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Soft Limits
Frederic d'Estang: performer, professional villain and my youthful crush.
Graduate student Evie Bell spends her days ghostwriting memoirs and her nights playing out her most intimate sexual fantasies by penning fan fiction. When a famous stage actor bursts into her life, she's drawn to his dark, sensual presence, despite herself.
He calls me chérie, ma princesse, minette.
In Paris, Frederic takes Evie firmly in hand, leading her down a sensual path neither of them could have imagined, and pushing them both dangerously near their limits.
I call him Daddy.
Evie is wary—fearing Frederic is a villain both onstage and off—but again and again, Frederic draws her in. Yet the closer they become, the more Frederic holds back, wanting to protect Evie from his despicable truth. He isn’t the man she believes him to be, and his secret may very well destroy them.
Graduate student Evie Bell spends her days ghostwriting memoirs and her nights playing out her most intimate sexual fantasies by penning fan fiction. When a famous stage actor bursts into her life, she's drawn to his dark, sensual presence, despite herself.
He calls me chérie, ma princesse, minette.
In Paris, Frederic takes Evie firmly in hand, leading her down a sensual path neither of them could have imagined, and pushing them both dangerously near their limits.
I call him Daddy.
Evie is wary—fearing Frederic is a villain both onstage and off—but again and again, Frederic draws her in. Yet the closer they become, the more Frederic holds back, wanting to protect Evie from his despicable truth. He isn’t the man she believes him to be, and his secret may very well destroy them.
196 pages, ebook
First published October 30, 2017
33 people are currently reading
970 people want to read
About the author
Brianna Hale
26 books1,574 followersThere's nothing Brianna Hale likes more than a large, stern alpha male with a super-protective and caring streak, and when she's not writing about them she can usually be found with a book, a cocktail, planning her next trip to a beautiful location or attending the theatre. She believes that pink and empowerment aren’t mutually exclusive, and everyday adventures are possible. Brianna lives in London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
November 5, 2017
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2! Soft Limits (stand-alone). Daddy-play, kink,& secrets as Evie is swept into affair with older man!
Soft Limits (stand-alone) follows the sexual awaking of graduate student and aspiring writer Evangeline Bell, Evie while she is hired as the ghostwriter for the memoirs of world-renowned stage actor, singer and composer Frederic d'Estang, her childhood crush and an imposing man eighteen years her senior.
Evie is in over her head unable to read the hot-cold signals from Frederic. That is until he picks up on her submissive tendencies making her the perfect subject for his kinky and devious urges. And so they embark on a Dom-Sub relationship with Daddy-play, which at times brings out the Sadist in Frederic.
Eight words to describe Frederic d'Estang: Commanding, analytical, aloof, secretive, brooding, intense, non-committal and conflicted.
Eight words to describe Evangeline Bell, Evie: Naïve, trusting, akward, smart, meek, innocent, loner and forgiving.
Soft Limits, told from dual POVs, is a forbidden romance with age gap and kinky sex play as Frederic and Evie explores their sexualities and test limits. But is also a journey of self-reflection and growth complicated by secrets and devastating set-backs. It ends with truth and healing.
***
Hero: ★★★★1/2
Heroine: ★★★★★
Plot: ★★★★★
Storytelling: ★★★★★
Sexual tension: ★★★★★
Sex scenes: ★★★★
Story ending: ★★★★
******************************************
OVERALL RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Angst: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Darkness: | LOW FOCUS |
Humor: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Kink: | HIGH FOCUS |
Romance: | HIGH FOCUS |
Sex frequency: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Suspense: | LOW FOCUS |
ARC provided to me by author Brianna Hale in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2017
Genre: Erotic Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
Evangeline (Evie) Bell loved all things literature. As a graduate student she spent her time writing and admiring her favorite performer. When an opportunity came knocking, she was determined to use it to her advantage.
Frederic d’Estang had commanded stages all his adult life. As a performer, he could play any role but his most favorite one was the one played out in the bedroom. When he saw Evie, he knew he wanted to play a part in her secret fantasy while keeping his own in the dark.
I think his name alone made Fredric sexy. Try saying that with French accent lol! I like how he had a lot of vulnerabilities while never really showing it. And like a good Daddy, he was nurturing.
As a little, Evie was mostly subtle. She had a good balance between being a matured adult and wanting to be a coddled little girl. I like how she had a different side when it came to her needs.
I have not read many of DDlg books, but enough to say this book offered something different. It had a darker side which made me very happy. Typical DDlg books can be too "pink", too bubblegummy and not enough dirtiness. This one had right amount of balance to keep everyone from either spectrum happy. I also have to say I'm very happy with how it ended - HEA without the need to visit the dentist.
Soft Limits follows the story of two people finding love while learning to overcome their personal fears. It would appeal to readers looking for DDlg dynamic with both sweet and dirty elements.
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
Evangeline (Evie) Bell loved all things literature. As a graduate student she spent her time writing and admiring her favorite performer. When an opportunity came knocking, she was determined to use it to her advantage.
Frederic d’Estang had commanded stages all his adult life. As a performer, he could play any role but his most favorite one was the one played out in the bedroom. When he saw Evie, he knew he wanted to play a part in her secret fantasy while keeping his own in the dark.
Frederic isn’t afraid of my vulnerability, he craves it.
I think his name alone made Fredric sexy. Try saying that with French accent lol! I like how he had a lot of vulnerabilities while never really showing it. And like a good Daddy, he was nurturing.
I want a man who understands the allure of something a little more brutal.
As a little, Evie was mostly subtle. She had a good balance between being a matured adult and wanting to be a coddled little girl. I like how she had a different side when it came to her needs.
With an expert flick of his wrist he cracks the leather over my nipple. Pain blazes through me and I squeeze my eyes shut, breath hissing in over my teeth. He’s going hard right from the start.
I have not read many of DDlg books, but enough to say this book offered something different. It had a darker side which made me very happy. Typical DDlg books can be too "pink", too bubblegummy and not enough dirtiness. This one had right amount of balance to keep everyone from either spectrum happy. I also have to say I'm very happy with how it ended - HEA without the need to visit the dentist.
Soft Limits follows the story of two people finding love while learning to overcome their personal fears. It would appeal to readers looking for DDlg dynamic with both sweet and dirty elements.
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
July 25, 2019
I don't mind reading the occasional taboo-romance story (I even have a shelf for it). So while the whole 'daddy kink' is not something I would ever be into (they do not involve actual father/daughter relationships, but still), it is not something disturbing to me to warrant me writing off a book based on that alone. In fact, there was even a book with that same fetish that I actually liked (Act Your Age if you are interested), so my rating of this book has nothing to do with the taboo-sexuality of the book. Instead, my rating is based on how kind of boring this whole thing is. I mean, if you took out the daddy-kink stuff you get exactly one other plot point and it wasn't enough to really draw me into the story because you can see what is going to happen from a mile away. I do have to say one more thing about the sexuality shown in this book, but with a spoiler tag just in case people really don't want to know anything about this book that isn't referenced in the blurb before reading it
December 14, 2020
Then may I suggest we go to Paris? I have missed you in Paris, minette. I love you in Paris. In fact, I love you everywhere.
Oh how I die inside about a thousand times after reading that sentence. Frederic couldn't have been a better daddy in my humble opinion. Im not ready to leave Frederic and Eve behind, I want to plant myself into their world and never remove myself.
Does that tell you how much I love this book? Gosh I hope so.
With an 18 year gap difference between Eve and Frederic I was ooo so curious about how their love might grow, with him being a broadway star and her a writer. I was intrigued to say the least and they did not disappoint.
Frederic's nasty taste just appealed to me I was panting and begging for more, I was perhaps more captured with his charms than Eve was!
Baby, you think I'll be merciful if you shed a few tears? Go ahead, I'm just going to fuck you harder.
OH YES PLEASE!
I absolutely adored Eve, She was a breath of fresh air as a little even as she was exploring and being so vulnerable with him. Eve stayed true to herself even when he hurts her by not disclosing a truth.
I'm packed, and I'm going now. There's more soup in the fridge and--"
and on that absurdly mundane note I flee from this room and out of his life forever.
Whether she remained out his life forever...I'm not going to tell you, READ THIS BOOK AND FIND OUT.
YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED.
Oh how I die inside about a thousand times after reading that sentence. Frederic couldn't have been a better daddy in my humble opinion. Im not ready to leave Frederic and Eve behind, I want to plant myself into their world and never remove myself.
Does that tell you how much I love this book? Gosh I hope so.
With an 18 year gap difference between Eve and Frederic I was ooo so curious about how their love might grow, with him being a broadway star and her a writer. I was intrigued to say the least and they did not disappoint.
Frederic's nasty taste just appealed to me I was panting and begging for more, I was perhaps more captured with his charms than Eve was!
Baby, you think I'll be merciful if you shed a few tears? Go ahead, I'm just going to fuck you harder.
OH YES PLEASE!
I absolutely adored Eve, She was a breath of fresh air as a little even as she was exploring and being so vulnerable with him. Eve stayed true to herself even when he hurts her by not disclosing a truth.
I'm packed, and I'm going now. There's more soup in the fridge and--"
and on that absurdly mundane note I flee from this room and out of his life forever.
Whether she remained out his life forever...I'm not going to tell you, READ THIS BOOK AND FIND OUT.
YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED.
June 8, 2018
This was a little more than I was prepared to read. Please don't take my rating as a judgement of whether you'll like this book or not. It just wasn't my cuppa.
There was too much OW drama. The H is much older and MUCH MUCH more experienced than the h. He is french and has a very casual view of sex and relationships. And he has had a lot of both. He hires the h to write about his life and sends her to interview many of his former lovers. This amount of OW drama smeared in my face for pages and pages just turned me off to the romance and the story. That factored with the lies he tells her just didn't work for me. I just didn't find it romantic in any way.
Sorry :(
Deleted from my kindle.
There was too much OW drama. The H is much older and MUCH MUCH more experienced than the h. He is french and has a very casual view of sex and relationships. And he has had a lot of both. He hires the h to write about his life and sends her to interview many of his former lovers. This amount of OW drama smeared in my face for pages and pages just turned me off to the romance and the story. That factored with the lies he tells her just didn't work for me. I just didn't find it romantic in any way.
Sorry :(
Deleted from my kindle.
October 30, 2017
4.5 Darkly Delicious Stars!!!
Adult, sexy and daring. Brianna Hale gets better and better.
“His singing voice can rattle windows with fury or caress with love.”
Ahhhhh....Frederic. Each hero of Brianna Hale strikes all the right notes with me. Having devoured her first two books, I could not wait to read 'Soft Limits.' A little darker than her previous books, this story has a little more depth and seriousness and I absolutely could not put it down! There are certain authors I just "click" with and Ms. Hale is one of them. You can count on tons of kink, flawless writing and a superb storyline. And a happy ending! Always.
If you have been wanting to try a little daddy/little girl kink, then by all means get your feet wet with Brianna Hale. I adored Evie and loved her exploration of her darker side. A brilliant writer in her won right, she has always searched for something more....and she finds it with Frederic D'Estang.
"It’s not just that I like make-believe. I crave it. And lately, I crave make-believe about villains most of all."
Evie is tasked with writing Frederic's biography. He is a famous performer and is hiding a dark secret of his own, Slowly they begin to get to know each other and realize that they have an almost unbreakable bond. They share the same unusual desires and fit each other perfectly. One thing i love about Brianna Hale's books is that there is no shame involved with her characters - everything is explored in a heathy and safe way. And I loved the age difference between Evie and Frederic!
"There are a few reasons someone might be a hero, but there are infinite reasons to be a villain."
There is a slightly gothic feel to this book which sets it apart from the earlier books. All set in London, the city plays a vital role in Ms. Hale's books. I loved the lush descriptions of the city and of the countryside. I promise that once you pick this book up, you won't be bale to put it down! And there's plenty of lightness to balance out the darker elements. All in all, a wonderfully sexy, very adult love story. Highly recommend!
"Frederic isn’t afraid of my vulnerability, he craves it."
ARC provided in return for an honest review.
Adult, sexy and daring. Brianna Hale gets better and better.
“His singing voice can rattle windows with fury or caress with love.”
Ahhhhh....Frederic. Each hero of Brianna Hale strikes all the right notes with me. Having devoured her first two books, I could not wait to read 'Soft Limits.' A little darker than her previous books, this story has a little more depth and seriousness and I absolutely could not put it down! There are certain authors I just "click" with and Ms. Hale is one of them. You can count on tons of kink, flawless writing and a superb storyline. And a happy ending! Always.
If you have been wanting to try a little daddy/little girl kink, then by all means get your feet wet with Brianna Hale. I adored Evie and loved her exploration of her darker side. A brilliant writer in her won right, she has always searched for something more....and she finds it with Frederic D'Estang.
"It’s not just that I like make-believe. I crave it. And lately, I crave make-believe about villains most of all."
Evie is tasked with writing Frederic's biography. He is a famous performer and is hiding a dark secret of his own, Slowly they begin to get to know each other and realize that they have an almost unbreakable bond. They share the same unusual desires and fit each other perfectly. One thing i love about Brianna Hale's books is that there is no shame involved with her characters - everything is explored in a heathy and safe way. And I loved the age difference between Evie and Frederic!
"There are a few reasons someone might be a hero, but there are infinite reasons to be a villain."
There is a slightly gothic feel to this book which sets it apart from the earlier books. All set in London, the city plays a vital role in Ms. Hale's books. I loved the lush descriptions of the city and of the countryside. I promise that once you pick this book up, you won't be bale to put it down! And there's plenty of lightness to balance out the darker elements. All in all, a wonderfully sexy, very adult love story. Highly recommend!
"Frederic isn’t afraid of my vulnerability, he craves it."
ARC provided in return for an honest review.
March 16, 2018
2018 Romance Challenge
Category: Erotic Romance
4.5 Petite Ange Stars
DON'T READ ME YET! I'M NOT FINISHED!
