Branding Her - Steamy Lesbian Romance Series When single mom Kaylee lands a new job everything seems to be falling into place. Then Alexis comes along. A woman who doesn't take no for an answer. Will Kaylee let go of her fears and insecurities to fully indulge in Alexis or will it all get too much?
The first three books in the series and six episodes:
BRANDING HER: BOOK 1
E01: Beginnings
E02: Holidays
BRANDING HER: BOOK 2
E03: Mutual Fun
E04: Business Trip
BRANDING HER: BOOK 3
E05: Exploring E06: Jealousy
Grab the first six episodes of the series at a reduced price - also available in audiobook format.
2.5 stars. This was okay? A mostly light-hearted romance between a single mom starting a new career in a new city, and her suave new co-worker. From the format of this, it was originally released in short little episodes that later got bundled into a book. It doesn't really work as well when it's all compiled; the book ends up feeling overly heavy on the sex, and low on plot, and really wonky with the pacing. I liked both characters (...mostly), but ultimately they both felt really shallow. The romance happens super quick, and I'm still scratching my head over what they even see in each other. The bulk of the book just feels super fluffy and empty. I enjoy slice-of-life type narratives, but there was really nothing notable here to enjoy with the relationship or the writing. The head-hopping wasn't severe, but it still bugged me.
The parts I liked were when it got serious for a bit, with Kaylee's issues with her mother, and Alex getting a taste of parenting. It's also pretty sexy, but again, the sheer volume of sex scenes made it boring after a while. In the latter half of the book, they start to explore more BDSM and powerplay in their sex life, and it's not all handled safely or responsibly. It's done in a way where you can tell the author doesn't condone it, and plans to address it; we did start talking about some of it in the very last part. A part of why I didn't like this too much is because Alex can be the kind of pushy, overbearing domme that's so frustrating and really not appealing to read, both out of bed and in bed. In that last episode, she either doesn't hear or ignores Kaylee saying her safe word, all because she's all wrapped up in her jealousy about some stuff that happened. And again, you can tell that this is something the author is going to address. But am I interested or invested enough to continue and see how they work things out?
Alas, no. I read this basically in two/three sittings, not because I couldn't put it down, but because I felt like if I did put it down for long, I would end up DNFing it, and I did want to see how it would end. And it ends... on an emotional cliff-hanger of sorts. I do kinda want to see what happens from there, because I do like Kaylee, but the likelihood of me continuing this series is low.
This story is heavy on tell, and the the sex scenes (which are a plenty) did little for me. That's saying something coming from a self-confessed lover of erotic scenes.
This bundle of three books by Alex B. Porter is very hard for me to rate. Each book has two sections/episodes. So six sections in all. Five of the sections I loved. It is a well written/edited romance about two women that meet while working at a fashion design company in Boston.
For one, sloppily written. I had really hoped for more. Short, hot, steamy.... Nope. Got awkward, rushed, and a little weird. For one, Alex didn't come across as demanding in a good way, it came across as controlling. Usually a red flag in a romantic partner. I could already see them getting serious, Alex having them move in with her, then wanting Kaylee to be a SAHM to Ryan and future kids, and then never being home because she is SO busy, and Kaylee just goes along with it all, because Alex is commanding and forceful and that's the way it has always been. Maybe I am catastrophizing, but I was getting all sorts of red flags, myself. It is important to write well, clearly and succinctly, with thoughtfully created, relatable characters, but it is most important in a short story. This did not play out as intended.
Also, in a sex scene, do NOT give me phrases like 'cherry rump' and 'upturned tail'. Libido = dead.
This is a very well written series about Alexis (Alex) and Kaylee, for whom sparks seem to fly from the beginning. The characters are well developed and the storyline flows easily, making this easy, interesting, and exciting reading. And the sex is pretty hot too! Put this book on your must read list.
"Branding Her: Bundle 1, Episodes 1-6" (2015) is a set of engaging chronological stories about the lesbian romance between somewhat repressed single mother Kaylee and somewhat dominant Alex. Having met at a work site with a no-dating-coworkers policy, they keep their romance secret. The sex scenes are frequent but interesting, and most of the content is outside the bedroom, where it should be. Roxanne Hill’s narration is effective. Strongly recommended. Audiobook given free in exchange for honest review.
I loved the series, but the too many insecurities were such a turn off for me.
Alex is such a commanding presence, the revelation of her love for BDSM wasn't even a surprise. Kaylee is the perfect type then for her. They learn to grow stronger together through the obstacles at work and in their personal lives.
Sadly, this one just wasn't for me. There was too much telling, not nearly enough showing. The relationship at the centre of the story was, to my mind, controlling and dangerous well before there were any restraints involved. And the main characters chuckled entirely too much; every few pages, one of them chuckled.
Alex immediately shows her affection towards Kaylee when they meet at work. She asks her to lunch and tells her she wants to get to know her. Alex actions like these make reading this story enjoyable. You just know this relationship is going to be fun to read; it was! Their story is full of explicit ways Alex and Kaylee enjoy physical intimacy together.
This book is heavy on the sex parts. Even the role playing situations. Alex and Kaylee seem like they make a good couple at first but then as the book goes on, Alex becomes way too jealous of Kaylee getting attention. She plays with Ryan(Kaylee’s son) and seems to enjoy being around them. Then the second she asks Kaylee if she wants to move in with her, it seems like Alex forgets that Kaylee has a son that would come along. I feel like this relationship was rushed a bit much for a single mom who had just moved to a new city and got a new job.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Too much drama and insecurity early on, and a weirdly formed relationship. I don't know, I really wanted to like this book, get into the wlw scenario set up here, but I just didn't like it.
Read this amazing series, a couple of years ago. The extra bonuses, gives it more flavor. I'm captivated all over again. Alex, outstanding author, can't wait for more mind blowing books coming from you.
Episode 1-5 were excellent and an easy 5/5 for me. Episode 6 is what made this bundle loose two stars I don't mind BDSM shown with responsiblity, as that's what the BDSM scene has strived to show, so showing what was shown in Episode 6 was for me a major turn off.
I liked it. Sweet, romantic and sexy. Some of the dialogue seems a bit stilted, but that’s a minor quibble.(I certainly couldn’t do better, so who am I to knock it) Will definitely the next bundle.
A well written F/F Romance bundle with a steamy side.
Kaylee moves to a new city for work in the fashion industry. Once there the intriguing Alexis takes her under her wing and sparks fly.
I was pleasantly surprised by this bundle. It was written quite well with likable characters, a good story and just the right amount of steamy scenes. Both the main characters were interesting and clearly had good chemistry between them. I liked reading about them and their daily lives (Especially the inclusion of Keylee's son Ryan). Though ramped up for entertainment value, their relationship felt realistic. They made goofs and mistakes, but clearly were working towards something bigger.
In all a good read with two likable main character and a competent author to write their story.
[Note] These are the first six episodes of an ongoing bundle. Do not be surprised if the are a few loose tread left to be unresolved in future episodes.
This book has been an interesting look into lesbian erotica, wich I've been wanting to get into for some time. Overall, the story was well paced - if a bit slow to my tastes - with enough spicy bits to keep things interesting the whole way. I did find all the flashbacks kinda weird, but not exactly bad either. I guess that's just my personal taste. I'm only giving three stars because the themes - single parenthood, work stress and work troubles, getting along with your family... - are definitely not something I enjoy or look for in my readings.
I guess my conclusion is : it wasn't bad, but it wasn't to my taste.