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The Dom's Bride

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I won a date with a billionaire. He promised me three things:
A crash course in BDSM,
A toe curling night,
And then he’d show me the door.
End of story. Or is it?


Stephanie

Maybe I was crazy for agreeing, but for once, I just wanted to feel something. Anything. I’ve spent my life running away from men who get too close. Call it a combination of emotional baggage and a fear of commitment. Either way, I’m a virgin who gets to have the night of my life with a billionaire dom. It’s a dream come true, right?
If only.

I thought I could just forget it all when it was over. I’d throw it in with all the other crap in my past and move on. Except the dom isn’t ready to move on.

Tristan

I had one rule: no attachments. One simple rule, and then she happened. Stephanie Holland. The one who decided to dump a big, flaming pile of complicated on my life and then disappear.

I shouldn’t be surprised she ran off. I practically kicked her out the door, didn’t I? Old habits die hard, I guess, but this time I haven’t been able to get her off my mind. Month after month and it just gets worse.

Maybe I could break the rule just once. Hell, I don’t even need to break it. I’ll just give it a little bend for her and then she’ll be off my mind.

One way or another, I’m going to wrap my tie around her perfect little wrists again. The only question is whether I’ll have it in me to show her the door again.

*As always, this is a totally SAFE, full length book with a happily ever after, no cheating, and plenty of steam.*

A free copy of my books, His: A Bad Boy Mafia Romance, and Mine: A Bad Boy Mafia Romance are included with The Dom's Bride. The Dom's Bride is approximately 48,000 words and ends at about 27%.

163 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 14, 2018

928 people are currently reading
339 people want to read

About the author

Penelope Bloom

69 books2,642 followers
USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon Charts Bestselling author Penelope Bloom is taking her first flight into romantasy—and yes, there are dragons. After years of contemporary romance, she's temporarily trading meet-cutes for magical academies and coffee shops for castles that reek of blood. She promises the banter is just as sharp, but now it comes with deadly consequences.

Fun fact: “Penelope Bloom” started as a tongue-in-cheek tribute to the family dog, Penelope—never meant to be anything serious. But then the books took off, and the name stuck. Behind the scenes, Penelope Bloom is actually a husband-and-wife team. He handles the writing; she edits, helps with brainstorming, and runs the reader-facing side of things (like social media and messages). So if you’ve chatted with “Penelope” online, you’ve likely been talking to her—with the author chiming in whenever needed. Together, they’ve built the voice readers know and love.

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5 stars
421 (46%)
4 stars
268 (29%)
3 stars
146 (16%)
2 stars
47 (5%)
1 star
18 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
Profile Image for Angie ~aka Reading Machine~.
3,746 reviews133 followers
January 23, 2018
Stephanie Holland desperately wants to adopt a child in need of a good home. She's continually denied your applications. Stephanie and her best friend Jamie attend a charity auction hosted by a fellow co-worker. Stephanie is approached by a handsome stranger with a unique request~be the highest bidder no matter the cost. Stephanie does as the stranger asks and more than surprised at what he offers her in return. One night of unexpected passion that leaves both of them wondering what to do with their lives since that night. Tristan Rivers is a love them and leave them to the type of person but his one night stand with Stephanie is anything but that now four months later. Tristan revisits his past only to discover a small child in a similar situation that burns a fiery rage him. Will Tristan admit he's wrong about Stephanie? Will Stephanie get to adopt a child? Can Stephanie admit her attraction to Tristan? Your answers await you in The Dom's Bride.