Okay, I am going to get my one grievance out of the way and then I’m going to move on to all the ways that Soft Limits did it right!
I know it doesn’t seem like it’s a big deal, or a big moment or anything, because it’s *so* common in this genre but it is not okay to spank or punish someone without their permission, no matter how much they’ve upset or let you down. Especially not before any introduction to the fetish. I have seen this on numerous occasions now and I feel like it’s become “the norm”. It isn’t normal. It’s not okay to chase a virtual stranger around and submit them to punishment because you like to spank people.
You have to expressly ask permission to do this. And I feel like Frederic, the experienced Maitre that he is, would full well know this and never have permitted that scene to happen. He’s much more in control than that. There are clear cut social cues and rules garnering fetish life for a reason. What should be an obvious reason. And even though he knows that she is very interested in exploring some pain-pleasure play, as is evident in the erotic fanfic she writes, that *isn’t* permission and he would know the distinction. I understand it may be awkward on page, and it seems easier for the character to ask forgiveness than permission especially when ultimately she enjoys it, but it’s not okay. Find a way to ask, which he later does beautifully, just not in this introduction scene.
Category: Erotic Romance
4.5 Petite Ange Stars
DON'T READ ME YET! I'M NOT FINISHED!
Okay, I am going to get my one grievance out of the way and then I’m going to move on to all the ways that Soft Limits did it right!
I know it doesn’t seem like it’s a big deal, or a big moment or anything, because it’s *so* common in this genre but it is not okay to spank or punish someone without their permission, no matter how much they’ve upset or let you down. Especially not before any introduction to the fetish. I have seen this on numerous occasions now and I feel like it’s become “the norm”. It isn’t normal. It’s not okay to chase a virtual stranger around and submit them to punishment because you like to spank people.
You have to expressly ask permission to do this. And I feel like Frederic, the experienced Maitre that he is, would full well know this and never have permitted that scene to happen. He’s much more in control than that. There are clear cut social cues and rules garnering fetish life for a reason. What should be an obvious reason. And even though he knows that she is very interested in exploring some pain-pleasure play, as is evident in the erotic fanfic she writes, that *isn’t* permission and he would know the distinction. I understand it may be awkward on page, and it seems easier for the character to ask forgiveness than permission especially when ultimately she enjoys it, but it’s not okay. Find a way to ask, which he later does beautifully, just not in this introduction scene.
November 25, 2017
3.5* sweet creature STARS!!
An artfully dirty story from Brianna Hale. She always be my top must read author. Still one of the best Daddy/little girl story I've ever had.
It started when Evie Bell's secret crush, Frederic d’Estang offered her a career opportunity to write his biography. Leaving her home, Evie accepted it and their work begin in Paris. The thing is, Frederic know her dirty fantasy and he needs to find out if Evie is brave enough to make her fantasy into reality.
Evie is an interesting character. She's quite mature and private person. Her passion in literature brought her to many opportunities but she's not confidence enough. I also like her shameless fantasy because it's quite the same with mine *cough*. I approved.
On the other side, Frederic is an enigma and famous performer. Cocky and super confident; the opposite of Evie. What I didn't like about him at first is how he manhandle Evie. I don't think it's the right approach with the spanking. That thing caused Evie and her mixed feelings towards Frederic.
Anyway, I really enjoyed their kinky activities. Evie prefer to called Frederic with 'Daddy'. I think it's because his nurturing attitude. Frederic is really a great dominant and he enjoy to spoil Evie. I really love their kinky scenes especially the dubcon even it didn't feel like it. Light enough with some light impact play and bondage.
The story told from dual POVs between Evie and Frederic. It flowed really nice with detailed description about everything in the book. The main conflict came from Frederic. Outside their sexual tension, sadly I couldn't feel their love chemistry. They're still a hot couple though. Overall, Soft Limits is an enjoyable read and well-balance with the kinky parts.
An artfully dirty story from Brianna Hale. She always be my top must read author. Still one of the best Daddy/little girl story I've ever had.
It started when Evie Bell's secret crush, Frederic d’Estang offered her a career opportunity to write his biography. Leaving her home, Evie accepted it and their work begin in Paris. The thing is, Frederic know her dirty fantasy and he needs to find out if Evie is brave enough to make her fantasy into reality.
Evie is an interesting character. She's quite mature and private person. Her passion in literature brought her to many opportunities but she's not confidence enough. I also like her shameless fantasy because it's quite the same with mine *cough*. I approved.
I look at her, noting again how young she is, how fawn-like and impish she can be. How I want to be her teacher, master and lover at the same time.
On the other side, Frederic is an enigma and famous performer. Cocky and super confident; the opposite of Evie. What I didn't like about him at first is how he manhandle Evie. I don't think it's the right approach with the spanking. That thing caused Evie and her mixed feelings towards Frederic.
I want him to be vicious. I fantasize about weeping tears onto his chest again, but tears because he’s hurt me, and then he kisses me and asks me with sweet cruelty if I think I can take a little more, like a good girl, for him.
Anyway, I really enjoyed their kinky activities. Evie prefer to called Frederic with 'Daddy'. I think it's because his nurturing attitude. Frederic is really a great dominant and he enjoy to spoil Evie. I really love their kinky scenes especially the dubcon even it didn't feel like it. Light enough with some light impact play and bondage.
“Tears on your face and a pussy full of my come. That’s how you’d be all the time if I had my way.”
The story told from dual POVs between Evie and Frederic. It flowed really nice with detailed description about everything in the book. The main conflict came from Frederic. Outside their sexual tension, sadly I couldn't feel their love chemistry. They're still a hot couple though. Overall, Soft Limits is an enjoyable read and well-balance with the kinky parts.
September 5, 2018
First of all, ignore the cover. It gives the wrong, modern vibe, whereas the book is filled with Gothic undertones.
If you like villains, Brontë sisters and Daddy kink, you will probably love this too. It seems wrong to combine those things, but Hale manages, and in a really tasteful manner.
I'm becoming a fan of this author!
If you like villains, Brontë sisters and Daddy kink, you will probably love this too. It seems wrong to combine those things, but Hale manages, and in a really tasteful manner.
I'm becoming a fan of this author!
March 16, 2018
Seriously, this was so good. I have read my fair share of erotica and it's a rare occurrence when I stumble upon one which I really like. This was one of those rare occurrences. The main theme of the story was CG/l or DD/lg lifestyle and while it's not exactly my jam (I lean more towards gentle femdom <3), I was surprised by how much I enjoyed myself while reading it.
There were some things I wasn't exactly a fan of but all in all, I loved the book a lot. Plus, the fact that throughout the book, there were allusions to Jane Eyre (one of my most favourite books ever) made me a very happy reader.
I am definitely looking forward to reading more of Brianna Hale in the future. c:
There were some things I wasn't exactly a fan of but all in all, I loved the book a lot. Plus, the fact that throughout the book, there were allusions to Jane Eyre (one of my most favourite books ever) made me a very happy reader.
I am definitely looking forward to reading more of Brianna Hale in the future. c:
October 30, 2017
This is only my second Brianna Hale book but she's got me, I want to read every single Daddy book she publishes from now until the end of time. Lol! This one was a little darker than Princess Brat and I very much enjoyed that. Frederic had some dark desires and Evie was keen to make all of them come to fruition, I'd have had no problem wading a bit deeper into these desires and staying a bit longer in their presence if Ms. Hale wants to visit these characters again I'd definitely encourage that!
**ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I fantasize about weeping tears onto his chest again, but tears because he's hurt me, and then he kisses me and asks me with sweet cruelty if I think I can take a little more, like a good girl, for him.Frederic *heart eyes* he was so deliciously depraved, but still so sweet at times. I want one. Frederic is a stage actor who often gets cast as the villain in musicals. When he meets the sweet daughter of his agent his villainous persona takes a detour from the stage and entices Evie into the bedroom.
Evie's at the tail-end of nursing a bruised heart when she falls into Frederic's path, literally. When he offers her an amazing opportunity to help jump-start her writing career she takes it; hopping on a train to Paris with her new subject, Frederic. Evie wished before that her ex-boyfriend had been a bit more domineering in bed, but living under the same roof as a villain come to life her darker fantasies want to come out to play.
Let me show you how good I can be for you, daddy. I can take anything you want me to.First of all, Ms. Hale, I'd like to say, that Frollo scene...*squirms*...I may have highlighted a few parts from that🔥 Anyway, this is a must read if you're a fan of Ms. Hale's and have a desire to dip your toes into something a bit darker. This book is definitely going onto the list of my top Daddy books, and Brianna has cemented herself on my list for go-to authors when I need a Daddy fix. Check this one out if you're looking for something kinky, sweet, and a bit dark (with some gothic romance nods thrown in). Also, I'd definitely like to see Brianna Hale try her hand at something darker and more depraved.
**ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
September 21, 2017
From the very first page, two things happened: I knew this book was different from previous Brianna Hale books and that I was already in love with it.
I always get disappointed when I have high expectations but it never happened so far with Hale. Each book is better than the one before and I need more.
It's beautiful and dark in all the best ways. It's pleasure mixed with violence and could be uncomfortable for some.
** ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review **
I always get disappointed when I have high expectations but it never happened so far with Hale. Each book is better than the one before and I need more.
It's beautiful and dark in all the best ways. It's pleasure mixed with violence and could be uncomfortable for some.
** ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review **
November 8, 2017
So this is my first Brianna Hale book and if you like anyone like Isabella Starling, Jade West, Linnea May and many others that write darker sometimes bdsm books then this is a story for you. When you first start reading this book you have no idea where you are going to go with these two characters. Brianna takes you on a journey with Frederic and Evie that will blow you away. I loved this book and will reread it many times. #Mustread #Oneclick
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy for my honest review. There is daddy play and some hard BDSM play sometimes in this book. If that is not for you, dont read this book
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy for my honest review. There is daddy play and some hard BDSM play sometimes in this book. If that is not for you, dont read this book
October 14, 2017
Review to come
March 8, 2022
A DD/LG dual-POV erotic romance with gothic undertones and references to literature & theater!? Sign. Me. Up.
This is one of my first proper (read: published) BDSM reads, and I positively devoured it. I felt quite a kinship with our main girl Evie Bell - both in her literary tastes as well as her more...lascivious tastes.
I want to keep this review short and sweet because I think if you're into it, you're into it, and if you're not, you're not. I'm not here to convince you otherwise. Evie is sweet but still very much her own woman; Frederic is deliciously soft yet depraved, and putting them together makes for a very good read. Will definitely be revisiting Brianna Hale in the future when I need a good fix.
This is one of my first proper (read: published) BDSM reads, and I positively devoured it. I felt quite a kinship with our main girl Evie Bell - both in her literary tastes as well as her more...lascivious tastes.
I want to keep this review short and sweet because I think if you're into it, you're into it, and if you're not, you're not. I'm not here to convince you otherwise. Evie is sweet but still very much her own woman; Frederic is deliciously soft yet depraved, and putting them together makes for a very good read. Will definitely be revisiting Brianna Hale in the future when I need a good fix.
February 17, 2025
Left me inexplicably bummed
The whole plot hinges on a big secret that has big "blow up in your face" potential, which the character in question simply ignores and merrily keeps going until the inevitable fallout.
Usually I don't mind this trope and it can even be fun to watch a character pt themselves into a terrible situation, but this time it made me sad for everyone involved in the scenario and the HEA did not make up for it in my book.
The whole plot hinges on a big secret that has big "blow up in your face" potential, which the character in question simply ignores and merrily keeps going until the inevitable fallout.
Usually I don't mind this trope and it can even be fun to watch a character pt themselves into a terrible situation, but this time it made me sad for everyone involved in the scenario and the HEA did not make up for it in my book.
October 23, 2017
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
4.5*s of kink and naughtiness!
I really enjoyed this book - I am not usually into age play, but actually it was really well introduced and was limited to ... well you read it and find out!
The underlying plot was really good, and as soon as I reached the end, I could have read it all over again - except it was 3am, and really I needed some sleep before the alarm went off! Definitely a page turner, and one to read when not in public! Super hot and definitely touching on the dark and sadistic, but somehow also a softly romantic story.
I will be looking out for more books buy Ms Hale, as this was a really good read.
4.5*s of kink and naughtiness!
I really enjoyed this book - I am not usually into age play, but actually it was really well introduced and was limited to ... well you read it and find out!
The underlying plot was really good, and as soon as I reached the end, I could have read it all over again - except it was 3am, and really I needed some sleep before the alarm went off! Definitely a page turner, and one to read when not in public! Super hot and definitely touching on the dark and sadistic, but somehow also a softly romantic story.
I will be looking out for more books buy Ms Hale, as this was a really good read.
October 25, 2020
4-5 stars!
I've come to a realization that I'm a rather big fan of Brianna Hale's writing. This book was so, so good. Fredric was the perfect, hot, dominant hero and Evie was such a likeable heroine. I really enjoyed this book but feel as if an epilogue would have easily made this a 5 star read!
I've come to a realization that I'm a rather big fan of Brianna Hale's writing. This book was so, so good. Fredric was the perfect, hot, dominant hero and Evie was such a likeable heroine. I really enjoyed this book but feel as if an epilogue would have easily made this a 5 star read!
May 20, 2024
Audio!!!! You need to listen the audio. The accent OMG!!!
I didn’t like that the author described one or two sex scenes and left the rest out like „we had plenty of sex…“ just like that. Why?
And Frederiks behavior after the thing with his voice? A no go. I would have lost any respect in him as a Dom. Man up! He needed to grovel instead his baby girl did the work…
Nevertheless I enjoyed the audio sooo much!!!
I didn’t like that the author described one or two sex scenes and left the rest out like „we had plenty of sex…“ just like that. Why?
And Frederiks behavior after the thing with his voice? A no go. I would have lost any respect in him as a Dom. Man up! He needed to grovel instead his baby girl did the work…
Nevertheless I enjoyed the audio sooo much!!!
January 19, 2024
This is my second favorite Brianna Hale book after Control Freak. Absolutely adore Evie. I loved all of the Gothic themes and literature. Just lovely.
I saw quite a few reviews mentioning OW drama and I have no clue what book they were reading because there isn't an OW? People really do be wanting their H to be experienced without having any experience.
I saw quite a few reviews mentioning OW drama and I have no clue what book they were reading because there isn't an OW? People really do be wanting their H to be experienced without having any experience.
October 4, 2017
Evie spends her days writing memoirs, and at night, she gets to take pleasure writing her ultimate fantasies with fan-fiction. Life is pretty much perfect for Evie, but something is missing . . .
She needs a man. . .
A man to fulfill her upmost desires.
Her ultimate fantasies.
And when a famous stage actor waltz's into her life, she knew that fate is on her side.
Frederic and Evie's chemistry is explosive, filled with nail biting passion, and steam. It's sweet, emotional, and a hint of darkness.
Brianna Hale knows how to write a damn good love story. I feel that her book's keep getting better and better. Can't wait to see what she writes next.
She needs a man. . .
A man to fulfill her upmost desires.
Her ultimate fantasies.
And when a famous stage actor waltz's into her life, she knew that fate is on her side.
Frederic and Evie's chemistry is explosive, filled with nail biting passion, and steam. It's sweet, emotional, and a hint of darkness.
Brianna Hale knows how to write a damn good love story. I feel that her book's keep getting better and better. Can't wait to see what she writes next.
January 27, 2022
This is my third Brianna Hale work and by far my favorite of the bunch! It has a gothic touch and the writing is a lot darker compared her other books I've read (Princess Brat and Little Dancer) which is totally up my alley.
I'm not big on the daddy dom and little girl dynamic, but the little in this one wasn't portrayed as excessively juvenile, but intelligent and mature, which really pushed it towards my favor. The book is written in dual POV so we get to know exactly how each mc is feeling. There's an 18 year age gap between the sub and the dom, delicious role-play/BDSM, and the dom is a sadist, but the whole relationship still managed to be remarkably sweet.
I'm not big on the daddy dom and little girl dynamic, but the little in this one wasn't portrayed as excessively juvenile, but intelligent and mature, which really pushed it towards my favor. The book is written in dual POV so we get to know exactly how each mc is feeling. There's an 18 year age gap between the sub and the dom, delicious role-play/BDSM, and the dom is a sadist, but the whole relationship still managed to be remarkably sweet.
October 26, 2017
This is not my usual fare, that said it was a well written and interesting book from many perspectives.
Not too heavy on the drama, low angst, and no characters who've gone off the rails. The affection was apparent. The plot line is solid.
The BDSM was light compared to some I have read, I think the notion of Evie calling Fredric Daddy probably threw most. There was a couple things that made me stop and think about. It's not that far fetched.
I liked the plot and thought it was well thought out, written and brought full circle. The rougher parts weren't overdone or drawn out and it's obvious that there's more than just sex here. There were times when I wanted to yell at her sisters to shut it, only to have Nora come through when Evie needed that kick in the pants! Brianna writes a great story, no doubt about it. It's a fantastic read.
4.5 stars
**arc from NetGalley and Publisher in exchange for a fair review**
Not too heavy on the drama, low angst, and no characters who've gone off the rails. The affection was apparent. The plot line is solid.
The BDSM was light compared to some I have read, I think the notion of Evie calling Fredric Daddy probably threw most. There was a couple things that made me stop and think about. It's not that far fetched.
I liked the plot and thought it was well thought out, written and brought full circle. The rougher parts weren't overdone or drawn out and it's obvious that there's more than just sex here. There were times when I wanted to yell at her sisters to shut it, only to have Nora come through when Evie needed that kick in the pants! Brianna writes a great story, no doubt about it. It's a fantastic read.
4.5 stars
**arc from NetGalley and Publisher in exchange for a fair review**
Read
November 13, 2017sadly this was a DNF for me. so I won't be rating it. I loved the first half of the book until the middle I started getting bored. maybe it was just the fact I was in the mood for the genre. But will be picking back up in the future
October 20, 2017
I received a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads
It's been ages since a book shocked me but Soft Limits had me slack jawed a few times! The age play warning had me wondering if this book was for me but it was done well enough that while I was shocked, I wasn't appalled, and even got a bit hot under the collar!
Evie is the daughter of Frederic's friend and agent, she's a grad student and a writer.
Frederic's life as a Broadway play right, singer and actor has been illustrious and rewarding. Toying with the idea of a biography, Frederic hires the young Evie to write it and invites her to Paris to live with him and interview his friends and coworkers. Evie has crushed on Frederic since she was 13, loving the villains he plays on the stage from her favorite novels.
Evie is a young woman, who's naive and childlike but her needs are dark. Past lovers are unable to fulfill her. She spills her dark desires into her written short stories, but she's never tried them for real. Frederic is a sadist and a dominant. He's drawn to everything about submissive Evie and brings out her innermost longings. He lets her be exactly who she longs to be, no matter how violent or kinky her fantasies. These two really turn a page with sensuality and bring some of the darkest desires to life in each of their encounters. Play acting and also just being themselves, Frederic dresses the part, literally, and Evie plays hers to the extremes. Including thumb sucking and calling Frederic daddy.
Not for the faint of heart, especially if that type of consensual age play bothers you. But, I found it written well and intriguingly twisted.
It's been ages since a book shocked me but Soft Limits had me slack jawed a few times! The age play warning had me wondering if this book was for me but it was done well enough that while I was shocked, I wasn't appalled, and even got a bit hot under the collar!
Evie is the daughter of Frederic's friend and agent, she's a grad student and a writer.
Frederic's life as a Broadway play right, singer and actor has been illustrious and rewarding. Toying with the idea of a biography, Frederic hires the young Evie to write it and invites her to Paris to live with him and interview his friends and coworkers. Evie has crushed on Frederic since she was 13, loving the villains he plays on the stage from her favorite novels.
Evie is a young woman, who's naive and childlike but her needs are dark. Past lovers are unable to fulfill her. She spills her dark desires into her written short stories, but she's never tried them for real. Frederic is a sadist and a dominant. He's drawn to everything about submissive Evie and brings out her innermost longings. He lets her be exactly who she longs to be, no matter how violent or kinky her fantasies. These two really turn a page with sensuality and bring some of the darkest desires to life in each of their encounters. Play acting and also just being themselves, Frederic dresses the part, literally, and Evie plays hers to the extremes. Including thumb sucking and calling Frederic daddy.
Not for the faint of heart, especially if that type of consensual age play bothers you. But, I found it written well and intriguingly twisted.
November 3, 2017
This one hit me all in the feels 😊.
It was wonderfully sweet, erotic, and low angst.
I loved the way Evie grew into herself throughout the story. I love that she wasn't portrayed as somehow feeble or incapable. Instead we got a strong, smart woman who also happened to be little.
Frederick was an amazing Daddy Dom. I honestly can't say much about him here because part of what I loved about this story was the way his full nature was revealed to the reader. It was actually done a bit slowly, and while there was certainly some foreshadowing, I loved getting the full picture of him in pieces. I will say that I adored him.
I can't wait to read more by Ms. Hale.
It was wonderfully sweet, erotic, and low angst.
I loved the way Evie grew into herself throughout the story. I love that she wasn't portrayed as somehow feeble or incapable. Instead we got a strong, smart woman who also happened to be little.
Frederick was an amazing Daddy Dom. I honestly can't say much about him here because part of what I loved about this story was the way his full nature was revealed to the reader. It was actually done a bit slowly, and while there was certainly some foreshadowing, I loved getting the full picture of him in pieces. I will say that I adored him.
I can't wait to read more by Ms. Hale.
March 11, 2018
Evie is a ghost writer working on her best biography ever on her teen crush Frederic d'Estang a world renowned theatre singer. Despite him being 18 years her senior there is something about him that draws her in. Deciding on a love affair that will only last 5 months sounds like the perfect plan for both of them. Frederic is teaching Evie the pleasure of her kiny that they both enjoy while writing his story. Neither planned on falling in love, but will his secret be too much for them to overcome.
I like it. Loved that is took place in London and Paris two of my favorite cities.
I like it. Loved that is took place in London and Paris two of my favorite cities.
December 1, 2019
DNF at 18%
I don't like the characters. Maybe they would have grown on me if I didn't feel the need to stop reading. The scene where Frederic takes it upon himself to speak Evie out of fucking nowhere, without any discussion of even being attracted to each other, was so gross. It made me physically upset. Huge WTF moment. Ugh.
I don't like the characters. Maybe they would have grown on me if I didn't feel the need to stop reading. The scene where Frederic takes it upon himself to speak Evie out of fucking nowhere, without any discussion of even being attracted to each other, was so gross. It made me physically upset. Huge WTF moment. Ugh.
misc-romance
April 27, 2025I did not realize when I bought this in the Audible sale that it was categorized as erotica. I ended up not caring for the raggedy bits but being absolutely sucked into the characters. Hale just writes in a way that appeals to me!
40 yr old theater star hero and 22 year old college student heroine. Her father is his agent and she agrees to write his biography.
40 yr old theater star hero and 22 year old college student heroine. Her father is his agent and she agrees to write his biography.
January 5, 2018
4.5 stars. Brianna Hale has a great gift for bringing her characters to life and building layers of complexity. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
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