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True #1
True Nature
DARK ROMANCE
A warning comes with this book. It’s not a typical hearts and flowers romance. There are thorns and it’s not for the faint-of-heart.
LOVE OR LEAVE
Max, true to his nature, takes control right from the start. Lucy has no choice but to give in. As she fights to understand her willingness to give him everything, he pushes her for more.
STAY OR GO
Theirs is a journey with many a twist and turn, but isn’t love always? It’s the slow build that happens when sweet and shy meets determined and dominant.
In the end, the choice is clear. Stay or go. Love or leave. Be what is needed or turn away from True Nature.
This is the start of something darker. True Nature is the first book in a series that includes two alternative endings. See for yourself why fans are saying this makes all the other dark romances look like greyed out shades of fairytales.
NOTE: All the books in this series are available for purchase/download now, so you won’t be left wanting or waiting. This series involves a combination of Domestic Discipline, D/s, and Sm
Now Available in Paperback too!
Excerpts:
Max is a gentleman. A very old fashioned guy. He explained to me. That previous girlfriends had claimed he was chauvinistic, misogynistic, a bully, possessive, antiquated, abusive. He used those words.
And he said he didn't care if that's how today's world would view him. He only cared about being true to himself...and about how I viewed him.
Therein lies the problem...how do I view him? How do I reconcile the loving, gentle man who takes such attentive care of me, to the one who makes me wet ordering me around, to the one who scares me with how much he demands?! I don't know what to think!
.....
I lift Lucy's chin to my face. She slowly raises her eyes. The most beautiful light blue, the lids a little red from crying. "Let me see you."
She blinks the last of her tears away as I turn her face to the right. "You'll have a mark." She tries to jerk her head away, but I hold her in place. Only her eyes dart to me, the fear back in an instant. "You can look in a minute." I let go of her face, putting my hand back around her waist. She's still shaking a little. She sniffs and starts to lower her face again.
"You have one more thing to do before you can wipe your face and nose." Her head jerks back up. I love how responsive she is...how open she is. Her eyes tell me so much...fear, hope, and that beautiful look of shame again. "You have to say you're sorry for misbehaving."
A warning comes with this book. It’s not a typical hearts and flowers romance. There are thorns and it’s not for the faint-of-heart.
LOVE OR LEAVE
Max, true to his nature, takes control right from the start. Lucy has no choice but to give in. As she fights to understand her willingness to give him everything, he pushes her for more.
STAY OR GO
Theirs is a journey with many a twist and turn, but isn’t love always? It’s the slow build that happens when sweet and shy meets determined and dominant.
In the end, the choice is clear. Stay or go. Love or leave. Be what is needed or turn away from True Nature.
This is the start of something darker. True Nature is the first book in a series that includes two alternative endings. See for yourself why fans are saying this makes all the other dark romances look like greyed out shades of fairytales.
NOTE: All the books in this series are available for purchase/download now, so you won’t be left wanting or waiting. This series involves a combination of Domestic Discipline, D/s, and Sm
Now Available in Paperback too!
Excerpts:
Max is a gentleman. A very old fashioned guy. He explained to me. That previous girlfriends had claimed he was chauvinistic, misogynistic, a bully, possessive, antiquated, abusive. He used those words.
And he said he didn't care if that's how today's world would view him. He only cared about being true to himself...and about how I viewed him.
Therein lies the problem...how do I view him? How do I reconcile the loving, gentle man who takes such attentive care of me, to the one who makes me wet ordering me around, to the one who scares me with how much he demands?! I don't know what to think!
.....
I lift Lucy's chin to my face. She slowly raises her eyes. The most beautiful light blue, the lids a little red from crying. "Let me see you."
She blinks the last of her tears away as I turn her face to the right. "You'll have a mark." She tries to jerk her head away, but I hold her in place. Only her eyes dart to me, the fear back in an instant. "You can look in a minute." I let go of her face, putting my hand back around her waist. She's still shaking a little. She sniffs and starts to lower her face again.
"You have one more thing to do before you can wipe your face and nose." Her head jerks back up. I love how responsive she is...how open she is. Her eyes tell me so much...fear, hope, and that beautiful look of shame again. "You have to say you're sorry for misbehaving."
220 pages, Paperback
First published November 23, 2014
55 people are currently reading
1285 people want to read
About the author
Willow Madison
10 books271 followersFor new release info, sign up for her (never spammy) newsletters:
http://willowmadisonbooks.com
Willow Madison enjoys writing in a variety of genres including dark psychological suspense, contemporary romance, and dark romance. All her books have one thing in common: an unflinching, unapologetic, uncompromising exploration into what dark corners our desires can take us.
Find yourself in Willow Madison Books
More About Willow . . .
Willow came into this world hand first, clutching a No 2 pencil between her chubby baby fingers. Coming up with ways to twist the lives of her Barbies and Kens was a favorite pastime from her towheaded youth.
In the wilds of the Windy City, her imagination really took off, resulting in all sorts of dramas, big and small.
Speaking of size, she prefers her male characters to be larger than life, unapologetically Alphaholish, and as close to so wrong he’s right as she can write.
Willow embodies a wanderlust, having explored five continents and called seven states home so far, with a hope to never lose her tumbling tumbleweed status unless it’s for the chance to live out her ultimate fantasy.
She’s had many loves, some four-legged and viciously fanged, others high in calories and covered in chocolate. Tacos are hard for her to resist, and she’s a firm believer that chili sauce makes most anything better.
A perfect day ends with stretching and a new book.
Some of this is fictitious. But you can’t fault her—Willow is a writer.
Connect with Willow . . .
https://www.facebook.com/willowmadiso...
http://willowmadisonbooks.com
Willow Madison enjoys writing in a variety of genres including dark psychological suspense, contemporary romance, and dark romance. All her books have one thing in common: an unflinching, unapologetic, uncompromising exploration into what dark corners our desires can take us.
Find yourself in Willow Madison Books
More About Willow . . .
Willow came into this world hand first, clutching a No 2 pencil between her chubby baby fingers. Coming up with ways to twist the lives of her Barbies and Kens was a favorite pastime from her towheaded youth.
In the wilds of the Windy City, her imagination really took off, resulting in all sorts of dramas, big and small.
Speaking of size, she prefers her male characters to be larger than life, unapologetically Alphaholish, and as close to so wrong he’s right as she can write.
Willow embodies a wanderlust, having explored five continents and called seven states home so far, with a hope to never lose her tumbling tumbleweed status unless it’s for the chance to live out her ultimate fantasy.
She’s had many loves, some four-legged and viciously fanged, others high in calories and covered in chocolate. Tacos are hard for her to resist, and she’s a firm believer that chili sauce makes most anything better.
A perfect day ends with stretching and a new book.
Some of this is fictitious. But you can’t fault her—Willow is a writer.
Connect with Willow . . .
https://www.facebook.com/willowmadiso...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
June 13, 2016
Update: 13/06/2016
I will never touch another book by this author, even with a ten feet pole. Not because it's bad, but because author's fangirls will troll the shit out of the review for having a different opinion.
A man hitting a woman in anger is abuse. You can try to justify it all damn fucking day from any angle you want, it doesn't make you right, or makes me give two shits about your personal definition of it.
Posting this because I feel that it's needed to drive my point home:
“This was different. This wasn't a knee-jerk reaction. Max was angry. He was very angry...stewing in anger all night. But he was also controlled. He could've really hurt me, but instead he only slapped me.
Oh, God. Only slapped me?! I'm losing my mind!”
*
"I slap her again, just as hard. Her hands go up to her face again and stay there. When she opens them, her eyes have the beginning of tears. Her look is fear. And more guilt. Good. My cock thickens at the sight of her.”
So, the fucker gets hard because she is afraid. Yeah, go all out trying to justify it being it sane, calling it "life choice". GTFO.
-------------------
Review posted 10/06/16
This book is an absolute crap. The heroine is a doormat on which hero keeps whipping his shoes on. She has no thoughts or opinions of her own. Not that that would matter to the hero. In the very first chapter the hero acts like an ass. She orders a drink and he gives her something completely different saying that what she ordered was not a girly drink. And she was all oooh, his olive skin and muscles. Stupid idiot.
I skimmed pretty much through the most of the book. At the en, BOOM, you get such a horible scene that you don't know what to make of it. He fucking slaps her around like there is no tomorrow, all because he gave her an order and she disobeyed. He told her not to curse. He gets seriously pissed and starts smacking her around. Not slapping her for fun, you know to spice it up or some shit. No, he slaps her so hard she stumbles. Tine after time after time. You know, he wanted to mark her. And because he was pissed and saw red. Also to discipline her and to teach her a lesson. How she managed to get wet for him is beyond me, but she did.
I can't stand when authors don't know the difference between abuse and play. You can't write what ever shit you want and call it "erotica". A man hitting a woman in anger is never erotic.
What a stupid book.
I will never touch another book by this author, even with a ten feet pole. Not because it's bad, but because author's fangirls will troll the shit out of the review for having a different opinion.
A man hitting a woman in anger is abuse. You can try to justify it all damn fucking day from any angle you want, it doesn't make you right, or makes me give two shits about your personal definition of it.
Posting this because I feel that it's needed to drive my point home:
“This was different. This wasn't a knee-jerk reaction. Max was angry. He was very angry...stewing in anger all night. But he was also controlled. He could've really hurt me, but instead he only slapped me.
Oh, God. Only slapped me?! I'm losing my mind!”
*
"I slap her again, just as hard. Her hands go up to her face again and stay there. When she opens them, her eyes have the beginning of tears. Her look is fear. And more guilt. Good. My cock thickens at the sight of her.”
So, the fucker gets hard because she is afraid. Yeah, go all out trying to justify it being it sane, calling it "life choice". GTFO.
-------------------
Review posted 10/06/16
This book is an absolute crap. The heroine is a doormat on which hero keeps whipping his shoes on. She has no thoughts or opinions of her own. Not that that would matter to the hero. In the very first chapter the hero acts like an ass. She orders a drink and he gives her something completely different saying that what she ordered was not a girly drink. And she was all oooh, his olive skin and muscles. Stupid idiot.
I skimmed pretty much through the most of the book. At the en, BOOM, you get such a horible scene that you don't know what to make of it. He fucking slaps her around like there is no tomorrow, all because he gave her an order and she disobeyed. He told her not to curse. He gets seriously pissed and starts smacking her around. Not slapping her for fun, you know to spice it up or some shit. No, he slaps her so hard she stumbles. Tine after time after time. You know, he wanted to mark her. And because he was pissed and saw red. Also to discipline her and to teach her a lesson. How she managed to get wet for him is beyond me, but she did.
I can't stand when authors don't know the difference between abuse and play. You can't write what ever shit you want and call it "erotica". A man hitting a woman in anger is never erotic.
What a stupid book.
May 23, 2016
Two days ago, after getting offended by my review, the author posted a blog post, claiming that I was "threatening to kill and torture her" when I wrote it in a figurative sense in my review that this book made me want to kill and torture the author. First of all, if she is an author, she would have realized it. However, I have removed my statement to prevent any future backlash from people. Secondly, she is clearly doing this for publicity. I did not receive a single message from the author asking me if I wanted to kill her or torture her. She did not even comment on my review. Instead, she started a whole new game of publicly humiliating and cyber-bullying me only because I was honest in my review about her awful book. I don't know if any of the people happily bashing me on her post know this but cyber-bullying is a bigger crime than me "threatening" her (which did not even happen). I will only say this. I would have changed my review if the author had at least talked to me in even remotely humane terms but she chose the coward's way of erupting negativity against me. Hence, I will not apologize. I will not change my review. This world needs love. It does not need people who think it is their right to bully someone to do what they want. I will not victimize myself by posting my own blog post. I wish that people who are calling me immature will see how immature it is to publicly say anything to anyone. Plus, you violated my privacy, Willow. That is not acceptable. Don't you dare think you can publicly use my name and then put yourself in the victim's light.
If I had a dime for every time I rolled my eyes while reading this book, I'd be rich.
I managed to finish this book. And this is what I did in the end:
Hmm...let's see. Where do I start? Do I compare it with Fifty shades to tell people exactly what is wrong with this book or do I just compare it to the worst book I have ever read.
I think I should go back a bit. Even though my rating says otherwise, I didn't exactly loathe this book. I have read my share of awful books and this one was definitely not the worst. And with some (okay, fine a lot ) of efforts, this book can be made better.
True nature is, quite simply, about a controlling and misogynistic asshole who spends most of the book trying to convince us that he's very macho and strong and dominating but comes off as the weakest man I have ever read about. And on the sidelines of this story is a meek, irritating, boring as fuck girl with a brain the size of a pea and the common sense of a mushroom. Actually, a mushroom would have more common sense.
The very first thing the author hints about before starting this book is that her heroes are always "controlling" and her heroines are "submissive" and we, readers, should accept that. You see, this is her first mistake. When you promise your readers something and then you fail at keeping that promise, yea that's when you really fail. And boy does the author fail in delivering a dominating hero and a submissive heroine. Her hero is a pussy and her heroine is well, stupid.
Example: So Max takes Lucy to this party where some woman asks him something and he pats his breast pocket to show he brought what she needed. Now, our dear Lucy decided to make the dumbest assumption in the world:
Are you selling drugs? Is that 'work' you have to do tonight?
I can't even...
Anyways, the most annoying part about True Nature is that it is very poorly written. The author may have been alright with her grammar but she constantly seemed to be trying to use slang to appear "cooler". It was quite visible when all of a sudden Lucy and her friends started using the word "lame" for literally everything for 3 continuous paragraphs. Then they stopped using it as though the author was like "nah, this word doesn't make sound cool enough". So she had her characters use "ooo lala" all of a sudden for a couple of paragraphs, decided it wasn't cool enough either and dropped her cool act altogether. I can't even begin to describe how stupid (or shall I say "lame") it sounds when three grown up women start using "Ooo lala" for everything all of a sudden.
And then as if the author wanted to appear more irritating, she inserted the centuries old "oh I am so fucking jealous" scene into her story but since this is True Nature, a bad novel, it has this scene right at the start
I don't know about everyone else but if a girl is feeling jealous when the guy she is out on a date with FOR THE FIRST TIME becomes jealous when he mentions his ex girlfriend. I think this was my first indication that Lucy was sort of cracked in her head.
Another awful thing about this book is the author's constant use of full stops to separate sentences. Woman, there are things called commas and full-stops or are you allergic to them?
If you think I should forgive her for this, just look at how each sentence appears with all these full stops:
Most guys don't want to make any decisions.....ya know.....leaving all the choices of a date up to a girl.....at least most guys I've known
So.....what......after only a couple of days.......you want to be exclusively dating?
And in case you were wondering, yes this "ya know" pissed the hell out of me too especially since Lucy used it in every single on of her dialogues.
Here's something that is quite self-explanatory when it comes to this book's (and it's characters') many flaws:
"have you....?" he makes a grinding motion with his hips against the bar
Ladies and gentleman, True Nature is about Lucy and a man whose mind works like that of a 16-year-old girl.
And it is boring as hell too. Until 30% of the book, nothing of worth happens. Unless you count the part where Lucy calls Max a drug dealer.
Also, Max has the dumbest friends in the world. When they first meet Lucy, the constantly ask Max if he is, quote, "in looove"
To make matters worse, the author seemed to have been given directions to start her chapters with the shortest sentences possible for God knows what reason hence the reason why her chapters started with butchered up words like "Billy calling".
Max manages to piss you off even more with his soliloquies:
I don't want to encourage Lucy to talk about her job. I don't really care what she does
Of course you don't you self centered asshole.
Bad habit no. 1: She should've answered her phone
What if she's busy somewhere? Or in the toilet? or asleep?
she said she had a weekly dinner planned with her friends. I didn't like it
I don't get why he doesn't like it. Apart from the fact that he just has to be controlling.
Her friends shouldn't act this wild. Their boyfriends shouldn't let them
Josh shouldn't allow her to talk like that
Umm....what?! So, basically, every guy in the world should be misogynistic according to Max.
![]()
Lucy: "I have to pee"
Max: You heard me......come right back"
What if she pees on you?
To make things worse, the MCs declare their love for each other only after three weeks.
Just when I thought I couldn't hate this book more.
There was one point where I actually agreed with what the author wrote:
tracy said he must be gay for caring about clothes that much at all
I agree, dear. I totally agree
See, you can argue that the book at least has some darkness. But that's where you're wrong. This book was written simply so that the author could tell us all how girls should be living. If this makes me sound mean, consider this. When Max forces Lucy to start wearing more "modest" clothes, she notices how older men are noticing her more and people look at her more respectfully. Well, if perverted old men were staring at me , I'd run and call the cops. Wearing modestly has nothing to do with attracting older men. Trust me. Which is why I know for sure Lucy is crazy. Plus, Max forces Lucy to stop cursing when he himself cusses like a fucking sailor all the freaking time And him and his friends made sure to curse in Every. Single. Sentence.
Now, normal people who like to curse don't curse in every single fucking sentence. Especially not with words like "schmuck" so I am definitely convinced Max is crazy too.
To end my argument that Lucy is cuckoo, she has this habit of laughing out loud at whatever she is thinking. And she does this a lot. As in, a lot
Thinking to yourself? Totally acceptable
Laughing out loud all the time at your thoughts especially after you've been slapped around by your controlling asshole-ic boyfriend? Yea, you're crazy.
If I had a dime for every time I rolled my eyes while reading this book, I'd be rich.
I managed to finish this book. And this is what I did in the end:
Hmm...let's see. Where do I start? Do I compare it with Fifty shades to tell people exactly what is wrong with this book or do I just compare it to the worst book I have ever read.
I think I should go back a bit. Even though my rating says otherwise, I didn't exactly loathe this book. I have read my share of awful books and this one was definitely not the worst. And with some (okay, fine a lot ) of efforts, this book can be made better.
True nature is, quite simply, about a controlling and misogynistic asshole who spends most of the book trying to convince us that he's very macho and strong and dominating but comes off as the weakest man I have ever read about. And on the sidelines of this story is a meek, irritating, boring as fuck girl with a brain the size of a pea and the common sense of a mushroom. Actually, a mushroom would have more common sense.
The very first thing the author hints about before starting this book is that her heroes are always "controlling" and her heroines are "submissive" and we, readers, should accept that. You see, this is her first mistake. When you promise your readers something and then you fail at keeping that promise, yea that's when you really fail. And boy does the author fail in delivering a dominating hero and a submissive heroine. Her hero is a pussy and her heroine is well, stupid.
Example: So Max takes Lucy to this party where some woman asks him something and he pats his breast pocket to show he brought what she needed. Now, our dear Lucy decided to make the dumbest assumption in the world:
Are you selling drugs? Is that 'work' you have to do tonight?
I can't even...
Anyways, the most annoying part about True Nature is that it is very poorly written. The author may have been alright with her grammar but she constantly seemed to be trying to use slang to appear "cooler". It was quite visible when all of a sudden Lucy and her friends started using the word "lame" for literally everything for 3 continuous paragraphs. Then they stopped using it as though the author was like "nah, this word doesn't make sound cool enough". So she had her characters use "ooo lala" all of a sudden for a couple of paragraphs, decided it wasn't cool enough either and dropped her cool act altogether. I can't even begin to describe how stupid (or shall I say "lame") it sounds when three grown up women start using "Ooo lala" for everything all of a sudden.
And then as if the author wanted to appear more irritating, she inserted the centuries old "oh I am so fucking jealous" scene into her story but since this is True Nature, a bad novel, it has this scene right at the start
I don't know about everyone else but if a girl is feeling jealous when the guy she is out on a date with FOR THE FIRST TIME becomes jealous when he mentions his ex girlfriend. I think this was my first indication that Lucy was sort of cracked in her head.
Another awful thing about this book is the author's constant use of full stops to separate sentences. Woman, there are things called commas and full-stops or are you allergic to them?
If you think I should forgive her for this, just look at how each sentence appears with all these full stops:
Most guys don't want to make any decisions.....ya know.....leaving all the choices of a date up to a girl.....at least most guys I've known
So.....what......after only a couple of days.......you want to be exclusively dating?
And in case you were wondering, yes this "ya know" pissed the hell out of me too especially since Lucy used it in every single on of her dialogues.
Here's something that is quite self-explanatory when it comes to this book's (and it's characters') many flaws:
"have you....?" he makes a grinding motion with his hips against the bar
Ladies and gentleman, True Nature is about Lucy and a man whose mind works like that of a 16-year-old girl.
And it is boring as hell too. Until 30% of the book, nothing of worth happens. Unless you count the part where Lucy calls Max a drug dealer.
Also, Max has the dumbest friends in the world. When they first meet Lucy, the constantly ask Max if he is, quote, "in looove"
To make matters worse, the author seemed to have been given directions to start her chapters with the shortest sentences possible for God knows what reason hence the reason why her chapters started with butchered up words like "Billy calling".
Max manages to piss you off even more with his soliloquies:
I don't want to encourage Lucy to talk about her job. I don't really care what she does
Of course you don't you self centered asshole.
Bad habit no. 1: She should've answered her phone
What if she's busy somewhere? Or in the toilet? or asleep?
she said she had a weekly dinner planned with her friends. I didn't like it
I don't get why he doesn't like it. Apart from the fact that he just has to be controlling.
Her friends shouldn't act this wild. Their boyfriends shouldn't let them
Josh shouldn't allow her to talk like that
Umm....what?! So, basically, every guy in the world should be misogynistic according to Max.
Lucy: "I have to pee"
Max: You heard me......come right back"
What if she pees on you?
To make things worse, the MCs declare their love for each other only after three weeks.
Just when I thought I couldn't hate this book more.
There was one point where I actually agreed with what the author wrote:
tracy said he must be gay for caring about clothes that much at all
I agree, dear. I totally agree
See, you can argue that the book at least has some darkness. But that's where you're wrong. This book was written simply so that the author could tell us all how girls should be living. If this makes me sound mean, consider this. When Max forces Lucy to start wearing more "modest" clothes, she notices how older men are noticing her more and people look at her more respectfully. Well, if perverted old men were staring at me , I'd run and call the cops. Wearing modestly has nothing to do with attracting older men. Trust me. Which is why I know for sure Lucy is crazy. Plus, Max forces Lucy to stop cursing when he himself cusses like a fucking sailor all the freaking time And him and his friends made sure to curse in Every. Single. Sentence.
Now, normal people who like to curse don't curse in every single fucking sentence. Especially not with words like "schmuck" so I am definitely convinced Max is crazy too.
To end my argument that Lucy is cuckoo, she has this habit of laughing out loud at whatever she is thinking. And she does this a lot. As in, a lot
Thinking to yourself? Totally acceptable
Laughing out loud all the time at your thoughts especially after you've been slapped around by your controlling asshole-ic boyfriend? Yea, you're crazy.
August 16, 2019
Oh my god!!
This book was recommended by a friend who spent most of yesterday reading the series and I know exactly how she feels I really begrudged having to put it down at all today.
Lucy is out for the night with her two best friends Laura and Tracy, the barman Max catches her eye and she also catches his, but Max as I'm sure you can imagine is so much more than just a barman, he's handsome, rich, confident, successful and likes getting his own way as Lucy is soon to find out.
Max is a take charge kind of guy and this makes a refreshing change for Lucy who's used to guys that can't make a decision at all, he even orders for her in restaurants..and this is just the beginning.
I have to say that I loved that this book has dual POV and it's the type of book which just grabs you. I liked Max early on I have to say and I liked that he gave her space, I've read books in a similar vein which have sort of dived straight in so I was expecting it to be much worse than it was, until....oh my god I wasn't expecting that...at all, I mean seriously, but it was too late for me I'm well and truly hooked on this series I just can't get enough, talk about addictive reading.
So it's straight onto the next book for me but I've learnt my lesson I'm definitely waiting until morning otherwise if I start it now I'll be up all night.
This book was recommended by a friend who spent most of yesterday reading the series and I know exactly how she feels I really begrudged having to put it down at all today.
Lucy is out for the night with her two best friends Laura and Tracy, the barman Max catches her eye and she also catches his, but Max as I'm sure you can imagine is so much more than just a barman, he's handsome, rich, confident, successful and likes getting his own way as Lucy is soon to find out.
Max is a take charge kind of guy and this makes a refreshing change for Lucy who's used to guys that can't make a decision at all, he even orders for her in restaurants..and this is just the beginning.
I have to say that I loved that this book has dual POV and it's the type of book which just grabs you. I liked Max early on I have to say and I liked that he gave her space, I've read books in a similar vein which have sort of dived straight in so I was expecting it to be much worse than it was, until....oh my god I wasn't expecting that...at all, I mean seriously, but it was too late for me I'm well and truly hooked on this series I just can't get enough, talk about addictive reading.
So it's straight onto the next book for me but I've learnt my lesson I'm definitely waiting until morning otherwise if I start it now I'll be up all night.
August 5, 2015
Okay...Did I finally finish reading this mess? Yes, I did. This story was just so.....I'm so disgusted I can't even go there...
Never mind, Yes I can go there. This is one of the worst books ever. There's a huge difference between hot panty soaking controlling asshole hottie, and the abusive condescending prick in this story. God, how I wished Lucy would have gotten a backbone and slapped his ass back. Repeatedly.
The only thing good about this book is I'm finished with it. No way am I reading any sequels to it. I hated it that much.
December 29, 2015
Whew, I just fell into a briar patch, yall, and I'm cut up and still digging thorns out of my sore ass as I write this review.
How well you enjoy a book often heavily depends on how well you connect with, understand, and like the characters.
Plot
Some may say that this book centers around the Dom/Sub lifestyle. I disagree. That would be like telling you a book is about athletics when there are peewee all the way to Pro levels of play, different sports, different genders, and a host of other shit to consider.
For me, the core of this book was its' characters and how they specifically, individually viewed and accepted the male and female roles within a relationship.
There's a lifestyle choice, and within it, a demand (his) & an acceptance (hers.) The momentum of the story is how these two characters navigate themselves within that lifestyle. No, I take that back. The male MC is unwavering; he has made his life choices and will not veer from them even a fraction. The momentum is whether the female MC can accept and adapt to his demands.
Can You Handle This Brand Of Dominant Alpha For 92% Of This Book?
That's the first question that will make or break this book for you.
The female is submissive. Period. You either respect that or you don't. Fairly cut and dry. What gets murky for readers is what/who she's accepting.
The male MC here is your modernized type-A personality, old school dominant alpha male of the 'wife cook, male work' era of thinking. He's all on, all the time. There is ZERO sugar coating. Some readers will appreciate that and others will want to strangle him. How far the author chooses to carry him will test your hard limits, no doubt! I want to strangle the mfer myself.
Meet Max...
So, we meet this bartender, Max, and our kinda spastic female MC as she's ordering a bourbon. Mr. SmartyPants bartender decides she needs a pink fruity drink because bourbon isn't a a little girl's drink.
Right ^here and there^ , I'd have poured his pretty drink on the counter and asked him how that geehaws with his version of a little girl. Lucy, though, drinks her pink drink. Meanwhile, this bastard fixes HIMSELF a glass of mfing bourbon. Yeah, my vote is strangle.
There are three holy items that you just don't mess with, else my alpha female is gonna come out and light your alpha male ass up...
1. My drink of choice.
2 My food of choice.
3. My Kindle.
He goes to messing with two of the three out of the gate here. Not good, my man. Not good at all!
One word for ya... Curfew.
I laughed. Lawd, I would make a horrible submissive. My ass would look like a lobster in a fight with a bulldog because I'd laugh so hard at his demands that I'd piss myself and we'd have to switch to a wet room scene.
Two words for ya... No cursing.
Yeah, I'd be up shit creek without a mfing paddle on that one.
Three words for ya... Don't talk back.
Bahaha Uhm, okay, sure, but is silently hitting your ass over the head with the frying pan allowed?
While this guy is clearly encroaching on territory that I would dick-punch him over, our female MC is submissive. She notices it, ponders it a little, and even questions him on it, ultimately feeling like it's a turn-on vs off.
Submission and domination to this degree just isn't my cup'o'tea, but the whole thing does make you think. It begs the question what one is willing to accept, conform to, & justify for the sake of love and lust. Something to think about for you analytical minds....
[image error]
Because if Chris Hemsworth or Chris Lane (#Fix is my jam) gave my ass a curfew and told me to STFU, I just might have to be a submissive for a hot minute, okay;)
Sorry, back to the book...
It's also only fair to point out that our MC behaves as the classic gentleman would in public - pulling out chairs, opening doors, protective, etc.
It's also fair to be clear that he offers Lucy choice in her decision to be with him, is honest about what he expects, & never pressures her to accept his lifestyle. It's her choice to choose him or not. After that, all bets are off on her choosing jack shit! Some other reviewers state that he forces her to be with him, and that's simply not true. He gives her the choice to be with him on his terms or walk away. Agree or disagree with it all, but it is disingenuous to say he forces her to do anything.
Abuse Or Domestic Discipline?
This is the second question that will make or break this book for you.
Warning Spoilers and Triggers Ahead
Up until 92%, I can say I'd call this a sub/dom style relationship where the focus is him taking control and her giving control ... Aside from a pinching scene, he is non-violent in his control over every facet of his life and hers. I'm comfortable with that. Maybe I don't agree, but I'm semi-comfortable.
Then, my comfort level gets obliterated. I'm talking Hiroshima. This is a spoiler, perhaps. However, it's also a trigger for a lot of readers, and how you view the difference WILL determine if this is the book for you or not.
She says a curse word. His response at 92% is to slam her against the wall and slap her in the face three times hard enough for the bitch to bounce off the wall. He enjoyed her fear, weakness, pain, & guilt. He got hard during it, okay?!?
He calls it punishment. She agrees and stays. And, with that, my hard limit has been reached:/
Some circles define this as domestic discipline, I'm not going to argue over schematics or judge lifestyle choices, but striking in anger with the intent to cause fear and harm is what I consider abuse.
^ A playful ass slap because you were a bad girl ... Sign my ass up!
Teeth rattling slaps for a curse word? Uhm, no! I'm gonna pick something up and lay your ass out!
Writing
There are a few editing issues, but nothing distracting...
The writer is a great storyteller. Her narrative sentences sound natural. It has an upbeat, speedy flow. Her characters are well developed & believable. Dialogue is smooth and fluid.
Bottom Line
I really have no complaints about the writing. The subject matter and the character's lifestyle weren't to my brand of erotica and the just went way beyond my comfort level at the end.
So, as the author forewarned, this will not be a romance with mass appeal.
A Note After Finishing The Series
I initially said I wouldn't rate this book on a star level. I didn't feel that I could be both fair to the author's talents, my own comfort within the subject of the book, and the excellent presentation of this story set against what the story was about. The fairest I could be was to let the review speak for itself. I was wrong.
After reading this completed series, I'm going to rate this book with 5 stars because the author earned and deserved a rating. Know that the rest of the books within the series are also rated 5 stars.
The author clearly warns what the subject of the book is and that it IS NOT A READ for everyone due to the darker domestic discipline & D/S element. So, I'm not punishing the author for the content she warns is coming just because it tested my comfort.
My 5 star is a direct reflection on how this book made me feel, which was a test for me to move onward. The fact that I went onward whilst pissed off, terribly uncomfortable, and not per se "enjoying" the content attests to how talented the author is in her storytelling. That I needed to understand the characters and the subject matter, that I needed the why's, how's, and what's... Again, a testament to a true 5 star book.
How well you enjoy a book often heavily depends on how well you connect with, understand, and like the characters.
Plot
Some may say that this book centers around the Dom/Sub lifestyle. I disagree. That would be like telling you a book is about athletics when there are peewee all the way to Pro levels of play, different sports, different genders, and a host of other shit to consider.
For me, the core of this book was its' characters and how they specifically, individually viewed and accepted the male and female roles within a relationship.
There's a lifestyle choice, and within it, a demand (his) & an acceptance (hers.) The momentum of the story is how these two characters navigate themselves within that lifestyle. No, I take that back. The male MC is unwavering; he has made his life choices and will not veer from them even a fraction. The momentum is whether the female MC can accept and adapt to his demands.
Can You Handle This Brand Of Dominant Alpha For 92% Of This Book?
That's the first question that will make or break this book for you.
The female is submissive. Period. You either respect that or you don't. Fairly cut and dry. What gets murky for readers is what/who she's accepting.
The male MC here is your modernized type-A personality, old school dominant alpha male of the 'wife cook, male work' era of thinking. He's all on, all the time. There is ZERO sugar coating. Some readers will appreciate that and others will want to strangle him. How far the author chooses to carry him will test your hard limits, no doubt! I want to strangle the mfer myself.
Meet Max...
So, we meet this bartender, Max, and our kinda spastic female MC as she's ordering a bourbon. Mr. SmartyPants bartender decides she needs a pink fruity drink because bourbon isn't a a little girl's drink.
Right ^here and there^ , I'd have poured his pretty drink on the counter and asked him how that geehaws with his version of a little girl. Lucy, though, drinks her pink drink. Meanwhile, this bastard fixes HIMSELF a glass of mfing bourbon. Yeah, my vote is strangle.
There are three holy items that you just don't mess with, else my alpha female is gonna come out and light your alpha male ass up...
1. My drink of choice.
2 My food of choice.
3. My Kindle.
He goes to messing with two of the three out of the gate here. Not good, my man. Not good at all!
One word for ya... Curfew.
I laughed. Lawd, I would make a horrible submissive. My ass would look like a lobster in a fight with a bulldog because I'd laugh so hard at his demands that I'd piss myself and we'd have to switch to a wet room scene.
Two words for ya... No cursing.
Yeah, I'd be up shit creek without a mfing paddle on that one.
Three words for ya... Don't talk back.
Bahaha Uhm, okay, sure, but is silently hitting your ass over the head with the frying pan allowed?
While this guy is clearly encroaching on territory that I would dick-punch him over, our female MC is submissive. She notices it, ponders it a little, and even questions him on it, ultimately feeling like it's a turn-on vs off.
Submission and domination to this degree just isn't my cup'o'tea, but the whole thing does make you think. It begs the question what one is willing to accept, conform to, & justify for the sake of love and lust. Something to think about for you analytical minds....
[image error]
Because if Chris Hemsworth or Chris Lane (#Fix is my jam) gave my ass a curfew and told me to STFU, I just might have to be a submissive for a hot minute, okay;)
Sorry, back to the book...
It's also only fair to point out that our MC behaves as the classic gentleman would in public - pulling out chairs, opening doors, protective, etc.
It's also fair to be clear that he offers Lucy choice in her decision to be with him, is honest about what he expects, & never pressures her to accept his lifestyle. It's her choice to choose him or not. After that, all bets are off on her choosing jack shit! Some other reviewers state that he forces her to be with him, and that's simply not true. He gives her the choice to be with him on his terms or walk away. Agree or disagree with it all, but it is disingenuous to say he forces her to do anything.
Abuse Or Domestic Discipline?
This is the second question that will make or break this book for you.
Warning Spoilers and Triggers Ahead
Up until 92%, I can say I'd call this a sub/dom style relationship where the focus is him taking control and her giving control ... Aside from a pinching scene, he is non-violent in his control over every facet of his life and hers. I'm comfortable with that. Maybe I don't agree, but I'm semi-comfortable.
Then, my comfort level gets obliterated. I'm talking Hiroshima. This is a spoiler, perhaps. However, it's also a trigger for a lot of readers, and how you view the difference WILL determine if this is the book for you or not.
She says a curse word. His response at 92% is to slam her against the wall and slap her in the face three times hard enough for the bitch to bounce off the wall. He enjoyed her fear, weakness, pain, & guilt. He got hard during it, okay?!?
He calls it punishment. She agrees and stays. And, with that, my hard limit has been reached:/
Some circles define this as domestic discipline, I'm not going to argue over schematics or judge lifestyle choices, but striking in anger with the intent to cause fear and harm is what I consider abuse.
^ A playful ass slap because you were a bad girl ... Sign my ass up!
Teeth rattling slaps for a curse word? Uhm, no! I'm gonna pick something up and lay your ass out!
Writing
There are a few editing issues, but nothing distracting...
"Tracey leaves for the bathroom to quickly (to should be here)
avoid the guy to her left.
The writer is a great storyteller. Her narrative sentences sound natural. It has an upbeat, speedy flow. Her characters are well developed & believable. Dialogue is smooth and fluid.
Bottom Line
I really have no complaints about the writing. The subject matter and the character's lifestyle weren't to my brand of erotica and the just went way beyond my comfort level at the end.
So, as the author forewarned, this will not be a romance with mass appeal.
A Note After Finishing The Series
I initially said I wouldn't rate this book on a star level. I didn't feel that I could be both fair to the author's talents, my own comfort within the subject of the book, and the excellent presentation of this story set against what the story was about. The fairest I could be was to let the review speak for itself. I was wrong.
After reading this completed series, I'm going to rate this book with 5 stars because the author earned and deserved a rating. Know that the rest of the books within the series are also rated 5 stars.
The author clearly warns what the subject of the book is and that it IS NOT A READ for everyone due to the darker domestic discipline & D/S element. So, I'm not punishing the author for the content she warns is coming just because it tested my comfort.
My 5 star is a direct reflection on how this book made me feel, which was a test for me to move onward. The fact that I went onward whilst pissed off, terribly uncomfortable, and not per se "enjoying" the content attests to how talented the author is in her storytelling. That I needed to understand the characters and the subject matter, that I needed the why's, how's, and what's... Again, a testament to a true 5 star book.
April 11, 2016
Do not change a thing for anybody. I loved this book, and just purchased the second and third book in the series!
About time I found another author that is not afraid to write about unapologetic Alpha males. This is the type of Alpha that I love to read about. Some authors come close, but pull back not to offend anyone- I like those books, but this type of book, I love.
During the story you could feel that something life changing was going to take place. The story kept building, and building until.... I didn't expect the big smack, but it was shockingly a must for the story.
Max was dominating, scary at times, and holding back for the majority of the book. There are those of us who actually look for this type of hero/antihero D's stories!
Lucy was so sweet. I truly connected with her character. I would have felt sorry for her, but she understood that there was something dark and different about Max. She also concluded and was told that she was going to be punished in some way or another. Maybe she should have asked exactly what ways Max planned on dishing out is punishments.
This book is not for everyone. If you get offended easily, or have triggers when it comes to women being spanked, hit, controlled, or dominated, please take into consideration that you were actually warned when rating this book.
I do not know this author, but would love to get to know her. I happened upon this book while looking through a friends dark erotica/antihero's list on Goodreads.
About time I found another author that is not afraid to write about unapologetic Alpha males. This is the type of Alpha that I love to read about. Some authors come close, but pull back not to offend anyone- I like those books, but this type of book, I love.
During the story you could feel that something life changing was going to take place. The story kept building, and building until.... I didn't expect the big smack, but it was shockingly a must for the story.
Max was dominating, scary at times, and holding back for the majority of the book. There are those of us who actually look for this type of hero/antihero D's stories!
Lucy was so sweet. I truly connected with her character. I would have felt sorry for her, but she understood that there was something dark and different about Max. She also concluded and was told that she was going to be punished in some way or another. Maybe she should have asked exactly what ways Max planned on dishing out is punishments.
This book is not for everyone. If you get offended easily, or have triggers when it comes to women being spanked, hit, controlled, or dominated, please take into consideration that you were actually warned when rating this book.
I do not know this author, but would love to get to know her. I happened upon this book while looking through a friends dark erotica/antihero's list on Goodreads.
Read
December 26, 2017I am going to keep this review short and straight here as its holidays and m in a jolly mood, kind of atleast !
how should i put this?
So herez how it is..
When i started reading this book i kinda had an idea that hero is going to slap heroine but what i did not have an idea about was-
Heroine is going to enjoy it...
She is going to giggle about it...
She will anticipate it....
Basically she will not just accept it but welcome it too with both hands
Okay! Now i know everyone have their own kinks and they have full right to practice it too.
Unless it is something illegal.
Then...
Yeah so where i was yup so they can do whatever they wanna do...
No judgements here
But what i could'nt tolerate was how casually it was shown..
intimate partner voilence is no joke and FYI its illegal as well..
Now if we try to analyse this situation we can also see that Hero forced the heroine to accept it by putting break up as a condition so she did'nt asked for it right?
And if i am correct this will be count as an I.P.V.
So there goes the kink fact out of the equation and thus made this book the mother father of fuckedupness...
Okay! This was surely the reason i despise this book but for those who might need more let me give you more...
Hero learned this bullshit from his father as his parents had same kind of relationship..
He scolds heroine for swearing because shez a girl and he can do it as hez a boy.
He does'nt want heroine to wear short clothes ( because surely he was sleeping when world was progressing)
Now i am going to state the father of all this rubbish!
So this was not enough basically he does'nt even want our heroine to order her own food!!
So after completing my rant i noticed my promise to keep this review short was out of window the minute i reached the voilence part.
Hmm..
I think am finally done so i rest my case here...
how should i put this?
So herez how it is..
When i started reading this book i kinda had an idea that hero is going to slap heroine but what i did not have an idea about was-
Heroine is going to enjoy it...
She is going to giggle about it...
She will anticipate it....
Basically she will not just accept it but welcome it too with both hands
Okay! Now i know everyone have their own kinks and they have full right to practice it too.
Unless it is something illegal.
Then...
Yeah so where i was yup so they can do whatever they wanna do...
No judgements here
But what i could'nt tolerate was how casually it was shown..
intimate partner voilence is no joke and FYI its illegal as well..
Now if we try to analyse this situation we can also see that Hero forced the heroine to accept it by putting break up as a condition so she did'nt asked for it right?
And if i am correct this will be count as an I.P.V.
So there goes the kink fact out of the equation and thus made this book the mother father of fuckedupness...
Okay! This was surely the reason i despise this book but for those who might need more let me give you more...
Hero learned this bullshit from his father as his parents had same kind of relationship..
He scolds heroine for swearing because shez a girl and he can do it as hez a boy.
He does'nt want heroine to wear short clothes ( because surely he was sleeping when world was progressing)
Now i am going to state the father of all this rubbish!
So this was not enough basically he does'nt even want our heroine to order her own food!!
So after completing my rant i noticed my promise to keep this review short was out of window the minute i reached the voilence part.
Hmm..
I think am finally done so i rest my case here...
August 17, 2019
3.5 stars. I'll be continuing the series because I have a feeling I'll like the next book even more. This wasn't nearly as bad as some of the reviews made it out to be. I suppose they were helpful because I went into this knowing there would be domestic violence. From the reviews I thought there would be more face slapping but I ended up thinking 'that's it'? Lol. I also thought Max would be constantly angry, but he wasn't. He's so sure of himself it's sexy in a messed up way. Also, it's not like MMCs like Max are anything new. Max didn't come close to being as bad as Anthony Rawlings in Consequences by Aleatha Romig, for example.
Something about the writing or story didn't 100% captivate me although I'm into it enough to read the next book. Hence the 3.5 rating. In my mind this leans closer to a 4 than 3 though - I may round up to a 4 after I finish the series, idk. The writing is very good, and Willow Madison is a talented author. This was a good 'quick dark read.' I think to read and appreciate this book you have to be willing to read about an abusive relationship without flipping out. When I read dark romance I don't expect it to depict a healthy, mature, balanced relationship. 'Darkness' to me can explore themes of abuse without romanticizing it.
Something about the writing or story didn't 100% captivate me although I'm into it enough to read the next book. Hence the 3.5 rating. In my mind this leans closer to a 4 than 3 though - I may round up to a 4 after I finish the series, idk. The writing is very good, and Willow Madison is a talented author. This was a good 'quick dark read.' I think to read and appreciate this book you have to be willing to read about an abusive relationship without flipping out. When I read dark romance I don't expect it to depict a healthy, mature, balanced relationship. 'Darkness' to me can explore themes of abuse without romanticizing it.
March 14, 2020
This book is a like or not like at all, black or white; nothing in between. The author gives a lifestyle and personality to the MC's that is unwavering with complete commitment. Max has been true from the beginning. He is honest, controlling and a Dom. Having grown up in a traditional life, he only knows that a man's place is outside and making rules while the woman stays at home and takes care of the family. Meeting Lucy at a bar Max knows and understands that he found his Sub. Lucy comes out doubtful and with second thoughts when she hangs out with Max. We find conversations where Max orders her food/drink, takes decisions for both of them and abuses which he inflicts are all on Lucy's consent. Lucy knows what she was getting into, the consequences of not obeying. She readily accepts Max control over her life, infact she admits liking Max taking "care" of her.
This is a Dom/Sub relationship, not kink play. Lucy may seem doormat but she. is. not. and Max is an absolute Dom. This book may not be everyone's choice of read and the MC's may not be likeable but everything is consentual here. No one is an abuser or a victim. I don't like this kind of relationship and I don't agree to most of the things going in the book. I would still like to continue this series because this is a rare unique story and the author has me intrigued with her blurb.
This is a Dom/Sub relationship, not kink play. Lucy may seem doormat but she. is. not. and Max is an absolute Dom. This book may not be everyone's choice of read and the MC's may not be likeable but everything is consentual here. No one is an abuser or a victim. I don't like this kind of relationship and I don't agree to most of the things going in the book. I would still like to continue this series because this is a rare unique story and the author has me intrigued with her blurb.
March 30, 2015
Sorry but this book was vile. I felt physically sick in the final pages andi most definitely wont be reading the follow ups
June 9, 2017
Slapping someone in the face five times as punishment is abuse not whatever the hell he said it was
"I slap the side of her face, hard. She falters back a step into the wall, putting both hands up to cover the left side of her face, cowering from me."
Honestly I thought punishment was going to be on the lines of something like this....
I Don't think she waas expecting that type of punishment too but intead...
"I slap her again, just as hard. Her hands go up to her face again and stay there, When she opens them, her eyes have the beginning of tears,. Her look is of fear. And more guilt. Good My cock thickens at the sight of her."
All she did was say a F word ummm no this fool tried it!
Walk away girl walk away!
"I slap the side of her face, hard. She falters back a step into the wall, putting both hands up to cover the left side of her face, cowering from me."
Honestly I thought punishment was going to be on the lines of something like this....
I Don't think she waas expecting that type of punishment too but intead...
"I slap her again, just as hard. Her hands go up to her face again and stay there, When she opens them, her eyes have the beginning of tears,. Her look is of fear. And more guilt. Good My cock thickens at the sight of her."
All she did was say a F word ummm no this fool tried it!
Walk away girl walk away!
December 16, 2016
this shit is not even worth wasting my breath over.
i hated it and i believe it belongs in the horror section.
this is NOT BDSM, this is NOT romance. this is abuse, plain and simple.
i hated it and i believe it belongs in the horror section.
this is NOT BDSM, this is NOT romance. this is abuse, plain and simple.
May 20, 2016
If I could have given this book 0 stars I would have. The book outlines a textbook abusive relationship. A man who beats his significant other as punishment for her not behaving the way he has instructed. a rich man who buys a woman pretty things and decides that he owns her because of this. This isn't a "dark romance." This was a disgusting display of a very serious problem and profiting off of it. There wasn't a plot. The entire story spanned one months time where a young girl gets swept off her feet and trapped in a relationship that she will never be able to safely leave.
**I won a copy of this book from a goodreads giveaway. I wish I hadn't.
**I won a copy of this book from a goodreads giveaway. I wish I hadn't.
May 25, 2018
**Must add that seeing how this author interacted with readers has made me decide to never read or review another of her books. I liked her author's note initially, thinking I was getting a dark BDSM book that some might not take well. But now I see that her books are full of actual abuse and she can't discern one from the other. This sickens me. I am no prude and some of my best reads have been very very dark. This should be relabeled as abuse romance. **
**Should also be noted that I stopped reading this because I was bored out of my fricking mind. Then I read end spoilers and became enraged. **
DNF 71% About 10% into this I was for sure that the writing was sub par. Short choppy sentences and way too much telling. Smart readers understand. You shouldn't have to tell me much. Your characters should show it.
This isn't a book about a man in control. This was a book about a man with no control that had to take it. All he needed was the perfect person that would go along because she didn't know what else to do.
I've read a lot of BDSM, some really harsh stuff that I was fine with. It made sense and wasn't psychotic. Or at least it sold itself as such, in truth. But don't try and tell me this shit is normal.
In my reality, I know someone who is married to this type of man and it's miserable. She's miserable. Her kids are miserable, and she always chooses his needs over theirs. People. This doesn't work in the real world.
Bottom line: if the actual writing had been better...if you could have shown me erotic reasons why this relationship was hot and worked, I'd have been on board. But you didn't. The sex faded to black half the time and was nothing extraordinary when it didn't. I'll tell ya honestly: muther better be giving me something I can't get anywhere else to make me put up with this level of bullshit!
**Should also be noted that I stopped reading this because I was bored out of my fricking mind. Then I read end spoilers and became enraged. **
DNF 71% About 10% into this I was for sure that the writing was sub par. Short choppy sentences and way too much telling. Smart readers understand. You shouldn't have to tell me much. Your characters should show it.
This isn't a book about a man in control. This was a book about a man with no control that had to take it. All he needed was the perfect person that would go along because she didn't know what else to do.
I've read a lot of BDSM, some really harsh stuff that I was fine with. It made sense and wasn't psychotic. Or at least it sold itself as such, in truth. But don't try and tell me this shit is normal.
In my reality, I know someone who is married to this type of man and it's miserable. She's miserable. Her kids are miserable, and she always chooses his needs over theirs. People. This doesn't work in the real world.
Bottom line: if the actual writing had been better...if you could have shown me erotic reasons why this relationship was hot and worked, I'd have been on board. But you didn't. The sex faded to black half the time and was nothing extraordinary when it didn't. I'll tell ya honestly: muther better be giving me something I can't get anywhere else to make me put up with this level of bullshit!
July 28, 2016
I’m not gonna lie, I’ve been putting off this review because there is just so much I want to say, and I don’t know how to say it! But, I’m going to do my best.
First, let me say, I’ve read Willow Madison’s other series We Were One Once, and so for those that think this series was so dark and disturbing? Don’t read WWOO, you won’t enjoy it. But I sure as hell did! I love Willow’s dark and twisted mind and I LOVE the crazy OTT alphas she comes up with. Before I go into my own review, here are some of my own disclaimers to the possible haters out there:
-This isn’t a story about you.
-This isn’t even a story for you!
-This is Lucy and Max’s story and it really doesn’t matter whether you agree with it or not, and it sure as hell doesn’t matter what you think of them.
-This is an extreme look at a very, and I mean very strict Domestic Discipline relationship. If you don’t know what that is, I highly suggest you look it up before reading this book.
Ok, now that I’ve gotten those few things off my chest, let’s see if I can formulate a good review.
Max
Oh Max, unlike so many judgmental ignorant people out there, I adored you. You were true to yourself from the beginning, and true to Lucy too. You never shied away from what you wanted and what you expected from the woman in your life and I admire that. Although I could never be in a relationship with Max (no one will decide what alcoholic beverage I consume), I am slightly jealous of the obvious controlling alpha male that he is, and would love some more of that control in my own relationship (which is non-vanilla, just so y’all know).
Max is honest with Lucy about how he was raised and how he wants the same traditional life his Mom and Step-Dad had. Man is head of the house, makes the decisions, makes and enforces the rules. Woman cooks, cleans, and stays at home to take care of the home/husband/kids. I honestly don’t have a problem with any of this. I know there’s a lot of feminism BS being spouted about that, but really, feminism means women having the right to choose , and if
Lucy
Ok people, Lucy is NOT a doormat. Let me repeat that for everyone. Lucy is not a doormat! She is finding her footing in her relationship with Max as he asserts his dominance more and more, and gives Lucy more and more of his rules. She flat out says/thinks multiple times through the book that she enjoys how he takes control and is assertive over everything. She likes that he will take care of her and keep her in line, and that all she needs to worry about is pleasing him and making him happy. This makes her happy. So, if she’s happy, it again doesn’t matter whether you agree with it or not. Someone’s happiness is surely not going to be someone else’s. A doormat is someone who let’s someone else insinuate their own desires over theirs without any contemplation over their own well-being or happiness. Again, Lucy is happy and is being taken care of, so no, not a doormat.
Abuse?
I can’t even believe how many reviews I’ve read of this that scream abuse at Max. I truly have to laugh. You’ve either never been in an abusive relationship, or you’re probably still playing the victim of one and can’t let go. I’ve been in multiple abusive relationship; of all varieties. And let me tell you, this is not an abusive relationship. Oh, and just for shits and giggles, I’ll also throw out there that I studied psychology in school so I understand Max and Lucy’s thoughts and feelings for what they really are. Completely normal. No one, and no thing, is black and white. Even though everyone tries to claim that. Lucy gets slapped by Max for disobeying rules. She knew what she was getting into, this is not a surprise. Max even explains it again after the slaps and completely gives her the opportunity to walk away without issue. But she stays. Is it because she feels scared of him and him possibly beating her? Hell no!! It’s because she realizes this truly is the kind of relationship she wants. Someone that is going to demand better from her, and for her to stand by the things she says she’ll do and the commitments she’s made, or face punishment.
No one lives in the black or the white. We all live in the gray. Some of us just like the darker end of the spectrum than others. That’s no reason to judge. You wouldn’t judge someone by the color of their skin? So why would you judge them by the color of their desire? And yes it is the same thing; ignorance, judgement and discrimination. Your version of abuse is not mine, and vice versa. Same with Lucy and Max. Don’t be stupid and project your personal ideals and feelings onto others, it’s not your right.
Anyway, with that out of the way, I will say I’ve loved this whole series. Except for 4.2 (shudders), but that’s for another review.
I received a copy of this story for free from the author, in exchange for my honest review, via the Goodreads BDSM r2r.
I love you Willow!!!
September 12, 2019
Controlling Lucy's Heart💘
This is a sick, twisted tale of escalating domestic abuse that the author tries to disguise as s/m. The victim is coerced all along the way, until she has no will of her own left, she's a beaten, empty shell who figures she deserves what she gets because she broke the "rules" somehow. She apologises to her abuser for him having to be cruel to her, because she disobeyed his rules. He designs the rules so she will unknowingly break them and he can punish her. It's an endless circle of abuse and it's clear the abuser enjoys tormenting his woman.
Who could figure the rich suave Max🐺 is a controlling alpha with anger issues over his new found love, Lucy?
When he finds her in a bar he co-owns, he begins subtly controlling and manipulating her from the very beginning. He gives her the girly 🍸drink instead of the whiskey she orders. He starts following her and being over protective.
When he begins dating her, he makes sure she is never out of his sight and he orders her food and drinks at restaurants. He tells her what to wear and chooses her clothing. He gets jealous and nervous and secretly belligerent if other men in the room try to talk to her. He doesn't want to know about her job, in fact, I am sure he will force her to quit. He thinks her job is inconsequential.
He is isolating her from her friends and work associates a little bit at a time by showing his disapproval of them and rewarding her for avoiding them. It's a creeping, insidious effort by Max to take complete control of every aspect of Lucy's life.
Lucy, for her part, is happy at first, to have the attentions of Max. He's a tall, wealthy,handsome, well dressed man who is sure of what he wants. He is decisive to say the least!
Lucy seems to be pretty laid back in life, she's from a different time than Max, he's ten years older than she is. She's young, naive, and just learning and experiencing life on her own.
The men she knows are virtually boys compared to Max.
Max🐺 is trying not to scare Lucy off but he is obsessively possessive of her and wants to control her life in every aspect. He must groom her carefully to keep from setting off her personal alarm bells. He's a sneaky SOB. He never discusses the lifestyle he wants them both to lead.
For Lucy, it's easier to go along to get along with Max. She finds it easier to obey him without question, because he angers so easily if she resists his contolling nature. In the beginning of their relationship, He has small innocuous ways of punishing her if she doubts His decisions. The subtle brainwashing goes on and on.
His true colors👹 start to show through the deeper they get into their relationship.
This is scaring me! I know these romance books are all supposed to have a happy ending but I don't see one here.......
The author made a horrible, inexcusable mistake when she had Max lose his temper yet again and slap Lucy in the face. Not once but three times. Real men don't slap or hit women. Once a hitter, always a hitter, always an abuser. It's also against the law.
Period.
I will not read anymore of this author's books because of this totally uncalled for and unneeded scene. The fact that it came very near the end of the book doesn't excuse it.
I am extremely disappointed in this author. Lucy will never get her happy ending....
I have read hundreds of alpha male romances. This is probably the worst one I have ever read.
It's not a romance, not even a so called "dark romance". It's a study of an unrelenting, unapologetic, domestic abuser and his unwitting, weak, and naive victim.
This is a sick, twisted tale of escalating domestic abuse that the author tries to disguise as s/m. The victim is coerced all along the way, until she has no will of her own left, she's a beaten, empty shell who figures she deserves what she gets because she broke the "rules" somehow. She apologises to her abuser for him having to be cruel to her, because she disobeyed his rules. He designs the rules so she will unknowingly break them and he can punish her. It's an endless circle of abuse and it's clear the abuser enjoys tormenting his woman.
Who could figure the rich suave Max🐺 is a controlling alpha with anger issues over his new found love, Lucy?
When he finds her in a bar he co-owns, he begins subtly controlling and manipulating her from the very beginning. He gives her the girly 🍸drink instead of the whiskey she orders. He starts following her and being over protective.
When he begins dating her, he makes sure she is never out of his sight and he orders her food and drinks at restaurants. He tells her what to wear and chooses her clothing. He gets jealous and nervous and secretly belligerent if other men in the room try to talk to her. He doesn't want to know about her job, in fact, I am sure he will force her to quit. He thinks her job is inconsequential.
He is isolating her from her friends and work associates a little bit at a time by showing his disapproval of them and rewarding her for avoiding them. It's a creeping, insidious effort by Max to take complete control of every aspect of Lucy's life.
Lucy, for her part, is happy at first, to have the attentions of Max. He's a tall, wealthy,handsome, well dressed man who is sure of what he wants. He is decisive to say the least!
Lucy seems to be pretty laid back in life, she's from a different time than Max, he's ten years older than she is. She's young, naive, and just learning and experiencing life on her own.
The men she knows are virtually boys compared to Max.
Max🐺 is trying not to scare Lucy off but he is obsessively possessive of her and wants to control her life in every aspect. He must groom her carefully to keep from setting off her personal alarm bells. He's a sneaky SOB. He never discusses the lifestyle he wants them both to lead.
For Lucy, it's easier to go along to get along with Max. She finds it easier to obey him without question, because he angers so easily if she resists his contolling nature. In the beginning of their relationship, He has small innocuous ways of punishing her if she doubts His decisions. The subtle brainwashing goes on and on.
His true colors👹 start to show through the deeper they get into their relationship.
This is scaring me! I know these romance books are all supposed to have a happy ending but I don't see one here.......
The author made a horrible, inexcusable mistake when she had Max lose his temper yet again and slap Lucy in the face. Not once but three times. Real men don't slap or hit women. Once a hitter, always a hitter, always an abuser. It's also against the law.
Period.
I will not read anymore of this author's books because of this totally uncalled for and unneeded scene. The fact that it came very near the end of the book doesn't excuse it.
I am extremely disappointed in this author. Lucy will never get her happy ending....
I have read hundreds of alpha male romances. This is probably the worst one I have ever read.
It's not a romance, not even a so called "dark romance". It's a study of an unrelenting, unapologetic, domestic abuser and his unwitting, weak, and naive victim.
July 3, 2015
What a disappointment! I'm going to assume that since she did chose to start at the beginning of their relationship that it will get better. I finally thought I found what I was looking for in a dark erotica book. But no. I didn't. I'm still looking forward to the day where my next read will be a four/five star review. I haven't had a good good read since April!
This book reminds me of the This Man series only Max is two years younger than Jesse and we are in Max's head during his PIV chapters so he doesn't come off as an unstable, emotional wreck like Jesse did. Sadly though for the This Man series I didn't like Ava and so no shock to me I didn't like Lucy.
I think it is over rated that you have such a large age difference with the two main characters where the guy is older and mature while the girl is in her mid twenties but acts like a teen because she wasn't able to be one when she was one! I can't relate to the constant going outs and drinkings so it's annoying for me to read those scenes. Why does every character in a book over twenty one always have to drink? And even more why, when the author decides to pair them with an older guy, drink to the point of not being able to stand up right? The guy has a beer or two and still acts sober while the girl acts like a hot mess stumbling all over the damn place! That's not cute! It's annoying as heck.
I really, really can't stand her friend Tracy either. I'm sick of the overly outgoing, hyper best friend who is loud and calls her friends sluts and whores. It's so stupid. Any scene she was in I skipped. Actually any event scene that occurred I skipped.
Another major annoyance in this book was the ridiculous amounts of exclamation marks.
"My friend, Dan, you met him and Becca the other night... it's his birthday tomorrow. Becca is throwing a not-so-surprise not-so-surprise party for him, she does this every year... I'd like you to go with me."
"Sounds like fun... as long as it's not black-tie again!"
"Did you have fun?!" I ask a little challengingly, chin tilting up.
"Very thoughtful of you!" She takes a sip, "This is yummy... what is it?"
"I meant your smile!"
"Sure you did!"
"You do look great in that dress!"
"Thank you!" She's all smiles again.
"It's really impressive!"
"Thanks!"
I swear my head was hurting reading and seeing all of that. Ridiculous! I read that as shouting mostly. Had to close my kindle out for the night after all that.
I'll never understand the suppose logic and common sense of being with someone you want to be yourself with but at the same time you require them to change. I mean no doubt that she acts like a freaking child and a baby ninety percent of the story but at the same time he acts like some forty five year old high class socialite who will not have his young wife embarrassing him!
And I don't see how this was abusive. Three slaps to the face doesn't call for a warning on the book in my opinion.
This book reminds me of the This Man series only Max is two years younger than Jesse and we are in Max's head during his PIV chapters so he doesn't come off as an unstable, emotional wreck like Jesse did. Sadly though for the This Man series I didn't like Ava and so no shock to me I didn't like Lucy.
I think it is over rated that you have such a large age difference with the two main characters where the guy is older and mature while the girl is in her mid twenties but acts like a teen because she wasn't able to be one when she was one! I can't relate to the constant going outs and drinkings so it's annoying for me to read those scenes. Why does every character in a book over twenty one always have to drink? And even more why, when the author decides to pair them with an older guy, drink to the point of not being able to stand up right? The guy has a beer or two and still acts sober while the girl acts like a hot mess stumbling all over the damn place! That's not cute! It's annoying as heck.
I really, really can't stand her friend Tracy either. I'm sick of the overly outgoing, hyper best friend who is loud and calls her friends sluts and whores. It's so stupid. Any scene she was in I skipped. Actually any event scene that occurred I skipped.
Another major annoyance in this book was the ridiculous amounts of exclamation marks.
"My friend, Dan, you met him and Becca the other night... it's his birthday tomorrow. Becca is throwing a not-so-surprise not-so-surprise party for him, she does this every year... I'd like you to go with me."
"Sounds like fun... as long as it's not black-tie again!"
"Did you have fun?!" I ask a little challengingly, chin tilting up.
"Very thoughtful of you!" She takes a sip, "This is yummy... what is it?"
"I meant your smile!"
"Sure you did!"
"You do look great in that dress!"
"Thank you!" She's all smiles again.
"It's really impressive!"
"Thanks!"
I swear my head was hurting reading and seeing all of that. Ridiculous! I read that as shouting mostly. Had to close my kindle out for the night after all that.
I'll never understand the suppose logic and common sense of being with someone you want to be yourself with but at the same time you require them to change. I mean no doubt that she acts like a freaking child and a baby ninety percent of the story but at the same time he acts like some forty five year old high class socialite who will not have his young wife embarrassing him!
And I don't see how this was abusive. Three slaps to the face doesn't call for a warning on the book in my opinion.
July 18, 2016
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, provided by the Author through the BDSM group on goodreads
First, I want to acknowledge that I went into this book knowing that there was "Dark discipline" as described by the author, was a part of the story.
There is a vast difference between "Dark Discipline" and abuse.
Abuse is done in anger, that is the defining line for me. Within the BDSM community acts should be "Safe, Sane, and Consensual". None of these things were present in the scene where Max slapped Lucy repeatedly. He committed the act while angry. This is also not appropriate, all discipline should be done as a part of the act in a consensual manner that adds to the sexual experience.
The second thing that disturbs me is the attempts of Max to isolate Lucy from her support system and job. Ordering her to take the day off work after he hit her so that others can't see her bruises. This is screams abuse to me and not BDSM.
First, I want to acknowledge that I went into this book knowing that there was "Dark discipline" as described by the author, was a part of the story.
There is a vast difference between "Dark Discipline" and abuse.
Abuse is done in anger, that is the defining line for me. Within the BDSM community acts should be "Safe, Sane, and Consensual". None of these things were present in the scene where Max slapped Lucy repeatedly. He committed the act while angry. This is also not appropriate, all discipline should be done as a part of the act in a consensual manner that adds to the sexual experience.
The second thing that disturbs me is the attempts of Max to isolate Lucy from her support system and job. Ordering her to take the day off work after he hit her so that others can't see her bruises. This is screams abuse to me and not BDSM.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2015
I thought I'd really love the book. Sadly, I have to say that the power exchange is a mess. She's not consenting and that VIOLATES all that's held dear in the DD or D/s communities.
He meets criteria as an abuser, tells her what to wear or how to act, isolates her from friends, controls her with anger.
And sadly, it does not pass the simple Bechdel test- Two female characters have to talk to each other for a span of about five full sentences about topic having nothing to do with a boyfriend/man.
February 14, 2016
I have read many slave-master stories and dark erotica novels like 'flawed' and I loved them. but this story left a bad taste in my mouth. Max is a sadist and not in a positive way. I know lucy wanted to go along wid him even after physical abuse, it's wrong. Max is WRONG!!! in the other dark novels I read, the guy is just plain crazy and psycho towards everyone but Max behaving this way only wid Lucy is just plain sadistic. I don't kno y but this novel is very disturbing and Max is a plain crazy obsessive mad loves-to-hurt man. it's disgusting.
August 31, 2015
Received an ARR copy for an honest review.
DNF: 72%
When i started reading this I thought I would like it but the more I read I couldn't stomach it. Lucy was too much of a doormat for Max. I couldn't connect with either character, I like in these type of books that the female is strong but I felt she was too much of a wimp for me. Don't get me started on Max. I could see where the author was going but it just didn't do anything for me.
One thing I did like was it was from both POVs.
I hate not to finish a book but this one I couldn't. I feel bad but the more I read the angrier in myself that I got, with the book. This is my honest opinion.
DNF: 72%
When i started reading this I thought I would like it but the more I read I couldn't stomach it. Lucy was too much of a doormat for Max. I couldn't connect with either character, I like in these type of books that the female is strong but I felt she was too much of a wimp for me. Don't get me started on Max. I could see where the author was going but it just didn't do anything for me.
One thing I did like was it was from both POVs.
I hate not to finish a book but this one I couldn't. I feel bad but the more I read the angrier in myself that I got, with the book. This is my honest opinion.
August 19, 2015
Ah Max. He's one of those men... you know, those men that the entire time you're reading about them, you can feel his dominance, and his sex appeal is off the charts. You're reading so fast because you want to get to the next part to see what he does, but then in the next moment you force yourself to slow down to savor the moment.
While this didn't necessarily end on a cliffhanger, it definitely left you salivating for book 2. I was one-clicking before I finished book 1, anxious to continue Max and Lucy's story. I've read a lot of DD books, and there's always that awkward moment when the H has to introduce the h to "his ways." I won't ruin it for you, but I will say that it was brilliantly done and explained very well why Max was the way he was. I loved that he took the time to tell Lucy what he expected out of her
Loved Max and can't wait to see how his and Lucy's relationship grows as he continues to mold her, but most of all, I loved the insanely hot sex scenes.
While this didn't necessarily end on a cliffhanger, it definitely left you salivating for book 2. I was one-clicking before I finished book 1, anxious to continue Max and Lucy's story. I've read a lot of DD books, and there's always that awkward moment when the H has to introduce the h to "his ways." I won't ruin it for you, but I will say that it was brilliantly done and explained very well why Max was the way he was. I loved that he took the time to tell Lucy what he expected out of her
Loved Max and can't wait to see how his and Lucy's relationship grows as he continues to mold her, but most of all, I loved the insanely hot sex scenes.
no-way-jose
May 19, 2018Wow my fellow GR friends. I am surprised I still get shocked with people in this site. Please read this review and comments
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
There’s another one folks. How disrespectful people can be. This reviewer was also bashed for her opinion.
I also think there’s a big difference between dark/bdsm/ and abuse/domestic violence.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
There’s another one folks. How disrespectful people can be. This reviewer was also bashed for her opinion.
I also think there’s a big difference between dark/bdsm/ and abuse/domestic violence.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
March 12, 2017
Ok, so I'm really disappointed with the outcome of this novel. I was expecting it be more of bdsm genre... I liked this book until Max's true colors came out and showed he was a abusive, possessive, chauvinistic ass. If the rest of the series is like this, I will not read them... Being the victim of physical abuse and watching the pain my father caused my mother, reading about it just made my skin crawl.
Want to read
February 19, 2018Max and his dad are in great need of a GIANT whoop ass! Being submissive is one thing, being a punching bag....
January 19, 2016
Sorry but I found this book boring. I know that the storyline is a difficult concept to write about but I found it monotonous and yawn-inducing.
November 8, 2015
I was given this book for an honest review
I didn't think I would like this book for some reason, but I did this book was a dark erotic romance and I loved reading it. Max is an alpha male, dominant, possessive, controlling, but also caring and sweet. All the things that I like reading about in my alpha males. Lucy is a party girl that tends to drink a too much and at times naïve. Although I knew going into this book that this was a dark romance I wanted it to be darker although I didn't like that Max liked to slap Lucy in the face. In this book we get to see how max is molding her into something that she isn't while I did like Max and Lucy sometimes he was a little over controlling to me. This book was well written with no errors in spelling or grammar and this is my first time reading this author. This is the first book in a new series for me I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
I didn't think I would like this book for some reason, but I did this book was a dark erotic romance and I loved reading it. Max is an alpha male, dominant, possessive, controlling, but also caring and sweet. All the things that I like reading about in my alpha males. Lucy is a party girl that tends to drink a too much and at times naïve. Although I knew going into this book that this was a dark romance I wanted it to be darker although I didn't like that Max liked to slap Lucy in the face. In this book we get to see how max is molding her into something that she isn't while I did like Max and Lucy sometimes he was a little over controlling to me. This book was well written with no errors in spelling or grammar and this is my first time reading this author. This is the first book in a new series for me I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
July 24, 2017
This was by far one of the most boring books I've ever read.
There is also a HUGE difference between a controlling, sexy, mysterious man and an abusive asshole.
Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.
I'm mad this book was even published 🙄
Let me bless y'all real quick with a little advice...do not read this book. Da nada.
There is also a HUGE difference between a controlling, sexy, mysterious man and an abusive asshole.
Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.
I'm mad this book was even published 🙄
Let me bless y'all real quick with a little advice...do not read this book. Da nada.
March 8, 2020
Now I know how my friends felt after reading this. I'm not quite sure just what I want/need to say.
So I've seen rave reviews and scathing reviews and I can see how both have merit, because this deals with a D/s relationship that verges on the abusive. The deciding factor for me was that Lucy chose Max, even knowing what might be instore for her (more on this later). There are a lot of things about Max to dislike, but none of that is due to bad writing or bad characterisation. In fact I'm pretty certain this is a deliberate move by the author and it certainly had me questioning his morals AND my morals at times. You don't have to like Max to enjoy this story, in fact I'm firmly in camp "toss his ass to the kerb" at the moment. I'm looking forward to seeing how this story unfolds and experiencing the journey it takes me on.
I liked Lucy, she was sometimes confused by her reactions, and struggled with her unexpected responses to Max. To quote her directly "My brain said to run, my body said to stay, my heart... my heart was afraid to decide." There were times she felt a little weak BUT that's from my perspective of knowing I could never be that submissive in a relationship. It was what Lucy craved, so if it was OK for her, who am I to judge? Between SSC, RACK and mind-your-own-goddamn-business, no one decides on someone else's relationship.
Max knew exactly what type of relationship he wanted, it verged on a Master/slave one. He pretty much wanted to dictate Lucy's entire life, at times it felt almost to the point of what she thought. And however much my modern, liberated woman brain screams against that, if it is what works for the couple involved it is no-one else's business. We did get an insight into why he feels the way he does, and whilst it doesn't excuse some of his behaviour, it does explain it and allow us to understand his motivations.
What did cause problems for me is that in that particular dynamic the welfare of the sub/slave should be paramount to the Dom/Master. Her needs should be met and her safety, both physical and mental, taken care of. Max was sometimes a thoughtless, selfish, ignorant ass and I severely wanted to kick his behind on more than one occasion. If he wants total control of her he has a responsibility for her welfare, ones that he frequently seems to shirk. For example, despite knowing how overwhelmed Lucy is at meeting his parents for the first time, despite knowing she needs his support, he sends her to help in the kitchen and later on orders her around like his skivvie, despite her not having agreed to a "dynamic" style of relationship at that point. He also ignores her distress "I stand up and Lucy gives me a pleading look." and her pain "I can't... I'm too sore." (for more sex). He is either totally responsible for Lucy or he isn't. But it can't only be when it suits him. It was also that he revelled in her fear. She should fear a punishment but not because of the pain it causes but because of the disturbance to their dynamic. And should Max really enjoy her fear in those situations? Hmmmm........
So getting back to the "might" from earlier. I did feel that at the end this did stray into the area of dubious consent, when Max punished Lucy before he had discussed consequences of actions - particularly when she hadn't been punished for it previously. However when given the choice she DID decide to stay. Whether she is staying in a consensual relationship or an abusive one remains to be seen in the next book. I'm buying and reading it right away.
So I've seen rave reviews and scathing reviews and I can see how both have merit, because this deals with a D/s relationship that verges on the abusive. The deciding factor for me was that Lucy chose Max, even knowing what might be instore for her (more on this later). There are a lot of things about Max to dislike, but none of that is due to bad writing or bad characterisation. In fact I'm pretty certain this is a deliberate move by the author and it certainly had me questioning his morals AND my morals at times. You don't have to like Max to enjoy this story, in fact I'm firmly in camp "toss his ass to the kerb" at the moment. I'm looking forward to seeing how this story unfolds and experiencing the journey it takes me on.
I liked Lucy, she was sometimes confused by her reactions, and struggled with her unexpected responses to Max. To quote her directly "My brain said to run, my body said to stay, my heart... my heart was afraid to decide." There were times she felt a little weak BUT that's from my perspective of knowing I could never be that submissive in a relationship. It was what Lucy craved, so if it was OK for her, who am I to judge? Between SSC, RACK and mind-your-own-goddamn-business, no one decides on someone else's relationship.
Max knew exactly what type of relationship he wanted, it verged on a Master/slave one. He pretty much wanted to dictate Lucy's entire life, at times it felt almost to the point of what she thought. And however much my modern, liberated woman brain screams against that, if it is what works for the couple involved it is no-one else's business. We did get an insight into why he feels the way he does, and whilst it doesn't excuse some of his behaviour, it does explain it and allow us to understand his motivations.
What did cause problems for me is that in that particular dynamic the welfare of the sub/slave should be paramount to the Dom/Master. Her needs should be met and her safety, both physical and mental, taken care of. Max was sometimes a thoughtless, selfish, ignorant ass and I severely wanted to kick his behind on more than one occasion. If he wants total control of her he has a responsibility for her welfare, ones that he frequently seems to shirk. For example, despite knowing how overwhelmed Lucy is at meeting his parents for the first time, despite knowing she needs his support, he sends her to help in the kitchen and later on orders her around like his skivvie, despite her not having agreed to a "dynamic" style of relationship at that point. He also ignores her distress "I stand up and Lucy gives me a pleading look." and her pain "I can't... I'm too sore." (for more sex). He is either totally responsible for Lucy or he isn't. But it can't only be when it suits him. It was also that he revelled in her fear. She should fear a punishment but not because of the pain it causes but because of the disturbance to their dynamic. And should Max really enjoy her fear in those situations? Hmmmm........
So getting back to the "might" from earlier. I did feel that at the end this did stray into the area of dubious consent, when Max punished Lucy before he had discussed consequences of actions - particularly when she hadn't been punished for it previously. However when given the choice she DID decide to stay. Whether she is staying in a consensual relationship or an abusive one remains to be seen in the next book. I'm buying and reading it right away.
March 5, 2020
When i read my friend Marian’s review after she recommended True Nature to me,i was intrigued.
This sounded like a story that was right up my alley,and i immediately started a search for it on iTunes.
When i couldn’t find it,Willow Madison came to the rescue and gave me a copy,just like that!
She díd warn me the editing wasn’t done by a professional ,so i knew i had to take the typos for what they were,and simply enjoy the story itself.
True Nature is the start of a journey towards a lighter or a dark future for Lucy,and i can’t wait to get to both options!
(Knowing my preference,i guess i’ll like the darker option more ;-D )
But we’re only at the beginning....
Lucy and Max meet for the first time at the club she goes to with her two friends.
He is bartending,and denies Lucy her requested drink,giving her something else instead.
Her reaction gives him food for thought,and he decides to find out more.
To see if she is thé girl he’s been looking for,the girl to fullfill his dark needs.
He tests her in different things,like ordering food for her in a restaurant.
Or telling her what to wear.
Building an image of what kind of girl Lucy really is,and if he can mold her into the girl he needs her to be.
Her reactions make him hopeful,and he keeps pushing to see how far she will go.
After meeting her parents,he takes her to his for the weekend.
To show her his background,the kind of relationship his parents have.
That weekend is an eye-opener for Lucy,even more so after Max explains that he wants the same from her.
Total obedience,live by his rules,and be cherished.
Or disobey him,break his rules,and get punished.
But a relationship in which he loves her,always.
Lucy dóes get time to think about it when they get back.
And her choice?
If she says yes?
Those rules wíll be effective,immediately.
If she walks away?
If she does thát,there is no turning back,they will be over....
I like that i saw both Max and Lucy’s side of the story,it gives an insight into the thoughts and feelings of both.
It took me a bit to warm up to Max,but knowing how he feels and the fact that he ís honest from the start,that helps.
And Lucy may seem like a doormat,but she thinks things through,thoroughly.
She is a sweet girl,with needs she’s only just discovering and it takes courage to take the step towards exploring those needs.
I am very happy i got the chance to read this first part,and i really hope to read more.....please,Willow?
This sounded like a story that was right up my alley,and i immediately started a search for it on iTunes.
When i couldn’t find it,Willow Madison came to the rescue and gave me a copy,just like that!
She díd warn me the editing wasn’t done by a professional ,so i knew i had to take the typos for what they were,and simply enjoy the story itself.
True Nature is the start of a journey towards a lighter or a dark future for Lucy,and i can’t wait to get to both options!
(Knowing my preference,i guess i’ll like the darker option more ;-D )
But we’re only at the beginning....
Lucy and Max meet for the first time at the club she goes to with her two friends.
He is bartending,and denies Lucy her requested drink,giving her something else instead.
Her reaction gives him food for thought,and he decides to find out more.
To see if she is thé girl he’s been looking for,the girl to fullfill his dark needs.
He tests her in different things,like ordering food for her in a restaurant.
Or telling her what to wear.
Building an image of what kind of girl Lucy really is,and if he can mold her into the girl he needs her to be.
Her reactions make him hopeful,and he keeps pushing to see how far she will go.
After meeting her parents,he takes her to his for the weekend.
To show her his background,the kind of relationship his parents have.
That weekend is an eye-opener for Lucy,even more so after Max explains that he wants the same from her.
Total obedience,live by his rules,and be cherished.
Or disobey him,break his rules,and get punished.
But a relationship in which he loves her,always.
Lucy dóes get time to think about it when they get back.
And her choice?
If she says yes?
Those rules wíll be effective,immediately.
If she walks away?
If she does thát,there is no turning back,they will be over....
I like that i saw both Max and Lucy’s side of the story,it gives an insight into the thoughts and feelings of both.
It took me a bit to warm up to Max,but knowing how he feels and the fact that he ís honest from the start,that helps.
And Lucy may seem like a doormat,but she thinks things through,thoroughly.
She is a sweet girl,with needs she’s only just discovering and it takes courage to take the step towards exploring those needs.
I am very happy i got the chance to read this first part,and i really hope to read more.....please,Willow?
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