Loving Control

Club Rio Brava #1

by Ann Jacobs

"Book 1 in the Club Rio Brava series.

Hot sexy kisses that wet dreams are made of… That’s how surgeon Eli Calhoun thinks of resident Maggie Berman. And nothing, not even kinky sex with the submissives at the Club Rio Brava, can get his mind off locking lips with his workmate again.

There’s just one problem. Eli’s a sexual Dominant looking for a submissive, and Maggie’s the most “in control” woman he’s ever met. Until the night he takes her home and shatters that control—in the bedroom, at least.

Maggie’s running scared. She’s learned some hard lessons from her ex-Master. When the hunky surgeon makes a move on her, offering to make her wildest dreams come true, it’s not just about the sex. Eli wants it all—and that includes her precious control."

Genres: BDSM, Erotica, Romance, Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Contemporary Romance, Novella

93 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 19, 2004

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

First published in 1996, Jacobs has sold close to fifty books and novellas. SANDSTORMS was a 2007 nominee for the prestigious ROMANTIC TIMES Reviewers' Choice award for best erotic romance. Her books have earned awards including the Passionate Plume (best novella, 2006, second place contemporary, 2008), the Desert Rose (best hot and spicy romance, 2004) and More Than Magic (best erotic romance, 2004). She has been a double finalist in separate categories of the EPPIES and From the Heart RWA Chapter’s contest. Three of her books have been translated and sold in several European countries.

A CPA and former hospital financial manager, Jacobs now writes full-time, with the help of Mr. Blue, the family cat who sometimes likes to perch on the back of her desk chair and lend his sage advice. He sometimes even contributes a few random letters when he decides he wants to try out the keyboard. (Most of the time Blue just curls up, hides his eyes with his paws...and sleeps!)

Reviews

[Auntee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this one up because it was a freebie on Amazon and I've read a few of the author's books and enjoyed them. That being said, it was a bdsm book (not my fav), so I didn't have high expectations.

For a quickie (93 pages) it wasn't bad, especially if you like bdsm stories. The hero, Dr. Eli Calhoun, is a sexy 37-year-old thoracic surgeon with a body builder's build and a ginormous "member" (this is brought up time and again so we can get a good mental picture). Eli's a Dom, has a membership in a private bondage club (Club Rio Brava), and is looking for a sub who could be more than just his sexual plaything. Enter third year resident Dr. Margaret (Maggie) Berman. Maggie (who is a sub) is definitely attracted to her hunky boss of six months, but struggles with the fact that he's her boss and that he might not be the kind of man who would fit her sexually. People-pleaser Maggie wants to be dominated in the bedroom but not outside of it. If Eli is the Dom of her dreams, wouldn't he try to control all aspects of her life/career?

As expected with only 93 pages to work with, you're not going to get a lot of plot or character development. What you do get is lots and lots of sex, and lots of descriptions of said sex. Thankfully, the bondage elements weren't too kinky or degrading or painful (no spanking, no public/private floggings); just your standard kink in a swing, your body piercing done by your doctor friend (ouch!), and lots of oral (and some anal) activity.

Just a couple of things bothered me. Our doctor hero was a busy man, yet somehow he found the time to belong to a bondage club, commune with nature, and enter body builder competitions. I wondered where he found the free time to do all that?! Also, I thought this relationship moved way too fast into the ILY stage, so it wasn't quite believable to me. But I did like Eli as a hero--even if he was a little kinky--he was a decent, caring guy, and as Doms go, he seemed like a real prince. Maggie was okay--she didn't do anything to irk me, but she didn't really stand out. This was Eli's book all the way.

As bdsm books go, this wasn't bad. Nothing hard core (thankfully) but still plenty of heat and some dirty/explicit talking. The writing was good, and if there had been a little more character development and more of a plot, I would've added another half star. As it stands--3 1/2 stars.

*A side note: The cover model looks just as Dr. Calhoun is described, right down to the facial hair and rock hard body.

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maggie is a surgeon who is also a submissive who had a very bad experience with her previous D relationship. Eli is her co-worker and a sexual Dominat who fantazises about Maggie being his. He always sees Maggie in tight control until she looses a patient on the operating table one day. After a few drinks they end up at his place where he realizes that Maggie is a submissive. Eli is a very kind Dom, no whips or humiliation. He did not want to control every aspect of her life and rassured her in many ways that her feelings and needs would always be first for him. The only negative I found in this short story is the clit piercing(ouch) and Maggie and Eli addressing each other as Master and Slave. Other than that it was an enjoyable read.

[Ana María · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hace mucho, mucho tiempo, leí esta serie de relatos cortos que giran alrededor de un club BDSM. Muchísimo antes de 50S y todo lo que salió después. Son tres novelas cortas con distintos tipos de personajes. Me gustaron todas en mayor o menor medida.
En este caso nos encontramos con una pareja de médicos que viven una extrema tensión en su trabajo y bueno, tienen que desahogarse de alguna forma. Lo que me gustó es que todas las cosas rarunas se dan sólo en el ámbito del dormitorio, no en la vida cotidiana.

[Susan (susayq ~) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick little read. It wasn't bad, but it also wasn't the best thing since sliced bread. It did it's job, if you know what I mean ;)

[Elly Helcl · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been so long since I picked up this book that I was surprised to read that it was a BSDM short.

However, if you are looking for an erotica with Dom/sub's, this is definitely a good one for that.

I personally was pleasantly surprised by the easy going storyline and by how effortlessly this author seemed to blend such a...well...such a taboo subject line (I know there are lot's of people out there who enjoy this kind of story line but it is still taboo).

It could have been better with a little more effort but I can't complain about what the author produced.

Strong four star erotic novella.

[carol]

No longer available...the combination parts 1-4 isn't available as an ebook. Can you believe it in this day and age!
Grrrr!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Even though it was short, it gave me all the feels of a normal novel and the ending foreshadows more on the horizon.

This book is about Doctor Eli Calhoun and his resident Margaret Berman. These two have been pining for each other for a while but neither could assess if the other was into the BDSM lifestyle.

After one night out, they both find similar interests and begin their affair. Maggie has her reservations from previous relationships but Eli is a true Alpha/hero in how he worships and takes care of her.

I cannot wait to read the other books in this series. Eli seems like a prince in a fairy tale and I'm hoping he can ride in on his white horse to help Maggie trust him completely.

**was given copy in exchange for a review

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Smart, sexy BDSM love story

Ann Jacobs has done a good job in this the first of the San Antonio BDSM Club series.

When the book begins Maggie and Elijah already know one another. The author does a good job of showing the sexual tension that's growing between them. When they cross the line and give into their lust the chemistry is undeniable. Like and lust evolve into love as they lower their barriers and acknowledge what's between them.

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for s fair review.

[Laila Viking · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written story with nice storyline and plot. Absolutely not what I expected. I mostly like the main characters. The story is very fast paced and could have benefitted from a lot more depth to it. The characters sometimes feel shallow because of the pace.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love BDSM stories plenty of chemistry between the characters and a very sexy story and this one was no exception I look forward to reading the rest of the series I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.

[Sheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

if you are into the D/s books then this is going to tickle your fancy to the max.

I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hot!

Erotic romance between two doctors. If you don't like reading about explicit sex scenes, this book isn't for you.

Can't wait to start the next book.

[Erotic Horizon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Characters

Eli Calhoun – Take charge and utterly confident in what he says and wants, he gauges his time and strike when the time is right – but is the time right for the other party involved when he sets out to get the girl.

Maggie Berman – Hard worker, polished in her mannerism, team player – but also someone bound so tight that she might break if extreme is not taken with her.


The Plot

Working in a highly stressful job leave little or no time for Eli to enjoy what he does best - dominate. When he finds himself attracted to resident surgeon Maggie Berman – something always held him back and he has more than just instant gratification to consider.

Things have a way of coming full circle and Eli finds himself in a position where he has to make a decision regarding his feelings for Maggie and all that’s standing in his way is Maggie herself.

Maggie although a surgeon needs that steady hand to steer her, not only in her professional live but more so in her personal life. When Eli lays his cards on the table she’s scared of picking them up, as she has seen it all before and the end result is not at all that nice.


Surprise Element

I like BDSM – not the hard core stuff – but just a little bit more than the ordinary stuff. I am fascinated by the need to protect, please and exhibit that comes out in the people who take up this lifestyle.

In this book however, while i got what i expected from Eli, Maggie was just so robotic – there are reasons and issues surrounding her emotional fragility – but it was just so WOW is she real, if i pinch her will she break..


Predictability

I have read a few books by Ms. Jacob and her protags generally fall into the same category. Male – strong alpha with load of confidence and a take charge attitude that can become overbearing at times.

Her females don’t do well with me, I like a kick ass chick and these women I always feel want a kick up the ass to get them going –but hey that’ just me.

That said – the lifestyle they both lead, plays a big part in how they act, how they think and most importantly how they deal with their own personal development.


Smut/Ick Factor

The smut is of the BDSM variety with a whole of consideration for the female partner and for the male protag to some extent.

The smut itself was more vocal, so my imagination ran with it and there were a few blushing moments – i liked it. This was a fairly short book and just enough smut not to overpower the book – a good balance i thought.


Positive

I have been reading Ms. Jacob for a few years now, and i have to admit i like her angsty style, there is always some controversy or issue to deal with – she never let me down on that basis.

The attraction Eli feels for Maggie and his handling of it and his thoughts to life in general i thought was well presented – he didn’t just follow when his emotions went bump.

A lot of BDSM is about compartmentalizing and to be honest Ms. Jacob does this really well. Not only does she give her protags a life that they excel at – but they have their act together in regards to the day to day events of living.

The little by play between Eli and his work mates lends an air of the ordinary to this book, which gives some sort of balance to the book and cut through the language of Sub and Dom.

I loved how assertive Eli was to address certain fears and assumptions about what he’s into or how he differs from what Maggie has experience before.

It had enough in it to have me follow the rest of the series to see what Eli two other work colleagues get up to.


Negative

A few issues in the book was never developed whether for timing constraint or just the fact that it was a passing scene to the bigger picture – but the chance was missed - as i perked up as soon as they were introduced.

There is one scene in the book that might be too much for new readers to BDSM material, but in context – i thought it was so hot.

There is a subserviantness to Maggie that i thought was over the top but then Maggie was a mystery to me.

E.H>

Cover

When i saw the cover – i thought - is he real, i love the male form but not so much muscle, so really i did not have nice thoughts about this cover.

[Angie ~aka Reading Machine~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommended by a friend. I'm really I read it. This book reminds me of the elements that I love in Club Shadowlands Series. It's not just about the BDSM but the characters and their feelings. It's the desire to be heard and understood in every ascept of life from career to the bedroom.

Dr. Elijah (Eli) Calhoun is a trauma surgeon and Dom looking for his next sub. No one knows that Eli likes BDSM or that he owns Club Rio Brava either. He hasn't been happy with the club scene lately but that may have something to do with third year resident Margaret (Maggie) Berman. Maggie is cool as cucumber doctor with iron will of control that she doesn't dare let slip. Maggie has always felt like a disappointment to her family even though she tries to gain their approval. Yet the kiss that she share with Eli has been the star of her fantasies lately. Maggie is a sub looking for the right Master to dominate her and take control from her completely. Yet she wonders how that she missed that Eli is dominate. She wonders could he be the one she's looking for. Eli also wonders how he missed that Maggie has wild side he never expected out of the young surgeon. Maggie loses two patients having real difficulty with keeping it together. Eli is surprised by her invitation to her apartment. Together they both experience a night neither one will ever forget. Eli realizes that he wants more from Maggie than he ever thought possible~Could it be love? Eli also knows that Maggie is really scared and scarred emotionally from the past. Eli wants Maggie to be apart of his life and makes her a proposal. Will Maggie accept Eli's proposal? Will Maggie let Eli know her feelings? Will Maggie's parents accept her? Your answers await you in Loving Control.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surgeon Eli Calhoun is the surgeon and mentor for third-year resident Maggie Berman in the high pressure surgery practice where he is a partner. He finds he is attracted to her to the point where he is ready to give up his life as a Dom, but instead she gives him Loving Control after a very bad day in surgery. She needs him to take over and give her relief from the high pressure of learning to be a heart surgeon and he is only too happy to give her what she needs in this romance. Loving Control gives them both what they need to be happy, while he knows she needs to continue working on her career with his support and love.

[Djg · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was nice. 3rd year surgical resident Maggie and Attending surgeon who mentors her have the hots for each other. He's a Dom and she's a sub but neither knows about the other. When they decide to explore their attraction, their desires and lifestyle come out.

They are sweet together, nice couple and have hot sex. The one downer for me is the mention of possible sharing. This is before they decide they want a forever relationship so I hope sharing would be off the table but it's never stated.

[Candice · Rating 1 out of 5]

Whoa. This was all kinds of wrong.

1. Calling him Master without even knowing for sure if he was a Dom.
2. Thinking about marriage just after the 1st time in bed.
3. Never talking about their relationship.
4. Asking her to marry him after the 2nd time being together.
5. Still never really talking--perhaps about previous D/s relationships, what's expected of each other, etc.
6. Getting married only a week or two after proposing.

Sorry, but this was a no go for me.

[Paris (kerbytejas) · Rating 4 out of 5]

nice story - a bit fast from the "get together" to the "lets get married an be together forever"
ha hanging over the could and never really resolved is the issue of Maggie's previous Dom - we really don't know what he had done to her and why she is fearful of punishment - did he share her and humiliate her? we will never know

A ok read especially as a free read

[Julianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an ok read, i think that it could have been developed a little more. Maybe some more back story about her previous master and why she kept tensing up about everything, even though she said that she hadn't necessarily experienced some of it, especially when he kept reasuring her. It was just ok.

[Katherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a Kindle freebie.

Ok. Nice depiction of BDSM. But the plot and characters were a little too tidy. After token angst, they resolve everything. Also, the Dom is practically psychic. I love the fantasy of a Dom anticipating and understanding his sub's every need, but this bordered on ridiculous.

[LoveRomance · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story didn't grab me. The relationship moved simply too fast from simply work colleagues to power exchange, and it didn't ring true. Don't know if I'll get around to reading the others in this series.

[Shari · Rating 2 out of 5]

Story jumps right into them having a BDSM relationship and her calling him Master without and discussion. In fact they never really discuss limits, arrangements, likes dislikes, etc. before he has her marked as his. It was just so unbelievable.

[Eli · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fairly short book and the story feels very rushed. It's well written with plenty of descriptive/adult words. But I felt like there was no way these 2 people could have ended up with the feelings they had in such a brief amount of time. It's a cute, short read though.

[Oleta Blaylock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish this book had been longer. I could have really loved seeing Maggie in all kinds of Domination/submission situations. The story is well written and does cover a lot in a a few, 85, pages.

[~~~Heather S.~~~ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Got to 37%, can't even make it through the first sex scene *bleck* I guess I'm used to quality BDSM romances, this one doesn't even come close.

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a 3.5..... it was enjoyable especially for a free read

[Carey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. Got it for free from the publisher. Didn't do anything for me.

[ShoSho · Rating 2 out of 5]

It gets 2 stars instead on 1 because the hero was gentle and caring!

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hot and steamy short story.