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Doms of Napa Valley #3
Benevolent Master
Single mom, Alyce O'Connell is a desperate woman. With her thesis almost complete on the intricate relationships between dominants and submissives she thinks she’s found a way to better her and daughter’s life - until her adviser won't sign off on it. Dr. Gylberte insists that Alyce needs some actual in 'the field' experience. While she can't believe the woman is going to withhold her approval until Alyce has experienced at least a few weeks in the role of a dominant or submissive, Alyce is willing to do anything to get it - including begging the man at the door of New Beginnings to help her.
Kaleb Terzis loves his life. He not only gets to help kids by running one of the most popular youth art centers in Napa Valley, he also works part time as a Dominant at New Beginnings with several of his friends. He's footloose and free - content to play the field of willing submissives, until a desperate woman comes into the club, all in the name of research. Even as he’s prepared to hand off Alyce to Master Ethan, he changes his mind when Alyce shivers at his touch and turns those needy eyes his way. Attracted to the cool beauty despite her resemblance to his ex wife, he takes her on - determined to prove that under her impersonal demeanor is a woman who needs to submit.
He just never expects her to turn the tables on him…
Kaleb Terzis loves his life. He not only gets to help kids by running one of the most popular youth art centers in Napa Valley, he also works part time as a Dominant at New Beginnings with several of his friends. He's footloose and free - content to play the field of willing submissives, until a desperate woman comes into the club, all in the name of research. Even as he’s prepared to hand off Alyce to Master Ethan, he changes his mind when Alyce shivers at his touch and turns those needy eyes his way. Attracted to the cool beauty despite her resemblance to his ex wife, he takes her on - determined to prove that under her impersonal demeanor is a woman who needs to submit.
He just never expects her to turn the tables on him…
169 pages, ebook
First published November 1, 2013
11 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Dakota Trace
121 books246 followersHello, and welcome to my site. I'm Dakota, an author of erotic romance (think 50 Shades of Gray - but better) and paranormal erotica. And what exactly does that mean? Well, since I've always marched to the beat of different drum: it means that I get to take my unique life experiences - like putting around in the garage with my dad, or driving a train when I was ten, to create worlds where the heroines aren't necessarily June Clever, but are strong independent women who may stand on their own two feet, but long to submit to the right man. Whether it's two friends who realize there is more than friendship between them or the sexy alien who captures his unwilling slave's heart, sparks fly between them. My imagination has no bounds or at least none I've found yet!
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 9, 2017
New to BDSM and want to learn a little about what the community can be like? This is the book for you. Granted, I may be a bit bias because I've always enjoyed Ms. Master's stories. The BDSM in her books are real to life both in action and in relationships. From a BDSM accuracy, Ms. Trace's is one of the few authors I recommend to new to BDSM readers. The stories show how the lifestyle can be and it is in a positive light. Whilst the club may be a little bit of a stretch as far as how perfect it seems, the way the club is run is similar to what I have experienced in real life.
What I enjoyed about this story is the character building. Alyce O'Connell is a character I cannot identify with yet I could empathize with her. Her plight as far as working on her PhD is something I can understand with several family members going through their PhD program. What I cannot understand is how her family treats her. This is devastating and unfortunately all too common as I listen to more and more people share their family dysfunctions. Ms. Trace does an excellent job of showing how Alyce overcomes the negativity in her life. When the reader learns of the constant sabotage of her life from the female family members, it may make a reader see red. I know at one point, I wanted to hunt down the bullies and slaughter them. Keep in mind, this is merely a fictional story. This is how well Ms. Trace creates her characters and invoke strong emotions in her readers. This keeps me engaged and wanting to know what happens to Alyce.
This story is more than a woman fighting against her cruel family members. It is a story of a strong woman determined to make it on her own. It is also a story of sexual re-awakening after abuse. Usually, stories where those abused seeking BDSM as a way to heal themselves are not once I can endorse. Ms. Trace takes a different path which I like. Whilst BDSM is not used to heal, it is a path and method for potential healing. I found this difference to be well done and I applaud her sensitivity. It is a subtle nuance I think only those who have been in the lifestyle a while would catch. Lastly, I like how the characters in this story are closer to reality. It is surprising to me how many of my friends have children with autism. I am appreciative of how an autistic child is written into this story. The child isn't used as a sob story or a gaudy plot device. Instead, it is a thread which enhances the story and brings to light the life of a parent who has a child that functions on a different level than other children. I admire parents who are similar to how Ms. Trace portrays Alyce. This gateway to BDSM romance is recommended for those who are looking for a more profound romance with well created characters and a healing message.
* Provided by Manic Readers
What I enjoyed about this story is the character building. Alyce O'Connell is a character I cannot identify with yet I could empathize with her. Her plight as far as working on her PhD is something I can understand with several family members going through their PhD program. What I cannot understand is how her family treats her. This is devastating and unfortunately all too common as I listen to more and more people share their family dysfunctions. Ms. Trace does an excellent job of showing how Alyce overcomes the negativity in her life. When the reader learns of the constant sabotage of her life from the female family members, it may make a reader see red. I know at one point, I wanted to hunt down the bullies and slaughter them. Keep in mind, this is merely a fictional story. This is how well Ms. Trace creates her characters and invoke strong emotions in her readers. This keeps me engaged and wanting to know what happens to Alyce.
This story is more than a woman fighting against her cruel family members. It is a story of a strong woman determined to make it on her own. It is also a story of sexual re-awakening after abuse. Usually, stories where those abused seeking BDSM as a way to heal themselves are not once I can endorse. Ms. Trace takes a different path which I like. Whilst BDSM is not used to heal, it is a path and method for potential healing. I found this difference to be well done and I applaud her sensitivity. It is a subtle nuance I think only those who have been in the lifestyle a while would catch. Lastly, I like how the characters in this story are closer to reality. It is surprising to me how many of my friends have children with autism. I am appreciative of how an autistic child is written into this story. The child isn't used as a sob story or a gaudy plot device. Instead, it is a thread which enhances the story and brings to light the life of a parent who has a child that functions on a different level than other children. I admire parents who are similar to how Ms. Trace portrays Alyce. This gateway to BDSM romance is recommended for those who are looking for a more profound romance with well created characters and a healing message.
* Provided by Manic Readers
March 7, 2017
I read this before the first two in the series, and yes, it can be read as a stand alone story, however, it may have been helpful in knowing about other characters, like Ethan and Bella, who I suspect have had their story told and here have more of a cameo role in this story.
This story focuses on Master Dom and sadist, Kaleb, and his relationship with an older woman, Alyce with a Y, who he notes has natural submissive tendencies. She is blackmailed by her Professor into finding out about Domination, submission, BDSM including TPE - total power exchange, from a personal viewpoint, not just theory, in order to get her psychology thesis passed. She has a daughter, Alissa, autistic, and an abusive ex. This has the making of a good story. I liked the development of all the main characters, so not just Kaleb and Alyce, but how Kaleb and others respond so positively to Alissa, yet protect her from their experiences and lifestyle.
So for the story it was just in the 4 star but has one or should I say far too many issues of the editing variety that really niggle when reading this.
The club seems to be very different from the loud party type BDSM clubs found in most cities these days. I liked this club and suspect it would be an expensive place to be a member, yet it is one that takes all aspects of BDSM seriously. I would have liked even more on the detailed beautiful bondage scene with Ethan and Bella.
As it is, though, I have to say best I can give is 3 stars.
Writers need to realise that manuscripts can have good stories but will lose readership when typos become so many.
This story focuses on Master Dom and sadist, Kaleb, and his relationship with an older woman, Alyce with a Y, who he notes has natural submissive tendencies. She is blackmailed by her Professor into finding out about Domination, submission, BDSM including TPE - total power exchange, from a personal viewpoint, not just theory, in order to get her psychology thesis passed. She has a daughter, Alissa, autistic, and an abusive ex. This has the making of a good story. I liked the development of all the main characters, so not just Kaleb and Alyce, but how Kaleb and others respond so positively to Alissa, yet protect her from their experiences and lifestyle.
So for the story it was just in the 4 star but has one or should I say far too many issues of the editing variety that really niggle when reading this.
The club seems to be very different from the loud party type BDSM clubs found in most cities these days. I liked this club and suspect it would be an expensive place to be a member, yet it is one that takes all aspects of BDSM seriously. I would have liked even more on the detailed beautiful bondage scene with Ethan and Bella.
As it is, though, I have to say best I can give is 3 stars.
Writers need to realise that manuscripts can have good stories but will lose readership when typos become so many.
March 20, 2017
This book is said to be part of a series, but this is the first of the series I have taken to read, and it's perfect as a standalone read.
I throughly enjoyed this book. Nice read, which is well written, totally lost myself in Alyce and Kaleb's world.
Alyce is a single mother of one autistic little girl, having come from an abussive relaionship, but despretely trying to establish a new career as a psychologist. As part of her learning, she is told to experience submission first hand, not necessarily to part take, but to experience/ observe. It leads to more when Master Kaleb's likes what he sees and decides to show her more.
I love the writing in this book, I could feel the developing relationship, Alyce's desire to submit, conflicting with her strong woman image. I struggled with her daughters autisum, having no experience of this, and how she interacted with her abussive father. Her melt downs I could relate to, but how she kicks him in the nuts later and speaks to him, for me just felt out of character and artistic licence. But on the whole I enjoyed the book, and would go as far as to say I wanted more, it just went too fast for me, which is great
I throughly enjoyed this book. Nice read, which is well written, totally lost myself in Alyce and Kaleb's world.
Alyce is a single mother of one autistic little girl, having come from an abussive relaionship, but despretely trying to establish a new career as a psychologist. As part of her learning, she is told to experience submission first hand, not necessarily to part take, but to experience/ observe. It leads to more when Master Kaleb's likes what he sees and decides to show her more.
I love the writing in this book, I could feel the developing relationship, Alyce's desire to submit, conflicting with her strong woman image. I struggled with her daughters autisum, having no experience of this, and how she interacted with her abussive father. Her melt downs I could relate to, but how she kicks him in the nuts later and speaks to him, for me just felt out of character and artistic licence. But on the whole I enjoyed the book, and would go as far as to say I wanted more, it just went too fast for me, which is great
July 4, 2018
A good story to go with my dose of sex!
I really enjoyed this book. While BDSM is my genre of most choices, I really like a good story to go along with it and this book gave me just that. Some real-life everyday characters in realistic scenes and settings! Read this one! It’s worth it!
I really enjoyed this book. While BDSM is my genre of most choices, I really like a good story to go along with it and this book gave me just that. Some real-life everyday characters in realistic scenes and settings! Read this one! It’s worth it!
March 16, 2017
Good, fairly quick read. I've not read anything by this author before, however, I enjoyed it enough that I will look at reading others in the series.
For those readers that are really annoyed by it, be forewarned that there are numerous grammar & misspelling issues throughout.
For those readers that are really annoyed by it, be forewarned that there are numerous grammar & misspelling issues throughout.
January 23, 2017
shining star award
Benevolent Master by Dakota Trace is the third book in the Doms of Napa Valley series. This is my first time reading this series, I was not lost at all reading this story.
I loved this story. Truly beautifully written and masterfully done. I loved how Ms. Trace makes me fall in love with her characters, and really want to know what is happening next. This book makes me want to go back and see the books I have missed. I have been missing out on an amazing series!!
The little girl in this book with autism, that was expertly done. I have a child with autism, I could really relate to this and it was handle like the author actually really knows what she is talking about.
Alyce she wants to graduate with a degree in psychology. She already has a great job lined up. She just needs to submit this thesis and graduate. When her professor suggests she get more research, from going to a club, Alyce is not thrilled. She has just come out of a marriage where it was abusive she doesn't want to look for more of the same. But she wants to graduate more. When she goes her sister who I don't get why she chooses to go with her sister. When you get towards the end of the book you will see what I mean. That to me was a glaring inconsistency. But any ways she takes her sister who is rude and gets them kicked out. But before they get hit on the way out with the door Alyce meets Kaleb. Kaleb is more than intrigued with Alyce.
Kaleb can see the submissive in Alyce and he knows he could be the Dom to bring it out. She just has to let him. I like how straight forward Kaleb is. I liked watching him go from stiff dominate mode to more boyfriend and lover mode. He has a lot of dimensions to him. I loved seeing them unfold.
Over all this book is a great must read. Really beautifully done. Great pace to the over all storyline, and amazing realistic characters that I loved getting to know. I would love to read more in this series in the future and go back to read those I missed.
Five Shooting Stars and Shining Star Award
Benevolent Master by Dakota Trace is the third book in the Doms of Napa Valley series. This is my first time reading this series, I was not lost at all reading this story.
I loved this story. Truly beautifully written and masterfully done. I loved how Ms. Trace makes me fall in love with her characters, and really want to know what is happening next. This book makes me want to go back and see the books I have missed. I have been missing out on an amazing series!!
The little girl in this book with autism, that was expertly done. I have a child with autism, I could really relate to this and it was handle like the author actually really knows what she is talking about.
Alyce she wants to graduate with a degree in psychology. She already has a great job lined up. She just needs to submit this thesis and graduate. When her professor suggests she get more research, from going to a club, Alyce is not thrilled. She has just come out of a marriage where it was abusive she doesn't want to look for more of the same. But she wants to graduate more. When she goes her sister who I don't get why she chooses to go with her sister. When you get towards the end of the book you will see what I mean. That to me was a glaring inconsistency. But any ways she takes her sister who is rude and gets them kicked out. But before they get hit on the way out with the door Alyce meets Kaleb. Kaleb is more than intrigued with Alyce.
Kaleb can see the submissive in Alyce and he knows he could be the Dom to bring it out. She just has to let him. I like how straight forward Kaleb is. I liked watching him go from stiff dominate mode to more boyfriend and lover mode. He has a lot of dimensions to him. I loved seeing them unfold.
Over all this book is a great must read. Really beautifully done. Great pace to the over all storyline, and amazing realistic characters that I loved getting to know. I would love to read more in this series in the future and go back to read those I missed.
Five Shooting Stars and Shining Star Award
March 7, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader’s Copy of this book
Ok when I was asked to read this book I was thinking "BDSM, hells yeah!" At the same time I hadn't read any of the other books from the series so I didn't know if I would be missing something or not.
Luckily, I didn't need to read the other books and I enjoyed this one so much they've been added to my TBR list.
So we have Alyce O'Connell trying to get her thesis on BDSM approved so she can get her degree to be a psychologist. She is doing everything she can to provide for her autistic daughter and herself after getting out of a very bad marriage.
When she is put into contact with Master Kaleb to find out about true submission things get interesting.
After seeing her, before her sister got them kicked out at The New Beginnings club, he can't get her out of his mind.
Both of these characters have been burned by ex's and you can tell in the way they act.
Trace has done a great job in putting you into Alyce's mind and her feelings both past and present on herself, submission, and sex in general ring true.
Master Kaleb does a excellent job with teacher Alyce what she needs to know for her thesis and helping her find the submissive within. He also does a excellent job letting her know that yes she's a mom and her child will always come first, she's also a woman that a man can fall in love with.
A Douchebag ex hubby, a bitchie sister, and a bi-polar mother also make a appearance.
All in all, this was a story about no matter how much you've been hurt in the past love is still out there if you let it happen.
Ok when I was asked to read this book I was thinking "BDSM, hells yeah!" At the same time I hadn't read any of the other books from the series so I didn't know if I would be missing something or not.
Luckily, I didn't need to read the other books and I enjoyed this one so much they've been added to my TBR list.
So we have Alyce O'Connell trying to get her thesis on BDSM approved so she can get her degree to be a psychologist. She is doing everything she can to provide for her autistic daughter and herself after getting out of a very bad marriage.
When she is put into contact with Master Kaleb to find out about true submission things get interesting.
After seeing her, before her sister got them kicked out at The New Beginnings club, he can't get her out of his mind.
Both of these characters have been burned by ex's and you can tell in the way they act.
Trace has done a great job in putting you into Alyce's mind and her feelings both past and present on herself, submission, and sex in general ring true.
Master Kaleb does a excellent job with teacher Alyce what she needs to know for her thesis and helping her find the submissive within. He also does a excellent job letting her know that yes she's a mom and her child will always come first, she's also a woman that a man can fall in love with.
A Douchebag ex hubby, a bitchie sister, and a bi-polar mother also make a appearance.
All in all, this was a story about no matter how much you've been hurt in the past love is still out there if you let it happen.
October 11, 2020
Wow I am completely surprised by this book. Kaleb and Alyce are a great couple. This book gave me some smiles, whats, and laughs. I can't give anything away, but I can say one thing Anissa. Once you read it you'll understand why. The writing and flow of this book is done well. I absolutely recommend this book
March 13, 2018
It was a well written book (quick and entertaining). I liked the characters and the way the plot was laid out. I wish there was a little more depth with regards to the dom/sub dynamics, but there was enough to make it believable.
December 13, 2016
3.5 stars
March 27, 2017
Part 3 of a series that can easily be read as a stand alone. Ms Dakota is a new author to me, I would love to go back and read the first2 books. I enjoyed the book and would definitely recommend ..
I've never been part of the lifestyle that the book talks about and I left school at sixteen and did a trade so I also have no knowledge as to what a thesis entails..
There where parts of that I found hard to believe and when you get further into the book you realize why.. Professors that are friends going further than they should.
I can understand instant attraction .. I can also understand the inquisitive nature of both parties to find out more, want more.. Need more..
I felt for Alyce being bullied by her family sounds horrible, having someone control,and not believe you is so degrading.. To be in an abusive relationship and to have broken free, showed how strong she was, to set out and prove and study and struggle wonderful.
I really enjoyed the way the characters where built upon and developed..
Kaleb sounds like every woman's dream.. Especially the way he got inside Alyce as in making her open up to her needs, i loved his patience ..
Shame more men are not like that.
Coincidence working at a children's center ?? Or part of the fantasy of the story,
I've never been part of the lifestyle that the book talks about and I left school at sixteen and did a trade so I also have no knowledge as to what a thesis entails..
There where parts of that I found hard to believe and when you get further into the book you realize why.. Professors that are friends going further than they should.
I can understand instant attraction .. I can also understand the inquisitive nature of both parties to find out more, want more.. Need more..
I felt for Alyce being bullied by her family sounds horrible, having someone control,and not believe you is so degrading.. To be in an abusive relationship and to have broken free, showed how strong she was, to set out and prove and study and struggle wonderful.
I really enjoyed the way the characters where built upon and developed..
Kaleb sounds like every woman's dream.. Especially the way he got inside Alyce as in making her open up to her needs, i loved his patience ..
Shame more men are not like that.
Coincidence working at a children's center ?? Or part of the fantasy of the story,
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews