfying I had to read it twice.
Dylan also has a heart of gold, and deserves all the love! When my girl falls, she falls hard, and she’s persistent enough to go for what she wants, and I love that.
I loved their banter and the tender moments as much as their flirting! Between dad-jokes and observational humour, I was chuckling all the way through.
Chez Ackland has a knockout debut on her hands, and I can’t wait to see what comes next for her!
I also loved all the British-isms that I don’t see often! Reading so many US based sapphic books, it was refreshing and so fun to see very British/ Northern England specific quips and references.
So in short. This book will get you hot under the collar, giggling, and might just hurt your heart a little.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review.
Disclaimer: reviewer is a middle-aged, mostly-heterosexual cis-male.
This is a barnstorming debut, with a consistent and authentic voice. As per my disclaimer, I cannot lay claim to any expertise in the field of sapphic erotica, so I will respectfully set any related commentary aside as being frankly none of my business - except to say that if that is what floats your boat, you'll be well served here.
Stepping away from the steamier scenes, there's a lot of book left, and enough to keep my attention. These characters are real, and authentically voiced - they have a (beautifully realised) place, they take up space, they are flawed and frustrating, compelling and lovable. What's particularly nice is that this doesn't just apply to the central couple: even the lesser characters or those who appear in vignettes are real and recognisable to me, artfully crafted through lean but well-observed detail.
The pacing is spot-on, the arcs deliver and most importantly for me, the narrative style is competent and assured. I am not someone who can stick with a badly-written good story. I received an ARC copy and whilst there are a couple of tiny editorial adjustments to be made, the prose is charming. The tone is warm and assured throughout and the author's whimsical humour shines through in all the right places. This is never truer than in the banter between characters, which got me laughing out loud - a rarity in itself.
There's a real heart to the love story, and tender vulnerable scenes that speak to me of episodes in my own life, however different the superficial circumstances. This is the sort of human heartwork that AI will never capture so if you're worried about bot-sprouted self-pub dreck then be assured - this isn't *that*.
Having admitted that I am ill-acquainted with the oeuvre, nevertheless I would venture that this will be a significant new voice in the choir of Queer Women's writing. It's a shame that more straight men won't read it, but this won't be for lack of my own recommendation.
Never have I so wanted to be a rich, glamorous, middle-aged lesbian.
And that's saying something.
A startlingly deft debut from an author who clearly knows her craft and - if this really is her first published novel- will definitely be one to watch. I'm in for volume II.
Disclaimer: reviewer is a middle-aged, mostly-heterosexual cis-male.
This is a barnstorming debut, with a consistent and authentic voice. As per my disclaimer, I cannot lay claim to any expertise in the field of sapphic erotica, so I will respectfully set any related commentary aside as being frankly none of my business - except to say that if that is what floats your boat, you'll be well served here.
Stepping away from the steamier scenes, there's a lot of book left, and enough to keep my attention. These characters are real, and authentically voiced - they have a (beautifully realised) place, they take up space, they are flawed and frustrating, compelling and lovable. What's particularly nice is that this doesn't just apply to the central couple: even the lesser characters or those who appear in vignettes are real and recognisable to me, artfully crafted through lean but well-observed detail.
The pacing is spot-on, the arcs deliver and most importantly for me, the narrative style is competent and assured. I am not someone who can stick with a badly-written good story. I received an ARC copy and whilst there are a couple of tiny editorial adjustments to be made, the prose is charming. The tone is warm and assured throughout and the author's whimsical humour shines through in all the right places. This is never truer than in the banter between characters, which got me laughing out loud - a rarity in itself.
There's a real heart to the love story, and tender vulnerable scenes that speak to me of episodes in my own life, however different the superficial circumstances. This is the sort of human heartwork that AI will never capture so if you're worried about bot-sprouted self-pub dreck then be assured - this isn't *that*.
Having admitted that I am ill-acquainted with the oeuvre, nevertheless I would venture that this will be a significant new voice in the choir of Queer Women's writing. It's a shame that more straight men won't read it, but this won't be for lack of my own recommendation.
Never have I so wanted to be a rich, glamorous, middle-aged lesbian.
And that's saying something.
A startlingly deft debut from an author who clearly knows her craft and - if this really is her first published novel- will definitely be one to watch. I'm in for volume II.
October 11, 2026
Right. Well. FUCKING HELL!
Fuck me this was FANTASTIC!! I don't quite know how I'm going to move on with my life after finishing this masterpiece. This piece of art has caused me to audibly laugh, gasp and nearly at one point squeal in public over these two women. I mean how does one casually say the sentence "How can you rip open the truth, make me bleed from it and just walk away?" And then expect me to move on with my day like it didn't just get flipped upside down! And on top of that, the added in references to Carol, the portrait of the lady on fire and bloom town made me all bleaming giddy!!
I honestly feel like I've been mugged by this book in a way fa! please just bare with me for one moment, I'm currently in a position where I'm Fighting back tears pool side (dead serious unstable and have a soft soul. You will be left have come with their own bleaming warning label, "do not read if you are, emotionally
shell shocked."
Now don't get me wrong, this is most definitely one of the spiciest if not THE spiciest book I've read, but there is so much more to it. The grief, loss, pain and love that comes through is breathtaking. The raw emotions poured into this book is enough to steal the air from my lungs. To give words and a voice to feelings that are so hard to even comprehend is a superpower that Chez has mastered!!
I can not recommend this book enough, it is everything you could possibly want and so much more!!
Fuck me this was FANTASTIC!! I don't quite know how I'm going to move on with my life after finishing this masterpiece. This piece of art has caused me to audibly laugh, gasp and nearly at one point squeal in public over these two women. I mean how does one casually say the sentence "How can you rip open the truth, make me bleed from it and just walk away?" And then expect me to move on with my day like it didn't just get flipped upside down! And on top of that, the added in references to Carol, the portrait of the lady on fire and bloom town made me all bleaming giddy!!
I honestly feel like I've been mugged by this book in a way fa! please just bare with me for one moment, I'm currently in a position where I'm Fighting back tears pool side (dead serious unstable and have a soft soul. You will be left have come with their own bleaming warning label, "do not read if you are, emotionally
shell shocked."
Now don't get me wrong, this is most definitely one of the spiciest if not THE spiciest book I've read, but there is so much more to it. The grief, loss, pain and love that comes through is breathtaking. The raw emotions poured into this book is enough to steal the air from my lungs. To give words and a voice to feelings that are so hard to even comprehend is a superpower that Chez has mastered!!
I can not recommend this book enough, it is everything you could possibly want and so much more!!
October 10, 2026
I can’t get my head around this being a debut. I’ve been seeing this book on instagram for a while - I wasn’t convince but my god. Chez Ackland has nailed it and nailed it GOOD.
The themes of loss and love and just trying to get through life and not be dragged under are just so beautifully done.
There’s a tremendous amount of sex but it is so beautifully done and immersive (thanks Chez ❤️🔥)
Greta is broken and Dylan wants to mend her - it is just glorious and I cannot recommend enough.
The humour is brilliant and unapologetically northern. I laughed out loud many many times.
Having a sapphic romance story set in the queer capital of the UK (Manchester) was a delight! I just absolutely LOVED this book. I read it on Kindle and have bought the paperback - ‘a trophy copy’ as Eddie would say!
Side side characters are divine. Please read this book.
To say I am excited for book two in The Pankhurst Series is an understatement.
An excellent debut Chez! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The themes of loss and love and just trying to get through life and not be dragged under are just so beautifully done.
There’s a tremendous amount of sex but it is so beautifully done and immersive (thanks Chez ❤️🔥)
Greta is broken and Dylan wants to mend her - it is just glorious and I cannot recommend enough.
The humour is brilliant and unapologetically northern. I laughed out loud many many times.
