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Forbidden #1

Alpha Submissive

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When a driven, alpha woman is forced by circumstance to participate in a shibari rope display, her inner submissive is unleashed in ways she never imagined possible.

Shibari Master Roane is the epitome of "alpha", but when his assistant can no longer work their world-class suspension show, his eye turns toward the woman who hired him for her avant-garde BDSM festival.

Ava only agreed to run the festival in memory of her late, emotionally-damaged brother. If she steps in as surrogate model for this expert suspension rigger, will her demons remain hidden behind the alpha wall she's managed to erect, or will Roane use his rope like an extension of those sexy fingers to strip away every protection until nothing is left, but Ava's naked truth?

ALPHA SUBMISSIVE was previously published in the Not Vanilla series. This version has an updated cover and series name.

41 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 14, 2017

112 people are currently reading
135 people want to read

About the author

Jen Katemi

99 books84 followers
Jen Katemi is a USA Today bestselling author of steamy contemporary and paranormal romance. She is published with Evernight Publishing, and also has forged a successful indie career with her popular HELLHOUND PROTECTORS, GODS OF LOVE, BLOOD FAE CHRONICLES and FORBIDDEN series.

When she’s not writing, Jen runs an editing and proofreading service, looks after the family and pampers various cats. She lives in Melbourne, Australia.

Never miss a new release! Sign up for Jen's e-newsletter: https://bit.ly/3aS4yB3 or find out more at her website: https://www.JenKatemi.com

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5 stars
58 (39%)
4 stars
41 (27%)
3 stars
30 (20%)
2 stars
11 (7%)
1 star
8 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Aղցela W..
4,557 reviews326 followers
September 27, 2022
This was a short quick read that I thought was good but it was too short. I liked Ava and Roane but I wanted more of a backstory for each of them. This was my time reading this author. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling.
Profile Image for Antonia.
99 reviews14 followers
August 31, 2017
Roane is a Shibari master that requests the help of Ava as his model during an upcoming show that Ava organizes. Ava is used in being the dominant one, a woman that rarely shows emotion, because her past traumas will give her a mental breakdown, if by any means she loses control. He is a professional dominant that is one of the most successful art masters of Shibari. Want to know what happens between those two? Then check out the story, because I am not going to spoil anything else!

It’s the first book I’ve read by Jennifer Lynne and it most definitely won’t be the last! I am not familiar with Shibari (Japanese style of bondage/ BDSM), but this story guided me through it. Given the size of the book, you won’t get the full picture. However, the writer has captured the basic elements and I am so GLAD that she gave a whole chapter where she went into full detail about the importance of aftercare! I am stating this, because it is vital when writing about such subjects to do it in the best way possible and Jennifer managed to do just that! I would definitely want more of Ava and Roane, cause that chemistry was visible even through the screen, but I know the rest of the Forbidden series will involve new stories and characters. I loved the erotic, sensual, but also the emotional part of the story that engulfed you from page 1. It was a quick and enjoyable read, so I definitely recommend it to anyone (over the age of 18 of course!).

Here are two of my favourite quotes:

“In the end I’m crying for me, for all the lost hopes and dreams of my childhood that got shut away into a tiny dark place in the back of my mind…” - Lynne, Jennifer. Alpha Submissive (Kindle Locations 571-572).

“There is a term that I believe may apply to you. Alpha submissive. You are like me. Dominant in most aspects of your life. But there is a need deep inside you that will never be satisfied unless you give in and allow yourself to submit every now and again.” - Lynne, Jennifer. Alpha Submissive (Kindle Locations 659-661).

I received a reader review copy and chose voluntarily to read this book. However, this does not affect my review which is 100% honest!
Profile Image for Karen Roma.
2,762 reviews33 followers
September 1, 2017
The talented Jennifer Lynne has been a favourite author of mine since reading her Gods of Love; but where her paranormal writing is romantic and captivating, her erotic writing is exquisitely compelling. I actually read this novella for the first time in Not Vanilla - Bondage, which was a two for one treat with Roz Lee. I loved it then, and reading it for a second time, has only enhanced my enjoyment of this story.

In Alpha Submissive, the author exposes the depth of trust required to surrender completely to a Dom and the very real fear of vulnerability when bearing your soul. A passionate and beautifully written short story of heartbreak, loss and loyalty, and the wonders of Shibari when the emotional exchange (kinbaku) is experienced. and the connection you experience when you place your trust in that special someone and let yourself go.
Profile Image for Mom2three.
2,031 reviews16 followers
September 22, 2017
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is my first taste of Jennifer Lynne's writing, but it isn't going to be my last. I was so entranced and sucked into this story. I connected with Ava immediately and it was like I was experiencing everything, both the physical and emotional, along with her. I loved the sexiness of the story, and the chemistry was HOT, but the emotional dimension put this on a whole other level for me. My only complaint was that it was a short. I could have spent hours reading about Roan and Ava. I loved it!
1,596 reviews12 followers
August 30, 2017
This short bondage romance drew me in immediately and kept me glued to the book until I read the last word. I enjoyed the attraction and chemistry between Shibari Master Roane and Ava who is running an avant-garde lifestyle festival. This is a great start to Jennifer Lynne's Forbidden Series and I look forward to reading more from this talented author. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Profile Image for Shannon.
4,114 reviews31 followers
December 26, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

This is my first book by Jennifer Lynne and I thoroughly enjoyed it. A deeply emotional quick read.

Ava becomes Roanes Shibari model for her brothers upcoming show when Roanes normal model is pregnant in hospital.

Having been emotionally abused my her father over the years Ava doesn't drop her guard until Roane breaks through and the emotional connection between them is sizzling.

Can't wait to read more by Jennifer, this was a wonderful book.
1,062 reviews18 followers
September 7, 2017
What a deliciously spicy short read this was. In the world of BDSM, a person is usually either a dominant or a submissive. Jennifer Lynne introduces us to what she calls an Alpha Submissive, someone with both traits in their personality. And of course, there is a very nice, tender, yet extremely hot sex scene in the story. This is a voluntary review in exchange of a free copy of the book.
162 reviews
August 30, 2017
First time reader of Ms Lynne and was I surprised by her hot, sexy, panty melting story.
Rope tying can be so erotic that just getting it described in such details is so hot.
The story was short but I definitely enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Heidi.
4,343 reviews2 followers
September 21, 2017
Its a super quick hot read I did enjoy it. Although I felt that as it was so short I didn't get any romance yes they had sparks and hot sexy times but it needed more time to develop.
Profile Image for Nancy Bodie.
1,125 reviews1 follower
September 16, 2017
Excellent!

This well written story was emotionally complex for such a short read. The characters are likeable and realistic. The storyline is well paced and engaging. Very happy I offered to read for an honest review. Much like the next book in the series this quick sexy read is worth your notice.
47 reviews
September 17, 2017
Loved this book! It was so much more than just a story of bdsm. It truly expresses how Ava was able to finally let go and more poignantly Roane would be there to wholly accept her. Beautifully written and erotic!
881 reviews10 followers
September 29, 2017
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

What do you do when you are about to host a much-anticipated possible media circus Shibari performance from a highly sort after Dom whose regular partner is not able to perform? Ava is about to find out that she is going to become his unwilling replacement.

The BDSM lifestyle is not something that Ava has really been into, but it is something that seemed to have helped her brother through some difficult times in his life. When Ava went to see a performance by Roane in New York, she began to understand the draw that the art form of Shibari an ancient Japanese knot tying technique has. The complete trust that both participants must have in each other in this sometimes sensual, aerial, silken bondage art form. Where after being carefully tied up you are presented at the end to the audience as an object of art. (I did some research on the subject as the author did not really cover it in the story.)

Ava herself is an alpha and the thought of submitting herself to such an intimate public act even with someone as renowned and skilled as Roane goes against all of her own dominant tendencies.

As a child complete control is what her father drilled into her and her brothers head. You do not show any sign of weakness and being a submissive would be considered weak to her father.

Roane proposes that they do a private trial session and if she is not comfortable then he will reach out within the BDSM community to see if he can find a last minute replacement.

Ava reluctantly agrees to this and tries to take the lead in the session. Roane tells her that she is not in charge and that she needs to let go. This journey with Roane will have Ava at war with her dominant side when her hidden submissive comes to light. Will this revelation that she maybe an alpha with a Sub side be her undoing or be the final piece that makes her whole?

This is a very sensual, hot short story. You follow each silken rope bind like a lover’s caress and each moment of pain pleasure with a keening need as your body screams for the final deep stroke that will take you to the ultimate release.
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,913 reviews212 followers
August 19, 2018
When Master Roane, a shibari expert, informs Ava that his normal model has been hospitalized, she's devastated. After all, his show is the keynote in the festival she runs to honor her brother, and it's up to her to keep his memory alive. Roane's solution? Ava replace Nicole and come to his apartment for one beginner demonstration. Ava can't possibly, though, because she's way too dominant and busy to possibly cede control to anyone, especially the sexiest man she's ever met, a man so dominant even she can feel it. Or can she?

Alpha Submissive is super hot and I loved that both Roane and Ava were perfect for each other and had dual sides to themselves - both being alpha in most things and yet needing to submit once in awhile. I do wish it had been expanded into a full length novel, though. If it were, I can easily see it being a 5 star read.

I received an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Patti  J Lanfair.
245 reviews3 followers
June 28, 2023
A little splash of Kink

Readers this is my time reading something by Jen Katemi and if you do a review and say this book is just OK that would be a lie. The book fully came to life when Ava and Roane had the practice scene to see if their connection would work for the event. The practice gave both of them more than they expected. The down fall to this book was it was too short and the way that it ended. Jen I wanted to see the event that was in honor of her brother and did ava do it or was there a replacement . I definitely could have used more detail on her dad and brother. You gave me cake without the icing. I will definitely have to read another book by you
713 reviews7 followers
July 19, 2023
This is a short story, not even a novella. It is basically a scene description of a very intense shibari session between an experienced master and an utter newbie.

Roane is a shibari master and suddenly needs a rope bottom for a show. Ava is in charge of the show. And she runs everything and it is burning her out and (big surprise) she has a hidden need to submit.

Hits a bunch of tropes. But hits them well. You get backstory on Ava but basically no backstory on Roane. But, as I said, this is a short scene depiction -- if this was a novel or even a novella with no more character development, I would have liked it less. As is, quite good. Recommended.
Profile Image for poppy.
4,590 reviews28 followers
September 23, 2017
This was a fantastic little read if you are looking for a hot Bdsm book then give this a go you won't be disappointed.I really liked Roane and Ava,hes a Shibari master and she is a Domme he asks her to help and be his model when his usual girl has to cancel she agree's to try and is shocked when she enjoys it as she is not submissive.I really enjoyed their story it was a great read and i would recommend to all.
2,321 reviews8 followers
October 3, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. It is a short, quick read but with a great storyline that really pulled me in right from the beginning. It is unusual to see an alpha who is also a submissive, but it takes the right Dom to bring it out in Ava. Roane is the perfect Dom for the job!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Carol smith.
19 reviews
October 7, 2019
This is about bondage the Shibari way! The instant Sparks fly between Roane and Ava even though they previously saw each other in New York. Shibari is an artistic display of rope thing around the body! In this story it is sensual due to the emotions of the two star players. I enjoyed this ebook!!!!!
98 reviews2 followers
July 6, 2023
This short read is NOT your normal bondage romance! The man may be the Dominate, but the woman is just as strong in her own way. The story is told from her perspective, and it is intense. This is a story that needs to be repeated from HIS perspective at some future time; I think that will be intense as well!
Profile Image for Tara Lucas.
27 reviews1 follower
July 20, 2024
not a book-40 pages

I thought the storyline was good but a 40 page essay doesn’t qualify it as a book and not even a novella. The last 10-12 pages are from another “story” or maybe another essay.
The overall subject matter was wonderful and descriptive. It is all about bondage and some light smut (not much detail in the smut).
Profile Image for Sherri Leisure.
852 reviews5 followers
September 8, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. Although it is a short story the storyline is very good. This is the first book I have read by Jen and I will definitely be reading more of her stories. If you like more substance in these types of books you won't be disappointed.
222 reviews1 follower
September 22, 2022
interesting

A very short read. I enjoyed it but wished there was more. Roane and Ava were good together but there wasn’t enough character development to understand them or what was really happening.
Profile Image for Jenni.
310 reviews5 followers
February 9, 2023
More?

Somehow I was expecting more. I was hoping reading this would help inspire a rigging scene in a fanfiction I'm working on. It did help, but somehow I feel there shoukd be more.
Profile Image for Anadosen.
1,276 reviews7 followers
September 27, 2017
The book is great.When I started reading I couldn't put it down.
Profile Image for **Manjula ♥ Books**.
1,806 reviews36 followers
August 21, 2020
For a novella, this book is good.
The bondage scene was well written and erotic as hell.
I would really love to read a full length novel by this author.

Verdict: Need more, just more.
Profile Image for MARY.
1,491 reviews
October 11, 2022
I just finished this book. I liked reading it.
Profile Image for Elaine Swinney.
2,214 reviews7 followers
October 22, 2022
This is another short story. I was left wanting more. The story itself was well written but I would have like interaction between the main characters.
Profile Image for Penguin.
129 reviews4 followers
June 12, 2023
O. M. G.

So hot...

But

SO CRINGE
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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