Ms. Bloom's writing gets better with each new book I read. The characters and story are rich, complex, bold, down to earth, soulful, honest, and mysterious too. I can't wait for my next adventure with this author.
Profile Image for lily.
1,266 reviews
January 19, 2018
4.5 stars
I enjoyed every minute of reading this book , it' s about damaged people finding their happiness , I love reading about damaged people maybe because I am damaged? !?! :) ! just kidding
loved it enjoyed it definitely not my last book by this author ♡
Profile Image for Melanie Jo.
1,350 reviews18 followers
February 6, 2018
Penelope did a great job with this book. I loved the characters and their pasts. I was hooked on Tristan and Stephanie from the beginning. My only complaint was that I wish it was longer because I felt there was so much more story to tell. But it was a phenomenal read any way.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Samm Lynn.
1,327 reviews20 followers
January 28, 2018
4.5 stars

I great story with some heart. The blurb is a little off, as she did not win a date with a billionaire - he was saving himself from a bad date and that doesn't even cover more than a fraction of what this book is about. The story is so much more than a date with a billionaire. Two people with tragic pasts come together to keep another from tragedy is a more accurate description. The story unfolds fairly rapidly with only one small glitch that is an
obsessed blonde witch. Some parts of the story are a little thin (involving the third person in the story) and lack the depth to make this a truly awesome book. It's not a hardcore BDSM story (no whips or chains) just a dom needing control.

I received a copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed this book. Note - If I don't receive a copy of a book from this author, I always borrow with my Kindle Unlimited subscription and have enjoyed every book she has written.
Profile Image for Tai Nelson-Barnes.
2,833 reviews75 followers
January 22, 2018
Another great dom book!

The BDSM queen has another hit on her hands. I really loved this story. Two people with histories that are messing up their futures. Tristan uses BDSM as a way to control, Stephanie is a virgin that hasn't found anyone she wants to have sex with.
So when Stephanie and Tristan find themselves together for a common goal she finds she likes being his submissive.
Profile Image for Leslie Ooten.
993 reviews7 followers
January 19, 2018
This was okay. I thought the writing was good, and flowed well. My problem came in the relationship with Tristan and Stephanie. He treated her like crap after their first time together, and never really apologized to her. She kept doing as he wanted, and kept going back for more. It was hard for me to like him and connect to him after that. He never really had a redemption moment in my mind.
Profile Image for Beth.
500 reviews23 followers
February 1, 2018
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

The phone call that once again denies her of the one thing she wants most in this world just happened. Tonight she is to attend an auction, but her heart just really isn't into it. Stephanie decides it best to sit in the back and away from people. Things seemed to be fine until HE sat down next to her. Out of all the available seats, why did he have to choose this one. Then as the bachelors who are to be bid on are called to come to the stage, this stranger hands something to Stephanie and gives her specific instructions. Okay, a bit pushy and arrogant. As the bidding happens, Stephanie sees this strangers reaction to the only other person bidding, she has to help.

Being on of the bachelors to be bid on for a date for this auction was his way in basically, and his way out of the claws of someone he doesn't want bothering him anymore. He spots a woman sitting alone and away from all the others, and something stikes Tristan hard and instantly. He sits next to her and takes in what she is up to and her reaction....perfect. He hands her something and gives her instructions, then Tristan makes her a promise. A promise that he intends to keep.

Tristan's instructions were followed just like he told her to, and now he is going to keep his promise. There is something different about Stephanie and Tristan is fully aware of that. Starting to realize that he can read her is just another thing he recognizes that is different. Stephanie is very inexperienced in all of this, she is still a virgin, but the feelings she seems to get around Tristan is not to be ignored. They end up getting extremely "fulfilled" on their date night. Tristan has a dark side to him, and Stephanie fills his need. Just like that he asks her to leave. No thank you, no emotions, just empty all but angry words of get out.

Four months later, Tristan is going to face his troubled past, aka his father. When he gets there the scene is what he expects. Only the reason for his dark side and the images that haunt him all the time is not the woman passed out next to his father, no this is a new one. A sudden movement and person emerges as well, this person is about 4 years old. Already aware of the situation, Tristan asks a couple of questions, and then sees something he recognizes. That is all he can take, he proceeds to do something very unlike himself, and yet something selfless. Tristan and Cole (the 4 year old) end up at Stephanie's office.

Once there Tristan will deal with no one but Stephanie. She is, to say the least, baffled at his sudden reappearance and bossy arrogance. Once she asks about Cole, and answers are given, it is all Stephanie can do to not pose the idea of him pretending to be together with her so she has the upper hand in the permanent solution for Cole, and her for that matter. Agreements made, and put into place. Stephanie and Tristan become more than acquaintances now, she is a roommate. Only Tristan and Stephanie know that this situation may lead to a slippery and at the end painful relationship, however they both put those feelings aside for Cole's sake.

A visit in a cafe with his father sets Tristan in a little drama, a surprise visit from a social worker who announces what happened, when no one else would know. The secret of how the social worker finds out of an "concerned person tip" leads to Tristan finally coming clean with Stephanie about what happened and why Cole is with him now. Tristan is asking for "dates" with Stephanie, and they indulge each other. The tip source is confronted, the truth of about why Stephanie wants Cole in her life so bad is told, and things keep progressing between these two.

On one date night, something different and special happens and then something gets said, catching both off guard, but both state it and show it towards each other. A court date, an awarding of the one thing so precious to both Tristan and Stephanie happen. Seeds of doubt fill Stephanie's mind, due to things said at the beginning of this bargain. A surprise change of how their future ends up going also happens. Fast forward into their happy ever after and another surprise is given, and this time Stephanie is the one able to grant the surprise that helps advance their happy ending.
Profile Image for Jackie D.
1,845 reviews26 followers
January 17, 2018
High Octane Heat With Heart Break Romance!

When Tristian, a man with the dark past and soul to match, picks Stepahine a Social Worker with plenty of darkness of her own and a gaping hole where her soul could be, to outbid everyone else at a Charity auction- he knew she was different. The instant effect he felt coming from her was different- eerily different. Stephaine could feel it too. One night, is all they want, all they can handle. No emotional attachment.Right? Or did these two beautifully broken people just find the one who'd climb each other's walls, and put them back together making them whole? 


Talk about bringing the heat and emotions together in one explosive lovefest! 

I am thrilled when a faced paced story like this changes my mind about it and its characters so quickly- because honestly, I was not the biggest fan, in the beginning.

I have started to stray from books that are about the man's supposed need for "control" for particular reasons.

But, the characters in this one seemed unique in a fun and almost peculiar way- so it heightened my interest to find out more about the two destined to be souls.

Then there is the author, Ms. Bloom has on several occasions surprised me with some twisted, hearty romanced funny storylines that I ended up falling for so with those two things weighing heavily in the back of my mind I carried on. 

Thank the fictional book Gods I did! What a ride! A humorous, heartfelt, dominatingly delicious speeding bullet of insta-awe ride!

2,312 reviews18 followers
January 21, 2018
Two people come together, Tristan and Stephanie, for one night when he asks her to do a favor for him. Their one night isn’t enough for either of them and until they meet up again months later under sad circumstances, they can’t help but want one more night. Once again that isn’t enough but with both their pasts haunting them, neither of them can move forward till they come to terms with it. Can it be that easy ?
A great steamy and at times sensual read about two people who are broken in their own way and have built up walls around them that no one seems to be able to penetrate. I enjoyed these two and the way they finally come together for a little boy but also how they both break down the walls in each other, little by little. I would have liked to have seen some justice for the people who hurt them in the past as I was a bit disappointed that it seemed like it was swept under the rug. Also what happened to Alice as it seemed like she wasn’t going to stop, considering it was going on for years and then all of sudden it stopped ? I did enjoy when they finally admit what they feel and how they didn’t beat around the bush when it finally came down to it.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
Profile Image for Scrap.
882 reviews6 followers
January 17, 2018
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book
Stephanie is a social worker she became one because of a tragic loss as a child.
Tristan also has a heartbreaking past he is jaded from. They both need each other to heal their broken souls.
Tristan and Stephanie both had horrific childhoods and neither have dealt with the effects of the abuse as adults. They have both developed coping strategies that start to crumble the minute they meet each other. Tristan finds out he has a three year old brother Cole who is living the same childhood he had and decides to take him and find him a good home. Stephanie works for Social services and wants nothing more than to adopt a child who needs her. They work out what they believe to be the perfect plan but love somehow has a way of laying waste to the best made plans
2,061 reviews2 followers
January 18, 2018
This is a story about a wealthy sexy man, Tristan and a shy heart of gold woman, Stephanie. They meet at a charity auction and Stephanie can not believe what she has been asked to do and her friend Jamie does it for her and Stephanie has the best sexual night of her life! Both Tristan and Stephanie have a dark past and in thier story they learn about themselves and what they mean to one another and Cole. Many unexpected things take place and some are just amazing to see between them. Can two opposites make things happen in and outside the bedroom? Will Tristan continue to prove what Stephanie and Cole mean to him? I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.3k reviews256 followers
January 18, 2018
Stephanie has issues to overcome in order to have a relationship, and when she is dragged out by her BF to an auction, she is not too happy. While she is sitting there alone she is approached by the billionaire who is to be auctioned off for a date, and he hands her a blank cheque and asks her to pay whatever she has to in order to win. No spoilers; this is a must read, you will not be disappointed! This is a well written, fast paced story, which is sexy, thrilling, gritty, and a powerful read. I was captivated and hooked throughout, and I highly recommend this authors’ work for all readers, and look forward to reading more of her work!
Profile Image for Susan Foulkes.
995 reviews3 followers
January 17, 2018
Can two damaged people who fear commitment heal each other, and achieve a HEA that neither was expecting, or even looking for?

Stephanie and Tristan are well written characters with detailed back stories, and it is a pleasure to see their relationship develop.

The plot has twists, turns and surprises, and is evenly paced.

The BDSM scenes read as authentic (this is not BDSM lite), and add to the overall emotional arc of the story.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book, and can recommend it.
Profile Image for Madamoiselle Moi .
185 reviews
January 19, 2018
Penelope Bloom always writes books that come together in a way that is fulfilling, but fits her theme thoroughly for each story. In the Dom's Bride, the title does not completely represent what you will receive from this book - you will get much, much more. The characters are so shaped by events in their lives and it impacts their choices and interactions. It amazing how events affect everyone differently, how some are resilient, while others struggle. I liked the main characters' chemistry and the author's tasteful way in delving into the BDSM aspects of the story. A great read!!
2,708 reviews25 followers
January 19, 2018
4*
Stephanie is a social worker desperately wanting to adopt a child after the death of her brother at a young age but she keeps getting knocked back as she’s unmarried.
Tristan’s up for a date auction in a charity fun raiser & convinces Stephanie to bid on him to avoid another bidder.
After an unexpected night not ending entirely as expected neither thought they would need to work together on something that may help with their pasts.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Great story
1,058 reviews2 followers
January 31, 2022
some emotionally difficult content

I read Penelope Bloom because she’s witty and creates interesting stories. This story is about two people with similar backgrounds who handle and cope in different ways. Her hero and heroine are deeply flawed and emotionally scarred. But their coming together is healing. Their relationship is sexy hot and the topics dealt with are emotional. Once you understand them their choices seem real. Their happy ending is satisfying. I did enjoy reading this book. Spoiler: child abuse is an issue discussed in this book.
Profile Image for Ann L.
4,872 reviews39 followers
January 17, 2018
Wow, great story, take one commitment phobe Dom and add a social working virgin who only wants one night, mix it all up, and the Dom wants more and now I have you wondering, what the heck are you on about, well I've got your attention, just like this got mine. Couldn't put it down, I just had to find out what happens next, does Tristan (the Dom) go after Stephanie (the social worker) he can't get her out of his mind, or ........

I received a copy and voluntarily leave my own thoughts
2,978 reviews10 followers
March 22, 2018
Hurt to Love

Tristan and Stephanie enter each other's lives when they both need to heal from their painful pasts. After their one night together neither can stop thinking about it. When they meet by chance again yrs later he knows he can't stay away. As she helps him they help each other talk about their pain and start to heal. Will they be able to break their walls down and let love help them heal? Will his dominant nature win over her submission?
Profile Image for Vixen.
293 reviews
September 8, 2018
Ehhh

Didn’t really care for the characters, the male was such a jerk of epic proportions to her & first thing she says after 4 months is “I miss you?!” Wow grow some! Of course ended happy & all & he didn’t betray her with another during those months so that’s a plus. Just didn’t like her spineless way of just immediately accepting him back after the way he treated her. Then the apology when five was disappointing. So ehh didn’t feel it between them until the last 2 chapters
1,900 reviews5 followers
April 6, 2020
Bruised but not defeated.

Stephanie and Tristan were a great imperfect couple that were perfect together.
Yes there were some unbelievable parts (no one would have that much liquid cash, others), but just go with the flow and you will fall in love with them as a couple.
Their horrid upbringing and coping methods were explained in a way that I understood (not agreed with but hey don’t need to.)
1,228 reviews1 follower
April 3, 2022
Fun and flirty with some steam mixed in. The auction angle thru different parts of the story keep you captivated, then of course you wonder what will send them skidding off the relationship train. Always some type of drama trying to derail everything (part of the fun am I right) showing different themes and rooms from the clubs is always a cool way to see something you might not ever see elsewhere.
Profile Image for Ice Angel.
722 reviews14 followers
January 8, 2023
Bonus points for the epilogue. Well this was very funny and really interesting. Though there was more bickering between them than the actual bdsm romance specified but it was good. I guess there was very little to no communication between them but more if feelings so strong that bound them together. I liked this one I’ll say though there were very cringe sentences and words used , it still gets a pass
Profile Image for Veronica LaRoche.
4,650 reviews63 followers
January 17, 2018
This was a really good book about two people who had terrible past comes together unexpectedly and change their lives forever. Tristan & Stephanie are hot together and both never thought there would be a forever together. And Jamie was hilarious. Great book with enjoyable characters.

I voluntarily reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Tammy.
9,119 reviews49 followers
January 17, 2018
Loved it! Tristan and Stephanie both had horrible childhoods and don’t really do relationships. They meet at a charity auction when Tristan asks Stephanie to bid on him. He plans to enjoy a night with her but will one be enough? Great story, amazing chemistry. I was hooked from beginning to end.
Profile Image for Kimkbries.
1,730 reviews
January 18, 2018
I thought this book was great. When a situation brings Stephanie and Tristan together for one very steamy evening they both never believed they would feel so much from just one night. When they meet again months later what happens between them was a great story to read. Their story was filled with plenty of drama, self discovery of what they need to be happy and a love story I really enjoyed.
Profile Image for Eurice (Boricuagal) Diaz .
970 reviews1 follower
January 18, 2018
I love when the title of a book leads me one way but when I read the book it is so much more. That is the case with Tristan and Stephanie story. While we get the BDSM, we also get a fast paced story of two broken souls who find healing, love, laughter and an HEA. Definitely worth the read.

“I Voluntarily Received and Reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book”
2,039 reviews22 followers
January 19, 2018
I loved reading the fabulous romance story. Stephanie can't seem to forget the incredible passionate night spent with Tristan and never expects to see him again, but Tristan needs her help. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written full of erotic romance and heartbreak, and a must read love story.
Profile Image for Sandie.
683 reviews6 followers
January 20, 2018
Tristan and Stephanie's was hot with a lot of sex with light BDSM. Both had been abused as children. They each had their own way of coping and trying to leave the past behind but it wasn't working. Finding each other helped right some of the wrongs in their lives. The characters were interesting and the story line had a surprise.
Profile Image for ReadWithSteph.
226 reviews4 followers
January 21, 2018
5 sweet dark stars

This was such a fantastic read! I really loved the tension between the characters. They both needed each other to heal. Tristan and Stephanie both had tragic past that shape up how they are with each other. I love the happy ending between all of characters. I really can't wait to see what Penelope comes up with next.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
3,933 reviews31 followers
January 21, 2018
Tristan and Stephanie had some tough moments before finding their happiness. Both had already been through so much in their childhood, but in the here and now, Tristan relished the control he craved with Stephanie, and she gave him her trust to take their scenes to the next level. This was a steamy hot romance with some BDSM, thought not as much as I was expecting, and it was an engaging read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews

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