What do you think?
Rate this book
Shadow Haven
Julia’s holiday on a private island, ordered by her boss, comes with an erotic surprise when she encounters the alluring Alexandra, a professional dominatrix. An explosive first meeting leads to friendship and something more sensual…and a little kinky. Can Julia overcome her fears to explore a submissive relationship with her? Can she overcome her doubts about Alexandra’s unusual career? And what happens when power is not just left to the imagination?
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 7, 2017
37 people are currently reading
520 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Schippers
1 book51 followersAJ Schippers is a professional procrastinator who likes to make people cry with heart-wrenching stories in her free time. When she’s not writing, Lara Croft often entertains her and, when she’s not playing games, AJ is often furiously re-blogging about fandoms on Tumblr. She believes publishing her first novel is an honest-to-god dream come true and a big step up from plagiarizing The Never Ending Story when she was six years old.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
June 25, 2017
I have some real mixed feeling about this book. Parts of it I liked, and I thought the story flowed pretty well. I also thought it was not bad for a debut novel, but I difinetly has some issues with it. It has some inconsistencies that bothered me, and a few things I didn't care for. I do think with a little more experience, Schippers will grow as a writer.
I have read plenty of BDSM books that I really liked. I have read stories with other kinks that I have enjoyed, so the BDSM elements did not bother me. I thought some scenes were pretty well done. And overall, the BDSM is not that heavy, this book is lighter on the kink. What I am not crazy about, is a storyline about a really rich Domme, who doesn't like to be touched, and doesn't do relationships. Blame it on me reading those books with 'Fifty' in the title, it just sort of ruined that set-up for me. I enjoy my BDSM when characters are in a loving relationship, or anonymous in some club. I just don't care for when one person has all the power, including money, and the other person can't even touch them. Luckily, as the book progressed, this became less of an issue, and I got into the story more. There is also a ton of orgasm denial. I'm not a big fan of that. Some teasing, making them work for it, that's fine. But to take someone to the edge over and over, and not letting them come for a week, how is that any longer considered an enjoyable experience?
As I said there were also some inconsistencies. They are on an island, during storm season. One of the main characters is told she is basically stuck there, because it is not safe to leave and no boat will pick her up. But some how other people make it to the island. Little things like that, and things that were a bit out-there, not so believable, bothered me a bit.
My last complaint was the length. For the kind of story this is, it was really too long. The characters are on a private island for 90% of the book. There is nothing else going on but playing/sex and talking about their relationship, over and over. 50 to 100 pages could have been chopped, and I definitely would have enjoyed this more.
This is not a bad story by any means. It flows pretty well, and I think it would be a good book for someone who hasn't read much BDSM before. It will slowly bring you into that world without overwhelming you too much. It was not the best book for my personal tastes, but it was okay. I would be willing to read Schippers again, in the future.
An ARC was given to me by YLVA, for a honest review.
I have read plenty of BDSM books that I really liked. I have read stories with other kinks that I have enjoyed, so the BDSM elements did not bother me. I thought some scenes were pretty well done. And overall, the BDSM is not that heavy, this book is lighter on the kink. What I am not crazy about, is a storyline about a really rich Domme, who doesn't like to be touched, and doesn't do relationships. Blame it on me reading those books with 'Fifty' in the title, it just sort of ruined that set-up for me. I enjoy my BDSM when characters are in a loving relationship, or anonymous in some club. I just don't care for when one person has all the power, including money, and the other person can't even touch them. Luckily, as the book progressed, this became less of an issue, and I got into the story more. There is also a ton of orgasm denial. I'm not a big fan of that. Some teasing, making them work for it, that's fine. But to take someone to the edge over and over, and not letting them come for a week, how is that any longer considered an enjoyable experience?
As I said there were also some inconsistencies. They are on an island, during storm season. One of the main characters is told she is basically stuck there, because it is not safe to leave and no boat will pick her up. But some how other people make it to the island. Little things like that, and things that were a bit out-there, not so believable, bothered me a bit.
My last complaint was the length. For the kind of story this is, it was really too long. The characters are on a private island for 90% of the book. There is nothing else going on but playing/sex and talking about their relationship, over and over. 50 to 100 pages could have been chopped, and I definitely would have enjoyed this more.
This is not a bad story by any means. It flows pretty well, and I think it would be a good book for someone who hasn't read much BDSM before. It will slowly bring you into that world without overwhelming you too much. It was not the best book for my personal tastes, but it was okay. I would be willing to read Schippers again, in the future.
An ARC was given to me by YLVA, for a honest review.
June 17, 2017
115,000 words is a long time to be in two character's heads. There's one brief appearance of another couple, which I found as forgettable as the main characters appeared to.
Alexandra is a pro-domme, what that involves is all told and not on page. The reader is repeatedly 'told' physical punishment is not her style. And Alexandra's preferred forms of punishment are making Julia write essays and depriving her of chocolate, typically given as a reward.
Alexandra's reasons for becoming a paid domme didn't bode well with me either. For the record - submissive women are just as capable of abusing trust as submissive men.
Readers who are worried this story might be too kinky for them can rest assured the kink is mild. Oh, and ironically, the first sex scene blows apart Alexandra's declaration - 'I don't do vanilla'.
As I come to expect with books from Ylva, the writing is solid, other than the overuse of the word 'still' 191 times, and limbs with minds of their own... "Alexandra's knee placed itself firmly between her legs."
I guess you could say this story was hit and miss for me. I liked it but didn't love it. A subplot or two might've helped break up the monotony.
Copy provided by Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Alexandra is a pro-domme, what that involves is all told and not on page. The reader is repeatedly 'told' physical punishment is not her style. And Alexandra's preferred forms of punishment are making Julia write essays and depriving her of chocolate, typically given as a reward.
"I'll never punish you in a physical way. That's not my style."However, further on her statements are contradicted, unless receiving stinging blows from a wooden spoon aren't considered physical punishment...
Every correct guess earned her a small reward, while every wrong guess was met with a stinging blow from the wooden spoon.This story hit on something I'm not a fan of - scenes that turn out to be nothing more than a dream, twice in this instance.
Alexandra's reasons for becoming a paid domme didn't bode well with me either. For the record - submissive women are just as capable of abusing trust as submissive men.
Readers who are worried this story might be too kinky for them can rest assured the kink is mild. Oh, and ironically, the first sex scene blows apart Alexandra's declaration - 'I don't do vanilla'.
As I come to expect with books from Ylva, the writing is solid, other than the overuse of the word 'still' 191 times, and limbs with minds of their own... "Alexandra's knee placed itself firmly between her legs."
I guess you could say this story was hit and miss for me. I liked it but didn't love it. A subplot or two might've helped break up the monotony.
Copy provided by Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
February 12, 2019
This is one of the more thinly veiled fan fiction novels I've read. Some of that might be because I read a lot of OUAT fan fiction but I hadn't realised it was before I picked it up. I don't have a problem with novels that were once fan fiction but this didn't engage me as much as I had hoped.
Julia Quinn is sent off on a forced vacation by her boss to and island called Shadow Haven. (I'm not sure I would have been expecting a sunny beach holiday with reading and cocktails at a place called Shadow Haven, just saying.) On arrival she's greeted by an angry woman who is not only a professional dominatrix but also the sole person on the island.
The beginning had promise but then there was an odd gap in the transition from them being merely cohabitants of the island to them being attracted to each other. There wasn't enough on page for me to see how they got there. There are parts where the communication between them is interesting and dynamic but also many places where it felt like everything got bogged down in repetitious questioning and analysing.
The BDSM aspect is fairly light but because I wasn't completely convinced of their connection there didn't seem to be the chemistry which should have been sizzling between them. Overall, I liked it but I wasn't blown away by it. Perhaps it's because I was hoping for more from it and there's a good chance that I would have enjoyed it more in it's original fan fiction state.
Julia Quinn is sent off on a forced vacation by her boss to and island called Shadow Haven. (I'm not sure I would have been expecting a sunny beach holiday with reading and cocktails at a place called Shadow Haven, just saying.) On arrival she's greeted by an angry woman who is not only a professional dominatrix but also the sole person on the island.
The beginning had promise but then there was an odd gap in the transition from them being merely cohabitants of the island to them being attracted to each other. There wasn't enough on page for me to see how they got there. There are parts where the communication between them is interesting and dynamic but also many places where it felt like everything got bogged down in repetitious questioning and analysing.
The BDSM aspect is fairly light but because I wasn't completely convinced of their connection there didn't seem to be the chemistry which should have been sizzling between them. Overall, I liked it but I wasn't blown away by it. Perhaps it's because I was hoping for more from it and there's a good chance that I would have enjoyed it more in it's original fan fiction state.
June 28, 2017
WOW! I finished it.......
I can't seem to make my mind up over this book. Don't get me wrong it's good but it also seems unrealistic. It may not be, but I can't get my head around it. Also it is very long. There is a lot of reading to be done. I hear you say but some books are long but this one actually feels never ending.
The two main characters are Julia and Alexandria. Julia is sent by her boss to Alexandra's island for a well earned break and holiday. Alexandra is long time friends with Julia's boss. Anyway cutting a long story short Alexandra is a Domme and falls in love with Julia. Julia also falls in love with Alexandra. The book takes you on a journey from someone with no BDSM experience into a full loving relationship.
Sometimes the story contradicted itself. When Julia arrived she was told she could not return to the mainland due to the storm season and no boats would run. Alexandra had visitors to the island, they made it by boat?!!
I guess this story really was not for me. I just found it really long. It is very well written and an excellent first book. I will definitely be looking out for this author in the future.
*ARC provided by publisher via Ylva Publishing*
I can't seem to make my mind up over this book. Don't get me wrong it's good but it also seems unrealistic. It may not be, but I can't get my head around it. Also it is very long. There is a lot of reading to be done. I hear you say but some books are long but this one actually feels never ending.
The two main characters are Julia and Alexandria. Julia is sent by her boss to Alexandra's island for a well earned break and holiday. Alexandra is long time friends with Julia's boss. Anyway cutting a long story short Alexandra is a Domme and falls in love with Julia. Julia also falls in love with Alexandra. The book takes you on a journey from someone with no BDSM experience into a full loving relationship.
Sometimes the story contradicted itself. When Julia arrived she was told she could not return to the mainland due to the storm season and no boats would run. Alexandra had visitors to the island, they made it by boat?!!
I guess this story really was not for me. I just found it really long. It is very well written and an excellent first book. I will definitely be looking out for this author in the future.
*ARC provided by publisher via Ylva Publishing*
June 27, 2017
I waffled a bit over this being 3 or 4 stars and settled on 4. I think the length of this novel put me off a bit. Kinda felt it could have been a bit more condensed. I struggled a bit to connect with the MC's at first but fell into it about a quarter of the way through. Although the kink was pretty light in this, I thought it was bold to debut her first novel this way. All in all I liked it overall.
October 31, 2020
This was really good! Now, this is what an intro into BDSM should look like. I mean, the book was somewhat slow paced with all this process and too long, but it beats the fast paced ones. But yeah, it would’ve been perfect if it hadn’t been this slow and if it was shorter. I like smut just like most people, but a book this long with a lot of sex scenes gets tiring. But anyways, I loved Julia and Alexandra’s relationship and how communicative they were, even though Julia sometimes lashed out, but they always ended up talking the same day and they’d resolve the issues like adults. I really loved that. If everyone was this communicative, the world would be a better place lol
Anyways, this book was amazing. 100% recommend
Anyways, this book was amazing. 100% recommend
June 25, 2017
I knew this novel when it was still a fanfic and I am glad it got picked up by Ylva for publication because it means an exciting chance fot A.J. Schippers to reach a bigger audience than just fandom. The BDSM may not be for everyone but as kinks go it is on the light side. I agree with another reviewer that the story stalls a bit in the middle and it could have been helped along with maybe introducing more characters (it was just Julia and Alexandra for most part of the book) or a sub plot because it tends to get a bit boring there.
Personally I had a problem with the character of Julia. I found her too childish and often I just wanted to smack her upside the head ;-)
So as a debut novel I think it is very promising and I can't wait to read more of A.J. Schippers. Shadow Haven gets 3 to 3.5 stars because it wasn't a page turner for me and my dislike of Julia. Also the type of BDSM (orgasm denial and ropes) was not to my personal taste.
Personally I had a problem with the character of Julia. I found her too childish and often I just wanted to smack her upside the head ;-)
So as a debut novel I think it is very promising and I can't wait to read more of A.J. Schippers. Shadow Haven gets 3 to 3.5 stars because it wasn't a page turner for me and my dislike of Julia. Also the type of BDSM (orgasm denial and ropes) was not to my personal taste.
July 3, 2017
I was intrigued about this book from the moment I read the synopsis and I wasn’t disappointed. It had a beautiful mix of BDSM and Romance that led me to really enjoy the storyline and the characters.
When stranded on a island with her boss’s friend, Julia panics. That is until she learns more about this beautiful and intriguing domme she’s been left alone with.
This story is a mild BDSM story that would be perfect for those who are new to the genre and want to dip their toes in without going straight to the hard stuff (excuse the pun).
The romance and tension between the Alexandra and Julia oozes from the page and creates a lovely story of discovery into a new world. I extremely enjoyed Alexandra’s cantor about her Dominatrix career and how she explained her lifestyle to Julia made the reader also feel safe in this very sexy and alluring world.
4.5 stars
When stranded on a island with her boss’s friend, Julia panics. That is until she learns more about this beautiful and intriguing domme she’s been left alone with.
This story is a mild BDSM story that would be perfect for those who are new to the genre and want to dip their toes in without going straight to the hard stuff (excuse the pun).
The romance and tension between the Alexandra and Julia oozes from the page and creates a lovely story of discovery into a new world. I extremely enjoyed Alexandra’s cantor about her Dominatrix career and how she explained her lifestyle to Julia made the reader also feel safe in this very sexy and alluring world.
4.5 stars
June 10, 2017
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing, Inc. in exchange for an honest review.
This story is a hot mess. Luckily, I would place the emphasis of that statement on the word "hot." As a piece of BDSM lesbian erotica, it is a highly enjoyable tale. The details of the story line and characters, however, I found to be more than just a little unbelievable, and I wish the author had spent more time polishing it, because I find it distracting when a story has inconsistencies and/or ridiculous elements, unless those elements are done intentionally for effect- Not the case herein. For example, the whole story is premised on a twenty-six year old woman being sent on an all expenses paid mystery vacation by her boss for three weeks (that turns into two months- boss approved!) Said employee is allegedly a PR professional with no college degree who was hired on the spot after offering a solution to her high-powered PR firm owning boss when she eavesdropped while waiting tables during this PR firm owner's conversation in a public diner with a client about a tricky PR quagmire. Wait, what? Exactly. The woman, Julia, then goes on to behave with a remarkable lack of maturity whilst she and an independently wealthy professional dominatrix, Alexandra, fall madly in love. Honestly, the entire story is ridiculously unbelievable, but I still mostly enjoyed it. Rating 2.5
This story is a hot mess. Luckily, I would place the emphasis of that statement on the word "hot." As a piece of BDSM lesbian erotica, it is a highly enjoyable tale. The details of the story line and characters, however, I found to be more than just a little unbelievable, and I wish the author had spent more time polishing it, because I find it distracting when a story has inconsistencies and/or ridiculous elements, unless those elements are done intentionally for effect- Not the case herein. For example, the whole story is premised on a twenty-six year old woman being sent on an all expenses paid mystery vacation by her boss for three weeks (that turns into two months- boss approved!) Said employee is allegedly a PR professional with no college degree who was hired on the spot after offering a solution to her high-powered PR firm owning boss when she eavesdropped while waiting tables during this PR firm owner's conversation in a public diner with a client about a tricky PR quagmire. Wait, what? Exactly. The woman, Julia, then goes on to behave with a remarkable lack of maturity whilst she and an independently wealthy professional dominatrix, Alexandra, fall madly in love. Honestly, the entire story is ridiculously unbelievable, but I still mostly enjoyed it. Rating 2.5
August 14, 2017
For a debut novel I think Schippers did an excellent job. I enjoyed this book, and I am giving it 4 stars because I think it was really good for a first go. Schippers will be a fantastic author after she has a couple of novels published. I guess I should say I am not a huge fan of BDSM novels, and even more so, when there is a socioeconomic disparity between the characters. The rich/poor factor can work, and often does, I just do not much care for it when paired with a power play. However, this one worked and I only grimaced maybe once during the entire novel. I am not a fan of making a review a retelling of a book… what I really liked about this book were both characters were flawed, not by looks but both struggled with inner demons. They needed one another to help over come those demons. I like that in books. I enjoy it. I liked both characters very much, and would read another book starring Alexandra and Julia.
The blurb did not draw me in. If you are not a fan of BDSM books you may not pick this one up once you read the blurb… I would reconsider. While of course it does have some factors of kinky play it wasn’t over the top and was quite mild. It did go on a bit too long. Near the end of the book I became bored with the feeling of “more of the same.” I think this was my biggest dislike of the entire book. Too much of a good think is a good phrase to use in this instance. The sex scenes were well written and I didn’t find myself thinking it was over the top, or uncomfortable.
I did find myself several times thinking Julia was a bit immature. She is young in the novel though. At least what I would consider young. For someone that is self declared “independent” she really has some mommy issues. Good thing Alexandra is super at “caregiver mode.” Julia is really needy. Both characters were written in a way though that I feel like they both enjoyed their roles, and I enjoyed their story. Don’t let the little preview make you not want to read the book, give it a shot it is really a good book.
The blurb did not draw me in. If you are not a fan of BDSM books you may not pick this one up once you read the blurb… I would reconsider. While of course it does have some factors of kinky play it wasn’t over the top and was quite mild. It did go on a bit too long. Near the end of the book I became bored with the feeling of “more of the same.” I think this was my biggest dislike of the entire book. Too much of a good think is a good phrase to use in this instance. The sex scenes were well written and I didn’t find myself thinking it was over the top, or uncomfortable.
I did find myself several times thinking Julia was a bit immature. She is young in the novel though. At least what I would consider young. For someone that is self declared “independent” she really has some mommy issues. Good thing Alexandra is super at “caregiver mode.” Julia is really needy. Both characters were written in a way though that I feel like they both enjoyed their roles, and I enjoyed their story. Don’t let the little preview make you not want to read the book, give it a shot it is really a good book.
June 21, 2017
To be honest the book was not for me. I do not mind erotica, but I personally need a decent plot line to capture and maintain my interest. I just found it all a stretch too far for me to suspend disbelief. An employee was sent on a long vacation, people were able to arrive at the island despite it previously been described as dangerous due to unpredictable storms. The quick embrace of bdsm in the romance did not feel real for me. I also did not like scenes added in that were a dream.
The bdsm was very mild. If you like reading erotica, it is well written and edited. It is just not my type of book, but I can appreciate others will enjoy it.
ARC received from Ylva for honest review.
The bdsm was very mild. If you like reading erotica, it is well written and edited. It is just not my type of book, but I can appreciate others will enjoy it.
ARC received from Ylva for honest review.
April 20, 2018
I have fallen in love with this book the moment I started reading. Every time I tried to do something that didn't have anything to do with the book in my hands, I wanted to go back to it as soon as possible.
After having read many Swanqueen stories and fanfiction turned into real books I have to say this is definitely one of my favorites on the top shelves.
The dynamic the two have is something I am going to be dreaming of from now on.
Absolutely recommend it!
After having read many Swanqueen stories and fanfiction turned into real books I have to say this is definitely one of my favorites on the top shelves.
The dynamic the two have is something I am going to be dreaming of from now on.
Absolutely recommend it!
October 9, 2017
There were a bunch of things I liked about this book. The sex writing was super hot, the premise is fun, and I especially liked the dialogue whenever Alexandra and Julia were talking with each other.
Full review: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/shado...
Full review: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/shado...
June 7, 2017
This read is a pure joy. A journey to self discovery and acceptance. Your panties will need to be change and often. Fair warning, it's a BDSM erotica. Very well written with much care for consent and safe practice and safe sex.
That being said I took off 1 star for a continuity error. The story take place during Hurricane season, meaning the island is not really accessible and leaving can be very dangerous. The main characters insisted on it multiple times. Yet a client come right in the middle of the story. No explanation given, it wasn't dangerous anymore?
I would recommend this book to anyone who want to read a good erotica.
ARC Review.
That being said I took off 1 star for a continuity error. The story take place during Hurricane season, meaning the island is not really accessible and leaving can be very dangerous. The main characters insisted on it multiple times. Yet a client come right in the middle of the story. No explanation given, it wasn't dangerous anymore?
I would recommend this book to anyone who want to read a good erotica.
ARC Review.
August 3, 2020
Julia Quinn's boss has decided that her favorite employee (Julia) needs a vacation, so she has arranged for Julia to spend two weeks at a private island retreat. She doesn't tell Julia that the island is owned by Dominatrix Alexandra Ortega, who usually uses it for her business. Originally wary of each other, Julia and Alexandra eventually become friends, then become much more, as Julia explores BDSM for the first time, while Alexandra commits to her first real relationship in a while.
This book is definitely a slow-burn romance, and for a book that takes place on an island owned by a Dominatrix, is relatively light on the sex scenes (though those that are included, are smoking hot). It's also a different kind of BDSM, since Alexandra doesn't use corporal punishment (unlike almost every other BDSM romance I've read). Their relationship is very sweet, if awkward in places.
This book is definitely a slow-burn romance, and for a book that takes place on an island owned by a Dominatrix, is relatively light on the sex scenes (though those that are included, are smoking hot). It's also a different kind of BDSM, since Alexandra doesn't use corporal punishment (unlike almost every other BDSM romance I've read). Their relationship is very sweet, if awkward in places.
December 6, 2017
Honestly, I couldn't have enjoyed Shadow Haven more! It was such a well written, exciting take on a BDSM relationship, and portrayed most realistically. Thank you for such an amazing story A.J. Schippers.
Read
April 22, 2020Leaving my star rating for this blank because I only read the OUAT fanfic version, and I just want to post my review for it somewhere.
Of the 30 chapters in the fanfic, I only read 20. Due to the repetitiveness of Emma and Regina's exchanges, I slowly lost interest in finishing the book. There was nothing special about the MCs' relationship ⎯ it didn't even progress in a convincing manner. The BDSM wasn't dark nor heavy, which was okay, but parts of it also suffered from repetition. The writing struck me as impassive. While you can see that the author was trying, the story and its writing didn't allow for any emotional attachment from the reader. My personal reading experience made me feel like an outsider witnessing everything from a distance.
I'm not sure how the published version compares, but the writing of the fanfic left a lot of room for improvement. I wouldn't regard it as poor, but one mistake in particular was consistent: the lack of proper usage of adverbs. I lost count of the numerous times I corrected a modifier and turned it into an adverb in my head, so it was an added distraction from the story. Plus the length of this thing is unjustifiable based on what you get out of it. The plot and any developments within weren't even deep.
For the side characters, I thought the arrival of Ruby and Belle would make things interesting in the island, but I was disappointed to see they barely made a substantial contribution to the story. It was like these two only existed purely for the purposes of evoking jealousy from Emma. Well, maybe with the small exception of Emma and Belle's brief talk.
The characterization of the MCs were also a miss for me. Regina and her overall persona as an Ice Queen was indiscernible. Her character in this story simply lacks the bite it needed to convince me this was indeed Regina. Emma's character irked me in the beginning because her attitude can only be described as childish at best. Her outbursts felt misplaced. If this book started off as an original, this wouldn't be a problem. But being a fanfic, the demeanors of the MCs were something that can't be overlooked.
Anyway, since I couldn't be compelled to finish reading it, I'd rate the fanfic 1 star.