Having a sapphic romance story set in the queer capital of the UK (Manchester) was a delight! I just absolutely LOVED this book. I read it on Kindle and have bought the paperback - ‘a trophy copy’ as Eddie would say!
Side side characters are divine. Please read this book.
To say I am excited for book two in The Pankhurst Series is an understatement.
An excellent debut Chez! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 5, 2026
This book was 🥵🥵🥵 and I can’t stop talking about it.
Dylan and Greta meet through Dylan’s escort job with different names. When they meet each other in real life, it’s a shock to both. Dylan just wants a chance with the doctor, but Greta runs away as fast as she can.
There’s incredible chemistry between the 2 FMCs and their relationship grows slowly but naturally given the circumstances. Dylan dealing with taking care of her mom and Greta dealing with her grief.
I loved how they naturally learned about each other every time they met up. The will-they-won’t-they of it all was so painful, yet beautiful.
Definitely in my top 5 for books released in 2026.
Dylan and Greta meet through Dylan’s escort job with different names. When they meet each other in real life, it’s a shock to both. Dylan just wants a chance with the doctor, but Greta runs away as fast as she can.
There’s incredible chemistry between the 2 FMCs and their relationship grows slowly but naturally given the circumstances. Dylan dealing with taking care of her mom and Greta dealing with her grief.
I loved how they naturally learned about each other every time they met up. The will-they-won’t-they of it all was so painful, yet beautiful.
Definitely in my top 5 for books released in 2026.
September 25, 2026
This was such a masterpiece! Extra spicy sapphic encounters that will have you clutching your invisible sapphic perals. The storyline had me engaged from the very first line to the last ya'll know I love me a good epilogue. I had some moments where I was talking to the MCs in the book especially Greta as if they could talk back to me or even hear me. The author had me in my house looking crazy as if my wife could hear what I was reading and it's an ebook. I enjoyed the mention of another author book and narrator that we all absolutely love. Greta and Dylan were so ment to be it was crazy to watch their lives unfold separately into two pieces of weathering sheets of paper then skillfully folded back but this time together with crisp creases and aligned Dr St John-Vincent headings (IYKYK) Thanks so much to the author and I look forward to your next one. This is one of my top 10 books of 2026 and I definitely will be re-reading and recommending to everyone. 10s across the board!
October 4, 2026
I don’t really have words for this book. Yes that’s correct, it’s left me speechless. The character depth, the story arc, the emotion, the flow, THE SPICE. Holy moly 🌶️ It is off the Scoville scale but absolutely beautiful at the same time. You root for Greta and Dylan from the very first page (well, for M&R IYKYK). Their struggles are palpable, real and raw. It’s an absolute SENSATIONAL debut and I am so invested in this author it’s a little bit ridiculous. Anyone got a book hangover remedy?!
Read. It. NOW.
Read. It. NOW.
October 4, 2026
I ate this book up!!!!
I have so many things to say, but I don’t want to ruin anything for anyone.
Just do YOURSELF A FAVOUR - BUY IT, DEVOUR IT, RECOMMEND IT & LET IT LIVE RENT FREE IN YOUR HEAD.
I was lucky enough to get ahold of an ARC, then life got in the way and made it so hard to find time.
Was I tempted to pull a sicky at work?! YES.
I have a lot of love for this book and A LOT of time for this wonderful author.
I have so many things to say, but I don’t want to ruin anything for anyone.
Just do YOURSELF A FAVOUR - BUY IT, DEVOUR IT, RECOMMEND IT & LET IT LIVE RENT FREE IN YOUR HEAD.
I was lucky enough to get ahold of an ARC, then life got in the way and made it so hard to find time.
Was I tempted to pull a sicky at work?! YES.
I have a lot of love for this book and A LOT of time for this wonderful author.
October 17, 2026
A fantastic read that is fundamentally human, featuring flawed characters acting in ways you would expect of human beings carrying what these characters are.
