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Protege
The author of the provocative Surrender Trilogy presents a new novel of one woman’s introduction to a world of sinfully sweet submission…
For too long, French teacher Collette Banks has locked her deepest desires away in the darkest corners of her mind. But now, she’s taking matters into her own hands by applying to a secret and exclusive society devoted to matching people with their ideal partner—or partners…
Founder Jude Duval has set up strict rules for admitting people into his world. But when he interviews Collette, he finds himself breaking protocol. Her innocence disarms him. Her willingness to explore her own sensuality delights him. And her spirit challenges him—enough to take her on as his own protégé .
What starts out as Collette’s erotic awakening will draw them both in deeper than either of them could have ever imagined…
For too long, French teacher Collette Banks has locked her deepest desires away in the darkest corners of her mind. But now, she’s taking matters into her own hands by applying to a secret and exclusive society devoted to matching people with their ideal partner—or partners…
Founder Jude Duval has set up strict rules for admitting people into his world. But when he interviews Collette, he finds himself breaking protocol. Her innocence disarms him. Her willingness to explore her own sensuality delights him. And her spirit challenges him—enough to take her on as his own protégé .
What starts out as Collette’s erotic awakening will draw them both in deeper than either of them could have ever imagined…
231 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 16, 2016
12 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
About the author
Lydia Michaels
182 books1,821 followersLydia Michaels is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than forty novels. She writes heart-clenching, unpredictable romance with dark elements and high heat. Her work is character-driven and bursting with broken heroes and badass females. With a sweet spot for overbearing, territorial types, her deeply emotional books are spicy, emotionally satisfying, and guaranteed to leave readers with many book hangovers.
Lydia is the consecutive winner of the 2018 & 2019 Author of the Year Award from Happenings Media and the recipient of the 2014 Best Author Award from the Courier Times. She has been featured by USA Today, Romantic Times Magazine, the Women in Publishing Summit, and more.
Michaels has been a recognized presence in the author community since starting her career in 2007. She is the CEO of LMC Consulting and a certified author coach specializing in characterization and plot development. She takes great joy in hosting author events celebrating diversity within the book industry. She has bridged connections among many authors since founding renowned events such as the East Coast Author Convention and the Annual Behind the Keys Author Retreat. However, the gem of her work is, by far, her extensive backlist (see LydiaMichaelsBooks.com).
She is happily married to her childhood sweetheart. Her favorite things include cooking Italian cuisine, hosting extravagant dinner parties, sipping martinis, listening to her husband play piano, and escaping to her coastal home on the Jersey Shore. She’s an LGBTQ ally, a BLM supporter, and a firm believer that the patriarchy must burn (women’s rights are human rights).
You can follow Lydia on Instagram, TikTok, & Facebook!
Instagram: @lydia_michaels_books
Facebook: @LydiaMichaels
TikTok: @LydiaMichaels
Lydia is the consecutive winner of the 2018 & 2019 Author of the Year Award from Happenings Media and the recipient of the 2014 Best Author Award from the Courier Times. She has been featured by USA Today, Romantic Times Magazine, the Women in Publishing Summit, and more.
Michaels has been a recognized presence in the author community since starting her career in 2007. She is the CEO of LMC Consulting and a certified author coach specializing in characterization and plot development. She takes great joy in hosting author events celebrating diversity within the book industry. She has bridged connections among many authors since founding renowned events such as the East Coast Author Convention and the Annual Behind the Keys Author Retreat. However, the gem of her work is, by far, her extensive backlist (see LydiaMichaelsBooks.com).
She is happily married to her childhood sweetheart. Her favorite things include cooking Italian cuisine, hosting extravagant dinner parties, sipping martinis, listening to her husband play piano, and escaping to her coastal home on the Jersey Shore. She’s an LGBTQ ally, a BLM supporter, and a firm believer that the patriarchy must burn (women’s rights are human rights).
You can follow Lydia on Instagram, TikTok, & Facebook!
Instagram: @lydia_michaels_books
Facebook: @LydiaMichaels
TikTok: @LydiaMichaels
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 27, 2020
5 Succulent Peach Stars ⭐
Thirty year old Collette Banks is adrift. Tired of being isolated and alone, she is looking into an alternative way of finding love. Stumbling across Fernweh, she may be found.
"I came here because I wanted to find a husband, or at least something I could depend on. Nowhere in my research did I read about agreeing to be a random man’s whore."
"Not his whore," he hissed, frustrated with society’s shortsighted, prudent appraisal of such things. "My protégé."
Fernweh is a private community that caters to a clientele with fetishes and kinks. Not to be mistaken for a sex club, new memberships are only permitted by referrals. The fact that Collette has discovered their existence via the internet is a problem in itself.
Josh Duval is one of the founders of Fernweh. When he grants an interview to Collette, it's more out of security then a serious consideration.
Initially he doesn't believe that Collette is the right fit, but he's intrigued. So much so, that he seeks a loophole to grant her temporary access. This would require him sponsoring her for a short duration. Putting her through the lessons required for a submissive. For if she is successful, Fernweh would then put her forward in finding her a suitable marriage.
A 30 day arrangement to test her limits. Where Collette believes she is ready, she quickly learns it's not easy to relinquish control. In fact it requires a reset on the mindset in order to truly submit. And Jude will realise that 30 days will never be enough.
"I’ve forgotten how nice it is to have a woman take care of my needs. It’s been a while. Do you enjoy taking care of me, peach?"
"Yes, Sir." Her hair tumbled over her shoulders as her body rocked with each deliberate stab of his thick cock. His grip closed around her hips, drawing her into his thrusts.
"That’s a good girl."
Protege was seriously kinky, sexy and appealing. It was like a well written 1950s porn featuring the little lady and the master of the manor. But with orgasmic rewards. Although their dynamic was one of traditionalism, the sexual shenanigans were off the charts hot. Seriously, spare panties required. 🔥🔥
Thirty year old Collette Banks is adrift. Tired of being isolated and alone, she is looking into an alternative way of finding love. Stumbling across Fernweh, she may be found.
"I came here because I wanted to find a husband, or at least something I could depend on. Nowhere in my research did I read about agreeing to be a random man’s whore."
"Not his whore," he hissed, frustrated with society’s shortsighted, prudent appraisal of such things. "My protégé."
Fernweh is a private community that caters to a clientele with fetishes and kinks. Not to be mistaken for a sex club, new memberships are only permitted by referrals. The fact that Collette has discovered their existence via the internet is a problem in itself.
Josh Duval is one of the founders of Fernweh. When he grants an interview to Collette, it's more out of security then a serious consideration.
Initially he doesn't believe that Collette is the right fit, but he's intrigued. So much so, that he seeks a loophole to grant her temporary access. This would require him sponsoring her for a short duration. Putting her through the lessons required for a submissive. For if she is successful, Fernweh would then put her forward in finding her a suitable marriage.
A 30 day arrangement to test her limits. Where Collette believes she is ready, she quickly learns it's not easy to relinquish control. In fact it requires a reset on the mindset in order to truly submit. And Jude will realise that 30 days will never be enough.
"I’ve forgotten how nice it is to have a woman take care of my needs. It’s been a while. Do you enjoy taking care of me, peach?"
"Yes, Sir." Her hair tumbled over her shoulders as her body rocked with each deliberate stab of his thick cock. His grip closed around her hips, drawing her into his thrusts.
"That’s a good girl."
Protege was seriously kinky, sexy and appealing. It was like a well written 1950s porn featuring the little lady and the master of the manor. But with orgasmic rewards. Although their dynamic was one of traditionalism, the sexual shenanigans were off the charts hot. Seriously, spare panties required. 🔥🔥
September 29, 2020
Collette’s quest for a home was truly touching. Not only did I tear up a bit but I found myself enthralled with her journey. While Ms.Banks was looking for something permanent. Her counterpart Jude suffered from scars in his past.
Together we see them dipping into an agreement that gives them 30 days of teaching of a D/s relationship that left me gasping for me.
Together we see them dipping into an agreement that gives them 30 days of teaching of a D/s relationship that left me gasping for me.
August 19, 2016
This is not your usual BDSM erotica. Many novels concentrate on bondage and submission but Protege takes a more psychological tact with an emphasis on discipline.
Collette found a random link to Fernweh, a company that matches kinky people to their lifetime mates. With an algorithm and much magical hand waving they tell if two people are matched to such accuracy that some couples opt for arranged marriages. It's presented as, "many people using our service like that, and our algorithm is that good," but I had a hard time swallowing it. The track record is impressive though, with 500 couples matched and married with only two divorces.
Of course Jude is once of the divorcees. He's also one of the founders of the company and meets with Collette to discuss her application. Sparks fly and he decides to be her mentor during the trial period, helping discover her likes and dislikes, hard limits and "more please"s.
Right around here I started doubting Colette. "She'd read a lot of [BDSM] literature, mostly on the Internet," but lots of stuff still shocks her. For example, she never realized spanking was a possibility and turns bratty when Jude says she needs one (for being bratty, natch). And on her application she only has a couple hard limits, not because she's interested in everything but because she has little idea what's possible. This was a big red flag for me.
A lot of psychological issues are covered in the interview process, so much so that it takes up the first 20% of the book. I'm always on alert for the BDSM as therapy trope but thankfully that's not here. Jude tries to figure out what makes Colette tick and what potential triggers and pitfalls may create hangups going forward, which strikes me as through and smart. The whole book has more thinking than doing, so if you're not interested in the mental angle you may want to pass.
Anywho, Jude sets her up with an IUD (huzzah birth control being talked about reasonably!) and they drive to his off-the-map chateau. There he promises to introduce her to every item on the checklist so she can see what she likes... but they don't do very much. I was expecting that list to run the gamut but only a few limit pushing scenes are presented.
I'm not sure I like the way BDSM as a whole is portrayed. Several times Jude warns that romance novels are unrealistic, which... yeah, that can happen. And some of the talk is wonderful, like when he emphasizes that "no behavior or fantasy is judged, so long as it's consensual and no one's being placed in immediate danger... we want to unveil the fulfilling truth of our sexuality in an environment that's accepting of diversity". Right on. He gives Collette lectures about BDSM. He founded a BDSM matchmaking company. He must know a lot about it.
But he has no idea why Collette would be into discipline. He calls another Dom for advice. "It doesn't feel healthy, Ezra. I've delivered enough floggings in my life to know when someone's reaching a subspace. There isn't the same pivotal switch with this."
Because it's something completely different! Not every one likes getting spanked for the arousing bits. Some like being disciplined because it helps them process and move past something they feel they did wrong. How doesn't he know about this?
And despite the diversity talk Jude and Colette both look down on another Dom whose tastes run counter to theirs. Grah.
In general the characters feel more like a collection of sexual proclivities than people. This person is a Dom, she a sub, she's a bi switch, he likes things rough. Early on we learn that Colette likes to sew and makes her own lingerie but the idea is never revisited. In fact, as things progress she loses more and more of her personality, wanting nothing other than to serve her Dom. She hints that she may return to the world of work at some point but I don't see it.
A threesome sequence also bothered me. Some of my quibbles turned out to be due to the hero's hangups and emotional baggage, but the whole scene felt off. It took me a while to realize why - we never see the threesome from Colette's point of view. We're in Jude's mind the entire time as he watches and goes crazy with possessive Dom-ly-ness. So later, when she says she liked it, it comes as a shock not only to him but to us, too.
While the novel is iffy on BDSM as a whole it does explore the idea of "gentle" domination and service well, both sexual and domestic. Jude wants Colette to kneel because she feels he's earned the privilege of her service. She enjoys cooking and anticipating his needs because it satisfies her desire to be a caretaker. It's not something I'm into personally but I understand why it works here, which is my benchmark of decently written kink.
Quibbles aside I found Protege to be an interesting exploration of the psychological aspects of one kind of BDSM. If you like living in characters' heads, welcome home. If you like more plot and there there try Tiffany Reisz's The Siren instead.
Thanks to Intermix and NetGalley for providing a review copy.
Collette found a random link to Fernweh, a company that matches kinky people to their lifetime mates. With an algorithm and much magical hand waving they tell if two people are matched to such accuracy that some couples opt for arranged marriages. It's presented as, "many people using our service like that, and our algorithm is that good," but I had a hard time swallowing it. The track record is impressive though, with 500 couples matched and married with only two divorces.
Of course Jude is once of the divorcees. He's also one of the founders of the company and meets with Collette to discuss her application. Sparks fly and he decides to be her mentor during the trial period, helping discover her likes and dislikes, hard limits and "more please"s.
Right around here I started doubting Colette. "She'd read a lot of [BDSM] literature, mostly on the Internet," but lots of stuff still shocks her. For example, she never realized spanking was a possibility and turns bratty when Jude says she needs one (for being bratty, natch). And on her application she only has a couple hard limits, not because she's interested in everything but because she has little idea what's possible. This was a big red flag for me.
A lot of psychological issues are covered in the interview process, so much so that it takes up the first 20% of the book. I'm always on alert for the BDSM as therapy trope but thankfully that's not here. Jude tries to figure out what makes Colette tick and what potential triggers and pitfalls may create hangups going forward, which strikes me as through and smart. The whole book has more thinking than doing, so if you're not interested in the mental angle you may want to pass.
Anywho, Jude sets her up with an IUD (huzzah birth control being talked about reasonably!) and they drive to his off-the-map chateau. There he promises to introduce her to every item on the checklist so she can see what she likes... but they don't do very much. I was expecting that list to run the gamut but only a few limit pushing scenes are presented.
I'm not sure I like the way BDSM as a whole is portrayed. Several times Jude warns that romance novels are unrealistic, which... yeah, that can happen. And some of the talk is wonderful, like when he emphasizes that "no behavior or fantasy is judged, so long as it's consensual and no one's being placed in immediate danger... we want to unveil the fulfilling truth of our sexuality in an environment that's accepting of diversity". Right on. He gives Collette lectures about BDSM. He founded a BDSM matchmaking company. He must know a lot about it.
But he has no idea why Collette would be into discipline. He calls another Dom for advice. "It doesn't feel healthy, Ezra. I've delivered enough floggings in my life to know when someone's reaching a subspace. There isn't the same pivotal switch with this."
Because it's something completely different! Not every one likes getting spanked for the arousing bits. Some like being disciplined because it helps them process and move past something they feel they did wrong. How doesn't he know about this?
And despite the diversity talk Jude and Colette both look down on another Dom whose tastes run counter to theirs. Grah.
In general the characters feel more like a collection of sexual proclivities than people. This person is a Dom, she a sub, she's a bi switch, he likes things rough. Early on we learn that Colette likes to sew and makes her own lingerie but the idea is never revisited. In fact, as things progress she loses more and more of her personality, wanting nothing other than to serve her Dom. She hints that she may return to the world of work at some point but I don't see it.
A threesome sequence also bothered me. Some of my quibbles turned out to be due to the hero's hangups and emotional baggage, but the whole scene felt off. It took me a while to realize why - we never see the threesome from Colette's point of view. We're in Jude's mind the entire time as he watches and goes crazy with possessive Dom-ly-ness. So later, when she says she liked it, it comes as a shock not only to him but to us, too.
While the novel is iffy on BDSM as a whole it does explore the idea of "gentle" domination and service well, both sexual and domestic. Jude wants Colette to kneel because she feels he's earned the privilege of her service. She enjoys cooking and anticipating his needs because it satisfies her desire to be a caretaker. It's not something I'm into personally but I understand why it works here, which is my benchmark of decently written kink.
Quibbles aside I found Protege to be an interesting exploration of the psychological aspects of one kind of BDSM. If you like living in characters' heads, welcome home. If you like more plot and there there try Tiffany Reisz's The Siren instead.
Thanks to Intermix and NetGalley for providing a review copy.
July 28, 2016
Having suffered a tragedy in her childhood that left her moving from one foster home to the next, Collette Banks was lonely and saw no solution to her solitary existence. She had held on to insecurities that she didn't fit in which had turned into fear of being too vulnerable, too alone to protect herself. She needed an anchor. Someone to love her and look after her. Mindlessly searching the internet, she stumbled upon an article about D/s relationships that spoke to her. Could this be the way to unlock the dark desires she'd kept locked away all these years? The article gave mention of an organization called Fernweh and so she acquired an application marking a checklist of experiences and interests, not even knowing what much of it was.
Jude Duval was the founder of Fernweh, a very private organization that could match a client based on a mathematical program of percentiles and fetishes. When he met Collette, he knew this charming innocent wasn't their typical client and didn't have a clue what she was getting into. Collette needed someone to work with her, test her, uncover her needs. But Jude didn't get involved with clients. He had been betrayed once before. Her willingness to explore her sensuality intrigued him and he couldn't fathom the idea of anyone but him taking her on this journey. He could help her find a match knowing their association would have a time limit. He would be her sponsor only. After all, he couldn't lose something if he never had it to begin with.
As Jude and Collette join to unleash her hidden desires, they both discover much about each other and themselves. For Collette, the way Jude spoke to her and touched her made her hungry for the slightest praise from him. He filled voids she didn't know were empty. Every opportunity to meet his needs left her with a sense of self. She tried to remind herself that Jude was just her sponsor but every second he interacted with her, the more emotionally invested she became. It was naïve to believe she might affect him as he did her. Yet Collette discovers she doesn't want to serve someone else, she wants to serve Jude. If only he could trust her as much as she trusted him.
Jude quickly discovers how difficult it is to keep his feelings out of it. Collette was more obedient and loyal than any woman before. He shouldn't experience this much emotion with a protégé. Instead of thinking of his objectives for training her, he found himself thinking of his personal desires. Any threat to his control was a threat, period. His days of falling over a woman were over but every day Collette proved to be the perfect woman for him.
Wow! I had no idea what a versatile writer Lydia Michaels is! Having only read her La Vie En Rose, which was beyond amazing, I was surprised to discover that she writes so many forms of romance. And she excels at them all because Protégé was also another breathtaking story of an emotional journey centering on love. The characters of Jude and Collette have so much depth and the erotic elements were well written and sizzling. This is a beautiful story of overcoming your demons, pushing your limits, and discovering that no scientific calculation is truer than love. I have loved everything I've read from this author and can't wait to sample more.
Jude Duval was the founder of Fernweh, a very private organization that could match a client based on a mathematical program of percentiles and fetishes. When he met Collette, he knew this charming innocent wasn't their typical client and didn't have a clue what she was getting into. Collette needed someone to work with her, test her, uncover her needs. But Jude didn't get involved with clients. He had been betrayed once before. Her willingness to explore her sensuality intrigued him and he couldn't fathom the idea of anyone but him taking her on this journey. He could help her find a match knowing their association would have a time limit. He would be her sponsor only. After all, he couldn't lose something if he never had it to begin with.
As Jude and Collette join to unleash her hidden desires, they both discover much about each other and themselves. For Collette, the way Jude spoke to her and touched her made her hungry for the slightest praise from him. He filled voids she didn't know were empty. Every opportunity to meet his needs left her with a sense of self. She tried to remind herself that Jude was just her sponsor but every second he interacted with her, the more emotionally invested she became. It was naïve to believe she might affect him as he did her. Yet Collette discovers she doesn't want to serve someone else, she wants to serve Jude. If only he could trust her as much as she trusted him.
Jude quickly discovers how difficult it is to keep his feelings out of it. Collette was more obedient and loyal than any woman before. He shouldn't experience this much emotion with a protégé. Instead of thinking of his objectives for training her, he found himself thinking of his personal desires. Any threat to his control was a threat, period. His days of falling over a woman were over but every day Collette proved to be the perfect woman for him.
Wow! I had no idea what a versatile writer Lydia Michaels is! Having only read her La Vie En Rose, which was beyond amazing, I was surprised to discover that she writes so many forms of romance. And she excels at them all because Protégé was also another breathtaking story of an emotional journey centering on love. The characters of Jude and Collette have so much depth and the erotic elements were well written and sizzling. This is a beautiful story of overcoming your demons, pushing your limits, and discovering that no scientific calculation is truer than love. I have loved everything I've read from this author and can't wait to sample more.
August 20, 2016
Collette has been living an unfulfilling life since tragedy struck when she was a child. She bounced around from family to family while she was in the foster care system and now teaches French. All the while she has tried to find a place she belongs and someone who will allow her to explore her hidden desires. When she loses her job, she decides she will take control of her life and apply to the secret society, Fernweh, which matches people up with their ideal match(es) regardless of sexual tastes.
Jude is the founder of Fernweh. He initially agrees to interviewing Collette because he wants to know how she has found out about it. It is a secret society and is only known about through word of mouth from members. There is no way Collette should know about it or know anyone who does. Once he actually meets her though, he is intrigued by her sexuality, desire to explore and innocence. He goes against his normal behavior and the rules and policies he has set up and decides to allow her to become his personal protege.
