Cherished

bdsm-favorites honest-review-of-a-gift-from-author stand-alone-in-a-series

This series is getting better by the book,and i already loved it at book one!
Maybe i’m biased,being a beta-reader,but i dó know quality writing,and this is it.

This time as we visit the club,the spotlights are on Sonja. And Derek.
She has been searching for her other half for so long,but none of the Doms at the club were the one she so desperately wants.
Until Derek. He sees the little girl underneath the surface,the one that needs a Daddy to take care of her.
If only she knew how old her little girl is....but he is determined to help her find out.
Once he convinces Sonja to try,they have fun exploring different ages for her.
But Derek has a past,one he thought he left behind when he moved into town,and it’s about to knock on the door.
Can Sonja trust her Daddy to keep her safe and cherished,as his little girl needs him to?

The dynamic explored in Cherished is done in the same quality the other stories were told.
It feels real,the couple feels like they could live next door,and i can envision them as being friends.
In fact,they all feel as friends,everyone at Club Indigo.
Seeing them all again,hearing what the others are up to as we follow Sonja and Derek,makes this story richer,more complete.

If you’re looking for a BDSM series that feels like it could happen in your town,in your life,with real people,this is the series for you.
I for one hope to see a lot more of Club Indigo!

(I know i should’ve said this in my reviews of the series from the start,but if you know me,you know i always review in all honesty the story i’ve read)

Kristen Lewendon

8,429 reviews64 followers

This book reminds me of all the things I love best about the Black Light series. It highlights a way of life that’s taboo or forbidden to most of the rest of the world. Derek is utterly perfect! Too perfect? Maybe. He’s sweet and charming, alpha without being an alpha-hole, and he’s an experienced older man. (Hooray for characters past “a certain age”!) This is the first book I’ve read in this world, so I didn’t have previous experience with Sonja or any of the rest of the cast that fills out the background. But that’s okay because I found this book stands well on its own. There’s enough information that I can figure out at least a thumbnail sketch of the important secondary characters – enough that I want to go read their books now. Immediately, my heart went out to Sonja in the opening scene of the book. But after that I wasn’t able to completely connect with her. I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that her backstory seems fascinating, but we never really learn why she’s so protective of the story. I found that there was a bit of an imbalance in the way the story was written. We’re given ‘info dumps’ about things that aren’t essential to the core story, but then there are plot points that appeared critical that get glossed over. I enjoyed the story. I deeply appreciated the care that has gone into portraying The Lifestyle in this book. And I absolutely adored that our leading couple are experienced, mature adults.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.

Joanie M

383 reviews6 followers

consenusal diversity likeable-hero

I enjoyed this highly erotic and emotional story about Sonja, a submissive woman who is looking for that special Dom. Derek thinks he's just the Daddy Dom that Sonja needs, but she doesn't believe she's a Little. They take it slow and explore BDSM together with Derek pushing Sonja to try new experiences. The book was unusual, but perhaps realistic, in that Sonja doesn't like pain like most subs in these stories. I liked her character and felt for her. The plot got more complex when bad things started happening to Sonja's business. There were many supporting characters, some from previous books in the series, but I hadn't read them and the book stood alone splendidly. I recommend this entertaining, emotional, easy read.

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

arc reviewed

Toni L

2,057 reviews3 followers

November 27, 2019

I continue to be a huge fan of this series & have enjoyed every single new release. This book brings together two characters that have been on the side in previous books but are now brought to centre stage. I just loved the dynamic between Derek & Sonya. Sonya's initial resistance but ultimate enjoyment of her role in the DD/lg relationship. I also loved the care & attention exhibited by Derek in all facets of Sonya's life. My only criticism is that even though I've read all of the previous books, I managed to get confused at the times with the side characters, particularly those that haven't already had their own books. I would have appreciated just a line or two about the relationship that has brought them into the story & where they fit.

Sara Munoz

4,671 reviews9 followers

November 27, 2019

I loved this highly erotic, well-written and emotional story about a submissive woman who is looking for that special Dom. He tries to get her to experience new things, but is she a little? The book was realistic but unusual the she doesn't like pain like most subs. I liked the characters in this book and felt for her and how her life has been up to until now. The plot had many twists and turns where he feels he must protest her from things in his past. This is the 1st book I have read and I will be going back to catch up. I recommend this story

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

Deanie Nelder

1,131 reviews24 followers

July 18, 2021

Actually 3.5 stars

I love Karen Nappa and her Club Indigo series, but I'm not into the Daddy Dom/little girl roleplay, so the first time I read the series, I skipped this one. However, I really liked Sonja in the other books, so I wanted to read her story. I also admire the author for not writing about perfect twentysomethings, and instead writing about middle aged people with real life problems. I liked the characters, though the plot was over the top and definitely not Nappa's best work.

JD (on semi-hiatus)

984 reviews223 followers

November 21, 2019

Before I get to my review, I want to advise prospective new readers that it helps to read all the books in order since recurring characters appear in all four; in this case, Sonja, the main character, is partners with Suzie, who was featured in Trusted.

I also want to give a shout out to a recent interview the Ms. Nappas did in which they said this:

"We also longed for mature characters, because when you’re in your forties and fifties, like we are, it’s tiresome to only read about twenty-something characters. We thought that there were probably other readers who would also be interested in reading about characters who were like themselves in age. So that’s why we write Seasoned BDSM Romance with HEA."

As someone also in this age bracket, I echo this sentiment whole-heartedly! It's so nice to see characters I can relate to. And I really, really hope that Seasoned BDSM Romance (great title!) becomes as popular (hopefully, more popular) as the current mafia/bratva/shifter subgenres. Attention interested authors: please think about contributing to this brand new subgenre; I am so here for that!

Now for my review; some of what I say below I've said about the other books. This is what worked for me and what didn't work for me. YMMV.

What Worked:

1) Diversity in Representation: In a genre that is overwhelmingly white, middle-class, and abled (though that's beginning to change, finally, in 2019), the Club Indigo series stands out for its diversity. Many secondary characters are ethnically diverse, as are their gender and sexual orientations (there's one scene with a transgender character, the first I believe I've seen in this genre). I also appreciate that there's no gender essentialism within the BDSM spectrum: not all the males are dominant, not all the females are submissive, and several are switches. Now it's true that the MC is traditionally male/dominant and female/submissive (perhaps that will change one day), but, in this case, the h is African-American and it was a pleasure to see a character of color in a "starring role."

2) Diversity in BDSM Practices: Many books in the BDSM genre have a sameness to them (in part because most authors have no first-hand knowledge); after a while, I get tired of hearing about floggers, butt plugs, and St. Andrews Crosses ad nauseam (Suspended is a recent welcome exception). Thus far, this has not been a problem with this series; every book features in detail a different practice -- often one that is not as well-known. Here, for example, we see cupping (and the description made me want to experience it since it sounds heavenly). I understand that the next book will feature Kinbaku (which I had to look up). Side Note: I do want to warn prospective readers who like Age Play that while that is the particular kink featured here, it was pretty light (just a few scenes, actually). And, because Age Play takes so many forms, I do want to assure readers who aren't into Age Play that Sonja's "age" is late elementary school (thus, no diapers or bottles).

3) Consent: The main reason we read about so many disparate BDSM practices is because the authors themselves are in the lifestyle; thus, they understand -- as so many other authors do not -- that if you don't have consent, safewords, and negotiations, you don't have BDSM. I really wish that books that don't do this would stop using the term as selling points; all they're doing is impugning a lifestyle that is already so misunderstood. Authors: put your heads together and come up with a term for non-consent, no safewords, and no negotiations that doesn't include these letters: "BDSM."

4) The MC: Both Derek and Sonja are likeable, together and separately. They are both professionals, good at their jobs, and good with other people. I appreciated that Derek wasn't a domineering Neanderthal (he was actually a tad unbelievably perfect, though he should have gone after Sonja when she left the munch and why he didn't wasn't explained) and that Sonja wasn't vacant, bratty, or a doormat. Both compromised (in their play lives and in their real lives) as any couple must do. I rooted for their HEA.

5) World-Building/Community: The authors have set their series in a very specific club in a very specific town with characters who are connected by blood or friendship or profession (maybe a little too much so: it seems like everyone in Kansas City is secretly in the BDSM scene). The characters all come across as real people living in a real world. We don't see, for example, 6'4" doms who are wealthy, special ops agents, and shifters -- for me, that's a relief.

What Didn't Work:

1) Descriptions: There's a happy medium between giving readers too little detail and overwhelming them, and the authors have not found it. It isn't necessary to fully describe every space (the vet, for example) and every person. Sometimes, just a couple of lines work better than whole paragraphs; as it stands now, the attention to detail really does slow down the pace of these books. I suggest that the authors ask themselves what, exactly, is relevant to the plot/character development and what isn't. In this case, did we need to hear so much about the logistics surrounding the mammogram appointment or the details about Snuggles' illness (I say the latter as a cat lover)? In these books, the focus really does need to be on the MC; I would have swapped some of Sonja's nights at home alone with a few more play times and/or conversations with Derek.

2) Plot: This last was a weakness I didn't see in the other books. The other stories featured experienced doms with newbie subs; thus, the tension between the couple was built-in since the women did resist, to some extent, the lifestyle and, therefore, the relationship. Because Sonja and Derek are both experienced players, there was little conflict between them. And what I thought might develop into conflicts (Sonja's mammogram, her memories of her first boyfriend) are actually . Thus, in order to create tension, the authors eject an artificially-induced crises in the shape of Angie, Derek's ex-girlfriend-turned-stalker. Now the stalker trope is probably my least favorite for three reasons. First, it's been done to death (Measha Stone, for example, rarely writes a book without it). Secondly, because the stalker isn't someone we've met before or is organic to the story, we have no feelings towards or about him/her. Finally, the stalker never comes across as a fully-developed character, rather, they are so unsubtle that they might as well be twirling mustaches; in this case, I felt that I reading the book version of Fatal Attraction, and I was really worried for Sonja's cat. This was a shame because there were actually many more realistic, organic, interesting ways to create tension since Derek and Sonja are different classes, cultures, and ethnicities. I would have found any of those possible plotlines more interesting than what we got. Side Note: I didn't understand why Sonja and Derek couldn't call or text each other .

I wonder who will get the next story? Perhaps Will? It might be interesting to hear more about a newbie dom, since those characters are rare.

3 1/2 stars. I do recommend this book if you're looking for consensual, detailed BDSM scenes featuring mature (in behavior as well as age), likeable characters.

Note: I adhere to the ratings system as laid out by Goodreads: 2 stars = it was okay; 3 stars = liked it; 4 stars = really liked it; 5 stars = it was amazing. I gave this book 3 1/2 stars because it drew me in, even though I thought it was dry and too elaborate in places. I do not think that every book I read is "amazing;" further, I think that it cheapens the rating system to always assign 4 or 5 stars. If a book really earns the 4 or 5 stars (and I realize that this is, to some degree, subjective), I'll give them -- but it certainly shouldn't apply to every book. Ymmv, and everyone should enjoy/rate these books as they wish.

Cathy Black

1,709 reviews15 followers

Derek and Sonja meet at this BDSM club called Club Indigo. It was not love at first sight. In fact Sonja was upset with him because she thought her friend was having trouble with her Dom and she wanted make sure she was alright. Sonja and her friend Suzie and her husband Connor owned this Cafe and they all were members of the club. Suzie and Connor were into hard core play. She liked pain and her husband like given her pain. Okay now we have to get to Derek and Sonja. Derek is what you called a Daddy Dom. He like to child role play not baby role play or anything like that but he liked to cherish his woman and treat her like he would his child except for the sex. Sonja was not so sure she could handle doing this seeing how she had daddy issues. Sonja's father had left her and her mother when she was six because her mother was sick with cancer. Her mother and her go to stay with her grandmother and years later around time of her graduation she was 17 her grandmother died of cancer. They both died of breast cancer. Derek is a social worker who works with trying to help parents and children stay together and if they couldn't or shouldn't because of drugs or some kind of addiction then he helped the children to find homes that would take care of them. Derek and Sonja gradually get to know one another and were doing fine with their relationship until an old submissive of Derek's comes to town and wants him back. It is a story that will make you happy sometimes and then make you sad. It has angst, drama and a whole lot of love. Read this story.

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

Gail Lacroix

237 reviews3 followers

Whats a woman to do when she finds the dom of her dreams and he's into age play something she never thought about.Sonja has fears of being abandoned ,every man in her life has left her including her father. When she has a health scare she finds the one man who would do anything for her will be right by her side every step of the way.
Derek has found his submissive even If she doesn't realize it,he knows she would be the perfect partner for him and his age play.He now has his work cut out for him getting Sonja to agree to give it a try.
Just when things start to look up for the two Derek's past comes rushing back threatening to ruin them.

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

Leslee

2,655 reviews76 followers

I didn't know what to expect with this being part of a series, book four of Club Indigo but it had not impact on my enjoyment whatsoever. Age play in the context of a sex club wouldn't normally be a place to find your soul mate but Karen Nappa makes it work. This story covers the whole progression of a relationship and I loved getting to experience it. Both Sonja and Derek are older characters which was refreshing. Regardless of the age play, they act like adults when it comes to communication. I was really impressed with this author, she did a fantastic job combining a kink with romance, falling in love. I will definitely be following this author to see what she cooks up next.

Goldienut

315 reviews2 followers

Sonja is looking for a dom to take care of her but she is an independent
woman. In walks Derek and he is a Daddy dom but she thinks there is no
way she needs a daddy dom. She quickly sees where she might benefit
from letting her little out and be able to recapture the years she lost as an
child. Her life is threatened on several occasions. This is a great novel and
if you have not read the series, even though this is a stand alone you will
want to read the entire series.

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

Lori

1,413 reviews9 followers

This is the 4th in the Club Indigo series. Sonja can't seem to find a Dom who suits her. She is not into pain and finds it hard to trust. When Derek shows interest, she is skittish. He is a Daddy Dom and one thing she is not is a little. Derek is older, strong, handsome and sure she has a young girl deep inside who needs him . When someone tries to come between them, she needs her daddy. Power exchange in an evolving DDLG relationship.

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

Erika

9 reviews10 followers

I have really enjoyed the Club Indigo series, but I didn't know what to think when I found out this book involved age play. After reading the fourth book in the series, this is the first time age play made sense and wasn't a turn off. I didn't see the twists and turns in the story before they happened and overall enjoyed this book in the series. If the idea of age play normaly turns you off, still give this one a try.

Louise

1,429 reviews3 followers

His Baby girl!

BDSM Club scenes is what she is looking at. While a Dom seas a 'Little' he wants to know. She is beautiful, full figured and hopfully a bit of a Brat. He wants to teach her. Its a lovely story and so looking forward to reading the rest in the Series that I just purchased after enjoying this book 4.

Dianna Surette

254 reviews3 followers

BDSM with age play

A submissive not connecting with a dominant until a daddy dominant comes forward. Enjoyed how she grew towards the idea of being a little. Would have liked to see the completion of the breast cancer scare component...

Sandra

620 reviews5 followers

Accepting that she likes age playing is almost a hard limite to her.
Derek is Daddy dom and taking care of a little is a dream come true.
This book has suspense and romance.
I recommend it.

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

Elvira

7,813 reviews65 followers

This is a great book I enjoyed the characters that are well developed and engaging and have chemistry from the start. The storyline flowed smoothly and easily from beginning to the end.

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

Mawgan Dipple

1,705 reviews

November 18, 2019

This was a very interesting and intriguing book. I've never read much about age play in the bdsm world, but this story was enlightening. The plot was good, the characters interacting together bring the whole story together. It was my first book by this author and I will be looking out to read more in the series. A great read.

arc-reads

Ana *

519 reviews1 follower

Club Indigo, The place where barriers are down and lives are unraveled. This story was hot and steamy and slow in all the right places.

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

Julie

980 reviews9 followers

I’ve not read the first club indigo in the series but after reading Cherished I want to read them all.

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

Elizabeth

1,947 reviews

November 17, 2019

I love that this story is about older men and women it is a refreshing change. I also liked the story although I would, have liked to hear more about Derek’s job. The thing that bothered me was the amount of description, for me it was way too much and I almost expected to hear every time they breathed. I found it too much and consequently ended up skimming passages to get on with the story.

Catalina Gil

105 reviews

Just a Little Reading & Reviewing

Loved this book!!!

Loved this book!!! Loved the chemistry that Derek and Sonja had!! The suspense in the book was great!!! I can't wait to read another book from Karen Nappa!!!

Leanne Bryson

5,208 reviews22 followers

November 28, 2019

Sonja is looking for a Dom, not a Daddy. Derek thinks he's the Daddy Dom she needs. I really liked the slow burn of this book, I prefer books that build. Both Derek and Sonja are well written, interesting characters. The book is well paced and steamy. I now have to read the rest of the Club Indigo series by Karen Nappa. Well done!
I received a copy from Booksprout and this is my honest review.

374 reviews127 followers

ddlg favorite mature-mcs-40

Quick Summary
This was a mature twist to the DD/lg stories I’ve been binging on lately. Sonja is into kink when she is first introduced. She’s looking for a real connection with someone but has resigned herself to being a solo act until she meets Derek.

He’s a Dom who likes to be called Daddy!

Sonja never thought she would be into age play but with Derek everything that once sounded unbelievable suddenly feels very natural and the feelings of safe contentment and happiness has her rethinking her initial doubts of anything lasting between them.

But Derek has a past he was trying to distance himself from that’s finally caught up to him. With Derek in sight and his closeness to Sonja apparent, she finds a target on her back that will break them or make them.

🖤 ~ My Thoughts ~ 🖤
I’m not used to reading about characters that much older than me but I fell in love with sweet vulnerable Sonja as much as I did her sexy Daddy Dom.

What I loved the most (and there’s a lot to love in this story!) was that it didn’t matter what age the characters were because the emotional pull, the chemistry and the heart of the story fairly burst open with genuine love and romance. Stories like this is why I read these types of stories. I loved how Derek pursued Sonja, I loved how he teased, cajoled, seduced and introduced her to DD/lg. He is literally the definition of a Daddy Dom every little should be so fortunate to find.

Sonja was an older woman (in her 40s) who I found myself relating to a lot. She’s someone who is still finding herself and discovering what she wants and admitting to her feelings. I loved her honesty and her vulnerability. And if I’m totally honest, I’m jealous of her luck because Derek is definitely a keeper! (P.S. Derek is in his late 40's "almost 50")

Heat Level: 5/5

I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Maureen

1,456 reviews28 followers

September 13, 2022

I enjoyed reading this story, i loved Dereks character he really did go all out for Sonya.
After meeting Derek at the club and having a one night of pleasure, she wakes up to find him still there calling her baby girl. But shes not a little or into age play.. or is she? Their relationship is getting deeper when somene from Derek's past shows up, can she trust that he is telling the truth and she really isnt in danger.
A story worthy to be read, especially if you like reading Daddy Doms and their littles in an age play story.

Lane

1,352 reviews

Many teaching moments for me.

This is the first book I've read by the authors though it is the fourth book in the Club Indigo series.
The Club Indigo series is about the BDSM lifestyle. The couples have different kinks and though the book focuses on a particular couple, others are seen at the club and explained within the story. This gives a reader who's unfamiliar with terminology and the lifestyle, like me, a guide. I appreciated the "teaching moments".

This particular book is about Sonja and Derek. Sonja hasn't had much luck finding a match. She has participated in scenes but no one has truly been "it" for her. Derek is fairly new to the area and is drawn to Sonja. He orders her a drink during their first encounter...in a sippy cup! Sonja's sass flared and an unchartered pathway begins to form. Sonja is adamant that she does not like age play and many other things, but with Derek, she finds herself willing to try things she never thought she would try before. The story was okay. There were parts that seemed sluggish, maybe due to too many details (though I can't believe I'm actually saying that) that bogged down the storyline. The writing was okay, but the story did not pull me in. Both characters were strong and likable. Despite this book being part of a series, I did not feel as though anything was missing. I'm sure knowing the other stories would enhance the reading experience because you would understand the backstories of the other characters. These characters did make several appearances. It did seem like everyone that Sonja ran into was or became members of the club....that really wasn't believable.

Overall 2.5-3 stars

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

Shirley Holt

581 reviews3 followers