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Discovering Leigh.
If you cannot respect the rules, do not engage with the game.
Introduced to the world of Dominance and submission, Leigh is torn between who she is, and who she desires to become.
Short and small with braces on her teeth, Leigh McCabe is no one’s idea of pretty. But somehow she still gets the sexy Scuba instructor Wayne Holmes into her life, and into her bed.
But even paradise has its rainy days, and Wayne may not be who he says he is. After an argument that left her hurt and confused, she escapes to a nightclub to dance her woes away where she is introduced to Mikey Marais—in his Saturday-night guise as Sir Michael: a master of Shibari and a connoisseur of Dominance and submission.
Eager to explore an enticing new world Mikey offers, she embarks a secretive journey with Sir Michael as her instructor. Leigh learns more than just the obvious pleasures of deviant desires; she discovers things about herself she never knew, and in Sir Michael finds a connection on more than the physical level. But even her perfect Dom has his unexpected secrets.
A tale of love, friendship, betrayal and justice ensues which forces Leigh not only to choose her partner, but ultimately, the person she wants to be.
Is Sir Michael the man he portrays to be? Will Leigh learn about Wayne’s secrets before it’s too late? Will she trust herself enough to make the correct choice? Discovering Leigh is a dark romance in a genre of its own, compelling you to keep turning the page, reaching for a glass of ice water as you race towards the end to find out which man will win her heart, and which man will get her body. Get your copy today to find out.
“Discovering Leigh is a brilliant read from a debut author. An unputdownable page-turner filled with real, human characters that will keep you on the edge of your seat, pleasantly surprising you almost every page until the very last word.”
- Mia Ziervogel
Editor, Dossier Magazine.
Introduced to the world of Dominance and submission, Leigh is torn between who she is, and who she desires to become.
Short and small with braces on her teeth, Leigh McCabe is no one’s idea of pretty. But somehow she still gets the sexy Scuba instructor Wayne Holmes into her life, and into her bed.
But even paradise has its rainy days, and Wayne may not be who he says he is. After an argument that left her hurt and confused, she escapes to a nightclub to dance her woes away where she is introduced to Mikey Marais—in his Saturday-night guise as Sir Michael: a master of Shibari and a connoisseur of Dominance and submission.
Eager to explore an enticing new world Mikey offers, she embarks a secretive journey with Sir Michael as her instructor. Leigh learns more than just the obvious pleasures of deviant desires; she discovers things about herself she never knew, and in Sir Michael finds a connection on more than the physical level. But even her perfect Dom has his unexpected secrets.
A tale of love, friendship, betrayal and justice ensues which forces Leigh not only to choose her partner, but ultimately, the person she wants to be.
Is Sir Michael the man he portrays to be? Will Leigh learn about Wayne’s secrets before it’s too late? Will she trust herself enough to make the correct choice? Discovering Leigh is a dark romance in a genre of its own, compelling you to keep turning the page, reaching for a glass of ice water as you race towards the end to find out which man will win her heart, and which man will get her body. Get your copy today to find out.
“Discovering Leigh is a brilliant read from a debut author. An unputdownable page-turner filled with real, human characters that will keep you on the edge of your seat, pleasantly surprising you almost every page until the very last word.”
- Mia Ziervogel
Editor, Dossier Magazine.
- GenresErotica
470 pages, Paperback
Published May 30, 2018
32 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Gerry Pelser
6 books25 followersGerry Pelser is a photographer, writer, and Reluctant Widower living in the suburbs of Johannesburg, South Africa. He has two super-cool Hungarian Puli puppies, and a stuffed baby petite hippo named Felicity (Don’t ask).
He is passionate about story-telling, teaching, and absolutely infatuated with photographic lighting. He spends way too much time on social media, and has an unhealthy obsession with beer, chicken wings, and cricket. He plays chess with his father twice a week, where loses hard and often. He worships at the church of Charles Schulz, and sees Charlie Brown as his spirit animal.
He is passionate about story-telling, teaching, and absolutely infatuated with photographic lighting. He spends way too much time on social media, and has an unhealthy obsession with beer, chicken wings, and cricket. He plays chess with his father twice a week, where loses hard and often. He worships at the church of Charles Schulz, and sees Charlie Brown as his spirit animal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
December 16, 2024
I’ve been the target of a smear campaign by an alleged dominatrix trying to muddy my name. She is leaving several one-star reviews on my books to bring the ratings down. Some of my one-star reviews may be justified - I’m okay with that. Not everyone needs to like my books, and if my book is not somebody’s glass of beer, I can accept that. But some reviews are malicious and personal and have nothing to do with the quality of my work. I ask my audience to please take consideration when viewing the one-star reviews to see if it is an actual reflection of what somebody thought of my book or if it is the rantings of a small-minded individual who has nothing better to do than create fake accounts to try and insult that which she cannot replicate.
June 13, 2019
Gerry broke my virginity; the switch from paperback novel to digital e-book that is. Never ever thought I’d make that switch but when the opportunity arose, I selfishly snatched it! I wanted to write this before the world and its mundane obligations smeared the essence and the aftertaste of this book off my skin. Off my soul. I had no idea. But that is what ignorance ensures; renders you ignorant and I, in my voluntary unfamiliarity thought that BDSM was all bizarre sexual filth without an inch of respect in sight...with blindfolds. Weird stuff that weird people do because they were bullied in childhood, a distorted and dysfunctional pay-back mechanism on some willing innocent to get back at the cruelty inflicted on them because they were born different. In my own ring, I loathe ignorance, I’m an arachnophile and anyone who isn’t willing to learn more about spiders to understand that there is no real reason to be afraid of them, other than limiting beliefs and conditioned mindsets taught and passed down by equally ignorant parents or adults is someone who, when the world is full of information at the touch of a button, is not worth my time. But all things unknown come to light if we just take the time to explore just a little bit more. Gerry sure showed me. Judge not lest though be judged. When the book was initially launched my interest was vaguely piqued but not enough to actually want to go out, buy it or even read it. I was, “Ugh not in the mood for the South African version of 50 Shades of crap thanks,” I’m a late bloomer and don’t ordinarily rush out like everyone else does to be the first eager beaver to get my hands on the latest and greatest of anything. I’m patient and I wait. All good things and all that. Ping. Digress. I read it because it’s Gerry’s book, who I know a little bit about, not because I thought it would be an unexpectedly beautiful imagery-inducing artwork of telling an engaging story.
Never in my wildest vanilla-flavoured thoughts did I believe that the essence and fundamentals of BDSM were so sacred, so beautiful and above all, so deeply respectful. I connected with all the characters in this book, recognising aspects of them in some real-life characters of my own life, both past and present, including myself. I hated Wayne, with every fibre of my being. He was every testosterone-small-man complex induced bouncer and drug dealer I had ever worked with in the steroid and cocaine-fuelled nightclub industry for five years after I left school. Induced terrifying memories. I identified effortlessly with Leigh, her insatiable love affair with her cigarettes, her engaging appetite for photography and the loss of her mother at a young age. Her taste for the finer things a straight-over-my-head non-identifiable trait as I smoked Peter Stuyvesant Red, no refinement whatsoever. But it was Mikey who stole my heart and who I cried for, over and over again. The intelligence and tenderness of his disposition, the unorthodox yet blindly obvious workings of his mind and intellect and his heart-breaking sentiment of invisibility to the world who needed things from him to satisfy their own carnal desires and how he professionally and respectfully obliges, regardless of his under currencies of loneliness and unceremonious victories when the curtains are drawn. I could relate largely to his emotional pains more than any other character.
What hit me the hardest against my head like someone trying to knock some long-needed sense into me was the act of discipline and how necessary an ingredient it is to achieve the things the mind and heart wishes to. How all of who we are is very much to do with the mind and how we choose to control it, to surrender to what is and not fight it, to let go of the bonds we internalize and induce on ourselves. To feel without thinking and to love in simple and perfect trust. A simple notion yet powerful in its intention. It’s not something I find myself having too much of. Discipline that is. It has motivated me powerfully to get my own butt spanked into gear and achieve something I’d like to be proud of one day.
I was moved, immeasurably by a tenderly and gorgeously crafted piece of writing that tackles so many facets of life, especially the misunderstood underworld of BDSM. Facets that will no doubt be identifiable by many a riveted story-lover who will have the pleasure of reading this book in coming days, weeks and years. Gerry writes from the pits of his well-versed soul, binding your hand on the journey with him, making you feel as if you are a first-class voyeur to his attention-to-detail ability to mesmerize the reader and hold them captive firmly in the palm of his hand long after the words ‘The End’ have been read.
Never in my wildest vanilla-flavoured thoughts did I believe that the essence and fundamentals of BDSM were so sacred, so beautiful and above all, so deeply respectful. I connected with all the characters in this book, recognising aspects of them in some real-life characters of my own life, both past and present, including myself. I hated Wayne, with every fibre of my being. He was every testosterone-small-man complex induced bouncer and drug dealer I had ever worked with in the steroid and cocaine-fuelled nightclub industry for five years after I left school. Induced terrifying memories. I identified effortlessly with Leigh, her insatiable love affair with her cigarettes, her engaging appetite for photography and the loss of her mother at a young age. Her taste for the finer things a straight-over-my-head non-identifiable trait as I smoked Peter Stuyvesant Red, no refinement whatsoever. But it was Mikey who stole my heart and who I cried for, over and over again. The intelligence and tenderness of his disposition, the unorthodox yet blindly obvious workings of his mind and intellect and his heart-breaking sentiment of invisibility to the world who needed things from him to satisfy their own carnal desires and how he professionally and respectfully obliges, regardless of his under currencies of loneliness and unceremonious victories when the curtains are drawn. I could relate largely to his emotional pains more than any other character.
What hit me the hardest against my head like someone trying to knock some long-needed sense into me was the act of discipline and how necessary an ingredient it is to achieve the things the mind and heart wishes to. How all of who we are is very much to do with the mind and how we choose to control it, to surrender to what is and not fight it, to let go of the bonds we internalize and induce on ourselves. To feel without thinking and to love in simple and perfect trust. A simple notion yet powerful in its intention. It’s not something I find myself having too much of. Discipline that is. It has motivated me powerfully to get my own butt spanked into gear and achieve something I’d like to be proud of one day.
I was moved, immeasurably by a tenderly and gorgeously crafted piece of writing that tackles so many facets of life, especially the misunderstood underworld of BDSM. Facets that will no doubt be identifiable by many a riveted story-lover who will have the pleasure of reading this book in coming days, weeks and years. Gerry writes from the pits of his well-versed soul, binding your hand on the journey with him, making you feel as if you are a first-class voyeur to his attention-to-detail ability to mesmerize the reader and hold them captive firmly in the palm of his hand long after the words ‘The End’ have been read.
May 17, 2018
** spoiler alert ** I’ve read this book at least three times, probably more over the last year. And I’ve been thinking about how to review this book for a couple of months. So here goes...
Gerry has taken me on a journey of discovery through this book, not only into the world of BDSM, but also on a journey of discovering oneself and, at the end of the day, finding love.
I fell in love with the leading lady - the beautifully-written Leigh. There were times that I cried for her, times that I wanted to scream at her, and times when I was really jealous of her. She is human, with all the flaws, insecurities and infinite beauty that comes with being human.
Mikey developed into a handsome character. He’s the definition of a nice guy, too nice sometimes. His role as a teacher was clearly grounded in excellent research and this made him real. He’s gentle, compassionate and respectful. Not only to his student (Leigh); also of the principles of BDSM. In his role as Dom, Sir Michael is not a guy to be messed with. I like that. A lot.
I hate Wayne. And that’s all I have to say about that.
This is not a “50 shades-spank mommy’s bum until it glows”- kinda story. There are elements of kink, but on the whole, it is secondary to the actual story that plays out.
This is a love-story. A beautifully written love story, set in a truly South African context, with some kink added to spice things up. It is a journey of self-discovery. Of learning how strong you really are,and we are so much stronger than we think - and of how far one would go for love.
Thanks, Gerry, for taking me on this journey with you. I’m so proud to have been a part of it, and looking forward to the next chapter of then journey!
Gerry has taken me on a journey of discovery through this book, not only into the world of BDSM, but also on a journey of discovering oneself and, at the end of the day, finding love.
I fell in love with the leading lady - the beautifully-written Leigh. There were times that I cried for her, times that I wanted to scream at her, and times when I was really jealous of her. She is human, with all the flaws, insecurities and infinite beauty that comes with being human.
Mikey developed into a handsome character. He’s the definition of a nice guy, too nice sometimes. His role as a teacher was clearly grounded in excellent research and this made him real. He’s gentle, compassionate and respectful. Not only to his student (Leigh); also of the principles of BDSM. In his role as Dom, Sir Michael is not a guy to be messed with. I like that. A lot.