I am a huge fan of BDSM erotic romances and am always open to trying new ones. This one intrigued me immediately and I very much enjoyed reading about Collette's journey as she explored her desires and submission. Jude was an interesting character, who also had a pretty complicated backstory, but it wasn't explored as much as Collette's past. I really felt for her. She went through so much at such a young age and that trauma definitely shaped her life and had a major impact on her future desires.
Michaels spent a lot of time explaining certain aspects of the BDSM lifestyle and the trust needed to build a healthy and beneficial D/s relationship. While this could be helpful, especially to readers not familiar with the lifestyle, I think maybe a little less 'info' was needed, since some parts read almost clinically due to the large amount of information. Regardless, I enjoyed Jude and Collette's relationship. Watching them attempt to keep their emotions separate from the physical acts they engaged in made for some angsty and compelling reading. These were two interesting and complicated characters who were taken on an emotional roller-coaster throughout the book. Michaels had me very invested in their lives and relationship and the sex scenes were well written and sexy. I believe this may be the start of a series, and I'm intrigued to see where the author may take the members of this secret society next.
Jude is the founder of Fernweh. He initially agrees to interviewing Collette because he wants to know how she has found out about it. It is a secret society and is only known about through word of mouth from members. There is no way Collette should know about it or know anyone who does. Once he actually meets her though, he is intrigued by her sexuality, desire to explore and innocence. He goes against his normal behavior and the rules and policies he has set up and decides to allow her to become his personal protege.
I am a huge fan of BDSM erotic romances and am always open to trying new ones. This one intrigued me immediately and I very much enjoyed reading about Collette's journey as she explored her desires and submission. Jude was an interesting character, who also had a pretty complicated backstory, but it wasn't explored as much as Collette's past. I really felt for her. She went through so much at such a young age and that trauma definitely shaped her life and had a major impact on her future desires.
Michaels spent a lot of time explaining certain aspects of the BDSM lifestyle and the trust needed to build a healthy and beneficial D/s relationship. While this could be helpful, especially to readers not familiar with the lifestyle, I think maybe a little less 'info' was needed, since some parts read almost clinically due to the large amount of information. Regardless, I enjoyed Jude and Collette's relationship. Watching them attempt to keep their emotions separate from the physical acts they engaged in made for some angsty and compelling reading. These were two interesting and complicated characters who were taken on an emotional roller-coaster throughout the book. Michaels had me very invested in their lives and relationship and the sex scenes were well written and sexy. I believe this may be the start of a series, and I'm intrigued to see where the author may take the members of this secret society next.
September 18, 2016
“My name is Colette Banks. I’m thirty years old. I was born in Savanah, Georgia, where I lived most of my life. I’m currently unemployed, but I have a degree in secondary education.”
Collette Banks is lost. At age eleven her father shot and killed her mother leaving her in foster care. As an adult she feels adrift like she is ‘hiding in plain sight.’
“I’m not hiding, but sometimes I feel like I’m dying, in front of everyone, but too gradually for anyone to notice.”
“And you’re hoping to find an anchor?”
Colette comes across an article online about people living a D/s lifestyle and finding suitable mates within that lifestyle. It speaks to her desires. She is insecure and at times fearful. She longs for a permanent home, to be cared for, and accepted as she is. She has no sense of home or roots and fears rejection. Colette is also smart and strong.
Jude Duval is part owner of Fernweh, a company that matches like-minded people with their soul mates based on interviews, applications and mathematical equations. But don’t let that fool you –
Jude’s match failed, leaving him unwilling to commit let alone think about re marrying.
Since the only way to get on the waiting list is through a referral Jude’s partner Ezra sponsors Colette for a 30 day trial period and she becomes Jude’s ‘protégé’.
This is BDSM erotica. Hot steamy scenes and a lot of BDSM references. Their interview alone is steamy. The story is complex and there are many issues that they deal with.
I love Jude’s strength, honor and patience with Colette. He is gentle and reverent. Colette is southern and proper. She is gentle, loving and charming.
Jude and Colette are falling hard for each other. Jude is afraid to put himself through another possible betrayal so he tries to distance himself from Colette thru separate beds and trying not to kiss her. Colette is opening up and feeling. Feeling special, cared for and loved. Eventually she calls Jude out on this.
There was a ménage scene that I didn’t care for but it was necessary in Jude and Colette’s progression. Jude had shared his wife in the past and when he shares Colette he realizes that things are more complicated than he realized. He does not like seeing her with other people!
I loved Lydia Michaels “Surrender” Series so I was excited to read Protégé. It did not disappoint! It was a bit technical at times but overall, hot!
4.5 stars
Collette Banks is lost. At age eleven her father shot and killed her mother leaving her in foster care. As an adult she feels adrift like she is ‘hiding in plain sight.’
“I’m not hiding, but sometimes I feel like I’m dying, in front of everyone, but too gradually for anyone to notice.”
“And you’re hoping to find an anchor?”
Colette comes across an article online about people living a D/s lifestyle and finding suitable mates within that lifestyle. It speaks to her desires. She is insecure and at times fearful. She longs for a permanent home, to be cared for, and accepted as she is. She has no sense of home or roots and fears rejection. Colette is also smart and strong.
Jude Duval is part owner of Fernweh, a company that matches like-minded people with their soul mates based on interviews, applications and mathematical equations. But don’t let that fool you –
Jude’s match failed, leaving him unwilling to commit let alone think about re marrying.
Since the only way to get on the waiting list is through a referral Jude’s partner Ezra sponsors Colette for a 30 day trial period and she becomes Jude’s ‘protégé’.
This is BDSM erotica. Hot steamy scenes and a lot of BDSM references. Their interview alone is steamy. The story is complex and there are many issues that they deal with.
I love Jude’s strength, honor and patience with Colette. He is gentle and reverent. Colette is southern and proper. She is gentle, loving and charming.
Jude and Colette are falling hard for each other. Jude is afraid to put himself through another possible betrayal so he tries to distance himself from Colette thru separate beds and trying not to kiss her. Colette is opening up and feeling. Feeling special, cared for and loved. Eventually she calls Jude out on this.
There was a ménage scene that I didn’t care for but it was necessary in Jude and Colette’s progression. Jude had shared his wife in the past and when he shares Colette he realizes that things are more complicated than he realized. He does not like seeing her with other people!
I loved Lydia Michaels “Surrender” Series so I was excited to read Protégé. It did not disappoint! It was a bit technical at times but overall, hot!
4.5 stars
August 17, 2016
Collette Banks is depressed. She is depressed because she has no one to take care of after losing her job as a French teacher. Her solution? Go find a way to take care of someone. Collette has been trying various ways throughout her life in order to find stability and a home that will give her the care and acceptance she has been lacking since she was a young girl and her mother and father were taking away from her. Which leads her to submission and to Jude Duval. Through Jude and his company Fernwech, an elite service that is only provided through word of mouth where a person can find there match Collete hopes to find a man who will give her everything she needs in order to be fulfilled.
Jude Duval is a dominant, but more than that he is a businessman who knows his business from the inside out. And he knows that Collette could not have heard about him or his company through any of her acquaintances. Which leads to him taking a meeting with the women who shouldn't know him. But so much more happens then simply telling her that he couldn't help her. To the point that Jude tries his damnedest in order to find a loophole so that he can see her happy. Through that loophole Jude and Collette go on an adventure through their pasts, of families and ex's, their present, of what makes them tick, and their future, of what they both want. This book puts the reader on an emotional roller coaster as you begin to understand and believe in the characters. This story also shows how much of an impact a person's history has on their future. From the little idiosyncrasies, to how they act around others.
I loved how much effort Ms Michaels puts into her stories such a La Vie en Rose, and Protege. These books surpass the normal notions of what romance books should be about by showing the dynamics behind a culture not normally understood, and the dynamics behind a healthy relationship that doesn't just happen smoothly.
I have been wowed once again by Ms. Michaels and I know anyone else who reads this story will be wowed as well.
Jude Duval is a dominant, but more than that he is a businessman who knows his business from the inside out. And he knows that Collette could not have heard about him or his company through any of her acquaintances. Which leads to him taking a meeting with the women who shouldn't know him. But so much more happens then simply telling her that he couldn't help her. To the point that Jude tries his damnedest in order to find a loophole so that he can see her happy. Through that loophole Jude and Collette go on an adventure through their pasts, of families and ex's, their present, of what makes them tick, and their future, of what they both want. This book puts the reader on an emotional roller coaster as you begin to understand and believe in the characters. This story also shows how much of an impact a person's history has on their future. From the little idiosyncrasies, to how they act around others.
I loved how much effort Ms Michaels puts into her stories such a La Vie en Rose, and Protege. These books surpass the normal notions of what romance books should be about by showing the dynamics behind a culture not normally understood, and the dynamics behind a healthy relationship that doesn't just happen smoothly.
I have been wowed once again by Ms. Michaels and I know anyone else who reads this story will be wowed as well.
Read
August 18, 2016DNF around 29%- I really like Lydia Michaels as a writer but couldn't get over how much I disliked this heroine. I'm sure others may not find her as annoying but I found her naivety and brattiness a hard pill to swallow. Her lack of ability to follow instructions and constant arguing didn't seem like a woman struggling to come to terms with her submissive side to me, more like a spoiled brat who didn't have any real desire to learn about a true power exchange. I was really looking forward to reading this but I just couldn't read one more page with this heroine. If I had a shelf for books that were ruined by heroines that sucked ass, this heroine would be at the top of the list. So annoying!!
May 20, 2019
Enjoyable read!!
August 12, 2016
For too long, French teacher Collette Banks has locked her deepest desires away in the darkest corners of her mind. But now, she’s taking matters into her own hands by applying to a secret and exclusive society devoted to matching people with their ideal partner—or partners…
Founder Jude Duval has set up strict rules for admitting people into his world. But when he interviews Collette, he finds himself breaking protocol. Her innocence disarms him. Her willingness to explore her own sensuality delights him. And her spirit challenges him—enough to take her on as his own protégé .
What starts out as Collette’s erotic awakening will draw them both in deeper than either of them could have ever imagined…
I really liked Protege more than I have many other dom/sub erotica's lately because at least the author appears to have a better understanding of what d/s relationships really are. She also expands her concept also extends to include instead of fidelity a sense of freedom in exploring not just eachother but the freedom aspect in being able to explore group sex without shame because its considered a form of testing ones limitations.
The sex scenes are really hot and well explored in detail and so are the more emotional more personal interactions away from the sex.
This is where I hit a couple snags. Collette has plenty of reservations about the lifestyle due to her past and Jude had a wishwash way of accepting her ignorance with demanding her submission despite knowing about her past.
Past development in Erotica novels has recently become an issue for me lately because this genre is full of characters that are flawed, broken and come from traumatizing pasts. I would like to read one erotica that doesn't include a hero or heroine who hasn't been abused or harmed in some way or damaged in some way in order for them to want to be a part of the bdsm world.
I thought Collette could have as easily been an innocent minded person without the past she had but often many authors use this as the reason for the f/m to want to be a part of the world to begin with. It triggers their need to explore it and it expresses a connection to that trauma while they're in it. It exorcises something within them to do it. That's understandable but I felt Collette could have just as well done without it and it would have prevented the mixed feelings I had about Jude's constant back and forth from preventing me from investing in him as a character and a partner to Collette.
It would have made their interactions and the development of their relationship much more healthier and organic to me as a reader.
I still felt it was a really great book but to me personally I would really like to see normal characters without all the baggage and trauma explore this world as well.
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Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley Publishing via Netgalley.
If any of Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews has been helpful please stop by to like or let me know what you think! I love hearing from followers! Thank you!
Founder Jude Duval has set up strict rules for admitting people into his world. But when he interviews Collette, he finds himself breaking protocol. Her innocence disarms him. Her willingness to explore her own sensuality delights him. And her spirit challenges him—enough to take her on as his own protégé .
What starts out as Collette’s erotic awakening will draw them both in deeper than either of them could have ever imagined…
I really liked Protege more than I have many other dom/sub erotica's lately because at least the author appears to have a better understanding of what d/s relationships really are. She also expands her concept also extends to include instead of fidelity a sense of freedom in exploring not just eachother but the freedom aspect in being able to explore group sex without shame because its considered a form of testing ones limitations.
The sex scenes are really hot and well explored in detail and so are the more emotional more personal interactions away from the sex.
This is where I hit a couple snags. Collette has plenty of reservations about the lifestyle due to her past and Jude had a wishwash way of accepting her ignorance with demanding her submission despite knowing about her past.
Past development in Erotica novels has recently become an issue for me lately because this genre is full of characters that are flawed, broken and come from traumatizing pasts. I would like to read one erotica that doesn't include a hero or heroine who hasn't been abused or harmed in some way or damaged in some way in order for them to want to be a part of the bdsm world.
I thought Collette could have as easily been an innocent minded person without the past she had but often many authors use this as the reason for the f/m to want to be a part of the world to begin with. It triggers their need to explore it and it expresses a connection to that trauma while they're in it. It exorcises something within them to do it. That's understandable but I felt Collette could have just as well done without it and it would have prevented the mixed feelings I had about Jude's constant back and forth from preventing me from investing in him as a character and a partner to Collette.
It would have made their interactions and the development of their relationship much more healthier and organic to me as a reader.
I still felt it was a really great book but to me personally I would really like to see normal characters without all the baggage and trauma explore this world as well.
Booklikes
Goodreads
Google Plus
Blogger
Amazon
Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley Publishing via Netgalley.
If any of Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews has been helpful please stop by to like or let me know what you think! I love hearing from followers! Thank you!
August 13, 2016
This was the first book, I've read by Lydia Michaels and WOW! If all her books are like this, it won't be the last one I read by her!
Our story opens with Collette on an interview at Fernweh Industries. However, as I was reading I soon found out it wasn't a job interview!! Fernweh matches couples and helps them find their happily ever after. Out of hundreds of placements, they've only had 2 couples divorce. After everyone in Collette's life seems to leave her, she needs/wants that sense of belonging to someone. She had found Fernweh on the internet and applied. She was a French teacher and needed/wanted something more. She wants a lifetime with a man who adores/worships her and takes care of her "needs". However, being in an interview with Jude Duvall has her very uncomfortable. When filling out the application she lied about her sexual experience and her wants/needs. Of course, Jude, being what he is...saw through her lies immediately. But, he has an attraction to her and he wants to be her sponsor. Even though that's against the rules, Jude was one of the founders of the company so he finds a way around it.
Jude has one month to teach Collette, push her beyond her limits, find out her likes and dislikes and then turn her over to hopefully her match within Fernweh Industries group. Jude is divorced. His wife wanted more than he could give her and he let her go. His heart is very guarded and he takes his job of matching very seriously, so there's no chance after this month with Collette that he will have any problems letting her go. He lets her know up front, there's no feelings involved and after thirty days, it's over. Or is it!? Can Jude keep his attraction to her reined in? Collette has things she wants done to her and she doesn't understand why. She also has things that scare her to death. Will Jude do things to her that are hard limits for him?
I absolutely LOVED this book! The whole scenario was different for me! Jude, Collette, Ezra, and Lea were great characters! I was captivated from the beginning of this book is an understatement! I thought the book flowed nicely and did a great job of keeping me reading because I just had to know what would happen after that 30 days!!
Copy received in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon An Alpha
Our story opens with Collette on an interview at Fernweh Industries. However, as I was reading I soon found out it wasn't a job interview!! Fernweh matches couples and helps them find their happily ever after. Out of hundreds of placements, they've only had 2 couples divorce. After everyone in Collette's life seems to leave her, she needs/wants that sense of belonging to someone. She had found Fernweh on the internet and applied. She was a French teacher and needed/wanted something more. She wants a lifetime with a man who adores/worships her and takes care of her "needs". However, being in an interview with Jude Duvall has her very uncomfortable. When filling out the application she lied about her sexual experience and her wants/needs. Of course, Jude, being what he is...saw through her lies immediately. But, he has an attraction to her and he wants to be her sponsor. Even though that's against the rules, Jude was one of the founders of the company so he finds a way around it.
Jude has one month to teach Collette, push her beyond her limits, find out her likes and dislikes and then turn her over to hopefully her match within Fernweh Industries group. Jude is divorced. His wife wanted more than he could give her and he let her go. His heart is very guarded and he takes his job of matching very seriously, so there's no chance after this month with Collette that he will have any problems letting her go. He lets her know up front, there's no feelings involved and after thirty days, it's over. Or is it!? Can Jude keep his attraction to her reined in? Collette has things she wants done to her and she doesn't understand why. She also has things that scare her to death. Will Jude do things to her that are hard limits for him?
I absolutely LOVED this book! The whole scenario was different for me! Jude, Collette, Ezra, and Lea were great characters! I was captivated from the beginning of this book is an understatement! I thought the book flowed nicely and did a great job of keeping me reading because I just had to know what would happen after that 30 days!!
Copy received in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon An Alpha
April 15, 2020
3 Stars!
Source: eARC for Honest Review Courtesy of Intermix/Berkey via NetGalley
Genre: Adult Contemporary sensual romance
Standalone
My Protege Review . . .
Gah I read this years ago and just realized I never posted my review. So, this review is a bit shaky because I'm going off notes I left my self years ago. Oops!
Colette Banks has hidden desires and wants to face those desires. She ends up at a secret elusive society where its safe to explore these desires. Jude Duval is the founder and has strict rules about interaction and entrance to this society. But something about Colette makes him want to break all the rules.
~Obey. She silently growled, still disliking everything that word represented. It was outside her ability to blindly agree to orders. She was too stubborn (Yet she wants to a submissive? This felt conflicting)
"You don't decide, Collette. That's not how this works. I can be a little less formal, but you will never be the aggressor in my bed. Do you understand?"
Some submissives can get away with being bratty, but the brattiness of Colette didn't seem to fit her.
"Your Dom is now very pissed-off Yankee, peach."
With the right partner, force is unnecessary. When we find the partner that fits, there's an ease to surrender and we're freed."
Her back story was intriguing and explains why she is the way she is, plus she's tough as nails to be able to survive her past but she's also a dichotomy.
She goes to Fernweh to find her life partner, knowing she is a submissive and wants to take care of her partner. However, even though she goes here she's quite mixed in what it means to be a submissive thankfully. Because of this we were able to learn more about this world and watch her learn to embrace all facets of herself.
Always a fan of Lydia Michaels. I especially love the range of her story telling. She doesn't stay in one comfortable niche. She's expands to many different genres and characters. For this I truly appreciate her.
Source: eARC for Honest Review Courtesy of Intermix/Berkey via NetGalley
Genre: Adult Contemporary sensual romance
Standalone
My Protege Review . . .
Gah I read this years ago and just realized I never posted my review. So, this review is a bit shaky because I'm going off notes I left my self years ago. Oops!
Colette Banks has hidden desires and wants to face those desires. She ends up at a secret elusive society where its safe to explore these desires. Jude Duval is the founder and has strict rules about interaction and entrance to this society. But something about Colette makes him want to break all the rules.
~Obey. She silently growled, still disliking everything that word represented. It was outside her ability to blindly agree to orders. She was too stubborn (Yet she wants to a submissive? This felt conflicting)
"You don't decide, Collette. That's not how this works. I can be a little less formal, but you will never be the aggressor in my bed. Do you understand?"
Some submissives can get away with being bratty, but the brattiness of Colette didn't seem to fit her.
"Your Dom is now very pissed-off Yankee, peach."
With the right partner, force is unnecessary. When we find the partner that fits, there's an ease to surrender and we're freed."
Her back story was intriguing and explains why she is the way she is, plus she's tough as nails to be able to survive her past but she's also a dichotomy.
She goes to Fernweh to find her life partner, knowing she is a submissive and wants to take care of her partner. However, even though she goes here she's quite mixed in what it means to be a submissive thankfully. Because of this we were able to learn more about this world and watch her learn to embrace all facets of herself.
Always a fan of Lydia Michaels. I especially love the range of her story telling. She doesn't stay in one comfortable niche. She's expands to many different genres and characters. For this I truly appreciate her.
October 19, 2016
Read the full review on GraveTells, including memorable and tweetable quotes:
http://bit.ly/ProtegeReview (live 10/22/16)
Colette craves something...more—to belong and to give up her choices to someone capable and caring—but she struggles with letting go and sinking into her submission for the sheer joy of it. Her mind wars with her heart: after all, shouldn't a woman stand up for herself, know her own mind, show how capable she is of making her own decisions? But, oh, to belong to someone. To feel cherished and necessary and permanent.
Protege delves deep into the emotions that underpin a person's need for BDSM elements in their life, and it treats the subject gently, expressing how vulnerable and exposed players on both sides of the lifestyle—submissives and dominant—sometimes have to be. This story revels in the psychology behind the characters and their choices: the whys, the history, the personality traits and defining life moments that inspire and drive a person. The narrative can be quite explicit at times (sometimes even vulgar), but the characters are heavily introspective. Readers are treated to a front row experience of Colette's first foray into the BDSM community and the waves she creates in Jude's life.
Their journey is fraught with emotions as they push each other's personal boundaries and take baby steps toward a happiness neither is convinced is possible. Protege is emotionally charged and deeply satisfying. Readers who love authors like Joey Hill and crave a softer, gentler Dom will adore Lydia Michaels's Protege. This story is also a great introduction to the intricacies of the BDSM lifestyle for those starting to explore, as it demonstrates all the physicality while emphasizing the importance of personal choice and finding just the right partner for both safety and happiness.
http://bit.ly/ProtegeReview (live 10/22/16)
Colette craves something...more—to belong and to give up her choices to someone capable and caring—but she struggles with letting go and sinking into her submission for the sheer joy of it. Her mind wars with her heart: after all, shouldn't a woman stand up for herself, know her own mind, show how capable she is of making her own decisions? But, oh, to belong to someone. To feel cherished and necessary and permanent.
Protege delves deep into the emotions that underpin a person's need for BDSM elements in their life, and it treats the subject gently, expressing how vulnerable and exposed players on both sides of the lifestyle—submissives and dominant—sometimes have to be. This story revels in the psychology behind the characters and their choices: the whys, the history, the personality traits and defining life moments that inspire and drive a person. The narrative can be quite explicit at times (sometimes even vulgar), but the characters are heavily introspective. Readers are treated to a front row experience of Colette's first foray into the BDSM community and the waves she creates in Jude's life.
Their journey is fraught with emotions as they push each other's personal boundaries and take baby steps toward a happiness neither is convinced is possible. Protege is emotionally charged and deeply satisfying. Readers who love authors like Joey Hill and crave a softer, gentler Dom will adore Lydia Michaels's Protege. This story is also a great introduction to the intricacies of the BDSM lifestyle for those starting to explore, as it demonstrates all the physicality while emphasizing the importance of personal choice and finding just the right partner for both safety and happiness.
July 29, 2016
Protege was not exactly what I was expecting. I found the story to be more erotica than romance. I also had a difficult time connecting with both Colette and Jude.
The story provides details about various aspects of Fernweh, a non-traditional community that offers no judgement on people's sexual preferences. Much of the book seems to educate people regarding the fact that a true Dominant/submissive lifestyle is based on trust instead of control. For me, I felt that the book sometimes went too far in explaining and became somewhat clinical and distracting to the story.
Colette was certainly believable as the young woman that was simply looking for a home and someone to love her permanently. Her candor about why she was willing to blindly step into Fernweh was believable as was her attracting and love for Jude. As the story progressed, I struggled with her overwhelming desire to please Jude by risking both her physical and emotional health- especially after she had easily used the safe word in the past and Jude routinely encouraged her to do so.
I struggled with Jude as the hero. His backstory was never fully developed for me, and I did not understand how he could be willing to "share" Collette, when it seemed clear from the very beginning that he was definitely attracted to her and possibly in love with her. For me, he was too much of a Jekyll and Hyde personality, who could be very intimate one minute and cold the next with no regard for Collette or his own emotions.
If this were solely erotica, it definitely has a more developed story, but as a romance, it just felt wrong to me.
The story provides details about various aspects of Fernweh, a non-traditional community that offers no judgement on people's sexual preferences. Much of the book seems to educate people regarding the fact that a true Dominant/submissive lifestyle is based on trust instead of control. For me, I felt that the book sometimes went too far in explaining and became somewhat clinical and distracting to the story.
Colette was certainly believable as the young woman that was simply looking for a home and someone to love her permanently. Her candor about why she was willing to blindly step into Fernweh was believable as was her attracting and love for Jude. As the story progressed, I struggled with her overwhelming desire to please Jude by risking both her physical and emotional health- especially after she had easily used the safe word in the past and Jude routinely encouraged her to do so.
I struggled with Jude as the hero. His backstory was never fully developed for me, and I did not understand how he could be willing to "share" Collette, when it seemed clear from the very beginning that he was definitely attracted to her and possibly in love with her. For me, he was too much of a Jekyll and Hyde personality, who could be very intimate one minute and cold the next with no regard for Collette or his own emotions.
If this were solely erotica, it definitely has a more developed story, but as a romance, it just felt wrong to me.
August 26, 2016
I have read all of Ms. Michaels books and this is definitely another winner, not that I expected anything less from her.
At first I was a little hesitant with the whole Dom/Sub story. The more I read the more I absolutely loved it. It was not hard to fall in love with Jude as he prepared Colette for her Dom. I also was fascinated to see Colette find her limits. This story was erotic, sexy and romantic all wrapped into one. So not only does this book get 5 stars, it also get 5 HOT HOT HOT HOT HOT STARS. Cannot wait to see if we hear anything else from Fernweh.
At first I was a little hesitant with the whole Dom/Sub story. The more I read the more I absolutely loved it. It was not hard to fall in love with Jude as he prepared Colette for her Dom. I also was fascinated to see Colette find her limits. This story was erotic, sexy and romantic all wrapped into one. So not only does this book get 5 stars, it also get 5 HOT HOT HOT HOT HOT STARS. Cannot wait to see if we hear anything else from Fernweh.
August 9, 2016
3.5 stars
Gave very good descriptions of healthy D/s relationships, but at times the descriptions ran a bit long. There was more page time spent providing textbook-type knowledge, than developing a true connection between the two MCs and the reader.
There was tons of hot sex - that's for sure, but I would've appreciated a bit more emotion and romance.
Gave very good descriptions of healthy D/s relationships, but at times the descriptions ran a bit long. There was more page time spent providing textbook-type knowledge, than developing a true connection between the two MCs and the reader.
There was tons of hot sex - that's for sure, but I would've appreciated a bit more emotion and romance.
August 2, 2016
Read/Reviewed for Romance Readers Retreat Book Blog
September 4, 2016
Enjoyed the romance. Interesting story
October 12, 2016
I loved this story of personal growth and fulfillment.
April 3, 2018
When I got this book , I was wondering where the author was going to take me . I loved all her other books so I was sure I was going to love this one as well . When I started reading with an open mind . She is writing about bdsm and I was hoping that the author would give it justice and not make a joke out of it like some books I have recently read . Well the first words out of my mouth was wow she did it justice . She takes us on an emotional journey of love and acceptance and healing .
Collette is a shy teacher that has a yearning for something more . She has locked away her darkest desires away for too long. When she stumbles across a secret society that may be able to help her figure out her inner desires . Enter Jude the man behind Fernweh and the man who will train her but doesn't trust anyone . But Collette does something to Jude that makes him rethink his rules of not getting involved . Will they be able to over come the hurts of their past to begin together a new life .
The characters are so well written and complex. Collette at the beginning was a character that I couldn't really enjoy . It seemed like she was just trying to be more then she actually was . As you read into her character as you read along in the book . You actually see her start to blossom and become the woman she knows she should be . I really started to like her . I found that she was more complex by the end of the book and we finally see why the way she is and the way that she wants to be . I really liked her by the end of the book . Jude came off as very standoffish and kind or arrogant at the beginning of the book . But like as Collette you get to see him grow and come into his own . You see him become a man that you can fall in love with . Even when he is at his worst he is loving and respectful . The ideal man . He is very complex and when he lets down his guard you see a loving man . I love the interaction between You really feel the bond that is forming between them and you will fall in love with them .
This story isn't for the faint of heart , it does take on BDSM but it takes it on with a class and a dignity it deserves . The author takes us on a journey that will have you tearing up at some of the things that both the characters go through . The author really did her research on the BDSM culture . But this is more then just a story of bdsm it is also a love story between two people that are broken but when together they are whole . There is a lot of sexual content in this book so you will probably blush a little . There are some scenes that will make you giggle. Its another hit for this author . So if you aren't feint of heart and want a great story of love and kink this is the book for you .
dnf
December 2, 2021DNF at 22%, so no stars. This is my first book by this author, and I don't plan on seeking out more. Collette is annoying AF and makes no sense to me as a character.
She moves across the country to try to join a secret matchmaking service for people who are into dom/sub life styles, but she has done ZERO research. She has never attempted to find a dom. She constantly lies, has very little sexual experience, has read seemingly nothing on the subject, and says things like "I hate being bossed around". I stopped reading when the lawyer tried to explain to her why this 30 day trial run would require an IUD, and she flips out and refuses. She didn't read the full contract? She keeps insisting that she's smart, because she's a teacher, but she can't seem to read contracts or google. I understand why she might prefer a different type of contraception, but the sexually inexperienced girl insisting that condoms will have to do when she goes to sex training bootcamp? No. I'm done with her. I can't believe that this guy has his pick, and he chooses this hot mess.
She moves across the country to try to join a secret matchmaking service for people who are into dom/sub life styles, but she has done ZERO research. She has never attempted to find a dom. She constantly lies, has very little sexual experience, has read seemingly nothing on the subject, and says things like "I hate being bossed around". I stopped reading when the lawyer tried to explain to her why this 30 day trial run would require an IUD, and she flips out and refuses. She didn't read the full contract? She keeps insisting that she's smart, because she's a teacher, but she can't seem to read contracts or google. I understand why she might prefer a different type of contraception, but the sexually inexperienced girl insisting that condoms will have to do when she goes to sex training bootcamp? No. I'm done with her. I can't believe that this guy has his pick, and he chooses this hot mess.
February 8, 2023
4.5 stars!
There's nothing I love more than a hot as sin man who likes to be in control. And that was Jude!
He's the Dom of my dreams! I felt myself relating to Collette a lot, in terms of not liking having choices/decisions. She goes in search of help and comes across a sex club, Fernweh, and Jude. He takes her under his wing and THUS the love story ensues!
Lydia always writes relatable characters and stories.
Collette is very new and vanilla to the 'scene' and Jude shows her the way. And although he never intended on keeping her, how could he not in the end? She stirred something in him and vis versa. My ONLY gripe, if you consider it to be one, is when Collette is 'shared' with Ezra/Lea & Brys. I wanted the possessive male in Jude to unleash and him come forward. But I understand why he didn't. But that's just nitpicking because I love a POSSESSIVE male who interferes hahaha.
There's nothing I love more than a hot as sin man who likes to be in control. And that was Jude!
He's the Dom of my dreams! I felt myself relating to Collette a lot, in terms of not liking having choices/decisions. She goes in search of help and comes across a sex club, Fernweh, and Jude. He takes her under his wing and THUS the love story ensues!
Lydia always writes relatable characters and stories.
Collette is very new and vanilla to the 'scene' and Jude shows her the way. And although he never intended on keeping her, how could he not in the end? She stirred something in him and vis versa. My ONLY gripe, if you consider it to be one, is when Collette is 'shared' with Ezra/Lea & Brys. I wanted the possessive male in Jude to unleash and him come forward. But I understand why he didn't. But that's just nitpicking because I love a POSSESSIVE male who interferes hahaha.
August 6, 2016
Collette Banks is a French Teacher seeking much more than what life has given her. She is lonely and wants to embark on a new experience. She finds Fernweh, an exclusive club where the members live out their own desires. Fernweh and its owner, Jude Duval, is nothing like Collette has ever experienced.
Collette’s back story is intriguing. She is basically orphaned after her father kills her mother when she’s young. She struggles with her past and her role in the world. She doesn’t really know where she fits in and as the story goes along, you get a sense of who Collette really is.
From the start, Jude wants Collette for his own pleasure. He normally never takes on a protégé or the likes but Collette speaks to him in way. He asks Collette to spend thirty days with him at his place on the Fernweh compound to teach her everything she needs to know before he pairs her up with a partner.
I’ve read other books by Lydia Michaels (Surrender Trilogy) and enjoyed them. However, this book falls short. I’m not sure if it is meant to be purely erotica or an erotic romance (which it ends as such) but the whole book lacked romance. Jude and Collette’s entire relationship through the book was strictly sexual and a tutorial on alternative lifestyles. I just couldn’t connect with either character and didn’t buy their relationship at all.
The scenes are hot but there are some that included multiple partners, which I didn’t necessarily enjoy. It is to be expected in a book about a sex-club but it didn’t help me buy into Jude or Collette’s relationship.
http://smittenbybooks.com/2016/contem...
Collette’s back story is intriguing. She is basically orphaned after her father kills her mother when she’s young. She struggles with her past and her role in the world. She doesn’t really know where she fits in and as the story goes along, you get a sense of who Collette really is.
From the start, Jude wants Collette for his own pleasure. He normally never takes on a protégé or the likes but Collette speaks to him in way. He asks Collette to spend thirty days with him at his place on the Fernweh compound to teach her everything she needs to know before he pairs her up with a partner.
I’ve read other books by Lydia Michaels (Surrender Trilogy) and enjoyed them. However, this book falls short. I’m not sure if it is meant to be purely erotica or an erotic romance (which it ends as such) but the whole book lacked romance. Jude and Collette’s entire relationship through the book was strictly sexual and a tutorial on alternative lifestyles. I just couldn’t connect with either character and didn’t buy their relationship at all.
The scenes are hot but there are some that included multiple partners, which I didn’t necessarily enjoy. It is to be expected in a book about a sex-club but it didn’t help me buy into Jude or Collette’s relationship.
http://smittenbybooks.com/2016/contem...
August 23, 2016
Wow
I was looking for something different to read, maybe back to what started me reading again with a great storyline, and did I ever find it! The steam factor is off the charts...
I was looking for something different to read, maybe back to what started me reading again with a great storyline, and did I ever find it! The steam factor is off the charts...
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