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Ticket To Love
When Tara's mother catches her in a compromising position, she delivers an ultimatum: see a therapist or leave for New Zealand. Choosing exile over therapy, Tara finds herself halfway across the world, living under the roof of her aunt's boss, Kathryn.
From the moment they meet, Tara's planned escape becomes complicated by an unexpected attraction. The sassy Australian is as charming as she is off-limits.
As lines blur and attraction ignites, both women must navigate more than just their growing feelings. With family loyalties tested and relationships strained, they face a choice: pursue the spark between them or maintain the delicate balance of their intertwined lives.
Will love be their ticket to happiness, or will it cost them the price of those they hold dear?
From the moment they meet, Tara's planned escape becomes complicated by an unexpected attraction. The sassy Australian is as charming as she is off-limits.
As lines blur and attraction ignites, both women must navigate more than just their growing feelings. With family loyalties tested and relationships strained, they face a choice: pursue the spark between them or maintain the delicate balance of their intertwined lives.
Will love be their ticket to happiness, or will it cost them the price of those they hold dear?
377 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 9, 2018
96 people are currently reading
468 people want to read
About the author
Donna Jay
38 books462 followersIn 2016, Donna Jay published her first sapphic romance. Since then, she has published eighteen more books, three of which made the number one spot in lesbian fiction.
Her stories feature resilient women, thought-provoking storylines, have plenty of heat, and are all set against the stunning backdrop of her home country, New Zealand.
She also writes sweet romances under the name Diana Jayne.
When she’s not writing, Donna can be found with her nose stuck in a book, or her backside glued to the sofa, binge-watching post-apocalyptic movies.
Sign up for her newsletter here - https://donnajayauthor.com/subscribe
Connect with Donna Jay
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
Email - donna.jay.books@hotmail.com
Her stories feature resilient women, thought-provoking storylines, have plenty of heat, and are all set against the stunning backdrop of her home country, New Zealand.
She also writes sweet romances under the name Diana Jayne.
When she’s not writing, Donna can be found with her nose stuck in a book, or her backside glued to the sofa, binge-watching post-apocalyptic movies.
Sign up for her newsletter here - https://donnajayauthor.com/subscribe
Connect with Donna Jay
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
Email - donna.jay.books@hotmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
October 19, 2022
**'What matters is not that you have written a story, nor the nice title, nor the cute cover but what it represents and how every reader feels about it..'
1.5stars!
Urgh.... --- and nothing else!
1.5stars!
Urgh.... --- and nothing else!
October 19, 2018
4.25 Stars. This was a very sweet romance with some spice. While I really enjoyed Jay’s last book Mistaken Identity, I think this is my new favorite. I have read a lot of Jay’s writings and what I noticed is she continually gets better with every new book she puts out. I have a lot of respect for authors that work on their craft instead of just pumping out books.
I do have to mention that there is some BDSM in this story. But also like in Jay’s other romances, the BDSM is on the lighter side. It’s enough to spice up the sex scenes but it never feels overboard or forced. This would be a good place to start for a reader who is a little interested in BDSM but doesn’t want to be overwhelmed. The heart of this story is a real sweet romance. Because of that I would put this book in the steamy romance category not really erotica.
This is an age-gap romance between two people that are pretty much opposites, but the connection is solid. You absolutely believe in these two as a potential couple and the chemistry is obvious. Both characters are well written and you care about what happens to them. There is conflict that drives the story but there is no unrealistic angst which I always appreciate.
Lastly, I want to mention there were actually a few really funny moments. I don’t really remember Jay adding humor before, but I enjoyed it. The “snake” scene was so funny that it was actually laugh out loud funny. And it just made me love the character of Tara all the more.
This was a real feel good, sweet romance with some steam. I enjoyed the read and I can’t wait to see what Jay writes next.
A copy was given to me for a honest review.
I do have to mention that there is some BDSM in this story. But also like in Jay’s other romances, the BDSM is on the lighter side. It’s enough to spice up the sex scenes but it never feels overboard or forced. This would be a good place to start for a reader who is a little interested in BDSM but doesn’t want to be overwhelmed. The heart of this story is a real sweet romance. Because of that I would put this book in the steamy romance category not really erotica.
This is an age-gap romance between two people that are pretty much opposites, but the connection is solid. You absolutely believe in these two as a potential couple and the chemistry is obvious. Both characters are well written and you care about what happens to them. There is conflict that drives the story but there is no unrealistic angst which I always appreciate.
Lastly, I want to mention there were actually a few really funny moments. I don’t really remember Jay adding humor before, but I enjoyed it. The “snake” scene was so funny that it was actually laugh out loud funny. And it just made me love the character of Tara all the more.
This was a real feel good, sweet romance with some steam. I enjoyed the read and I can’t wait to see what Jay writes next.
A copy was given to me for a honest review.
October 16, 2018
Australian Tara James has been living with her aunt Sue in New Zealand after her mother gave her a choice of therapy to straighten out her kinks and orientation or leave the country. Some things are looking up, like her job as an apprentice mechanic and having the support of her aunt and family, but other things are more complicated, like being in a full house and having no real privacy.
When Sue’s uptight boss, Kathryn, offers to take Tara on as a boarder she is a little surprised but also really relieved because at least she knows Tara will be safe. Kathryn surprised herself with the offer because her OCD tendencies make her uncomfortable with people in her space, in particular her kitchen. Tara’s happy-go-lucky attitude and sense of humour is hard to resist but the last thing Kathryn wants is to be checking out her employee’s niece.
In the interests of transparency, I was a beta reader for this novel but I loved the story from the first read. I would wait, usually impatiently, for the next couple of chapters because I was engaged and invested from the first chapter. The final story is substantially the same, with minor adjustments, as the first version that I enjoyed so much.
There is a lot more to the story than the evolution of Kathryn and Tara’s relationship and I’d rather not put any spoilers in but it’s different, with great connections between the characters, some surprises, good humour, tearfully happy moments and sexy intimacy with BDSM elements. Don’t let the BDSM aspect put you off because it’s integral to the relationship dynamic and the story.
This is a wonderfully riveting read with a strong story line.
When Sue’s uptight boss, Kathryn, offers to take Tara on as a boarder she is a little surprised but also really relieved because at least she knows Tara will be safe. Kathryn surprised herself with the offer because her OCD tendencies make her uncomfortable with people in her space, in particular her kitchen. Tara’s happy-go-lucky attitude and sense of humour is hard to resist but the last thing Kathryn wants is to be checking out her employee’s niece.
In the interests of transparency, I was a beta reader for this novel but I loved the story from the first read. I would wait, usually impatiently, for the next couple of chapters because I was engaged and invested from the first chapter. The final story is substantially the same, with minor adjustments, as the first version that I enjoyed so much.
There is a lot more to the story than the evolution of Kathryn and Tara’s relationship and I’d rather not put any spoilers in but it’s different, with great connections between the characters, some surprises, good humour, tearfully happy moments and sexy intimacy with BDSM elements. Don’t let the BDSM aspect put you off because it’s integral to the relationship dynamic and the story.
This is a wonderfully riveting read with a strong story line.
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September 29, 2022Free in this promo 29/30 Sept 2022
https://books.bookfunnel.com/sapphic-...
A lesbian romance set New Zealand.
The story is set in Wellington, New Zealand, our capital city. (Located at the bottom of the North Island.)
My heroines take the ferry to Picton which is at the top of the South Island. (Contrary to what many believe, you can not drive between both islands)
Then they continue by car to Nelson.
I hope you enjoy the journey these characters take you on as much as I did.
~Donna Jay~
https://books.bookfunnel.com/sapphic-...
A lesbian romance set New Zealand.
The story is set in Wellington, New Zealand, our capital city. (Located at the bottom of the North Island.)
My heroines take the ferry to Picton which is at the top of the South Island. (Contrary to what many believe, you can not drive between both islands)
Then they continue by car to Nelson.
I hope you enjoy the journey these characters take you on as much as I did.
~Donna Jay~
March 10, 2019
Ticket To Love by Donna Jay was such a hard slog for me. I started it in November(!) and for some reason I ended up putting it away time after time and read over 50 books in between. I just could not get into the right mindset to finish it, until today when I pushed myself to get to the end.
It’s not really Donna Jay’s fault, I usually like her books, but for some reason this couple did not work for me. The dynamics were off. I just could not see young Tara in a convincing domme role and it kept throwing me out of the story. I am in the minority because the book scores 4 to 5 stars in general so don’t mind my review too much.
f/f explicit
Themes: it didn’t feel the spark, mommy issues, OCD, sleepwalking.
3 stars
It’s not really Donna Jay’s fault, I usually like her books, but for some reason this couple did not work for me. The dynamics were off. I just could not see young Tara in a convincing domme role and it kept throwing me out of the story. I am in the minority because the book scores 4 to 5 stars in general so don’t mind my review too much.
f/f explicit
Themes: it didn’t feel the spark, mommy issues, OCD, sleepwalking.
3 stars
October 27, 2018
This book is on sale for USD1. 99, today only.
Stands up in the Bookaholic Anonymous Meeting, my name is Farah and I am not a fan of this book.
What I like
The hs
- Tara, a spunky 21 year old h. Out and proud + loves non vanilla sex.
- Kathryn, a successful 3O year old h. Been at the rough end of the pineapple a few times yet still standing strong, even stronger when Tara enters her life.
- Tara and Kathryn's family; whacky, loving and supportive.
- The clothes pegs
- A swoonworthy epilogue.
What this woman want
- I would like the getting to know period to be slightly longer before the Titanic car scene.
- Tara's mom should not play a bigger role in the story. Her antics will make you want to drink before squashing her like a bug. Sorry insects lover.
- Instead of the dragging family drama, it'll be more interesting to read about Tara and Kathryn handling couplehood.
- More toys ;D
I'm in the minority here, some of the trustworthy Lesfic fans+reviewers love the book.
This 📖 is unavailable on KU/Scribd.
Kindle price is USD1.99 for a day only.
Stands up in the Bookaholic Anonymous Meeting, my name is Farah and I am not a fan of this book.
What I like
The hs
- Tara, a spunky 21 year old h. Out and proud + loves non vanilla sex.
- Kathryn, a successful 3O year old h. Been at the rough end of the pineapple a few times yet still standing strong, even stronger when Tara enters her life.
- Tara and Kathryn's family; whacky, loving and supportive.
- The clothes pegs
- A swoonworthy epilogue.
What this woman want
- I would like the getting to know period to be slightly longer before the Titanic car scene.
- Tara's mom should not play a bigger role in the story. Her antics will make you want to drink before squashing her like a bug. Sorry insects lover.
- Instead of the dragging family drama, it'll be more interesting to read about Tara and Kathryn handling couplehood.
- More toys ;D
I'm in the minority here, some of the trustworthy Lesfic fans+reviewers love the book.
This 📖 is unavailable on KU/Scribd.
Kindle price is USD1.99 for a day only.
February 5, 2019
I wasn't really sure what to expect from this book but I'm glad to say I was pleasantly surprised, even after re-reading some reviews. It was a nice mixture of fluff, angst, and light BSDM.
Although the moments between Tara and her mother were sometimes heartbreaking to read she luckily has lots of lighthearted ones between herself and a slew of secondary characters to make up for it. Her interactions with Kathryn (Kath) / (Kat) went from being funny and teasing to flirty and downright sexy fairly soon but given the length of the book it was to be expected.
With great pacing and chemistry, this book was real page turner. The only (very) minor issue I had was that the last few chapters felt very sappy / cheesy and everything was wrapped up with a bow that was a little too neat. This ends with an overall 3,75* rating.
TW: homophobic slurs and behavior, previous physical abusive relationship, domestic violence.
Although the moments between Tara and her mother were sometimes heartbreaking to read she luckily has lots of lighthearted ones between herself and a slew of secondary characters to make up for it. Her interactions with Kathryn (Kath) / (Kat) went from being funny and teasing to flirty and downright sexy fairly soon but given the length of the book it was to be expected.
With great pacing and chemistry, this book was real page turner. The only (very) minor issue I had was that the last few chapters felt very sappy / cheesy and everything was wrapped up with a bow that was a little too neat. This ends with an overall 3,75* rating.
TW: homophobic slurs and behavior, previous physical abusive relationship, domestic violence.
January 11, 2019
Canoodling
This ended up being OK after a rough start.
I did read reviews that mentioned light BDSM. So I thought maybe a scene or two for fun. But no. This is a huge part of the main character, Tara.
I don't get it so I can't relate. And it's hard to stay interested when you just can't connect. I don't know anything about BDSM really. But I did wonder how realistic an 18 year old would already be a Dom and playing with someone in her mom's house while said mom is out playing bingo for a couple of hours.
So she gets sent off to her Aunty in New Zealand. And after a few years, the house is getting cramped so her Aunty arranges to have her boss, Katherine take her in.
So there is an age gap. And while that wasn't an issue, I couldn't stop thinking ok Katherine as a parental figure. She would refer to Tara as a young lady. And even later would call her a sweet girl.
But I pressed on, because this is a 4+ star book, so I had to be missing something.
As soon as Tara started sleep walking, things started to turn around.
The relationship that develops is sweet. Has depth. And there are enough things (family conflicts, friendships, and past relationships) that keep the story moving forward.
But overall, it wasn't that unique for me. It was another age gap romance where one was struggling with family acceptance of her sexuality and the other is trying to move on from a past relationship.
This ended up being OK after a rough start.
I did read reviews that mentioned light BDSM. So I thought maybe a scene or two for fun. But no. This is a huge part of the main character, Tara.
I don't get it so I can't relate. And it's hard to stay interested when you just can't connect. I don't know anything about BDSM really. But I did wonder how realistic an 18 year old would already be a Dom and playing with someone in her mom's house while said mom is out playing bingo for a couple of hours.
So she gets sent off to her Aunty in New Zealand. And after a few years, the house is getting cramped so her Aunty arranges to have her boss, Katherine take her in.
So there is an age gap. And while that wasn't an issue, I couldn't stop thinking ok Katherine as a parental figure. She would refer to Tara as a young lady. And even later would call her a sweet girl.
But I pressed on, because this is a 4+ star book, so I had to be missing something.
As soon as Tara started sleep walking, things started to turn around.
The relationship that develops is sweet. Has depth. And there are enough things (family conflicts, friendships, and past relationships) that keep the story moving forward.
But overall, it wasn't that unique for me. It was another age gap romance where one was struggling with family acceptance of her sexuality and the other is trying to move on from a past relationship.
November 10, 2018
Donna Jay really writes novels that are just so feel good while still being incredibly naughty!
After being caught by her mother in a compromising position, Tara flees Australia to live with her Aunt in New Zealand. There she rents a room off of her Aunts, Boss (and friend), Kathryn. Kathyrn has been hurt before and isn’t in the position to ever feel that way again but she can’t help this chemistry she has with Tara.
This was a lovely book, the romance was very sweet but also fun and a little naughty at times. I thoroughly enjoyed the dynamic between the two characters, I especially loved the age-gap romance trope so that had me hooked from the being.
Both these women have been through the wringer in very different ways but somehow by being together they help each other heal and move on. The sex scenes do have some BDSM in them but Donna Jay, as always, writes them in such a way that they seem lighter. I also like how her books are 100% romance with a side of BDSM instead of other books (mainly erotica) that become wholly focused on the sex.
I always love how much Donna Jay adores her country of New Zealand and describes it to a tea. Every time I read one of her books I am ready to visit NZ all over again.
Great story and definitely one that will sit on my re-read list. 4.5 stars
After being caught by her mother in a compromising position, Tara flees Australia to live with her Aunt in New Zealand. There she rents a room off of her Aunts, Boss (and friend), Kathryn. Kathyrn has been hurt before and isn’t in the position to ever feel that way again but she can’t help this chemistry she has with Tara.
This was a lovely book, the romance was very sweet but also fun and a little naughty at times. I thoroughly enjoyed the dynamic between the two characters, I especially loved the age-gap romance trope so that had me hooked from the being.
Both these women have been through the wringer in very different ways but somehow by being together they help each other heal and move on. The sex scenes do have some BDSM in them but Donna Jay, as always, writes them in such a way that they seem lighter. I also like how her books are 100% romance with a side of BDSM instead of other books (mainly erotica) that become wholly focused on the sex.
I always love how much Donna Jay adores her country of New Zealand and describes it to a tea. Every time I read one of her books I am ready to visit NZ all over again.
Great story and definitely one that will sit on my re-read list. 4.5 stars
October 29, 2018
4.2 stars. I generally like everything I've read by Donna Jay this being no exception. In fact, I consider this to be her best book yet. Loved the characters, loved their interactions. All the flirting and blushing was excellent with an unexpected but very nice and light BDSM undertones. I even liked the supporting cast and hated those who are supposed to be hated (you'll know when you read it).
No major complaints really maybe besides the end of the book that is a bit... random? It went from their romance to some kind of message about family being important. It's not bad but I would have preferred the book focused on the pair more. I was left with a feeling that the latter part of the book didn't live up to the first part of it. But it's still good and I can recommend this read to everyone. Also age gap! I love age gap books.
No major complaints really maybe besides the end of the book that is a bit... random? It went from their romance to some kind of message about family being important. It's not bad but I would have preferred the book focused on the pair more. I was left with a feeling that the latter part of the book didn't live up to the first part of it. But it's still good and I can recommend this read to everyone. Also age gap! I love age gap books.
October 22, 2018
This was a sweet spiky romance, fell in love with Tara and Kathryn. Although I enjoyed her previous books, this one is my favorite.
September 7, 2019
Short version: 5 stars. Loved it, you should buy and read this book.
This week I wanted a read that would be 100% satisfactory. So I indulged myself in a Jay book again: always a great read.
This is an age gap romance novel with two fantastic normal and lovable characters.
The beginning of the novel made my toes curl because, if you’ve read the blurb, you’ll see the train wreck coming. Then it almost made me want to physically hurt Tara’s girlfriend. What a tremendous shitty thing she did to Tara. Tara’s mom is the perfect small minded character you love to hate.
After her mom kicked Tara out to get herself straightened out in New Zeeland, she ends up living with her aunt and uncle. Lovely people.
This is where to novel fast forwards a year and we get an insight in Tara who is ready to spread her wings and stand on her own two feet. She ends up renting a room with her aunts boss Kathryn.
They hit off right away, Kathryn has some OCD tendencies and Tara knows how to deal with them in a respectful way. For a 20-year old she is surprisingly adult already. And I love the positieve way she approach’ life despite her past and the way she was brought up. At this point the romance part of the story is beginning.
I again enjoyed Jays writing styly and the witty traits she gives her characters. Normal people with normal and realistic problems and again no dyke drama to be found in this book. She creates the tension you need in books on another level and I love her for that.
A couple of times my eyes got moist (must be an eyelash in there or something ;)), and I had an earsplitting grin while reading the scene about a special and sweet meeting on the northern island.
The book has some sizzling scenes with light BDSM (power play mostly), but for me it doesn’t classify as an erotic novel because the focus is definitely on the romance. I wouldn’t have minded more of those scenes though, ‘cause hot damn..
This week I wanted a read that would be 100% satisfactory. So I indulged myself in a Jay book again: always a great read.
This is an age gap romance novel with two fantastic normal and lovable characters.
The beginning of the novel made my toes curl because, if you’ve read the blurb, you’ll see the train wreck coming. Then it almost made me want to physically hurt Tara’s girlfriend. What a tremendous shitty thing she did to Tara. Tara’s mom is the perfect small minded character you love to hate.
After her mom kicked Tara out to get herself straightened out in New Zeeland, she ends up living with her aunt and uncle. Lovely people.
This is where to novel fast forwards a year and we get an insight in Tara who is ready to spread her wings and stand on her own two feet. She ends up renting a room with her aunts boss Kathryn.
They hit off right away, Kathryn has some OCD tendencies and Tara knows how to deal with them in a respectful way. For a 20-year old she is surprisingly adult already. And I love the positieve way she approach’ life despite her past and the way she was brought up. At this point the romance part of the story is beginning.
I again enjoyed Jays writing styly and the witty traits she gives her characters. Normal people with normal and realistic problems and again no dyke drama to be found in this book. She creates the tension you need in books on another level and I love her for that.
A couple of times my eyes got moist (must be an eyelash in there or something ;)), and I had an earsplitting grin while reading the scene about a special and sweet meeting on the northern island.
The book has some sizzling scenes with light BDSM (power play mostly), but for me it doesn’t classify as an erotic novel because the focus is definitely on the romance. I wouldn’t have minded more of those scenes though, ‘cause hot damn..
May 9, 2019
This was my first book by this author. I didn't love it, but it's an easy read. I thought the relationship was a bit quick to develop, but it wouldn't put me off reading more from this author.
December 26, 2018
A lovely book. Sweet romance. Some light BDSM. Story set in Wellington, NZ with MC Tara (AU) and Kathryn (NZ). Saw nice pictures posted by Ms Jay where this book is set. Loved to set foot in NZ one of these days and soak in all the beauty sceneries where most of Ms Jay’s books are set 😀
April 13, 2020
For someone who is unashamedly vanilla I really enjoyed this story - weeping along with the characters and loving the sense of starting again with real people. If in doubt with an author, try again or you'll miss a gem - which this was. Thanks.
August 12, 2019
This is just the second work I've read by Donna Jay, and I've been struggling with writing a review for it - likely because I related to it on a very personal level. Yes - her books include some light BDSM, but the main thrust of this story is about family dynamics, loss, overcoming hardship and finding love again. I didn't see that coming after the prologue. Donna's writing is strong, engaging and has a lot of heart. Definitely looking forward to reading more by this author!
November 17, 2018
Another good read by Donna Jay. And your typical HEA story... Great beginning, great middle but was left feeling a little bit disappointed at the end where I expected a tad bit more from the story.
Good read tho.
Good read tho.
July 24, 2019
I was a bit let down by this one. I really enjoyed all of Jay's previous books, but this one felt incomplete? I wish the relationship between Tara and Kathryn had developed a little slower. And I feel like Kathryn's OCD went away halfway through the book and that's just not realistic. I'm still going to read whatever Jay will write next.
November 28, 2018
Ticket to Love by Donna Jay is a steamy contemporary romance you will definitely want to read. The story begins in Australia when Tara’s mom finds her in a compromising situation with her girlfriend. Mom has a fit and she ships Tara off to Tara’s aunt and uncle who live in New Zealand. While living with her aunt and uncle and working to become a mechanic, she meets Katherine, her aunt’s boss and rents a room in Katherine’s house. As they settle in the roles of landlord and tenant the two become friends and then something more.
This is actually something of an angst filled romance that is also quite steamy in places. There is an age gap between the two main characters, and one is also dealing with the death of a partner though it happened before the story begins. The characters are well-developed and the chemistry between the two is smoking even though at first glance they seem to be opposites. It is really lovely to read how the two come together and help each other with the problems they end up facing. The New Zealand setting is also absolutely gorgeous.
There are explicit sex scenes and some mild BDSM, but the story is mainly about the romance between the couple. I can highly recommend this to any adult who enjoys a good steamy romance.
This is actually something of an angst filled romance that is also quite steamy in places. There is an age gap between the two main characters, and one is also dealing with the death of a partner though it happened before the story begins. The characters are well-developed and the chemistry between the two is smoking even though at first glance they seem to be opposites. It is really lovely to read how the two come together and help each other with the problems they end up facing. The New Zealand setting is also absolutely gorgeous.
There are explicit sex scenes and some mild BDSM, but the story is mainly about the romance between the couple. I can highly recommend this to any adult who enjoys a good steamy romance.
October 23, 2020
3/5 stars
This was a pretty good romance, but it didn't do anything special for me. The characters were fine, the chemistry was good, but I felt like something was missing. This might be a completely me thing (especially since there are so many great reviews for this book), but I just felt really detached reading this. While I enjoyed the characters and the romance enough to finish the book and generally enjoy it overall, this isn't a story that I will be thinking about for days afterwards. In saying that, I liked Jay's writing, so I am definitely willing to try more from this author.
Tara is a young 21-year old who has moved to New Zealand after being shunned by her mother. She moves in with an older woman, her aunt's boss, and things really pick up from there. This is quite a steamy romance, with very well-written sex scenes. I don't usually read BDSM, so this was quite new to me, but it was done it wasn't anything too hardcore. It felt more like something that just spiced up the romance, and was actually a part of the book that I really liked. It really elevated the chemistry between Tara and Kathryn, and gave them an interesting dynamic.
While I think the chemistry was pretty good, although I felt like it came on quite suddenly, I wasn't really convinced about the deeper emotional connection between these two. I liked their scenes together, but I just wasn't convinced of their love, especially towards the end.
There was a lot of family drama in this book, which was entertaining to some extent but also got grating pretty quickly. Tara's mum was just awful and really soured the book. While I'm not against having 'bad' characters, I didn't feel anything genuine about Tara's mum. Instead, she just kept getting worse and worse, and stayed in the story for seemingly no reason. I kind of wish some of the family drama aspects were pushed aside so that we could see more of the characters together. It also wasn't anything particularly unique, with many queer books having a character that has severe mummy/daddy issues. Perhaps if it was done in a more unique/memorable way it would have been interesting, but I just found it to be a hindrance on the story.
This was a pretty good romance, but it didn't do anything special for me. The characters were fine, the chemistry was good, but I felt like something was missing. This might be a completely me thing (especially since there are so many great reviews for this book), but I just felt really detached reading this. While I enjoyed the characters and the romance enough to finish the book and generally enjoy it overall, this isn't a story that I will be thinking about for days afterwards. In saying that, I liked Jay's writing, so I am definitely willing to try more from this author.
Tara is a young 21-year old who has moved to New Zealand after being shunned by her mother. She moves in with an older woman, her aunt's boss, and things really pick up from there. This is quite a steamy romance, with very well-written sex scenes. I don't usually read BDSM, so this was quite new to me, but it was done it wasn't anything too hardcore. It felt more like something that just spiced up the romance, and was actually a part of the book that I really liked. It really elevated the chemistry between Tara and Kathryn, and gave them an interesting dynamic.
While I think the chemistry was pretty good, although I felt like it came on quite suddenly, I wasn't really convinced about the deeper emotional connection between these two. I liked their scenes together, but I just wasn't convinced of their love, especially towards the end.
There was a lot of family drama in this book, which was entertaining to some extent but also got grating pretty quickly. Tara's mum was just awful and really soured the book. While I'm not against having 'bad' characters, I didn't feel anything genuine about Tara's mum. Instead, she just kept getting worse and worse, and stayed in the story for seemingly no reason. I kind of wish some of the family drama aspects were pushed aside so that we could see more of the characters together. It also wasn't anything particularly unique, with many queer books having a character that has severe mummy/daddy issues. Perhaps if it was done in a more unique/memorable way it would have been interesting, but I just found it to be a hindrance on the story.
March 16, 2021
This is my third book by Donna Jay. I’ve come to the conclusion that Donna Jay’s books are not for me. They lack depth for me and therefore I don’t feel the chemistry between the MC’s. The sex scenes didn’t work for me either because of that. And I didn’t ‘believe’ the domme/sub scenes. And there is too much drama in it that didn’t have a buildup and felt unrealistically rushed. So I give this one 2,8 stars. And I removed other books by her from my to read list.
January 1, 2019
So...here's the thing. Normally I don't gravitate to either BDSM or Young Adult books, but on occasion, I go there because I like a bit more steaminess. After giving Donna Jay a try with her debut novel, I was sold. Why? Because unlike some of the BDSM novels I've read, this did not create any discomfort at all. I don't enjoy BDSM that has elements of tearing down a woman with verbal lashings about how the woman is fill in the derogatory comment. I am not talking about the playful statements like you are a naughty girl and need to be punished, but rather the harsh ones like you're a dirty whore and you disgust me or some such thing. It's just not my cup of tea. Donna Jay writes about BDSM in a way that is hot, sexy and wonderfully romantic. The love shines through, along with the ultimate trust that is needed for the level of intimacy represented. This is my favorite book of hers because I adored the main characters. Their quirks were so endearing and I loved how they came together and supported one another, showing the various sides of who they were versus a one-dimensional view. In my opinion, there are very few lesfic authors who write great BDSM books that satisfy my need for romance at the core. Donna Jay is my go-to author when I'd looking for a little spice to go along with the romance. Highly recommended for both the steamy sex scenes and the romance-toss in great character development and a wonderful plot and you've got a great book.
October 23, 2018
I really enjoyed Ticket To Love. It wasn't the typical romance I have read - Girl meets girl, girl is attracted to girl, girls find a way to avoid love, girls decide to love, girls break up, girls get back together, girls live happily ever after. It was a refreshing read filled with chemistry, a Domme/Sub, heartache, love, and some steamy sex. 4.25 stars
October 11, 2018
shush. Daddy/daughter stuff makes me tear up. :)
October 24, 2018
Finished this the other day. It’s a solid read. I felt the chemistry between both leads. I feel like they got together rather quickly, but it didn’t affect the overall quality of the story.
April 8, 2019
I have read a few of Donna Jay's books and have enjoyed each them. This fits right into the rest of them. Though Mistaken Identity is still my favorite of hers, I really liked both MCs and the supporting characters. Its pretty light on BDSM, I think, but the intimate scenes between the two were well done. Currently available in Scribd, give it a read.
December 6, 2022
This was not for me and it wasn't the BDSM that I had a problem with. The book felt really split in half, there was the pre romance where both characters had mild attraction but identified why it could look like the other was being taken advantage of and then the dating part which ignored all those blurred lines after the mains decided to be an official item. The reasons why they could not act on the attraction in the first half were swept away in the second half, which could have been quite poetic if they weren't so heavily impressed. There just needs to be a little bit more work to make me feel okay after you've listed reasons why you shouldn't act on your attraction because they are your boarder, coworker's niece, and homeless.
There was some decent chemistry between the two leads especially during the steamy scenes but some of the interactions felt awkward to me. There was not always a description after orders were given, making the affirmative response come across as wooden. I just had a hard time picturing the change in these two characters from their personal lives and wished I was walked through it a bit more.
The characters seemed to feel like they were in their 40s with the specific language they used. The 20 year old was using old colloquialisms that I have rarely heard a person under 30 use, even when I was under 30. I could have probably let it slide if, again, there was more reasoning as to how Tara adopted this at such an early age.
Not something I would suggest to anyone interested in trying a book by Jay. I was pleasantly surprised by 44 hours but this one just felt a little all over the place compared to it.
There was some decent chemistry between the two leads especially during the steamy scenes but some of the interactions felt awkward to me. There was not always a description after orders were given, making the affirmative response come across as wooden. I just had a hard time picturing the change in these two characters from their personal lives and wished I was walked through it a bit more.
The characters seemed to feel like they were in their 40s with the specific language they used. The 20 year old was using old colloquialisms that I have rarely heard a person under 30 use, even when I was under 30. I could have probably let it slide if, again, there was more reasoning as to how Tara adopted this at such an early age.
Not something I would suggest to anyone interested in trying a book by Jay. I was pleasantly surprised by 44 hours but this one just felt a little all over the place compared to it.
June 4, 2023
4 stars. This was pretty good. I was interested from the start when Tara gets caught in a very compromising situation by her mother and then kicked out of the house to live with her aunt. All of that was really intriguing. Tara eventually ends up living with Kathryn and I liked them together. The chemistry between them was good and I thought both characters were likable. They’re also both into some light D/s which was fun and made for some sexy scenes. Both women had issues going on. Tara with her mother and Kathryn had an awful experience with her former girlfriend/Domme so they both had a lot of things to work through. I really thought they were great together and the romance was fun. I also appreciate that there is no third act breakup. There was a lot of family drama but I liked the way it was handled. Overall, this was a very enjoyable read. It’s well written, sexy, and a lot of fun.
June 26, 2024
Getting kicked out is just the beginning…
4.5⭐️ Whew! What a book! Well written. Intriguing story that kept me invested from start to finish. Super hot yet low key bdsm. Excellent spice and chemistry between our MCs. Very satisfying wrap up. No third act break up but plenty going on to keep your interest and investment of character development. Highly recommend!
4.5⭐️ Whew! What a book! Well written. Intriguing story that kept me invested from start to finish. Super hot yet low key bdsm. Excellent spice and chemistry between our MCs. Very satisfying wrap up. No third act break up but plenty going on to keep your interest and investment of character development. Highly recommend!
November 8, 2018
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It was an okay read but not really my thing. The relationship developed and escalated much to quickly for me and there was so much outside drama that felt very soap opera-ish. And Kathryn's characterisation made me feel like I was reading about two different characters, depending on a situation.
It was an okay read but not really my thing. The relationship developed and escalated much to quickly for me and there was so much outside drama that felt very soap opera-ish. And Kathryn's characterisation made me feel like I was reading about two different characters, depending on a situation.
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