It’s also hot AF.
It’s a hell of a debut with strong, evocative prose that properly conveys every ounce of angst, grief and passion that characterises the relationship between the two MCs.
A must read.
It’s also hot AF.
It’s a hell of a debut with strong, evocative prose that properly conveys every ounce of angst, grief and passion that characterises the relationship between the two MCs.
A must read.
October 1, 2026
A book you won’t want to put down and you’ll be glad you didn’t!
The relationship between Greta and Dylan is one that you will be rooting for but also one that will take you on a wild rollercoaster of emotions. The Manchester setting gives this book a beautiful feel especially if you’re from the rainy city yourself, lots of recognisable locations!
You’ve got sex, steam, thrill, heartbreak, grief, anticipation, desire, connection, risk, humour, tension…everything you need to keep you hooked.
Wish I could read it for the first time again.
The relationship between Greta and Dylan is one that you will be rooting for but also one that will take you on a wild rollercoaster of emotions. The Manchester setting gives this book a beautiful feel especially if you’re from the rainy city yourself, lots of recognisable locations!
You’ve got sex, steam, thrill, heartbreak, grief, anticipation, desire, connection, risk, humour, tension…everything you need to keep you hooked.
Wish I could read it for the first time again.
October 4, 2026
fluffy heck
Wow, what a fecking book. Written so beautifully and so British in its humour. I never give five stars, take a lot to knock my sicks off… but wow girl you can bloody write. Can’t wait for your next book x
Wow, what a fecking book. Written so beautifully and so British in its humour. I never give five stars, take a lot to knock my sicks off… but wow girl you can bloody write. Can’t wait for your next book x
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book. WOWSERS. I received an advanced reader copy and oh MY, I absolutely LOVED it!! From the opening line it is truly unputdownable (after almost dropping it - it was so hot!!!) In amongst the blistering heat that radiates from the pages there is a beautiful story of allowing space for love and self forgiveness. It’s full of deep feeling as well as humour, which is an incredible balance to have struck by the author. The characters are so well constructed, you feel as if you may actually know them. Their stories gradually emerge as flecks of gold delicately woven amongst an already rich tapestry of raw emotion and energy. I am in awe and I want more ❤️💙💜💚🖤🧡🩵🩶🩷
Review of advance copy received from Author
Be warned, I’m writing this immediately after finishing Obedience, in those precious few minutes between a full heart and a full-blown book hangover.
I fell in love with this story almost immediately.
We’re introduced to two insanely compelling MCs - a super-hot femme doctor playing Domme to her sexy, tattooed submissive escort. And did I enjoy that? Yes. Thoroughly. Enthusiastically. To the point where I may have read Chapter 2 three times before allowing myself to move on. For research purposes, obviously.
But Obedience is so much more than that.
These characters have real depth. They have complicated, messy lives outside of the bedroom - difficult families, demanding careers and losses that have left their mark on both of them. There’s an authenticity to this story that completely hooked me, because underneath all the chemistry and delicious tension are two women who feel incredibly, beautifully human.
Watching Greta slowly untangle her emotions and finally give herself permission to heal from her loss was one of the most gut-wrenching, tender and hopeful journeys. It’s messy. It’s hard. And it’s beautiful.
And then there’s Dylan, casually wandering through all that emotional devastation dropping some of the most charming and hilarious one-liners imaginable. The levity she brings to such an emotional story was perfect, and frankly, I’m a little bit in love with her.
Actually, scrap that. I’m a little bit in love with both of them.
And we are absolutely not skipping over the spice. It might be vanilla spice, but THE SPICE IS SPICING, and my little lesbian heart would personally like to extend its gratitude.
By the time I reached the epilogue, I was genuinely gutted that I’d run out of book. I wanted more Greta. More Dylan. More of them. And then I read those final pages and suddenly my heart was full, my lingering questions were answered, and I was sitting there feeling ridiculously emotional about two fictional women. Rude, really.
And Chez Ackland… what an incredible debut. Obedience is tender, sexy, funny and beautifully emotional, with characters who feel real enough that I already miss them.
You should be incredibly proud of this story.
I, for one, cannot wait to see what you write next. 🖤
I fell in love with this story almost immediately.
We’re introduced to two insanely compelling MCs - a super-hot femme doctor playing Domme to her sexy, tattooed submissive escort. And did I enjoy that? Yes. Thoroughly. Enthusiastically. To the point where I may have read Chapter 2 three times before allowing myself to move on. For research purposes, obviously.
But Obedience is so much more than that.
These characters have real depth. They have complicated, messy lives outside of the bedroom - difficult families, demanding careers and losses that have left their mark on both of them. There’s an authenticity to this story that completely hooked me, because underneath all the chemistry and delicious tension are two women who feel incredibly, beautifully human.
Watching Greta slowly untangle her emotions and finally give herself permission to heal from her loss was one of the most gut-wrenching, tender and hopeful journeys. It’s messy. It’s hard. And it’s beautiful.
And then there’s Dylan, casually wandering through all that emotional devastation dropping some of the most charming and hilarious one-liners imaginable. The levity she brings to such an emotional story was perfect, and frankly, I’m a little bit in love with her.
Actually, scrap that. I’m a little bit in love with both of them.
And we are absolutely not skipping over the spice. It might be vanilla spice, but THE SPICE IS SPICING, and my little lesbian heart would personally like to extend its gratitude.
By the time I reached the epilogue, I was genuinely gutted that I’d run out of book. I wanted more Greta. More Dylan. More of them. And then I read those final pages and suddenly my heart was full, my lingering questions were answered, and I was sitting there feeling ridiculously emotional about two fictional women. Rude, really.
And Chez Ackland… what an incredible debut. Obedience is tender, sexy, funny and beautifully emotional, with characters who feel real enough that I already miss them.
You should be incredibly proud of this story.
I, for one, cannot wait to see what you write next. 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a phenomenal way to debut in the sapphic book community! Obedience is definitely one of those books that you wish you could read for the first time all over again.
I remember seeing Chez’s first few posts on Instagram about Obedience in April and I was intrigued. Not to mention, it’s an age gap so it was going to be an automatic read for me. I am beyond grateful for having the opportunity to get an arc for it. I would have suffered waiting for it.
I absolutely adore Dylan. A genuinely sweet and charming character. A true golden retriever with heart eyes and a lot of patience. I kept going back and forth with Greta, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to throttle her or have her step on me. Most likely both. But as the story progresses you start to learn and peel back the layers of the uptight icy Doctor Greta Vincent. The contrast between Dylan’s personality and Greta’s just makes the chemistry even more palatable. The dynamic between the two start to shift immensely from their first interaction, which let me tell you it was a hot start.
Chez crafted these wonderful characters that have incredible depth and dimension. It’s another reason why you end up rooting for them and hoping the whiplash ends. But she addresses grief and addiction in a beautifully honest way that doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortableness. I truly adore her writing style. There’s so much heart and humor. I was legit kicking my feet and laughing.
Plus, the spice in this book is literally off the charts 🥵
One thing that I automatically loved was that the chapters had titles. I know it’s such a small thing. But there’s something special about having a title that ties into what you’re about to read.
Anyway, I’m just rambling at this point. Obedience is a phenomenal book and should be on everyone’s radar. It seems that the few of us who have read it already all feel the same way. A grand slam of a debut. 10/10, no notes, vibes were vibing.
Go preorder or read Obedience when it releases. And congrats Chez!
I remember seeing Chez’s first few posts on Instagram about Obedience in April and I was intrigued. Not to mention, it’s an age gap so it was going to be an automatic read for me. I am beyond grateful for having the opportunity to get an arc for it. I would have suffered waiting for it.
I absolutely adore Dylan. A genuinely sweet and charming character. A true golden retriever with heart eyes and a lot of patience. I kept going back and forth with Greta, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to throttle her or have her step on me. Most likely both. But as the story progresses you start to learn and peel back the layers of the uptight icy Doctor Greta Vincent. The contrast between Dylan’s personality and Greta’s just makes the chemistry even more palatable. The dynamic between the two start to shift immensely from their first interaction, which let me tell you it was a hot start.
Chez crafted these wonderful characters that have incredible depth and dimension. It’s another reason why you end up rooting for them and hoping the whiplash ends. But she addresses grief and addiction in a beautifully honest way that doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortableness. I truly adore her writing style. There’s so much heart and humor. I was legit kicking my feet and laughing.
Plus, the spice in this book is literally off the charts 🥵
One thing that I automatically loved was that the chapters had titles. I know it’s such a small thing. But there’s something special about having a title that ties into what you’re about to read.
Anyway, I’m just rambling at this point. Obedience is a phenomenal book and should be on everyone’s radar. It seems that the few of us who have read it already all feel the same way. A grand slam of a debut. 10/10, no notes, vibes were vibing.
Go preorder or read Obedience when it releases. And congrats Chez!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Someone ;) told me, she hoped I’d enjoy my encounter with Dylan and Greta—and boy, did I ever.
That chemistry sucked me right into the pages of this book—into their story—and wouldn't let go.
Stories like this are rare; while i read a lot of sapphic romance, few stories manage to keep me completely captivated from the very first sentence to the last.
This was fantastic, Chez Ackland!
Thank you so much for the chance to read it before the official release.
It’s largely thanks to the incredibly intimate and intense erotic encounters, which create a desperate craving between the two of them.
They are addicted to each other, yet so much stands in the way of something truly great.
Half the time, I wanted to give Greta a tight hug; the other half, I wanted to shake some sense into her.
Not because I didn't understand why she was so distant—pain, loss, and fear had a firm grip on her—but because poor Dylan suffers so much, and she is just so sweet!
She has lost and suffered very much herself, yet she still gives so much of her big, kind heart.
She is warm, and she yearns for her—she yearns for Greta!
The back-and-forth is a bit nerve-wracking, and i suffered along with both of them—since neither life is easy and both are filled with conflicting emotions—but it is well worth it.
I also love the way Dylan speaks.
I laughed more than once and had to look a few things up because I wasn't familiar with those colloquialisms and expressions, but I loved it!
So, it was also fun to read for more than just one reason…and so HOT!!🔥
Thanks again so much for the ARC to Chez Ackland!
That chemistry sucked me right into the pages of this book—into their story—and wouldn't let go.
Stories like this are rare; while i read a lot of sapphic romance, few stories manage to keep me completely captivated from the very first sentence to the last.
This was fantastic, Chez Ackland!
Thank you so much for the chance to read it before the official release.
It’s largely thanks to the incredibly intimate and intense erotic encounters, which create a desperate craving between the two of them.
They are addicted to each other, yet so much stands in the way of something truly great.
Half the time, I wanted to give Greta a tight hug; the other half, I wanted to shake some sense into her.
Not because I didn't understand why she was so distant—pain, loss, and fear had a firm grip on her—but because poor Dylan suffers so much, and she is just so sweet!
She has lost and suffered very much herself, yet she still gives so much of her big, kind heart.
She is warm, and she yearns for her—she yearns for Greta!
The back-and-forth is a bit nerve-wracking, and i suffered along with both of them—since neither life is easy and both are filled with conflicting emotions—but it is well worth it.
I also love the way Dylan speaks.
I laughed more than once and had to look a few things up because I wasn't familiar with those colloquialisms and expressions, but I loved it!
So, it was also fun to read for more than just one reason…and so HOT!!🔥
Thanks again so much for the ARC to Chez Ackland!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow. What else is there to say? Obedience is an amazing debut novel by a debut author and holy shit, it was so good I finished all 426 pages in one day! This book has everything you want - there’s spice, tenderness, two hot lesbians, strapped sex, grief, hurt, loss, awesome family, humor, and so much love!!!! From the very first line in the book, you are drawn in and the two main characters are engaging and fun from the get-go. I can’t decide if I like Dylan or Greta more… they both bring so much depth to the book. I love that these characters feel so real; their emotions and doubts and passion is so palpable. It’s no easy feat to write a book that is as well balanced as Obedience is, but Chez Ackland did it! There is a lot of spicy sex but it never feels gratuitous; it’s tempered by such a tender and beautiful romance. Both characters carry pain and grief but there is healing also.
As a nurse, I appreciated the detail the author went into for the caring and hospital scenes. Caregiver fatigue is real and I think the author does a wonderful job addressing that in the book.
This is a wonderful sapphic romance that is so satisfying in both its delivery and details. Definitely one of the best books I’ve read this year, and I hope the author keeps them coming! Fantastic debut novel.
As a nurse, I appreciated the detail the author went into for the caring and hospital scenes. Caregiver fatigue is real and I think the author does a wonderful job addressing that in the book.
This is a wonderful sapphic romance that is so satisfying in both its delivery and details. Definitely one of the best books I’ve read this year, and I hope the author keeps them coming! Fantastic debut novel.
Review of advance copy received from Author
While the title gives the impression that this is a book about one character bending to the will of another, oh how cleverly misleading that is (the opening few chapters are a great way to insinuate this).
However, what it actually relates to is the obedience we have with ourselves: self control, self preservation, and with it, self sabotage and denial.
Greta Vincent controls every facet of her life as best she can after her world was thrown into chaos five years earlier. Yet upon meeting Dylan St John, Greta is forced to ask herself just what exactly is she controlling everything for?
Yes, Dylan is younger than her in age, but that doesn’t mean that she’s young and naïve. Yes, Greta had always historically been drawn to femme lesbians similar to herself, and Dylan is the antithesis of her in every way.
But! Yin and Yang exist for a reason. Balance is important for a reason! And Chez understands that, and created an honest and raw view of grief from the inside, from both characters in very different ways.
The character development is beautiful, the growth in 420 pages is amazing, and you’ll all be wondering where this book has been your whole life once you finish it.
When this book releases: don’t walk, RUN to immerse yourself in their hearts, and come out feeling rung out and ready to restart it all over again!
However, what it actually relates to is the obedience we have with ourselves: self control, self preservation, and with it, self sabotage and denial.
Greta Vincent controls every facet of her life as best she can after her world was thrown into chaos five years earlier. Yet upon meeting Dylan St John, Greta is forced to ask herself just what exactly is she controlling everything for?
Yes, Dylan is younger than her in age, but that doesn’t mean that she’s young and naïve. Yes, Greta had always historically been drawn to femme lesbians similar to herself, and Dylan is the antithesis of her in every way.
But! Yin and Yang exist for a reason. Balance is important for a reason! And Chez understands that, and created an honest and raw view of grief from the inside, from both characters in very different ways.
The character development is beautiful, the growth in 420 pages is amazing, and you’ll all be wondering where this book has been your whole life once you finish it.
When this book releases: don’t walk, RUN to immerse yourself in their hearts, and come out feeling rung out and ready to restart it all over again!
October 10, 2026
A lot of thoughts after finishing this book. There were points where I would've rated it a strong 2.5, and points where this was a 5-star read for me. In the end, I decided to go with 3.75.
It was overall a very enjoyable read. The spice was definitely there, the characters were INSANELY loveable, and the story made me feel wonderful.
Where I reducted some start was the too-quick familiarity in the beginning, and the the few chapters in the middle that were only sex scenes. Don't get me wrong I LOVE some good spice, but need just a little more story in there with it. And while I understand that they've been having sex for 2 years at that point, they didn't know a single thing about each other. So to me, the beginning could've been a little more thought out. The way it was handled made Dyl seem incredibly pushy, and G seem like an 18 year old who can't decide what they want and doesn't respect others.
BUT they did work it all out and though I felt ehh in the beginning, I was somehow still enjoying it and glued to the book.
It was overall a very enjoyable read. The spice was definitely there, the characters were INSANELY loveable, and the story made me feel wonderful.
Where I reducted some start was the too-quick familiarity in the beginning, and the the few chapters in the middle that were only sex scenes. Don't get me wrong I LOVE some good spice, but need just a little more story in there with it. And while I understand that they've been having sex for 2 years at that point, they didn't know a single thing about each other. So to me, the beginning could've been a little more thought out. The way it was handled made Dyl seem incredibly pushy, and G seem like an 18 year old who can't decide what they want and doesn't respect others.
BUT they did work it all out and though I felt ehh in the beginning, I was somehow still enjoying it and glued to the book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC copy of Obedience and I’m so pleased I did! What a debut. Straight out of the gates and over the finish line.
The character depth and development is so so lovely.
Greta is broken down and tired. As is Dylan St John. The themes of loss and grieving for the living is handled so well. And watching their love bloom is gorgeous. The cultural references are en point and show Dylan’s intelligence (she is much more than just an escort)
The humour and spice is absolutely brilliant! We start with a bang - which is a risky business having built no emotion or story but I suspect that was Chez’s intention. IYKYK.
It’s set in Manchester (my home city) so it was nice to see them in the places I know! Pre orders are now being taken and this is not one to miss! A brilliant debut. Chez is one to watch! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The character depth and development is so so lovely.
Greta is broken down and tired. As is Dylan St John. The themes of loss and grieving for the living is handled so well. And watching their love bloom is gorgeous. The cultural references are en point and show Dylan’s intelligence (she is much more than just an escort)
The humour and spice is absolutely brilliant! We start with a bang - which is a risky business having built no emotion or story but I suspect that was Chez’s intention. IYKYK.
It’s set in Manchester (my home city) so it was nice to see them in the places I know! Pre orders are now being taken and this is not one to miss! A brilliant debut. Chez is one to watch! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 16, 2026
Firstly, fuck you for making me cry. In the epilogue of all places, too.
Secondly—incredible, honestly. I can't say I've ever seen a couple get less kinky over time, but it worked for them.
I did feel, to a certain extent, left out of some of the jokes—which is absolutely fine! Honestly I'm glad to see something that isn't so US-centric, and I really enjoyed their banter.
Very, very dialogue heavy, but in a good way. I love when the lesbians communicate with each other.
I'm so proud of Greta for conquering her fears, and of Dylan for achieving her goals. I will be eagerly awaiting the next installment!
Secondly—incredible, honestly. I can't say I've ever seen a couple get less kinky over time, but it worked for them.
I did feel, to a certain extent, left out of some of the jokes—which is absolutely fine! Honestly I'm glad to see something that isn't so US-centric, and I really enjoyed their banter.
Very, very dialogue heavy, but in a good way. I love when the lesbians communicate with each other.
I'm so proud of Greta for conquering her fears, and of Dylan for achieving her goals. I will be eagerly awaiting the next installment!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Holy shit, Chez can WRITE! 🤯 I honestly can’t believe this is a debut novel.
I’ve cried over Greta’s grief, practically yelled at the book for her to take a chance and let Dylan in, and sobbed over Dylan’s life and the weight of being someone’s primary caregiver.
Life is unfair in this book – just like it is in real life – but it is also beautiful and full of love.
Without a doubt, this is the best book I’ve read in 2026 – and I’ve read more than 100 books this year!
I’ve cried over Greta’s grief, practically yelled at the book for her to take a chance and let Dylan in, and sobbed over Dylan’s life and the weight of being someone’s primary caregiver.
Life is unfair in this book – just like it is in real life – but it is also beautiful and full of love.
Without a doubt, this is the best book I’ve read in 2026 – and I’ve read more than 100 books this year!
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