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Making the Rules
When twenty-five-year-old forensic sociology student Lily Jamison travels to a small town in West Yorkshire to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a young girl, she expects to be working alone. But then Ben Tyler offers his help, and before Lily knows it the handsome former Chicago police officer has taken charge and made it his business to keep her safe, even if that means baring her bottom for a painful, embarrassing spanking when she disobeys him.
Ben's firm-handed dominance and strict correction leave Lily deeply aroused, and when he takes her in his arms and shows her how a man masters a woman properly, she cannot help begging for more. But as Lily gets closer to the truth, she becomes ever more reckless. When she pushes things too far with her impulsive behavior, will Ben be prepared to punish her as thoroughly and shamefully as necessary to convince her that he is the one making the rules?
Publisher's Making the Rules includes spankings and sexual scenes. If such material offends you, please don't buy this book.
Ben's firm-handed dominance and strict correction leave Lily deeply aroused, and when he takes her in his arms and shows her how a man masters a woman properly, she cannot help begging for more. But as Lily gets closer to the truth, she becomes ever more reckless. When she pushes things too far with her impulsive behavior, will Ben be prepared to punish her as thoroughly and shamefully as necessary to convince her that he is the one making the rules?
Publisher's Making the Rules includes spankings and sexual scenes. If such material offends you, please don't buy this book.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 5, 2018
111 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Ashe Barker
140 books807 followersUntil 2010, Ashe was a director of a regeneration company before deciding there had to be more to life and leaving to pursue a lifetime goal of self-employment.
Ashe has been an avid reader of erotic romance for many years—historical, contemporary, fantasy—you name it. Now, at last in control of her own time and working from her home in rural West Yorkshire, she has been able to realise her dream of writing sexy and compelling stories herself.
She draws on settings and anecdotes from her previous and current experience to lend colour, detail and realism to her plots and characters, but her stories of love, challenge, resilience and compassion are the conjurings of her own imagination. She loves to craft strong, enigmatic men and bright, sassy women to give them a hard time—in every sense of the word.
When she’s not writing, Ashe’s time is monopolised by her role as grandma to a lively toddler. She shares her writing space with a tortoise called Teefer.
Ashe has been an avid reader of erotic romance for many years—historical, contemporary, fantasy—you name it. Now, at last in control of her own time and working from her home in rural West Yorkshire, she has been able to realise her dream of writing sexy and compelling stories herself.
She draws on settings and anecdotes from her previous and current experience to lend colour, detail and realism to her plots and characters, but her stories of love, challenge, resilience and compassion are the conjurings of her own imagination. She loves to craft strong, enigmatic men and bright, sassy women to give them a hard time—in every sense of the word.
When she’s not writing, Ashe’s time is monopolised by her role as grandma to a lively toddler. She shares her writing space with a tortoise called Teefer.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 23, 2018
Mystery, Dominance and Suspense!
“Making the Rules” is a completely engrossing thrill ride full of mystery, dominance and suspense! Extremely fast paced and professionally written, Ms. Barker is a master at weaving tales of mystery interwoven with erotic heat! “Making the Rules” takes place in the English countryside as the lead protagonists work together to unravel a 20-year-old mystery. “Making the Rules” also offers up compelling, complex characterizations featuring one totally hot, dominant hero and a sweet, submissive heroine filled strength as well as determination.
Readers looking for an intelligent and entertaining erotic romance will thoroughly enjoy “Making the Rules”!
Disclaimer: No Kindles were seriously harmed while reading this novel. Children 18 and over only!
Disclaimer for the Disclaimer… The term “seriously harmed” is not intended to include: overheating, scorch marks, minor melting or inconsequential fire that can be put out with an extinguisher. Fire retardant gloves highly recommended while reading. Reviewer is not responsible for run-on sentences, misplaced commas or illegal use of overly descriptive language.
RATING DETAILS (Based on 1 to 5 Gold Stars):
STEAM FACTOR: 5 INCENDIARY STARS
WRITING STYLE: 5 PROFESSIONAL STARS
PLOT: 5 MYSTERIOUS STARS
ENGAGING CHARACTERS: 5 HOT, DOMINANT STARS
SATISFYING CONCLUSION: 5 SATISFYING STARS
*** I voluntarily received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. ***
“Making the Rules” is a completely engrossing thrill ride full of mystery, dominance and suspense! Extremely fast paced and professionally written, Ms. Barker is a master at weaving tales of mystery interwoven with erotic heat! “Making the Rules” takes place in the English countryside as the lead protagonists work together to unravel a 20-year-old mystery. “Making the Rules” also offers up compelling, complex characterizations featuring one totally hot, dominant hero and a sweet, submissive heroine filled strength as well as determination.
Readers looking for an intelligent and entertaining erotic romance will thoroughly enjoy “Making the Rules”!
Disclaimer: No Kindles were seriously harmed while reading this novel. Children 18 and over only!
Disclaimer for the Disclaimer… The term “seriously harmed” is not intended to include: overheating, scorch marks, minor melting or inconsequential fire that can be put out with an extinguisher. Fire retardant gloves highly recommended while reading. Reviewer is not responsible for run-on sentences, misplaced commas or illegal use of overly descriptive language.
RATING DETAILS (Based on 1 to 5 Gold Stars):
STEAM FACTOR: 5 INCENDIARY STARS
WRITING STYLE: 5 PROFESSIONAL STARS
PLOT: 5 MYSTERIOUS STARS
ENGAGING CHARACTERS: 5 HOT, DOMINANT STARS
SATISFYING CONCLUSION: 5 SATISFYING STARS
*** I voluntarily received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. ***
January 24, 2018
Lily Jamison's on a mission. She appears in Mytholm Bridge to research her PhD thesis. But who does a doctoral thesis on unexplained deaths and the aftereffects of those tragedies? Nearly 20 years ago, such a mystery occurred in Mytholm Bridge. Grace Havers, an toddler, ended up in the local river, washed downstream, her body never recovered. Now Lily's focused on tracking down the details. She works her way through every contact she has but ends up with nothing. As the clues trickle to a stop, she's discouraged, ready to give up. But fate steps in. By pure happenstance, Ben Tyler, an American, is in Mytholm Bridge to settle his late aunt's estate. He wasn't just there that fateful day. He tried to save little Grace. It's seared into his memory. He's definitely not keen to dredge up those painful memories. But he finds himself drawn to the spunky, quirky, and mysterious grad student. Despite his reservations, he's pulled into her search for answers. Only do they truly want the truth? The clues are nearly nonexistent. The one person Lily was counting on has literally tossed her aside. She's left reeling. But there are deeper implications. Ben's a dominant to his very core. As Lily takes risk after risk, putting herself in danger over and over, he decides to take matters into his own hands. Lily rebuffs his attempts at correction and punishment but, in the process, learns things about herself she could never have suspected. As small clues creep in, both Ban and Lily sense secrets deliberately hidden. What reason would anyone have to hide details of a 20-year-old tragedy? As Lily's threatened again and again, Ben's determined to keep her safe, from herself and the dangers facing her. Lily can't fall for him. He's an American returning home soon. Ben knows Lily's just another in a long line of submissives he's known. She has to solve this mystery before her time's up. But can she, especially without Ben's help? Just how much is each willing to compromise? When the threats against her reach a crescendo, can Lily and Ben find a way to unravel the secrets? Either way, neither one will ever be the same again!
Ashe Barker's exceptional!, This book's a mix of mystery, unseen circumstances, hidden agendas, erotic romance, and a totally unexpected outcome where absolutely nothing is certain. This is far more than a mere BDSM romance. I fell in love with Lily and Ben. Their chemistry flies off the page and tugs you into the story to the exclusion of all else. You're literally caught up in their lives, the mystery, the threats surrounding them. I fell in love with Lily from the start. She's spunky, rebellious, reckless, independent. There's absolutely nothing seemingly submissive about her. If that seems contradictory, you need to understand the intricacies, nuances, and beauty of BDSM. As the two ease into friendship, then hope for resolution of a decades old mystery, the dynamic changes. I was fascinated by Ben's dominance, which runs soul-deep. That juxtaposition of opposing personalities poses challenges beyond the investigation they face. Uncertainty faces the duo at every step. The mystery, obstacles, and obvious heartbreak facing them tug at your heartstrings. You'll never believe the ending. I've become a huge fan of Ms. Barker in a very short time. This book shows breathtaking descriptions of small town Britain. She crafts characters and situations in a very rare and realistic way, I couldn't put this book down. Quite simply, it's one of the best written mystery/tragedy/romances I've read in quite some time. I was very impressed. This book deserves no less than five stars. Congratulations, Ms. Barker, on a very special, captivating book!
One final note. Please be an informed reader! This is an ADULT book. It contains explicit language and BDSM/sexual scenes. This book may not be for you if you don't enjoy this genre. Think hard before buying any book you know you won't enjoy. There are book synopses and reviews available on Goodreads and all booksellers' websites. Use these resources. DON'T LEAVE A NEGATIVE REVIEW WHEN YOU KNOW YOU WON'T ENJOY THE BOOK. It's not fair to the author! She works very hard to provide a quality work product. If you know you'll object to the book's subject matter before you buy it, you're doing yourself and the author an extreme disservice.
Thanks for reading my review and happy reading!
Ashe Barker's exceptional!, This book's a mix of mystery, unseen circumstances, hidden agendas, erotic romance, and a totally unexpected outcome where absolutely nothing is certain. This is far more than a mere BDSM romance. I fell in love with Lily and Ben. Their chemistry flies off the page and tugs you into the story to the exclusion of all else. You're literally caught up in their lives, the mystery, the threats surrounding them. I fell in love with Lily from the start. She's spunky, rebellious, reckless, independent. There's absolutely nothing seemingly submissive about her. If that seems contradictory, you need to understand the intricacies, nuances, and beauty of BDSM. As the two ease into friendship, then hope for resolution of a decades old mystery, the dynamic changes. I was fascinated by Ben's dominance, which runs soul-deep. That juxtaposition of opposing personalities poses challenges beyond the investigation they face. Uncertainty faces the duo at every step. The mystery, obstacles, and obvious heartbreak facing them tug at your heartstrings. You'll never believe the ending. I've become a huge fan of Ms. Barker in a very short time. This book shows breathtaking descriptions of small town Britain. She crafts characters and situations in a very rare and realistic way, I couldn't put this book down. Quite simply, it's one of the best written mystery/tragedy/romances I've read in quite some time. I was very impressed. This book deserves no less than five stars. Congratulations, Ms. Barker, on a very special, captivating book!
One final note. Please be an informed reader! This is an ADULT book. It contains explicit language and BDSM/sexual scenes. This book may not be for you if you don't enjoy this genre. Think hard before buying any book you know you won't enjoy. There are book synopses and reviews available on Goodreads and all booksellers' websites. Use these resources. DON'T LEAVE A NEGATIVE REVIEW WHEN YOU KNOW YOU WON'T ENJOY THE BOOK. It's not fair to the author! She works very hard to provide a quality work product. If you know you'll object to the book's subject matter before you buy it, you're doing yourself and the author an extreme disservice.
Thanks for reading my review and happy reading!
August 11, 2018
This was a pretty good book as far as the 20 year old mystery goes. There was suspense, a few twists, and the actual mystery itself.
There were elements of the D/s relationship with some spanking, and mentions of BDSM. Normally, you encounter a book with instalove. With this book, you get to encounter Insta D/s. I have read books where the H and h begin a relationship like that, but it usually end up where they visit a club, or they have friends in the lifestyle. This was different because she had no experience, pretty much took him at his word and he was a sadist on to of it all. Lily trusted too easily and too quickly.
That part of the book could have been left out, turned into a vanilla romance, domestic discipline, or pretty much anything else. It didn't add much to the book for me.
I think you should read it and judge for yourself. It was still a decent mystery. I read it via Kindle Unlimited.
There were elements of the D/s relationship with some spanking, and mentions of BDSM. Normally, you encounter a book with instalove. With this book, you get to encounter Insta D/s. I have read books where the H and h begin a relationship like that, but it usually end up where they visit a club, or they have friends in the lifestyle. This was different because she had no experience, pretty much took him at his word and he was a sadist on to of it all. Lily trusted too easily and too quickly.
That part of the book could have been left out, turned into a vanilla romance, domestic discipline, or pretty much anything else. It didn't add much to the book for me.
I think you should read it and judge for yourself. It was still a decent mystery. I read it via Kindle Unlimited.
February 3, 2022
Finding the Future
This is a little bit mystery, a lot of discovery, and finding a family all rolled into one story. I like that the story has more of a discovery angle toward the relationship of the two main characters. She is curious about a spanking that's kinda where the relationship starts. But she has soo many secrets and surprises that she is bound to need a Strong Dom and she gets him. The mystery kinda comes to an end and the story ends almost before the reader is ready... I kept thinking there could be more.
This is a little bit mystery, a lot of discovery, and finding a family all rolled into one story. I like that the story has more of a discovery angle toward the relationship of the two main characters. She is curious about a spanking that's kinda where the relationship starts. But she has soo many secrets and surprises that she is bound to need a Strong Dom and she gets him. The mystery kinda comes to an end and the story ends almost before the reader is ready... I kept thinking there could be more.
January 12, 2018
I had a feeling about Lily. I wont say more then that. But I guessed right. But then the small twist came up. WOW! At first, I was confused but then once more information was told, I understood. This is not just a romance but a bit of a mystery. Yes we have a DOM, Ben, and a woman, Lily, that has never been a sub but with Ben's guidance is learning. I have to say, if he was my teacher, I think I would want to be his student too. I really enjoyed the story.
February 3, 2018
loved the mystery in this one. The author delivers little snippets of information to make you think you have it all figured out then totally surprises you with a twist you don't see coming. The romance side is nice too. Ben and Lily just seem to click and the BDSM scenes are off the charts hot. This is definitely a book worth reading.
I received an ARC of this book from Stormy Night Publications.
I received an ARC of this book from Stormy Night Publications.
January 10, 2018
4.5* rounded up
The solving of a 20 year old mystery, interspersed with some intense BDSM scenes, makes for an excellent read. Either thread would have stood on its own as a book, together they make a real page turner.
It is also refreshing to read such a story set in the UK.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
The solving of a 20 year old mystery, interspersed with some intense BDSM scenes, makes for an excellent read. Either thread would have stood on its own as a book, together they make a real page turner.
It is also refreshing to read such a story set in the UK.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
April 29, 2018
Good story
I enjoyed the underlined story about Grace. I don’t want to say too much without spoiling. However I did find the D/s relationship between Lily and Ben a bit much too quickly. I ended up skipping those scenes as they didn’t sound sensual at all, just painful. I wouldn’t put anyone off this book, it all just wasn’t for me.
I enjoyed the underlined story about Grace. I don’t want to say too much without spoiling. However I did find the D/s relationship between Lily and Ben a bit much too quickly. I ended up skipping those scenes as they didn’t sound sensual at all, just painful. I wouldn’t put anyone off this book, it all just wasn’t for me.
November 4, 2019
This was a fun and sexy story. This is not a hardcore BDSM story even though there were a few somewhat intense scenes. There was just the right amount to make is hot as hell but not take away from the other things going on. There were a few twists and turns I didn't see coming. The pacing and flow of the story was great and kept me turning the page.
January 6, 2018
A wonderful story with fabulous twists and turns. The creative premise is elevated by the surprises in the story. I really liked Lily’s and Ben’s character. They quickly find their way into your heart and you are cheering them on before you realize it. These are characters you will remember.
March 10, 2018
Excellent plot
Amazing plot, great English details in the dialogue. The romance between Lily and Ben was hot and steamy with lots of BDSM. A yummy treat to be enjoyed. A very nice HFN ending. The mystery is extremely well developed and intriguing.
Amazing plot, great English details in the dialogue. The romance between Lily and Ben was hot and steamy with lots of BDSM. A yummy treat to be enjoyed. A very nice HFN ending. The mystery is extremely well developed and intriguing.
April 10, 2018
I expected this to be a quick, good read. I was pleasantly surprised to get a story that I could hardly put down, with complex characters and a complex plot. This was a really entertaining, sexy story that I loved! I will definitely look for more of this author's work!
March 9, 2018
Wonderfully tantalizing
Good story mixed with some wonderfully, hot, kinky moments. Plenty of twists and turns to keep me glued to the page. A couldn't-put-it-down read.
Good story mixed with some wonderfully, hot, kinky moments. Plenty of twists and turns to keep me glued to the page. A couldn't-put-it-down read.
March 13, 2018
Loved it
I need me some Ben in my life!! I really enjoyed this book and its two main Characters Ben and Lily! I hated for it to end
I need me some Ben in my life!! I really enjoyed this book and its two main Characters Ben and Lily! I hated for it to end
June 18, 2018
Great story
I am yet again impressed by how Is Barker combines a thrilling erotic relationship together with a really good story. Extremely enjoyable!
I am yet again impressed by how Is Barker combines a thrilling erotic relationship together with a really good story. Extremely enjoyable!
September 9, 2018
I really liked this book
It was a good story i did not think the end of the book was going to come out like out did
It was a good story i did not think the end of the book was going to come out like out did
October 13, 2018
Enjoyable mystery.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews