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Rowan House #4
Complex Dimensions
Sick of living in her parents' basement and encountering her ex-girlfriend on a regular basis, former graduate student Veronica Fletcher signs on to manage the stable for Rowan House, Skye’s most exclusive resort for women. After arriving at Rowan house Veronica’s vow to remain celibate is tested when she meets Millie Reid.
Sexy, sweet, and funny, Millie is the woman of Veronica’s dreams. Or is she? When Millie’s past threatens their future together, Veronica is faced with a choice she doesn’t want to make. The butterfly effect has never been more personal.
Sexy, sweet, and funny, Millie is the woman of Veronica’s dreams. Or is she? When Millie’s past threatens their future together, Veronica is faced with a choice she doesn’t want to make. The butterfly effect has never been more personal.
231 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 23, 2019
About the author
Brenda Murphy
27 books94 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 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 2, 2019
3.5 Stars. I didn’t love this but I thought it was a solid story. I have to be honest I grabbed this book because the cover caught my eye. NineStar Press has some of the best covers around so it’s no surprise. But I picked this book with my eyes and didn’t even read the blurb. For one thing I didn’t realize this was part of a series. Luckily, because this book focuses on a new character, you can’t even tell this is not the first in the series. And for people that read my reviews you know how anal I am about series reading order, so for me to say you can start with this book, you can really start here if you want.
Besides not knowing this was part of a series, I didn’t realize this was an erotic-romance book either. It had light BDSM elements which was mostly dom and sub play. Part of my issue was I really wasn’t in the mood for this kind of book today. I spent all week helping my father, who is getting up in age, do some physical labor and I’m just exhausted. This was the first book I have read in days because I have been so tired and on top of that I somehow got a bad case of poison ivy to drive me nuts. The reason I’m getting a little too TMI here is because I wasn’t in the mood for some of these erotic sex scenes. I have a feeling that if I was in a different frame of mind I would have gotten into them instead of almost wanting to skim. However, I would make one request to Murphy about her sex scenes. I would consider expanding the vocab of the more submissive character from just “please this” and “please let me…” it was way to repetitive for my tastes.
A few weeks ago I was just commenting on how I have never read a book about multiple lesbian/bisexual sex workers before. Surprise but this is the second book now to go on that list. This series is about the Rowan House, an estate where there are sex workers that perform BDSM. This book specifically is about a woman hired to run the horse barn, not as a sex worker, so this book doesn’t really delve into the sex worker part of the estate. If you are more interested in that aspect, one of the other books in the series looks like it might fit that better.
If you are in the mood for an erotic–romance with some steamy sex scenes but a sweet romance, this book might be perfect for you. I wish I could say I loved this but even though I can’t it was still entertaining and a solid read. I might even try to read this again when I’m in a different head-space to see if it works better for me.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
Besides not knowing this was part of a series, I didn’t realize this was an erotic-romance book either. It had light BDSM elements which was mostly dom and sub play. Part of my issue was I really wasn’t in the mood for this kind of book today. I spent all week helping my father, who is getting up in age, do some physical labor and I’m just exhausted. This was the first book I have read in days because I have been so tired and on top of that I somehow got a bad case of poison ivy to drive me nuts. The reason I’m getting a little too TMI here is because I wasn’t in the mood for some of these erotic sex scenes. I have a feeling that if I was in a different frame of mind I would have gotten into them instead of almost wanting to skim. However, I would make one request to Murphy about her sex scenes. I would consider expanding the vocab of the more submissive character from just “please this” and “please let me…” it was way to repetitive for my tastes.
A few weeks ago I was just commenting on how I have never read a book about multiple lesbian/bisexual sex workers before. Surprise but this is the second book now to go on that list. This series is about the Rowan House, an estate where there are sex workers that perform BDSM. This book specifically is about a woman hired to run the horse barn, not as a sex worker, so this book doesn’t really delve into the sex worker part of the estate. If you are more interested in that aspect, one of the other books in the series looks like it might fit that better.
If you are in the mood for an erotic–romance with some steamy sex scenes but a sweet romance, this book might be perfect for you. I wish I could say I loved this but even though I can’t it was still entertaining and a solid read. I might even try to read this again when I’m in a different head-space to see if it works better for me.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
October 12, 2019
“Millie lifted her head and kissed Veronica. ‘I think you’ve ruined me.’”
Yup, that’s exactly how I felt about the whole book. Just the right amount of sweet and sex spice (light bdsm) added to a genuinely endearing and thoughtful story of two women scarred by the ones they loved.
Veronica is newly released from prison, starting her next chapter in faraway Scotland, managing a horse barn in an unorthodox setting, a high end house strictly devoted to taking care of female clients and their pleasure needs. She meets Millie, the house’s chauffeur/all around caretaker for the business, and industrial sized fireworks Happen with a capital H. Both women are accustomed to taking charge and though there’s full torpedos ahead kind of intimacy, it’s also very moving because of how emotionally damaged the mc’s are at the onset but who are also willing to let love in. I have only read this book in the series but felt it complete. Wonderful, I had forgotten how much I love this author’s storytelling. 4.5 stars.
“Millie fixed her gaze on her. Veronica struggled with her sense of being exposed. Another layer peeled back. This is how it goes. Learning about each other. The joy of being known.”
Read an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Yup, that’s exactly how I felt about the whole book. Just the right amount of sweet and sex spice (light bdsm) added to a genuinely endearing and thoughtful story of two women scarred by the ones they loved.
Veronica is newly released from prison, starting her next chapter in faraway Scotland, managing a horse barn in an unorthodox setting, a high end house strictly devoted to taking care of female clients and their pleasure needs. She meets Millie, the house’s chauffeur/all around caretaker for the business, and industrial sized fireworks Happen with a capital H. Both women are accustomed to taking charge and though there’s full torpedos ahead kind of intimacy, it’s also very moving because of how emotionally damaged the mc’s are at the onset but who are also willing to let love in. I have only read this book in the series but felt it complete. Wonderful, I had forgotten how much I love this author’s storytelling. 4.5 stars.
“Millie fixed her gaze on her. Veronica struggled with her sense of being exposed. Another layer peeled back. This is how it goes. Learning about each other. The joy of being known.”
Read an arc in exchange for an honest review.
August 28, 2019
Good read!
Let's start with the cover of this book. I usually don't like covers with a recognisable person, but I am going to make an exception. The perfect choice for this book, it says so much and what the cover radiates, fits the character of Veronica perfectly. Despite the cover, I still made my own version of Veronica in my mind's eye.
Right in the beginning, I was captured by a surprise that isn't mentioned in the blurb. It pulled me in, wanting to know what's the story there. Murphy managed to keep my attention. The story of Veronica unfolds in its own pace, just as Millie's does. You will learn why a woman like Veronica is still living in her parent's basement and why she is so eager to leave and go to a place where she can start over without being around judgemental family. What I'm still missing in this point in the book, but also further on, is some more insight on the character of Jaya and Dr Kerr.
Both MC's are working for the Rowan House, not as a sex worker, but as a stable manager and a driver. This book seems to have all elements to be just an ordinary erotic story, but it's quite the opposite. Although the submissives working for the Rowan House are trying to bed/scene with Veronica, she is true to herself and knows she's not a "one night stand" kind of woman. She is a one-woman and happily ever after woman.
The book is not written in the first person, but you do get more insight into Veronica because her thoughts are highlighted in the book. Both characters have difficulties being open to one another but eventually, find their way.
The dynamics between the characters on an emotional and sexual level are great. This is a butch-butch story and Veronica and Millie don't seem to have lots of experience in that corner. In their sexual explorations, there is light BDSM play. Mostly some power play and light bondage. Millie seems to experiences a submissive for the first time and is enjoying it.
It was a touching, sexy and funny read. Loved the fact that the butch-femme is breached and black & white are mixed in love. Woman of colour still do not get enough exposure in lesfic.
Let's finish this review with a sentence that made me laugh out loud: "It's been so long since I've had any action, my clit gets hard when the wind blows." (when read in the context of the book, it's funny, promise!)
Happy reading!
I received an ARC in exchange off an honest review.
Let's start with the cover of this book. I usually don't like covers with a recognisable person, but I am going to make an exception. The perfect choice for this book, it says so much and what the cover radiates, fits the character of Veronica perfectly. Despite the cover, I still made my own version of Veronica in my mind's eye.
Right in the beginning, I was captured by a surprise that isn't mentioned in the blurb. It pulled me in, wanting to know what's the story there. Murphy managed to keep my attention. The story of Veronica unfolds in its own pace, just as Millie's does. You will learn why a woman like Veronica is still living in her parent's basement and why she is so eager to leave and go to a place where she can start over without being around judgemental family. What I'm still missing in this point in the book, but also further on, is some more insight on the character of Jaya and Dr Kerr.
Both MC's are working for the Rowan House, not as a sex worker, but as a stable manager and a driver. This book seems to have all elements to be just an ordinary erotic story, but it's quite the opposite. Although the submissives working for the Rowan House are trying to bed/scene with Veronica, she is true to herself and knows she's not a "one night stand" kind of woman. She is a one-woman and happily ever after woman.
The book is not written in the first person, but you do get more insight into Veronica because her thoughts are highlighted in the book. Both characters have difficulties being open to one another but eventually, find their way.
The dynamics between the characters on an emotional and sexual level are great. This is a butch-butch story and Veronica and Millie don't seem to have lots of experience in that corner. In their sexual explorations, there is light BDSM play. Mostly some power play and light bondage. Millie seems to experiences a submissive for the first time and is enjoying it.
It was a touching, sexy and funny read. Loved the fact that the butch-femme is breached and black & white are mixed in love. Woman of colour still do not get enough exposure in lesfic.
Let's finish this review with a sentence that made me laugh out loud: "It's been so long since I've had any action, my clit gets hard when the wind blows." (when read in the context of the book, it's funny, promise!)
Happy reading!
I received an ARC in exchange off an honest review.
September 14, 2019
There are two things I need to get out of the way first. In this book, there’s sex (a lot, and it’s hot), there’s power play (a lot, and it’s hot too), there’s angst (a lot, not so hot) and drama. If that’s not what you’re looking for, look elsewhere. The second thing is that it’s the fourth book in the Rowan House series but it can be read as a standalone. Though if you’re like me, it will make you want to read the previous ones.
Fresh out of prison for a crime she didn’t commit, Veronica is offered a job in Scotland (yay!) as a stable manager. Before she was convicted, she was working on her maths thesis and she feels her time in jail has stolen everything from her, whether it’s her career or her girlfriend. Her parents and sister always stood by her, but her extended family, especially an awful aunt, hasn’t been so kind. Eager to earn enough money to reimburse her parents for everything they paid for her lawyer and also to get away, she takes the job at Rowan House, some kind of resort for women looking to fulfill their BDSM fantasies. At the airport, she’s met by Millie, one of her few coworkers who is neither a sex worker nor a submissive pledged to the house. Millie’s older, very butch and very charming. While she’s never been attracted to another butch woman and has never dated a white woman, Veronica finds herself falling for her.
Though the environment is rather unusual (I haven’t read many lesfic novels set in brothels), the romance itself is more traditional. Veronica and Millie struggle with trust and communication, they’ve both been through very difficult stuff and need to find themselves and who they are / want to be in a new relationship. I liked the chemistry between them a lot, the sex scenes are good (though I agree with Lex’s suggestion that the vocabulary of the submissive character could stand to be expanded), but Millie’s difficulties with trust were a little repetitive and Veronica’s inner thoughts were sometimes distracting.
What I liked best: two gender non-conforming MCs falling for each other, one of them Black (the cover is perfect, btw); the reminders about the importance of consent; the glimpse we get into Veronica’s passion for mathematics; the whole cast of characters, from the women at Rowan House to Veronica’s family.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Fresh out of prison for a crime she didn’t commit, Veronica is offered a job in Scotland (yay!) as a stable manager. Before she was convicted, she was working on her maths thesis and she feels her time in jail has stolen everything from her, whether it’s her career or her girlfriend. Her parents and sister always stood by her, but her extended family, especially an awful aunt, hasn’t been so kind. Eager to earn enough money to reimburse her parents for everything they paid for her lawyer and also to get away, she takes the job at Rowan House, some kind of resort for women looking to fulfill their BDSM fantasies. At the airport, she’s met by Millie, one of her few coworkers who is neither a sex worker nor a submissive pledged to the house. Millie’s older, very butch and very charming. While she’s never been attracted to another butch woman and has never dated a white woman, Veronica finds herself falling for her.
Though the environment is rather unusual (I haven’t read many lesfic novels set in brothels), the romance itself is more traditional. Veronica and Millie struggle with trust and communication, they’ve both been through very difficult stuff and need to find themselves and who they are / want to be in a new relationship. I liked the chemistry between them a lot, the sex scenes are good (though I agree with Lex’s suggestion that the vocabulary of the submissive character could stand to be expanded), but Millie’s difficulties with trust were a little repetitive and Veronica’s inner thoughts were sometimes distracting.
What I liked best: two gender non-conforming MCs falling for each other, one of them Black (the cover is perfect, btw); the reminders about the importance of consent; the glimpse we get into Veronica’s passion for mathematics; the whole cast of characters, from the women at Rowan House to Veronica’s family.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 19, 2019
Oh I didn’t expect to like this one as much as I did! So yay me 😃
So this is my first book by this author and apparently this was a series but yet I can assure you all that this can be read as a stand alone because I didn’t feel that I missed out on anything.
So I’m assuming that this is meant to be an erotic romance book which I believe it was and it scored a 3.5 rating on that front. However what made me rate this as a solid 4 was that I ended up enjoying the stories of the 2 MCs. There’s so much more beyond the erotic romance there that made it quite entertaining (both were convicted, one for a fair reason and the other unfairly). The struggle they faced and how it affected their personalities and actions added a lot to the storyline. The interesting part is that the blurb didn’t reflect that at all and I believe this wasn’t very smart from the author.
I did however find that the author was brilliant in portraying the inner thoughts of Veronica the main MC. I also loved the family dynamics and the mad love and support they had/gave to their daughter! I had a small crush on Veronica I have to admit :)
I highly recommend this book if you’re in the mood for a butch/butch black/white mix which I find to be very underrepresented in lesbian fiction. There’s also a bit of BDSM which was quite hot :)
So this is my first book by this author and apparently this was a series but yet I can assure you all that this can be read as a stand alone because I didn’t feel that I missed out on anything.
So I’m assuming that this is meant to be an erotic romance book which I believe it was and it scored a 3.5 rating on that front. However what made me rate this as a solid 4 was that I ended up enjoying the stories of the 2 MCs. There’s so much more beyond the erotic romance there that made it quite entertaining (both were convicted, one for a fair reason and the other unfairly). The struggle they faced and how it affected their personalities and actions added a lot to the storyline. The interesting part is that the blurb didn’t reflect that at all and I believe this wasn’t very smart from the author.
I did however find that the author was brilliant in portraying the inner thoughts of Veronica the main MC. I also loved the family dynamics and the mad love and support they had/gave to their daughter! I had a small crush on Veronica I have to admit :)
I highly recommend this book if you’re in the mood for a butch/butch black/white mix which I find to be very underrepresented in lesbian fiction. There’s also a bit of BDSM which was quite hot :)
September 20, 2019
This story seems to be a lot more about romance and the relationship than the other stories set in the Rowan House, exclusive women’s club, were and I really liked it. Veronica Fletcher has been released from prison but there is so much animosity from some of her family and her ex that she takes the opportunity to manage the stable for Rowan House when it’s offered. She meets Millie Reid on her arrival in Skye but they don’t get off to a fabulous start when Veronica manages to put her foot in it with her first words.
There are numerous things that I really enjoyed in reading this. Ethnic diversity is always a plus for me but I also really enjoyed that both women were butch. It’s not often that I read that type of pairing so it was a nice change. Even though the story is from Veronica’s point of view, Millie still has a lot of depth to her. Veronica’s inner thoughts are intermittent and not too distracting. There is also a good backstory in the form of Veronica’s and Millie’s pasts.
As usual, the sex scenes were well-written with some power exchange but they’re more BDSM-light with lots of emotional connection. I loved their attraction for each other and that their lovemaking was just that, rather than orchestrated BDSM scenes. Veronica and Millie had a genuine relationship building throughout. I’m looking forward to Elaine’s story.
Book received from Netgalley and NineStar Press for an honest review.
There are numerous things that I really enjoyed in reading this. Ethnic diversity is always a plus for me but I also really enjoyed that both women were butch. It’s not often that I read that type of pairing so it was a nice change. Even though the story is from Veronica’s point of view, Millie still has a lot of depth to her. Veronica’s inner thoughts are intermittent and not too distracting. There is also a good backstory in the form of Veronica’s and Millie’s pasts.
As usual, the sex scenes were well-written with some power exchange but they’re more BDSM-light with lots of emotional connection. I loved their attraction for each other and that their lovemaking was just that, rather than orchestrated BDSM scenes. Veronica and Millie had a genuine relationship building throughout. I’m looking forward to Elaine’s story.
Book received from Netgalley and NineStar Press for an honest review.
October 3, 2019
Brenda Murphy’s Complex Dimensions is the fourth book in her Rowan House series. I haven’t read the other three books (yet) but I had no trouble following the plot here.
A very romantic tale about second chances, putting aside prejudice, and following your heart. The women in this tale are working to overcome some serious obstacles, and surrounding themselves with a loving chosen family.gives them the support they need to embrace a life they enjoy.
The story is well crafted, with the drama unfolding gradually and a lovely slow burn romance. This is an erotic romance and the BDSM elements are nicely incorporated to work with the dynamics between the main characters. There are some darker aspects but they are all off page and enhance the tone of the story.
a copy of Complex Dimensions was provided to me by NetGalley for the purpose of my review.
A very romantic tale about second chances, putting aside prejudice, and following your heart. The women in this tale are working to overcome some serious obstacles, and surrounding themselves with a loving chosen family.gives them the support they need to embrace a life they enjoy.
The story is well crafted, with the drama unfolding gradually and a lovely slow burn romance. This is an erotic romance and the BDSM elements are nicely incorporated to work with the dynamics between the main characters. There are some darker aspects but they are all off page and enhance the tone of the story.
a copy of Complex Dimensions was provided to me by NetGalley for the purpose of my review.
September 23, 2019
Brenda Murphy's latest, "Complex Dimensions," is the fourth installment of her Rowan House Series (if you haven't read any of it, you should!). In this installment, although there were characters from two of the previous instalments making appearances, this story was purely about an ex-con trying to make a life of her own after losing everything - her girlfriend, her academia, her future - by signing up as a horse barn manager at the exclusive and elusive Rowan House in Skye, Scotland.
I was intrigued by Murphy's choice of the title - Complex Dimensions. Complex dimension is a mathematical term used to refer to the dimension of shapes, i.e. the complex manifold or the complex algebraic variety (figures shown below), with real and imaginary points.
Within a complex dimension, you can find strange attractors, which make fractals - infinitely complex patterns that are self-similar across different scales, driven by recursion, they are images of dynamic systems - picture of chaos, nonlinear and unpredictable. So expect the unexpected, so to speak. An example of a strange attractor would be the Lorenz attractor (figure below), with a butterfly shape, which the term butterfly effect is derived from. These two mathematical terms, complex dimensions and strange attractors which Murphy briefly used in one scene to describe the main character's academic interest and research, imo, symbolised the love story between she and the other MC.
This story was told in a third-person narrative, based solely on the main character, Veronica's POV. The other MC, Millie's POV was the product of Veronica's vantage point and opinions stated by Millie's best and closest mate, Myfawny (from Book 3). Veronica was a newly freed woman whose life and future were ripped away when she was incarcerated for six years for something she didn't commit. I was delighted to "see" Jaya (from Book 1) again, albeit briefly, when she was instrumental in providing a new life for Veronica where she would be able to earn her own living far away from where she'd always be treated as an ex-con. It turned out to be a contractual employment with the Rowan House where she would be hired to manage the horse barn and tending horses for the House's clients and owners alike. ...
Full commentary here.... In Bugs' Own Words
I was intrigued by Murphy's choice of the title - Complex Dimensions. Complex dimension is a mathematical term used to refer to the dimension of shapes, i.e. the complex manifold or the complex algebraic variety (figures shown below), with real and imaginary points.
Within a complex dimension, you can find strange attractors, which make fractals - infinitely complex patterns that are self-similar across different scales, driven by recursion, they are images of dynamic systems - picture of chaos, nonlinear and unpredictable. So expect the unexpected, so to speak. An example of a strange attractor would be the Lorenz attractor (figure below), with a butterfly shape, which the term butterfly effect is derived from. These two mathematical terms, complex dimensions and strange attractors which Murphy briefly used in one scene to describe the main character's academic interest and research, imo, symbolised the love story between she and the other MC.
This story was told in a third-person narrative, based solely on the main character, Veronica's POV. The other MC, Millie's POV was the product of Veronica's vantage point and opinions stated by Millie's best and closest mate, Myfawny (from Book 3). Veronica was a newly freed woman whose life and future were ripped away when she was incarcerated for six years for something she didn't commit. I was delighted to "see" Jaya (from Book 1) again, albeit briefly, when she was instrumental in providing a new life for Veronica where she would be able to earn her own living far away from where she'd always be treated as an ex-con. It turned out to be a contractual employment with the Rowan House where she would be hired to manage the horse barn and tending horses for the House's clients and owners alike. ...
Full commentary here.... In Bugs' Own Words
September 6, 2019
This is the second Rowan house book that I have read and I think before I read anymore I need to go back and read the other two. I did like Complex Dimensions. The story line is solid and I really liked that the two main characters are butch. You don’t normally see that in lesbian romance/erotica stories.
Veronica has excepted a job as stable manager at Rowan house because she is looking to start fresh and also to pay her parents back for the lawyer they paid for before her conviction. She spent several years in jail for a crime she did not commit. In comes Millie. Millie works at Rowan house as the house manager (for a lack of a better description). She picks up Veronica from the ferry and there is an attraction between them even though their outward appearances are both masculine.
So what did I like. Again, I really enjoyed that the two MCs were butch. Murphy does a really good job playing out the erotica and how sex between these two characters can be balanced and you still have a dominant person. I also liked that both MCs have a troubled past and how that affects the communication between them. Murphy also does a good job with creating potential issues with other members of the house.
I do wish that Veronica could have really been able to set the record straight about her conviction and that she would have been able to tell her snooty aunt off better that she did.
I will rate this one 4 stars
This arc was provided by Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review.
Veronica has excepted a job as stable manager at Rowan house because she is looking to start fresh and also to pay her parents back for the lawyer they paid for before her conviction. She spent several years in jail for a crime she did not commit. In comes Millie. Millie works at Rowan house as the house manager (for a lack of a better description). She picks up Veronica from the ferry and there is an attraction between them even though their outward appearances are both masculine.
So what did I like. Again, I really enjoyed that the two MCs were butch. Murphy does a really good job playing out the erotica and how sex between these two characters can be balanced and you still have a dominant person. I also liked that both MCs have a troubled past and how that affects the communication between them. Murphy also does a good job with creating potential issues with other members of the house.
I do wish that Veronica could have really been able to set the record straight about her conviction and that she would have been able to tell her snooty aunt off better that she did.
I will rate this one 4 stars
This arc was provided by Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review.
October 20, 2019
If you like the Tortured Butch type, then you’re in luck. You get two for the price of one download!
There is something dreamlike about this story set on a remote island in a resort dedicated to rich Lesbians who like BDSM. Lots of kink, angst, two butches, and true love. With those ingredients it was never going to be something that I would love but I loved it a lot more than those ingredients would suggest.
Very well written. Hated the ending. 3.5 stars.
There is something dreamlike about this story set on a remote island in a resort dedicated to rich Lesbians who like BDSM. Lots of kink, angst, two butches, and true love. With those ingredients it was never going to be something that I would love but I loved it a lot more than those ingredients would suggest.
Very well written. Hated the ending. 3.5 stars.
August 30, 2019
I loved Complex Dimensions, the personal dynamics and the almost 'behind the scenes' look at Rowan House. Veronica is fabulous and seeing characters from the other books again, particularly Martha, Myfanwy & Lucia was lovely, as they had a genuine role in the plot and weren't just a minor sideline.
On a personal note it was very cool to see Gàidhlig used, it's very close to Irish so it was lovely to read it in a lesfic novel.
Complex Dimensions is another instalment in the most wonderful Rowan House series (it starts with Sum of the Whole). This would probably work on its own and I actually read the second book first because it was the first one I found but it is worth reading them all in series.
Anyway, to the task at hand: Veronica Fletcher is a former student of Professor Sarah Kerr, who we met in Sum of The Whole but unlike Sarah, Veronica has had to leave mathematics behind after a wrongful conviction leads to a stint in prison. This connection, however, leads her to a new job as stable managed in Rowan House, where she meets Millie Reid who is in charge of security as well as being the official driver. Initially caught between the twin desires to revel in the ability to be alone after the confines of prison and her body's pull towards the other women in the house, Veronica remains aloof and sticks mostly to the stables.
Once again Brenda Murphy has combined some deliciously nerdy maths and philosophical concepts (the clearly explained complex dimensions of the title), with very well written and seriously hot sex scenes. While it is something of a slow burn, the tension between Millie and Veronica is palpable and one particular scene where nothing more intense than weightlifting takes place, is ridiculously sexy!
This much I have come to expect from Murphy as an author. What's new, however, is the inclusions of two masculine of centre romantic leads and a well worked exploration of their identities, how they view potential relationship and romantic partners and crucially, what they feel about how others view them. This is a dynamic that is not very common in lesfic and not only is this added representation important, it's very well done here. Both Millie and Veronica have real depth and their individual stories are woven neatly into the overall fabric of the novel.
There were a few small things that bugged me; I couldn't figure out if Millie was supposed to be from Scotland, Wales or New Zealand (different sections implied different things about her nationality), one very minor character changed from "Jordan" to "Janie" in the space of a few lines but otherwise this was a top class read.
I've mentioned those things because I'm picky and they were pretty much the only things about this book that weren't awesome! I got an advance review copy and I will still be buying "Complex Dimensions" when it's released. That is just how good this book is.
PS
As I was reading, I was thinking I'd like to know more about Elaine, aka Cook so I was very interested to see there's a little snippet of Murphy's next book Double Six, which is focusing on Elaine!
On a personal note it was very cool to see Gàidhlig used, it's very close to Irish so it was lovely to read it in a lesfic novel.
Complex Dimensions is another instalment in the most wonderful Rowan House series (it starts with Sum of the Whole). This would probably work on its own and I actually read the second book first because it was the first one I found but it is worth reading them all in series.
Anyway, to the task at hand: Veronica Fletcher is a former student of Professor Sarah Kerr, who we met in Sum of The Whole but unlike Sarah, Veronica has had to leave mathematics behind after a wrongful conviction leads to a stint in prison. This connection, however, leads her to a new job as stable managed in Rowan House, where she meets Millie Reid who is in charge of security as well as being the official driver. Initially caught between the twin desires to revel in the ability to be alone after the confines of prison and her body's pull towards the other women in the house, Veronica remains aloof and sticks mostly to the stables.
Once again Brenda Murphy has combined some deliciously nerdy maths and philosophical concepts (the clearly explained complex dimensions of the title), with very well written and seriously hot sex scenes. While it is something of a slow burn, the tension between Millie and Veronica is palpable and one particular scene where nothing more intense than weightlifting takes place, is ridiculously sexy!
This much I have come to expect from Murphy as an author. What's new, however, is the inclusions of two masculine of centre romantic leads and a well worked exploration of their identities, how they view potential relationship and romantic partners and crucially, what they feel about how others view them. This is a dynamic that is not very common in lesfic and not only is this added representation important, it's very well done here. Both Millie and Veronica have real depth and their individual stories are woven neatly into the overall fabric of the novel.
There were a few small things that bugged me; I couldn't figure out if Millie was supposed to be from Scotland, Wales or New Zealand (different sections implied different things about her nationality), one very minor character changed from "Jordan" to "Janie" in the space of a few lines but otherwise this was a top class read.
I've mentioned those things because I'm picky and they were pretty much the only things about this book that weren't awesome! I got an advance review copy and I will still be buying "Complex Dimensions" when it's released. That is just how good this book is.
PS
As I was reading, I was thinking I'd like to know more about Elaine, aka Cook so I was very interested to see there's a little snippet of Murphy's next book Double Six, which is focusing on Elaine!
October 6, 2019
Detailed score: 3.25
I basically agree with everything @Lex said in their review - particularly around the pwoar scenes.
Usually in an erotirom, if something g is half baked it’s usually the romance, not the erotic. But the opposite is the case for this book. The pwoar scenes were repetitive, not super compelling and didn’t particularly drive the narrative forward. I skipped multiple of them so I could get back to the story.
Having said all that it was definitely compelling - but hasn’t quite lived up to the promise of its intriguing premise.
I basically agree with everything @Lex said in their review - particularly around the pwoar scenes.
Usually in an erotirom, if something g is half baked it’s usually the romance, not the erotic. But the opposite is the case for this book. The pwoar scenes were repetitive, not super compelling and didn’t particularly drive the narrative forward. I skipped multiple of them so I could get back to the story.
Having said all that it was definitely compelling - but hasn’t quite lived up to the promise of its intriguing premise.
August 31, 2019
Total Turn On!
Veronica was framed for a crime she didn’t commit and was sent to prison. When she gets out she can’t deal with the way her extended family treats her or how her girlfriend and best friend not only ditched her but then hooked up with each other AND had a baby! She can’t even work in her chosen field because of the conviction, life simply sucks! Then, a mentor recommends a job working as a barn manager in charge of several horses in Scotland at a place called Rowan House. She will be making great money with room and board included…the catch? Well, it’s a resort for lesbians in the BDSM community that caters to their fantasies. Veronica doesn’t need to do anything other than take care of the stable, unless she wants to. Millie is the chauffer and mechanic at Rowan House. She’s older, hot, muscular and very butch. Even though Veronica is a top and butch herself, she is immediately taken by her and cannot get her out of her head. The feeling is mutual but Millie has a past that haunts her and is reluctant to encourage Veronica.
Veronica want love and a relationship more than just about anything and has trouble believing anyone as amazing as Millie would want her and she is full of self-doubts and is reluctant to ask questions or tell her feelings to the Scottish woman. Millie knows in her heart that no one could ever want her or trust her after they find out about her past. There are misunderstanding and they end up hurting each other time and again but when they do figure it out, these strong, brave but wounded women are so great together! They help each other deal with their pasts while developing a firm friendship and eventually become two of the hottest lovers I have had the pleasure of reading. They support each other in times of need and heal each other of past hurts caused by the people who are supposed to have their backs while celebrating with those who actually do. I loved their stories and really just about everything about these two sexy women. If you have read the rest of the Rowan House series or are new to it, this book is sure to warm your hearts and really, all over!
Veronica was framed for a crime she didn’t commit and was sent to prison. When she gets out she can’t deal with the way her extended family treats her or how her girlfriend and best friend not only ditched her but then hooked up with each other AND had a baby! She can’t even work in her chosen field because of the conviction, life simply sucks! Then, a mentor recommends a job working as a barn manager in charge of several horses in Scotland at a place called Rowan House. She will be making great money with room and board included…the catch? Well, it’s a resort for lesbians in the BDSM community that caters to their fantasies. Veronica doesn’t need to do anything other than take care of the stable, unless she wants to. Millie is the chauffer and mechanic at Rowan House. She’s older, hot, muscular and very butch. Even though Veronica is a top and butch herself, she is immediately taken by her and cannot get her out of her head. The feeling is mutual but Millie has a past that haunts her and is reluctant to encourage Veronica.
Veronica want love and a relationship more than just about anything and has trouble believing anyone as amazing as Millie would want her and she is full of self-doubts and is reluctant to ask questions or tell her feelings to the Scottish woman. Millie knows in her heart that no one could ever want her or trust her after they find out about her past. There are misunderstanding and they end up hurting each other time and again but when they do figure it out, these strong, brave but wounded women are so great together! They help each other deal with their pasts while developing a firm friendship and eventually become two of the hottest lovers I have had the pleasure of reading. They support each other in times of need and heal each other of past hurts caused by the people who are supposed to have their backs while celebrating with those who actually do. I loved their stories and really just about everything about these two sexy women. If you have read the rest of the Rowan House series or are new to it, this book is sure to warm your hearts and really, all over!
April 11, 2021
While this is a Rowan House novel, with quite a bit of consensual light BDSM scenes, it’s also a riveting story of two women with unhappy pasts finding each other. While Veronica still had her parents’ love, Millie wasn’t as fortunate. Both have to overcome a lot of baggage before they can accept love and trust someone else.
Murphy deftly brings the characters to life through their actions, thoughts, and also their appearances, of course. Because of their pasts, both are kind of lost souls. Veronica comes to Rowan House to work with the horses while Millie is the chauffeur/mechanic. Even though they’re both affected by things and people in their earlier lives, they slowly overcome their pasts. It’s kind of one step forward and then another one back until they come to know each other. There are some very moving revelations throughout the novel.
Murphy deftly brings the characters to life through their actions, thoughts, and also their appearances, of course. Because of their pasts, both are kind of lost souls. Veronica comes to Rowan House to work with the horses while Millie is the chauffeur/mechanic. Even though they’re both affected by things and people in their earlier lives, they slowly overcome their pasts. It’s kind of one step forward and then another one back until they come to know each other. There are some very moving revelations throughout the novel.
March 7, 2020
Another hit for me. I loved the energy in this book. And because I was in the mind of Veronica a lot(we could read almost everything she thought) I could feel the scenes more. Still love book 1 and 5 more, but this is a close third. 5 stars.
September 5, 2019
Another brilliant story by Brenda Murphy! This is the fourth book of the Rowan House series and I have found each story so distinctive. Although the one constant is Rowan House on the Isle of Skye and the women who live there, each new book introduces new people and personal relationships that are complex and dynamic. The lives of the characters that Murphy creates draw such an intricate picture that you cannot help but be attracted to them and their relationships. In Complex Dimensions, she utilizes her unique talent to blend dialogue and introspection to give the reader insight into the many layers of their personal struggles. I love how the author created this world within Rowan House and the strong women who are a part of it.
It is highly sensual and I never give spoilers, but what I will give you is a resounding endorsement of Brenda Murphy’s ability to tell a story that will capture your attention from beginning to end. Granted, this could be read as a stand-alone book, however, I think you would have a greater understanding of some of the regular characters if you read the whole series.
It is highly sensual and I never give spoilers, but what I will give you is a resounding endorsement of Brenda Murphy’s ability to tell a story that will capture your attention from beginning to end. Granted, this could be read as a stand-alone book, however, I think you would have a greater understanding of some of the regular characters if you read the whole series.
September 7, 2019
Another solid story in the Rowan House Series. Two damaged soles finding each other. Again the scenes are hot and well written. Brenda Murphy never disappoints.
December 31, 2020
This is a very delightful book about love, trust, overcome fears and leave the past behind
What was the book about?
Veronica Fletcher after being released and tired of living in her parents’ basement, she took the opportunity to take the job as a stable manager for the Rowan House, an exclusive pleasure house for women. She plans to stay away from everyone and just attend the horses. But after meeting Millie Reid, the driver who will take her to her destination; she knows she won’t fulfil her initial plan. Both women have had difficult pasts and trust isn’t a given. Will they be able to overcome their fears and leave the past behind to achieve a future together?
Featured Tropes: BDSM, butch/butch, contemporary, D/s, ex-convict, interracial, lesbian, sex toys, erotica, romance
ARC provided to Les Rêveur for an honest review
Full review at https://lesreveur.com/2020/02/21/comp...
What was the book about?
Veronica Fletcher after being released and tired of living in her parents’ basement, she took the opportunity to take the job as a stable manager for the Rowan House, an exclusive pleasure house for women. She plans to stay away from everyone and just attend the horses. But after meeting Millie Reid, the driver who will take her to her destination; she knows she won’t fulfil her initial plan. Both women have had difficult pasts and trust isn’t a given. Will they be able to overcome their fears and leave the past behind to achieve a future together?
Featured Tropes: BDSM, butch/butch, contemporary, D/s, ex-convict, interracial, lesbian, sex toys, erotica, romance
ARC provided to Les Rêveur for an honest review
Full review at https://lesreveur.com/2020/02/21/comp...
May 29, 2022
Of all the series, the last three books resonate with me the most. This one dealt with issues on stereotypes and society's expectations of individuals based on their physical appearance and not their desires and acceptance of who they are as individuals. It challenges the status quo and shows "butch" "studs" and "masculine-presenting" women that they matter and can be with whoever they want however they want. S&S relationship still raises eyebrows for some in the community and Brenda's book is a clear representation that it is okay to be you and with whomever you want. It also has a realistic and probably quality which are signs of a good book. The plot progressed in ascension without breaking out or missing a beat. Amazing work Brenda.
November 8, 2020
I love the Rowan House series!
But „Complex Dimensions“ is my absolute favorite.
It's refreshing to have two butch women as main characters and it's extremely hot too.
This is certainly not the case for everyone, but there are plenty of alternatives in the Rowan House series.
I've waited a long time for Millie to have her own love story and haven't been disappointed.
The power play scenes are written terrific and very sensual, very hot.
The background story of both is what makes it so complex and rounds out the story.
A very enjoyable read!
But „Complex Dimensions“ is my absolute favorite.
It's refreshing to have two butch women as main characters and it's extremely hot too.
This is certainly not the case for everyone, but there are plenty of alternatives in the Rowan House series.
I've waited a long time for Millie to have her own love story and haven't been disappointed.
The power play scenes are written terrific and very sensual, very hot.
The background story of both is what makes it so complex and rounds out the story.
A very enjoyable read!
February 27, 2020
Review to come!
September 10, 2019
This is the fourth book in the Rowan House series. Rowan House is an exclusive resort for women who enjoy sexual pleasure of any variety. This book, as are all of the books in the series, is a standalone novel. What I like best about these books are the repeated characters who appear in each book because they are so well developed by Murphy that I just feel like their friends and I want to see what they’re up to now. Great character development is the joy of reading books in the series.
Prior to reading the books in the Rowan House series I had a very distorted understanding of what BDSM and polygamy really were all about. I began to realize the pleasure that can be had in an BDSM situation and also how individuals who are in a polyamory relationship are actually in a very loving and caring relationship. Most all of the women in her stories develop very deep and beautiful relationships with each other. They always feel protected and loved.
In this story the two women Millie and Veronica could not be more different from each other. Veronica manages the stable of horses at Rowan House and wants no part of the activities or the women in the house, while Millie is a chauffeur that takes women to and from The exclusive island where Rowan house is. Veronica is fleeing her life in America once she was released from prison for a crime she did not commit because everyone except her immediate family made her life miserable. At Rowan House the past lives of the women are not what is important so women have the chance to start over. The same is true of Millie who also was running from her past. Overtime Millie and Veronica develop a relationship that is beautiful and meaningful. However there are factors in both of their lives that make that relationship impossible. Is it ever a reality to work through issues of your past in a healthy way that enables one to want to move forward or are the characters stuck forever in the limbo of repeated mistakes?
I really enjoy Brenda Murphy’s ability to write a story that is both engaging and informative. She has a beautiful writing style especially in the way she can develop characters who may appear to be unlovable turn into someone you like and care about. I highly recommend this book even though the genre may not be your cup of tea I guarantee the writing in the book might shed a different light on the subject matter.
Prior to reading the books in the Rowan House series I had a very distorted understanding of what BDSM and polygamy really were all about. I began to realize the pleasure that can be had in an BDSM situation and also how individuals who are in a polyamory relationship are actually in a very loving and caring relationship. Most all of the women in her stories develop very deep and beautiful relationships with each other. They always feel protected and loved.
In this story the two women Millie and Veronica could not be more different from each other. Veronica manages the stable of horses at Rowan House and wants no part of the activities or the women in the house, while Millie is a chauffeur that takes women to and from The exclusive island where Rowan house is. Veronica is fleeing her life in America once she was released from prison for a crime she did not commit because everyone except her immediate family made her life miserable. At Rowan House the past lives of the women are not what is important so women have the chance to start over. The same is true of Millie who also was running from her past. Overtime Millie and Veronica develop a relationship that is beautiful and meaningful. However there are factors in both of their lives that make that relationship impossible. Is it ever a reality to work through issues of your past in a healthy way that enables one to want to move forward or are the characters stuck forever in the limbo of repeated mistakes?
I really enjoy Brenda Murphy’s ability to write a story that is both engaging and informative. She has a beautiful writing style especially in the way she can develop characters who may appear to be unlovable turn into someone you like and care about. I highly recommend this book even though the genre may not be your cup of tea I guarantee the writing in the book might shed a different light on the subject matter.
September 7, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. The love scenes were so HOT!!! Veronica was a really likable protagonist. I received this book from NetGalley and NineStarPress.
Veronica is an ex-con wrongly convicted looking for redemption. She chooses to go to Skye and work for Rowan House which is a place where women go to live out their fantasies. There she meets Millie who is a convicted juvenile and has a terrible past to contend with. Both characters had their flaws and both were not ready for love. They were both butch and for whatever reason that was a small issue in the book. I like the general premise of the book, I did not feel like anything was forced on us as the readers, it was just a really sweet romance with a lot of BDSM involved.
I liked this book and I would recommend that you read it. There are other books in the series, but you do not have to read them in order to read this book. The overall story was built around Veronica needing to get away from a life that wasn't going the way she planned. I felt she and Millie met at the perfect time and from the beginning they were meant for each other. This was a really good book.
Veronica is an ex-con wrongly convicted looking for redemption. She chooses to go to Skye and work for Rowan House which is a place where women go to live out their fantasies. There she meets Millie who is a convicted juvenile and has a terrible past to contend with. Both characters had their flaws and both were not ready for love. They were both butch and for whatever reason that was a small issue in the book. I like the general premise of the book, I did not feel like anything was forced on us as the readers, it was just a really sweet romance with a lot of BDSM involved.
I liked this book and I would recommend that you read it. There are other books in the series, but you do not have to read them in order to read this book. The overall story was built around Veronica needing to get away from a life that wasn't going the way she planned. I felt she and Millie met at the perfect time and from the beginning they were meant for each other. This was a really good book.
September 23, 2019
I really love this series!!! Veronica and Millie are a great couple and I’m glad that Millie found her one. This is a great addition to the series. I enjoyed how Veronica processed her life after finding out who was actually responsible for why she was sent to Jail. This is a hot story. I definitely recommend this book and the whole series. If I was new to this series I would start at the beginning to really catch the whole Rowan House story.
I was given a advance copy of this story from the Author.
I was given a advance copy of this story from the Author.
October 2, 2019
There are many things going for this book, but the most important one is that it's well written. The writing flows smoothly and there are no jarring bits in the narrative. What's also noteworthy is that it has two butch protagonists, a rarity in lesfic. It's also interesting to read a story about sex workers where the sex workers and clients are all women; there are no male character at all. The only drawback is that the story is told in snippets and many times it's difficult to figure out how much time has passed.
September 23, 2019
Complex Dimensions stays true to the Rowan House recipe, allowing the heroine to come to terms with her past as she finds her way to her own happy ending. It's an enjoyable, easy read for a lazy afternoon! Or as an appetizer for you and your significant other... ;)
November 28, 2019
Complex Dimensions is part of a series, but can be read as a standalone. I must go back and read the others in this series. The characters are well developed and interesting. The storyline is entertaining.
December 9, 2019
Two butches in a D/s relationship!!
Part of the larger Rowan House series (which are all BDSM-related). I've read three of these now, and have enjoyed them.
Part of the larger Rowan House series (which are all BDSM-related). I've read three of these now, and have enjoyed them.
December 14, 2019
I loved it
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