Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
For months, I've been drawn to Dark Grove Plantation again and again, unable to resist the allure of one particular raven-haired beauty. The only Ella likes to be in charge, and she's made it clear with her barbed tongue that she has zero interest in submitting to me.

But my instincts tell me that lies are dripping from those perfect, red-painted lips. There's a sweet submissive hidden somewhere under Ella's haughty exterior, and I intend to earn her surrender. The chemistry between us is electric. Ella will be mine.

57 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 18, 2017

85 people are currently reading
324 people want to read

About the author

Julia Sykes

138 books2,021 followers
Julia Sykes is a USA Today bestselling author of edgy, emotional romance. When she's not writing, she's usually reading.

Other than reading, her obsessions include iced coffee, unicorns, charcuterie, aged Manchego cheese (or any cheese, really), and fancy dresses.

An American expat, Julia now lives in her adopted, beloved home of York, England. Most days, you can find her wandering the cobbled streets and daydreaming about her next novel.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
106 (44%)
4 stars
61 (25%)
3 stars
44 (18%)
2 stars
21 (8%)
1 star
4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Cami.
1,665 reviews76 followers
February 3, 2020
3.5 Stars!

Not great but not bad. Just seemed to be lacking. It was Hot but pretty far fetched.
Profile Image for Siobhan.
5,035 reviews597 followers
August 1, 2017
Earlier this year I read Dark Lessons by Julia Sykes and was instantly left wanting to read more of her work. I went ahead and brought her Impossible series, the entire notion intriguing me. Another series, her Dark Grove Plantation series, also grabbed my attention. I looked everywhere for Awakened, Taken, and Broken, but I could not find them. I found out they were being extensively re-written and re-titled, and I instantly put them on my to-read list. Holden is the first of these re-written and re-titled books and it was a great read. As soon as I was finished with Holden, I jumped into Brandon the second of the re-written and re-titled books. Like Holden, Brandon was a great read.

In all honesty, I’m not usually a big lover of stories of this length. I have a serious love-hate relationship with short stories. That being said, I’ve really enjoyed the first two Dark Grove Plantation books, and I’m positive I will continue to enjoy these short stories. I admit to having some issues, but as a whole I loved them.

In all honesty, my feelings towards Brandon are pretty much the same as my feelings towards Holden. They’re very different stories, but the things I liked and disliked are pretty much the same. I believe this is simply a reflection of my views regarding short stories. I’m super picky when it comes to stories of this length, and such a thing is reflected in my feelings towards this series. For those who have not read my review of Holden, I will summarise the good and bad from my perspective.

I’ll begin with the good.

The characters were great. Quickly we fall in love with both of them, and the chemistry between them was wonderful. Told from alternating points of view, we get to see inside the minds of both the characters. They’re two very different characters, but they go so well together. I especially enjoyed how we got to know more about Ella, a character who intrigued me in Holden.

The romance was swoony worthy. It was steamy, exactly as you hope for from a Julia Sykes read. As I said, the characters have real chemistry, and this always helps with ensuring the steamy scenes are great. Not to mention, Julia Sykes simply seems to know how to write the hot stuff.

The storyline was interesting. The tale was slightly more complex than Holden, but it was still a simple read. There’s nothing overly complex, meaning you’re pulled straight into the story, and your attention is held throughout. For such a short story, there is a lot to be found in this one. The drama in particular is wonderful. Plus, as with Holden, it leaves you curious about what is next in the series.

Then the things that left me feeling somewhat unsure.

The relationship and emotions moved much too fast for me. I understand there is a past between the characters, but I would have liked to see more of it. The speed at which everything changed felt like too much. It took place over a very short time period. Those who enjoy their tales to take place over such a short time span will enjoy this, but I would have liked more depth when it came to the heavy emotions.

The final chapters felt too reminiscent of Holden. I enjoyed the way the story came together, I enjoy the events, yet the ending was too similar to the ending of Holden for me to be content. It was enjoyable, I cannot deny that, but I would have liked something different to bring things together in the way they were.

Overall, I enjoyed this one. I’ll certainly be reading the next Dark Grove Plantation story, as this series promises to be a lot of fun. Well worth the read for anyone looking for a quick steamy read.
Profile Image for Aղցela W..
4,525 reviews321 followers
November 11, 2018
This was a short quick read that I liked although I didn't realize that it was book 2 in this series. Ella is a Dominatrix, and she’s made it clear with her barbed tongue that she has zero interest in submitting. Brandon is a Dominant and wants her to submit to him. This was like the battle of the Dom. Who will submit first? I really like this author the books she writes are always hot and well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Lisa Aiello.
1,186 reviews29 followers
September 10, 2018
A bit smuttier than book 1, and an interesting concept of a Domme and a Dom coming together. But as a novella, you know it's gotta move quick and things are gonna be "insta-everything".
Profile Image for Book Snob Sue.
1,414 reviews136 followers
July 21, 2017
I loved this push and pull between these two. We got to see Ella in Holden's book and knew she was a Dominatrix....well Holden's a Dom too, which is why there is so much between these two. When Holden first comes to the club he knows Ella is the one he wants, even if she is one of the clubs well known Doms. These two make a little naughty bet....wow, when that scene was won....whew. I love Julia Sykes books, they are always so hot. Picture this, an outdoor maize....and you've just been caught. Yup, just as hot as it sounds, absolutely delicious.

There's some pushing away by Ella because she's been a Dom and the clubs well known Dom for years. She's a highly competitive lawyer by day and she was trying to come to terms with her identity at the club. I completely felt her frustration by all of this. It was portrayed so well that I felt like I was the one trying to figure things out. But in the end, this is part of what Brandon loves about her. And she's only submitted to him....and it will only ever be him. There's a bit of trouble with her subs, but nothing the 2 can't handle.

Great addition to the Dark Grove Plantation series and I absolutely loved this series.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews133 followers
Want to read
April 25, 2018
💝 FREE on Amazon today (4/25/2018)!💝

Blurb:
For months, I’ve been drawn to BDSM club Dark Grove Plantation again and again, unable to resist the allure of one particular raven-haired beauty. The only problem? Ella is a Dominatrix, and she’s made it clear with her barbed tongue that she has zero interest in submitting to me. But my instincts tell me that lies are dripping from those perfect, red-painted lips. I crave to bind her beneath me, to torment her body with dark pleasure until she screams out my name and calls me Master. There’s a sweet submissive hidden somewhere under Ella’s haughty exterior, and I intend to earn her surrender. The infamous Dominatrix of Dark Grove Plantation will be mine.
Profile Image for Nola Arganbright.
1,592 reviews32 followers
November 26, 2018
Hot!

Definitely one of my favorite authors and I love this new series. Brandon has everything a Master should have and he wants the Club Domme!
Profile Image for Arys.
651 reviews34 followers
July 23, 2017
Brandon (Dark Grove Plantation #2) by Julia Sykes is book two in her Dark Grove Plantation series and it is a short and hot novella about Brandon and his desire to make Dark Grove Plantation's infamous dominatrix, Ella, his and have her submit to him.

We met Ella in book one (Holden), and as a lawyer she's used to always being in control, both at work and in the club. So when she's pursued by Brandon, who wants her as his sub, she can't help feel a pull and desire towards him even if it goes against everything she knows about herself. When Ella and Brandon make a bet that leads to her submission and the start of a relationship between them this short novella turns up the heat. Filled with moments of drama, some back and forth between the two characters, and a bit of danger, Ms. Skyes' novella satisfies in a short amount of time.

I liked. Ms. Sykes' story of Ella and Brandon. Ella is definitely a strong heroine who's had to keep her all the ball in her court to get ahead in the game of life she's been playing in order to not be taken lightly in a courtroom as lawyer. Being a domme is a part of who she is, it is also a part I missed seeing in the short novella.

Overall, Brandon by Julia Sykes is a sexy and satisfying addition to her series. I happily recommend.

(I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book I received in exchange for my open and honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.)
Profile Image for Jennifer McGurk Finn.
2,101 reviews53 followers
September 1, 2017
This is the second book in the Dark Grove Plantation series by Julia Sykes. Julia is an amazing author, she writes about BDSM in such an incredible and believable way. Ella has been a Dominatrix at Dark Grove Plantation for four years and in that time she hasn't really dated anyone. She would love to have someone in her life but the idea of being in charge 24/7 seems disconcerting. She's a lawyer and has to deal with arrogant men trying to boss her around in the courtroom so when she's at the club she likes to be the one in charge. Brandon is a Dominant, he's new to Dark Grove and he's been watching Ella since he first came to the club three months ago. He knows she's a Domme but he's completely captivated by her and hasn't been able to scene with anyone at the club. He can't stop thinking about having her underneath him and submitting to him. Ella acts like she despises Brandon because she's afraid of her feelings and desires for him so she pushes him away. He knows she's very competitive and likes to win so he makes a bet with her. If she loses she must completely submit to Brandon and if he loses he must stop coming to the club and leave her alone. I loved Brandon, even when he was being a little bit pushy and I look forward to Gwen's book.
Profile Image for Kath Dee.
777 reviews26 followers
July 26, 2017
Brandon Dark Grove Plantation by Julia Sykes

****4 1/2 Sizzling Stars

I was given this book for an honest and unbiased review.

Ella, the Dominatrix of Dark Grove Plantation, loves her place in the Kink community at Dark Grove. Her subs worship at her feet and she is the queen of all she surveys but when Brandon, The Dom at the club sets his sights on her, she's uncharacteristically nervous about his attention, because he expects her to submit to him.

Another dark and seriously hot kinky classic from Julia Sykes and I'm loving this series. These characters have beautifully complex personalities and let's not forget just how dirty they can be.

Great short read and I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
1,749 reviews9 followers
August 14, 2017
Dom/Domme

This was an interesting little novella. The heroine, Ella, is a Domme, the hero, Brandon, is a Dom who is inextricably attracted to her. She struggles with her attraction and desire to submit to him because she worries about how it affects not only her own, but other's perceptions of who she is. I enjoyed the story, although she capitulated a little too easily for someone who considers herself a hardcore Domme. Apparently the idea of being a switch was unknown to her, and the term "Top" seemed to be used interchangeably with Dom/Domme, which I've not encountered before.
Profile Image for Michaela Zankl.
448 reviews3 followers
July 22, 2017
Domme meets Master

I love Brandon's character. He is determined to win Ella over, a dominatrix at Dark Grove. She is determined not to give in to Brandon's advances but finds herself drawn to him. During an encounter with one of her subs Ella finds herself in a dangerous situation that makes her realize that Brandon has become a fixture in her life.
I've loved Julia's books since her first book was released. Her mixture of BDSM and crime is fantastic and she is an author to definitely keep on your radar.
Profile Image for Suzy Bagshaw.
436 reviews2 followers
June 28, 2018
Blaaa!

Same as Holden , I was hoping that this book would be awesome but, it's not even close. I can't believe Julia Stokes wrote this after the Amazingly Fantastic Series Impossibles! That series had everything. This is just not enough.
Profile Image for JP.
1,831 reviews14 followers
April 6, 2025
AWESOME STORY 😁

I truly enjoyed reading this series 😃. It's so close to the real BDSM world and unfortunately some people get too into it, losing reality 🤔. Thanks again Julia, I truly LOVE your stories and look forward to reading more 🤓.
Profile Image for Linda Bass.
77 reviews
November 3, 2017
Well written

I had never read a book like this is before because the story's not my style but I think it's well worth reading!
4,833 reviews10 followers
June 7, 2018
Mediocre

Just doesn’t read like a mature couple at all and she is a judge during the day. Yet an indecisive domme or maybe sub. Second in a series I presum. Not for me. Sorry.
57 reviews
June 16, 2018
Started strong and detailed but just rushed like the author got tired. Sad because the storyline had potential
Profile Image for Rebecca Austin.
3,150 reviews3 followers
July 23, 2017
Ella is a Dominatrix at Dark Grove Plantation at night and during the day she is a successful lawyer. She feels the need to be a Dom as she hates the idea of being topped, especially when she is under pressure from many men during her job as a lawyer.

Brandon is a dom at Dark Grove and has always wanted Ella but she keeps putting up a wall between them and won't give him the time of day.

When Brandon bets Ella and the stakes are high which one will come out on top? Will Ella be able to deal with everything she is faced with when she feels like she is in over her head?

This was another great quick read in the series that is hot!!

I truly felt bad for Ella with what she was going through in the battle within herself with being a dom or a sub. I understood why she wanted the power of being a dom as she worked in a male dominated field and wanted to feel in control. But at the same time her own needs were not being met as much as they could be if she was a sub.

Brandon was a total alpha male and I loved that he wanted to protect Ella and take care of her. He needed to show her that she could be treated well as a sub and still have some control. He had get Ella to trust him and earn her trust.

I loved the maze scene and was totally not expecting the scene in the dungeon!!

This was another great read and I can`t wait for more!!
Profile Image for carol .
663 reviews148 followers
April 25, 2013
A Dark Grove Plantation Story – Taken by Julia Sykes

Ella, a courtroom lawyer and powerful Domme at the Dark Grove BDSM club is well known for reducing men and women into submission. The confidence Ella gains through her Domme role, then gives confidence in her role in the courtroom. Till one day when Alpha Dom Brandon turns up. The story plot then follows how Brandon wants Ella’s submission but Ella has no intention of submitting to anyone, especially any man. She sees it as undermining her role as a lawyer in court. There is a good scene when Brandon through blackmail gets his wish for a timed period only. How this affects Ella and the resulting conflicts at the BDSM club with minor characters and whether she and Brandon have a future, only readers will find out. This is a novelette, worth paying a little for but no more in my opinion. The standard of English is reasonable and I have rated it as a sound 3 stars. I’m not sure whether to buy more from this series or not, ideal for a lunchtime read.
Profile Image for Christine Morgan.
732 reviews4 followers
July 20, 2017
This book is about Ella she'd the dominatrix of Dark Grove. She's used to having to be in control at work where she's a lawyer and has to continuously prove that she's as tough as any man she works with. This also translates into her persona at Dark Grove. She's doesn't submit to anyone. Brandon is new and he's known from the first time he saw her that Ella is meant to be his now it's only a matter of him proving it to her and breaking down her walls.

This book was great, it was really fun to learn more about Ella who we met in the first Dark Grove book Holden. She's a tough lady but she has a softer side. Brandon was such a sweetheart. He knows they're meant to be together but he has to prove it to her. Ella is afraid by submitting she'd showing weakness but Brandon shows her that she can be soft while being strong. She doesn't have to give up her role as Dominatrix of Dark Grove to be loved by him. The ending was unexpected. I thought something might happen but when it did I was a little shocked. Of course Brandon comes to the rescue and all is right again.
Profile Image for Sharon.
2,308 reviews22 followers
August 2, 2017
4.5 stars
This is the second book in the Dark Grove Plantation series where the reader is gifted with Ella and Brandon’s story. Ella is a tough as nails Domme. However she judges herself to ensure she has what it takes to maintain her position. Brandon is a Dom who recognizes the true, submissive woman inside of Ella and the one he wants to set free. The more time Ella spends around Brandon, the more she begins to question her identity. Can Ella learn to let go and embrace her submissive side or will Brandon’s constant pushing go too far to where he loses Ella forever?
Julia Sykes has a knack for creating compelling characters that seem to take on a life of their own woven into a scorching storyline to engage readers. The chemistry between Ella and Brandon is off the charts and is felt from page one. My only comment is that their story was too short and I wanted it to continue.
I volunteered to read an arc for a review.
Profile Image for Stephanie Rushlow.
60 reviews2 followers
July 19, 2017
Oh Julia, you have quick reads with amazing chemistry down. Although I do wish each book in this series was a little longer, it's nice that so far we still get sneak peeks at previous couples.

Ella the Domme of Dark Grove thinks she has it all, high profile job where she competes with men consistently, subs that allow her the added control she needs and friends in the same lifestyle. Brandon is new to Dark Grove but for the three months he's been there his sole reason is Ella, he know she'll be his and bets everything to prove it.

What happens when Brandon does prove he's exactly what Ella needs and she's to scare to find out? Ella starts questioning herself as a Domme but realizes she may not only be submissive too.

Highly recommended for quick page turner packed with wicked chemistry.
Profile Image for Corrine Pickering.
603 reviews8 followers
July 20, 2017
 photo 12516825_10208063953377144_1111376284_o.jpg

Brandon: Dark Grove Plantation by Julia Sykes

### 4.5 Hashtags ###

I'm loving this series of short and hot novellas. These are quick, easy, enjoyable reads.

I'm not going to recap on the story it's a great read and well worth a one-click. These are standalones, but the characters do cross over. I would really like a bit more depth into each of these stories ... I was left wanting so much more ! I feel like Holden and Brandon had so much more to give. However, I'll still read more in this series as the story and chemistry was steaming.
Profile Image for Tajana.
121 reviews5 followers
July 19, 2017
Brandon is second book in Dark Grove Plantation series. I love these short stories, they are so hot and steamy.
This is Brandon and Ella's story. Ella is Domme at the Dark Grove, but after Brandon approached for over and over she decide to take his bet one night to prove him that she is not submissive. Oh how wrong she was!!!
These two are so perfect together. I really would love to see more about them, so maybe in the future Julia gives us some more.
I am really enjoying Dark Grove series and I hope one day Julia makes a book with all these stories in it since they are shorter stories. It would be nice to have them all in one book.
In the mean time, one-click your copy and enjoy Brandon and Ella!!!
Profile Image for Brandy Roberts.
2,082 reviews62 followers
July 20, 2017
I'v enjoyed this very much the sex scenes are really steamy the only thing I wished was for Ella to show some of her Dominatrix side to the hero in the bedroom but over all loved it can't wait to read more about these characters and this author .
copy provided for honest review 
****************************************
hero = 10 heroine = 10 secondary characters = 10
Chemistry = 10 steam = 8 romance = 6 humor = 3
darkness level = 3 enjoyment = 10 angst = 3
action =3 story line = 10 mystery = 3
character development = 10 pacing = 10 Plot = 10
cover = 10 stars = 5 author = 10
would I recommend this book = yes
would I re read this book = yes
would I read future books by this author = yes
Profile Image for Sharon.
1,812 reviews41 followers
July 22, 2017
I have to be honest. I didn’t love book 1 in this series, but I’m a huge fan of Ms. Sykes and so I had to give Brandon a shot and I have to say that I loved him. I loved the way Ella was strong and torn between her identity as the Dominatrix and the excitement that Brandon can pull from her. I loved the way Brandon pushed her and tormented her into submission. I loved the little dungeon twist….did not see that coming at all! Since this is a short story I can’t say to much without spoiling the plot, but I loved the compromise they find together.

Hero 5 stars / Heroine 5 / Steam 5 stars / Plot 5 stars / Overall 5 Stars
Keys: Dual POV, MF, BDSM, Twists and turns
#MSBB
104 reviews1 follower
July 30, 2017
Brandon by Julia Sykes is the second story in the Dark Groves Plantation series. Each story is very short but full of content. Julia Sykes draws you in and keeps you wanting more. Ella and Brandon's story was great. I love how their relationship develops. Their banter is so funny. Ella is a strong Domme and Brandon is the Dom that respects and accepts all of her. Sexy. Enticing. I NEED more, more, more!!!! It's always good seeing previous characters. I wanted more of Holly and Holden's ceremony....because I'm greedy. Hopefully we'll get more later. In the meantime, I'm excitedly waiting for Gwen and Damien's story next.
Profile Image for Polly Barreto.
764 reviews8 followers
April 4, 2020
I love Ms. Sykes knack for writing BDSM and kink, but with that being said, I was disappointed at how short this book really is. This book is only 5 Chapters long and I certainly wanted many many more chapters! The story just moved to fast for me, but a really HOT read!

The battle of wills between Ella (Dominatrix) and Brandon (Dom) at the Dark Grove Plantation is at an all time high! When a bet is placed between them, everything Ella thinks she knows and wants will be placed to the test. Let the battle of the Doms begin!

I loved the bit of danger that was tossed into this novella, as we get the chance to see Brandon come to the rescue!
Profile Image for Cheril Olmsted.
330 reviews10 followers
July 19, 2017
Brandon is the second short story in the Dark Grove Plantation Series.

Ella is the Domme of the club and has wanted a sub of her own for a while now. Or so she thinks anyway. Brandon is a Dom who has his eyes on Ella. Determined to prove they have off the chart chemistry, he makes a bet with her. But even though she wants Brandon, she is afraid to give up her Domme status in the club.

Can he find a way for her to be both, his Submissive as well as the powerful Domme she wants to be??

One click and find
Profile Image for Peggy Lee (Reading Keeps Me Sane).
1,039 reviews42 followers
July 20, 2017
This cover is sexy as sin and so is the story. Julia Sykes turns up the heat with this battle of the Doms.

Brandon is a Dom who is infatuated with Ella, Dominatrix of Dark Grove Plantation. Ella is a lawyer who finds immense satisfaction winning a case and dominating her play partners at Dark Grove. Brandon shakes her sense of control and Ella can't bear appearing weak.

Brandon goes all out on a bet to win Ella's submission but it's only Ella who can truly choose to give it.

It's steamy goodness all wrap up in this shorty. 4 Stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.