What do you think?
Rate this book
Governor Trilogy #3
Chief
(Governor Trilogy - Book 3, mmf, political romance)
Behind every good man is a good woman. That’s what they say.
They’re wrong. Even my wife would agree.
The truth is, behind every good man is a real bastard—that would be me.
I knew from the day I met Owen that the only way I’d ever get him was to make sure I took whatever it was he loved and wanted most and hold it so close to me that he couldn’t help but come with it.
He did.
And now…now there are people who want to tear the three of us apart.
I’ll die before I let that happen.
I am Carter Wilson, chief of staff to the governor of the great state of Florida.
And, according to him and my wife, a bastard extraordinaire.
Behind every good man is a good woman. That’s what they say.
They’re wrong. Even my wife would agree.
The truth is, behind every good man is a real bastard—that would be me.
I knew from the day I met Owen that the only way I’d ever get him was to make sure I took whatever it was he loved and wanted most and hold it so close to me that he couldn’t help but come with it.
He did.
And now…now there are people who want to tear the three of us apart.
I’ll die before I let that happen.
I am Carter Wilson, chief of staff to the governor of the great state of Florida.
And, according to him and my wife, a bastard extraordinaire.
ebook
First published September 12, 2018
45 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
About the author
Lesli Richardson
175 books446 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
January 28, 2019
Carter Wilson:
“I take care of mine,” I softly say. “Whenever you need to wonder what my motivations are for anything I do, just remember that fact about me.”
This is the most anticipated book of the trilogy I guess for many readers. The story of Carter, the master manipulator, the man behind the scenes, the extraordinary bastard, the friend, the lover, the husband, the father, the owner of two willing pets.
Needless to say unless you have read the previous two books, you will understand absolutely nothing of the events here.
The action takes place vaguely in three time periods:
1. Nowadays. Susa struggles to become the next Governor after Owen finishes his eight years.
2. College days. Carter falls in love with Owen and they meet Susa. Carter and Susa protect Owen and they keep lying to him.
3. Germany days. The events that made Carder a bastard, the man that he loved back then, the woman who introduced him to BDSM and shaped his life, the stupid life choices that he made and haunt him until today. Carter was 19 and naive. Somehow he will need to grow up fast and escape
So a large portion of the book takes place in Germany. Carter has to go back and face his nightmares. This will bring him closer to his father in law who apparently understood more that we thought.
Moreover this is the book where:
- we understand Carter's need to have pets and to protect them. Maybe he is truly a protector full of guilty thoughts about his past
- why he fall in love with Owen. Maybe he remind him of a certain someone who was a lost cause
-why he can't stand abusive, narcissistic women who take advantage of the naive, innocent youth.
“I am loyal to my pets,” I softly say. “I love them. When my pets are threatened? I will kill or die for them. Guess which option this is.”
This is a very deep dark book. Carter's character is fully unfolded and it is as complex, as secretive and as tortured as I suspected. When the book finishes we will know all his secrets, but most probably Owen and Susa will never find out. Definitely he is the mastermind behind their story and definitely out of the three, he is the most content and satisfied man in the end.
She kisses me. “Thank you, Sir,” she whispers.
“For what?”
“For everything. This. Him.” She smiles. “You. For no one left behind.”
I fell in love with Carter and I have to say now that this journey finished that these are the best books that I have read so far by Lesli Richardson/ Tymber Dalton.
Straight on the pile of my forever favourite books :)
This is the most anticipated book of the trilogy I guess for many readers. The story of Carter, the master manipulator, the man behind the scenes, the extraordinary bastard, the friend, the lover, the husband, the father, the owner of two willing pets.
Needless to say unless you have read the previous two books, you will understand absolutely nothing of the events here.
The action takes place vaguely in three time periods:
1. Nowadays. Susa struggles to become the next Governor after Owen finishes his eight years.
2. College days. Carter falls in love with Owen and they meet Susa. Carter and Susa protect Owen and they keep lying to him.
3. Germany days. The events that made Carder a bastard, the man that he loved back then, the woman who introduced him to BDSM and shaped his life, the stupid life choices that he made and haunt him until today. Carter was 19 and naive. Somehow he will need to grow up fast and escape
So a large portion of the book takes place in Germany. Carter has to go back and face his nightmares. This will bring him closer to his father in law who apparently understood more that we thought.
Moreover this is the book where:
- we understand Carter's need to have pets and to protect them. Maybe he is truly a protector full of guilty thoughts about his past
- why he fall in love with Owen. Maybe he remind him of a certain someone who was a lost cause
-why he can't stand abusive, narcissistic women who take advantage of the naive, innocent youth.
“I am loyal to my pets,” I softly say. “I love them. When my pets are threatened? I will kill or die for them. Guess which option this is.”
This is a very deep dark book. Carter's character is fully unfolded and it is as complex, as secretive and as tortured as I suspected. When the book finishes we will know all his secrets, but most probably Owen and Susa will never find out. Definitely he is the mastermind behind their story and definitely out of the three, he is the most content and satisfied man in the end.
She kisses me. “Thank you, Sir,” she whispers.
“For what?”
“For everything. This. Him.” She smiles. “You. For no one left behind.”
I fell in love with Carter and I have to say now that this journey finished that these are the best books that I have read so far by Lesli Richardson/ Tymber Dalton.
Straight on the pile of my forever favourite books :)
May 10, 2021
Capping off this trilogy, it ends with a darker tone. This is expected as it has been hinted several times in the first two books about Carter's past. This book should not be read as a standalone. Read the first two books in the trilogy in the order it was written. This book focuses on Carter and how he became the Bastard Extraordinaire.
Full disclosure, as a switch with more sub leanings, Carter as a dominant hits all my buttons. I may have a bit of favourable bias towards this book because of Carter and what he represents. Carter is a man who wants his cake and eat it too. He loves Owen and yet he marries Susa who Owen is in love with. For those who are unused to poly, this may sound incredibly selfish and cruel. For those who are versed in triads and power exchange... this is a relationship made in heaven and blessed by Dionysus. When it comes to writing dominants, Ms. Richardson is one of my favourites. She is so good at getting down their power and their flaws. Her dominants are human who make mistakes and own up to it. Her dominants are manipulative in a good way. Carter may come across as an antihero but he really isn't. He's a delicious deviant who is knows himself and is true to himself.
For those who have mastered themselves, it is sexy and their confidence attracts others. To top it off, Carter loves to take care of people. His caring for Susa and Owen is so alluring because he also tends to stay in the background. He leaves the limelight so to speak for the two political power houses. He's the king and queen maker. I like this role and Carter plays it so well.
The darker aspect of this story is revealing how Carter first started into the lifestyle. The lifestyle is like anything else, there are good and bad people in it. Unfortunately for Carter, he's experienced the bad and it was worst than I thought. I'm sickened by what he's experience and I'm impressed he pulled himself out of it. The guilt of who he left behind would have probably crippled me. But what can a young person all alone do? It isn't easy. As the saying goes, "Hindsight is 20/20".
Learning about Carter's past helps Susa and Owen pull closer to him and understand him better. This is a lovely ending to this trilogy. Luckily, this is not the last we see of this power triad. They do make appearances in a spin off trilogy. Ms. Richardson continues to build this world with other power triads. This kinky erotica is recommended to menage readers who enjoy a bit of darkness to their romance.
Full disclosure, as a switch with more sub leanings, Carter as a dominant hits all my buttons. I may have a bit of favourable bias towards this book because of Carter and what he represents. Carter is a man who wants his cake and eat it too. He loves Owen and yet he marries Susa who Owen is in love with. For those who are unused to poly, this may sound incredibly selfish and cruel. For those who are versed in triads and power exchange... this is a relationship made in heaven and blessed by Dionysus. When it comes to writing dominants, Ms. Richardson is one of my favourites. She is so good at getting down their power and their flaws. Her dominants are human who make mistakes and own up to it. Her dominants are manipulative in a good way. Carter may come across as an antihero but he really isn't. He's a delicious deviant who is knows himself and is true to himself.
For those who have mastered themselves, it is sexy and their confidence attracts others. To top it off, Carter loves to take care of people. His caring for Susa and Owen is so alluring because he also tends to stay in the background. He leaves the limelight so to speak for the two political power houses. He's the king and queen maker. I like this role and Carter plays it so well.
The darker aspect of this story is revealing how Carter first started into the lifestyle. The lifestyle is like anything else, there are good and bad people in it. Unfortunately for Carter, he's experienced the bad and it was worst than I thought. I'm sickened by what he's experience and I'm impressed he pulled himself out of it. The guilt of who he left behind would have probably crippled me. But what can a young person all alone do? It isn't easy. As the saying goes, "Hindsight is 20/20".
Learning about Carter's past helps Susa and Owen pull closer to him and understand him better. This is a lovely ending to this trilogy. Luckily, this is not the last we see of this power triad. They do make appearances in a spin off trilogy. Ms. Richardson continues to build this world with other power triads. This kinky erotica is recommended to menage readers who enjoy a bit of darkness to their romance.
September 24, 2019
No, this book didn't change my opinion that Carter and Susa are selfish people and definately do not put Owen first.
June 1, 2024
Now that I finished this book, I wish I hadn’t read it in the first place. I knew Carter was a complicated and morally ambiguous man, but reading about the level of manipulation and scheming he did to everyone around him was hard to swallow. I’m now 100% sure I don’t really like Carter. It’s ironic how he kinda ended up being just like his abuser Elsa, albeit a more humane version.
His obsession with Own annoyed me at times, especially when it was on the expense of Susa. Unlike in Susa’s book, there was too much inequality in the triad dynamic that really annoyed me. I fully believe that Owen is in love with both Carter and Susa and he would never sacrifice one for the other from the very beginning. Yet, with Carter even years into their marriage he was willing to sacrifice Susa’s political career for Owen’s. Which is something I’m sure not even Owen would stand for.
Also are we supposed to ignore the fact that even after being happily married to Susa and Owen for 25 years, Carter was still tempted to have a go at his ex? Yes, I know how complicated his past with Eddie is, and I do feel bad for what happened to him because of Elsa. But the fact that he was tempted to sleep with Eddie even though he immediately turned him down made me lose all respect for him.
Although I did enjoy Owen’s book, Susa’s book remains the best one in the series. But this one? it made me heavily resent Carter and wish Susa had someone who put her first. Which is the same issue I had with the first book of Susa being pushed to the background for the sake of Carter and Owen’s relationship. I wanted more of Susa being the brilliant politician and adoring mom. I wanted interactions between Susa and Owen or with her and Carter without the other man being around. I wanted scenes of Carter actually being a father to his children instead of him just going on about Owen being a good dad.
I once again don’t understand why the author didn’t make this story a mlm one when she clearly doesn’t care enough about Susa to give her more scenes outside of her own book or give her a relationship where she’s actually treated as an equal instead of an afterthought.
His obsession with Own annoyed me at times, especially when it was on the expense of Susa. Unlike in Susa’s book, there was too much inequality in the triad dynamic that really annoyed me. I fully believe that Owen is in love with both Carter and Susa and he would never sacrifice one for the other from the very beginning. Yet, with Carter even years into their marriage he was willing to sacrifice Susa’s political career for Owen’s. Which is something I’m sure not even Owen would stand for.
Also are we supposed to ignore the fact that even after being happily married to Susa and Owen for 25 years, Carter was still tempted to have a go at his ex? Yes, I know how complicated his past with Eddie is, and I do feel bad for what happened to him because of Elsa. But the fact that he was tempted to sleep with Eddie even though he immediately turned him down made me lose all respect for him.
Although I did enjoy Owen’s book, Susa’s book remains the best one in the series. But this one? it made me heavily resent Carter and wish Susa had someone who put her first. Which is the same issue I had with the first book of Susa being pushed to the background for the sake of Carter and Owen’s relationship. I wanted more of Susa being the brilliant politician and adoring mom. I wanted interactions between Susa and Owen or with her and Carter without the other man being around. I wanted scenes of Carter actually being a father to his children instead of him just going on about Owen being a good dad.
I once again don’t understand why the author didn’t make this story a mlm one when she clearly doesn’t care enough about Susa to give her more scenes outside of her own book or give her a relationship where she’s actually treated as an equal instead of an afterthought.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2022
This was somehow the worst one?!?!? I I wanted to know more about Carters interactions with Owens mother and how that was handled and yet the early years were just glossed over for a rushed explanation of his past. I think may the time I got to this book I didn’t even care about it anymore I just wanted to know more about their day to day relationships maybe explore their dynamic as time has gone on and with the inclusion of their children who are at the prime age to spill the beans to anyone. Also why the f*** did he leave Eddie?!?! There was clearly something there but dude just left and was like ✌🏼
I wanted to give this series a shot because ironically the first book was the best and I was hoping it would improve once we got the background from the other characters but I have to say it this just feels like the Great Value version of The New Camelot series 🤷🏻♀️
As intrigued I am by a spin off following another character from the second book I might need a break from all the politics which it actually does delve into A LOT. I don’t disagree with them per se it just seems so far fetched how easily the characters accomplished all their political goals. I know this is fiction and I would give my left tit to be in this version of Florida (ok not really I like the cold) but it just seemed too…perfect? With that coming easily and their personal lives SOMEHOW staying a secret there was nothing at stake really which made for a very boring story arch overall.
I wanted to give this series a shot because ironically the first book was the best and I was hoping it would improve once we got the background from the other characters but I have to say it this just feels like the Great Value version of The New Camelot series 🤷🏻♀️
As intrigued I am by a spin off following another character from the second book I might need a break from all the politics which it actually does delve into A LOT. I don’t disagree with them per se it just seems so far fetched how easily the characters accomplished all their political goals. I know this is fiction and I would give my left tit to be in this version of Florida (ok not really I like the cold) but it just seemed too…perfect? With that coming easily and their personal lives SOMEHOW staying a secret there was nothing at stake really which made for a very boring story arch overall.
March 28, 2024
too much manipulation in this series and also stop trying to reinvent new camelot
September 12, 2018
This is the third and final book in the Governor trilogy- written in the POV of Carter. I have been waiting for this book ever since I finished the second one and Lesli Richardson has not disappointed!
We find out what motivated Carter to do what he had done with Owen and Susa. We also find out his story in Germany when he was 19 years old. I could not put this book down and I felt feelings again for things that happened and anger was a big one, almost as much anger as I had felt towards Owen’s mother.
We also see the characters mature and follow their dreams throughout the years and we see Carter willing to do anything to make their dreams happen. It was a very fitting ending to the trilogy and now I have to wait for the spinoff trilogy- Determination.
Well done Lesli!
We find out what motivated Carter to do what he had done with Owen and Susa. We also find out his story in Germany when he was 19 years old. I could not put this book down and I felt feelings again for things that happened and anger was a big one, almost as much anger as I had felt towards Owen’s mother.
We also see the characters mature and follow their dreams throughout the years and we see Carter willing to do anything to make their dreams happen. It was a very fitting ending to the trilogy and now I have to wait for the spinoff trilogy- Determination.
Well done Lesli!
September 12, 2018
Wow! What a finish! Finding out how Carter's past has made him the man he is makes Chief a fascinating read. Loving Owen and Susa has given Carter great joy and some peace. When his past threatens all he holds dear, Carter has no trouble taking care of business. Living with regrets isn't easy, but Carter knows it's the best he can do. I will miss this trio but look forward to reading more stories set in this world.
September 15, 2018
This is the final book in the series, and I wish it wouldn't end. It's the best in the trilogy in my opinion. It tells the tale from Carter's pov. I for one have been waiting to see what he had in store for us. He did not disappoint. Carter is a complex character. I love him. Hopefully in the future we can revisit this family and see where they all are.
March 2, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
I loved this series. Exploring Carter's painful background was absolutely devastating. Loved the darkness of this book over the others. Really enjoyed Carters POV.
Only complaint is too many hashtags 🤣
I loved this series. Exploring Carter's painful background was absolutely devastating. Loved the darkness of this book over the others. Really enjoyed Carters POV.
Only complaint is too many hashtags 🤣
April 4, 2024
I really loved this series. Carter’s love for Owen brought tears to my eyes! I love them all so much.
November 12, 2018
I cannot express just how much I loved this series!
January 7, 2020
A satisfactory installment in this entertaining series. My rating is in between 3.5-3.75 stars, so I rounded up to 4. I was expecting Carter’s past to be a tad darker, but Ms. Richardson kept me in suspense! Hoping book 5 due out in November dives a bit deeper into Eddie and Carter’s relationship. We were given mild insight and snippets in Chief, but I want moaaarrrr. I’m certain Eddie’s story will be another wild ride.
September 29, 2018
The Governor Trilogy, Book 3. A perfect conclusion to a series unlike anything I’ve ever read before!
SPOILER ALERT: IT’S ESSENTIAL THAT THIS SERIES BE READ IN ORDER. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SLIGHT SPOILERS IF YOU HAVEN’T READ GOVERNOR AND LIEUTENANT (BOOKS 1 AND 2).
As with both Governor and Lieutenant, I’m not even going to try to summarize this book. There are blurbs on all the booksellers’ websites. Several chapters of Governor (Book 1) are available for free on Ms. Richardson’s Tymber Dalton website. Believe me, I couldn’t begin to summarize this story and do it justice!
Hold on to your hats, folks! If you thought Governor and Lieutenant were amazing (and they are), you haven’t experienced anything like Chief! Governor is Owen’s story, and it sets the scene for all three books in this series. That’s only right since Owen’s the pivot point around whom both Susa and Carter’s lives revolve. Governor is brilliant. Susa’s story in Lieutenant is heart-wrenching. But Carter’s story in Chief pulls the entire trilogy together. We finally learn the history behind Carter, the reason he’s who and what he is. And it’s a story so powerful, a story simultaneously filled with normalcy, fraught with horror, sheer terror, and filled with experiences that plumb the highest highs and lowest lows a human can experience. I know this all sounds like hyperbole and exaggeration. I assure you, it’s not. Lesli Richardson has outdone herself with every book in this trilogy, but Chief is the crown jewel in this series. I honestly couldn’t put it down. It rips at your heartstrings. You finally understand so much about Carter. It’s a story that broke my heart, made me shake with rage, and scream with frustration. It also filled me with sheer joy and made me shiver with excitement. I cried tears of anguish and happiness. This book is the conclusion to a trilogy that’s impressed me more any other series I’ve ever read! Congratulations, Ms. Richardson, and thank you! This series has been one of the very best reading experiences I’ve ever had. I wish there was something higher than five stars to give this book because it deserves something so much more!
A final note. This is an ADULT book. It contains explicit language with some elements of BDSM and ménage 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!
SPOILER ALERT: IT’S ESSENTIAL THAT THIS SERIES BE READ IN ORDER. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SLIGHT SPOILERS IF YOU HAVEN’T READ GOVERNOR AND LIEUTENANT (BOOKS 1 AND 2).
As with both Governor and Lieutenant, I’m not even going to try to summarize this book. There are blurbs on all the booksellers’ websites. Several chapters of Governor (Book 1) are available for free on Ms. Richardson’s Tymber Dalton website. Believe me, I couldn’t begin to summarize this story and do it justice!
Hold on to your hats, folks! If you thought Governor and Lieutenant were amazing (and they are), you haven’t experienced anything like Chief! Governor is Owen’s story, and it sets the scene for all three books in this series. That’s only right since Owen’s the pivot point around whom both Susa and Carter’s lives revolve. Governor is brilliant. Susa’s story in Lieutenant is heart-wrenching. But Carter’s story in Chief pulls the entire trilogy together. We finally learn the history behind Carter, the reason he’s who and what he is. And it’s a story so powerful, a story simultaneously filled with normalcy, fraught with horror, sheer terror, and filled with experiences that plumb the highest highs and lowest lows a human can experience. I know this all sounds like hyperbole and exaggeration. I assure you, it’s not. Lesli Richardson has outdone herself with every book in this trilogy, but Chief is the crown jewel in this series. I honestly couldn’t put it down. It rips at your heartstrings. You finally understand so much about Carter. It’s a story that broke my heart, made me shake with rage, and scream with frustration. It also filled me with sheer joy and made me shiver with excitement. I cried tears of anguish and happiness. This book is the conclusion to a trilogy that’s impressed me more any other series I’ve ever read! Congratulations, Ms. Richardson, and thank you! This series has been one of the very best reading experiences I’ve ever had. I wish there was something higher than five stars to give this book because it deserves something so much more!
A final note. This is an ADULT book. It contains explicit language with some elements of BDSM and ménage 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!
January 20, 2020
Okay. I feel like I'm going to sound like a crazy lady for this one but . . .
Also, I don't think it's possible or ethical to use behavioral conditioning to change another person's sexual orientation. This, to me, is a gay-for-you storyline that is not cool. It's like a pray the gay away program in reverse.
Additionally,
Also, I don't think it's possible or ethical to use behavioral conditioning to change another person's sexual orientation. This, to me, is a gay-for-you storyline that is not cool. It's like a pray the gay away program in reverse.
Additionally,
January 7, 2022
Carter is a dark dude with dark thoughts. I found the "conclusion" of this trilogy to pull it all together in a satisfying way where we could see what was happening from his perspective as well as the complex life he used to live when he was in the military. While I liked his character depth, I really hate the way the D characters will work with ulterior motives and not be upfront with the other people. Yes, there's trust, but it only goes one way for large portions of this series. Carter's choices often felt high-handed and borderline cruel to me despite the way the author makes it seem self-sacrificing and "for the greater good".
July 30, 2022
I have loved almost everything Tymber Dalton writes but this one fell really flat to me, honestly 3* was probably generous, even though the "world" was intriguing and I really liked the characters. Instead of telling us more about the current triad and delving into their futures, it mostly is set back in the past of Carter and really didn't do very much to build on the current relationship.
April 24, 2023
I knew the German past was going to reveal dark history, but I think I'm so completely naïve about BDSM in general that I was not prepared for the level of depravity Carter's past uncovered. It lived up to the repellent/repulsive situations he had hinted to, but like Owen and Susa, I just had no idea what a "dark" BDSM predator relationship was or looked like. I mean, from my vanilla side of the world, it exists in the shadow realm that is all horrible rape/pain/torture, and I would never voluntarily take a tour. This book is the first narrative (that I've read) that showed me a new kind of sexual predation/manipulation I didn't know existed. It scared me to my marrow. It made me think a lot about the dangers of isolation in seemingly stuffed institutions like the military. But of course--exploitation of power is part of war, is it not? Our experiences, good or bad, shape who we are--and those scars (inside or outside) shape how we revise our relationship to vulnerability. This book investigates Carter's inside scars, and they are just as jagged and violent as war wounds on the outside. I think the author gives us the space to judge his choices by giving us his insights, and Carter's mind is not a comfortable place to be. You are not spared from his lust or greed or sadism. It's a daring choice on the author's part, I think, because you could easily condemn the "hero" of this tale.
One thing I know for certain: Carter is a morally grey character. Even though I've been tempted to cast him as a predator, I've held back on condemnation because, well, the author took the chance to show his unblinking perspective in a way that made me pause. For anyone who has experienced trauma at the hands (and bodies) of manipulators, we understand there is no going back to help the part of ourselves that was too trusting, too innocent, and too vulnerable to the machinations of a predator who understands exactly how to get what they wanted from us; however, we may try to use our experiences to inadvertently heal ourselves in the form of helping/healing others. I think Carter wants to heal (and "help" others). I think Carter recognizes that he cannot change how he has been shaped, but he does not replicate the cycle of abuse--at least--not completely. I can't completely despise Carter for going after what he wants using all his powers of manipulation--his "operant conditioning"--his deep understanding of using "skin hunger" to bend wills to his desires because--well--maybe Owen was one of those abused souls who would have eventually wandered into a predator's trap because his mother had already trained him to be ready to live with discomfort (for a lifetime). Maybe Carter really is the hero in Owen's story.
I realize this is way too much text for a text that is ostensibly about a polyamorous relationship between people who wield legislative power, but it raised a lot of questions for me that were not focused on the more sensational parts of the book. Like: I hate that Owen is presented as a person with no agency. The man is a GOVERNOR, but this narrative arrests his development at age 19. He has no will or desires. It's disturbing (to me). I don't know about any of you, but I can only picture him as the hapless staffer who follows Julia Louis-Dreyfus around in VEEP (I highly recommend that series if you like political insider hilarity). And while I enjoyed the "Lost" detour in Susa's book, I was kind of mad that there was no explanation behind why she demanded the kind of horror scenes she re-enacted with Carter. Like--he has his German horror show to bring forward as evidence for his misogynist/bastard habits, but what is Susa's evidence? I daresay being an ambitious, privileged brat doesn't really cover it.
I also think the text could potentially broaden one's ideas on how conditioning can help expand a person's sexual spectrum--but I think it also reinscribes uglier, older ideas about how the inverse may also be achieved. And my god--Elsa embodies a kind of monstrous feminine that fuels patriarchal misogyny and women in the military and set in GERMANY . Ok. I'll stop. It's totally fair to say I know *nothing* about subs and doms and whips (oh my!), but I *did* work for political entities for part of my life, and I inadvertently learned a lot about power dynamics at the highest level. Anyway: that's what I bring to the reading of this book.
One thing I know for certain: Carter is a morally grey character. Even though I've been tempted to cast him as a predator, I've held back on condemnation because, well, the author took the chance to show his unblinking perspective in a way that made me pause. For anyone who has experienced trauma at the hands (and bodies) of manipulators, we understand there is no going back to help the part of ourselves that was too trusting, too innocent, and too vulnerable to the machinations of a predator who understands exactly how to get what they wanted from us; however, we may try to use our experiences to inadvertently heal ourselves in the form of helping/healing others. I think Carter wants to heal (and "help" others). I think Carter recognizes that he cannot change how he has been shaped, but he does not replicate the cycle of abuse--at least--not completely. I can't completely despise Carter for going after what he wants using all his powers of manipulation--his "operant conditioning"--his deep understanding of using "skin hunger" to bend wills to his desires because--well--maybe Owen was one of those abused souls who would have eventually wandered into a predator's trap because his mother had already trained him to be ready to live with discomfort (for a lifetime). Maybe Carter really is the hero in Owen's story.
I realize this is way too much text for a text that is ostensibly about a polyamorous relationship between people who wield legislative power, but it raised a lot of questions for me that were not focused on the more sensational parts of the book. Like: I hate that Owen is presented as a person with no agency. The man is a GOVERNOR, but this narrative arrests his development at age 19. He has no will or desires. It's disturbing (to me). I don't know about any of you, but I can only picture him as the hapless staffer who follows Julia Louis-Dreyfus around in VEEP (I highly recommend that series if you like political insider hilarity). And while I enjoyed the "Lost" detour in Susa's book, I was kind of mad that there was no explanation behind why she demanded the kind of horror scenes she re-enacted with Carter. Like--he has his German horror show to bring forward as evidence for his misogynist/bastard habits, but what is Susa's evidence? I daresay being an ambitious, privileged brat doesn't really cover it.
I also think the text could potentially broaden one's ideas on how conditioning can help expand a person's sexual spectrum--but I think it also reinscribes uglier, older ideas about how the inverse may also be achieved. And my god--Elsa embodies a kind of monstrous feminine that fuels patriarchal misogyny and women in the military and set in GERMANY . Ok. I'll stop. It's totally fair to say I know *nothing* about subs and doms and whips (oh my!), but I *did* work for political entities for part of my life, and I inadvertently learned a lot about power dynamics at the highest level. Anyway: that's what I bring to the reading of this book.
December 18, 2020
What a great finish and I'm sad to see it end. I do think there is more story to tell about Carter, Owen and Susa.
This got dark which I'm not surprised since it is told from Carter's perspective. We finally get to see how he became the Bastard Extraordinaire.
The story goes back and forth from the present with Carter being in his 50's now to when Carter was 19 and got mixed up with a woman named Elsa which led to being a sort of triad with Eddie.
His past comes back to bite him in the present and he has to take care of it. It's a bit of a sad story. Carter never waivers in his loyalty to Owen and Susa. He does know if he lets his guard down he could be tempted by Eddie. I felt sad for Eddie and I wish we got a hint if he had someone or someones in the present. The poor guy deserved a happy ending too.
I love how Carter's relationship has evolved with his father in law. They both have come to respect each other and realize they are on the same side even if they still don't fully like each other.
Carter really has always loves Owen. With Susa it developed over time but he definitely grew to have a strong love for her too. Even though he can be such a bastard, everything he does are for the people he loves.
The story in this was gripping. The only complaint I have is I want more of only Carter, Susa and Owen.
This got dark which I'm not surprised since it is told from Carter's perspective. We finally get to see how he became the Bastard Extraordinaire.
The story goes back and forth from the present with Carter being in his 50's now to when Carter was 19 and got mixed up with a woman named Elsa which led to being a sort of triad with Eddie.
His past comes back to bite him in the present and he has to take care of it. It's a bit of a sad story. Carter never waivers in his loyalty to Owen and Susa. He does know if he lets his guard down he could be tempted by Eddie. I felt sad for Eddie and I wish we got a hint if he had someone or someones in the present. The poor guy deserved a happy ending too.
I love how Carter's relationship has evolved with his father in law. They both have come to respect each other and realize they are on the same side even if they still don't fully like each other.
Carter really has always loves Owen. With Susa it developed over time but he definitely grew to have a strong love for her too. Even though he can be such a bastard, everything he does are for the people he loves.
The story in this was gripping. The only complaint I have is I want more of only Carter, Susa and Owen.
December 2, 2023
Having just finished Chief, the third book in Leslie Richardson's Governor trilogy, I finally got the answers I sought from Books 1 and 2. Carter's perspective unveils the painful past that shaped him into the "bastard extraordinaire." The writing is undeniably superb, weaving a gripping story that keeps you hooked and eager to uncover what happens next.
While I appreciate the skillful storytelling, personally, I can't shake the feeling that Owen deserved better. Despite Carter's desire for Owen's happiness and the intricate planning, I can't overlook the manipulative undertones. Carter's past justifies his actions, yet breaking Owen down for a predetermined outcome paints him as a monstrous figure.
Motivation matters, and the secrets Carter keeps, particularly from Owen, feel cruel. Despite the absence of physical harm, the sacrifices Owen is made to endure cut deep. The series may be well-written, but awarding it a five-star rating is a conflicting choice for me. Owen deserved more than to live on the fringes of Carter and Susa’s lives.
A pivotal spoiler from Book 1, Carter marrying Susa without informing Owen, remains unforgivable. No matter the reasoning, the decision to keep Owen in the dark is a betrayal that lingers. In the end, I can't help but wish for a different outcome, yearning for a narrative where Owen receives the better ending he deserves.
While I appreciate the skillful storytelling, personally, I can't shake the feeling that Owen deserved better. Despite Carter's desire for Owen's happiness and the intricate planning, I can't overlook the manipulative undertones. Carter's past justifies his actions, yet breaking Owen down for a predetermined outcome paints him as a monstrous figure.
Motivation matters, and the secrets Carter keeps, particularly from Owen, feel cruel. Despite the absence of physical harm, the sacrifices Owen is made to endure cut deep. The series may be well-written, but awarding it a five-star rating is a conflicting choice for me. Owen deserved more than to live on the fringes of Carter and Susa’s lives.
A pivotal spoiler from Book 1, Carter marrying Susa without informing Owen, remains unforgivable. No matter the reasoning, the decision to keep Owen in the dark is a betrayal that lingers. In the end, I can't help but wish for a different outcome, yearning for a narrative where Owen receives the better ending he deserves.
September 16, 2018
There aren’t enough words to say how much I love this book, this world, this trilogy! Seeing inside Carter’s mind, his thought process, some of the things in his past that shaped him into the man he was when he met Owen and then his point of view of some of the things he did, the choices he made, all to have Owen, make him his, there is so much intense emotion, so much love, so much pain. The darkness glimpsed is revealed that lives inside him kept leashed and let out to play only to a degree. His love for Owen, for Susa, his family, is powerful, strong, infinite.
Their relationship is a beautiful, strong, united, loving union that has lasted and weathered everything through the good and the bad and only continues to strengthen and deepen.
I cried and raged and hurt for him and was there with him through it all. I cheered and laughed in joy through the good and wonderful things and those devious machinations, the ideas and choices. Throughout the other two books, glimpses of Carter, the true Carter have shown even though he worked hard to keep the mask in place most of the time. Now we see the dark, ruthless, intense, powerful, deeply loving bastard extraordinaire that is Carter.
Their relationship is a beautiful, strong, united, loving union that has lasted and weathered everything through the good and the bad and only continues to strengthen and deepen.
I cried and raged and hurt for him and was there with him through it all. I cheered and laughed in joy through the good and wonderful things and those devious machinations, the ideas and choices. Throughout the other two books, glimpses of Carter, the true Carter have shown even though he worked hard to keep the mask in place most of the time. Now we see the dark, ruthless, intense, powerful, deeply loving bastard extraordinaire that is Carter.
June 10, 2019
THIS BOOK ! OMG THIS BOOK shook me to core !!!
If you think you LOVE Carter when you started reading Governor book one, you will love him 2 millions times more !! that is how I feel right now !
Carter is almost like a real person, that you had known for your whole life, that you had been with him on his best and worst time. It all because Lesli was such a talented author that present you an incredible story with characters of various facets, various layers to get you hooked on emotionally and physically. I cannot even begin to describe how much I "feel" for him cos you will have to experience by yourself.
After finished reading this whole Governor series, I was beyond excited to learn that more spin off books are coming or has already been released. I will get my Carter fix on the other books !!! that also tell you how well prepared Lesli is. She has alllll of these planned in the whole BIG picture.
Now go read THIS and fall in love with Sir Carter !!
If you think you LOVE Carter when you started reading Governor book one, you will love him 2 millions times more !! that is how I feel right now !
Carter is almost like a real person, that you had known for your whole life, that you had been with him on his best and worst time. It all because Lesli was such a talented author that present you an incredible story with characters of various facets, various layers to get you hooked on emotionally and physically. I cannot even begin to describe how much I "feel" for him cos you will have to experience by yourself.
After finished reading this whole Governor series, I was beyond excited to learn that more spin off books are coming or has already been released. I will get my Carter fix on the other books !!! that also tell you how well prepared Lesli is. She has alllll of these planned in the whole BIG picture.
Now go read THIS and fall in love with Sir Carter !!
May 28, 2023
This is a spicy MMF, bisexual, dom, poly relationship series. I read the whole series and though some parts of the characters were kind of annoying by the end I was kind of rooting for all of them.
Each book tells the story from one of partners perspective and revisits parts from the past as well as advance the series into the future. However I was ready for the series to be done by the end of the third book, I felt like I didn’t have much else to learn about them. And I would of liked a bit more after Owen was officially home full time - it would of been nice to see how that played out for him. All you really got was assumptions and plans on what the future would look like
I didn’t read the 4th book since it was a spin-off so maybe some of the follow up stuff is in there but
I’m not interested in reading it.
Overall a solid spicy series.
Would i recommend: yes
Would I read more by this author: yes
Each book tells the story from one of partners perspective and revisits parts from the past as well as advance the series into the future. However I was ready for the series to be done by the end of the third book, I felt like I didn’t have much else to learn about them. And I would of liked a bit more after Owen was officially home full time - it would of been nice to see how that played out for him. All you really got was assumptions and plans on what the future would look like
I didn’t read the 4th book since it was a spin-off so maybe some of the follow up stuff is in there but
I’m not interested in reading it.
Overall a solid spicy series.
Would i recommend: yes
Would I read more by this author: yes
February 27, 2024
So good.
We finally find out exactly what happened in Carter’s past, who “she” was & what their relationship was like, and how Carter went from being a Sub to a Dom. There’s also quite a bit of closure in this book, as well as, of course, a continued look at Owen & Susa & their children. I loved seeing what a loving, doting daddy Owen is to their children, although it’s also heartbreaking that their relationship can’t be public knowledge & he can only be known as their uncle.
We also meet Eddie—one of the 3 who Carter saved, and start learning about the horrors which they both survived.
A lot of this book can be very triggering—particularly for survivors of grooming, abuse & SA, but it’s also a very well written example of a good Dom vs a bad one, and how bad ones can cause unspeakable damage, both physically & mentally, and often leave permanent scars, both visible & not.
We finally find out exactly what happened in Carter’s past, who “she” was & what their relationship was like, and how Carter went from being a Sub to a Dom. There’s also quite a bit of closure in this book, as well as, of course, a continued look at Owen & Susa & their children. I loved seeing what a loving, doting daddy Owen is to their children, although it’s also heartbreaking that their relationship can’t be public knowledge & he can only be known as their uncle.
We also meet Eddie—one of the 3 who Carter saved, and start learning about the horrors which they both survived.
A lot of this book can be very triggering—particularly for survivors of grooming, abuse & SA, but it’s also a very well written example of a good Dom vs a bad one, and how bad ones can cause unspeakable damage, both physically & mentally, and often leave permanent scars, both visible & not.
September 23, 2018
Third and last ( insert here crying emoji) book of the Governor Trilogy... and we finally get Carter's voice.
Through the events that shaped the man he is, shedding some lights and a lot of humanity behind the sometimes ruthless person we may have seen through Owen and Susa's point of view.
Understand, he made me cry ugly tears for him, too...
While cheering for him being the absolute BAMF and taking any threat to his family extremely seriously.
Ok I'm a complete book hangover... and am waiting for the spin-off the Determination Trilogy to have my next fix!
Well Done Ms. Richardson...
Through the events that shaped the man he is, shedding some lights and a lot of humanity behind the sometimes ruthless person we may have seen through Owen and Susa's point of view.
Understand, he made me cry ugly tears for him, too...
While cheering for him being the absolute BAMF and taking any threat to his family extremely seriously.
Ok I'm a complete book hangover... and am waiting for the spin-off the Determination Trilogy to have my next fix!
Well Done Ms. Richardson...
March 26, 2021
Very eye opening
Carter’s POV is very enlightening and fills in a lot of questions and mysteries from Governor and Lieutenant. I was glad to be able to round out their story and have some closure with Owen’s journey through to his dream of settling down to a quiet life.
This series is fantastic and Chief is the explanation of Carter and who and why he is the Extraordinary Bastard. I just wish we were indulged with a little more into the HEA and future for Cater, Susa, and Owen. Like in an extended epilogue.
I look forward to Yes Governor.
Carter’s POV is very enlightening and fills in a lot of questions and mysteries from Governor and Lieutenant. I was glad to be able to round out their story and have some closure with Owen’s journey through to his dream of settling down to a quiet life.
This series is fantastic and Chief is the explanation of Carter and who and why he is the Extraordinary Bastard. I just wish we were indulged with a little more into the HEA and future for Cater, Susa, and Owen. Like in an extended epilogue.
I look forward to Yes Governor.
March 26, 2021
Carter’s POV is very enlightening and fills in a lot of questions and mysteries from Governor and Lieutenant. I was glad to be able to round out their story and have some closure with Owen’s journey through to his dream of settling down to a quiet life.
This series is fantastic and Chief is the explanation of Carter and who and why he is the Extraordinary Bastard. I just wish we were indulged with a little more into the HEA and future for Cater, Susa, and Owen. Like in an extended epilogue.
I look forward to Yes Governor.
This series is fantastic and Chief is the explanation of Carter and who and why he is the Extraordinary Bastard. I just wish we were indulged with a little more into the HEA and future for Cater, Susa, and Owen. Like in an extended epilogue.
I look forward to Yes Governor.
September 16, 2018
Carter, the bastard behind the mistress and the babe, has the most fascinating story yet! I love his evil schemes. He’s always the guy thinking ten moves ahead. Not only the moves...but how to steer any situation toward his desired outcome. I’m an unrepentant fangirl. Owen is the love of his life with Susa along for the ride. But they all get what they desire in the end. I can’t wait for the next series. Definitely not who I was expecting!
September 13, 2018
Loved this book
I loved this book and I loved this series. Thus is Carter's story and all of your questions will be answered. Ok, there was one question I would have liked at least a little blurb about. I want to hear what Owen's mom is up to. I'd love to hear that she is leading a miserably pathetic life.
I loved this book and I loved this series. Thus is Carter's story and all of your questions will be answered. Ok, there was one question I would have liked at least a little blurb about. I want to hear what Owen's mom is up to. I'd love to hear that she is leading a miserably pathetic life.
September 24, 2018
This final installment in the Governor Trilogy brings us to Carter's point of view. The glue that brings the three of them together and keeps them together. We see Carter as a young man and what he endures that makes him the power behind the governor. Some of Carter's past is dark and intense, but it illustrates why he is how he is and how he came to be that way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews