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Rowan House #1
Sum of the Whole
Jaya Pomroy falls desperately in love with Sarah while vacationing at an exclusive BDSM pleasure house. Unwilling to become Jaya’s possession, yearning for independence, Sarah refuses to leave with her and they part after a bitter fight.
Six years later they meet again. Fighting to leave her past behind, but unable to resist her attraction for Jaya, Sarah agrees to try again. Jaya has to cope with new rules and new roles. When a former client threatens to expose Sarah, Jaya risks everything to protect her.
Can their love survive in the real world filled with vengeful ex-lovers and deadly secrets?
Tags: age gap, BDSM, businesswoman, contemporary, interracial
Category: Contemporary Romance
Pairing: FF
Word Count: 50,000
Six years later they meet again. Fighting to leave her past behind, but unable to resist her attraction for Jaya, Sarah agrees to try again. Jaya has to cope with new rules and new roles. When a former client threatens to expose Sarah, Jaya risks everything to protect her.
Can their love survive in the real world filled with vengeful ex-lovers and deadly secrets?
Tags: age gap, BDSM, businesswoman, contemporary, interracial
Category: Contemporary Romance
Pairing: FF
Word Count: 50,000
163 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 19, 2017
22 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Murphy
25 books89 followersBrenda Murphy writes short fiction and novels. She loves tattoos and sideshows and yes, those are her monkeys. When she is not swilling gallons of hot tea and writing, she wrangles two kids, two dogs, and one unrepentant parrot. She reviews books, blogs about life as a writer with ADHD and publishes photographs on her blog Writing While Distracted.
Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 27, 2017
I was excited to get my hands on a copy of this story as quite frankly there are not enough full-length stories in this genre - FF/BDSM.
The story is told in third person and completely from Jaya's point-of-view. At 6'1" and thick framed, Jaya is a force to be reckoned with in more than one sense of the word.
If you love erotic content, you'll get more than your fill with this story. There is a lot of sex, including two fisting scenes. Something that made my eyes bug out. Judging by Jaya's description, her hands were far from petite.
There's a warning on the publishers site, of attempted rape, I'm all for posting trigger warnings, however the scene barely made a blip on my radar, so I personally wouldn't let the warning deter anyone curious about this story.
The ending was a little hit and miss for me, but overall I enjoyed the story.
Copy generously provided by the publisher upon my request.
Theme: BDSM
Pairing: FF
Word Count: 50,000
Sex Content: Explicit
The story is told in third person and completely from Jaya's point-of-view. At 6'1" and thick framed, Jaya is a force to be reckoned with in more than one sense of the word.
The Devi tattoo on her back completed her look. She was powerful, dangerously beautiful and she owned it.While vacationing at a pleasure (whore) house, she falls hard and fast for Sarah. They part ways and the story picks up 6 years later. Needless to say, this leaves the reader wondering what happened over that time period. We are told bits and pieces but there's still a huge gap, something I didn't entirely get the need for. **shrugs**
Seven women knelt along the wall, awaiting her orders.
If you love erotic content, you'll get more than your fill with this story. There is a lot of sex, including two fisting scenes. Something that made my eyes bug out. Judging by Jaya's description, her hands were far from petite.
There's a warning on the publishers site, of attempted rape, I'm all for posting trigger warnings, however the scene barely made a blip on my radar, so I personally wouldn't let the warning deter anyone curious about this story.
The ending was a little hit and miss for me, but overall I enjoyed the story.
Copy generously provided by the publisher upon my request.
Theme: BDSM
Pairing: FF
Word Count: 50,000
Sex Content: Explicit
June 4, 2024
Jaya Pomroy has run a private security firm for several years. She is a powerful, imposing, dominant female who knows what she wants from a submissive partner. Jaya has checked in to Rowan House, a high-class brothel catering exclusively to Sapphic women with a taste for kink.
From a wide range of willing paid submissives, Jaya is immediately taken with Sarah, who is everything she desires in a partner. When it is time for Jaya to return to leave Rowan House, she asks Sarah to come with her. Sarah refuses the invitation, and they do not pass on good terms.
Years later, they meet up, and this is the story of Jaya's often frustrating pursuit of Sarah, who is happy to date her, but refuses any form of commitment.
There's a lot of sex in this story, mostly rough with heavy powerplay elements and off-the-charts chemistry between the two leads.
This is the first book in a series involving Rowan House. Each story deals with a different relationship (not all are couples) and each book can be read as a stand-alone. I'm absolutely looking forward to continuing with the series.
From a wide range of willing paid submissives, Jaya is immediately taken with Sarah, who is everything she desires in a partner. When it is time for Jaya to return to leave Rowan House, she asks Sarah to come with her. Sarah refuses the invitation, and they do not pass on good terms.
Years later, they meet up, and this is the story of Jaya's often frustrating pursuit of Sarah, who is happy to date her, but refuses any form of commitment.
There's a lot of sex in this story, mostly rough with heavy powerplay elements and off-the-charts chemistry between the two leads.
This is the first book in a series involving Rowan House. Each story deals with a different relationship (not all are couples) and each book can be read as a stand-alone. I'm absolutely looking forward to continuing with the series.
August 31, 2019
Just wow! Murphy did a great job on this novel!
After reading Complex Dimensions I really wanted to read the other Rowan House books. This one really got to me.
Loved the mc’s and the way they got acquainted, their chemistry is just trough the roof. I got really frustrated when it didn’t seem to work out because Jaya seems the be a damaged soul and she just doesn’t know how to express her feelings or how to build a relationship outside of the bedroom.
This book was more kinky than Complex Dimensions, way up my alley. Really enjoyed reading it, some sizzling hot scenes.
The book had a lot of ingredients for all kinds of feelings: great mc’s: one on the darker side and a sweet one that doesn’t let herself be pushed around, an ex-“girlfriend” who’s simply just after money and really fucked up and in the end a happening that gets it all glued together again.
Loved reading it and recommend it to anyone looking for an erotic romance novel who likes to venture away from the vanilla path.
After reading Complex Dimensions I really wanted to read the other Rowan House books. This one really got to me.
Loved the mc’s and the way they got acquainted, their chemistry is just trough the roof. I got really frustrated when it didn’t seem to work out because Jaya seems the be a damaged soul and she just doesn’t know how to express her feelings or how to build a relationship outside of the bedroom.
This book was more kinky than Complex Dimensions, way up my alley. Really enjoyed reading it, some sizzling hot scenes.
The book had a lot of ingredients for all kinds of feelings: great mc’s: one on the darker side and a sweet one that doesn’t let herself be pushed around, an ex-“girlfriend” who’s simply just after money and really fucked up and in the end a happening that gets it all glued together again.
Loved reading it and recommend it to anyone looking for an erotic romance novel who likes to venture away from the vanilla path.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2024
1 ★ | Um. Where’s the aftercare? All I can say is therapy. Everyone in this book needs therapy. This is not my first rodeo. I am no expert. But it is STANDARD. Required. Well known within the bdsm community. One of the most important things. The only after care is water??? What now. NO. I only got to 28%. That was enough. What also shook me to the core was the MC using her abusive past to fuel the pain she inflicted. NO.NO.NO. That’s not what bdsm is about. I CAN’T. This book does not accurately depict what a healthy (key word: HEALTHY) dom / sub relationship should be!
July 30, 2020
Okay pffff This was the most intimate, chemistry filled and therefore hottest bdsm book I ever read. I even cried at some point. It was the looking in each other eyes and trust and little touches when they were not having sex. And hair brushing. Yeah it would have been a more than 5 stars book... but the end was to short. It should have had a epilogue with one (like I didn’t get enough 😁🔥🔥) more hot scene. So 5 stars and I will be te-reading this one. Just like book 5. Now on to book 4 which will never top this one. I know that allready but I want to finish the serie. Book 2 I will skip. I don’t like the synopsis.
September 12, 2019
I Want, I Need...
This book is going to make you feel so many things, mostly aroused but there are a lot of other emotions there too. Jay and Sarah meet at Rowan House where Jay spends eight weeks as Mistress to lovely, but paid for, sub Sarah. This part of the story is a lust filled and exciting and just wow! Then Jaya screws up and leaves, not to see her Sarah for six years. I could have cried but if they hadn’t parted there would not have been the rest of this great story, so it’s a tradeoff… Anyway, these women drove me crazy, in both a good way and a bad way. Jaya is an enigma. She’s sometimes she’s strong, sometimes she’s frail, bold and meek, hot and cold, right and wrong, brave and afraid, but mostly she is so infuriatingly, frustratingly secretive, closed off and stubborn!! She is sexy and mysterious and had me panting by page three… I wanted to love her and hate her and just scream at her almost as much as I wanted to wrap her in a big ole hug and make things right for her…. Yeah, complex and confusing should be in those descriptive words too. Sarah on the other hand… Well, you know, she’s not a whole lot different but in a completely different sort of way. She made me feel every bit as turned on as Jaya did and maybe even a little more. She is amazing and oh so passionate… I sympathized with her more, I was more afraid for her, even though I didn’t need to be and I wanted to protect her just as much as Jaya did. This book is SO well written and beautifully described, you will be a part of it in no time. Let me tell you, Ms Murphy is an author to keep your eyes on!!!
This book is going to make you feel so many things, mostly aroused but there are a lot of other emotions there too. Jay and Sarah meet at Rowan House where Jay spends eight weeks as Mistress to lovely, but paid for, sub Sarah. This part of the story is a lust filled and exciting and just wow! Then Jaya screws up and leaves, not to see her Sarah for six years. I could have cried but if they hadn’t parted there would not have been the rest of this great story, so it’s a tradeoff… Anyway, these women drove me crazy, in both a good way and a bad way. Jaya is an enigma. She’s sometimes she’s strong, sometimes she’s frail, bold and meek, hot and cold, right and wrong, brave and afraid, but mostly she is so infuriatingly, frustratingly secretive, closed off and stubborn!! She is sexy and mysterious and had me panting by page three… I wanted to love her and hate her and just scream at her almost as much as I wanted to wrap her in a big ole hug and make things right for her…. Yeah, complex and confusing should be in those descriptive words too. Sarah on the other hand… Well, you know, she’s not a whole lot different but in a completely different sort of way. She made me feel every bit as turned on as Jaya did and maybe even a little more. She is amazing and oh so passionate… I sympathized with her more, I was more afraid for her, even though I didn’t need to be and I wanted to protect her just as much as Jaya did. This book is SO well written and beautifully described, you will be a part of it in no time. Let me tell you, Ms Murphy is an author to keep your eyes on!!!
January 9, 2020
This was a fun book to read. The story is told in the third person and wholly from Jaya’s POV and I loved being in her head. The pace was perfect when I originally read the synopsis I wondered if as the original meeting was years before the second one if there would be a drag in between but we jump right into six years later when Jaya and Sarah meet again.
Jaya was something else. She owns the room when she’s in a BDSM scene and embodies the mistress she wants to play. But out of the scene, she is sweet, caring and attentive which put me in a spin. Talk about the perfect woman. She has a past that she’s trying to move on from, but you can feel that she will always carry a little bit of the past life with her.
Sarah is a submissive in the bedroom but an independent woman out of it. She is strong, brave and believes that she can take care of herself. Sarah was definitely my favourite character in the book. I loved the way that even though Jaya owned the room when they were in a BDSM scene, she owned the room the rest of the time. I think the best word to describe her would be, fierce.
To read my full review click the link below:
https://lesreveur.com/2020/01/09/sum-...
Jaya was something else. She owns the room when she’s in a BDSM scene and embodies the mistress she wants to play. But out of the scene, she is sweet, caring and attentive which put me in a spin. Talk about the perfect woman. She has a past that she’s trying to move on from, but you can feel that she will always carry a little bit of the past life with her.
Sarah is a submissive in the bedroom but an independent woman out of it. She is strong, brave and believes that she can take care of herself. Sarah was definitely my favourite character in the book. I loved the way that even though Jaya owned the room when they were in a BDSM scene, she owned the room the rest of the time. I think the best word to describe her would be, fierce.
To read my full review click the link below:
https://lesreveur.com/2020/01/09/sum-...
May 17, 2018
Picked up “Sum Of The Whole” to try after reading an enthusiastic recommendation about Brenda Murphy. I’d never known about Murphy before but I’m glad I stumbled upon AC Miller‘s post on the Lesbian Reading Group on FB.
In “Sum Of The Whole,” I found several things I truly enjoyed. First off, Murphy’s writing style. Not only was her dialogue compellingly honest whilst telling the story, her MC’s internal monologue was written with such candor that the effect was intensely raw, intimate and resonating in an emotional level. Her characters were fascinating because they were complex and layered – just my kind of lesbian characters! 👌 Jaya, very wealthy, used to work in her family’s business – mercenary-for-hire. Yup, total arse-kicking bad-arse past with scars to show for. A Domme. Restless since her “retirement,” she often vacationed at this exclusive BDSM pleasure house called Rowan House, to pass the time. Sarah, on the other hand, worked at Rowan House as a Submissive….to finance her studies!! Two words. MATHS. NERD. 🤓
I’m not well-versed with the BDSM world in the lesbian community. I’ve only recently just learned about the technicalities of a BDSM relationship, i.e. existence of signed contracts (!), D/s arrangements, proper etiquette of a Domme & a Sub, from a couple of lesfic romance novels involving BDSM. Always a set of rules to follow. Different than a “bog-standard” relationship, so to speak. I thought that was it. I was wrong. So naturally, I didn’t know the existence of BDSM pleasure houses, for one. And the ins & outs of a place like that….until this book. I found truly fascinating!
Anyway, Jaya, whilst at Rowan House, fell in love with Sarah and wanted to whisk her away from that life. But, not so fast! Murphy’s Sarah was not this stereotypical submissive. She was feisty, opinionated, strong-willed, goal-oriented and singularly independent. She would never allow another person to bail her out or “save” her. She wanted to be self-sufficient, she wanted to own her own life, on her own terms. Her goal was to pay her way through her studies, without any help. So, Jaya left, heart broken.
Six years went by. Then, out of the blue, they crossed paths again! Talk about destiny, eh? But it was as if no time had passed at all. Their irresistible chemistry was as strong and alive as ever, flaming with desire, their connection as unyielding, if not more, the second time around! And so began their journey back to each other again. I loved that Jaya’s internal monologue was written so openly that I could really feel her sensitivity, vulnerability and insecurities when she was struggling with her growing feelings for and dependence on Sarah. Jaya’s well-placed internal monologue made her dilemma and struggle acutely realistic, with real-time effect. I felt like I was tapping into Jaya’s most intimate emotions, hidden away in the recesses of her mind.
Sarah was one feisty, brilliant bad-arse! A formidable partner for Jaya. She was adamant about having an equal relationship with Jaya even though she was a Sub. She was equally steadfast about being able to support herself financially. I loved her passion. I loved how she was determined to assure Jaya her true feelings and love for her whilst at the same time wanted Jaya to know where she was coming from in terms of her outlook with them as lovers and partners. I loved how Jaya and Sarah’s dominant and submissive characteristics were not mutually exclusive but intertwined and entangled with each other, both sharing either characteristics at different times, thus mutually complementary between them.
I loved that Sarah was not just smart but also keenly philosophical. She was one bad-arse nerd!! 😍😍😍 I absolutely treasured her philosophical mind that was relevant to her professional expertise – MATHS. Case-in-point, me favourite quotes from Sarah…
ZERO:
“I choose zero because it is the nothing that is.”
“I exist as I am because you (Jaya) exist. I exist for you to empty yourself into me. I exist for your desires and your pleasure. I am the nothing that is.”
I exist not only for you but for myself. I am no longer zero.”
“I need to be me for me before I am for anyone else. And I need you to understand this about me.”
SUM OF THE WHOLE:
“The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. We two are infinitely entangled.”
THIS fabulous quote above☝…Hence, the apropos of the book title!! BRILLIANT, innit!! 👏😃
Simply REMARKABLE.
I love that Murphy went against stereotype when writing and telling a Domme/Sub romance. Equality is KEY. Doesn’t matter if one is a dominant, the other a submissive. If there’s no equality in a relationship, any relationship for that matter, it wouldn’t work. Period. That’s always my belief. And I’m so happy that Murphy outlined that clearly. Equality CAN be achieved in a loving D/s relationship. Just like any other relationship. Hence, it was utterly enthralling to experience, through Murphy’s profoundly candid and heartfelt storytelling, this complicated dance between Sarah and Jaya as they slowly but surely manoeuvred their way through their romance, falling deeper in love with each other and ultimately committing to each other as ONE. One true love. One shared life. Uncompromisngly equal.
I love discovering new things, different lifestyles, situations, etc…So what I got out of this story wasn’t just pure enjoyment but also a little more education & an eye-opening experience about BDSM relationships for me. I just wish the book was longer! 😅
“Sum Of The Whole” is truly a superbly written love story between two individuals from very different backgrounds but shared an incontrovertible affinity with each other. Insightful. Intoxicating. Passionate. Deeply resonating. Intensely erotic. Emotionally satisfying. I will be re-reading Sarah and Jaya’s complex love story, time and again, no doubt about it! 👍
A bloody fantastic read! 🙌
Well done & cheers, Ms. Murphy! 👏
In Bug's Own Words
In “Sum Of The Whole,” I found several things I truly enjoyed. First off, Murphy’s writing style. Not only was her dialogue compellingly honest whilst telling the story, her MC’s internal monologue was written with such candor that the effect was intensely raw, intimate and resonating in an emotional level. Her characters were fascinating because they were complex and layered – just my kind of lesbian characters! 👌 Jaya, very wealthy, used to work in her family’s business – mercenary-for-hire. Yup, total arse-kicking bad-arse past with scars to show for. A Domme. Restless since her “retirement,” she often vacationed at this exclusive BDSM pleasure house called Rowan House, to pass the time. Sarah, on the other hand, worked at Rowan House as a Submissive….to finance her studies!! Two words. MATHS. NERD. 🤓
I’m not well-versed with the BDSM world in the lesbian community. I’ve only recently just learned about the technicalities of a BDSM relationship, i.e. existence of signed contracts (!), D/s arrangements, proper etiquette of a Domme & a Sub, from a couple of lesfic romance novels involving BDSM. Always a set of rules to follow. Different than a “bog-standard” relationship, so to speak. I thought that was it. I was wrong. So naturally, I didn’t know the existence of BDSM pleasure houses, for one. And the ins & outs of a place like that….until this book. I found truly fascinating!
Anyway, Jaya, whilst at Rowan House, fell in love with Sarah and wanted to whisk her away from that life. But, not so fast! Murphy’s Sarah was not this stereotypical submissive. She was feisty, opinionated, strong-willed, goal-oriented and singularly independent. She would never allow another person to bail her out or “save” her. She wanted to be self-sufficient, she wanted to own her own life, on her own terms. Her goal was to pay her way through her studies, without any help. So, Jaya left, heart broken.
Six years went by. Then, out of the blue, they crossed paths again! Talk about destiny, eh? But it was as if no time had passed at all. Their irresistible chemistry was as strong and alive as ever, flaming with desire, their connection as unyielding, if not more, the second time around! And so began their journey back to each other again. I loved that Jaya’s internal monologue was written so openly that I could really feel her sensitivity, vulnerability and insecurities when she was struggling with her growing feelings for and dependence on Sarah. Jaya’s well-placed internal monologue made her dilemma and struggle acutely realistic, with real-time effect. I felt like I was tapping into Jaya’s most intimate emotions, hidden away in the recesses of her mind.
Sarah was one feisty, brilliant bad-arse! A formidable partner for Jaya. She was adamant about having an equal relationship with Jaya even though she was a Sub. She was equally steadfast about being able to support herself financially. I loved her passion. I loved how she was determined to assure Jaya her true feelings and love for her whilst at the same time wanted Jaya to know where she was coming from in terms of her outlook with them as lovers and partners. I loved how Jaya and Sarah’s dominant and submissive characteristics were not mutually exclusive but intertwined and entangled with each other, both sharing either characteristics at different times, thus mutually complementary between them.
I loved that Sarah was not just smart but also keenly philosophical. She was one bad-arse nerd!! 😍😍😍 I absolutely treasured her philosophical mind that was relevant to her professional expertise – MATHS. Case-in-point, me favourite quotes from Sarah…
ZERO:
“I choose zero because it is the nothing that is.”
“I exist as I am because you (Jaya) exist. I exist for you to empty yourself into me. I exist for your desires and your pleasure. I am the nothing that is.”
I exist not only for you but for myself. I am no longer zero.”
“I need to be me for me before I am for anyone else. And I need you to understand this about me.”
SUM OF THE WHOLE:
“The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. We two are infinitely entangled.”
THIS fabulous quote above☝…Hence, the apropos of the book title!! BRILLIANT, innit!! 👏😃
Simply REMARKABLE.
I love that Murphy went against stereotype when writing and telling a Domme/Sub romance. Equality is KEY. Doesn’t matter if one is a dominant, the other a submissive. If there’s no equality in a relationship, any relationship for that matter, it wouldn’t work. Period. That’s always my belief. And I’m so happy that Murphy outlined that clearly. Equality CAN be achieved in a loving D/s relationship. Just like any other relationship. Hence, it was utterly enthralling to experience, through Murphy’s profoundly candid and heartfelt storytelling, this complicated dance between Sarah and Jaya as they slowly but surely manoeuvred their way through their romance, falling deeper in love with each other and ultimately committing to each other as ONE. One true love. One shared life. Uncompromisngly equal.
I love discovering new things, different lifestyles, situations, etc…So what I got out of this story wasn’t just pure enjoyment but also a little more education & an eye-opening experience about BDSM relationships for me. I just wish the book was longer! 😅
“Sum Of The Whole” is truly a superbly written love story between two individuals from very different backgrounds but shared an incontrovertible affinity with each other. Insightful. Intoxicating. Passionate. Deeply resonating. Intensely erotic. Emotionally satisfying. I will be re-reading Sarah and Jaya’s complex love story, time and again, no doubt about it! 👍
A bloody fantastic read! 🙌
Well done & cheers, Ms. Murphy! 👏
In Bug's Own Words
December 26, 2020
3.5 ⭐
March 3, 2025
Sums
It has been a while since I read a book by Brenda Murphy's, and I am wondering why.
The heat is always sublime. She has MCs with chemistry that abounds.
The angst is ongoing. I wish there was more talking and soul barring after getting back together.
I am looking forward to more books in the series.
It has been a while since I read a book by Brenda Murphy's, and I am wondering why.
The heat is always sublime. She has MCs with chemistry that abounds.
The angst is ongoing. I wish there was more talking and soul barring after getting back together.
I am looking forward to more books in the series.
August 25, 2019
I don't believe in entirely judging a book by its cover but they certainly do add meaning, in this case beautiful, sexy meaning. Thankfully the text inside does not disappoint either!
Sarah is a fabulous, nerdy, maths genius (and philosopher) who is working in Rowan House to put herself through University. As we soon learn, Rowan House is a secretive and exclusive pleasure house on the Isle of Skye and this is where she meets Jaya, who has come to Skye to escape everything after her father's death. After an intense (and very sexy) eight week stay on Skye, Jaya asks Sarah if they can stay in touch and is angry and heartbroken when she is refused. When they meet again six years later it's Sarah who is enraged while Jaya is gobsmacked. Coming from this starting point is there any hope for them to build a lasting relationship?
This is the first book in the Rowan House series and I can highly recommend you start here and read them all. Not only is this a sexy read as I mentioned above but the characters are well written and have genuine depth. As well as the romance element, there's also a mystery/thriller plot, which is pretty intense.
Go on, buy it. You won't regret it!
Sarah is a fabulous, nerdy, maths genius (and philosopher) who is working in Rowan House to put herself through University. As we soon learn, Rowan House is a secretive and exclusive pleasure house on the Isle of Skye and this is where she meets Jaya, who has come to Skye to escape everything after her father's death. After an intense (and very sexy) eight week stay on Skye, Jaya asks Sarah if they can stay in touch and is angry and heartbroken when she is refused. When they meet again six years later it's Sarah who is enraged while Jaya is gobsmacked. Coming from this starting point is there any hope for them to build a lasting relationship?
This is the first book in the Rowan House series and I can highly recommend you start here and read them all. Not only is this a sexy read as I mentioned above but the characters are well written and have genuine depth. As well as the romance element, there's also a mystery/thriller plot, which is pretty intense.
Go on, buy it. You won't regret it!
August 22, 2020
Some interesting character conflict and setup, and I was invested in the main character. However, I felt like the end was way too abrupt—problems were resolved too quickly after having seemed persistent and insurmountable, and I’m not sure how they actually got resolved. This left me frustrated rather than satisfied at the end, so I’m on the fence about whether I will keep reading the series. I did really like certain things, like the progression from zero to one to two, so that makes me feel there may be potential in later books.
September 9, 2019
I really I enjoyed reading this BDSM romance, the scenes were well written, the energy jumped off the page and was very hot and I enjoyed the story line, wasn’t sure they’d get there. Brenda Murphy is one of my favourites in the genre...
July 24, 2017
This is the first BDSM novel that I decided to read. Of course I knew from the very beginning that it would be about sex: raw, torturous, intentional, and agonizing sex. Yet, it was so well written that I did not mind the intense sexual acts between Jaya and Sarah. The author begins with her main character, Jaya, travelling to Rowan House where all the sexual desires are fulfilled, but finding love in a place as such? Ms. Brenda Murphy is daring destiny and when her characters meet the reader wishes that they remain together, but the plot will be too simplistic. Furthermore, reaching complete happiness will be unattainable if a person does not experience despair first. The author is well aware about love and heartache and she creates a story that make the reader wish for more. I wished for more or perhaps I could re-read it. Highly recommended if you don’t mind intense sexual scenes that tend to be delicious.
June 25, 2017
This is a BDSM erotic romance between Jaya, the Mistress, and Sarah, the Submissive. They meet at a BDSM resort where Jaya is the paying guest and Sarah is the sex worker. There's an intense connection but Sarah refuses to leave and come home with Jaya. Six years later, they meet again and rekindle a relationship, but there's a lot of push-pull because Sarah will not be bought or owned.
If reading BDSM scenes is not your thing, this is not the book for you. There's a lot of these scenes in the first third of the book, especially during the time that the characters are at the resort. After that, while there's still some sex in the book, most of it reads like a romance between two women who are trying to negotiate their togetherness and their independence. The book is told from Jaya's POV.
The book held my interest, especially after the romance part kicked in. I thought the passage of six years seemed like too much time. The plot would have been more believable at 2-3 years. Also, the resolution between Jaya and Sarah seemed to come out of nowhere, especially given how much still needed to be worked out.
If reading BDSM scenes is not your thing, this is not the book for you. There's a lot of these scenes in the first third of the book, especially during the time that the characters are at the resort. After that, while there's still some sex in the book, most of it reads like a romance between two women who are trying to negotiate their togetherness and their independence. The book is told from Jaya's POV.
The book held my interest, especially after the romance part kicked in. I thought the passage of six years seemed like too much time. The plot would have been more believable at 2-3 years. Also, the resolution between Jaya and Sarah seemed to come out of nowhere, especially given how much still needed to be worked out.
December 12, 2019
I found this series based on a suggestion from another reviewer, and I knew instantly that I would like it. It has all that hard-hitting (at times, literally) BDSM desire that I love, but there's an intimacy to it all that is portrayed very well through the eyes of Jaya. And, honestly, 95% of the book is amazing, but the ending ruined it for me. After sucking me into the hopeful reuniting of Jaya and Sarah, I was expecting... I don't know, something more dramatic? Sarah is adamant throughout the book that she will not be owned and that she is her own woman, but she just sort of gives in at the end without any real resolution. Is Jaya going to change? Will Sarah move in with her and live happily ever after? Did she ever get her medical degree? Who knows! I'm disappointed...
But not disappointed enough to not continue reading the series. The characters are well-developed for the most part and the amount of backstory sprinkled in gives the books an actual plot, rather than just making it about the BDSM.
But not disappointed enough to not continue reading the series. The characters are well-developed for the most part and the amount of backstory sprinkled in gives the books an actual plot, rather than just making it about the BDSM.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2017
I'm giving this story five stars because I thought that the meet-cute was unique, the sex was sultry, and the story line believable.
You can see my full review at: http://christinasbookshelf.net/2017/0...
You can see my full review at: http://christinasbookshelf.net/2017/0...
March 9, 2019
I got everything I wanted and more from this sizzling and enthralling story! I’m always drawn to this author’s books because I adore the flawed and realistic characters that she brings to life. Nothing could have prepared me for Jaya and Sarah. My heart really went out to both women because they were dealing with their own personal demons and I really wished that I had the ability to go through my kindle to comfort them. Even though there were a few heartbreaking moments, there were a lot of “cold shower” sex scenes throughout this book. Please don’t read this story while you’re on work or when you’ve got company because you might end up squirming all day in your seat and you would receive a lot of weird looks from anyone who is lucky enough to be seated close to you!
April 28, 2020
Wowza!
Erotic but dark. Explicit yet sensual. Rough and tender.
Brenda Murphy delivered big time in this tale of power. Power of dominance. Power of submission. Power of love.
It's amazing to watch a dominant, in all aspects of their life, buckle and submit to love... for the right woman.
A rich story about more than just sex.
Erotic but dark. Explicit yet sensual. Rough and tender.
Brenda Murphy delivered big time in this tale of power. Power of dominance. Power of submission. Power of love.
It's amazing to watch a dominant, in all aspects of their life, buckle and submit to love... for the right woman.
A rich story about more than just sex.
October 2, 2021
I'd been reading some BDSM "light" books, which I enjoyed, so thought I'd delve into the deeper end, this is one of those efforts. Do such places as Rowan House really exist? Because I think they'd be illegal almost everywhere. I "thought" BDSM was all about safe, sane and consensual. While there is some of that here, there is a lot that is not. The first third of the book at Rowan House was simply brutalizing and I don't care if Sarah enjoyed it or that it was just a job for her. I did not like Jaya at all and that only changed on the last page. As is so typical of far too many books, SO many problems could have been avoided if people simply TALKED to each other. These internal monologues are irritating in the extreme. Don't tell yourself, tell the OTHER person. That's an issue not just in this genre but in nearly every one I read.
I understand polyamory but the scene in which Sarah is "shared" at Rowan House is NOT that, not for me. Again, it doesn't matter that she consents, or it's part of her job. People brutalizing other people for sexual purposes, well, that's a line I can't cross. Sex trafficking is a major problem in today's world, this feels like that to me. I freely admit I don't see the attraction this holds for seemingly a lot of women. I've read so many books in this general milieu and found most to be engaging, witty and fun. Play, I understand, beyond that, I just don't. Nor do I need to.
Jaya's backstory is awful, her father and his company is the kind of thing people are outraged around the world about, private mercenaries who will do anything for money? So, she sold the company and is now fabulously wealth but so emotionally stunted I don't think she ever recovers with years of therapy, if then. I liked Sarah, I understand why she wanted out of her home situation, that she found work that she also enjoyed was nice. But what I liked most was at the very end when she laid our her hard limits for the two to have a future together. They made sense to me, what two people do behind closed doors in a safe, sane and consensual way that meets their needs and desires is completely okay with me. I grant it doesn't have to be okay with me for it to exist, it's just that in a perfect world, relationships would be based on equality, not slavery or anything approaching it - many of the problems our world faces are because that condition, slavery, non consensual, has existed since we came down from the trees. It is now and always has been wrong.
This book marks the end of my foray into the deeper end of BDSM, it does not interest me. I'll never understand those who embrace it, but I don't need to. If this is what you need to be a fully complete and sexual being in addition to the other roles you play in the world, fine. Free will isn't free if there are constraints, other than those necessary for us to be able to live together safely in groups, that prevent people from engaging in activities that enrich their lives somehow. I'll just leave that there. And this genre behind.
I understand polyamory but the scene in which Sarah is "shared" at Rowan House is NOT that, not for me. Again, it doesn't matter that she consents, or it's part of her job. People brutalizing other people for sexual purposes, well, that's a line I can't cross. Sex trafficking is a major problem in today's world, this feels like that to me. I freely admit I don't see the attraction this holds for seemingly a lot of women. I've read so many books in this general milieu and found most to be engaging, witty and fun. Play, I understand, beyond that, I just don't. Nor do I need to.
Jaya's backstory is awful, her father and his company is the kind of thing people are outraged around the world about, private mercenaries who will do anything for money? So, she sold the company and is now fabulously wealth but so emotionally stunted I don't think she ever recovers with years of therapy, if then. I liked Sarah, I understand why she wanted out of her home situation, that she found work that she also enjoyed was nice. But what I liked most was at the very end when she laid our her hard limits for the two to have a future together. They made sense to me, what two people do behind closed doors in a safe, sane and consensual way that meets their needs and desires is completely okay with me. I grant it doesn't have to be okay with me for it to exist, it's just that in a perfect world, relationships would be based on equality, not slavery or anything approaching it - many of the problems our world faces are because that condition, slavery, non consensual, has existed since we came down from the trees. It is now and always has been wrong.
This book marks the end of my foray into the deeper end of BDSM, it does not interest me. I'll never understand those who embrace it, but I don't need to. If this is what you need to be a fully complete and sexual being in addition to the other roles you play in the world, fine. Free will isn't free if there are constraints, other than those necessary for us to be able to live together safely in groups, that prevent people from engaging in activities that enrich their lives somehow. I'll just leave that there. And this genre behind.
June 10, 2024
I thought this would be better than its sequels because it’s the first book and I kinda read the sequels first. But damn, these two are literally the worst together. It actually reminds me of those weird Mafia men from straight dark romances all over TikTok that romanticises abuse. At least Jaya doesn’t abuse physically, but hell does she abuse emotionally and act like an actual child when things don’t go her way. Sarah deserves better and keeps disregarding her own boundaries for jaya because she knows jaya is a fucking baby if she doesn’t get what she wants. The whole side plot with Diedee and Andrea just felt utterly pointless and a simple mention of them in one paragraph and never recurring Diedee as a character would have been fine. I honestly thought Sarah and Jaya would maybe learn to be healthy after six years but they somehow got even worse if that’s even possible. Jaya continues to give shitty excuses for her behaviour and not once changing while Sarah is doing her best to not enable it but always falls for her shit. I actually thought this would be the best because I love second chance stories as it is a very direct way to show character development, but somehow this book botched it up so bad they ended up worse than they started.
Really disappointing because I loved Elaine, Martha and Millie’s stories. They actually have lives outside of sex and I thought this series would be a good balance between well developed characters and relationships while having an all female trouple element because most of them sexualises it heavily. This is a prime example of PWP with low effort plot and just bullshit in general. Martha’s story appealed to me the most along with Millie’s as they actually envelop the characters rather than just making them sit at a park and not talking and calling it a date every fucking time without any significant discussion of their relationship.
Plus, the fact that Sarah keeps talking about wanting them to be more than just owning and crap while never showing it at all, utter bullshit and so easily fixable and completed insane that they never had any fluff moments without sex coming literally right after. Sarah and Jaya are a prime example of toxic relationships and zero communication whatsoever with added inconsistencies.
Really disappointing because I loved Elaine, Martha and Millie’s stories. They actually have lives outside of sex and I thought this series would be a good balance between well developed characters and relationships while having an all female trouple element because most of them sexualises it heavily. This is a prime example of PWP with low effort plot and just bullshit in general. Martha’s story appealed to me the most along with Millie’s as they actually envelop the characters rather than just making them sit at a park and not talking and calling it a date every fucking time without any significant discussion of their relationship.
Plus, the fact that Sarah keeps talking about wanting them to be more than just owning and crap while never showing it at all, utter bullshit and so easily fixable and completed insane that they never had any fluff moments without sex coming literally right after. Sarah and Jaya are a prime example of toxic relationships and zero communication whatsoever with added inconsistencies.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2017
I bought this book about...three months ago? Four months ago? and then didn't get around to reading it until now, for Sapphicathon. Some thoughts:
Jaya's possessive tendencies--or rather, how she exhibits them outside the realm of the scene--are really not good at all. I was happy that much of the conflict between her and Sarah was caused by Sarah recognizing this and telling Jaya she needs her own independence. Still, I wonder if as time goes by Jaya will realize she needs to be less...well, dominant. It's not that she wants to control Sarah so much as that she seems to want everything in Sarah's life to be about her. It's a little worrying.
But I did like the fact that this book was from the POV of a femdom. I love dominant women, and Jaya's mantra of "I need. I want" really says it all--she's all about herself in some ways but her desire for Sarah is overwhelming and controls her as much as she seems to be in control, and she's desperate for pleasure, for control, for relief. Her need for catharsis is evident in many of her scenes, as well as in her free time activity of martial arts.
And I also love that Jaya is able to relinquish a measure of her treasured control and dominance to Sarah during one scene, and through the less intimate aspects of their relationship.
I do wish that this book had focused a little more on plot over sex. Admittedly I knew coming in that it was erotica and it was the fact that this book had a femdom in an f/f relationship that drew me in. But Jaya's past seems very interesting--mob ties, dangerous associations and shallow love affairs all tangled up together--and while it becomes essential towards the end, I still wanted to see more. And I wanted to see Jaya reveal more of herself (her past, her secrets) to Sarah, the parts of herself that aren't just about sex! Because for Jaya, sex is less intimate than sharing a painting or a simple conversation about nonsexual feelings in some ways, and I worry that sometimes she pushes for sex to avoid intimacy even while she seeks it.
Anyways. Good book, good characters. Would recommend if you like f/f and BDSM.
Jaya's possessive tendencies--or rather, how she exhibits them outside the realm of the scene--are really not good at all. I was happy that much of the conflict between her and Sarah was caused by Sarah recognizing this and telling Jaya she needs her own independence. Still, I wonder if as time goes by Jaya will realize she needs to be less...well, dominant. It's not that she wants to control Sarah so much as that she seems to want everything in Sarah's life to be about her. It's a little worrying.
But I did like the fact that this book was from the POV of a femdom. I love dominant women, and Jaya's mantra of "I need. I want" really says it all--she's all about herself in some ways but her desire for Sarah is overwhelming and controls her as much as she seems to be in control, and she's desperate for pleasure, for control, for relief. Her need for catharsis is evident in many of her scenes, as well as in her free time activity of martial arts.
And I also love that Jaya is able to relinquish a measure of her treasured control and dominance to Sarah during one scene, and through the less intimate aspects of their relationship.
I do wish that this book had focused a little more on plot over sex. Admittedly I knew coming in that it was erotica and it was the fact that this book had a femdom in an f/f relationship that drew me in. But Jaya's past seems very interesting--mob ties, dangerous associations and shallow love affairs all tangled up together--and while it becomes essential towards the end, I still wanted to see more. And I wanted to see Jaya reveal more of herself (her past, her secrets) to Sarah, the parts of herself that aren't just about sex! Because for Jaya, sex is less intimate than sharing a painting or a simple conversation about nonsexual feelings in some ways, and I worry that sometimes she pushes for sex to avoid intimacy even while she seeks it.
Anyways. Good book, good characters. Would recommend if you like f/f and BDSM.
September 18, 2024
Sensual, sexy, when it’s not painfully sweet in its intimate appraisal of two women discovering themselves in the role of dom and sub at Rowan House; their passions sizzling in the erotic games they play; only to discover the rest of themselves outside of their roles, often finding themselves mystified at what is revealed.
Playing their roles with such enthralling perfection brings Jaya and Sarah together in the heights of ecstacy, yet Jaya wants more. Who is Sarah outside of Rowan House? Desire for Sarah draws her closer to the mystery, revealing parts of herself she’s kept hidden for far too long.
This was like viewing an erotic play with exquisite actors; only to be given a peek at the totality of the women behind the curtain. Jaya is touchingly vulnerable and almost childlike behind the powerful and seductive dom she pours her desires into, becoming the woman she wishes to, who takes what she wants and bows to no one. Sarah is seductively submissive in her skillful hands, yet outside the bedroom, she’s a no-nonsense, serious student, unwilling to accept help from anyone in achieving her goals. These two clash and flow like waves; drawing the reader into their ease and difficulty. It was powerful, elemental, and yet touchingly human. While at Rowan House, whenever Jaya is asserting mastery in the bedroom, a heightened reality is evoked, yet other realities struggle to assert themselves in other places, a reminder of other concerns which face the characters. All this melded into one rich, multi-layered romance which drew the reader into their dance. I’ve never quite read an erotic novel like this; both stylized and realistic. It was a unique, exquisite delight.
Playing their roles with such enthralling perfection brings Jaya and Sarah together in the heights of ecstacy, yet Jaya wants more. Who is Sarah outside of Rowan House? Desire for Sarah draws her closer to the mystery, revealing parts of herself she’s kept hidden for far too long.
This was like viewing an erotic play with exquisite actors; only to be given a peek at the totality of the women behind the curtain. Jaya is touchingly vulnerable and almost childlike behind the powerful and seductive dom she pours her desires into, becoming the woman she wishes to, who takes what she wants and bows to no one. Sarah is seductively submissive in her skillful hands, yet outside the bedroom, she’s a no-nonsense, serious student, unwilling to accept help from anyone in achieving her goals. These two clash and flow like waves; drawing the reader into their ease and difficulty. It was powerful, elemental, and yet touchingly human. While at Rowan House, whenever Jaya is asserting mastery in the bedroom, a heightened reality is evoked, yet other realities struggle to assert themselves in other places, a reminder of other concerns which face the characters. All this melded into one rich, multi-layered romance which drew the reader into their dance. I’ve never quite read an erotic novel like this; both stylized and realistic. It was a unique, exquisite delight.
March 25, 2018
If you have not yet read Brenda Murphy, you are missing out! She develops her characters' personalities with such depth, I felt I knew them personally.
Although Jaya chooses to go to Rowan House, knowing that she will be able to satisfy her desire of sexual domination over another woman or women, she also finds that her heart and soul perhaps need more after she has chosen Sarah. Sarah not only gives Jaya pleasure through her pain, but challenges Jaya's own personal desire for pleasure by domination. When Jaya asks Sarah to leave Rowan House with her and is denied, she closes herself off and goes back to making some of the same past mistakes with Deidre. A chance encounter six years later with Sarah has Jaya still feeling drawn to the woman, and trying to convince her that she means more to her than just being a submissive.
Whether Murphy intends it or not, I think the book challenges that part within ourselves to question just what are we willing to give of ourselves to be with someone, for that one chance of a true connection. We are the sum of our whole being...mind, body, spirit. Our desires, our wants, our needs. Can we let go enough to give to another, as much as we take to fill ourselves? Are two people the sum of the whole? Brenda Murphy writes with conviction and understanding, making a totally enjoyable reading experience. Do not discount this book even if BDSM is not in your comfort zone. Sum of the Whole is much more. I received this copy with only the request for an honest review.
Although Jaya chooses to go to Rowan House, knowing that she will be able to satisfy her desire of sexual domination over another woman or women, she also finds that her heart and soul perhaps need more after she has chosen Sarah. Sarah not only gives Jaya pleasure through her pain, but challenges Jaya's own personal desire for pleasure by domination. When Jaya asks Sarah to leave Rowan House with her and is denied, she closes herself off and goes back to making some of the same past mistakes with Deidre. A chance encounter six years later with Sarah has Jaya still feeling drawn to the woman, and trying to convince her that she means more to her than just being a submissive.
Whether Murphy intends it or not, I think the book challenges that part within ourselves to question just what are we willing to give of ourselves to be with someone, for that one chance of a true connection. We are the sum of our whole being...mind, body, spirit. Our desires, our wants, our needs. Can we let go enough to give to another, as much as we take to fill ourselves? Are two people the sum of the whole? Brenda Murphy writes with conviction and understanding, making a totally enjoyable reading experience. Do not discount this book even if BDSM is not in your comfort zone. Sum of the Whole is much more. I received this copy with only the request for an honest review.
September 18, 2018
Every now and again, fortune favours me with a sentence so sublime it stops me in my tracks. I read it over and over, until it has seeped as deep as the emotions it encapsulates. It is a rare and precious thing, so to find myself gifted it on page 7 of a story was so unexpected, I sort of sat, blinking a bit. Possibly while wearing cream-spattered whiskers.
'I chose zero because it is the nothing that is.'
Sublime.
As is Brenda Murphy's writing. She had me from zero.
I was captivated by her characters, enthralled by their story and enchanted by intensity of emotion weaved within its pages. Sum of the Whole is a love story greater than its part(icipant)s. Jaya and Sarah are swept away despite themselves, in thrall to a depth of emotion neither they - nor I - expected to find. Exquisite.
'I chose zero because it is the nothing that is.'
Sublime.
As is Brenda Murphy's writing. She had me from zero.
I was captivated by her characters, enthralled by their story and enchanted by intensity of emotion weaved within its pages. Sum of the Whole is a love story greater than its part(icipant)s. Jaya and Sarah are swept away despite themselves, in thrall to a depth of emotion neither they - nor I - expected to find. Exquisite.
April 12, 2018
I loved this book!
Jaya and Sarah drove me nuts, but their relationship was genuine. Brenda wrote an amazing book that was tantalizing, sexy, and romantic.
Jaya and Sarah were strong heroines who we could relate to, even if the lifestyle wasn't something we ourselves would engage in. Regardless of whether you're into BDSM or not, please read this book.
And a note, she wrote Jaya well. As a black woman, I appreciated her character!
Jaya and Sarah drove me nuts, but their relationship was genuine. Brenda wrote an amazing book that was tantalizing, sexy, and romantic.
Jaya and Sarah were strong heroines who we could relate to, even if the lifestyle wasn't something we ourselves would engage in. Regardless of whether you're into BDSM or not, please read this book.
And a note, she wrote Jaya well. As a black woman, I appreciated her character!
July 1, 2022
I had high hopes for this story, given that the MC is a kick-ass woman and also a Domme. But alas, she's messed up beyond recovery. She can't keep straight who she is spanking or why. Several really hot BDSM scenes, though a little heavy on the pain scale for me.
In the end, everyone is happy, either forgiven or paid off. It was all much too simple.
I probably won't read the rest of the series without encouragement.
In the end, everyone is happy, either forgiven or paid off. It was all much too simple.
I probably won't read the rest of the series without encouragement.
May 14, 2018
I liked this book. I knew it was BDSM and there are trigger warnings. Overall, it was well written and more than just erotica. There's a nice love story there, too. Jaya and Sarah meet at a pleasure house where Sarah works. Jaya immediately is immediately drawn to her and the novel takes off from there. There are ups and downs to their relationship, but the ending is ultimately satisfying.
May 2, 2020
Madly Passionate!
This is a well rounded story of passion and love. The intense chemistry between Jaya and Sarah is immediate and is compelling to the end. Sum of the Whole is a very satisfying read.
This is a well rounded story of passion and love. The intense chemistry between Jaya and Sarah is immediate and is compelling to the end. Sum of the Whole is a very satisfying read.
December 13, 2019
Beautiful disaster
I think I had a different take on this story than most reviewers. I found that both Jaya and Sarah had much to learn about themselves. Jaya, a mistress, who is seeking solace finds more than she bargains for Rowan House. She's a complicated woman who seems to always get in her own way when it comes to matters of the heart. Some of it is because of inexperience. The other half is because she encounters people who either not fully honest about their feelings or are flat out lying about them. Her journey is learning how to love, be loved, and learning patience with others and their own journeys. Sarah knows what she wants, but she she's also closed off about her feelings. She has unreasonable expectations at times. Both women have to figure out whether they want to risk it all. They have an amazing connection that can't be denied so why try? Loved this book and would definitely recommend it.
I think I had a different take on this story than most reviewers. I found that both Jaya and Sarah had much to learn about themselves. Jaya, a mistress, who is seeking solace finds more than she bargains for Rowan House. She's a complicated woman who seems to always get in her own way when it comes to matters of the heart. Some of it is because of inexperience. The other half is because she encounters people who either not fully honest about their feelings or are flat out lying about them. Her journey is learning how to love, be loved, and learning patience with others and their own journeys. Sarah knows what she wants, but she she's also closed off about her feelings. She has unreasonable expectations at times. Both women have to figure out whether they want to risk it all. They have an amazing connection that can't be denied so why try? Loved this book and would definitely recommend it.
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