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Governor Trilogy #1
Governor
(Governor Trilogy - Book 1, mmf, political romance)
I kneel for only one man—Carter Wilson, my best friend, chief of staff, and bastard extraordinaire.
It’s a price I willingly pay to be owned by Her.
His wife.
Who is also, as of when we were sworn in this morning, my lieutenant governor.
I am Owen Taylor, governor of the great state of Florida.
I kneel for only one man—Carter Wilson, my best friend, chief of staff, and bastard extraordinaire.
It’s a price I willingly pay to be owned by Her.
His wife.
Who is also, as of when we were sworn in this morning, my lieutenant governor.
I am Owen Taylor, governor of the great state of Florida.
ebook
First published August 30, 2018
284 people are currently reading
1555 people want to read
About the author
Lesli Richardson
175 books445 followersLesli Richardson is the writer behind the curtain of her better-known and more prolific USA Today Bestselling Author pen name, Tymber Dalton (her "wild child" side). She lives in the Tampa Bay region of Florida with her spouse and too many pets of various species. When she's not playing D&D with her friends or shooting skeet, she's a part-time Viking shield-maiden in training, among other pursuits. The two-time EPIC award winner is also the author of over two hundred and fifty books and counting.
She lives in her own little world, but it's okay, because they all know her there.
She also loves to hear from readers! Please check out her website for links, and to sign up for updates to keep abreast of the latest news, snarkage, and releases. There you'll also find reading order lists, and more information about her different series.
She lives in her own little world, but it's okay, because they all know her there.
She also loves to hear from readers! Please check out her website for links, and to sign up for updates to keep abreast of the latest news, snarkage, and releases. There you'll also find reading order lists, and more information about her different series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
January 28, 2019
Owen Taylor:
“I want to…take care of someone, you know?”
“Take care of them how?”
“Be of service to them.”
The Governor trilogy consumed me this weekend and I have no regrets about it. The story of Owen, Susa and Carter basically ticked a few important boxes for me:
1. It is a really good MMF, i.e. no individual in the triad is more important than the other. The girl is not left out like in many other MMF stories. She is clever, witty, beautiful and ambitious. This becomes clearer in the second book of the trilogy. In this first book it looks that mostly everything is about Carter and Owen, but this is Owen's point of view and he is mainly wolfed down by Carter.
2. It is a good BDSM, i.e. it is obviously written by someone who knows what she is talking about. There is mutual consent in every step of the way and enough explanations and understanding by the two less experienced members of the relationship. Carter plainly is the most experienced and he gives both of his loyal pets room to catch their breath and think if they really want this.
3. It is a solid very complicated story that you need to read all three books to completely understand each main character's actions and ways of thinking. I have to add here that the events do not happen in a straight line. There is a lot going backwards in the past and fast forwards in the future. The story of Carter, Owen and Susa and how they influenced the political scene in USA expands, intertwines and adapts in a period of more than 20 years.
4. The characters are so beautifully developed that I could truly relate to them and cheer for them all the way.
5. It is not a Cinderella story where the prince saves his princess and the other prince and they live happily ever after lost in their happiness and far and away from the bad people who want to tear them apart. There is a constant battle for success and individual happiness that it becomes obvious in the end of book 3 that they need to keep fighting in order to have the things they want for ever as they live in a fragile bubble.
6. There are so many conspiracy theories in the story, that they can make even a political romance (not my favourite kind of books I assure you I hate politics) so interesting .
She points her fork at him. “We need to get you elected.”
He slowly shakes his head. “Not me.” He nods toward me. “Owen is the face. I’d be happy to be the power behind the throne for him.” Our gazes lock, and I believe him.
Totally.
Then he looks at Susa. “Or for you.”
She studies both of us for a long moment. “Gentlemen,” she says. “Not to sound clichéd, but I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
So in the first book Owen introduces himself. The son of an abusive mother and an absent father. The boy who wants to please and so far his mother took advantage of this “imperfection” will meet the man who will make him believe in himself and his dreams and who will make him realise that this “imperfection” is truly a power.
Owen is 21, Susa is 19 and Carter is 28. Carter started his studies late because he was in the army first and Susa comes from a family in politics. They will meet first time in college, they will be infatuated with each other and they will start their first plans in order to make Owen the governor of Florida for 8 years and Susa his successor.
Highly recommended if you loved the New Camelot Trilogy by Sierra Simone since they are both political MMF romance, although I believe the Governor Trilogy has a different direction. It is more "fact and reality" based and less poetic.
“Take care of them how?”
“Be of service to them.”
The Governor trilogy consumed me this weekend and I have no regrets about it. The story of Owen, Susa and Carter basically ticked a few important boxes for me:
1. It is a really good MMF, i.e. no individual in the triad is more important than the other. The girl is not left out like in many other MMF stories. She is clever, witty, beautiful and ambitious. This becomes clearer in the second book of the trilogy. In this first book it looks that mostly everything is about Carter and Owen, but this is Owen's point of view and he is mainly wolfed down by Carter.
2. It is a good BDSM, i.e. it is obviously written by someone who knows what she is talking about. There is mutual consent in every step of the way and enough explanations and understanding by the two less experienced members of the relationship. Carter plainly is the most experienced and he gives both of his loyal pets room to catch their breath and think if they really want this.
3. It is a solid very complicated story that you need to read all three books to completely understand each main character's actions and ways of thinking. I have to add here that the events do not happen in a straight line. There is a lot going backwards in the past and fast forwards in the future. The story of Carter, Owen and Susa and how they influenced the political scene in USA expands, intertwines and adapts in a period of more than 20 years.
4. The characters are so beautifully developed that I could truly relate to them and cheer for them all the way.
5. It is not a Cinderella story where the prince saves his princess and the other prince and they live happily ever after lost in their happiness and far and away from the bad people who want to tear them apart. There is a constant battle for success and individual happiness that it becomes obvious in the end of book 3 that they need to keep fighting in order to have the things they want for ever as they live in a fragile bubble.
6. There are so many conspiracy theories in the story, that they can make even a political romance (not my favourite kind of books I assure you I hate politics) so interesting .
She points her fork at him. “We need to get you elected.”
He slowly shakes his head. “Not me.” He nods toward me. “Owen is the face. I’d be happy to be the power behind the throne for him.” Our gazes lock, and I believe him.
Totally.
Then he looks at Susa. “Or for you.”
She studies both of us for a long moment. “Gentlemen,” she says. “Not to sound clichéd, but I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
So in the first book Owen introduces himself. The son of an abusive mother and an absent father. The boy who wants to please and so far his mother took advantage of this “imperfection” will meet the man who will make him believe in himself and his dreams and who will make him realise that this “imperfection” is truly a power.
Owen is 21, Susa is 19 and Carter is 28. Carter started his studies late because he was in the army first and Susa comes from a family in politics. They will meet first time in college, they will be infatuated with each other and they will start their first plans in order to make Owen the governor of Florida for 8 years and Susa his successor.
Highly recommended if you loved the New Camelot Trilogy by Sierra Simone since they are both political MMF romance, although I believe the Governor Trilogy has a different direction. It is more "fact and reality" based and less poetic.
January 1, 2023
The story begins when the time Carter and Owen met at the dorm as roommates. Carter took care of Owen and they got closer forming a solid friendship where Carter 'adopts' Owen as his little brother. Carter was 28 and Owen was 20 of I remember it correctly. In class they met Susa who is a daddy's girl who is rich, smart, and outgoing. The three of them would cook and hang out in Susa's home.
I really don't want to give this a 5 stars because I felt betrayed when Owen was left out at the time Susa and Carter secretly married in Las Vegas.🤯
It was so unfair and they knew Owen had insecurity issues (from his narcissistic mum and household issues, he suffered from emotional abuse since young). Yet, they still used this to tie him down. Now he doesn't have an actual relationship status with them besides from being Carter's best friend and roommate and Susa's friend. The fact that Owen lets this slide was beyond me. He felt betrayed but he still begged to stay with them because he was horny and 'well trained.' He did not even question them and continued staying with them makes me so frustrated at how weak he was. He totally fell into Carter's manipulating schemes. Carter's reason for the secret marriage with Susa just doesn't add up. He says he wants to take everything away from Owen. Everything that he loves and weaves himself into Owen's life so that Owen cannot leave him. He told that to Owen and I cant believe that Owen cried from happy tears. SMH. 😑
I would have loved for there to be a scene where Owen walks away and Carter regrets his decisions and chases after him. I really want that haha.
Owen 'loves' Susa since the moment he laid eyes on her. Carter loves Owen and decided to make Susa his in order to tie Owen down with them. He later falls for Susa too. Susa loves Carter and likes Owen. This is what I got from the book but I think that Owen actually loves Carter more that Susa. The way he relies on Carter and the way he says Susa is second to him is funny. He says he would do anything for her and loves her yet to him Susa is second. This is justified since Carter is akin to an older brother to Owen.
I like Susa a lot. She is intelligent, funny, and kind but she just doesn't BELONG here. In Owen's point of view the way I read it feels as if she is a third wheeler even though he says he loves her. Carter is the masterplanner and the dom. Owen is so submissive and a slave boy who enjoys taking care of others. Now he can't even think for himself and follows Carter's every order. UGH.
Even though I ranted so much I would still give this book a 5 stars because it's just that good. I was swept away even though I did not give a damn about politics. It was genuinely entertaining. I struggle with menage a lot since I find it wrong and this one isn't helping much. I still feel like Susa should get out of the picture. I do believe that if I read Susa's pov which is the next book, I might feel different but I think I'll skip her book. 😅😅
I really don't want to give this a 5 stars because I felt betrayed when Owen was left out at the time Susa and Carter secretly married in Las Vegas.🤯
It was so unfair and they knew Owen had insecurity issues (from his narcissistic mum and household issues, he suffered from emotional abuse since young). Yet, they still used this to tie him down. Now he doesn't have an actual relationship status with them besides from being Carter's best friend and roommate and Susa's friend. The fact that Owen lets this slide was beyond me. He felt betrayed but he still begged to stay with them because he was horny and 'well trained.' He did not even question them and continued staying with them makes me so frustrated at how weak he was. He totally fell into Carter's manipulating schemes. Carter's reason for the secret marriage with Susa just doesn't add up. He says he wants to take everything away from Owen. Everything that he loves and weaves himself into Owen's life so that Owen cannot leave him. He told that to Owen and I cant believe that Owen cried from happy tears. SMH. 😑
I would have loved for there to be a scene where Owen walks away and Carter regrets his decisions and chases after him. I really want that haha.
Owen 'loves' Susa since the moment he laid eyes on her. Carter loves Owen and decided to make Susa his in order to tie Owen down with them. He later falls for Susa too. Susa loves Carter and likes Owen. This is what I got from the book but I think that Owen actually loves Carter more that Susa. The way he relies on Carter and the way he says Susa is second to him is funny. He says he would do anything for her and loves her yet to him Susa is second. This is justified since Carter is akin to an older brother to Owen.
I like Susa a lot. She is intelligent, funny, and kind but she just doesn't BELONG here. In Owen's point of view the way I read it feels as if she is a third wheeler even though he says he loves her. Carter is the masterplanner and the dom. Owen is so submissive and a slave boy who enjoys taking care of others. Now he can't even think for himself and follows Carter's every order. UGH.
Even though I ranted so much I would still give this book a 5 stars because it's just that good. I was swept away even though I did not give a damn about politics. It was genuinely entertaining. I struggle with menage a lot since I find it wrong and this one isn't helping much. I still feel like Susa should get out of the picture. I do believe that if I read Susa's pov which is the next book, I might feel different but I think I'll skip her book. 😅😅
June 21, 2023
3,8. What a ride!
They talk a lot about politics ( of course), and BDSM lifestyle . Not my cup of tea 🤷🏻♀️
It’s 🔥.
They talk a lot about politics ( of course), and BDSM lifestyle . Not my cup of tea 🤷🏻♀️
It’s 🔥.
October 12, 2018
3.5 stars
December 28, 2021
I HATED IT. DNF 65% (If I could give negative stars I would)
I'm so fucking pissed off that I'm crying while writing this reivew.
There is such a huge importance to have open and honest converstaion between partners and what Carter and Susa did to Owen in my opinion is so fucking horrible. My heart is so broken and devistated.
Rant and unethical BDSM practice
This book can seriously go to hell
God, I've never cried so much about a situation in a book before.
I wish this book was just about Carter and Owen they had some awesome chemistry.
I'm so fucking pissed off that I'm crying while writing this reivew.
There is such a huge importance to have open and honest converstaion between partners and what Carter and Susa did to Owen in my opinion is so fucking horrible. My heart is so broken and devistated.
Rant and unethical BDSM practice
This book can seriously go to hell
God, I've never cried so much about a situation in a book before.
I wish this book was just about Carter and Owen they had some awesome chemistry.
September 2, 2018
This was something out of the ordinary for me to read, a book with a lot of political standings but the author did this so well, that I was instantly drawn into the storyline. Told from the view point of Owen, I loved the background and the slow buildup of the relationship between the 3 characters. I can't wait to see where books 2, and eventually 3, lead us.
May 10, 2021
An avid fan of Ms. Dalton's, I decided to buy and try her alter-ego, Ms. Richardson. Or is it the other way around? Regardless, I expected to have a solid romance with characters I would either love to hate or just love. What I did not expect was the amount of kinky erotic. For this, I am pleased and excited. What I also didn't expect, was to enjoy the politics of this book. Full disclosure, I'm a follower of Ms. Dalton on facebook. In one of groups, it is extremely left leaning and they don't welcome those with conservative leanings. I put this in here because I'm surprised by how balanced the politics is in here compared to what I've seen her vocal fan base post.
I am not a bit fan of political themes. I'm also not a fan of reading stories by authors I liked writing about politics because generally they swing to one extreme or the other. Neither appeal to me. The caricatures of either side of the fence usually comes across heavy handed and lecturing. It there is one thing I hate in books and will pretty much rate it as a DNF or 1 star is if an author gets into a lecturing mode in the book. This book is far from lecturing. This book is a beautiful love story between three friends who have career aspirations that align.
One of this author's particular strengths is writing about strong bonds - be it family, friends or lovers. Strong may be positive or negative. She tends to make extremes to contrast between the good and bad. Make no mistakes, there are clear lines of good and bad, right and wrong in her books. The bad "mother" or "father" is a heinous unconscionable demon from the depths of hell. There is nothing redeeming about them. They are horrible in every facet. In this one, it is all about Owen's mother. She is a witch.
Owen is a delicious man who lacks self esteem. His childhood is one of neglect and constant emotional abuse. He's like that lanky puppy with sad eyes who hides in the corner and flinches when anyone comes near him. Yet he is starved for attention. It will take years of loving reassurance to break him out of his patterns learned at a young age. My heart breaks for him. When he meets Carter in college and then Susa, his life changes forever. He just does not know it.
This is the first in a trilogy of how a MMF triad can work so beautifully. I fell in love with each of the characters. Owen is a sweetheart. Susa is a determined women who knows the limitations placed on women and she still works around the obstacles. Carter is the man who appeals to me the most. He is a dominant in all the right ways... for me. I'd be a puddle around him just like Susa and Owen.
This is a masterfully woven tale of kinky erotica and career aspirations. The switching between current and past timeline is nicely done. Seeing from different character view points also helped enhance the story. This kinky erotica is recommended to menage lovers who enjoy politics.
I am not a bit fan of political themes. I'm also not a fan of reading stories by authors I liked writing about politics because generally they swing to one extreme or the other. Neither appeal to me. The caricatures of either side of the fence usually comes across heavy handed and lecturing. It there is one thing I hate in books and will pretty much rate it as a DNF or 1 star is if an author gets into a lecturing mode in the book. This book is far from lecturing. This book is a beautiful love story between three friends who have career aspirations that align.
One of this author's particular strengths is writing about strong bonds - be it family, friends or lovers. Strong may be positive or negative. She tends to make extremes to contrast between the good and bad. Make no mistakes, there are clear lines of good and bad, right and wrong in her books. The bad "mother" or "father" is a heinous unconscionable demon from the depths of hell. There is nothing redeeming about them. They are horrible in every facet. In this one, it is all about Owen's mother. She is a witch.
Owen is a delicious man who lacks self esteem. His childhood is one of neglect and constant emotional abuse. He's like that lanky puppy with sad eyes who hides in the corner and flinches when anyone comes near him. Yet he is starved for attention. It will take years of loving reassurance to break him out of his patterns learned at a young age. My heart breaks for him. When he meets Carter in college and then Susa, his life changes forever. He just does not know it.
This is the first in a trilogy of how a MMF triad can work so beautifully. I fell in love with each of the characters. Owen is a sweetheart. Susa is a determined women who knows the limitations placed on women and she still works around the obstacles. Carter is the man who appeals to me the most. He is a dominant in all the right ways... for me. I'd be a puddle around him just like Susa and Owen.
This is a masterfully woven tale of kinky erotica and career aspirations. The switching between current and past timeline is nicely done. Seeing from different character view points also helped enhance the story. This kinky erotica is recommended to menage lovers who enjoy politics.
August 31, 2018
Great story about three people and how they came together.
This book is Owen’s and his POV on how he became the governor of Florida.
Love, pain, acceptance, happiness and an understanding of true family.
Looking forward to Susa’s book next.
This book is Owen’s and his POV on how he became the governor of Florida.
Love, pain, acceptance, happiness and an understanding of true family.
Looking forward to Susa’s book next.
September 4, 2018
OMG! MMF BDSM...chills...just chills. I was wondering if this book could live up to my expectations to be super steamy plus leave me wanting more and boy, did it ever! Owen, Carter and Susa just are perfect together but Carter is like a super mastermind. He knows what he wants and that man just goes for it...figuring out the long game and thinking ten moves ahead. Impressive! Owen is the gorgeous, submissive man who caught his roommate's eye and fell for his beautiful classmate. He's extremely sweet and so giving. Susa is confident and goal oriented. She is ready to work for what she wants and the woman is successful on her own. They all can get what they want and it's addictive to read how they move forward as a secret triad in the world of politics. I can't wait to see what happens next in Susa's book...the Lieutenant. This trilogy is my drug and I can't give it up!
Want to read
December 21, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (12/21/2018)! 💝
Blurb:
I kneel for only one man—Carter Wilson, my best friend, chief of staff, and bastard extraordinaire.
It’s a price I willingly pay to be owned by Her.
His wife.
Who is also, as of when we were sworn in this morning, my lieutenant governor.
I am Owen Taylor, governor of the great state of Florida.
Blurb:
I kneel for only one man—Carter Wilson, my best friend, chief of staff, and bastard extraordinaire.
It’s a price I willingly pay to be owned by Her.
His wife.
Who is also, as of when we were sworn in this morning, my lieutenant governor.
I am Owen Taylor, governor of the great state of Florida.
August 31, 2018
Wow- This book really got under my skin. I don't think it has taken me as long to read a book as this one. It was full of political info, all of which I found interesting. It took me a while to digest it.
Ms. Richardson takes us into the mind and life of Owen Taylor. The book is written in his POV and we are taken from his college life, where he meets and rooms with Carter Wilson, to his election as Governor of Florida. Owen and Carter share a class in which they meet Susa, the daughter of Senator Benchley Evans. They all become fast friends and depend on one another. Owen is suffering from emotional abuse from his mother while Carter suffers from nightmares stemming from his time in the military. Susa shares use of her home with them. They also start a BDSM relationship. First Carter tops Owen and they eventually bring in Susa into the play..She marries Carter and they both end up loving Owen. Owen loves Susa and, by default Carter.
The book starts in the present but then goes into the past to show how all the relationships evolved. Then it once again fast fowards back to the present. It was a compelling book and really delved into the mind of Owen. I cannot wait for the next book, which is from Susa's POV.
Ms. Richardson takes us into the mind and life of Owen Taylor. The book is written in his POV and we are taken from his college life, where he meets and rooms with Carter Wilson, to his election as Governor of Florida. Owen and Carter share a class in which they meet Susa, the daughter of Senator Benchley Evans. They all become fast friends and depend on one another. Owen is suffering from emotional abuse from his mother while Carter suffers from nightmares stemming from his time in the military. Susa shares use of her home with them. They also start a BDSM relationship. First Carter tops Owen and they eventually bring in Susa into the play..She marries Carter and they both end up loving Owen. Owen loves Susa and, by default Carter.
The book starts in the present but then goes into the past to show how all the relationships evolved. Then it once again fast fowards back to the present. It was a compelling book and really delved into the mind of Owen. I cannot wait for the next book, which is from Susa's POV.
February 2, 2021
I'll preface this review in stating that I wish I had reviewed the trilogy when I had completed all three books a few months ago. I am worried that because I am no longer fresh to this series, I may have gotten important details that would otherwise inform this review.
Nonetheless, I'll begin with the positives. This series and its characters are certainly strong enough that I am still thinking about it several months later - which is certainly a testament to the author and the world that she has built. As a BDSM practitioner, it is a nice and refreshing change that the relationship here is healthy, and for the most part, built on a foundation of consent and love. I find that far too much of the BDSM-themed erotica/romance has strong elements of kidnapping and Stockholm syndrome that I find incredibly frustrating and that I generally do not appreciate, but there is very little of that here (although there is some manipulation on the part of Carter). As a political junkie, I appreciate the series setting.
That being said, I have to be honest that I did not particularly enjoy the first book and its leading character, Owen, who is a third of the triad. I am somewhat annoyed with submissives who are unable to function without direction from their Master, and with a small, small handful of examples, Owen certainly fits the bill here. One of the central storylines of this book in particular - Owen's relationship with his mother, I did not find to be particularly compelling. Yes, lots of people have shitty parents, and Owen's never-ending whinging over it turned me off his character entirely. By that point I couldn't really tolerate him for the remainder of the series. When Susa's life is in danger in the second instalment, I was quite irritated that Carter seemed to be more concerned for Owen's emotional state, than for Susa's life and welfare. At times, I did wonder how Carter was enough to compel a strong woman like Susa to stay in this triad. I don't know if I'd be able to tolerate Owen's weaknesses just to be second fiddle out of love for a man who makes it clear that the weakest link is the most important one.
All that being said though, I did enjoy this novel, and I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
Nonetheless, I'll begin with the positives. This series and its characters are certainly strong enough that I am still thinking about it several months later - which is certainly a testament to the author and the world that she has built. As a BDSM practitioner, it is a nice and refreshing change that the relationship here is healthy, and for the most part, built on a foundation of consent and love. I find that far too much of the BDSM-themed erotica/romance has strong elements of kidnapping and Stockholm syndrome that I find incredibly frustrating and that I generally do not appreciate, but there is very little of that here (although there is some manipulation on the part of Carter). As a political junkie, I appreciate the series setting.
That being said, I have to be honest that I did not particularly enjoy the first book and its leading character, Owen, who is a third of the triad. I am somewhat annoyed with submissives who are unable to function without direction from their Master, and with a small, small handful of examples, Owen certainly fits the bill here. One of the central storylines of this book in particular - Owen's relationship with his mother, I did not find to be particularly compelling. Yes, lots of people have shitty parents, and Owen's never-ending whinging over it turned me off his character entirely. By that point I couldn't really tolerate him for the remainder of the series. When Susa's life is in danger in the second instalment, I was quite irritated that Carter seemed to be more concerned for Owen's emotional state, than for Susa's life and welfare. At times, I did wonder how Carter was enough to compel a strong woman like Susa to stay in this triad. I don't know if I'd be able to tolerate Owen's weaknesses just to be second fiddle out of love for a man who makes it clear that the weakest link is the most important one.
All that being said though, I did enjoy this novel, and I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
September 4, 2018
Politics is not normally something I read, so this one took me a little longer to read. We meet the three main characters in their college years and follow forward and back in time to get the story of them. This took me a little while to get used to but it flowed wonderfully. This book is told from Owen's side of things. How he see's and perceives everything. I fell in love with this trio along the way. Although I will say some of the decisions that are made in this book took me a little while to understand, it all makes sense as you go. I eagerly await the next book in this trilogy.
January 19, 2022
This book was OK. A lot of things felt unnecessary to me. Owen, the sensitive one, should have married the heroine instead of "Sir". It would have made the most sense in my opinion. Considering Owen comes from a really dysfunctional family, having his own wife and kids would have healed his wounds. The "Sir" could have easily played Dom for both Owen and Heroine.
It just felt like they inflicted a lot of unnecessary emotional pain on Owen even though they tried and make it seem like he was the most cherished one in the group.
It just felt like they inflicted a lot of unnecessary emotional pain on Owen even though they tried and make it seem like he was the most cherished one in the group.
August 31, 2018
Amazing!!
The first book of the trilogy was a knockout. The characters draw you from the very beginning. You are part of their world and enjoy the ups and downs along with them. (So much that I didn’t want to put it down. But adulting called...lol)
Even though this book is told from Owen’s perspective Carter and Susa are just as relatable and a focus of the story. Can’t wait for the next two books! This is a must read! I could read it all over again and it would hold my attention just like the first time!
The first book of the trilogy was a knockout. The characters draw you from the very beginning. You are part of their world and enjoy the ups and downs along with them. (So much that I didn’t want to put it down. But adulting called...lol)
Even though this book is told from Owen’s perspective Carter and Susa are just as relatable and a focus of the story. Can’t wait for the next two books! This is a must read! I could read it all over again and it would hold my attention just like the first time!
August 30, 2018
If politics was this sexy I could be tempted to show more interest than I do.
I loved the long slow buildup, letting us see and experience how the triad came to be. Seems a bit more realistic than many 30 minute wham bam ohhhh.... type romances. Though I did feel for Owen when Carter revealed what he and Susa had been up to in Vegas. That was the first time I felt a real dislike for a sadist type character. I definitely found my personal limit. That said, I cannot wait to see what they get into and up to during the next years.
I loved the long slow buildup, letting us see and experience how the triad came to be. Seems a bit more realistic than many 30 minute wham bam ohhhh.... type romances. Though I did feel for Owen when Carter revealed what he and Susa had been up to in Vegas. That was the first time I felt a real dislike for a sadist type character. I definitely found my personal limit. That said, I cannot wait to see what they get into and up to during the next years.
September 3, 2018
Wow! It's been awhile since I have read such an intriguing, fascinating book. Owen shares his story of love and politics as he looks back after winning the job of Governor of Florida. Meeting Carter and Susa has given him more than he ever thought possible. I loved the attention to detail on their beginnings and look forward to the rest of the trilogy.
February 29, 2024
⭐️1.5⭐️
This book has me fuming. The relationship dynamic here is so awful. I’ve read lots of throuple books and I usually LOVE throuples. This? Feels more like a love triangle… and I DESPISE a love triangle.
Like, why was Susa even there?? Carter admits to just using her and only marrying her to make sure he could have/control Owen forever and to use her family’s political standing to get Owen elected as governor one day. Carter blatantly says that he’s loved Owen since they met and he’s done everything for OWEN…. he doesn’t even care about Susa in all honesty. It’s even in the blurb for the next book “Carter fell in love with Owen. Owen fell in love with Susa. Susa fell in love with Carter.” That’s a FREAKING LOVE TRIANGLE, NOT a throuple.
Carter is a terrible dom. All he does is manipulate Owen and Susa. And again…. Why is Susa even here??? There was zero relationship building between Susa and either character. She’s literally just always THERE in the background. Mentioned as an after thought.
And for this being about dom/sub and BDSM, the sex scenes were terrible. They were very quick and with very little detail. We got no in depth BDSM scenes, no in depth spankings or paddling or edging scenes and the feelings those scenes evoke in the sub.
And everything is just all about OWEN. Don’t get me wrong, I loved Owen. But he’s not the only one in this relationship. That’s the point of a throuple. Everyone loves each other and each person puts each other’s needs at the forefront. But this was Carter being obsessed with Owen and manipulating him to be in a sexual relationship with him by marrying the women Owen loves and saying “Susa is now mine. If you want to be with her and have sex with her then you have to also have sex with me.” (Excuse me… what??) And then Susa just… being there. For no reason. Even Owen starts saying in his inner monologue how he loves Susa, BUT CARTER is the one he needs and cannot live without.
At the end, after they’ve all been together for 16 YEARS Carter finally tells Owen about his true feelings and intentions and even after 16 years he still says he doesn’t love Susa the way he loves Owen. Carter says ‘oh but she she’s very happy btw’ like oh is she??? If so then she’s an idiot. Because I certainly would not be happy if my HUSBAND only married me to be with someone else and very obviously loves him way more than he could even care to love me. What about the scene where Carter takes Owen to show him the houses and Owen’s asks him if he’s showed Susa the houses yet and Carters like “umm no. Why would I?” Owens like “well maybe ya know idk to get your wife’s opinion on the house that would be her home??” And Carters attitude is pretty much like nah I don’t care what she thinks, your opinion is the only one that matters and the only one I care about. *throws kindle*
And don’t even get me started on Carter making Owen try to get Susa pregnant.
At this point I just don’t understand why this book wasn’t just M/M. Because it’s definitely not a healthy MMF throuple. Idk everything about this just pissed me off and gave me the ick. There’s the smallest part of me that would like to read the next book just to actually get some perspective from Susa and maybe actually see how hers and Carters relationship develops. But then a much bigger part of me knows that it’ll probably just piss me off even more and the book isn’t free with KU and I don’t really want to pay more money just to be pissed off.
This book has me fuming. The relationship dynamic here is so awful. I’ve read lots of throuple books and I usually LOVE throuples. This? Feels more like a love triangle… and I DESPISE a love triangle.
Like, why was Susa even there?? Carter admits to just using her and only marrying her to make sure he could have/control Owen forever and to use her family’s political standing to get Owen elected as governor one day. Carter blatantly says that he’s loved Owen since they met and he’s done everything for OWEN…. he doesn’t even care about Susa in all honesty. It’s even in the blurb for the next book “Carter fell in love with Owen. Owen fell in love with Susa. Susa fell in love with Carter.” That’s a FREAKING LOVE TRIANGLE, NOT a throuple.
Carter is a terrible dom. All he does is manipulate Owen and Susa. And again…. Why is Susa even here??? There was zero relationship building between Susa and either character. She’s literally just always THERE in the background. Mentioned as an after thought.
And for this being about dom/sub and BDSM, the sex scenes were terrible. They were very quick and with very little detail. We got no in depth BDSM scenes, no in depth spankings or paddling or edging scenes and the feelings those scenes evoke in the sub.
And everything is just all about OWEN. Don’t get me wrong, I loved Owen. But he’s not the only one in this relationship. That’s the point of a throuple. Everyone loves each other and each person puts each other’s needs at the forefront. But this was Carter being obsessed with Owen and manipulating him to be in a sexual relationship with him by marrying the women Owen loves and saying “Susa is now mine. If you want to be with her and have sex with her then you have to also have sex with me.” (Excuse me… what??) And then Susa just… being there. For no reason. Even Owen starts saying in his inner monologue how he loves Susa, BUT CARTER is the one he needs and cannot live without.
At the end, after they’ve all been together for 16 YEARS Carter finally tells Owen about his true feelings and intentions and even after 16 years he still says he doesn’t love Susa the way he loves Owen. Carter says ‘oh but she she’s very happy btw’ like oh is she??? If so then she’s an idiot. Because I certainly would not be happy if my HUSBAND only married me to be with someone else and very obviously loves him way more than he could even care to love me. What about the scene where Carter takes Owen to show him the houses and Owen’s asks him if he’s showed Susa the houses yet and Carters like “umm no. Why would I?” Owens like “well maybe ya know idk to get your wife’s opinion on the house that would be her home??” And Carters attitude is pretty much like nah I don’t care what she thinks, your opinion is the only one that matters and the only one I care about. *throws kindle*
And don’t even get me started on Carter making Owen try to get Susa pregnant.
At this point I just don’t understand why this book wasn’t just M/M. Because it’s definitely not a healthy MMF throuple. Idk everything about this just pissed me off and gave me the ick. There’s the smallest part of me that would like to read the next book just to actually get some perspective from Susa and maybe actually see how hers and Carters relationship develops. But then a much bigger part of me knows that it’ll probably just piss me off even more and the book isn’t free with KU and I don’t really want to pay more money just to be pissed off.
September 10, 2018
The Governor Trilogy, Book 1. Politics has never been so hot, steamy, or controversial!
I had to think for days about how to review this book. I could never do it justice by trying to summarize it. There are book blurbs on all retailers’ websites. Several chapters of the book are available for free through a link on Tymber Dalton's website (one of Ms. Richardson’s pen names). So, I’m just going to tell you how I feel about this book and why it’s so important to me.
This is the first book in The Governor Trilogy. On the surface, it may seem like another political romance story. But it’s so much more. This book focuses on Owen Taylor, who he is, where he comes from, and how he got where he is. It’s also the story of how Owen meets Carter Wilson and Susannah Evans, the two people who turn his world upside down and change his life on every possible level. To say I was blown away by the power of this story would be an understatement of MASSIVE proportions. The emotions Lesli Richardson evoked made me truly hate some of the characters. I was in anguish over Owen’s suffering. I felt joy, utter hopelessness, love, fear, pain, and hope. Yet the story wouldn’t exist without the presence of Carter and Susa. It’s Owen’s personal story, history, who and what he is, and why he’s the way he is, that are the heart of this book. But the soul? It takes Carter and Susa with Owen to complete the soul of this book. I honestly don’t have the words to adequately express exactly what this book made me feel. These three are the most fascinating characters I have ever encountered in any book. That’s no exaggeration! I’ve never read a book that pulled me in as quickly and deeply as this one did. I was so invested in these characters that I still think of them as real people I’d love to know. I can’t overstate just how captivating this book is. Another remarkable aspect of this book is the way it’s written. It’s incredibly rare for a book to be written from a first-person point of view. What’s even rarer is for such a book to be as riveting and compelling as this one. But Lesli Richardson has done all that and more. The overwhelming emotions, multifaceted relationships, incredible detail, and utter fascination of Machiavellian politics make this one of the most powerful books I’ve ever read. Ms. Richardson’s written some of the most remarkable books I’ve ever read or reviewed (under all four of her pen names). But this is, without doubt, the best book she’s ever written. I wish there was some special rating I could give this. No mere five-star rating system can do this book justice. Congratulations, Ms. Richardson! I adored this book!
A final note. This is an ADULT book. It contains explicit language and BDSM sexual scenes. If you don't enjoy this genre, this may not be the book for you. 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 hard to provide a quality work product. If you know you'll object to a 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!
I had to think for days about how to review this book. I could never do it justice by trying to summarize it. There are book blurbs on all retailers’ websites. Several chapters of the book are available for free through a link on Tymber Dalton's website (one of Ms. Richardson’s pen names). So, I’m just going to tell you how I feel about this book and why it’s so important to me.
This is the first book in The Governor Trilogy. On the surface, it may seem like another political romance story. But it’s so much more. This book focuses on Owen Taylor, who he is, where he comes from, and how he got where he is. It’s also the story of how Owen meets Carter Wilson and Susannah Evans, the two people who turn his world upside down and change his life on every possible level. To say I was blown away by the power of this story would be an understatement of MASSIVE proportions. The emotions Lesli Richardson evoked made me truly hate some of the characters. I was in anguish over Owen’s suffering. I felt joy, utter hopelessness, love, fear, pain, and hope. Yet the story wouldn’t exist without the presence of Carter and Susa. It’s Owen’s personal story, history, who and what he is, and why he’s the way he is, that are the heart of this book. But the soul? It takes Carter and Susa with Owen to complete the soul of this book. I honestly don’t have the words to adequately express exactly what this book made me feel. These three are the most fascinating characters I have ever encountered in any book. That’s no exaggeration! I’ve never read a book that pulled me in as quickly and deeply as this one did. I was so invested in these characters that I still think of them as real people I’d love to know. I can’t overstate just how captivating this book is. Another remarkable aspect of this book is the way it’s written. It’s incredibly rare for a book to be written from a first-person point of view. What’s even rarer is for such a book to be as riveting and compelling as this one. But Lesli Richardson has done all that and more. The overwhelming emotions, multifaceted relationships, incredible detail, and utter fascination of Machiavellian politics make this one of the most powerful books I’ve ever read. Ms. Richardson’s written some of the most remarkable books I’ve ever read or reviewed (under all four of her pen names). But this is, without doubt, the best book she’s ever written. I wish there was some special rating I could give this. No mere five-star rating system can do this book justice. Congratulations, Ms. Richardson! I adored this book!
A final note. This is an ADULT book. It contains explicit language and BDSM sexual scenes. If you don't enjoy this genre, this may not be the book for you. 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 hard to provide a quality work product. If you know you'll object to a 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!
February 23, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
This was such a great read and although it has MMF this book one is really focused on the MM relationship which sees two guys going from college roommates/friends to a full sub/dom relationship and then the female college student friend Suze joining to make a throuple.
This book is all single pov from the submissives Owens POV.
I loved the dynamics in this and loved reading about both a male and female taking dominant roles.
The political story was great with them all working towards role in office.
Excited to do more of this series as it kept me utterly gripped.
This was such a great read and although it has MMF this book one is really focused on the MM relationship which sees two guys going from college roommates/friends to a full sub/dom relationship and then the female college student friend Suze joining to make a throuple.
This book is all single pov from the submissives Owens POV.
I loved the dynamics in this and loved reading about both a male and female taking dominant roles.
The political story was great with them all working towards role in office.
Excited to do more of this series as it kept me utterly gripped.
February 22, 2021
Phew ;)
Owen meets Carter in their 2nd yr at college as room-mates. Carter is older (having been in the Army & invalided out), but totally falls for our very innocent Owen.
The story is told from Owen's POV: his growing relationship & dependence upon Carter's loving dominance; how they meet Susa & eventually co-habit together; & how they achieve the first steps on their (combined) goal of getting Owen to State Governor.
One can cry buckets of tears for Owen: for his need to be loved & cared for. Carter does as much as he can to ameliorate the damage done by Owen's mother (nasty bitch), & helped by Susa, they both give support & love to Owen. Such a powerful trio.
Double Phew!!
Owen meets Carter in their 2nd yr at college as room-mates. Carter is older (having been in the Army & invalided out), but totally falls for our very innocent Owen.
The story is told from Owen's POV: his growing relationship & dependence upon Carter's loving dominance; how they meet Susa & eventually co-habit together; & how they achieve the first steps on their (combined) goal of getting Owen to State Governor.
One can cry buckets of tears for Owen: for his need to be loved & cared for. Carter does as much as he can to ameliorate the damage done by Owen's mother (nasty bitch), & helped by Susa, they both give support & love to Owen. Such a powerful trio.
Double Phew!!
September 29, 2021
The character development had me in love from the very beginning! I absolutely enjoyed getting in the mind of Owen and understanding his pain and grief. Ultimately seeing how Carter and Susa helped him realize he was worthy of love was definitely worth it!
September 1, 2018
I am absolutely book drunk right now! I have been on an intense, emotional ride and I can’t let go of this world or these characters. I was there and rode the waves. It was at times very intense and emotions overflowed and it was beautiful. I’m overwhelmed. I’ve already reread some parts and I have to reread this book. I’m addicted. I want more. I can’t wait for the rest so I can get lost in them and then reread all of them straight through because after this one, I know I will have to. What a deeply moving, yet hot read packed full of story, of them.
October 20, 2023
This book was a complete trip. I was loving every bit of it, it started slow but it was good until we got to Chapter 34, that's when all hell broke loose. my only excuse for reading till the end is that I wanted to know how this book would end.
First, Carter is the most toxic and manipulative Dom I've ever come across and his actions we're so predatory it should be illegal. I swear before Chapter 34 I used to like him, yes, he gave me the "don't trust him" vibe but he didn't show signs till then after that everything changed and he became a person I quickly hated. In that chapter it is revealed that Susa, the woman Owen is in love with, has married Carter and Owen didn't know a thing about it, he didn't even know they were sexually involved and by that time Owen and Carter where involved in a Dom/sub relationship. Susa knew they were involved(O&C) tho. That chapter was something so sad and so infuriating to me that I can't even explain it. I literally cried while everything was going down. And after that we see that Carter has manipulated Owen since the beginning and I started questioning everything. And most of the time consent was a word/act Carter didn't care for.
The way Owen left a toxic relationship with his mom to jump into another toxic relationship with Carter was insanity. And Carter does whatever stepping over boundaries and Owen doesn't care at all, he's fine with that which, again, is insane.
The relationships: From the start I was like Carter likes Owen, Owen likes Susa and Susa likes Carter and the love lines never cross or multiply and I was right, kinda.
•Carter and Owen getting together at first felt abrupt. I knew it would happen eventually, I expected it, but when it did it was so sudden and random to me. From the start I felt like Carter was "prepping" Owen for what happens between them and I didn't like that. From the beginning Owen said he was straight and he openly asked Carter if he was gay and when he said no I knew that was the wrong question to ask. All that conditioning he did on Owen was insane.
•I didn't understand Owen's infatuation with Susa. Carter and Owen had more chemistry between them than either of them ever had with Susa and that includes individually and the three of them as a unit. Carter and Owen kept trying to convince me that they loved Susa throughout the entire book and I didn't see it at all. To me she was just there.
Lastly, If I was livid with the way Carter and Susa revealed their relationship to Owen imagine how I felt with the way Carter revealed it was time for the three of them to have a child. He told Owen they were going to have a child after he failed to tell him Susa was off the pill and he had already ejaculated in her without a condom. So once again he was out of the decision making process and, guess what? He was okay with that too.
First, Carter is the most toxic and manipulative Dom I've ever come across and his actions we're so predatory it should be illegal. I swear before Chapter 34 I used to like him, yes, he gave me the "don't trust him" vibe but he didn't show signs till then after that everything changed and he became a person I quickly hated. In that chapter it is revealed that Susa, the woman Owen is in love with, has married Carter and Owen didn't know a thing about it, he didn't even know they were sexually involved and by that time Owen and Carter where involved in a Dom/sub relationship. Susa knew they were involved(O&C) tho. That chapter was something so sad and so infuriating to me that I can't even explain it. I literally cried while everything was going down. And after that we see that Carter has manipulated Owen since the beginning and I started questioning everything. And most of the time consent was a word/act Carter didn't care for.
The way Owen left a toxic relationship with his mom to jump into another toxic relationship with Carter was insanity. And Carter does whatever stepping over boundaries and Owen doesn't care at all, he's fine with that which, again, is insane.
The relationships: From the start I was like Carter likes Owen, Owen likes Susa and Susa likes Carter and the love lines never cross or multiply and I was right, kinda.
•Carter and Owen getting together at first felt abrupt. I knew it would happen eventually, I expected it, but when it did it was so sudden and random to me. From the start I felt like Carter was "prepping" Owen for what happens between them and I didn't like that. From the beginning Owen said he was straight and he openly asked Carter if he was gay and when he said no I knew that was the wrong question to ask. All that conditioning he did on Owen was insane.
•I didn't understand Owen's infatuation with Susa. Carter and Owen had more chemistry between them than either of them ever had with Susa and that includes individually and the three of them as a unit. Carter and Owen kept trying to convince me that they loved Susa throughout the entire book and I didn't see it at all. To me she was just there.
Lastly, If I was livid with the way Carter and Susa revealed their relationship to Owen imagine how I felt with the way Carter revealed it was time for the three of them to have a child. He told Owen they were going to have a child after he failed to tell him Susa was off the pill and he had already ejaculated in her without a condom. So once again he was out of the decision making process and, guess what? He was okay with that too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2022
3.75⭐️ 4.5🌶
This was certainly an interesting book. Though I’m not into books with a political backdrop, I didn’t find myself bored or inundated with details I didn’t care about, but just be warned that if you are someone who does not want to know an author’s political “opinion” I’d stay clear. It’s not shoved in your face but it’s there. Personally I can ignore that kind of stuff.
This story begins with Owen (21) and Carter (28) meeting in college as roommate, both prelaw. Owen’s past with a narcissistic, emotionally abuse mother has shaped him, conditioned him really to be a natural Submissive. Carter is a war vet, honorably discharged after being wounded, who carries his own baggage but is very clearly a Dominant. They then meet Susa (19) who is the daughter of a politician who has aspirations at becoming Governor one day. And this complete the Love Triangle because that’s how it felt the entire book to me.
Owen loves Susa, Susa loves Carter and Carter loves Owen.
I never fully felt why Owen was so drawn to Susa, her character in this book was not developed well at all. As the second book is told from her POV, I’m guessing I’ll learn more.
The focus of this story, is really on Owen and his discovery of his “hidden desires” to submit and really find someone to love him. And while he does get it - this book fast forwards over 16 years to him winning the gubernatorial seat, and he claims he is happy; for me, I felt like there was too much manipulation to get there.
The BDSM lifestyle is on full display here, the author has either done excellent research or has first hand knowledge.
Even though I didn’t love this book per se, I’m going to keep reading because I am interested in the overall story and what is going to happen to these characters. And when I say I didn’t love the book, it’s because I have conflicting feeling about Carter. The event that happens at 65% felt so wrong to me I wanted to scream. The explanation at the end did somewhat placate me and in a messed up way, make it understandable but I still felt so bad for Owen
This was certainly an interesting book. Though I’m not into books with a political backdrop, I didn’t find myself bored or inundated with details I didn’t care about, but just be warned that if you are someone who does not want to know an author’s political “opinion” I’d stay clear. It’s not shoved in your face but it’s there. Personally I can ignore that kind of stuff.
This story begins with Owen (21) and Carter (28) meeting in college as roommate, both prelaw. Owen’s past with a narcissistic, emotionally abuse mother has shaped him, conditioned him really to be a natural Submissive. Carter is a war vet, honorably discharged after being wounded, who carries his own baggage but is very clearly a Dominant. They then meet Susa (19) who is the daughter of a politician who has aspirations at becoming Governor one day. And this complete the Love Triangle because that’s how it felt the entire book to me.
Owen loves Susa, Susa loves Carter and Carter loves Owen.
I never fully felt why Owen was so drawn to Susa, her character in this book was not developed well at all. As the second book is told from her POV, I’m guessing I’ll learn more.
The focus of this story, is really on Owen and his discovery of his “hidden desires” to submit and really find someone to love him. And while he does get it - this book fast forwards over 16 years to him winning the gubernatorial seat, and he claims he is happy; for me, I felt like there was too much manipulation to get there.
The BDSM lifestyle is on full display here, the author has either done excellent research or has first hand knowledge.
Even though I didn’t love this book per se, I’m going to keep reading because I am interested in the overall story and what is going to happen to these characters. And when I say I didn’t love the book, it’s because I have conflicting feeling about Carter. The event that happens at 65% felt so wrong to me I wanted to scream. The explanation at the end did somewhat placate me and in a messed up way, make it understandable but I still felt so bad for Owen
October 16, 2024
Yeah... This is f*cked up on so many goddamn levels that I don't even know where to begin. How are people liking this dynamic??
Carter knows very well what Owen's mental state is due to his mother's mental abuse. He knows that Owen is praise and touch starved. Even after knowing everything, Carter basically trains him to be his slave, conditioning him by praising him and giving emotional support(It maybe out of his love for Owen but that does not make it right) and not asking him for anything in return in the start, which is just a part of his manipulation to create an illusion of debt in Owen's mind. He may genuinely love Owen but the way he goes about it is really f*cked up. There is literally no way to justify his giving Owen an ultimatum about staying with Susa and him and letting Carter ***k him or leaving the woman he loves and the security and support of his best friend, when Carter knows damn well Owen is not going to leave because Carter makes sure to train him such that he can't imagine time away from him.
The way Susa is also treated is messed up. Being talked into marrying a guy, knowing full well that she is never going to be first in their relationship with Carter. Can't even begin to imagine what being in this kind of a situation feels like.
This is probably the MOST toxic relationship I have read that is being shown as a good thing(I don't really go out of my way to read toxic stuff so this may be a lot more tame when compared to other stuff on the internet but that does NOT make it right)
TLDR: Carter is a manipulative guy who does not deserve Owen's trust and Owen deserves better. This is not a love story about a healthy relationship BTW three people but coercion of an emotionally abused guy in a toxic relationship.
Props for the writing tho. Really kept me engaged with the story all the way even though I hated the way Owen was treated.
Carter knows very well what Owen's mental state is due to his mother's mental abuse. He knows that Owen is praise and touch starved. Even after knowing everything, Carter basically trains him to be his slave, conditioning him by praising him and giving emotional support(It maybe out of his love for Owen but that does not make it right) and not asking him for anything in return in the start, which is just a part of his manipulation to create an illusion of debt in Owen's mind. He may genuinely love Owen but the way he goes about it is really f*cked up. There is literally no way to justify his giving Owen an ultimatum about staying with Susa and him and letting Carter ***k him or leaving the woman he loves and the security and support of his best friend, when Carter knows damn well Owen is not going to leave because Carter makes sure to train him such that he can't imagine time away from him.
The way Susa is also treated is messed up. Being talked into marrying a guy, knowing full well that she is never going to be first in their relationship with Carter. Can't even begin to imagine what being in this kind of a situation feels like.
This is probably the MOST toxic relationship I have read that is being shown as a good thing(I don't really go out of my way to read toxic stuff so this may be a lot more tame when compared to other stuff on the internet but that does NOT make it right)
TLDR: Carter is a manipulative guy who does not deserve Owen's trust and Owen deserves better. This is not a love story about a healthy relationship BTW three people but coercion of an emotionally abused guy in a toxic relationship.
Props for the writing tho. Really kept me engaged with the story all the way even though I hated the way Owen was treated.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2019
This book is in my top 3 in this particular genre and i have read many many books in this genre. Top 3 after, Beyond and AC just because i read them first.
The writing style of the author is the way i like my books to be written detailed but not too detailed. The author also wrote another book , that i consider top 10 in my most competitive genre.
The fact that this is a trilogy and each book is about 42 chapters this just makes me very happy but i want more😢.
The characters will stick with me forever and ever, i will not forget them and this is a rarity
The political details in the book might not have been as accurate but still fairly detailed.
Florida was the perfect backdrop for the story.
The story was emotional but not cunny, it was heartfelt.
Cant wait for book 2 ❤.
The writing style of the author is the way i like my books to be written detailed but not too detailed. The author also wrote another book , that i consider top 10 in my most competitive genre.
The fact that this is a trilogy and each book is about 42 chapters this just makes me very happy but i want more😢.
The characters will stick with me forever and ever, i will not forget them and this is a rarity
The political details in the book might not have been as accurate but still fairly detailed.
Florida was the perfect backdrop for the story.
The story was emotional but not cunny, it was heartfelt.
Cant wait for book 2 ❤.
January 16, 2022
3.5 stars
I liked Owen’s POV in this book. I could connect with the emotional abuse his mother doled out on him and how it affected his life. Carter came to him at the right time in his life. Being a natural dominant, he showed Owen the love he was constantly denied all his life.
I liked how the author made a love triangle work. Owen loved Susa, Carter loved Owen, and Susa loved Carter. They all grew to love each other as well.
I know this stated it had a lot to do about politics, but with Susa’s knowledge, I felt disconnected with her and seemed she was just an encyclopedia without emotions. Carter seemed to be a whole person, but there was more one on one interaction between Owen and Carter than Owen and Susa.
The next book is Susa’s POV and I look forward to her character being fleshed out so I can connect more with her.
I liked Owen’s POV in this book. I could connect with the emotional abuse his mother doled out on him and how it affected his life. Carter came to him at the right time in his life. Being a natural dominant, he showed Owen the love he was constantly denied all his life.
I liked how the author made a love triangle work. Owen loved Susa, Carter loved Owen, and Susa loved Carter. They all grew to love each other as well.
I know this stated it had a lot to do about politics, but with Susa’s knowledge, I felt disconnected with her and seemed she was just an encyclopedia without emotions. Carter seemed to be a whole person, but there was more one on one interaction between Owen and Carter than Owen and Susa.
The next book is Susa’s POV and I look forward to her character being fleshed out so I can connect more with her.
October 2, 2022
Carter manipulated Owen and used Owen’s insecurities and childhood trauma and upbringing to get what he wanted. And he only told Owen at the end because he knew he had him. This is sick behavior. The word "bastard" doesn’t even fit Carter I would say the word "predator’ is more like it.
October 8, 2021
I have to admit, this is the first book by Lesli Richardson I've read and for the life of me, I don't have an explanation as to why. But after reading her first book, 'Governor', in the "Governor Trilogy" I can guarantee it won't be my last. This book was recommended to me by the BDSM Romance Book Club and I am so glad I took their recommendation. I'm trying to give a review that doesn't go into detail, doesn't get rejected by the powers that be, and doesn't spoil this storyline for anyone. The story is told in the first person by Owen Taylor. This is his second year in college where he attends a scholarship while living in the dorm. Last year's roommate flunked out so he's anticipating a new one. What he's not anticipating is the way it permanently changes his life. Ms. Richardson's world-building is relatable, her characters are perfectly flawed to make their personalities relatable, and she has an amazing way of writing that wrapped the story around me, making me feel enclosed within this setting and a part of things. It's a gripping story that at times brought tears to my eyes, both happy and sad, broke my heart and then put it back together, left butterflies of nerves in my stomach all the while left me feeling giddy when things fell together. I can't wait to read 'Lieutenant' next. I realize I'm only one person but I think I've found a new author I intend to follow closely. Congratulations Ms. Richardson on a remarkable story.
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