Of the 30 chapters in the fanfic, I only read 20. Due to the repetitiveness of Emma and Regina's exchanges, I slowly lost interest in finishing the book. There was nothing special about the MCs' relationship ⎯ it didn't even progress in a convincing manner. The BDSM wasn't dark nor heavy, which was okay, but parts of it also suffered from repetition. The writing struck me as impassive. While you can see that the author was trying, the story and its writing didn't allow for any emotional attachment from the reader. My personal reading experience made me feel like an outsider witnessing everything from a distance.
I'm not sure how the published version compares, but the writing of the fanfic left a lot of room for improvement. I wouldn't regard it as poor, but one mistake in particular was consistent: the lack of proper usage of adverbs. I lost count of the numerous times I corrected a modifier and turned it into an adverb in my head, so it was an added distraction from the story. Plus the length of this thing is unjustifiable based on what you get out of it. The plot and any developments within weren't even deep.
For the side characters, I thought the arrival of Ruby and Belle would make things interesting in the island, but I was disappointed to see they barely made a substantial contribution to the story. It was like these two only existed purely for the purposes of evoking jealousy from Emma. Well, maybe with the small exception of Emma and Belle's brief talk.
The characterization of the MCs were also a miss for me. Regina and her overall persona as an Ice Queen was indiscernible. Her character in this story simply lacks the bite it needed to convince me this was indeed Regina. Emma's character irked me in the beginning because her attitude can only be described as childish at best. Her outbursts felt misplaced. If this book started off as an original, this wouldn't be a problem. But being a fanfic, the demeanors of the MCs were something that can't be overlooked.
Anyway, since I couldn't be compelled to finish reading it, I'd rate the fanfic 1 star.
December 31, 2024
The back and forth got really boring.
July 5, 2017
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing, Inc. in exchange for an honest review.
This book just was not for me .... I don't mind erotic themed books, even though they are not my favorites, but it needs to have at least a decent plot line... which I think was missing here. Another thing that bothered me is that there were many discrepancies in it and some lose ends.
This book just was not for me .... I don't mind erotic themed books, even though they are not my favorites, but it needs to have at least a decent plot line... which I think was missing here. Another thing that bothered me is that there were many discrepancies in it and some lose ends.
June 12, 2017
Erotica comes in all forms. In this novel Julia and any other neophyte to BDSM learns about the lifestyle in an up close and personal style. The novel's structure has a few wrinkles to iron out with continuity and Julia's massive temperament swings however on the whole this was a delightful and insightful read. You find yourself walking in Julia's shoes as she learns how she feels about her baser instincts. This is definitely a novel to read when you want to be good to yourself.
June 11, 2017
First off, I came to this book having read and adored the swanqueen fanfiction story on which it is based. Thankfully it was an excellent story to begin with so unlike a few others I've suffered through (as I'm sure many of you have too, dear readers) this book really works as novel and in no way resembles a work of fanfiction. The appearance of both of the main characters has been changed sufficiently that it's not Lana Parilla & Jennifer Morrison leaping off the page at you, though they are still pretty damn hot. For those of you who are coming to this fresh, you don't need to have any knowledge of the original story!
Ok, with that out of the way, this is a fabulous novel; Julia is sent on holiday by her boss before she burns out but ends up on a tropical island with a less than receptive host and no way to get off the island before the end of hurricane season. Julia has issues, even more so when she discovers that Alexandra, the owner of the island, is a professional dominatrix. Things get even worse when she finds herself becoming more and more attracted to Alexandra and drawn to her powerful and commanding personality.
Even if you're not sure about reading a novel featuring BDSM, try it. This is an amazing story and just like Alexandra with Julia, A.J. Schippers will be very gentle with you.
Ok, with that out of the way, this is a fabulous novel; Julia is sent on holiday by her boss before she burns out but ends up on a tropical island with a less than receptive host and no way to get off the island before the end of hurricane season. Julia has issues, even more so when she discovers that Alexandra, the owner of the island, is a professional dominatrix. Things get even worse when she finds herself becoming more and more attracted to Alexandra and drawn to her powerful and commanding personality.
Even if you're not sure about reading a novel featuring BDSM, try it. This is an amazing story and just like Alexandra with Julia, A.J. Schippers will be very gentle with you.
June 29, 2024
Light bdsm and sapphic romance, yes please!
A pretty well written intro to bdsm. The communication between the Domme and her romantic interest was engaging, open and reassuring. There was a little foreshadowing about the rope parts and I really liked the Shibari aspect and would have liked more of that with just the two of them (the main one was during a training with other clients).
The story definitely focused more on our two MCs as it was only them for like 90% of the book. The play scenes were done well and flowed well with the story. The back and forth at times become repetitive and I may have rolled my eyes lol but overall I liked the story and recommend it!
A pretty well written intro to bdsm. The communication between the Domme and her romantic interest was engaging, open and reassuring. There was a little foreshadowing about the rope parts and I really liked the Shibari aspect and would have liked more of that with just the two of them (the main one was during a training with other clients).
The story definitely focused more on our two MCs as it was only them for like 90% of the book. The play scenes were done well and flowed well with the story. The back and forth at times become repetitive and I may have rolled my eyes lol but overall I liked the story and recommend it!
June 23, 2017
I struggled to get through this book. It took me over three days and that is not like me at all. I think it just wasn't my type of reading material. The BDSM aspect didn't bother me, but I found myself hating the way Alexandra treated Julia throughout most of the book even though I know she was treating her from a place of love. It may be overly long for some with Julia being such a jerk in so many places that you wonder how Alexandra could fall in love with her at all. If you like BDSM and can handle Julia's phobias and quirks you will like this book.
March 5, 2018
I love this book.
Maybe there's a bit lack of characters since it's almost entirely about Alexandra and Julia, and maybe I didn't like most of their kinks but overall this book has been a treat. The development was really good and I feel like it's an epic love story.
Good Job!
Maybe there's a bit lack of characters since it's almost entirely about Alexandra and Julia, and maybe I didn't like most of their kinks but overall this book has been a treat. The development was really good and I feel like it's an epic love story.
Good Job!
February 6, 2021
I’ve read over 500+ fanfic in AO3 mostly Supercorp. As a debut, this is really not bad. The chemistry and slow burn is real, I have to shout out for the BDSM safety and consent part. The smut is really well done. The only problem for the relationship between Julia and Alex is I am not sure the relationship is healthy or toxic. Every time Alex said the “permission” thing is only in their “play”, well it’s not. The procession and the job ... it’s just seem toxic for me. But the conversation between them and how they make things work after a fight is healthy. 5/5 for smut part. 3/5 for the plots.
June 13, 2017
AJ Schippers first published novel “Shadow Haven” is a fabulous read! I sat down with this book planning to read a chapter or two only to discover that I read half of the book without even knowing it. Shadow Haven is a book about lust, longing and love but most of all it’s about healing. AJ has a very smooth, easy writing style that most readers enjoy. You won't be disappointed if you give this book a go. I look forward to reading more books written by the talented AJ Schippers.
June 15, 2017
Amazing read, very well written and beautifully described. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who remotely likes or participates in the BDSM life style. I felt for Julia and Alexandra and how they both grew and fell in love with each other! I just can't get over how amazing it is and how well written it is!
January 4, 2024
“So ma’am. Where to?” He helped her onto the boat.
“Home”, she said ♥️
“Home”, she said ♥️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2017
Make no mistake, this is a BDSM erotic romance, and it's hot. It won't be to everyone's tastes, so be warned. That said, the main characters Alexandra and Julia are delightful and complex and the story and happy conclusion enjoyable. For me, the middle of the book did go on a bit and I found myself wishing I could fast forward to find out how the couple got on in the end. For that Reason I would give it a 3.5 rather than 4. Worth a read. I was given an advance review copy by Ylva in exchange for an honest review.
August 19, 2017
I'm always going to be biased when it comes to AJ Schippers as she is one of my best friends. But I think anyone reading this book would spot that she has so much creativity and such a unique way of writing and seeing things! Her tactful, clever way of handling the subject of bdsm and consent here shows her open mind and caring heart. Just you wait, AJ is going to spend the rest of her life writing books that knock your socks off. And I for one can't wait to read the next one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews