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Rowan House #2
Both Ends of the Whip
Octavia Vargus had everything she wanted at Rowan House, Skye's most exclusive pleasure house, except the one thing she craved. Longing for the freedom to explore both sides of her nature, she leaves Rowan House and her mistress, for a new start in Italy with her partner Bridget Murray. Vivian Abiola is a connection to a past Octavia would like to forget, and a love she never expected to see again. After Octavia's past relationship with Vivian is exposed, Octavia and Bridget explore the limits of their desires with Vivian. When an arsonist threatens to destroy their vineyard, past loyalties and secrets endanger their lives, and the three women's relationship. Their love may be the only thing that helps them survive the firestorm of doubt, intrigue, and jealousy.
260 pages, Paperback
Published May 7, 2018
8 people are currently reading
197 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Murphy
27 books91 followersBrenda Murphy writes short fiction and novels. She loves tattoos and sideshows and yes, those are her monkeys. When she is not swilling gallons of hot tea and writing, she wrangles two kids, two dogs, and one unrepentant parrot. She reviews books, blogs about life as a writer with ADHD and publishes photographs on her blog Writing While Distracted.
Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 12, 2018
I thought this story was okay. It wasn’t quite what I was looking for but it was decent. This is an erotic romance. The reason I wanted to read this is because it is more f/f/f which we don’t see quite as often. I was interested in how Murphy would handle this threesome relationship. This book does include moderate BDSM and several explicit sex scenes.
The story is about Octavia and Bridget who are employed at a well-established pleasure house. Octavia is a stable master and does some sex work, while Bridget helps in the kitchen. They are a committed couple who want to leave the sex work behind to start their life over. A friend, of their old boss, Vivian gives them a job as head cook and stable master at her home in Italy. Sparks quickly fly and an attraction grows between the three women. Can a relationship work for them all?
I thought all three character were likeable, especially Octavia who’s headspace we are in. I was happy with the diversity of two out of the three main characters. Obviously being an erotica book there are plenty of sex scenes. I found myself enjoying the threesome scenes more than the couple sex scenes. Since Octavia and Bridget was a couple already, there were sex scenes with just the two of them. I found those scenes became a little repetitive and felt a few of them could have been cut.
What stopped me from really enjoying this story was I needed more plot. I enjoyed the scenes the characters talked about their feelings, jealousy, interesting conversations. But I really needed more. Even the scenes with Octavia taking care of the donkey, I found myself looking forward to them. I was so desperate for conflict or a storyline that wasn’t sex, that it just didn’t working for me. Cutting some of the Bridget and Octavia sex scenes, would have added more time for some plot. There was a small thread about arson, but I felt it wasn’t developed enough.
Lastly, and this is a quick little complaint that I’m trying to phrase this without being offensive… I thought there was an excessive amount of bodily fluids. Whether dripping, running, gushing, what have you, I felt like the author was talking about faucets, not women.
In conclusion, while I enjoy a good steamy erotic romance, I need to have enough story to go with it. While this book was almost there, it just wasn’t enough for me personally. If you are a fan of erotica, this might work for you. It was decent, just not what I hoped for.
An ARC was given to me by NineStar Press, for a honest review.
The story is about Octavia and Bridget who are employed at a well-established pleasure house. Octavia is a stable master and does some sex work, while Bridget helps in the kitchen. They are a committed couple who want to leave the sex work behind to start their life over. A friend, of their old boss, Vivian gives them a job as head cook and stable master at her home in Italy. Sparks quickly fly and an attraction grows between the three women. Can a relationship work for them all?
I thought all three character were likeable, especially Octavia who’s headspace we are in. I was happy with the diversity of two out of the three main characters. Obviously being an erotica book there are plenty of sex scenes. I found myself enjoying the threesome scenes more than the couple sex scenes. Since Octavia and Bridget was a couple already, there were sex scenes with just the two of them. I found those scenes became a little repetitive and felt a few of them could have been cut.
What stopped me from really enjoying this story was I needed more plot. I enjoyed the scenes the characters talked about their feelings, jealousy, interesting conversations. But I really needed more. Even the scenes with Octavia taking care of the donkey, I found myself looking forward to them. I was so desperate for conflict or a storyline that wasn’t sex, that it just didn’t working for me. Cutting some of the Bridget and Octavia sex scenes, would have added more time for some plot. There was a small thread about arson, but I felt it wasn’t developed enough.
Lastly, and this is a quick little complaint that I’m trying to phrase this without being offensive… I thought there was an excessive amount of bodily fluids. Whether dripping, running, gushing, what have you, I felt like the author was talking about faucets, not women.
In conclusion, while I enjoy a good steamy erotic romance, I need to have enough story to go with it. While this book was almost there, it just wasn’t enough for me personally. If you are a fan of erotica, this might work for you. It was decent, just not what I hoped for.
An ARC was given to me by NineStar Press, for a honest review.
May 4, 2018
Octavia and Bridget, both employees of the exclusive pleasure house Rowan House, decide it is time for them to leave to explore their relationship and love for each other. Octavia has served there for years, not only as the owner’s stable manager but also as her submissive. In asking Martha to uncollar her Octavia is able to explore the dominant side of her nature with Bridget. Vivian, a friend of Martha’s, offers them employment on her vineyard in Italy. Both Octavia and Bridget find themselves drawn to Vivian but, for different reasons, both struggle with what to do with their feelings.
This is written from Octavia’s point of view in the third person as she battles her own feelings of self-worth while observing and trying to decipher the thoughts of Bridget and Vivian. It is an erotic account of Octavia needing to explore both the dominant and submissive parts of herself, of Bridget’s desire versus a belief in monogamy and of Vivian’s recovery from loss.
I’m torn between the parts that I loved like the constant negotiation and re-evaluation of each other’s thoughts and feelings when entering a poly-amorous relationship and the parts that irritated me like Octavia’s thoughts. Throughout the novel Octavia’s thoughts are italicised and on nearly every second page. In the beginning they have a short, repetitive, staccato quality to them like:
As the novel progressed the thoughts became a little longer but I found they interfered with the flow of my reading and irritated me immensely, especially the use of the chest-thumping “mine” that was liberally scattered throughout. I started trying to avoid reading anything in italics which was almost as disruptive and from about half way through Octavia expresses some quite powerful feelings in those italics. This is probably one of my idiosyncrasies but I could have done with at least half of them gone.
There is a bit of suspense and intrigue, in the form of arson, running through the story but it is more circumstance and background than a central plot line. I enjoyed the fluidity of the D/s dynamic between all of them. The ethnic diversity is another big plus for me. All in all this is just under three and a half stars and mostly because of Octavia’s thoughts.
Book received from Netgalley and NineStar Press for an honest review.
This is written from Octavia’s point of view in the third person as she battles her own feelings of self-worth while observing and trying to decipher the thoughts of Bridget and Vivian. It is an erotic account of Octavia needing to explore both the dominant and submissive parts of herself, of Bridget’s desire versus a belief in monogamy and of Vivian’s recovery from loss.
I’m torn between the parts that I loved like the constant negotiation and re-evaluation of each other’s thoughts and feelings when entering a poly-amorous relationship and the parts that irritated me like Octavia’s thoughts. Throughout the novel Octavia’s thoughts are italicised and on nearly every second page. In the beginning they have a short, repetitive, staccato quality to them like:
Mine. Mine alone. All of this is for me.
That’s it. So good. My sweet girl. Give it to me.
Yes. For me. Mine.
Beautiful. Mine. So beautiful.
As the novel progressed the thoughts became a little longer but I found they interfered with the flow of my reading and irritated me immensely, especially the use of the chest-thumping “mine” that was liberally scattered throughout. I started trying to avoid reading anything in italics which was almost as disruptive and from about half way through Octavia expresses some quite powerful feelings in those italics. This is probably one of my idiosyncrasies but I could have done with at least half of them gone.
There is a bit of suspense and intrigue, in the form of arson, running through the story but it is more circumstance and background than a central plot line. I enjoyed the fluidity of the D/s dynamic between all of them. The ethnic diversity is another big plus for me. All in all this is just under three and a half stars and mostly because of Octavia’s thoughts.
Book received from Netgalley and NineStar Press for an honest review.
May 13, 2018
This book was provided for free by the publisher and Love Bytes in exchange for an honest review.
This review was first posted to Love Bytes: LGBTQ Book Reviews. It has been slightly edited here for content.
This a very unique type of erotic BDSM story with a unique dynamic between three women. I ended up enjoying the way they all worked together to figure out their wants and needs, but by the end, I was burned out from way too many sex scenes and not enough emotion between Octavia, Bridget, and Vivian.
If you like your erotica very heavy on the sex scenes, you’ll like this one. And there is a lot of good stuff going on, especially when Vivian takes control of both her subs. There are liberal amounts of strap-on use, impact play, and orgasm control, which are all very well-written. But the sex is so frequent and so long that I often had to pause to remember where the actual story was at. I had to remember who was fighting with who, what they were actually doing before they started having sex, and why they ended up where they were in the first place. The pacing and placement of the love scenes, especially the ones with heavy BDSM, were often clunky and didn’t help the story flow. Even in the beginning, I had trouble nailing down the setting. I couldn’t tell if the formal BDSM setting was a world-building thing or even a historical element until about a third of the way through the book.
Octavia’s inner monologue ended up grating on my nerves after a while. It consists of mainly one-word exclamations—mine, now, please, fuck. It gets very repetitive and doesn’t serve to give her a distinct voice. Instead, it just feels like her thoughts never get much deeper than sex, and she often jumps to conclusions without communicating. And when negotiating a polyamorous BDSM relationship, there needs to be a lot of communication. In the end, I do think we got a lot of good scenes of all three women talking frankly about what their expected from each other, but those conversations needed to start way earlier for me to get invested in them.
I think a lot of what I disliked about this book came down to Octavia’s point of view. For a woman who seemed dead-set on upending her and Bridget’s lives for love, she seems pretty clueless about basic BDSM etiquette, like safe-words and proper pain-play. She flies off the handle too easily with both Bridget and Vivian, often being cruel to them before trying to communicate. But worst of all, her character totally lacks warmth. Vivian and Bridget are both very warm and affectionate characters, but when they’re with Octavia, it all seems to ice over. I never got past her chill to really fall for the dynamic between all three women.
If the book was in either Vivian or Bridget’s POV instead, I think I would’ve fallen into the story a little more. They are both interesting women with a lot of depth. But my dislike for the main character and the surplus of sex scenes in lieu of actual storyline makes this one mostly a pass for me.
This review was first posted to Love Bytes: LGBTQ Book Reviews. It has been slightly edited here for content.
This a very unique type of erotic BDSM story with a unique dynamic between three women. I ended up enjoying the way they all worked together to figure out their wants and needs, but by the end, I was burned out from way too many sex scenes and not enough emotion between Octavia, Bridget, and Vivian.
If you like your erotica very heavy on the sex scenes, you’ll like this one. And there is a lot of good stuff going on, especially when Vivian takes control of both her subs. There are liberal amounts of strap-on use, impact play, and orgasm control, which are all very well-written. But the sex is so frequent and so long that I often had to pause to remember where the actual story was at. I had to remember who was fighting with who, what they were actually doing before they started having sex, and why they ended up where they were in the first place. The pacing and placement of the love scenes, especially the ones with heavy BDSM, were often clunky and didn’t help the story flow. Even in the beginning, I had trouble nailing down the setting. I couldn’t tell if the formal BDSM setting was a world-building thing or even a historical element until about a third of the way through the book.
Octavia’s inner monologue ended up grating on my nerves after a while. It consists of mainly one-word exclamations—mine, now, please, fuck. It gets very repetitive and doesn’t serve to give her a distinct voice. Instead, it just feels like her thoughts never get much deeper than sex, and she often jumps to conclusions without communicating. And when negotiating a polyamorous BDSM relationship, there needs to be a lot of communication. In the end, I do think we got a lot of good scenes of all three women talking frankly about what their expected from each other, but those conversations needed to start way earlier for me to get invested in them.
I think a lot of what I disliked about this book came down to Octavia’s point of view. For a woman who seemed dead-set on upending her and Bridget’s lives for love, she seems pretty clueless about basic BDSM etiquette, like safe-words and proper pain-play. She flies off the handle too easily with both Bridget and Vivian, often being cruel to them before trying to communicate. But worst of all, her character totally lacks warmth. Vivian and Bridget are both very warm and affectionate characters, but when they’re with Octavia, it all seems to ice over. I never got past her chill to really fall for the dynamic between all three women.
If the book was in either Vivian or Bridget’s POV instead, I think I would’ve fallen into the story a little more. They are both interesting women with a lot of depth. But my dislike for the main character and the surplus of sex scenes in lieu of actual storyline makes this one mostly a pass for me.
May 18, 2019
There were bits of this book I really enjoyed but the narration drove me to distraction.
October 20, 2022
Both Ends of the Whip (Rowan House #2) by Brenda Murphy: It took me a number of pages to catch my stride. Once It hit me it was wonderful. We study the lives of three delicious women. Bridget, Octavia, and Vivian. How they mesh is the question. Do they mesh is another. The story twists us around a number of other relationships that play a part in the intensity of feelings. Brenda plays here with the concept of a triad relationship. How does this work? What might be the problems and issues? My guess is they hold together with the glue of trust, understanding, and intense passion.
From the title, we know someone is a switch in the relationship, at least one. I wish I read this one sooner. I will continue the Rowen house series now. 4 Stars only because I was lost in the beginning for a time. Enjoy and Well done to Brenda Murphy.
From the title, we know someone is a switch in the relationship, at least one. I wish I read this one sooner. I will continue the Rowen house series now. 4 Stars only because I was lost in the beginning for a time. Enjoy and Well done to Brenda Murphy.
November 24, 2019
The first of the Rowan house is not the best of the series, but certainly very sexy. The scenes are graphic in a good way, some of them very elaborate.
The scenario of the book is one you don’t see often. It would have been better for the book (or maybe me ;) ) if this was would have had more attention on an emotional level and by that a mean more pages also. Now it was going to quickly for me, especially near the ending of the book.
I do recommend this book for everyone who is in for a sexy read with some bdsm. It is light bdsm and again there is some marking. But although in other books I find that heavy, in this book it didn’t come across like that for me (can’t really explain why).
Nice read!
The scenario of the book is one you don’t see often. It would have been better for the book (or maybe me ;) ) if this was would have had more attention on an emotional level and by that a mean more pages also. Now it was going to quickly for me, especially near the ending of the book.
I do recommend this book for everyone who is in for a sexy read with some bdsm. It is light bdsm and again there is some marking. But although in other books I find that heavy, in this book it didn’t come across like that for me (can’t really explain why).
Nice read!
March 5, 2025
Lives intertwined
Brenda Murphy gives us a fabulous polyamorous story full of heat and chemistry.
I enjoyed the slight mystery and how even though it was written in the first POV, we were able to see some growth on all the characters.
I look forward to more books in the series.
Brenda Murphy gives us a fabulous polyamorous story full of heat and chemistry.
I enjoyed the slight mystery and how even though it was written in the first POV, we were able to see some growth on all the characters.
I look forward to more books in the series.
May 21, 2018
OMG. So. Much. Love.
Both Ends of the Whip is lesbian, polyamorous, power-exchange romance with real characters, legitimate relationship drama, underlying secrets and mysteries, and some exquisite BDSM-themed sex. As much as the cover blurb enticed me, and sounded like it has the potential for an interesting read, I did not expect Brenda Murphy to so thoroughly feed my love along with my lust. This is exquisite.
What I loved most about this were the complexities. Being able to love more than one woman unconditionally. Craving both submission and domination. Wanting to be loved, cherish, owned, and controlled, all at the same time. Needing that bedroom power-exchange, yet also needing some degree of independence and self-control outside the bedroom. The intersection of jealousy and intimacy, being able to watch your lover surrender sexually, yet getting upset over unseen kisses. Craving total, absolute, powerless surrender, even as the use of safewords is respected as a gift for the dominant. Murphy brings fantasy and reality together here, exploring a relationship that makes it work.
Octavia and Bridget are a wonderful couple, even if - perhaps because - they tried my patience so often. There is a lot of emotional baggage there, both in their shared past at Rowan house and in their secret pasts before that. It is not a perfect love, but one that rings true. Their negotiations regarding their situation with Vivian are outstanding, giving us real insight into how you balance physical and emotional needs, and how you cater to a relationship where one woman is a caring, protective submissive, and the other a conflicted, loving switch. Vivian was an enigma for much of the story, but I am so glad Murphy explored her as she did, making her internal doubts and uncertainties such a driving force. She is a natural dominant, still hurting for the loss of her one great love, and as much as she comes to care for these two young women, she struggles with the blurred lines between caring employer and loving dominatrix.
The only place I felt the story stumbled a bit was in reconciling its non-erotic conflicts. A lot is resolved very quickly following the fiery climax, but most of it is done off the page, and only summarized in passing. I was particularly perturbed that the neighbor's rude, arrogant, abusive son (the only significant male character in the book) gets off so easily, and without directly addressing his racial slur against Vivian. This is one of those rare cases where a novel could benefit from a little padding at the end.
Those concerns are minor, however, and did nothing to take away from my love for this. Both Ends of the Whip is a true delight, the perfect story for those of us who crave the collar as much as a cuddle. Just a wonderful read.
http://bibrary.blogspot.ca/2018/05/bo...
Both Ends of the Whip is lesbian, polyamorous, power-exchange romance with real characters, legitimate relationship drama, underlying secrets and mysteries, and some exquisite BDSM-themed sex. As much as the cover blurb enticed me, and sounded like it has the potential for an interesting read, I did not expect Brenda Murphy to so thoroughly feed my love along with my lust. This is exquisite.
What I loved most about this were the complexities. Being able to love more than one woman unconditionally. Craving both submission and domination. Wanting to be loved, cherish, owned, and controlled, all at the same time. Needing that bedroom power-exchange, yet also needing some degree of independence and self-control outside the bedroom. The intersection of jealousy and intimacy, being able to watch your lover surrender sexually, yet getting upset over unseen kisses. Craving total, absolute, powerless surrender, even as the use of safewords is respected as a gift for the dominant. Murphy brings fantasy and reality together here, exploring a relationship that makes it work.
Octavia and Bridget are a wonderful couple, even if - perhaps because - they tried my patience so often. There is a lot of emotional baggage there, both in their shared past at Rowan house and in their secret pasts before that. It is not a perfect love, but one that rings true. Their negotiations regarding their situation with Vivian are outstanding, giving us real insight into how you balance physical and emotional needs, and how you cater to a relationship where one woman is a caring, protective submissive, and the other a conflicted, loving switch. Vivian was an enigma for much of the story, but I am so glad Murphy explored her as she did, making her internal doubts and uncertainties such a driving force. She is a natural dominant, still hurting for the loss of her one great love, and as much as she comes to care for these two young women, she struggles with the blurred lines between caring employer and loving dominatrix.
The only place I felt the story stumbled a bit was in reconciling its non-erotic conflicts. A lot is resolved very quickly following the fiery climax, but most of it is done off the page, and only summarized in passing. I was particularly perturbed that the neighbor's rude, arrogant, abusive son (the only significant male character in the book) gets off so easily, and without directly addressing his racial slur against Vivian. This is one of those rare cases where a novel could benefit from a little padding at the end.
Those concerns are minor, however, and did nothing to take away from my love for this. Both Ends of the Whip is a true delight, the perfect story for those of us who crave the collar as much as a cuddle. Just a wonderful read.
http://bibrary.blogspot.ca/2018/05/bo...
May 16, 2018
I really wanted to like this.
It's never good to start out a review that way, is it?
When I think of reading a romance novel, I think of maybe 2, 3, max 4 sex scenes. Little snippets of hot action in between, maybe, stolen kisses, a furtive grope, or a "fade to black" moment in between chapters.
There was... way too much sex in this book.
I'm kinky, poly, and queer. I really really wanted this book to be the one I could excitedly show my friends and go "Look! Kinky poly queer romance novel! It's us!!!" But I can't in good faith tell them to read this, because it doesn't feel like a romance novel. It even had two characters that were nonwhite, one character that was openly described as plus-size and sexy, and depictions of the struggles that queer youth go through. The ingredients for "oh, you don't see this very often" in a romance novel were all there, and I was excited for that. I actually quite enjoyed the backstories.
But overall it felt like erotica with some sort of side plot.
And erotica is great! And good! And an excellent genre! But this is not billed as erotica, not structured as one, but that's what it eventually became. I started flipping through entire sex scenes near the end, because it just got so repetitive that they would have sex so often. I get it. With 3 characters doing sexy things in the book, there's a lot of sex. But this just got to be at least 70-80% of the book, it felt like.
It's far easier to find poly, kinky, queer erotica, probably because writing a sex scene doesn't require the kind of emotional leverage and know-how of writing in-depth poly and queer relationships. You've got a few more hands and elbows to manage in writing poly erotica, sure, but the parts in the book that hinted at the kind of structuring a poly book needs (such as addressing jealousy in seeing your partner with other partners, who does what during alone time, if that's even a reasonable request, etc) were quickly funneled into a sex scene. I distinctly remember a part where two characters were discussing their painful pasts, and it almost got to a good deep point of discussion, but then boom! Sidetracked by sex.
If you are looking for queer kinky poly erotica, this is definitely a book to check out. If you want your romance stories with occasional spicy scenes, you may spend some time flipping through this book to pass over the sex scenes.
It's never good to start out a review that way, is it?
When I think of reading a romance novel, I think of maybe 2, 3, max 4 sex scenes. Little snippets of hot action in between, maybe, stolen kisses, a furtive grope, or a "fade to black" moment in between chapters.
There was... way too much sex in this book.
I'm kinky, poly, and queer. I really really wanted this book to be the one I could excitedly show my friends and go "Look! Kinky poly queer romance novel! It's us!!!" But I can't in good faith tell them to read this, because it doesn't feel like a romance novel. It even had two characters that were nonwhite, one character that was openly described as plus-size and sexy, and depictions of the struggles that queer youth go through. The ingredients for "oh, you don't see this very often" in a romance novel were all there, and I was excited for that. I actually quite enjoyed the backstories.
But overall it felt like erotica with some sort of side plot.
And erotica is great! And good! And an excellent genre! But this is not billed as erotica, not structured as one, but that's what it eventually became. I started flipping through entire sex scenes near the end, because it just got so repetitive that they would have sex so often. I get it. With 3 characters doing sexy things in the book, there's a lot of sex. But this just got to be at least 70-80% of the book, it felt like.
It's far easier to find poly, kinky, queer erotica, probably because writing a sex scene doesn't require the kind of emotional leverage and know-how of writing in-depth poly and queer relationships. You've got a few more hands and elbows to manage in writing poly erotica, sure, but the parts in the book that hinted at the kind of structuring a poly book needs (such as addressing jealousy in seeing your partner with other partners, who does what during alone time, if that's even a reasonable request, etc) were quickly funneled into a sex scene. I distinctly remember a part where two characters were discussing their painful pasts, and it almost got to a good deep point of discussion, but then boom! Sidetracked by sex.
If you are looking for queer kinky poly erotica, this is definitely a book to check out. If you want your romance stories with occasional spicy scenes, you may spend some time flipping through this book to pass over the sex scenes.
September 1, 2019
I've just finished reading Both Ends of the Whip for the fifth or possibly sixth time and decided it was time I updated my review.
Octavia and Bridget have fallen for each other and begun a relationship while working at Rowan House (an exclusive and secretive brothel on the Isle of Skye, specialising in BDSM). Despite Octavia also having a complicated sexual relationship with Martha, one of the owners, she and Bridget decide to leave and seek employment elsewhere. Of course fresh starts don't come without complications and threads connecting them to their past and in this case, Octavia soon discovers that their new employer knows more about her than she'd like. Vivian Abiola is a widow and quasi-retired photographer who now owns a vineyard in Italy. Despite her reticence both Octavia and Bridget are inextricably drawn to her.
As well as romantic and sexual tension between Vivian, Bridget and Octavia, this novel provides a well written thriller-style plot line, with all sorts of strange goings on at Vivian's vineyard, from frustrating neighbours to mysterious fires. Amid all of this turmoil, Octavia & Bridget's relationship comes under some strain, as secrets from the past come to light.
Such a fabulous book deserves to be read.
Octavia and Bridget have fallen for each other and begun a relationship while working at Rowan House (an exclusive and secretive brothel on the Isle of Skye, specialising in BDSM). Despite Octavia also having a complicated sexual relationship with Martha, one of the owners, she and Bridget decide to leave and seek employment elsewhere. Of course fresh starts don't come without complications and threads connecting them to their past and in this case, Octavia soon discovers that their new employer knows more about her than she'd like. Vivian Abiola is a widow and quasi-retired photographer who now owns a vineyard in Italy. Despite her reticence both Octavia and Bridget are inextricably drawn to her.
As well as romantic and sexual tension between Vivian, Bridget and Octavia, this novel provides a well written thriller-style plot line, with all sorts of strange goings on at Vivian's vineyard, from frustrating neighbours to mysterious fires. Amid all of this turmoil, Octavia & Bridget's relationship comes under some strain, as secrets from the past come to light.
Such a fabulous book deserves to be read.
September 12, 2019
Please, Again… Please!
To date, this is without a doubt the most erotic book I have ever read and I’m not sure I’m ever going to get it out of my head! In book two of the Rowan House series Octavia and Bridget have fallen in love and committed themselves to each other. Octavia has asked for her freedom and her collar has been removed and although ready for a future with Bridget, the lovely sub turned Ma’am, has mixed feelings. Leaving the house is not an option however, Martha has one final gift, she introduces the women to the lovely and lonely Vivian and soon they find themselves in a new home in Italy. Secrets abound, lust and love are in abundance and the sex is hotter than the summer sun! These women are mind blowing. The trio find themselves drawn to each other and the dynamic is complex and intriguing. All of these women are filled with doubts and desires. They are stumbling through a mine field of emotions and amazingly enough, Bridget is the strongest of them all. Unafraid to demand what she wants and needs, she is amazing. These wonderful women are so human and real that you can’t help but want the best for them all including and especially a loving relationship. If you like erotica and BDSM, this book is a MUST read!!
To date, this is without a doubt the most erotic book I have ever read and I’m not sure I’m ever going to get it out of my head! In book two of the Rowan House series Octavia and Bridget have fallen in love and committed themselves to each other. Octavia has asked for her freedom and her collar has been removed and although ready for a future with Bridget, the lovely sub turned Ma’am, has mixed feelings. Leaving the house is not an option however, Martha has one final gift, she introduces the women to the lovely and lonely Vivian and soon they find themselves in a new home in Italy. Secrets abound, lust and love are in abundance and the sex is hotter than the summer sun! These women are mind blowing. The trio find themselves drawn to each other and the dynamic is complex and intriguing. All of these women are filled with doubts and desires. They are stumbling through a mine field of emotions and amazingly enough, Bridget is the strongest of them all. Unafraid to demand what she wants and needs, she is amazing. These wonderful women are so human and real that you can’t help but want the best for them all including and especially a loving relationship. If you like erotica and BDSM, this book is a MUST read!!
August 12, 2018
This story blew me away from the first page and it kept me enthralled by the passionate and smoldering connection that Bridget and Octavia shared. I also fell hard for Vivian as well and I know this is one story that I’ll never forget! I really enjoyed the way the author portrayed these vibrant characters and their desire to express themselves by using BDSM. This is the first book I’ve read from this author and after reading this story it won’t be my last.
September 8, 2019
I loved this story and think it’s the best of the series so far. The story was pushing boundaries and I love reading about it so kudos to Brenda Murphy.
May 10, 2018
I didn't expect Sum of the Whole to have a sequel, and this isn't really a sequel I guess, but since it's in the same universe and I enjoyed Sum of the Whole, I was onboard.
The Premise
Octavia and Bridget, who used to work for a BDSM-brothel-type-house, leave it to be together and work for a woman named Vivian on her vineyard/farm. Octavia knows Vivian from her ~dark past~ (which doesn't actually seem to be that dark? Maybe I missed something), when she wanted her but didn't make a move. She and Bridget both want Vivian, and eventually Vivian shows some interest in return. BDSM and relationship negotiation shenanigans ensue.
My Thoughts
I liked Octavia, Bridget and Vivian. They are very different in what they want from BDSM. Bridget's sort of a bratty, defiant type of sub, always testing the boundaries and more into being put in her place than physical pain. She also enjoys the play but would not like it as a lifestyle. Octavia seems to be the most into it as a lifestyle. She is a switch who really needs to explore on "both sides of the whip"--for Bridget she's a domme, for Vivian it depends on the day, but all the time she has an intense respect and need when she's involved in a scene. Vivian is also a sort of switch but more on the domme side, and is what Octavia calls a Mistress. That these three can get together and fill each other's needs in very different ways is what largely drives the stories, seeing how they relate differently to each other and build their relationship. And that aspect, I really enjoyed seeing.
On the other hand, I did feel that this story, while functional as erotica, is somewhat lacking in plot. We get a lot of summary on the three characters' backstories, but don't see much how it affects them. Octavia and Bridget's relationship is already stable and established, and their relationship with Vivian forms quickly, as if it's a foregone conclusion that just needs time to snap into place. There's a subplot involving arson, but it felt like an afterthought. The most plot is related to relationship development, which is good, but I kind of wanted more, because most minor conflicts related to boundaries or jealousy just kept on working out really fast or being derailed by the smut.
It's quite possible I'm not the target audience for a BDSM erotica novel. Lols. I love the interesting relationship dynamics but I'm fundamentally uninterested in the actual sex which makes me...yeah probably not the ideal audience but I still enjoyed.
Probably I'd recommend it for showing BDSM that isn't just dom/sub but a lot of role-switching and negotiation (as well as actual safeword use, which I like to see--reinforces that it's all SSC if it's demonstrated that the person CAN get out), and interesting poly dynamics. Not so much for the romance aspect or a more complex plot.
I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Premise
Octavia and Bridget, who used to work for a BDSM-brothel-type-house, leave it to be together and work for a woman named Vivian on her vineyard/farm. Octavia knows Vivian from her ~dark past~ (which doesn't actually seem to be that dark? Maybe I missed something), when she wanted her but didn't make a move. She and Bridget both want Vivian, and eventually Vivian shows some interest in return. BDSM and relationship negotiation shenanigans ensue.
My Thoughts
I liked Octavia, Bridget and Vivian. They are very different in what they want from BDSM. Bridget's sort of a bratty, defiant type of sub, always testing the boundaries and more into being put in her place than physical pain. She also enjoys the play but would not like it as a lifestyle. Octavia seems to be the most into it as a lifestyle. She is a switch who really needs to explore on "both sides of the whip"--for Bridget she's a domme, for Vivian it depends on the day, but all the time she has an intense respect and need when she's involved in a scene. Vivian is also a sort of switch but more on the domme side, and is what Octavia calls a Mistress. That these three can get together and fill each other's needs in very different ways is what largely drives the stories, seeing how they relate differently to each other and build their relationship. And that aspect, I really enjoyed seeing.
On the other hand, I did feel that this story, while functional as erotica, is somewhat lacking in plot. We get a lot of summary on the three characters' backstories, but don't see much how it affects them. Octavia and Bridget's relationship is already stable and established, and their relationship with Vivian forms quickly, as if it's a foregone conclusion that just needs time to snap into place. There's a subplot involving arson, but it felt like an afterthought. The most plot is related to relationship development, which is good, but I kind of wanted more, because most minor conflicts related to boundaries or jealousy just kept on working out really fast or being derailed by the smut.
It's quite possible I'm not the target audience for a BDSM erotica novel. Lols. I love the interesting relationship dynamics but I'm fundamentally uninterested in the actual sex which makes me...yeah probably not the ideal audience but I still enjoyed.
Probably I'd recommend it for showing BDSM that isn't just dom/sub but a lot of role-switching and negotiation (as well as actual safeword use, which I like to see--reinforces that it's all SSC if it's demonstrated that the person CAN get out), and interesting poly dynamics. Not so much for the romance aspect or a more complex plot.
I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 9, 2018
*~~*ARC kindly provided by the author to me in exchange for an honest review *~~*
When I go through the long lists of releases of recent romance books I am always excited when I see a F/F in the amount of the mostly M/M dominated genre. It was no surprise my attention was picked when I spoted Both Ends of the Whip under all of them. I was especially excited to read that this book is not just only a F/F romance, it has actually BDSM elements and on top features several menage scenes, so we get another "F" in the mix, so to say. :3 And finally the cover by the amazing Natasha Snow settled the deal. :D
(Never say you don't judge a book by its book, artists like her proof you really can pick a book because of its cover and not regret it. :D)
The way the book started was promising and I can truly say I was entertained. Unfortunately I can't give 5 full stars because something in the writing wasn't that established as I was used to it. There were a few repetitive parts (not in events, more in sentence structure), not easy to unseen if you've spotted them and hence a small annoyance in the flow of reading. :D But this is only a problem for people who are really sensitive in this matter as I was, even more when I discussed it with a friend of mine. :)
What I really enjoyed in the book was the POV: we focus on Octavia, it's written in third person but it's full of internal monologues by her, which give the scenes a different touch, more insight and a lot of reflection about important things and reveals a lot before the events are actually set in. Her internal monologue is actually close to a stream of consciousness and pretty unfiltered.
I have also to mention that I love the connection of Octavia's name and the safe word she's using in the scenes. ;) I won't say what it is, if you know the meaning of her name (I'm giving you this hint), you come across what word she uses. :) This is a pretty smart move by the author in my opinion. :)
The whole plot was really good, satisfiying and entertaining. I liked how there was a tension there, caused by a lot of different things, some of them seems first not connected but make sense later in the book.
Under the obvious and clearly shown way of how Octavia and Bridget lived before they head towards Italy to Vivian's vineyard, where they start there their new life, after being sex workers in the Rowan House, being responsable for the customer's pleasure and under the control of a mistress, the characters show they have a lot of secrets and revealing.
I enjoyed how the setting shifted and how Italy and Vivian's vineyard is their new home. With the new mistress there are a lot of hot scenes, full of commitment and agreement; never are they are forced in their decisions, the rules are clearly talked about and accepted. The dynamics finally felt right when the three started the scenes, and the first relunctant behaviour by the characters is something which creates a lots of tension.
I was also captured by the way how the characters were given a history, some parts mutually shared, other kept a secret and slowly - over the book - exposed.
If you are fond of books with a lot of sex in it, with dominance play, which includes pain play and orgasm denial, flogging and spanking (with and without whips), as well as bondage, this is your book. If you also enjoy a strong dynamics in a book, with a lot of troubled, different characters, you'll like it also. If this isn't all your cup of tea, you won't be satisfied with the menage BDSM story full of strong yet sometimes vulnerable women.
Pretty pleased was I when I read that not just Octavia has a mixed raced heritage (she's from Buenos Aires, Argentina), but also Vivian is a non-white main character, coming from Abuja, Nigeria. With Bridget as contrast with her red, thick hair and freckled skin the three of them are a nice visual you get by the author. :)
For me it was a refreshing, sexy read with a lot of promising scenes, nice fleshed out characters and a lot of revealings with a surprising twist and pretty unexpected. :) Because of a few flaws in the way of writing I can't give full 5 stars but solid 4. :)
Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words
When I go through the long lists of releases of recent romance books I am always excited when I see a F/F in the amount of the mostly M/M dominated genre. It was no surprise my attention was picked when I spoted Both Ends of the Whip under all of them. I was especially excited to read that this book is not just only a F/F romance, it has actually BDSM elements and on top features several menage scenes, so we get another "F" in the mix, so to say. :3 And finally the cover by the amazing Natasha Snow settled the deal. :D
(Never say you don't judge a book by its book, artists like her proof you really can pick a book because of its cover and not regret it. :D)
The way the book started was promising and I can truly say I was entertained. Unfortunately I can't give 5 full stars because something in the writing wasn't that established as I was used to it. There were a few repetitive parts (not in events, more in sentence structure), not easy to unseen if you've spotted them and hence a small annoyance in the flow of reading. :D But this is only a problem for people who are really sensitive in this matter as I was, even more when I discussed it with a friend of mine. :)
What I really enjoyed in the book was the POV: we focus on Octavia, it's written in third person but it's full of internal monologues by her, which give the scenes a different touch, more insight and a lot of reflection about important things and reveals a lot before the events are actually set in. Her internal monologue is actually close to a stream of consciousness and pretty unfiltered.
I have also to mention that I love the connection of Octavia's name and the safe word she's using in the scenes. ;) I won't say what it is, if you know the meaning of her name (I'm giving you this hint), you come across what word she uses. :) This is a pretty smart move by the author in my opinion. :)
The whole plot was really good, satisfiying and entertaining. I liked how there was a tension there, caused by a lot of different things, some of them seems first not connected but make sense later in the book.
Under the obvious and clearly shown way of how Octavia and Bridget lived before they head towards Italy to Vivian's vineyard, where they start there their new life, after being sex workers in the Rowan House, being responsable for the customer's pleasure and under the control of a mistress, the characters show they have a lot of secrets and revealing.
I enjoyed how the setting shifted and how Italy and Vivian's vineyard is their new home. With the new mistress there are a lot of hot scenes, full of commitment and agreement; never are they are forced in their decisions, the rules are clearly talked about and accepted. The dynamics finally felt right when the three started the scenes, and the first relunctant behaviour by the characters is something which creates a lots of tension.
I was also captured by the way how the characters were given a history, some parts mutually shared, other kept a secret and slowly - over the book - exposed.
If you are fond of books with a lot of sex in it, with dominance play, which includes pain play and orgasm denial, flogging and spanking (with and without whips), as well as bondage, this is your book. If you also enjoy a strong dynamics in a book, with a lot of troubled, different characters, you'll like it also. If this isn't all your cup of tea, you won't be satisfied with the menage BDSM story full of strong yet sometimes vulnerable women.
Pretty pleased was I when I read that not just Octavia has a mixed raced heritage (she's from Buenos Aires, Argentina), but also Vivian is a non-white main character, coming from Abuja, Nigeria. With Bridget as contrast with her red, thick hair and freckled skin the three of them are a nice visual you get by the author. :)
For me it was a refreshing, sexy read with a lot of promising scenes, nice fleshed out characters and a lot of revealings with a surprising twist and pretty unexpected. :) Because of a few flaws in the way of writing I can't give full 5 stars but solid 4. :)
Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words
May 25, 2018
It took me quite a while to get into this book. I wasn’t keen on the opening chapters and had to force myself to read on. I’m glad I did though as I ended up enjoying the rest of the book.
The book initially revolves around the two main characters, Octavia and Bridget, who are working in Rowan House, a mainly BDSM brothel, but who leave to start working in Italy with Vivian in her vineyard as stable manager and housekeeper. It isn't long before we realise that Octavia and Vivian knew each other when they were at school and have a history which we explore later on.
The story is written in the third person, but with many insights from Octavia’s internal thought process. These are injected into the paragraphs in italics and this style didn’t work for me. I found it difficult to follow, and had to train myself to over-look the irritation of it. I’m not sure what would have helped this for me, perhaps if her thoughts had been given a separate line rather than just run in together with the scene.
Octavia and Bridget are already in a relationship as domme and sub, and the story is about them making a decision about remaining in Italy with Vivian and whether the three of them should enter into a f/f/f relationship, with Vivian ultimately as their Mistress.
I don’t remember ever reading a lesbian threesome before. I have enjoyed plenty of BDSM laced novels, but this is a new twist for me and I enjoyed learning about how the two separate relationships would work - I say two because there is the original Octavia and Bridget relationship, and then the one they negotiate with Vivian. This tension is the main focus of the book, with some well written sex scenes nicely placed along the way. Brenda can certainly write good sex.
I feel this is a lite version of what the novel could have been though. It skims over all the different nuances of the stories but it isn't a BDSM book, it isn't a romance, it isn't a mystery... All of these sub sections are looked at but I came away feeling like each genre was touched on but not fully explored. It could have been a little longer, and more fleshed out.
Brenda has given us a glimpse into Octavia’s world, but if there is ever a sequel I wouldn’t rush to buy it.
The book initially revolves around the two main characters, Octavia and Bridget, who are working in Rowan House, a mainly BDSM brothel, but who leave to start working in Italy with Vivian in her vineyard as stable manager and housekeeper. It isn't long before we realise that Octavia and Vivian knew each other when they were at school and have a history which we explore later on.
The story is written in the third person, but with many insights from Octavia’s internal thought process. These are injected into the paragraphs in italics and this style didn’t work for me. I found it difficult to follow, and had to train myself to over-look the irritation of it. I’m not sure what would have helped this for me, perhaps if her thoughts had been given a separate line rather than just run in together with the scene.
Octavia and Bridget are already in a relationship as domme and sub, and the story is about them making a decision about remaining in Italy with Vivian and whether the three of them should enter into a f/f/f relationship, with Vivian ultimately as their Mistress.
I don’t remember ever reading a lesbian threesome before. I have enjoyed plenty of BDSM laced novels, but this is a new twist for me and I enjoyed learning about how the two separate relationships would work - I say two because there is the original Octavia and Bridget relationship, and then the one they negotiate with Vivian. This tension is the main focus of the book, with some well written sex scenes nicely placed along the way. Brenda can certainly write good sex.
I feel this is a lite version of what the novel could have been though. It skims over all the different nuances of the stories but it isn't a BDSM book, it isn't a romance, it isn't a mystery... All of these sub sections are looked at but I came away feeling like each genre was touched on but not fully explored. It could have been a little longer, and more fleshed out.
Brenda has given us a glimpse into Octavia’s world, but if there is ever a sequel I wouldn’t rush to buy it.
May 14, 2018
This is an intriguing story of three women - Octavia, Bridget and Vivian - negotiating their relationships with one another. We meet them as Octavia and Bridget are leaving employment at a pleasure house and Vivian is offering them jobs. The backstories for all of them are gradually revealed. Murphy piqued my curiosity about each woman early on. I wanted to know what had happened to them to create their circumstances and I enjoyed the gradual unpacking of their pasts.
These three women manage to come to be in a relationship together, balancing all their needs and coping with their doubts and qualms. Octavia and Bridget were already in a relationship, so it might have been difficult for Vivian to join them, but the author planned that out well. It helped that the other two were attracted to Vivian immediately, and that they all seemed to want the same things. Would it have worked as well without the D/s aspects? I don’t know, but that seemed to be the glue, at least initially.
I don’t know very much about BDSM, but I came to understand the needs of each woman, whether they needed to be dominated or to dominate, to experience pain or to give it. This is the second book I’ve read in the last few weeks exploring this subject, and I thought this one was better done. I felt like I could understand those desires better, which let me enjoy the novel more fully.
The only flaw for me was Octavia’s inner monologue. It was choppy and primitive, kind of id-like (“Mine. I want.”). The author may have intended for it to be primal and emotional, but I was thrown off by it. Otherwise, this book was absorbing. There is a peripheral mystery regarding a series of fires that heightened the women’s feelings for one another.
I received an ARC for an honest review. This is the second book I’ve read by Brenda Murphy and now I’m off to read Sum of the Whole, the only other novel I haven't read yet.
These three women manage to come to be in a relationship together, balancing all their needs and coping with their doubts and qualms. Octavia and Bridget were already in a relationship, so it might have been difficult for Vivian to join them, but the author planned that out well. It helped that the other two were attracted to Vivian immediately, and that they all seemed to want the same things. Would it have worked as well without the D/s aspects? I don’t know, but that seemed to be the glue, at least initially.
I don’t know very much about BDSM, but I came to understand the needs of each woman, whether they needed to be dominated or to dominate, to experience pain or to give it. This is the second book I’ve read in the last few weeks exploring this subject, and I thought this one was better done. I felt like I could understand those desires better, which let me enjoy the novel more fully.
The only flaw for me was Octavia’s inner monologue. It was choppy and primitive, kind of id-like (“Mine. I want.”). The author may have intended for it to be primal and emotional, but I was thrown off by it. Otherwise, this book was absorbing. There is a peripheral mystery regarding a series of fires that heightened the women’s feelings for one another.
I received an ARC for an honest review. This is the second book I’ve read by Brenda Murphy and now I’m off to read Sum of the Whole, the only other novel I haven't read yet.
May 7, 2018
As with other works that I have read by Murphy, there is greater depth and meaning beyond the erotic lives of the characters. The sex scenes are explicit and exceptionally erotic. She uses words as expertly as her character, Vivian uses a crop. I appreciate that Murphy perfectly captures Octavia’s inner voice, as the platform to inform the reader about Octavia’s own conflicting desires: that of being the Dominant, needing to exact pleasure and pain; and of being the Submissive, craving to serve the desires of her Mistress. The setting of the Vineyard gives greater framework to the story, adding mystery and drama beyond the personal lives of Octavia, Bridget, and Vivian.
Both Ends of The Whip is not only an escape into the erotic life of BDSM, but an introspective look into the complexities within ourselves. It is erotic throughout the book, and an adventure in freedom: the freedom to love, the freedom to completely trust someone else, physically and emotionally. I love that each of the characters have their connection to Rowan House…it sets the stage for more to come. This will definitely get your heartrate pumping.
Both Ends of The Whip is not only an escape into the erotic life of BDSM, but an introspective look into the complexities within ourselves. It is erotic throughout the book, and an adventure in freedom: the freedom to love, the freedom to completely trust someone else, physically and emotionally. I love that each of the characters have their connection to Rowan House…it sets the stage for more to come. This will definitely get your heartrate pumping.
December 31, 2020
This is a wonderful erotica romance with profound and exceptional character development
What was the book about?
The story is about Octavia Vargas who left Rowan House and her Mistress to find her own path, along with her partner Bridget Murray. She needs her freedom and to explore her true nature. They start a new life in Italy in the vineyard of Vivian Abiola, a woman with her own secrets and one Octavia didn’t think she would see again. As her forgotten and not wanted past clash with her present and a threat that jeopardizes their new life surfaces. Will their love be enough to overcome the secrets, the jealousy and the threats, to achieve the happiness they all seek?
Featured Tropes: lesbian/BDSM /arson-crime-mystery / romance-erotica / ménage
4.7 stars
ARC provided to Les Rêveur for an honest review
Full review at https://lesreveur.com/2020/02/17/both...
What was the book about?
The story is about Octavia Vargas who left Rowan House and her Mistress to find her own path, along with her partner Bridget Murray. She needs her freedom and to explore her true nature. They start a new life in Italy in the vineyard of Vivian Abiola, a woman with her own secrets and one Octavia didn’t think she would see again. As her forgotten and not wanted past clash with her present and a threat that jeopardizes their new life surfaces. Will their love be enough to overcome the secrets, the jealousy and the threats, to achieve the happiness they all seek?
Featured Tropes: lesbian/BDSM /arson-crime-mystery / romance-erotica / ménage
4.7 stars
ARC provided to Les Rêveur for an honest review
Full review at https://lesreveur.com/2020/02/17/both...
May 7, 2018
I enjoyed Both Ends of the Whip a lot. Tells the story about a couple that leave their current employer to be together without having to share each other. Octavia and Bridget start a new job together with Vivian. It turns out that Octavia and Vivian were best friends in school and had crushes on each other. Both Bridget and Octavia desire Vivian which creates some tension in the couple. Where Octavia is a switch and Bridget a sub creates some tension as well because Octavia craves to submit to Vivian. I loved the story as it unfolded. There is mystery also about who is setting fires to the buildings on the Estate. Awesome story.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this story.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this story.
May 7, 2018
Whew! I need to cool down now.
This was a very hot and enjoyable read that pressed all the right buttons. It has strong women leads who are also touchingly vulnerable - a sub who is no wimp, a domme who is more, and a true switch who needs both. This story is very erotic, but it is also a real love story with secrets, tension, intrigue and romance.
The story is nicely plotted, well-written and easy to read. It really is an excellent book. I wouldn't recommend reading in a very public place though as you might be wriggling in your seat...
Highly recommended.
This was a very hot and enjoyable read that pressed all the right buttons. It has strong women leads who are also touchingly vulnerable - a sub who is no wimp, a domme who is more, and a true switch who needs both. This story is very erotic, but it is also a real love story with secrets, tension, intrigue and romance.
The story is nicely plotted, well-written and easy to read. It really is an excellent book. I wouldn't recommend reading in a very public place though as you might be wriggling in your seat...
Highly recommended.
May 25, 2018
Both Bridget and Octavia decide to leave Rowan House, an exclusive pleasure house and move to Italy. They get jobs at Vivian’s vineyard where they realize Vivian is a Domme. Together these three explore and discover things about themselves. I found the characters interesting and the sex steamy, could have used a bit more story. A good read.
August 13, 2019
Unmet potential
The premise had potential, but the execution was lacking. Too many phrases are repeated far too often. The story is told from the perspective of one of the mains, yet much of the time feels like it’s actually centered around a trio of high school aged women who decide to form a polyamorous BDSM centric relationship.
The premise had potential, but the execution was lacking. Too many phrases are repeated far too often. The story is told from the perspective of one of the mains, yet much of the time feels like it’s actually centered around a trio of high school aged women who decide to form a polyamorous BDSM centric relationship.
May 31, 2020
I don't think this should be marked as a romance as I didn't find the main story that romantic and that is how the book ans the blurb was sold to me as. I thought that there were moments that were good but there were too many moments where the story was a miss and not worth continuing with.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 26, 2020
A sub, switch, and domme live at a Vinyard. I dont have a punchline, thats just the plot, and damn if it doesnt work. The energy between the three is fantastic and the scenes are divine. While its part of a series it works as a stand alone, though reading the first book and getting a glimpse at Octavia and Bridget before they became the main characters was unexpected but sweet in its own way
May 13, 2018
I have not read much in this genre. The story was ok, the characters well described. It most certainly has some hot sex but it fits the story.
Octavia is a strong woman and meeting Vivian together with her lover Bridget and moving to Italy makes for a well developed story.
Octavia is a strong woman and meeting Vivian together with her lover Bridget and moving to Italy makes for a well developed story.
April 5, 2019
Worth the read, well written erotica with nice characters and decent storyline. Love this writer
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