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Club Whisper #1
A Dom and His Writer
Life is perfect for Richard and Dean. Richard is a wealthy and successful businessman who also owns a BDSM club, and Dean is a best-selling author and sub to Richard. They’re young, happy, and in love. The future is bright….
Until tragedy strikes and an accident claims Dean’s beloved sister. Dean finds himself the guardian of a three-month-old infant, and soon he’s trading in his leather fetish gear for diapers and drool bibs. But little Emily is all that remains of his family, so how can he abandon her?
It’s not what Richard signed up for. As much as he tries to be supportive, he never wanted kids and misses having his partner to himself. Suddenly the life he imagined for them is gone, and he’s not sure their relationship can survive the upheaval. But fate isn’t through with Dean, and when misfortune strikes again, will he be able to turn to the man he loves? A final crisis will determine if they can pull together as a family or must face facts and part ways.
Until tragedy strikes and an accident claims Dean’s beloved sister. Dean finds himself the guardian of a three-month-old infant, and soon he’s trading in his leather fetish gear for diapers and drool bibs. But little Emily is all that remains of his family, so how can he abandon her?
It’s not what Richard signed up for. As much as he tries to be supportive, he never wanted kids and misses having his partner to himself. Suddenly the life he imagined for them is gone, and he’s not sure their relationship can survive the upheaval. But fate isn’t through with Dean, and when misfortune strikes again, will he be able to turn to the man he loves? A final crisis will determine if they can pull together as a family or must face facts and part ways.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 23, 2017
39 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Xenia Melzer
190 books95 followersXENIA MELZER was born and raised in a small village in the south of Bavaria. As one of nature’s true chocoholics, she’s always in search of the perfect chocolate experience. So far, she’s had about a dozen truly remarkable ones. Despite having been in close proximity to the mountains all her life, she has never understood why so many people think snow sports are fun. There are neither chocolate nor horses involved and it’s cold by definition, so where’s the sense? She does not like beer either and has never been to the Oktoberfest—no quality chocolate there.
Even though her mind is preoccupied with various stories most of the time, Xenia has managed to get through school and university with surprisingly good grades. Right after school she met her one true love who showed her that reality is capable of producing some truly amazing love stories itself.
While she was having her two children, she started writing down the most persistent stories in her head as a way of relieving mommy-related stress symptoms. As it turned out, the stress relief has now become a source of the same, albeit a positive one.
When she’s not writing, she translates other authors’ manuscripts to German, enjoys riding and running, spending time with her kids, and dancing with her husband.
Even though her mind is preoccupied with various stories most of the time, Xenia has managed to get through school and university with surprisingly good grades. Right after school she met her one true love who showed her that reality is capable of producing some truly amazing love stories itself.
While she was having her two children, she started writing down the most persistent stories in her head as a way of relieving mommy-related stress symptoms. As it turned out, the stress relief has now become a source of the same, albeit a positive one.
When she’s not writing, she translates other authors’ manuscripts to German, enjoys riding and running, spending time with her kids, and dancing with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 29, 2018
"A Dom and His Writer" is a romance about an established couple that suddenly finds their lives coming upside down in the space of 24 hours.
Richard and Dean are settled and happy, they've been together for five years, they have their routines, they love their ability to be spontaneous at times and they have no plans at all to include a kid to their family. Unfortunately, life doesn't cooperate with their plans and after a car crash that claimed Dean's sister, he finds himself the guardian of his 3-month-old niece, that he didn't even know he had.
Dean dives in the care of the baby from the start and without a second thought, it's his sister's kid so there's no question about taking care of her. Richard's feelings on the matter are another story...
What I didn't mention is that Richard is Dean's Dom and he is used to being the sole focus of his sub's attention. All of a sudden there is someone else that takes up Dean's time and has become as much a priority for him as is Richard, the fact that this someone is a baby doesn't seem to matter to him. He is jealous, angry, unreasonable, desperate... Let's just say that the first few monhs with the baby didn't evoke the best reactions from Richard. He was someone who craved to have control over his life and his sub and from one day to the next a baby disrupted all that. Thankfully, he got over his petty phase eventually and managed to come to terms with the new normal of his life.
Dean was a sweetheart. He seemed depended on Richard for a lot of things and needed guidance whenever life got hard. He froze, spaced out and needed someone to help him through confrontation or tough situations. When the baby came along, though, he was like another person. He took charge, made fast decisions and gave his everything to care for the new member of his family. Richard's atitude made things a lot harder for him since he was simultaneously trying to learn how to care for an infant and keep Richard as happy as possble, which meant keep the baby as far away from him as possible. He didn't once give up, he shouldered on and kept trying to make the situation work and find his connection with his stubborn Dom again.
One of the elements I liked most about this story is that it spans about a year. Everything doesn't happen in the space of a few weeks but rather it takes time for all those changes to occur. It's essentially the narration of a transitional and critical year for Richard and Dean. Their lives as well as their relationship change drastically. Through a lot of obstacles they manage to come out together and stronger than ever.
A few minor things that bothered me:
The money. It was tiring to read about how much of it they had on every other chapter. Their attitude towards money bothered me as it was like they were constantly showing off. I've read about wealthy characters before and liked them, but this time they were over the top. The money was there so the couple could have the perfect everything without a second thought about it. It was there so the story could progress wthout them having to deal with trivial things, like the cost of a house. It was too ideal.
The POVs. We get both Richard's and Dean's and I liked that, but in some occasions the change happened abruptly in the middle of a scene without clear indication. A few times we also got the POV of some of the side characters. It seemed unnecessary and I could have done without it.
The side story. Out of nowhere we get a match for two of the side characters. They get a scene together, one of them gets to narrate and suddenly we're off reading about them. I was beyond confused about that scene. It didn't fit in the book, it didn't have anything to do with the MCs and I'm not sure why it was there. Maybe it was the setting for a future book, but even if that's the case it had no place being in Richard and Dean's story.
Other than these three observations I liked the book very very much. It's not often for a standalone to feature an established couple and I was very happy that's what we got here. Also, it didn't feel as if I was dropped in the middle of a story. The fact that their relationship had already started and we didn't see it happen didn't take away from how well we got to know the charcters or the dynamics between them.
A piece of advice: don't let the sample affect your decision to read the book. If you do read it, try to focus on the writing style and not on the story itself. The plot basically starts at the end of the sample and up until then it's just several sex scenes one after the other. That's not the way this book goes though so I don't think that the sample is doing the book justice. There's actual plot here and a good one. I almost ignored the book because I thought there was none... I'm glad I decided to give it a try in the end. Just ignore the sample and dive into the story!
Recommended - 3.5 stars
This review has been cross-posted on The Novel Approach Reviews.
*An ARC of this book was kindly provided to me by the publisher via The Novel Approach Reviews in exchange for an honest review. *
Richard and Dean are settled and happy, they've been together for five years, they have their routines, they love their ability to be spontaneous at times and they have no plans at all to include a kid to their family. Unfortunately, life doesn't cooperate with their plans and after a car crash that claimed Dean's sister, he finds himself the guardian of his 3-month-old niece, that he didn't even know he had.
Dean dives in the care of the baby from the start and without a second thought, it's his sister's kid so there's no question about taking care of her. Richard's feelings on the matter are another story...
What I didn't mention is that Richard is Dean's Dom and he is used to being the sole focus of his sub's attention. All of a sudden there is someone else that takes up Dean's time and has become as much a priority for him as is Richard, the fact that this someone is a baby doesn't seem to matter to him. He is jealous, angry, unreasonable, desperate... Let's just say that the first few monhs with the baby didn't evoke the best reactions from Richard. He was someone who craved to have control over his life and his sub and from one day to the next a baby disrupted all that. Thankfully, he got over his petty phase eventually and managed to come to terms with the new normal of his life.
Dean was a sweetheart. He seemed depended on Richard for a lot of things and needed guidance whenever life got hard. He froze, spaced out and needed someone to help him through confrontation or tough situations. When the baby came along, though, he was like another person. He took charge, made fast decisions and gave his everything to care for the new member of his family. Richard's atitude made things a lot harder for him since he was simultaneously trying to learn how to care for an infant and keep Richard as happy as possble, which meant keep the baby as far away from him as possible. He didn't once give up, he shouldered on and kept trying to make the situation work and find his connection with his stubborn Dom again.
One of the elements I liked most about this story is that it spans about a year. Everything doesn't happen in the space of a few weeks but rather it takes time for all those changes to occur. It's essentially the narration of a transitional and critical year for Richard and Dean. Their lives as well as their relationship change drastically. Through a lot of obstacles they manage to come out together and stronger than ever.
A few minor things that bothered me:
The money. It was tiring to read about how much of it they had on every other chapter. Their attitude towards money bothered me as it was like they were constantly showing off. I've read about wealthy characters before and liked them, but this time they were over the top. The money was there so the couple could have the perfect everything without a second thought about it. It was there so the story could progress wthout them having to deal with trivial things, like the cost of a house. It was too ideal.
The POVs. We get both Richard's and Dean's and I liked that, but in some occasions the change happened abruptly in the middle of a scene without clear indication. A few times we also got the POV of some of the side characters. It seemed unnecessary and I could have done without it.
The side story. Out of nowhere we get a match for two of the side characters. They get a scene together, one of them gets to narrate and suddenly we're off reading about them. I was beyond confused about that scene. It didn't fit in the book, it didn't have anything to do with the MCs and I'm not sure why it was there. Maybe it was the setting for a future book, but even if that's the case it had no place being in Richard and Dean's story.
Other than these three observations I liked the book very very much. It's not often for a standalone to feature an established couple and I was very happy that's what we got here. Also, it didn't feel as if I was dropped in the middle of a story. The fact that their relationship had already started and we didn't see it happen didn't take away from how well we got to know the charcters or the dynamics between them.
A piece of advice: don't let the sample affect your decision to read the book. If you do read it, try to focus on the writing style and not on the story itself. The plot basically starts at the end of the sample and up until then it's just several sex scenes one after the other. That's not the way this book goes though so I don't think that the sample is doing the book justice. There's actual plot here and a good one. I almost ignored the book because I thought there was none... I'm glad I decided to give it a try in the end. Just ignore the sample and dive into the story!
Recommended - 3.5 stars
This review has been cross-posted on The Novel Approach Reviews.
*An ARC of this book was kindly provided to me by the publisher via The Novel Approach Reviews in exchange for an honest review. *
maybe
October 17, 2018On sale at the zon.com right now: https://smile.amazon.com/Dom-Writer-C...
September 28, 2023
2.5 Stars
I make no secret that the M/M romance genre is criminally whitewashed and there's no reason for that. I make no secret that when I see a person of color on the cover of a novel, I'm more than likely to check it out. I make no secret that I'd rather find an #ownvoices author, but it also depends on the writing. Some authors can pull it off without some type of fail. Some can't. Some shouldn't be doing it at all, and still others have the right idea but need a diverse critique group to help them out in certain areas.
This one lands in the middle of shouldn't be doing it at all, good idea badly executed and desperately in need of a diverse critique group.
It's got that tired ass, annoying trope of the high end fetish club that only caters to the beautiful and wealthy. Why is this still such a popular setting in 2018 when it's been done to death?
Then...there are the main characters. Richard and Dean. I just, I just don't even know what to think about these two.
Richard is the dom, uber hot, uber wealthy and able to bend people to his will by the sheer force of his physique and bank account. In case you're wondering, he's the Black guy on the cover (which was why I bought it - along with the first few pages). Okay, I guess. Overall he felt like a caricature rather than an actual character I was invested in. I didn't learn that much about him, save that he was a military brat. Where did his money come from initially? How did he handle being a queer Black man in America, especially one with money? How did he know he liked the kinky side of life and being dominant? Was he ever a switch? Inquiring minds want to know.
Dean just fucking annoyed me. I don't mind emotional heroes, but this guy just gives male subs a bad name. I get the whole 27/7 TPE life, but Dean was utterly incapable of wiping his own ass without big bad dom Richard not only pulling the toilet paper off the damn roll, but showing him how to use it.
As the reader I'm told he's this uber wealthy, super successful author. How is that even possible when the guy doesn't seem capable of negotiating any sort of contract or meeting fans. Damn near every page this man is either weeping, shaking, freaking out, melting down and just being worse than a too stupid to live stereotyped romance heroine. In one instance, his publishing company decides to change the covers of his latest book - now bear in mind he's a bestselling author who makes millions for the company - and I am aware that in the main most authors are not in control of covers - though I doubt someone like a Nora Roberts or Danielle Steele has that problem. Of course poor Dean just can't handle the pressure so it's up to his big, bad dom to solve the problem by Richard behaving as if he's still doing a scene. And of course, the company jumps to do Richard's bidding.
Cringe.
Then Dean's sister is killed in a car accident and she's given him custody of her infant daughter, Emily. Why on earth would this guy who seems totally deer in the headlights about simple day to day minutiae be given a chance to be a father made zero sense to me. And yet, somehow he grows a spine (to a point). But he still was incapable of defending himself without Richard to back him up.
Some other stuff happens that I literally gloss over and seriously, don't these two grown ass men eat ANYTHING save Italian food from a place called "Mamma's" or fruit and yogurt for breakfast? Granted, neither cook, but they live in Miami. I'm more than damn sure there are a fuck ton of awesome restaurants that do take out.
Truthfully, I thought at times I was reading bad fanfic. Even the sexy scenes elicited a yawn. I love a good Sir/boy story, but not this one. I never felt a connection or a respect between them. Dean seemed to lack agency (and I hate that no matter the gender of the character). As expected, there were the evil parents from hell who try to wrest custody of Emily away from the two heroes.
Of course there's Leeland who has his own book. He's Asian and wouldn't you just guess, has feminine features but great in martial arts...because whyever not???
I make no secret that the M/M romance genre is criminally whitewashed and there's no reason for that. I make no secret that when I see a person of color on the cover of a novel, I'm more than likely to check it out. I make no secret that I'd rather find an #ownvoices author, but it also depends on the writing. Some authors can pull it off without some type of fail. Some can't. Some shouldn't be doing it at all, and still others have the right idea but need a diverse critique group to help them out in certain areas.
This one lands in the middle of shouldn't be doing it at all, good idea badly executed and desperately in need of a diverse critique group.
It's got that tired ass, annoying trope of the high end fetish club that only caters to the beautiful and wealthy. Why is this still such a popular setting in 2018 when it's been done to death?
Then...there are the main characters. Richard and Dean. I just, I just don't even know what to think about these two.
Richard is the dom, uber hot, uber wealthy and able to bend people to his will by the sheer force of his physique and bank account. In case you're wondering, he's the Black guy on the cover (which was why I bought it - along with the first few pages). Okay, I guess. Overall he felt like a caricature rather than an actual character I was invested in. I didn't learn that much about him, save that he was a military brat. Where did his money come from initially? How did he handle being a queer Black man in America, especially one with money? How did he know he liked the kinky side of life and being dominant? Was he ever a switch? Inquiring minds want to know.
Dean just fucking annoyed me. I don't mind emotional heroes, but this guy just gives male subs a bad name. I get the whole 27/7 TPE life, but Dean was utterly incapable of wiping his own ass without big bad dom Richard not only pulling the toilet paper off the damn roll, but showing him how to use it.
As the reader I'm told he's this uber wealthy, super successful author. How is that even possible when the guy doesn't seem capable of negotiating any sort of contract or meeting fans. Damn near every page this man is either weeping, shaking, freaking out, melting down and just being worse than a too stupid to live stereotyped romance heroine. In one instance, his publishing company decides to change the covers of his latest book - now bear in mind he's a bestselling author who makes millions for the company - and I am aware that in the main most authors are not in control of covers - though I doubt someone like a Nora Roberts or Danielle Steele has that problem. Of course poor Dean just can't handle the pressure so it's up to his big, bad dom to solve the problem by Richard behaving as if he's still doing a scene. And of course, the company jumps to do Richard's bidding.
Cringe.
Then Dean's sister is killed in a car accident and she's given him custody of her infant daughter, Emily. Why on earth would this guy who seems totally deer in the headlights about simple day to day minutiae be given a chance to be a father made zero sense to me. And yet, somehow he grows a spine (to a point). But he still was incapable of defending himself without Richard to back him up.
Some other stuff happens that I literally gloss over and seriously, don't these two grown ass men eat ANYTHING save Italian food from a place called "Mamma's" or fruit and yogurt for breakfast? Granted, neither cook, but they live in Miami. I'm more than damn sure there are a fuck ton of awesome restaurants that do take out.
Truthfully, I thought at times I was reading bad fanfic. Even the sexy scenes elicited a yawn. I love a good Sir/boy story, but not this one. I never felt a connection or a respect between them. Dean seemed to lack agency (and I hate that no matter the gender of the character). As expected, there were the evil parents from hell who try to wrest custody of Emily away from the two heroes.
Of course there's Leeland who has his own book. He's Asian and wouldn't you just guess, has feminine features but great in martial arts...because whyever not???
April 3, 2018
Der Tod von Deans geliebter Schwester und ihr Erbe in Form eines Säuglings, stellt die Beziehung zwischen Dean und seinem Master Richard auf eine gefährliche Probe. Bislang waren die Rollen klar verteilt. Richard, ein erfolgreicher Geschäftsmann, ist der Dom in ihrer Beziehung und gibt Dean den Halt und die Struktur im Leben, die der Sub braucht. Auch Dean ist erfolgreich; hat sich einen Namen als Schriftsteller gemacht und ist finanziell gesehen von Richard nicht abhängig. Doch er braucht die feste Hand seines Doms und die Regeln, die Richard für sein Leben definiert. Nur so funktioniert Dean und nur so kann er seinen Alltag meistern. Doch dann kommt die kleine Emily ins Haus und bringt diese scheinbar krisenfeste Verbindung ins Wanken.
Dean, der von seinen Eltern verstoßen wurde und eine sehr enge Bindung zu seiner älteren Schwester hatte, nimmt die Herausforderung an. Emily ist das letzte, das von seiner Schwester geblieben ist und er will ihren letzten Willen erfüllen. Dass Richard keine Kinder will und mag, ist keine Überraschung. Das Thema war in ihrer intensiven Beziehung auch nie wirklich Thema. Doch jetzt muss sich Dean entscheiden und entwickelt eine Tatkraft, die Richard hingegen verunsichert und zunehmend wütend macht. Das Kind betrachtet Richard als Eindringling. Er reagiert unverhältnismäßig, eifersüchtig und auch kalt. Ausgerechnet jetzt, wo sein Sub ihn wirklich braucht, verliert Richard die Kontrolle und auch das nötige Einfühlungsvermögen für den geliebten Partner.
Ich muss gestehen, dass mich die Geschichte auf den ersten Blick jetzt nicht so interessiert hat. Doch das Cover der Übersetzung hat mich neugierig gemacht; fasziniert. Es ist unglaublich schön und ich habe mir das Buch von der Leipziger Buchmesse mitgenommen. Die Story hinter dem außergewöhnlichen Cover ist jedoch nicht minder faszinierend. Mein erstes Buch von Xenia Melzer hat mich wirklich überzeugt. Richard und Dean leben scheinbar ihren Traum. Was soll da schief gehen? Sie lieben einander, haben finanziell ausgesorgt, sind in ihrem Alltag angekommen.
Doch der Teufel liegt im Detail. Ein Baby stellt diese Beziehung vor völlig neue Herausforderungen und muss neu definiert werden. Die Autorin macht es ihren Helden nicht leicht. Ganz im Gegenteil. Sie schickt Dean und Richard auf eine beschwerliche und auch schmerzhafte Reise. Manchmal erkennt man sich als Mutter wieder, wenn Dean mit dem Kind völlig überfordert ist und sein Partner kalt und verständnislos reagiert.
Ich konnte auch Richard verstehen, dessen kleines Paradies mit Emilys Einzug plötzlich platzt. Während Dean die Dinge in die Hand nimmt, werden sie ihm nun aus der Hand genommen. Und er braucht viel Zeit um sich selbst auch wieder zu finden und die Kraft zu finden gemeinsam mit Dean ihre Beziehung neu zu definieren. Dieser Teil der Geschichte hat mir gut gefallen, auch wenn Richard gelegentlich wirklich irrational und auch sehr bockig reagiert. Aber im Grunde auch verständlich, weil ihr Leben und ihr Lebenskonzept ja völlig auf den Kopf gestellt wird.
Richtig gut fand ich die BDSM-Szenen, aber auch die simplen, intimen Begegnungen der Helden. Immer mit viel Gefühl, intensiv, manchmal kinky, dann wieder verspielt oder einfach nur romantisch. Hierbei hat sich Xenia Melzer wirklich Mühe gegeben und konnte absolut überzeugen.
In der Geschichte gibt es noch ein paar interessante Nebenprotagonisten, die die Geschichte aufwerten und den Helden helfend zur Seite stehen. Das nächste Paar der Geschichte werden Martin und Colin sein. Noch mehr würde mich aber interessieren, ob Deans Freund Leeland ebenfalls 'seinen' Dom und damit sein Happy End bekommt.
4.5 von 5 Regenbögen
Dean, der von seinen Eltern verstoßen wurde und eine sehr enge Bindung zu seiner älteren Schwester hatte, nimmt die Herausforderung an. Emily ist das letzte, das von seiner Schwester geblieben ist und er will ihren letzten Willen erfüllen. Dass Richard keine Kinder will und mag, ist keine Überraschung. Das Thema war in ihrer intensiven Beziehung auch nie wirklich Thema. Doch jetzt muss sich Dean entscheiden und entwickelt eine Tatkraft, die Richard hingegen verunsichert und zunehmend wütend macht. Das Kind betrachtet Richard als Eindringling. Er reagiert unverhältnismäßig, eifersüchtig und auch kalt. Ausgerechnet jetzt, wo sein Sub ihn wirklich braucht, verliert Richard die Kontrolle und auch das nötige Einfühlungsvermögen für den geliebten Partner.
Ich muss gestehen, dass mich die Geschichte auf den ersten Blick jetzt nicht so interessiert hat. Doch das Cover der Übersetzung hat mich neugierig gemacht; fasziniert. Es ist unglaublich schön und ich habe mir das Buch von der Leipziger Buchmesse mitgenommen. Die Story hinter dem außergewöhnlichen Cover ist jedoch nicht minder faszinierend. Mein erstes Buch von Xenia Melzer hat mich wirklich überzeugt. Richard und Dean leben scheinbar ihren Traum. Was soll da schief gehen? Sie lieben einander, haben finanziell ausgesorgt, sind in ihrem Alltag angekommen.
Doch der Teufel liegt im Detail. Ein Baby stellt diese Beziehung vor völlig neue Herausforderungen und muss neu definiert werden. Die Autorin macht es ihren Helden nicht leicht. Ganz im Gegenteil. Sie schickt Dean und Richard auf eine beschwerliche und auch schmerzhafte Reise. Manchmal erkennt man sich als Mutter wieder, wenn Dean mit dem Kind völlig überfordert ist und sein Partner kalt und verständnislos reagiert.
Ich konnte auch Richard verstehen, dessen kleines Paradies mit Emilys Einzug plötzlich platzt. Während Dean die Dinge in die Hand nimmt, werden sie ihm nun aus der Hand genommen. Und er braucht viel Zeit um sich selbst auch wieder zu finden und die Kraft zu finden gemeinsam mit Dean ihre Beziehung neu zu definieren. Dieser Teil der Geschichte hat mir gut gefallen, auch wenn Richard gelegentlich wirklich irrational und auch sehr bockig reagiert. Aber im Grunde auch verständlich, weil ihr Leben und ihr Lebenskonzept ja völlig auf den Kopf gestellt wird.
Richtig gut fand ich die BDSM-Szenen, aber auch die simplen, intimen Begegnungen der Helden. Immer mit viel Gefühl, intensiv, manchmal kinky, dann wieder verspielt oder einfach nur romantisch. Hierbei hat sich Xenia Melzer wirklich Mühe gegeben und konnte absolut überzeugen.
In der Geschichte gibt es noch ein paar interessante Nebenprotagonisten, die die Geschichte aufwerten und den Helden helfend zur Seite stehen. Das nächste Paar der Geschichte werden Martin und Colin sein. Noch mehr würde mich aber interessieren, ob Deans Freund Leeland ebenfalls 'seinen' Dom und damit sein Happy End bekommt.
4.5 von 5 Regenbögen
November 24, 2018
2.5 stars rounded down because still no 1/2 stars here on GR and I admit it I really struggled with this one it took me 4 tries to listen to the entire audio book.
.Where do I begin..
I won't say that I'm not a fan of D/s stories to be perfectly honest. I have a bit of a fascination with them. Mostly because I have to admit it's a dynamic I just don't get. I can understand the idea of letting someone else have control in the bedroom on occasion or even all the time if that's your thing...but let me just back up a bit here and say that I don't think nor am I implying that just because i don't get something that doesn't mean I think it's wrong...nope, not even close on that one. I don't like ketchup but that doesn't mean that I don't think other people shouldn't enjoy it and on a very basic level this is the same thing just because I don't want a D/s relationship doesn't mean no one else should nor does it mean that I don't want to know more about it just for the sake of broadening my horizons and giving myself a better and more diverse understanding of what's out there in the world.
So I like to do a bit of factual research and supplement it with some stories that present me with a different and diverse set of circumstances that on occasion leaves me to see things from a different perspective and sometimes this all works better than others.
In the case of 'A DOM and His Writer' it was one of those not so good times for a few reasons...first off we have Richard. He's the DOM in this story and I'm not even going to try and sugar coat this. I did not like him. I found him to be arrogant not confident. Self-centered, self-indulgent and just generally selfish...in other words he was just to much of an 'all about me' character. More than once I found myself wishing he was real just so I could tell him where to go and how to get there. Now I will admit he did earn a bit of redemption later in the book but it was just never enough for me to truly warm up to...much less like his character.
Next we have Dean he's the sub in this D/s relationship and he's also suppose to be some kind of bestselling author and I just had a really hard tie reconciling who he was suppose to be with the person that the story presented me with because honestly for the most part Dean struck me not as someone who had the intellect to write bestselling novels but as someone who's most complex thought might run along the lines of 'see spot run. Run, Spot, run.' and yet at the same time I was suppose to believe that he's suddenly able to go out into the world and care for himself and an infant child, all while organizing a home and new life for himself and said baby...in short when it came to Dean...2+2 never quite equaled 4.
'A DOM and his sub isn't the first D/s book that I've read where I've been left with the feeling that being a DOM means being an over the top alpha male and I get that and can honestly see where it's a reasonable generalization, but what I have a hard time believing is the flip side of that coin which is that being a sub means being someone of average or lower intellect...sorry, I just can't buy it.
Richard L. Walton was the narrator for this book and I'm really not quite sure why but for the most part I have to say his voice just wasn't working for me and truthfully I think I'm going to say this one is mostly on me. When I think about as objectively as possible his voices were good, consistent and gave depth to the characters. I would even go so far as to say his voice for Richard suited the image I had for this character...for Dean maybe not so much. I did find that Dean's voice had a bit of an immature tone to it. Other secondary characters seemed to work out of for me so my only real issue with the voices was with Dean and that's more a personal preference issue as far as I'm concerned.
'A DOM and His Writer' was my first time with both this author and this narrator and fortunately for me at the end of this book was an extended audio clip from the next book in this series 'A DOM and His Artist' which I listened to and while I haven't decided yet based on what I listened to I'm considering giving this one more try. From what I heard I think I might have better luck with both of the MCs in this one so, I'm going to ponder that one for a bit and when the next book comes out we'll see how I'm feeling about taking one more dive into the deep end with this series.
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An audio book of 'A DOM and His Writer' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
.Where do I begin..
I won't say that I'm not a fan of D/s stories to be perfectly honest. I have a bit of a fascination with them. Mostly because I have to admit it's a dynamic I just don't get. I can understand the idea of letting someone else have control in the bedroom on occasion or even all the time if that's your thing...but let me just back up a bit here and say that I don't think nor am I implying that just because i don't get something that doesn't mean I think it's wrong...nope, not even close on that one. I don't like ketchup but that doesn't mean that I don't think other people shouldn't enjoy it and on a very basic level this is the same thing just because I don't want a D/s relationship doesn't mean no one else should nor does it mean that I don't want to know more about it just for the sake of broadening my horizons and giving myself a better and more diverse understanding of what's out there in the world.
So I like to do a bit of factual research and supplement it with some stories that present me with a different and diverse set of circumstances that on occasion leaves me to see things from a different perspective and sometimes this all works better than others.
In the case of 'A DOM and His Writer' it was one of those not so good times for a few reasons...first off we have Richard. He's the DOM in this story and I'm not even going to try and sugar coat this. I did not like him. I found him to be arrogant not confident. Self-centered, self-indulgent and just generally selfish...in other words he was just to much of an 'all about me' character. More than once I found myself wishing he was real just so I could tell him where to go and how to get there. Now I will admit he did earn a bit of redemption later in the book but it was just never enough for me to truly warm up to...much less like his character.
Next we have Dean he's the sub in this D/s relationship and he's also suppose to be some kind of bestselling author and I just had a really hard tie reconciling who he was suppose to be with the person that the story presented me with because honestly for the most part Dean struck me not as someone who had the intellect to write bestselling novels but as someone who's most complex thought might run along the lines of 'see spot run. Run, Spot, run.' and yet at the same time I was suppose to believe that he's suddenly able to go out into the world and care for himself and an infant child, all while organizing a home and new life for himself and said baby...in short when it came to Dean...2+2 never quite equaled 4.
'A DOM and his sub isn't the first D/s book that I've read where I've been left with the feeling that being a DOM means being an over the top alpha male and I get that and can honestly see where it's a reasonable generalization, but what I have a hard time believing is the flip side of that coin which is that being a sub means being someone of average or lower intellect...sorry, I just can't buy it.
Richard L. Walton was the narrator for this book and I'm really not quite sure why but for the most part I have to say his voice just wasn't working for me and truthfully I think I'm going to say this one is mostly on me. When I think about as objectively as possible his voices were good, consistent and gave depth to the characters. I would even go so far as to say his voice for Richard suited the image I had for this character...for Dean maybe not so much. I did find that Dean's voice had a bit of an immature tone to it. Other secondary characters seemed to work out of for me so my only real issue with the voices was with Dean and that's more a personal preference issue as far as I'm concerned.
'A DOM and His Writer' was my first time with both this author and this narrator and fortunately for me at the end of this book was an extended audio clip from the next book in this series 'A DOM and His Artist' which I listened to and while I haven't decided yet based on what I listened to I'm considering giving this one more try. From what I heard I think I might have better luck with both of the MCs in this one so, I'm going to ponder that one for a bit and when the next book comes out we'll see how I'm feeling about taking one more dive into the deep end with this series.
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An audio book of 'A DOM and His Writer' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 23, 2017
I really enjoyed this author and the writing style. This author had me intrigued from the get-go, and I had a hard time putting it down. I fell in love with the characters, the storyline and it had the perfect amount of hot sex. She had me in a kaleidoscope of emotions also. I felt joy and turned on at the beginning. Then, I felt sad and emotional with how unfair life can be. I felt anger and betrayed with characters reactions and behaviors. Then, of course, by the end, I was happy again. I got sucked into these characters and would voice my opinions at them like they could hear me. LOL
Richard is a very powerful and successful businessman that was a good Dom. He loved his life and couldn’t be happier being in love with his sub. He took pride in being able to help his sub through life and give him orders to help him through his day. He hated going out of town, but business called for that quite often. Whenever he had to go out of town, he had a to-do list for his sub and would make sure he followed it to a T.
Dean was a successful writer and didn’t need Richard’s money. What he needed from his Dom was guidance and punishments. He was so in love with Richard, and they were the perfect Dom/Sub couple. Others were often jealous or envious. Dean struggled through with anxiety after his parents kicked him out when they found out he was gay. His sister was always there for him and helped him through college and living with her. His anxiety always increased when he was left alone when Richard went out of town. Richard had the sure-fire strategy to help Dean through this latest business crisis that came up. What neither of them was expecting was that Dean’s sister would be killed and leave a three-month-old baby to Dean (that neither of them knew existed).
As you can imagine, this changes the dynamics of everything. Peyton is an amazing character that I just loved. He creates a perfect nursery. Aaron, Richard’s dad, is a good dad to both men. He is so excited about being a grandpa along with his dogs—Thor and Donar. They all three adore Emily. These are a few of the characters that will grab your heart in this story.
Can these two men raise a child? Do they want to raise Emily? Can they continue their Dom/Sub relationship with Emily around? Will their relationship make it through the trials and tribulations of being parents? Will love conquer? These are a few of the questions I was asking myself as I was reading this story. I can’t wait to read more from this author. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.
Richard is a very powerful and successful businessman that was a good Dom. He loved his life and couldn’t be happier being in love with his sub. He took pride in being able to help his sub through life and give him orders to help him through his day. He hated going out of town, but business called for that quite often. Whenever he had to go out of town, he had a to-do list for his sub and would make sure he followed it to a T.
Dean was a successful writer and didn’t need Richard’s money. What he needed from his Dom was guidance and punishments. He was so in love with Richard, and they were the perfect Dom/Sub couple. Others were often jealous or envious. Dean struggled through with anxiety after his parents kicked him out when they found out he was gay. His sister was always there for him and helped him through college and living with her. His anxiety always increased when he was left alone when Richard went out of town. Richard had the sure-fire strategy to help Dean through this latest business crisis that came up. What neither of them was expecting was that Dean’s sister would be killed and leave a three-month-old baby to Dean (that neither of them knew existed).
As you can imagine, this changes the dynamics of everything. Peyton is an amazing character that I just loved. He creates a perfect nursery. Aaron, Richard’s dad, is a good dad to both men. He is so excited about being a grandpa along with his dogs—Thor and Donar. They all three adore Emily. These are a few of the characters that will grab your heart in this story.
Can these two men raise a child? Do they want to raise Emily? Can they continue their Dom/Sub relationship with Emily around? Will their relationship make it through the trials and tribulations of being parents? Will love conquer? These are a few of the questions I was asking myself as I was reading this story. I can’t wait to read more from this author. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.
May 24, 2018
Ich habe es noch mal versucht, aber das Buch und ich werden keine Freunde. Dabei ist der Plot echt interessant und ich habe Dean ruckzuck ins Herz geschlossen, genauso wie einige der Nebencharaktere. Allen voran Aaron und Julio mochte ich sehr, sehr gerne.
Aber das hilft leider nicht, jedenfalls nicht mir, denn der zweite Hauptcharakter Richard ist ein egoistischer Vollidiot (sorry für die Wortwahl), der sich für einen Superdom hält und dabei einen Fehler nach dem anderen macht und das immer erst versteht, wenn man ihn mit der Nase darauf stößt. Ich verstehe ja, dass die ganze Situation mit Emily nicht einfach ist, aber ihm geht es nur darum, dass sein schönes bequemes Leben durch ein Baby ruiniert wird, das er nicht will, und als er dann auch noch beleidigt ist, weil Dean während einer Session sein Safeword einsetzt und sich anschließend nicht einmal um ihn kümmert - sorry, aber ab dem Moment hatte sich die Geschichte für mich erledigt.
Dazu kommen Sexszenen, die für mich persönlich an dem Zeitpunkt im Buch total unpassend waren.
Für diese Geschichte gibt es definitiv keine Leseempfehlung von mir.
Aber das hilft leider nicht, jedenfalls nicht mir, denn der zweite Hauptcharakter Richard ist ein egoistischer Vollidiot (sorry für die Wortwahl), der sich für einen Superdom hält und dabei einen Fehler nach dem anderen macht und das immer erst versteht, wenn man ihn mit der Nase darauf stößt. Ich verstehe ja, dass die ganze Situation mit Emily nicht einfach ist, aber ihm geht es nur darum, dass sein schönes bequemes Leben durch ein Baby ruiniert wird, das er nicht will, und als er dann auch noch beleidigt ist, weil Dean während einer Session sein Safeword einsetzt und sich anschließend nicht einmal um ihn kümmert - sorry, aber ab dem Moment hatte sich die Geschichte für mich erledigt.
Dazu kommen Sexszenen, die für mich persönlich an dem Zeitpunkt im Buch total unpassend waren.
Für diese Geschichte gibt es definitiv keine Leseempfehlung von mir.
April 10, 2018
Romances featuring new couples may be the genre “standard”, if there is such a thing, and I think it is refreshing to read books that vary from the norm. Dean and Richard’s story is a good example: they are an established couple but they face a change so significant that they might as well be starting over. When all their agreements and priorities are questioned because Dean becomes the guardian of his deceased sister’s baby, they will have to redefine their relationship at such a fundamental level that I had severe doubts whether they’d be able to do it. This is a fascinating read that examines what it takes to keep a relationship going when one of its most basic building blocks is questioned: that of a sub’s focus on his Dom.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
October 28, 2018
This was an ok book for me but it also had one of my big pet peeves in it which lowered my rating. Although most of what happens in the book is fairly obvious that it is going to happen I'm just going to put the review under spoilers just encase. I really like Richard and Dean as a couple. The beginning of the book is great in that it shows the couple together in their relationship and the power dynamics between them that are fairly strong and well defined.
Then the book crashes for me when Emily shows up. My biggest problem isn't the child but the fact Richard is completely against having children. He hasn't thought about them, doesn't want them, and frankly hates the idea of them. This is just a guy reluctant to have children and I have a big problem with the fact the book portrays him so against having kids but his partner is just Emily will grow on Richard. For a couple in a TPE relationship their is zero communication between them when Emily enters their life which baffles me. You would think that they would actually talk to each other but they don't and neither one wants compromise on anything.
I also hated that Richard went from completely hating Emily to dad of the year in the span of a few pages. There is no character development or growth, just a lame "I love Dean" relational and then Richard becomes the perfect dad. To me this was a big cop out of the plot line that aggravated me to no end.
After read all that I still like this book ok for a couple of reasons. The first is the beginning that set Richard and Dean up as characters that I did like. The second is that last part which this book and the next one do very well in showing the Dom/sub dynamic at work between the couples. Dean isn't a strong independent guy. He's an artist and scattered without his Dom. Richard is powerful in his life, job and personality. But when it comes right down to it Dean has Richard wrapped around his fingers. Richard in the end will do anything for Dean and tries his best to make his sub happy. I like that common theme that runs through this entire series. I admit if I could get rid of the middle of this book I would have rated this book higher but I didn't end up putting the book down until I finished the last page.
Then the book crashes for me when Emily shows up. My biggest problem isn't the child but the fact Richard is completely against having children. He hasn't thought about them, doesn't want them, and frankly hates the idea of them. This is just a guy reluctant to have children and I have a big problem with the fact the book portrays him so against having kids but his partner is just Emily will grow on Richard. For a couple in a TPE relationship their is zero communication between them when Emily enters their life which baffles me. You would think that they would actually talk to each other but they don't and neither one wants compromise on anything.
I also hated that Richard went from completely hating Emily to dad of the year in the span of a few pages. There is no character development or growth, just a lame "I love Dean" relational and then Richard becomes the perfect dad. To me this was a big cop out of the plot line that aggravated me to no end.
After read all that I still like this book ok for a couple of reasons. The first is the beginning that set Richard and Dean up as characters that I did like. The second is that last part which this book and the next one do very well in showing the Dom/sub dynamic at work between the couples. Dean isn't a strong independent guy. He's an artist and scattered without his Dom. Richard is powerful in his life, job and personality. But when it comes right down to it Dean has Richard wrapped around his fingers. Richard in the end will do anything for Dean and tries his best to make his sub happy. I like that common theme that runs through this entire series. I admit if I could get rid of the middle of this book I would have rated this book higher but I didn't end up putting the book down until I finished the last page.
October 24, 2017
A Dom and His Writer (Club Whisper #1) by Xenia Melzer
4.5 stars
M/M BDSM Romance
Triggers: Death, homophobic family
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Richard and Dean have been lovers for a while now. They enjoy a BDSM relationship where Dean submits to Richard. Richard loves his boy with all of himself. However, when Dean has a tragedy in his life, Richard is anything but a loving and caring Master. Rather, he turns in to this whimpering, snotty man and I truly had a difficult time liking him.
Dean has known that since he was gay that he would never be welcome by his parents again. However, his sister has always been there for him. When tragedy strikes and she is killed, he is lost and doesn't really know how to cope. Also, there is the added stress that his sister had a daughter, Emily, and asked that Dean be her guardian. Dean throws himself in to learning about how to care for his niece. Knowing how hard this new relationship (his and his niece) is on Richard, Dean tries very hard not to ask too much. However, because Dean is used to having Richard to lean on, he flounders a bit.
When things really come to head, I loved Richard's dad. I cheered for him and loved the way that he loved Dean and Emily. He also was able to help Richard see what a dope he was being. Even though Dean loves Richard, he won't stand by and let Richard make him feel back for protecting his only family he has left. Both men will need to fight for what they want.
This is about learning to adjust, love and protect those we hold most dear. I really enjoyed this story and the snippet of the next one looks just as intriguing.
4.5 stars
M/M BDSM Romance
Triggers: Death, homophobic family
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Richard and Dean have been lovers for a while now. They enjoy a BDSM relationship where Dean submits to Richard. Richard loves his boy with all of himself. However, when Dean has a tragedy in his life, Richard is anything but a loving and caring Master. Rather, he turns in to this whimpering, snotty man and I truly had a difficult time liking him.
Dean has known that since he was gay that he would never be welcome by his parents again. However, his sister has always been there for him. When tragedy strikes and she is killed, he is lost and doesn't really know how to cope. Also, there is the added stress that his sister had a daughter, Emily, and asked that Dean be her guardian. Dean throws himself in to learning about how to care for his niece. Knowing how hard this new relationship (his and his niece) is on Richard, Dean tries very hard not to ask too much. However, because Dean is used to having Richard to lean on, he flounders a bit.
When things really come to head, I loved Richard's dad. I cheered for him and loved the way that he loved Dean and Emily. He also was able to help Richard see what a dope he was being. Even though Dean loves Richard, he won't stand by and let Richard make him feel back for protecting his only family he has left. Both men will need to fight for what they want.
This is about learning to adjust, love and protect those we hold most dear. I really enjoyed this story and the snippet of the next one looks just as intriguing.
October 24, 2017
I received a copy to read and review for Wicked Reads
The saving grace to my 4 stars is that Richard finally pulled his head out of his butt! I can honestly say I hated Richard through most of this book. It was a great story, I am sure this stuff happens in real life and this was a real life response on Richard's part, but he was just a jerk to Dean. I loved Dean and my heart broke for him in so many ways. When things go tits up, Richard just does a total 180 and I went from liking him to loathing him. I loved Richard's dad, I am glad he was in the story, he added to it and I loved the manny that they hired for the first few months too. I get Richard's side of things but you just don't do what he did to Dean, especially in that kind of relationship. As much as I hated Richard, I did really enjoy the book and would recommend it.
The saving grace to my 4 stars is that Richard finally pulled his head out of his butt! I can honestly say I hated Richard through most of this book. It was a great story, I am sure this stuff happens in real life and this was a real life response on Richard's part, but he was just a jerk to Dean. I loved Dean and my heart broke for him in so many ways. When things go tits up, Richard just does a total 180 and I went from liking him to loathing him. I loved Richard's dad, I am glad he was in the story, he added to it and I loved the manny that they hired for the first few months too. I get Richard's side of things but you just don't do what he did to Dean, especially in that kind of relationship. As much as I hated Richard, I did really enjoy the book and would recommend it.
November 24, 2017
I didn't like the main characters so I wasn't really invested in the story. I think Richard was too harsh and mean to other people and got away too easily with this behaviour, and Dean did not feel like a strong person to me. I am also not a fan of stories where money solves a lot of problems.
I did like the secondary characters and I am curious if I will like other main characters more.
I did like the secondary characters and I am curious if I will like other main characters more.
April 16, 2018
Der Anfang war gewöhnungsbedürftig, irgendwie bin ich nicht ganz so leicht in die Geschichte hinein gekommen, dafür war der Mittelteil richtig klasse. Zum Schluss hin wurde es wieder etwas schwächer, aber im Großen und Ganzen war es ganz gut. Es hat mich jetzt nicht vom Hocker gehauen, aber gelangweilt habe ich mich auch nicht.
July 17, 2019
3~3.5/5
It was a fine enough book, but the last quarter was a bit dragged on for me. But then again maybe it's because of my aversion toward baby, so I found no interested in it.
It was a fine enough book, but the last quarter was a bit dragged on for me. But then again maybe it's because of my aversion toward baby, so I found no interested in it.
December 10, 2018
I have mixed feelings about this book. There are plenty of things I both equally liked and disliked. I think that getting to listen to the audiobook automatically made this better for me. It’s my first time listening to a book narrated by Richard Walton and I was really impressed by how well he did. At the beginning it did take me a few minutes to get into the story. However, I did really like his voice and he did a great job keeping the tone and timbre correct for each character and kept the emotions on point for where we were at in the story at the time.
Richard and Dean have a D/s, Master/slave relationship and have been together living in perfect harmony for about 5 years. They have made sure that their lives mesh well together and they rely on each other for everything they both need, until life throws them a curveball in the shape of a tiny baby girl, and their well-planned out life dissolves in spectacular fashion.
Richard was basically a selfish jerk throughout the entire book and seemed to really only care about himself above every other person. I was not a fan of his, as his personality and the way he acted left a lot to be desired. He literally only thought about himself and how everything might affect him.
Dean was a sub/slave who very obviously needed direction and structure with everything he did but Richard had zero issue leaving him to drown and flounder by himself during this book. It was super irritating having to listen to those parts of the story. I just wanted to strangle Richard for all the extra hell he added on top of what Dean was already dealing with. I could not believe that someone so “strong” and someone who was supposed to put his sub over everything else just left him to deal with it all alone. It made me really dislike Richard, even though it made for some great conflict in the storyline.
On the other hand, getting to see Dean out of his comfort zone and taking charge of a situation that very obviously made him uncomfortable, was endearing to see. I loved that Dean was really able to step up to the plate and take responsibility for his niece though he was struggling with his sister’s death, and struggling even more with where he even stood in his relationship. OMG, and when they were “broken up” and Richard went to the club and tried playing with other subs, what the actual hell… That made me so unbelievably angry for Dean. Five years and Richard thought he could just go and move on so quick? That was irritating to me, and frankly, at that point I really didn’t want them to get back together, and kind of hoped Dean would just move on with his life and find someone else who cared about him enough to make some allowances and actually compromise with what was happening.
Some of the secondary characters were fun to meet and added some extra depth and character development to the story. Dean’s parents were a piece of work, and needed to crawl back under the rock they escaped from. They had some nerve, trying to make the demands they did, and while I’m not a fan of people using money to get their way, I was really glad that Dean and ultimately, Richard, did have the cash to make things happen in their favor. Richard redeemed himself at the very end of this story, so I guess I really can’t hate him too much, but I still think he deserves a good smack or two for his actions.
*** Audiobook copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Richard and Dean have a D/s, Master/slave relationship and have been together living in perfect harmony for about 5 years. They have made sure that their lives mesh well together and they rely on each other for everything they both need, until life throws them a curveball in the shape of a tiny baby girl, and their well-planned out life dissolves in spectacular fashion.
Richard was basically a selfish jerk throughout the entire book and seemed to really only care about himself above every other person. I was not a fan of his, as his personality and the way he acted left a lot to be desired. He literally only thought about himself and how everything might affect him.
Dean was a sub/slave who very obviously needed direction and structure with everything he did but Richard had zero issue leaving him to drown and flounder by himself during this book. It was super irritating having to listen to those parts of the story. I just wanted to strangle Richard for all the extra hell he added on top of what Dean was already dealing with. I could not believe that someone so “strong” and someone who was supposed to put his sub over everything else just left him to deal with it all alone. It made me really dislike Richard, even though it made for some great conflict in the storyline.
On the other hand, getting to see Dean out of his comfort zone and taking charge of a situation that very obviously made him uncomfortable, was endearing to see. I loved that Dean was really able to step up to the plate and take responsibility for his niece though he was struggling with his sister’s death, and struggling even more with where he even stood in his relationship. OMG, and when they were “broken up” and Richard went to the club and tried playing with other subs, what the actual hell… That made me so unbelievably angry for Dean. Five years and Richard thought he could just go and move on so quick? That was irritating to me, and frankly, at that point I really didn’t want them to get back together, and kind of hoped Dean would just move on with his life and find someone else who cared about him enough to make some allowances and actually compromise with what was happening.
Some of the secondary characters were fun to meet and added some extra depth and character development to the story. Dean’s parents were a piece of work, and needed to crawl back under the rock they escaped from. They had some nerve, trying to make the demands they did, and while I’m not a fan of people using money to get their way, I was really glad that Dean and ultimately, Richard, did have the cash to make things happen in their favor. Richard redeemed himself at the very end of this story, so I guess I really can’t hate him too much, but I still think he deserves a good smack or two for his actions.
*** Audiobook copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
November 30, 2018
A Dom and His Writer (audio) by Xenia Melzer Narrated by Richard L Walton
Reviewed by Shee Reader for Boy Meets Boy Reviews
Find us on the web at www.boymeetsboyreviews.com
Rating 4 hearts
Blurb:
Life is perfect for Richard and Dean. Richard is a wealthy and successful businessman who also owns a BDSM club, and Dean is a best-selling author and sub to Richard. They're young, happy, and in love. The future is bright....
Until tragedy strikes, and an accident claims Dean's beloved sister. Dean finds himself the guardian of a three-month-old infant, and soon he's trading in his leather fetish gear for diapers and drool bibs. But little Emily is all that remains of his family, so how can he abandon her?
It's not what Richard signed up for. As much as he tries to be supportive, he never wanted kids and misses having his partner to himself. Suddenly the life he imagined for them is gone, and he's not sure their relationship can survive the upheaval. But fate isn't through with Dean, and when misfortune strikes again, will he be able to turn to the man he loves? A final crisis will determine if they can pull together as a family or must face facts and part ways.
I was pretty excited to listen to this book, as the premise of a surprise baby is one I enjoy. Richard L Walton is a new-to-me narrator so I was intrigued! At times there was a sense that the author was providing a novices’ guide to BDSM which I didn’t really like, but that hardly maters!
Walton’s voice is so very deep and growly it was perfect for the book. I really enjoyed his characterisation and have cheerfully added him to my list of narrators I look out for.
The story opens with our couple living their best life and then everything changes. Honestly I didn’t really like Richard for much of the book, and his ‘apologies’ to Dean felt superficial to me. It was a relief to find that supporting characters were happy to call Richard out on his dickishness! Dean, however, I loved from the start! Since he’s a writer, and writers are my heroes, he was always going to be awesome, but it was really lovely to see the inner strength of the man when things got tough, and his willingness to stand up for his niece was just exactly what she needed.
There were a few twists and turns in the story, but it was relatively low-angst (for all that I wanted to give Richard a right slap a few times) and the ending is adorably sweet and charming.
Recommended.
I was given a copy of the audio book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Shee Reader for Boy Meets Boy Reviews
Find us on the web at www.boymeetsboyreviews.com
Rating 4 hearts
Blurb:
Life is perfect for Richard and Dean. Richard is a wealthy and successful businessman who also owns a BDSM club, and Dean is a best-selling author and sub to Richard. They're young, happy, and in love. The future is bright....
Until tragedy strikes, and an accident claims Dean's beloved sister. Dean finds himself the guardian of a three-month-old infant, and soon he's trading in his leather fetish gear for diapers and drool bibs. But little Emily is all that remains of his family, so how can he abandon her?
It's not what Richard signed up for. As much as he tries to be supportive, he never wanted kids and misses having his partner to himself. Suddenly the life he imagined for them is gone, and he's not sure their relationship can survive the upheaval. But fate isn't through with Dean, and when misfortune strikes again, will he be able to turn to the man he loves? A final crisis will determine if they can pull together as a family or must face facts and part ways.
I was pretty excited to listen to this book, as the premise of a surprise baby is one I enjoy. Richard L Walton is a new-to-me narrator so I was intrigued! At times there was a sense that the author was providing a novices’ guide to BDSM which I didn’t really like, but that hardly maters!
Walton’s voice is so very deep and growly it was perfect for the book. I really enjoyed his characterisation and have cheerfully added him to my list of narrators I look out for.
The story opens with our couple living their best life and then everything changes. Honestly I didn’t really like Richard for much of the book, and his ‘apologies’ to Dean felt superficial to me. It was a relief to find that supporting characters were happy to call Richard out on his dickishness! Dean, however, I loved from the start! Since he’s a writer, and writers are my heroes, he was always going to be awesome, but it was really lovely to see the inner strength of the man when things got tough, and his willingness to stand up for his niece was just exactly what she needed.
There were a few twists and turns in the story, but it was relatively low-angst (for all that I wanted to give Richard a right slap a few times) and the ending is adorably sweet and charming.
Recommended.
I was given a copy of the audio book in exchange for an honest review.
October 28, 2018
4.5 stars: You have this perfect D/s (Richard/Dean) relationship but then a tragic accident leaves Dean without a sister and with an infant throwing their D/s relationship out of balance. Richard is so difficult and fighting this change craving their old relationship dynamic. He truly annoyed me for majority of the book & I just wanted to shake him until he’d get over his hang up. We do get our HEA, thankfully.
This book is a quick and easy read.
This book is a quick and easy read.
July 24, 2019
This was a very entertaining read. Two very sexy, likeable characters. Just as much story as sex and BDSM so overall, it made for a great read. Plus, the series continues and the MC's intertwine a bit so that always makes it more fun (but they could probably be read as stand-alone if you really wanted to).
December 12, 2024
😥 Disappointed
Considering the reviews I read about this book I was looking forward to a good read, however Richard calling Dean 'boy' I found very annoying and sometimes degrading, the read was OK but only ok
Considering the reviews I read about this book I was looking forward to a good read, however Richard calling Dean 'boy' I found very annoying and sometimes degrading, the read was OK but only ok
November 22, 2018
I love this look at an established couple that must overcome a major life change. Richard's reaction feels real He is also able to own up to his mistakes. We to see Dean's strength and what ultimately makes them a great pair.
March 17, 2018
3.75 stars
October 17, 2018
3.5 stars
August 23, 2019
This is a very good BDSM love story. The characters are well developed throughout the story, and the relationship between the MCs is a fulltime D/s SM in the beginning.
Richard is a very successful businessman; owning several companies, including a few high end BDSM clubs. He is a very powerful Dom with high expectations, and has been Dean's first Dom and lover for the past five years. His billionaire status allows him to live his life the way he chooses, and his domineering attitude gets him what he wants when he wants it.
Dean is a best selling author, and though not quite at Richard's level of wealth, he is a millionaire in his own right. After being thrown out by his parents, his big sister, Tricia, helped him get back on his feet. When he met Richard, he found a way of life that made him feel safe and whole.
When Tricia is killed in a car accident shortly before returning home from Germany, Dean receives the news, along with the fact that his sister had a three month old daughter of which he was not aware. Tricia's will states that Dean is to be Emily's guardian and control the sizable trust left for her. Dean is prepared for this new responsibility, but is Richard?
Things get rough, and then ugly, as Dean does his best to deal with his grief and raising a baby without what he needs most. When things come to a head, Dean does what is necessary for Emily. However, true love finds its way, and they soon find themselves a true family.
Unfortunately, fate is a cruel b!+ch, and they must face another foe before they can find their HEA. Greed and bigotry rear their ugly heads, and the fragile new found happiness is threatened. But, with the help of friends, professionals, and Richard's powerful character, the outcome is in their favor. The MCs find their HEA, and the happy family is ready to start their new lives.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest review. *
Richard is a very successful businessman; owning several companies, including a few high end BDSM clubs. He is a very powerful Dom with high expectations, and has been Dean's first Dom and lover for the past five years. His billionaire status allows him to live his life the way he chooses, and his domineering attitude gets him what he wants when he wants it.
Dean is a best selling author, and though not quite at Richard's level of wealth, he is a millionaire in his own right. After being thrown out by his parents, his big sister, Tricia, helped him get back on his feet. When he met Richard, he found a way of life that made him feel safe and whole.
When Tricia is killed in a car accident shortly before returning home from Germany, Dean receives the news, along with the fact that his sister had a three month old daughter of which he was not aware. Tricia's will states that Dean is to be Emily's guardian and control the sizable trust left for her. Dean is prepared for this new responsibility, but is Richard?
Things get rough, and then ugly, as Dean does his best to deal with his grief and raising a baby without what he needs most. When things come to a head, Dean does what is necessary for Emily. However, true love finds its way, and they soon find themselves a true family.
Unfortunately, fate is a cruel b!+ch, and they must face another foe before they can find their HEA. Greed and bigotry rear their ugly heads, and the fragile new found happiness is threatened. But, with the help of friends, professionals, and Richard's powerful character, the outcome is in their favor. The MCs find their HEA, and the happy family is ready to start their new lives.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest review. *
August 22, 2019
A Dom and His Writer is the first book in the Club Whisper series by Xenia Melzer. Richard and Dean are a couple in an established relationship and doing well together.... when everything is turned upside down by a life changing, heartbreaking event. This tale tells the story of them trying to find their places in this new life and hopefully become stronger together.
Truth? Richard kinda irked me in the beginning of the book. He was jealous of a baby, afterall, and wanted all of Dean's attention. But Dean seemed to happily play his role in their relationship. But let me say I love how Richard's father and friends for trying to get him to see he was being a bumb@$$, selfish pr*ck. He seriously aggravated me. Luckily he could redeem himself. )
I liked Dean... I "get" Dean. Taking care of his own life gets overwhelming and Richard is there to help his boy... The thing is, when a baby enters the picture, Dean can accomplis so much FOR that child. As a mother I understand that.... I mean I have a panic attack having to call the doctor for myself but if my child needs something I somehow find the energy, confidence and drive to get done what must be done. Adding a child into their relationship, seeing the changes in his "boy".... Richard has to reevaluate how he views his lover and if they are strong enough to withstand change.
Overall, the book had me hooked and interested, invested in what the characters were going through. The book had drama, and some romance.... it had me feeling emotions. And it did a great job at making me want to read more of the series.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
Truth? Richard kinda irked me in the beginning of the book. He was jealous of a baby, afterall, and wanted all of Dean's attention. But Dean seemed to happily play his role in their relationship. But let me say I love how Richard's father and friends for trying to get him to see he was being a bumb@$$, selfish pr*ck. He seriously aggravated me. Luckily he could redeem himself. )
I liked Dean... I "get" Dean. Taking care of his own life gets overwhelming and Richard is there to help his boy... The thing is, when a baby enters the picture, Dean can accomplis so much FOR that child. As a mother I understand that.... I mean I have a panic attack having to call the doctor for myself but if my child needs something I somehow find the energy, confidence and drive to get done what must be done. Adding a child into their relationship, seeing the changes in his "boy".... Richard has to reevaluate how he views his lover and if they are strong enough to withstand change.
Overall, the book had me hooked and interested, invested in what the characters were going through. The book had drama, and some romance.... it had me feeling emotions. And it did a great job at making me want to read more of the series.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
August 8, 2019
An enjoyable yet emotional MM romance with a well thought-out story-line & plot. The characters are well-developed with unique personalities and react with believable emotional feelings to the situations they find themselves in & they continue to develop throughout the story-line. There is good support from the secondary characters.
There is: a wealthy man (Richard) involved in a committed relationship with a successful writer/author (Dean) realizes that the relationship status has changed after the death of Dean’s sister & Dean is now the guardian of a baby girl (Emily), homophobic parents, family issues, friendship, some twists, intrigue, drama, domination/submission, BDSM scenes, tragedy, priority adjustments, jealousy, emotional turmoil, anxiety, insecurities, disagreements, ultimatums, devastation, regrets, decisions, apologies, compromises, love, contentment & a sweet happy ending.
There is: a wealthy man (Richard) involved in a committed relationship with a successful writer/author (Dean) realizes that the relationship status has changed after the death of Dean’s sister & Dean is now the guardian of a baby girl (Emily), homophobic parents, family issues, friendship, some twists, intrigue, drama, domination/submission, BDSM scenes, tragedy, priority adjustments, jealousy, emotional turmoil, anxiety, insecurities, disagreements, ultimatums, devastation, regrets, decisions, apologies, compromises, love, contentment & a sweet happy ending.
October 10, 2025
Only 3 stars because I never felt the compulsion to finish the story. I was fine leaving the characters for days on end.
Richard and Dean - D/s - seemingly the perfect couple. Their issue, a baby gets dropped into their lives and they stop communicating. Their lives are upended and their individual desires to do what's best for themselves takes over. However, they are mature enough to know that communication is what is needed and they work through those issues. Then the bigot grandparents throw a wrench in their lives causing more turmoil.
They have supportive friends, and a solid relationship, and together work through the issues.
Richard and Dean - D/s - seemingly the perfect couple. Their issue, a baby gets dropped into their lives and they stop communicating. Their lives are upended and their individual desires to do what's best for themselves takes over. However, they are mature enough to know that communication is what is needed and they work through those issues. Then the bigot grandparents throw a wrench in their lives causing more turmoil.
They have supportive friends, and a solid relationship, and together work through the issues.
July 31, 2019
A great BDSM story that focuses on the daily life as dom and sub. Richard and Dean are thrown through a loop when Dean is given custody of his sister's 3 month old baby. Richard, Dean's dom, really doesn't know how to deal with it. I must admit that throughout most of the story I wanted to smack Richard, he really needed to be a bit more compromising. I was really glad that Dean stuck to his guns even against his dom. I love how everything finally came together. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
October 24, 2019
This was a very interesting read.
I had trouble connecting to Richard at first, because of the emotions he is going through (which are the type of things I hate going through myself), but I slowly warmed up to him as the book reached its second half.
I really liked Dean, he was sweet and trying his best with every handed to him.
I enjoyed the deep connection between and how they slowly altered their relationship in the second half to find a way back to each other and something different and good.
This was quite a journey and I really liked it
I had trouble connecting to Richard at first, because of the emotions he is going through (which are the type of things I hate going through myself), but I slowly warmed up to him as the book reached its second half.
I really liked Dean, he was sweet and trying his best with every handed to him.
I enjoyed the deep connection between and how they slowly altered their relationship in the second half to find a way back to each other and something different and good.
This was quite a journey and I really liked it
August 23, 2019
This was a great, grab-you-by-the-feels, powerful, enjoyable, sexy, and amazing story. I absolutely LOVED Dean from the very beginning, and I must admit that I was severely tempted to open up a major can of whupass on Richard for how he abandoned Dean when Dean needed him the most. I can't wait to see what happens next with this intriguing new-to-me author and series.
February 14, 2025
Queer romance with kink. Richard is almost unreadably nasty and petulant. Yes, his character grows but never to the point where you want to root for him and Dean. Tropes abound here. Also if you’re wealthy enough to pay for 24/7 baby care, you typically can also sleep the night - wet nurses exist for a reason.
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