I hate Wayne. And that’s all I have to say about that.
This is not a “50 shades-spank mommy’s bum until it glows”- kinda story. There are elements of kink, but on the whole, it is secondary to the actual story that plays out.
This is a love-story. A beautifully written love story, set in a truly South African context, with some kink added to spice things up. It is a journey of self-discovery. Of learning how strong you really are,and we are so much stronger than we think - and of how far one would go for love.
Thanks, Gerry, for taking me on this journey with you. I’m so proud to have been a part of it, and looking forward to the next chapter of then journey!
May 3, 2018
I started reading this book with few expectations, except maybe to have new insights because I have never equated pain with pleasure or vice versa. I have completed my fourth reading of the book, simply because I wanted to understand it fully. And am I glad that I did. Being completely new to BDSM (and most naïve, I might add), I always knew there was something about it that I was drawn to. This book explained it beautifully. Not only, it is written well, and I must compliment the writer on the following: character development was excellent – I like how these characters became real to me with their past, their present, their frailties and human failings. I particularly like how their failures become their strengths and that it’s okay to not make it the first time – life or shit, happens. The simple, yet detailed explanations about BDSM brought it to life for me – particularly the rules. It was most insightful and I like how the ‘deviant’ (a word I don’t like as an adjective but works perfectly as a noun) is now becoming mainstream for me. I’m very interested in exploring more about this alternate existence because the book makes it real and normal. The book is an excellent read – a story about self-discovery, love, betrayal, with some violence thrown in for good measure. What it is mostly about though, is being true to yourself, whoever and whatever that may be! Embrace it.
February 1, 2021
What a story! What an amazing, intriguing, thorough story. I was pushing myself out of my normal genres and decided to jump in and see what this book could offer me from the "erotica" sense and I was not disappointed.
Leigh is a successful photographer, she seems to have the life with a handsome boyfriend, thriving business, and not lacking for anything. But a part of her feels off, not just in the sense she's finally battling with braces to adjust her lifelong over-formed bite but she doesn't feel fulfilled as she would like. Then one day, she ends up with a client at the club of misfits called the Asylum and ends up meeting Mikey. Mikey or "Just Mikey" fits into the gang of misfits as the bondage expert. IT by day and BDSM expert by night he is intrigued by her and takes her on as a student. What one would think is that would mean that the student and teacher would be involved, but that is far from the case. Mikey takes on the title of "Sir Michael" and takes Leigh on a journey of learning how to respectfully and appropriately bring BDSM into your life.
I knew nothing about this community or lifestyle and reading it from this perspective is so intriguing. Gerry Pelser's character development is something very few authors I've read could hold a light to. Each character and each story line is built out with such detail even though it's a work of fiction you would swear that it happened in front of your eyes. Only reason I ticked my rating down a star is I felt like the middle of the book got a bit repetitive for me but once I got to the last quarter of the book, I FLEW through because the action is just addicting in it.
Thank you Gerry Pelser, Author Collective, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I was so happy I got the opportunity to read this story.
Leigh is a successful photographer, she seems to have the life with a handsome boyfriend, thriving business, and not lacking for anything. But a part of her feels off, not just in the sense she's finally battling with braces to adjust her lifelong over-formed bite but she doesn't feel fulfilled as she would like. Then one day, she ends up with a client at the club of misfits called the Asylum and ends up meeting Mikey. Mikey or "Just Mikey" fits into the gang of misfits as the bondage expert. IT by day and BDSM expert by night he is intrigued by her and takes her on as a student. What one would think is that would mean that the student and teacher would be involved, but that is far from the case. Mikey takes on the title of "Sir Michael" and takes Leigh on a journey of learning how to respectfully and appropriately bring BDSM into your life.
I knew nothing about this community or lifestyle and reading it from this perspective is so intriguing. Gerry Pelser's character development is something very few authors I've read could hold a light to. Each character and each story line is built out with such detail even though it's a work of fiction you would swear that it happened in front of your eyes. Only reason I ticked my rating down a star is I felt like the middle of the book got a bit repetitive for me but once I got to the last quarter of the book, I FLEW through because the action is just addicting in it.
Thank you Gerry Pelser, Author Collective, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I was so happy I got the opportunity to read this story.
