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The Heretic Doms Club #2
Termini di servizio
Il dottor River McKay si è trasferito a Denver con suo marito Terrence, sperando in un nuovo inizio per il loro matrimonio in via di fallimento. Un anno dopo Terrence se n’è andato, e River ha il cuore infranto. Adesso ha deciso che è ora di rimettersi in gioco. Un incontro casuale in ospedale gli fa conoscere Phil, un farmacista dal carattere forte, che non è per niente colpito dalla sua laurea.
Phil non può negare la sua attrazione per River, ma uscire assieme è fuori questione. Lui accetta un solo tipo di relazione: la servitù domestica, in cui lui dà gli ordini e il suo partner obbedisce. Con sua grande sorpresa River accetta; non perché gli piaccia l’idea, ma perché qualsiasi cosa è meglio che stare da solo.
Sanno entrambi che quell’accordo non durerà. Phil è fissato con le sue abitudini, e incapace di mostrare affetto fuori dalla camera da letto. River non è abituato all’obbedienza, ed è ancora innamorato del suo ex marito. Ma il tempo che passano insieme li cambia, spingendoli a mettere in discussione tutto quello che sanno su amore, controllo e relazioni. Quando l’inaspettato minaccerà di separarli, dovranno scegliere tra il conforto del passato e un futuro che possono trovare soltanto insieme.
Phil non può negare la sua attrazione per River, ma uscire assieme è fuori questione. Lui accetta un solo tipo di relazione: la servitù domestica, in cui lui dà gli ordini e il suo partner obbedisce. Con sua grande sorpresa River accetta; non perché gli piaccia l’idea, ma perché qualsiasi cosa è meglio che stare da solo.
Sanno entrambi che quell’accordo non durerà. Phil è fissato con le sue abitudini, e incapace di mostrare affetto fuori dalla camera da letto. River non è abituato all’obbedienza, ed è ancora innamorato del suo ex marito. Ma il tempo che passano insieme li cambia, spingendoli a mettere in discussione tutto quello che sanno su amore, controllo e relazioni. Quando l’inaspettato minaccerà di separarli, dovranno scegliere tra il conforto del passato e un futuro che possono trovare soltanto insieme.
414 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2018
199 people are currently reading
1060 people want to read
About the author
Marie Sexton
71 books2,226 followersMarie Sexton lives in Colorado. She’s a fan of just about anything that involves muscular young men piling on top of each other. In particular, she loves the Denver Broncos and enjoys going to the games with her husband. Her imaginary friends often tag along. Marie has one daughter, two cats, and one dog, all of whom seem bent on destroying what remains of her sanity. She loves them anyway.
The absolute best way to stay up-to-date on my books is by joining my FB group. You can view livestreams about Oestend, Coda, and the Heretic Doms Club. I also give away books on a regular basis. NO DRAMA ALLOWED!!
Or, you might want to check out these pages:
Coda: Which book do I read first?
Find a book by trope or heat level.
Visit my website/blog at http://www.MarieSexton.net
The absolute best way to stay up-to-date on my books is by joining my FB group. You can view livestreams about Oestend, Coda, and the Heretic Doms Club. I also give away books on a regular basis. NO DRAMA ALLOWED!!
Or, you might want to check out these pages:
Coda: Which book do I read first?
Find a book by trope or heat level.
Visit my website/blog at http://www.MarieSexton.net
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 260 reviews
July 11, 2019
4.35 YES! Teacher! Stars
Damn! Jesus Lawd this book is reaaaallly goooood! Like! Amazing.
Definitely not for everyone.
Sharing is caring! This series defines that saying. The Heretic Doms Club knows how to share. When your best friends need you, you and your partner will come through, in all ways, emotionally, physically and sexually.
Book 2 is the story of Phil the Pharmacist, we met him in book 1 and River the Doctor. These two work in the same hospital, they officially meet when there is a disagreement over some medication stuff. I found this hilarious. Phil is a commitment phobe, while River is a recently dumped guy. River's ex is a douche, the biggest douche of all.
Phil and River start talking via a dating app, and from there things start taking off. These two begin a D/s bedroom relationship. Phil and River's connection felt real and well done. Everything happens at an amazing pace.
The sex scenes are panty scorching hot! Sweet, Hot, Tender and everything in between. Phil is a very generous lover and considering River's past problems, i felt they were handled so well.
Phil kissed him, and River spread his legs, lifting his knees, begging with his body if not with his lips. Phil fumbled with the lubricant, desperate in a way he couldn’t remember ever being with any of his past lovers. He told himself he should be slow. He should be careful.
He slid into River, slow but easy. All the way in, as deep as River could take him, and still, he pushed deeper.
Just like book 1, these characters got ISSUES, lots of issues, it can be exhausting at times. I wanted to shake River and Phil, mostly River. Lawd he was a mess, a freaking undecided mess. These two! GAAH!
Good to see Warren and Taylor still going strong, Charlie and Gray being themselves as always. I NEED GRAY's BOOK like yesterday. Pfft 2020!
Oh! And this is Joan Clawford, she is a pirate and a survivor we love Joan very much.
Damn! Jesus Lawd this book is reaaaallly goooood! Like! Amazing.
Definitely not for everyone.
Sharing is caring! This series defines that saying. The Heretic Doms Club knows how to share. When your best friends need you, you and your partner will come through, in all ways, emotionally, physically and sexually.
Book 2 is the story of Phil the Pharmacist, we met him in book 1 and River the Doctor. These two work in the same hospital, they officially meet when there is a disagreement over some medication stuff. I found this hilarious. Phil is a commitment phobe, while River is a recently dumped guy. River's ex is a douche, the biggest douche of all.
Phil and River start talking via a dating app, and from there things start taking off. These two begin a D/s bedroom relationship. Phil and River's connection felt real and well done. Everything happens at an amazing pace.
The sex scenes are panty scorching hot! Sweet, Hot, Tender and everything in between. Phil is a very generous lover and considering River's past problems, i felt they were handled so well.
Phil kissed him, and River spread his legs, lifting his knees, begging with his body if not with his lips. Phil fumbled with the lubricant, desperate in a way he couldn’t remember ever being with any of his past lovers. He told himself he should be slow. He should be careful.
He slid into River, slow but easy. All the way in, as deep as River could take him, and still, he pushed deeper.
Just like book 1, these characters got ISSUES, lots of issues, it can be exhausting at times. I wanted to shake River and Phil, mostly River. Lawd he was a mess, a freaking undecided mess. These two! GAAH!
Good to see Warren and Taylor still going strong, Charlie and Gray being themselves as always. I NEED GRAY's BOOK like yesterday. Pfft 2020!
Oh! And this is Joan Clawford, she is a pirate and a survivor we love Joan very much.
May 5, 2019
After a long string of DNFs I began reading this book expecting a quick, dark, easy read with a couple in a BDSM relationship to get me out of a book slump and a foul reading mood that lasted over a week. I should have known better. I mean, I did read the first book in this series. I should have known what to expect. I knew The Heretic Doms Club was not your average run-of-the-mill BDSM porn. Still I have been blown away by the complex story that was Terms of Service.
You’ve given me back a piece of myself I thought I’d lost, and I can never repay that.
Phil knew he was "emotionally impotent". He had lost many partners because of the way he was, but it was something he could not change. He cared about his partners, but he didn't know how to show it. He enjoyed being a Dom because "domestic obedience" turned him on. He wanted to be obeyed, he wanted to always be in control. He was not the S/M type that liked whips and pain (he used his whips only if the sub requested it). He was more turned on by a naked partner cleaning the kitchen on his knees, than by the red marks of a flogger.
River had been left by his husband for another man almost half a year ago. Still, he clung to that hope that his husband would come back to him. Every day he returned home he hoped he would find his husband back asking for forgiveness. When he received the divorce papers he was devastated. He refused to sign them and avoided the subject every time his ex contacted him to ask for the papers to be signed. The fact that River, his cheating husband and Ishmael, the man his husband had left him for, all worked in the same hospital as doctors was hard on him. He had to move his working hours to night shifts to avoid both.
One night Phil and River meet and have a fight over some medical treatment.
Several other interactions and days later, River finds Phil on Growlr. He needed sex, but could never have sex with a stranger. So he messages Phil. I'm not going to say more about the rest.
This is not a book about some man tumbling in the BDSM lifestyle and realizing he had been a sub all along. It's a book about a relationship slowly developing, where each partner gives from himself to accommodate the other.
The character development was pure perfection. There never was a moment when I thought: "hmm, I would have liked it more if this and that". I loved it down to the final sentences in the epilogue.
Highly recommended.
I also recommend you read One Man's Trash first because the story in Terms of Service continues after the end of the first book.
January 6, 2020
You know what?
I can't really understand my feels on this one.
I thought Sexton did an exemplary job of emphasizing River's complex and oftentimes contradictory feelings towards domestic service. His second guessing and questioning especially in someone his age I felt was genuine.
Phil's characterization also rang true especially given his sanitized and draconian upbringing.
Their relationship starts off casual and progresses and it is highly sexual and involves numerous kinky endeavors, though there was zero pain so... *shrugs*
To each their own and all that jazz hands.
River is married to a douche-canoe who has repeatedly cheated on him and for the vast majority of the book is essentially shaking River down to sign the divorce papers with a quickness so he can be free and clear to, I guess, "make it official" with the other dude he's bonking. Did I mention all of these cats work at the same hospital???
I think I chose the wrong career. Think of all the MM bonking I could've "accidentally" happened upon in the med room or the on call room or the ER.
*kicks rocks*
DAMMIT!
Anyhoo, on paper I get why River is reluctant to throw the towel in on the hubs: years together, numerous good times, etc. etc. BUT the dude's a two-timing, two-faced, cheating asshat of the highest order who goes out of his way to make River feel inadequate regularly , so I kept looking at that paper and saying 'fuck that noise'. Yet River kept hanging around and mooning over the asshat. I get it. Sort of but... RUN, RIVER, RUNNNNNN!!!
But here's the thing, throughout all of this I never really invested in them as a couple. I feel like some unknown something kept me at arms length. Maybe it was the narration which was aiiiiight. Maybe it was just the fact that I listened to rather than read it. Maybe I was distracted. Maybe I'm just defective. I'm not sure but my feels never really got involved.
Nevertheless, I'll mostly likely try the next one since I know Gray is a sadist.
HERCULES! HER-CUL-LES! 👏🙌👏🙌👏🙌👏 GO #TeamPain GO!!!!
I can't really understand my feels on this one.
I thought Sexton did an exemplary job of emphasizing River's complex and oftentimes contradictory feelings towards domestic service. His second guessing and questioning especially in someone his age I felt was genuine.
Phil's characterization also rang true especially given his sanitized and draconian upbringing.
Their relationship starts off casual and progresses and it is highly sexual and involves numerous kinky endeavors, though there was zero pain so... *shrugs*
To each their own and all that jazz hands.
River is married to a douche-canoe who has repeatedly cheated on him and for the vast majority of the book is essentially shaking River down to sign the divorce papers with a quickness so he can be free and clear to, I guess, "make it official" with the other dude he's bonking. Did I mention all of these cats work at the same hospital???
I think I chose the wrong career. Think of all the MM bonking I could've "accidentally" happened upon in the med room or the on call room or the ER.
*kicks rocks*
DAMMIT!
Anyhoo, on paper I get why River is reluctant to throw the towel in on the hubs: years together, numerous good times, etc. etc. BUT the dude's a two-timing, two-faced, cheating asshat of the highest order who goes out of his way to make River feel inadequate regularly , so I kept looking at that paper and saying 'fuck that noise'. Yet River kept hanging around and mooning over the asshat. I get it. Sort of but... RUN, RIVER, RUNNNNNN!!!
But here's the thing, throughout all of this I never really invested in them as a couple. I feel like some unknown something kept me at arms length. Maybe it was the narration which was aiiiiight. Maybe it was just the fact that I listened to rather than read it. Maybe I was distracted. Maybe I'm just defective. I'm not sure but my feels never really got involved.
Nevertheless, I'll mostly likely try the next one since I know Gray is a sadist.
HERCULES! HER-CUL-LES! 👏🙌👏🙌👏🙌👏 GO #TeamPain GO!!!!
March 5, 2025
3.5**** stars
This was a beautiful romance. Very very rewarding, especially after I struggled at lot with getting comfortable with Phil’s and River’s dynamic for the first half of the book.
This sounds rough, and it was but I loved how their relationship evolved and their HEA even more.
side note: what the freaking hell was it with all the errors in this book? Did no one read this over prior to release?
************
The Heretic Doms Club
Book 1 - One Man’s Trash - 4.5 stars ♡
Book 2 - Terms of Service - 3.5 stars
Book 3 - Spare the Rod - 4.5 stars
Book 4 - No Good Deed - 4.0 stars
This was a beautiful romance. Very very rewarding, especially after I struggled at lot with getting comfortable with Phil’s and River’s dynamic for the first half of the book.
“I feel like you’re so distant. Like even when we’re having sex, you’re only a spectator. I just wanted to feel like you were as invested as I was. Like we had equal stakes, I guess.”
“We don’t. That’s the arrangement.
This sounds rough, and it was but I loved how their relationship evolved and their HEA even more.
side note: what the freaking hell was it with all the errors in this book? Did no one read this over prior to release?
************
The Heretic Doms Club
Book 1 - One Man’s Trash - 4.5 stars ♡
Book 2 - Terms of Service - 3.5 stars
Book 3 - Spare the Rod - 4.5 stars
Book 4 - No Good Deed - 4.0 stars
March 4, 2021
I forget that it's just as much about Phil as it is about River. Phil's transformation is really something. I love this story, and performed by John Solo the audio version is a treat.
Want to read
March 27, 2019Kindle freebie 3/27/19
February 11, 2019
Loved this next book in the series about loosely connected Doms. This book is about emotionally detached, controlling Phil getting into a “casual” relationship with lonely River, a Doctor whose cheating husband has left him. And as these things do, becomes much more than sex between these two needy men. Well worth your time, sexy & emotional. Looking forward to the next one.
October 8, 2020
**Free on AZ today 10-08-20
I liked this book even better than the first in the series. Here we see Phil, a pharmacist who needs fairly rigid control over his life and his sex partners, to feel comfortable. And River, an emergency room doctor who is five months out from the final cheating betrayal and departure of his also-physician husband. River hasn't emotionally let go of the man he loved and lived with; the man he gave up his Minnesota home and family ties to follow to Colorado; the man he said "forever" to and meant it.
The divorce papers are on River's table, but he can't make himself sign them. A chance meeting with Phil at the hospital puts the idea in his head that a no-strings sex encounter might be the best way to cut through his unwanted hanging onto a (probably) dead relationship. And when Phil shows up on River's Growlr app, who better to take that big step off the being-single cliff with? It turns out, Phil likes things in the bedroom that River hasn't tried. It also turns out River doesn't mind at all.
Phil's combination of rigid control, mixed with a steady, unwavering attention to River's wants and needs, confuses him. His ex liked to get his way too, a lot, but it never felt like this. River went into this looking to break the deadlock that had him hanging onto the hope of his husband coming back. But as he finds out more about what being with Phil is like, he's less sure that he wants the life he once had.
Phil is used to doing short term relationships and one-night stands. His version of being a Dom doesn't seem to work long term for the men he meets, and his last serious relationship was years ago. But River, in his almost-innocence and willing cooperation, is different from any sub Phil has had before. Something is changing between them, and Phil's narrow, rigid, functional life may be upended by those changes.
I liked both the relationship and the side characters (there is a bit of poly/open sex here, within the definition of the relationship). There is a lot of affection between these men, shown in many different ways. It is lighter on both the S/M and the kink than book 1, and the characters aren't as broken. River clearly has had an unhealthy relationship for a long time, and working himself out of that headspace is a slow and difficult process. Watching these two connect, with occasional missteps and failures, was a pleasure.
I liked this book even better than the first in the series. Here we see Phil, a pharmacist who needs fairly rigid control over his life and his sex partners, to feel comfortable. And River, an emergency room doctor who is five months out from the final cheating betrayal and departure of his also-physician husband. River hasn't emotionally let go of the man he loved and lived with; the man he gave up his Minnesota home and family ties to follow to Colorado; the man he said "forever" to and meant it.
The divorce papers are on River's table, but he can't make himself sign them. A chance meeting with Phil at the hospital puts the idea in his head that a no-strings sex encounter might be the best way to cut through his unwanted hanging onto a (probably) dead relationship. And when Phil shows up on River's Growlr app, who better to take that big step off the being-single cliff with? It turns out, Phil likes things in the bedroom that River hasn't tried. It also turns out River doesn't mind at all.
Phil's combination of rigid control, mixed with a steady, unwavering attention to River's wants and needs, confuses him. His ex liked to get his way too, a lot, but it never felt like this. River went into this looking to break the deadlock that had him hanging onto the hope of his husband coming back. But as he finds out more about what being with Phil is like, he's less sure that he wants the life he once had.
Phil is used to doing short term relationships and one-night stands. His version of being a Dom doesn't seem to work long term for the men he meets, and his last serious relationship was years ago. But River, in his almost-innocence and willing cooperation, is different from any sub Phil has had before. Something is changing between them, and Phil's narrow, rigid, functional life may be upended by those changes.
I liked both the relationship and the side characters (there is a bit of poly/open sex here, within the definition of the relationship). There is a lot of affection between these men, shown in many different ways. It is lighter on both the S/M and the kink than book 1, and the characters aren't as broken. River clearly has had an unhealthy relationship for a long time, and working himself out of that headspace is a slow and difficult process. Watching these two connect, with occasional missteps and failures, was a pleasure.
January 5, 2019
Ohhhh I LOVE THIS soooooo much. I didn't know there will be another book in this. Fortunately! Better than the first one!
I don’t know why I love this saga so much because I’m not a big fan of BDSM stories, but there is something about these guys…i just love them.
We met River, an ER doctor who is newly single since his husband ( bastard of the year ) cheat on him with another man (a resident in the same hospital...Grrrr). His ex-lover and his new boyfriend were kind of douches. No explanation after 11 years together, no worries about showing their new love in front of everyone, threatening him , mocking him every chance they got. Bref I just hate them haha.
We met Phil (already in the previous book, one of the best friends of Warren) a pharmacist who works in the same hospital as River.
River and Phil didn’t met in the best circumstances : River had big problems with his new status, in addition to the stress in the ER, he made a big mistake and luckily for him Phil is there to correct him. After a « heated » explanation these two men became…how can i say it?…Close?
Phil is a Dom (full time not just in bed), he doesn’t do any other relationship than a domestic servitude. In short: his partner obeys his order all the time, IN bed, OUT bed . This made me laugh the first time. I mean how can this be possible ? But hey I don’t why but this man just grew up on me. The minute I stopped judge him, well I fell in love with him. He’s a control freak but he’s kind, just and really cute. It’s all about the small things with him. He didn’t grew up with the affection he deserved so he just control everything so he just doesn’t let his emotions take the upper hand.
River is my baby. He’s a doctor (like me so I was in love the first page haha) and he’s so HUMAN. Last year I was in stage in the ER and really many doctors weren’t like him, many of them stigmatized people before meeting them. Many of them were like « oh still her, she’s annoying » or « i don’t have time for her problems i have mine and many patients to see this night ». Where I was expecting to find the most comprehensive people…well it was mixed in the end. But most of the doctors were really good so don't worry. There are still good persons in this world. That’s why I loved River, he’s a very good doctor, a good human too. So it was a shame what this douche of husband did to him. Alone for weeks, he decided to take Phil's offer and try the domestic servitude. I really loved discovering it with him, it was fun on the beginning (when Phil talked about the things to do and the things not to do) but more the time passed the more I was asking myself « This relationship will stick to that? ». Thankfully River was ok with me so he began to question things. Phil is not the most « talking » guy, he just doesn’t know how to express feelings so it’s really about the details with him. The moment River (and I) saw that, he just fell in love with him.
The "glamping"parts were the best scenes in this. I just LOVE the « free » Phil. When he just let some of his feelings out, well he’s so beautiful and cute that you just want to hug him HARD.
Like the first book there were some scenes with Phil’s friends . You know Warren, Taylor, Gray (can’t wait about your book!) and Charlie. It was so shocking haha (surprise!). Less than the first book but still. Poker nights with these guys are something you just can’t forget about. I was screaming in my bed at 2.00 am « WTF? How? Why? Isn’t this gonna be bizarre after? », well NO. They were all ok with it. Normal nights. Unforgettable for me haha.
The reconciliation scene is one of the best i’ve ever read
Highly recommend if you already loved the first one!:)
Can't wait for Gray's story. And Charlie's too.
I don’t know why I love this saga so much because I’m not a big fan of BDSM stories, but there is something about these guys…i just love them.
We met River, an ER doctor who is newly single since his husband ( bastard of the year ) cheat on him with another man (a resident in the same hospital...Grrrr). His ex-lover and his new boyfriend were kind of douches. No explanation after 11 years together, no worries about showing their new love in front of everyone, threatening him , mocking him every chance they got. Bref I just hate them haha.
We met Phil (already in the previous book, one of the best friends of Warren) a pharmacist who works in the same hospital as River.
River and Phil didn’t met in the best circumstances : River had big problems with his new status, in addition to the stress in the ER, he made a big mistake and luckily for him Phil is there to correct him. After a « heated » explanation these two men became…how can i say it?…Close?
Phil is a Dom (full time not just in bed), he doesn’t do any other relationship than a domestic servitude. In short: his partner obeys his order all the time, IN bed, OUT bed . This made me laugh the first time. I mean how can this be possible ? But hey I don’t why but this man just grew up on me. The minute I stopped judge him, well I fell in love with him. He’s a control freak but he’s kind, just and really cute. It’s all about the small things with him. He didn’t grew up with the affection he deserved so he just control everything so he just doesn’t let his emotions take the upper hand.
River is my baby. He’s a doctor (like me so I was in love the first page haha) and he’s so HUMAN. Last year I was in stage in the ER and really many doctors weren’t like him, many of them stigmatized people before meeting them. Many of them were like « oh still her, she’s annoying » or « i don’t have time for her problems i have mine and many patients to see this night ». Where I was expecting to find the most comprehensive people…well it was mixed in the end. But most of the doctors were really good so don't worry. There are still good persons in this world. That’s why I loved River, he’s a very good doctor, a good human too. So it was a shame what this douche of husband did to him. Alone for weeks, he decided to take Phil's offer and try the domestic servitude. I really loved discovering it with him, it was fun on the beginning (when Phil talked about the things to do and the things not to do) but more the time passed the more I was asking myself « This relationship will stick to that? ». Thankfully River was ok with me so he began to question things. Phil is not the most « talking » guy, he just doesn’t know how to express feelings so it’s really about the details with him. The moment River (and I) saw that, he just fell in love with him.
The "glamping"parts were the best scenes in this. I just LOVE the « free » Phil. When he just let some of his feelings out, well he’s so beautiful and cute that you just want to hug him HARD.
Like the first book there were some scenes with Phil’s friends . You know Warren, Taylor, Gray (can’t wait about your book!) and Charlie. It was so shocking haha (surprise!). Less than the first book but still. Poker nights with these guys are something you just can’t forget about. I was screaming in my bed at 2.00 am « WTF? How? Why? Isn’t this gonna be bizarre after? », well NO. They were all ok with it. Normal nights. Unforgettable for me haha.
The reconciliation scene is one of the best i’ve ever read
Highly recommend if you already loved the first one!:)
Can't wait for Gray's story. And Charlie's too.
September 1, 2019
5 stars!
I really liked this one! The first book was emotionally heavy. This one did have some profound emotional moments but it wasn’t as heavy. I liked how both River and Phil had sort of a journey to discover themselves both together and separately.
I don’t think I’ve ever appreciated the fact that Marie Sexton is able to take two seemingly normal characters and weave them into complex characters without really making them look too damaged or too perfect. I just feel like she’s just somehow able to infuse just the correct amount of human flaws in the characters to make them so real and realistic.
I wanted to wax lyrical about the characters of Phil and River but I feel like if I do, I’m giving away the very essence of what makes this story so enjoyable. It’s the getting to know them and the discovery of their personalities that make this story come alive.
So I guess, 3 paragraphs later, all I’m trying to say is, it’s a good story with great characters. No fabricated drama. No sudden plot twists that make no sense. No part of it that makes me shake my head and go “what the hell?!?”. Lol...
Applause and a deep bow to Marie Sexton for Phil and River. I enjoyed this immensely!!
I really liked this one! The first book was emotionally heavy. This one did have some profound emotional moments but it wasn’t as heavy. I liked how both River and Phil had sort of a journey to discover themselves both together and separately.
I don’t think I’ve ever appreciated the fact that Marie Sexton is able to take two seemingly normal characters and weave them into complex characters without really making them look too damaged or too perfect. I just feel like she’s just somehow able to infuse just the correct amount of human flaws in the characters to make them so real and realistic.
I wanted to wax lyrical about the characters of Phil and River but I feel like if I do, I’m giving away the very essence of what makes this story so enjoyable. It’s the getting to know them and the discovery of their personalities that make this story come alive.
So I guess, 3 paragraphs later, all I’m trying to say is, it’s a good story with great characters. No fabricated drama. No sudden plot twists that make no sense. No part of it that makes me shake my head and go “what the hell?!?”. Lol...
Applause and a deep bow to Marie Sexton for Phil and River. I enjoyed this immensely!!
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August 31, 2020
A completely different vibe in this book compared to the first in the series, but equally good story. Such a wonderful quiet and understated romance! I seem to have developed a soft spot for those.
January 15, 2019
* This story is so much more than I imagined. At times it left me fascinated, uncomfortable, and other times, the feelings of affection were palpable.
At 42, tall, rugged looking strong River, is an ER Doctor reeling from his cheating husband, but lost in a limbo of indecision, grief, and guilt. We see his interactions at work with his patients and staff.
Also at the Colorado hospital, we have Phil, 35, a blonde Pharmacist who seems emotionally detached, but is devoted to his friends, who are also Doms, into BDSM and D/s relationships, plus Phil is OCD.
Several threads are running here, like Phil's ailing Dad, his aging three-legged cat and his life changes. With River we have his ex and the divorce, plus his loneliness. There is a drug manipulation issue at the hospital that Phil found, and it's being investigated. Of course, we have Phil and River's new relationship and their adjustment.
We see total honesty, a lot of inner struggling and the acceptance of flaws, and their long talks. Each tries to get their point across. Conversations take place, and there is unconditional caring and concern for each other's well being. River is welcomed into Phil's circle of friends; Gray, Charlie, Warren and Taylor. We see the sex scenes, BDSM, D/s, control, deep passion and intense erotic needs.
I relished every subject in this very intensely complicated tale of differences, fierce interactions and acceptance as an underlying topic. * River's sister does an amazing job of laying it out for River, and made what was previously mind boggling, into an obvious, simple result. Very exciting.
This is deep, topical, extremely sexual, and it is moving and soul searching.
Marvelously written by Marie Sexton, it's a beautiful story.
I highly recommend it ! ENJOY !
===========
At 42, tall, rugged looking strong River, is an ER Doctor reeling from his cheating husband, but lost in a limbo of indecision, grief, and guilt. We see his interactions at work with his patients and staff.
Also at the Colorado hospital, we have Phil, 35, a blonde Pharmacist who seems emotionally detached, but is devoted to his friends, who are also Doms, into BDSM and D/s relationships, plus Phil is OCD.
Several threads are running here, like Phil's ailing Dad, his aging three-legged cat and his life changes. With River we have his ex and the divorce, plus his loneliness. There is a drug manipulation issue at the hospital that Phil found, and it's being investigated. Of course, we have Phil and River's new relationship and their adjustment.
We see total honesty, a lot of inner struggling and the acceptance of flaws, and their long talks. Each tries to get their point across. Conversations take place, and there is unconditional caring and concern for each other's well being. River is welcomed into Phil's circle of friends; Gray, Charlie, Warren and Taylor. We see the sex scenes, BDSM, D/s, control, deep passion and intense erotic needs.
I relished every subject in this very intensely complicated tale of differences, fierce interactions and acceptance as an underlying topic. * River's sister does an amazing job of laying it out for River, and made what was previously mind boggling, into an obvious, simple result. Very exciting.
This is deep, topical, extremely sexual, and it is moving and soul searching.
Marvelously written by Marie Sexton, it's a beautiful story.
I highly recommend it ! ENJOY !
===========
February 23, 2022
Re-read 15/02/2022: I still like this. :) I didn't quite remember the extent of the "poker parties". ;DDD
__________________
I sure as hell can't say there was no character development. :D Aww, Phil!
I don't want to spoil much, but just know that Phil came a long way from the rule-bound, seemingly emotionless guy he was at the beginning of the book. His character arc - if you'll allow me to throw such words around - is just awesome.
River was still in love with his estranged husband, when he met Phil, so their "relationship" was only an escape from loneliness for him at first. There wasn't insta-love, thank God. It was a convenient arrangement, at best.
I like reading about different types of BDSM-lifestyles, that are out of the norm. Psychologically it's always interesting. Domestic servitude is something that sounds very appealing even to me, on an everyday basis, not in my sex life though. ;D
If you read the first book, Dear Reader, you probably remember that it was... intense, and morally questionable (for some people). This book however is on a more calm and collected level, because this couple is no Warren & Taylor. And that's okay. Of course there are chapters, where we get to see the boys again, along with Charlie and Gray.
But even then, I was waiting for something emotionally grand at least, and I was waiting and waiting and waiting, aaand I was way past the halfway point when I felt it was worth it. But in the end it did.
There are some books, where I question if certain events wouldn't have been better from a different POV. There was only one like that in this book. That particular scene (it involved the whole gang) felt a bit awkward to me. Phil is generally a quiet guy, he's a spectator. But in that chapter, it was like he wasn't even there. I didn't mind that he wasn't participating much, but it would've been better in my opinion if we were allowed to know his thoughts.
Overall I enjoyed it. I can't wait for Gray's book, given his personality, it will be the BOMB. lolz :)
__________________
I sure as hell can't say there was no character development. :D Aww, Phil!
I don't want to spoil much, but just know that Phil came a long way from the rule-bound, seemingly emotionless guy he was at the beginning of the book. His character arc - if you'll allow me to throw such words around - is just awesome.
River was still in love with his estranged husband, when he met Phil, so their "relationship" was only an escape from loneliness for him at first. There wasn't insta-love, thank God. It was a convenient arrangement, at best.
I like reading about different types of BDSM-lifestyles, that are out of the norm. Psychologically it's always interesting. Domestic servitude is something that sounds very appealing even to me, on an everyday basis, not in my sex life though. ;D
"The good news is, if you do what I say, we can derail that crazy thought train. That’s the wonderful thing about obedience. All the pressure’s gone, and you can just sit back and enjoy the ride. Doesn’t that sound good?”
"Phil had been right— it felt good to let go. No more thinking. No more doubts. No more decisions. Just obey this order, then the next, then the next. There was something so freeing about giving up control."
" And that was the biggest surprise—he loved feeling base and dirty. It gave his arousal a new edge. He never felt degraded or humiliated. He only felt sexy and appreciated."
"No more arguing. No more apologizing. No more worrying about what you think I want. What is your duty?”
“To obey."
If you read the first book, Dear Reader, you probably remember that it was... intense, and morally questionable (for some people). This book however is on a more calm and collected level, because this couple is no Warren & Taylor. And that's okay. Of course there are chapters, where we get to see the boys again, along with Charlie and Gray.
But even then, I was waiting for something emotionally grand at least, and I was waiting and waiting and waiting, aaand I was way past the halfway point when I felt it was worth it. But in the end it did.
There are some books, where I question if certain events wouldn't have been better from a different POV. There was only one like that in this book. That particular scene (it involved the whole gang) felt a bit awkward to me. Phil is generally a quiet guy, he's a spectator. But in that chapter, it was like he wasn't even there. I didn't mind that he wasn't participating much, but it would've been better in my opinion if we were allowed to know his thoughts.
Overall I enjoyed it. I can't wait for Gray's book, given his personality, it will be the BOMB. lolz :)
January 23, 2020
I liked the first book in the series very much so I couldn't wait to start reading the second one. It didn't quite have the magic of the previous one but I still enjoyed it.
We had met Phil in One Man's Trash but knew very little about him. Here it becomes clear that he's a complex character with a personality that doesn't always fit in with his appearance. River is a quiet character, struggling to get over his ex but afaid to take the first step toward dating again.
The beginning of their involvement was very unconventional but they made it work. The arrangement they made was supposed to help River move on and explore a little bit while keeping them at arms length. It didn't happen overnight, but as the days passed and they spent all of their free time together something started to change between them and new feelings started to take root.
Then they took a camping trip and they couldn't pretend anymore.
Phil struggled to understand his feelings and what they meant but in the end that's what helped him develop as a character and as a person. River was more accepting of his feelings but he had some unresolved issues with his past that kept him from trully moving forward.
The side characters were basically the same as in the first book and the bond between these four so different people is clear here as well. Their friendship is unconventional and difficult at times but there's no question about how genuine it is.
"Terms of Service" was not as good as the first book in the series but it was still too good to pass up.
*4 stars*
We had met Phil in One Man's Trash but knew very little about him. Here it becomes clear that he's a complex character with a personality that doesn't always fit in with his appearance. River is a quiet character, struggling to get over his ex but afaid to take the first step toward dating again.
The beginning of their involvement was very unconventional but they made it work. The arrangement they made was supposed to help River move on and explore a little bit while keeping them at arms length. It didn't happen overnight, but as the days passed and they spent all of their free time together something started to change between them and new feelings started to take root.
Then they took a camping trip and they couldn't pretend anymore.
Phil struggled to understand his feelings and what they meant but in the end that's what helped him develop as a character and as a person. River was more accepting of his feelings but he had some unresolved issues with his past that kept him from trully moving forward.
The side characters were basically the same as in the first book and the bond between these four so different people is clear here as well. Their friendship is unconventional and difficult at times but there's no question about how genuine it is.
"Terms of Service" was not as good as the first book in the series but it was still too good to pass up.
*4 stars*
July 21, 2018
I'm not much into kink as such but I like books where the bdsm aspect is not just used to satisfy some kind of voyeurism on the reader's part but is an important facet of the overall relationship between the MCs. Domestic servitude as an idea quite frankly makes me cringe. Still, the author manages to successfully convey why it provides both partners with a sense of tranquility. What makes this book even more interesting is that there is some serious character development going on. There was a point when I almost gave up on River because he came over as pretty much a doormat - not with regard to his relationship with Phil - but with his almost ex-husband. I don't use the term doormat lightly because it all too often turns into shaming/blaming the victim but here... Yeah, well, no. But, and this is an important but, the author uses this to develop the character beautifully without blaming him. Nicely done.
Recommended.
Recommended.
February 16, 2019
4.5 stars
Loved it! What a rounded story. First of all want to say I loved the first book but have been unable to read it because of its darkness. This book, this book I know I will re-read several times. Only niggle is several proof-reading mistakes that make me dock this awesome story half a star. They were not even grammatical errors but I think they were places where the author decided to edit her original thought and as a result created a weird mix of prepositions left from previous words used and new words used. Seriously, I would proof read your story for free. That or find more anal readers and less fangirls to proof read your stories.
Also, can I get Gray's story next. Although I have a feeling the best will be saved for last.
Loved it! What a rounded story. First of all want to say I loved the first book but have been unable to read it because of its darkness. This book, this book I know I will re-read several times. Only niggle is several proof-reading mistakes that make me dock this awesome story half a star. They were not even grammatical errors but I think they were places where the author decided to edit her original thought and as a result created a weird mix of prepositions left from previous words used and new words used. Seriously, I would proof read your story for free. That or find more anal readers and less fangirls to proof read your stories.
Also, can I get Gray's story next. Although I have a feeling the best will be saved for last.
February 11, 2021
This is not the kind of Dom/Sub relationship that floats my boat. In fact, I should have hated Phil. He’s unemotional and his form of dominance is domestic servitude. River is struggling as he recovers from a bad relationship. His cheating husband has left him.
I like a Dom to be large and imposing, but Phil is just the opposite. River is the larger man. So why did this book work for me? Marie Sexton is a great writer and she knows how to make you care about her characters. I would have given this book an extra1/2 star except for one thing. Young children who are immature call their teacher “teacher.” Obviously, it didn’t ruin the book for me, but I didn’t like it.
I like a Dom to be large and imposing, but Phil is just the opposite. River is the larger man. So why did this book work for me? Marie Sexton is a great writer and she knows how to make you care about her characters. I would have given this book an extra1/2 star except for one thing. Young children who are immature call their teacher “teacher.” Obviously, it didn’t ruin the book for me, but I didn’t like it.
July 11, 2019
3.5 stars.
I don't really know how to feel about this book. It started out great but then at some points I felt like the author wanted to shove her opinion down my throat in a lengthy way and convince me to adhere to it. I don't have anything against her opinions but I'm not looking for that preaching vibe in my books. I want those opinions/lessons to be subtle so I can make up my own mind. Besides that, Phil was way too cold for me in most of the book but I liked how he turned out. I'm also very curious about Gray because he really does seem hot and intense. Overall, this book was way too long and could have used some editing.
I don't really know how to feel about this book. It started out great but then at some points I felt like the author wanted to shove her opinion down my throat in a lengthy way and convince me to adhere to it. I don't have anything against her opinions but I'm not looking for that preaching vibe in my books. I want those opinions/lessons to be subtle so I can make up my own mind. Besides that, Phil was way too cold for me in most of the book but I liked how he turned out. I'm also very curious about Gray because he really does seem hot and intense. Overall, this book was way too long and could have used some editing.
June 26, 2019
I went into this with blind expectations.
I haven't read the first book in this series...I'm not sure I want to.
There were multiple factors that are typically NOT my jam....and yet here they worked gloriously.
I was...intrigued and yet out of my element.
BDSM isn't necessarily a comfort zone for me but I adore Sexton and snagged this during a freebie (score!) time. I am so grateful.
Why?
There were times I was so uncomfortable I thought about quitting.
There were times I was so engrossed I failed to notice the world around me.
There were times I was so swept away I thought I might drown in the feelings.
And for me, that's the power of this story.
Feeling. Affection. Love.
And the many forms they take.
The final chapters held me captive....desperate for the gorgeous ending we receive. (!!!)
Phil severed something inside himself....but can't see the disconnect.
It made me sad.
River is also disconnected...from the life he believed he wanted.
It made me mad.
They were both desperately lost and found their 'happy' in each other.
It made me so so glad.
Loved the rest of the guys.
Not sure I can handle the first but very much looking forward to Gray's book.
Pops is amazing.
The camping moments took my breath away.
Dragonflies will forever remind me of Phil.
I need to visit Charlie for a comfort snack and a hug. Wouldn't be upset if Gray is there ;)
*4 oh-my-shit-!!! stars*
I haven't read the first book in this series...I'm not sure I want to.
There were multiple factors that are typically NOT my jam....and yet here they worked gloriously.
I was...intrigued and yet out of my element.
BDSM isn't necessarily a comfort zone for me but I adore Sexton and snagged this during a freebie (score!) time. I am so grateful.
Why?
There were times I was so uncomfortable I thought about quitting.
There were times I was so engrossed I failed to notice the world around me.
There were times I was so swept away I thought I might drown in the feelings.
And for me, that's the power of this story.
Feeling. Affection. Love.
And the many forms they take.
The final chapters held me captive....desperate for the gorgeous ending we receive. (!!!)
Phil severed something inside himself....but can't see the disconnect.
It made me sad.
River is also disconnected...from the life he believed he wanted.
It made me mad.
They were both desperately lost and found their 'happy' in each other.
It made me so so glad.
Loved the rest of the guys.
Not sure I can handle the first but very much looking forward to Gray's book.
Pops is amazing.
The camping moments took my breath away.
Dragonflies will forever remind me of Phil.
I need to visit Charlie for a comfort snack and a hug. Wouldn't be upset if Gray is there ;)
*4 oh-my-shit-!!! stars*
July 4, 2018
I'm sensing a common theme with this series - one guy has trains run on him by/services all of his partner's friends.
Why does the author make a big to-do about ditching condoms for penetrative sex when Taylor and River suck off the entire group of Doms (at least, but probably more outside of it) and never use condoms?
River and Phil are like Taylor and Warren except River is a smidgen less screwed up and has an ex who he still loves and wants to be with for the majority of the book. I got a chuckle out of Phil saying he was 100% monogamous when he is with someone because monogamous they were not.
I'm not surprised Gray and Taylor are still screwing. I predicted after the first book that Taylor would cheat on Warren with Gray. I guess that Warren thinks that by "allowing" (like he could stop them) Taylor and Gray to fuck in front of him he prevents it from going on behind his back but I have zero - and I mean zero - doubt that it goes on behind his back. Gray is, per the book, "obsessed" with Taylor, and Taylor still needs to screw as many men as possible. Using "Trash" for their book couldn't be more accurate.
Why does the author make a big to-do about ditching condoms for penetrative sex when Taylor and River suck off the entire group of Doms (at least, but probably more outside of it) and never use condoms?
River and Phil are like Taylor and Warren except River is a smidgen less screwed up and has an ex who he still loves and wants to be with for the majority of the book. I got a chuckle out of Phil saying he was 100% monogamous when he is with someone because monogamous they were not.
I'm not surprised Gray and Taylor are still screwing. I predicted after the first book that Taylor would cheat on Warren with Gray. I guess that Warren thinks that by "allowing" (like he could stop them) Taylor and Gray to fuck in front of him he prevents it from going on behind his back but I have zero - and I mean zero - doubt that it goes on behind his back. Gray is, per the book, "obsessed" with Taylor, and Taylor still needs to screw as many men as possible. Using "Trash" for their book couldn't be more accurate.
July 9, 2019
I highly doubt I can do justice to this story in a simple review. In one word: phenomenal. I listened to the audio version narrated by John Solo so much of my praise is due directly and indirectly to his outstanding narration.
On the surface, this is the story of River, an ER physician who’s just lost his husband to a fellow doctor and is struggling to come to terms with his own identity. Among his issues, besides being devastated by his husband’s infidelity, is his failure to be able to have penetrative sex and, in fact, his frequent failure to achieve an erection. Add to that the stresses of taking graveyard shift in the ER, which he’s chosen to do to avoid his ex who has day shift, and he’s just a powder keg waiting to go off. The unlucky victim of his latest blowup is the hospital pharmacist, Phil. But Phil doesn’t just stand still and take verbal abuse. He shows River his own errors, and ultimately not only does River back down, but he later seeks Phil out to apologize, something unheard of among that hospital’s physicians.
What he learns is that Phil is interested in him, but Phil doesn’t do regular relationships. He only does domestic servitude, and he never reacts emotionally—neither to sex nor to situations where others might expect some reciprocation.
Below the surface story lies the true depth found in this book (pun intended). It depicts an emotional, often painful journey to discovery for both River and Phil. This journey encompasses River’s acceptance of Phil’s domination, Phil’s own struggles with deeply buried emotions, the turmoil and upheaval of having River’s estranged husband hound him constantly to sign the divorce papers, and River’s deep-seated issues surrounding his twin’s death and his subsequent emotional separation from his family. Over and above all that, Phil’s grandfather, Pops, is in an extended care facility on the other side of the Denver metro area and suffers from dementia. Phil visits him weekly and loves him a great deal though he finds it difficult to express how deeply he cares for the man. Pops inadvertently plays a role in helping River discover some of the joy he felt in his childhood, when camping and fishing with his family, and that joy splashes over into a ripple effect that encompasses Phil.
There are appearances by Warren and Taylor, from Trailer Trash, and other members of the Heretic Dom’s Club, primarily Gray and Charlie. Each of these men is developing as a strong, supportive character in these stories, and I hope each gets his own love someday. For River and Phil, the struggle is long and real and fraught with undermining from coworkers, a theft from the hospital pharmacy, and an ultimatum by River’s ex who throws a major monkey wrench into River’s new developing relationship. The audio is over fourteen wonderful hours of pure entertainment. Compelling, riveting, dramatic, completely engrossing, I was literally unable to stop listening except for time out to recharge my cordless headphones and to sleep (but only one night because this book deserved my devotion for two solid days.)
I highly recommend this to anyone remotely interested in D/s relationships, with a focus on domestic servitude, and those who enjoy a long, slow journey to a highly rewarding destination. And most definitely, get the audio. It’s pure listening pleasure.
On the surface, this is the story of River, an ER physician who’s just lost his husband to a fellow doctor and is struggling to come to terms with his own identity. Among his issues, besides being devastated by his husband’s infidelity, is his failure to be able to have penetrative sex and, in fact, his frequent failure to achieve an erection. Add to that the stresses of taking graveyard shift in the ER, which he’s chosen to do to avoid his ex who has day shift, and he’s just a powder keg waiting to go off. The unlucky victim of his latest blowup is the hospital pharmacist, Phil. But Phil doesn’t just stand still and take verbal abuse. He shows River his own errors, and ultimately not only does River back down, but he later seeks Phil out to apologize, something unheard of among that hospital’s physicians.
What he learns is that Phil is interested in him, but Phil doesn’t do regular relationships. He only does domestic servitude, and he never reacts emotionally—neither to sex nor to situations where others might expect some reciprocation.
Below the surface story lies the true depth found in this book (pun intended). It depicts an emotional, often painful journey to discovery for both River and Phil. This journey encompasses River’s acceptance of Phil’s domination, Phil’s own struggles with deeply buried emotions, the turmoil and upheaval of having River’s estranged husband hound him constantly to sign the divorce papers, and River’s deep-seated issues surrounding his twin’s death and his subsequent emotional separation from his family. Over and above all that, Phil’s grandfather, Pops, is in an extended care facility on the other side of the Denver metro area and suffers from dementia. Phil visits him weekly and loves him a great deal though he finds it difficult to express how deeply he cares for the man. Pops inadvertently plays a role in helping River discover some of the joy he felt in his childhood, when camping and fishing with his family, and that joy splashes over into a ripple effect that encompasses Phil.
There are appearances by Warren and Taylor, from Trailer Trash, and other members of the Heretic Dom’s Club, primarily Gray and Charlie. Each of these men is developing as a strong, supportive character in these stories, and I hope each gets his own love someday. For River and Phil, the struggle is long and real and fraught with undermining from coworkers, a theft from the hospital pharmacy, and an ultimatum by River’s ex who throws a major monkey wrench into River’s new developing relationship. The audio is over fourteen wonderful hours of pure entertainment. Compelling, riveting, dramatic, completely engrossing, I was literally unable to stop listening except for time out to recharge my cordless headphones and to sleep (but only one night because this book deserved my devotion for two solid days.)
I highly recommend this to anyone remotely interested in D/s relationships, with a focus on domestic servitude, and those who enjoy a long, slow journey to a highly rewarding destination. And most definitely, get the audio. It’s pure listening pleasure.
October 18, 2018
I’m enjoying this series - this book was about Phil and River. Phil has lost the ability to be intimate and prefers to keep a submissive and obedient partner, someone who can’t scratch the surface. Yet along comes River whose husband dumped him for a shinier partner and leaves him in a world of hurt. River clashes with Phil and work but through mutual need an arrangement begins. Slowly but surely both men learn and remember what is really important in their lives.
March 17, 2025
Genera: M/M Romance/Domestic Servitude/Physicians
4.5★
Dr. River McKay moved to Denver with his husband, Terrence, hoping to give their failing marriage a new start. A year later, Terrence is gone, and River’s left brokenhearted. Now, he’s decided it’s time to get back in the game.
Phil is a pharmacist. River is a doctor who is recently separated from his cheating husband of 10 years. He's in emotional pain and has a lot of self-doubt. Both men seemed like an "accident going somewhere to happen"...but this is a "normal" with Marie sexton's characters...especially in this "Heretic Dom's Club" series.
After River gets into an argument over a prescription order with Phil at the hospital where they both work, Phil suggest that River might need to relieve some of his frustrations by getting back into the dating game. Phil takes his advice and starts his dating journey by hooking-up casually with someone in the Grindr apt. Well, you can guess who his "casual hook-up" turns out to be...you got it..."Hello Phil".
Phil's not without his own "demons"...his problems go back to his high school days and his overly demanding father. Phil also has a different "kink" than the "usual" ones that River is familiar with...his good friends are the guys that we met in the first book...the Heretic Doms Club members... his poker night buddies. Phil introduces a more than willing River, not only to his poker night friends but to "Dometic Servitude" which River embraces like a "duck to water". Phil gives an order and River simply, "unquestionably", obeys it. Sounds simple? It works for both of them and things go along great, that is until River's nearly one year absent husband just returns and sees no reason why his and River's life shouldn't just pick up where they left off...no questions asked...he's back, making himself right at home! I was "dumb struck"...amazed, though I shouldn't have been. River simply accepted him being back. Like he had only been to the grocery store. How could River possibly just up and leave Phil; the man that given him more happiness in seven months than his cheating, over-bearing, self-serving husband had given him in 10-years.
Why the 4.5-star rating? I wouldn't have expected anything but a great story with strong characters from Marie Sexton. This story has both with River and Phil. They are two very strong and very complicated characters.... almost "too strong and complicated". Their beginning story turns into a hard to understand, turbulent journey. One that will demand, that if they have any chance of staying together, they will BOTH have to stop and decide what "happiness" really means, not only to them as individuals, but to them as a devoted couple. Their journey is one that is filled with self-doubts, struggles, failures, and sometimes desperation, but in the end, it will be worth everything that they both had previously committed to with each other.
Oh, and you will want to scream at River a few dozen times, to JUST SIGN THE DAMN DIVORCE PAPERS!!!
4.5★
Dr. River McKay moved to Denver with his husband, Terrence, hoping to give their failing marriage a new start. A year later, Terrence is gone, and River’s left brokenhearted. Now, he’s decided it’s time to get back in the game.
Phil is a pharmacist. River is a doctor who is recently separated from his cheating husband of 10 years. He's in emotional pain and has a lot of self-doubt. Both men seemed like an "accident going somewhere to happen"...but this is a "normal" with Marie sexton's characters...especially in this "Heretic Dom's Club" series.
After River gets into an argument over a prescription order with Phil at the hospital where they both work, Phil suggest that River might need to relieve some of his frustrations by getting back into the dating game. Phil takes his advice and starts his dating journey by hooking-up casually with someone in the Grindr apt. Well, you can guess who his "casual hook-up" turns out to be...you got it..."Hello Phil".
Phil's not without his own "demons"...his problems go back to his high school days and his overly demanding father. Phil also has a different "kink" than the "usual" ones that River is familiar with...his good friends are the guys that we met in the first book...the Heretic Doms Club members... his poker night buddies. Phil introduces a more than willing River, not only to his poker night friends but to "Dometic Servitude" which River embraces like a "duck to water". Phil gives an order and River simply, "unquestionably", obeys it. Sounds simple? It works for both of them and things go along great, that is until River's nearly one year absent husband just returns and sees no reason why his and River's life shouldn't just pick up where they left off...no questions asked...he's back, making himself right at home! I was "dumb struck"...amazed, though I shouldn't have been. River simply accepted him being back. Like he had only been to the grocery store. How could River possibly just up and leave Phil; the man that given him more happiness in seven months than his cheating, over-bearing, self-serving husband had given him in 10-years.
Why the 4.5-star rating? I wouldn't have expected anything but a great story with strong characters from Marie Sexton. This story has both with River and Phil. They are two very strong and very complicated characters.... almost "too strong and complicated". Their beginning story turns into a hard to understand, turbulent journey. One that will demand, that if they have any chance of staying together, they will BOTH have to stop and decide what "happiness" really means, not only to them as individuals, but to them as a devoted couple. Their journey is one that is filled with self-doubts, struggles, failures, and sometimes desperation, but in the end, it will be worth everything that they both had previously committed to with each other.
Oh, and you will want to scream at River a few dozen times, to JUST SIGN THE DAMN DIVORCE PAPERS!!!
July 6, 2018
I was a little ambivalent starting this -- these days, romance with 300+ pages seems like a daunting task. This one clocks in more than 400 pages. I wasn't sure I was ready!! But, I guess I have to trust Marie Sexton. Though it takes me more than a couple of days, I finished this and I was quite satisfied.
It's not a traditional romance and I am not going to lie -- I still don't understand people who are in domestic servitude relationship. It doesn't matter, I thought it was good. I enjoyed River and Phil's relationship but MOST OF ALL, I loved the progress that happened between the two of them. The River and Phil in the end, are the better version of River and Phil of the beginning
River who is no longer let himself being manipulated by his cheating husband. River, who despite having to obey Phil, but more in charge of himself than before. Phil, who lets himself being vulnerable, despite he is the one in control of River. And the love declaration is really, REALLY sweet and tender.
It's definitely not as dark as the first book :). And I LOVED Phil's grandpa ^^.
There were some editing errors that I noticed, but I'm willing to let it slide.
It's not a traditional romance and I am not going to lie -- I still don't understand people who are in domestic servitude relationship. It doesn't matter, I thought it was good. I enjoyed River and Phil's relationship but MOST OF ALL, I loved the progress that happened between the two of them. The River and Phil in the end, are the better version of River and Phil of the beginning
River who is no longer let himself being manipulated by his cheating husband. River, who despite having to obey Phil, but more in charge of himself than before. Phil, who lets himself being vulnerable, despite he is the one in control of River. And the love declaration is really, REALLY sweet and tender.
It's definitely not as dark as the first book :). And I LOVED Phil's grandpa ^^.
There were some editing errors that I noticed, but I'm willing to let it slide.
July 8, 2019
I found this really lovely. Abut finding yourself, compromise and partnership.
I'm not really a fan of BDSM generally, but mainly River and Phil's relationship was about trust and honesty, and growing together.
I'm not really a fan of BDSM generally, but mainly River and Phil's relationship was about trust and honesty, and growing together.
Want to read
March 30, 2019 Free on Amazon!
Want to read
March 27, 20193/27/19 Currently FREE via Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
July 5, 2018
4 star kink with 2 star plot and characters
'The Heretic Doms Club' is a killer title for a series. This instalment proves that it is pretty misleading though. Yes, all four of the club members consider themselves Dominants and they engage in play with their respective subs. But the only heresy is that their play doesn't necessarily involve the expected trappings of the BDSM scene.
From the description in the first book Phil was definitely the Dom I was least interested in simply because he doesn't seem like my type. Neither his looks nor his kink are my thing but I went in with an open mind and was pleasantly surprised.
Domestic servitude as a kink is still pretty boring to me but the author managed to package it in a way that made it hot for me and River too :) It's still on the mild side and involves nothing more exciting than strict obedience, household chores and some pretty hot sex. For Phil the kink lies in the emotional distance his neurotic brain needs and for River its a chance to turn his brain off and just 'be' for a while.
I'll admit that I was over the painstaking slow burn of their path from sex partners to actual lovers pretty quickly. Phil is emotionally repressed and River is kind of a doormat. Neither of them is exciting or passionate. What kept me hooked were the poker nights when suddenly this story of two men fumbling their way together turned into a kinky group thing.
This aspect had already intrigued me a lot in part one and it seems that the Doms will continue their habit of sharing their subs in the group. I can't complain since they seem to have a knack for finding subs who are into that :)
I will definitely check out any squels because the remaining two Doms are a lot more my type and seem to have actual personalities. Also, it seems that to be a sub in this series you need to have a seriously fucked up back story involving a probably deceased family member... so I *really* want to know what the author comes up with for the next two...
'The Heretic Doms Club' is a killer title for a series. This instalment proves that it is pretty misleading though. Yes, all four of the club members consider themselves Dominants and they engage in play with their respective subs. But the only heresy is that their play doesn't necessarily involve the expected trappings of the BDSM scene.
From the description in the first book Phil was definitely the Dom I was least interested in simply because he doesn't seem like my type. Neither his looks nor his kink are my thing but I went in with an open mind and was pleasantly surprised.
Domestic servitude as a kink is still pretty boring to me but the author managed to package it in a way that made it hot for me and River too :) It's still on the mild side and involves nothing more exciting than strict obedience, household chores and some pretty hot sex. For Phil the kink lies in the emotional distance his neurotic brain needs and for River its a chance to turn his brain off and just 'be' for a while.
I'll admit that I was over the painstaking slow burn of their path from sex partners to actual lovers pretty quickly. Phil is emotionally repressed and River is kind of a doormat. Neither of them is exciting or passionate. What kept me hooked were the poker nights when suddenly this story of two men fumbling their way together turned into a kinky group thing.
This aspect had already intrigued me a lot in part one and it seems that the Doms will continue their habit of sharing their subs in the group. I can't complain since they seem to have a knack for finding subs who are into that :)
I will definitely check out any squels because the remaining two Doms are a lot more my type and seem to have actual personalities. Also, it seems that to be a sub in this series you need to have a seriously fucked up back story involving a probably deceased family member... so I *really* want to know what the author comes up with for the next two...
July 30, 2023
3.5 - I was hooked by book 1 but I couldn’t get into the domestic servitude kink of this one. I was interested in Phil’s story and I do think the D/s part of this was well done - it was interesting to see the physiological aspects of the servitude from both characters POV. It was well written. However it just didn’t keep my interest and I found myself skimming through most of the characters scenes together. I enjoyed the other parts of the story more; River’s work as an ED Dr, Phil’s as a hospital pharmacist, the ex husband situation and the interactions with their friends.
I did love seeing Taylor and Warren from book 1. There is a lovely scene where he gets some closure from his experiences. There is also some insightful scenes about the future characters Charlie and Gray that would enhance the reading for their books. So although I didn’t really get into this one it was still worthwhile to read and anyone more into BDSM than I am would probably love it. I’ve still given it 4 stars because I think it was well done for the genre.
I read the book not the audio so can’t comment on the narration. Also be aware of trigger warnings. There is consensual sharing in a group sex scene that might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
I did love seeing Taylor and Warren from book 1. There is a lovely scene where he gets some closure from his experiences. There is also some insightful scenes about the future characters Charlie and Gray that would enhance the reading for their books. So although I didn’t really get into this one it was still worthwhile to read and anyone more into BDSM than I am would probably love it. I’ve still given it 4 stars because I think it was well done for the genre.
I read the book not the audio so can’t comment on the narration. Also be aware of trigger warnings. There is consensual sharing in a group sex scene that might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Want to read
March 28, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/28/2019)! 🎁
Blurb:
Dr. River McKay moved to Denver with his husband, Terrence, hoping to give their failing marriage a new start. A year later, Terrence is gone and River’s left brokenhearted. Now, he’s decided it’s time to get back in the game. A chance encounter at the hospital introduces him to Phil, a strong-willed pharmacist who isn’t impressed by River’s degree.
Phil can’t deny his attraction to River, but dating is out of the question. Phil only does one kind of relationship -- domestic servitude, where he gives the orders and his partner obeys. To his surprise, River agrees -- not because he likes the idea, but because anything’s better than being alone.
They know the arrangement won’t last. Phil’s set in his ways and incapable of showing affection outside the bedroom. River’s unused to obedience and still in love with his ex. But their time together will change them, making them question everything they thought they knew about love, control, and relationships. When the unexpected threatens to tear them apart, they’ll have to choose between the comforts of the past and a future they can only find together.
Blurb:
Dr. River McKay moved to Denver with his husband, Terrence, hoping to give their failing marriage a new start. A year later, Terrence is gone and River’s left brokenhearted. Now, he’s decided it’s time to get back in the game. A chance encounter at the hospital introduces him to Phil, a strong-willed pharmacist who isn’t impressed by River’s degree.
Phil can’t deny his attraction to River, but dating is out of the question. Phil only does one kind of relationship -- domestic servitude, where he gives the orders and his partner obeys. To his surprise, River agrees -- not because he likes the idea, but because anything’s better than being alone.
They know the arrangement won’t last. Phil’s set in his ways and incapable of showing affection outside the bedroom. River’s unused to obedience and still in love with his ex. But their time together will change them, making them question everything they thought they knew about love, control, and relationships. When the unexpected threatens to tear them apart, they’ll have to choose between the comforts of the past and a future they can only find together.
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