April 28, 2025
My Rating - ★½
Leigh was a photographer. She had a weird bone structure or body structure or something like that. She had to wear headgear but she hated it and avoided wearing it often. She got herself a boyfriend, Wayne who was a druggie. Meanwhile, Mikey was an odd man until he stumbled upon the BDSM side of the club, Asylum. Got famous there after learning rope tactics. Anyway, Leigh and Mikey met and Leigh was fascinated by BDSM and wanted him to teach her. One thing led to another and Mikey became her dom. And nope, this was nothing like the BDSM we read often. Leigh still had her boyfriend and certainly seemed like leading two lives. Mikey fell in love with her. He never had a girlfriend and hell, he was a virgin. Hearing that, Leigh wanted him to experience how making love was like which he did with her. Then when Wayne learned about her fetishes he manhandled and raped her. Mikey came to rescue but he got nothing on him. Detective Johnny made sure he was punished. Wayne I mean. Also, Leigh wanted space from Mikey but came back after a few weeks. They became girlfriend-boyfriend.🙄
My Feelings -
I wanted to love it. But there was nothing to love. There was nothing erotic or romantic substances in this book at all. Pages after pages. Nothing. I skimmed a lot and didn't even missed anything.
Leigh was a photographer. She had a weird bone structure or body structure or something like that. She had to wear headgear but she hated it and avoided wearing it often. She got herself a boyfriend, Wayne who was a druggie. Meanwhile, Mikey was an odd man until he stumbled upon the BDSM side of the club, Asylum. Got famous there after learning rope tactics. Anyway, Leigh and Mikey met and Leigh was fascinated by BDSM and wanted him to teach her. One thing led to another and Mikey became her dom. And nope, this was nothing like the BDSM we read often. Leigh still had her boyfriend and certainly seemed like leading two lives. Mikey fell in love with her. He never had a girlfriend and hell, he was a virgin. Hearing that, Leigh wanted him to experience how making love was like which he did with her. Then when Wayne learned about her fetishes he manhandled and raped her. Mikey came to rescue but he got nothing on him. Detective Johnny made sure he was punished. Wayne I mean. Also, Leigh wanted space from Mikey but came back after a few weeks. They became girlfriend-boyfriend.🙄
My Feelings -
I wanted to love it. But there was nothing to love. There was nothing erotic or romantic substances in this book at all. Pages after pages. Nothing. I skimmed a lot and didn't even missed anything.
October 9, 2018
We all discover ourselves as we travel through the nonfiction called life. We learn what we like and don't like by experience. Direct or indirect. Often per chance. We get to know people. People who turn out to be teachers or students, often both. Some become friends and/or lovers. Some we loose along the way. "Discovering Leigh" is a window into the life of (you guessed it) Leigh. Every character, however, is striking in his/her own turbulent history and deeply honest.
Judging from the cover I was expecting something a bit sexy. Sophisticated. I wasn't disappointed. I did not expect however, the depth or the scope of insight into the human condition. These characters are real and believable.
There are no 50 shades of nothingness to read. And thank goodness for that. The theme of bondage is explored both intellectually and emotionally. Boy was I surprised?!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Discovering Leigh". I am looking forward to seeing what some, if not all (Wayne), will be revealing about themselves in upcoming sequels.
Not a book for immature readers.
Judging from the cover I was expecting something a bit sexy. Sophisticated. I wasn't disappointed. I did not expect however, the depth or the scope of insight into the human condition. These characters are real and believable.
There are no 50 shades of nothingness to read. And thank goodness for that. The theme of bondage is explored both intellectually and emotionally. Boy was I surprised?!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Discovering Leigh". I am looking forward to seeing what some, if not all (Wayne), will be revealing about themselves in upcoming sequels.
Not a book for immature readers.
April 5, 2018
EL James unleashed 50 Shades of Grey on the world. In an instant the world got the over-commercialized and popularized "Mommy Porn" idea of the concepts of BDSM. This is Pelser's second book, his first being a work of non-fiction, and his foray into the realm of fiction is pretty damn good for a debut. Pelser challenges the "50 shades" view with Discovering Leigh. This is a beautiful read. Leigh is described so beautifully that one can easily fall in love with her. A love story that is as kinky as a coil spring.
Gritty and raw and true to the craft. Dear reader, if you are exploring your kinky side, feel free to read EL James first. Then watch "The Secretary" with Maggie Gyllenhal and James Spader. Then ground your newfound views with Discovering Leigh. An exceptional exploration of that which we don't want to talk about . As they say on the paperbacks: "Two Thumbs Up"
Gritty and raw and true to the craft. Dear reader, if you are exploring your kinky side, feel free to read EL James first. Then watch "The Secretary" with Maggie Gyllenhal and James Spader. Then ground your newfound views with Discovering Leigh. An exceptional exploration of that which we don't want to talk about . As they say on the paperbacks: "Two Thumbs Up"
September 27, 2018
I found this book to be quite an unexpectedly 'tender' tale of a journey into the discovery of BDSM. I loved Gerry's character portrayals and had the impression, from the beginning that he knew the people in the book personally. I must say that writing & publishing in your second language is challenging and there were quite a few typos in the book. However, this did not detract from the story, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Looking forward to the next one, Gerry! P.S. If you're looking for material.........;)
April 18, 2018
So honestly, this is not a book I'd normally read. at all.
But this is not a book you can classify in any type of genre, honestly. It's such a unique book, that it really is a one of its kind.
Discovering Leigh. is definitely a book that I really struggle to put into words. It’s NOT just about BDSM and the laws and theory behind it. It is a book full of emotional conflict, questioning the mold society sets for you, discovering yourself and understanding your world better.
Gerry creates a world where characters are relatable, understandable, and likeable. Not only can I see into the heads of the characters, I can also understand how and why they make the decisions they make.
The part I love the most is the fact that his characters are completely human. Their good sides, and bad sides are put on display, and where you usually cringe when you see the flaws of the characters, in this book you love them.
The book is not overly romantic. But it’s a beautiful romance novel. The way you fall in love, the way you start loving someone, the way you lie to yourself and the way you become honest with yourself is really well captured in this book, which makes it so special to me.
As the book progresses, Leigh (obviously) discovers aspects about herself and she becomes comfortable with these new discoveries. You can see how it starts to influence her whole life, how she changes in small ways and eventually, she has to undergo the ultimate test to see if she stays true to herself.
But this is not a book you can classify in any type of genre, honestly. It's such a unique book, that it really is a one of its kind.
Discovering Leigh. is definitely a book that I really struggle to put into words. It’s NOT just about BDSM and the laws and theory behind it. It is a book full of emotional conflict, questioning the mold society sets for you, discovering yourself and understanding your world better.
Gerry creates a world where characters are relatable, understandable, and likeable. Not only can I see into the heads of the characters, I can also understand how and why they make the decisions they make.
The part I love the most is the fact that his characters are completely human. Their good sides, and bad sides are put on display, and where you usually cringe when you see the flaws of the characters, in this book you love them.
The book is not overly romantic. But it’s a beautiful romance novel. The way you fall in love, the way you start loving someone, the way you lie to yourself and the way you become honest with yourself is really well captured in this book, which makes it so special to me.
As the book progresses, Leigh (obviously) discovers aspects about herself and she becomes comfortable with these new discoveries. You can see how it starts to influence her whole life, how she changes in small ways and eventually, she has to undergo the ultimate test to see if she stays true to herself.
June 4, 2018
Once I started reading, I could not put this book down and was really disappointed that I finished reading it so quickly. It is a thoroughly enjoyable read and is interesting, funny, and educating. This is not your typical boy meets girl love story, but is a love story without the gushy, soppy clichés that we often find in romance novels. BDSM is woven into the story but does not overpower or become the main thread/topic and has educated me and changed the stereotypes I had of Dom's and BDSM. The characters are real, approachable and likeable (except for Wayne) and I was drawn into the lives of Mickey and Leigh and feel like I know them personally, in fact, I wish they were real so I could befriend them. In short, this is a beautiful well written book and I hope that the writer will continue with this journey that Mickey and Leigh have embarked on.
October 5, 2024
I felt bound to this book after the first two chapters. Admittedly, I had a hard time getting into it but once I was hooked, I was completely at its mercy. Leigh is a spitfire; a woman I hope to emulate in my own life. She’s overcome so much, physically, and is strong in who she is. Michael felt familiar. He was confident in himself, his training, and in the ability to help Leigh experience the freedom she’s always dreamed of. This book has self discovery, for both parties. I am honestly struggling with words to describe it. I feel like I experienced Leigh’s experiences and I’m struggling to feel reality around me again.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 6, 2018
This was at the same time a difficult read and yet unputdownable. Difficult, not in a bad way, but because there were times I had to digest it, give it great thought, challenge my own preconceptions and then move on. Human nature has always fascinated me and Gerry has gone a long way in opening up new perceptions to me in this book . If only we all, honestly, lived by those rules stipulated at the beginning of the book, hell, we'd be a way better species. I look forward to future writing from Gerry.
March 28, 2020
Our heroine is shy and just not sure what she is looking for. So when she stumbles upon a shibari master willing to teach her, she discovers more than she expected.
This is first and foremost a romance, and perhaps a coming of age story, with BDSM as an element, but not the focus. The focus is on our heroine and her journey. This is not really what I was expecting, but I found myself drawn into the story and the more I read, the more I liked it. There is a bit more angst and introspection than I usually look for in my escapism, but I found I liked the personal growth even more. I felt the story was well written and the characters solid. Overall, a very enjoyable story.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes
This is first and foremost a romance, and perhaps a coming of age story, with BDSM as an element, but not the focus. The focus is on our heroine and her journey. This is not really what I was expecting, but I found myself drawn into the story and the more I read, the more I liked it. There is a bit more angst and introspection than I usually look for in my escapism, but I found I liked the personal growth even more. I felt the story was well written and the characters solid. Overall, a very enjoyable story.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes
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February 12, 2019This was simply one of the best books I have read in a long time. Once I started reading I simply had to make time to carry on reading. Thank you for allowing me to peak into this unknown world of bdsm.
March 12, 2018
One of the most riveting books I have read in the last few years. It drew me in and made me want to explore this alternative lifestyle. Very well written. I await the sequel.
June 7, 2018
I am impressed by the way this book is written. It makes you want to continue reading. Love this book very much so far. Well done!
February 5, 2020
This is an unexpected story. This is not your typical BDSM story. the characters Were interesting and the story line was fun
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 19, 2018
A whole new world was revealed to me when I read "Discovering Leigh". The culture of BDSM is not just about whips & nipple clamps or billionaires with kinky upbringings - it is a twilight theatre of beauty, freedom, respect, creativity, self expression and even love!
Mickey and Leigh are exceptionally accessible and believable characters and their journey to discover themselves and ultimately each other is a road the reader will enjoy taking with them.
I was sad when I finished this book and can't wait for a sequel.
Mickey and Leigh are exceptionally accessible and believable characters and their journey to discover themselves and ultimately each other is a road the reader will enjoy taking with them.
I was sad when I finished this book and can't wait for a sequel.
December 26, 2018
What a great read.
I have to say i truly enjoyed this book. Its not your typical BDMS story and that is what I love about it. I also really loved Leigh and Mikey.
I have to say i truly enjoyed this book. Its not your typical BDMS story and that is what I love about it. I also really loved Leigh and Mikey.
January 25, 2019
Love the local feel of the book! Leigh is a character that many women can relate to. Very interesting read and well written.
July 24, 2018
I read Discovering Leigh expecting a mommy porn novel. Having never read a mommy porn I wasn't sure what to expect but I was so pleasantly surprised.
I struggled to get into the book at first but after the 5th chapter I was hooked, I was drawn deeper in into the world of each character, it was quite difficult to put down.
This book is most definitely not mommy porn, or any kind of porn for that matter, it spoke to a number of personal inner demons and was spot on with relating to a lot of "taboo" subject matter like depression and then ofcourse bondage.
I lived the experiences with each character, I cried with them, I laughed with them, I got nervous with them.
I learnt a few new things about myself, I finally got to see what goes in behind 'black curtains' at bondage parties and it is not at all what I expected.
This is no vulgar portrayal of sex while hand cuffed to the bed, nor is it a book about a narcissist controlling another person for his own satisfaction.
The 'twist' suspense ending had me in tears, I threw the book down and had to get a glass of wine to finish to chapter. And when it was over, I cried some more.
For Gerry's first fiction novel this was an amazing read, it left me wanting more. I was so sad to put the book down... I want to know what happens next.
This is an amazingly easy read, easy to get into, easy to get stuck into, easy to want more and more.
I can't wait for Gerry's next book.
I struggled to get into the book at first but after the 5th chapter I was hooked, I was drawn deeper in into the world of each character, it was quite difficult to put down.
This book is most definitely not mommy porn, or any kind of porn for that matter, it spoke to a number of personal inner demons and was spot on with relating to a lot of "taboo" subject matter like depression and then ofcourse bondage.
I lived the experiences with each character, I cried with them, I laughed with them, I got nervous with them.
I learnt a few new things about myself, I finally got to see what goes in behind 'black curtains' at bondage parties and it is not at all what I expected.
This is no vulgar portrayal of sex while hand cuffed to the bed, nor is it a book about a narcissist controlling another person for his own satisfaction.
The 'twist' suspense ending had me in tears, I threw the book down and had to get a glass of wine to finish to chapter. And when it was over, I cried some more.
For Gerry's first fiction novel this was an amazing read, it left me wanting more. I was so sad to put the book down... I want to know what happens next.
This is an amazingly easy read, easy to get into, easy to get stuck into, easy to want more and more.
I can't wait for Gerry's next book.
July 3, 2018
This was very different to what I thought is was going to be. To say that I loved it would be an understatement.
For a first time Fiction author I think that Gerry has done really well. This novel is written from the heart, his characters are very real.
I thought that I would read this novel and then move on to the next book on my "To be read" list. I have not been able to do that and have a strong suspicion that I'll be re-reading this book again shortly.
The story flows and the highs and lows are like being on a roller-coaster. I laughed out loud and found myself reading passages out loud to my husband. I cried and became totally overcome in places. Time ceased to exist while reading, I was late for work more than once.
Read it with an Open mind and enjoy it, I DID! It gave me an insight into a way of life that I have speculated on for a long time...
For a first time Fiction author I think that Gerry has done really well. This novel is written from the heart, his characters are very real.
I thought that I would read this novel and then move on to the next book on my "To be read" list. I have not been able to do that and have a strong suspicion that I'll be re-reading this book again shortly.
The story flows and the highs and lows are like being on a roller-coaster. I laughed out loud and found myself reading passages out loud to my husband. I cried and became totally overcome in places. Time ceased to exist while reading, I was late for work more than once.
Read it with an Open mind and enjoy it, I DID! It gave me an insight into a way of life that I have speculated on for a long time...
June 16, 2018
As a friend of the author I was asked to just “read through for me and give me some feedback please”. On the very first page I found a spelling mistake ..... and the rest is history ... I honestly could not put the book down .. it is a compelling read - but written with a very international flair - Gerry takes one into a world totally new to many readers - and familiar to others .. the attention to detail is amazing, the references to photography obviously from a very well accomplished photographer - which Gerry is - I am an avid reader with a huge range of subject that are of interest to me... honestly ? This is an absolute must read ... and no - no spoilers ... READ IT !!
February 5, 2020
I usually do not read other reviews prior to writing my own, but I was surprised by the ratings I saw. Maybe we were reading different books, I'm not sure, but this was not an enjoyable read for me. I felt the author was trying to write some epic romance that just didn't click with me. Leigh was a quirky, self absorbed, almost childish at times character and I found too much. I liked Mikey (Sir Michael), he was intense, but kind, strict but fair. I. felt the author had a word count obsession that wasn't at all necessary to write this story. Not a fan!
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.
July 30, 2018
Gerry has an extraordinary mind. With attention to detail which most people overlook, his ability to turn “ordinary” people’s lives into riveting stories with great care, detail, comfort, context, character and texture is truly amazing. You read a page, and before you know it you are captivated and transported to the deepest pleasures of the mind. He makes you want more, see more and discover more than you could have imagined you could imagine. You discover a lot more than Leigh. A fantastic read, highly recommended!
August 3, 2018
Compliments to Gerry Pelser who authored this book. Easy to read writing style and well executed descriptions that sets the stage for this book. Discovering Leigh was a treat to read. I enjoyed the non-cliche and surprise characteristics of the two main characters and the excellent character development that took place. The book gives an informative yet fascinating glimpse into a world that was not known to me and challenged many preconceived ideas that I had about it. Finished the book in one day and enjoyed every moment. A must read.
August 28, 2018
This book has excellent character development. The story line is immersive and whisks you to a world of BDSM. This story has a unique way to tantalize all the senses and visualise the scene taking place. This book had me laughing, angry, crying and the effects remained with me days later. The author has a unique attention to detail a definite read.
May 30, 2018
This is not just a "tie her up and have your way with her book". There is so much more to it. Such a beautiful, honest, real story with relateable characters. Honestly, I couldn't put it down. This is an absolute must read!
June 12, 2018
READ IT! ITS WORTH IT!
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