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Never Knew Until You
After the dissolution of her fourteen-year marriage to her cheating ex-wife, forty-year-old college professor Parker Freeman finds herself adrift. Suddenly middle-aged with so much time wasted, she seeks solstice online where she stumbles upon The Pandora Agency—an organization claiming to help individuals find themselves through submission. Encouraged to be a little wild by her best friend, Parker speaks to the agency and sets up a meeting with a female dominant, Miss Diaz.
Greeted at the door of an impressive Miami townhouse by a young woman, Parker questions her decision as she waits for the girl’s mother. Stunned by the reveal that twenty-four-year old Kristina is in fact the Miss Diaz she has come to meet, she is dragged head first into a new world.
Despite Kristina’s commitment issues and Parker’s shattered confidence, the two enter into a tenuous agreement that sparks Parker’s rediscovery of herself. Both are surprised by their compatibility until they stumble across the line from arrangement into relationship, and Kristina calls their time together to an end. When an unexpected catastrophe throws them back together, old demons are finally brought into the light, and both women must decide if letting go of the past is worth the future they could have together.
Tags: age gap, BDSM, businesswomen, D/s, over 40, teaching
Cover Artist: Natasha Snow
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Word Count: 63,900
Sex Content: Explicit
Pairing: FF
Orientation: Bisexual, Lesbian
Greeted at the door of an impressive Miami townhouse by a young woman, Parker questions her decision as she waits for the girl’s mother. Stunned by the reveal that twenty-four-year old Kristina is in fact the Miss Diaz she has come to meet, she is dragged head first into a new world.
Despite Kristina’s commitment issues and Parker’s shattered confidence, the two enter into a tenuous agreement that sparks Parker’s rediscovery of herself. Both are surprised by their compatibility until they stumble across the line from arrangement into relationship, and Kristina calls their time together to an end. When an unexpected catastrophe throws them back together, old demons are finally brought into the light, and both women must decide if letting go of the past is worth the future they could have together.
Tags: age gap, BDSM, businesswomen, D/s, over 40, teaching
Cover Artist: Natasha Snow
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Word Count: 63,900
Sex Content: Explicit
Pairing: FF
Orientation: Bisexual, Lesbian
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Published October 7, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
September 27, 2019
so this was a very nice surprise! i didnt expect to like it as much as i did i have to admit and i think it's because this one had a lot of mixed reviews!
So while the blurb revolves around SUB/DOM and BDSM, this was from how i felt about this book. Yes there's a bit of that for sure, but it is very light and the bigger storyline here was in fact a mindblowing connection between 2 very likable MCs and a very believable romance.
For me, if i am unable to put down a book for whatever reason, then this is a hit! I think the mixed reviews can be blamed on the blurb. if you are starting this book, don't expect it to be a BDSM themed one, because you will be disappointed. But if you are looking for a romance, then you will be very happy :)
There's a lot of angst in this one and i think this is why i liked it as much because i am a sucker for angst, but it wasnt just about that! As i said earlier, the connection between the MCs was insane! i was rooting for them to get out of their "arrangement" and see that they are madly in love with eachother the whole book! Also the amount of raw emotions is insane!
Is the writing amazing? No! Is it a kick ass enjoyable read? YES!
If you get annoyed with too much angst and if you looking for an erotic read with BDSM, i suggest you dont pick this one up. However, i would highly recommend it for anyone who wants entertainment, romance, age gap!
My rating is a solid 4.
"I received this ARC for an honest review."
So while the blurb revolves around SUB/DOM and BDSM, this was from how i felt about this book. Yes there's a bit of that for sure, but it is very light and the bigger storyline here was in fact a mindblowing connection between 2 very likable MCs and a very believable romance.
For me, if i am unable to put down a book for whatever reason, then this is a hit! I think the mixed reviews can be blamed on the blurb. if you are starting this book, don't expect it to be a BDSM themed one, because you will be disappointed. But if you are looking for a romance, then you will be very happy :)
There's a lot of angst in this one and i think this is why i liked it as much because i am a sucker for angst, but it wasnt just about that! As i said earlier, the connection between the MCs was insane! i was rooting for them to get out of their "arrangement" and see that they are madly in love with eachother the whole book! Also the amount of raw emotions is insane!
Is the writing amazing? No! Is it a kick ass enjoyable read? YES!
If you get annoyed with too much angst and if you looking for an erotic read with BDSM, i suggest you dont pick this one up. However, i would highly recommend it for anyone who wants entertainment, romance, age gap!
My rating is a solid 4.
"I received this ARC for an honest review."
October 5, 2019
Intense.
What do you do after your wife of 14 years leaves you for the young woman she cheated on you with? Find a service to connect you with a hot young Latina woman to show you the wonderful world of submission. Reasonable.
I would put this in the erotic romance category. There was a lot of sexy times. Other reviewers say it is light on the BDSM aspect, but I wouldn't know because I don't know anything about that. I thought it was interesting that Kristina, the 24 year-old, was the Dom. It seemed like a reversal of what you would expect with an age gap relationship. I don't normally read books heavy on the sexual content, but I really got into this one. I guess light BDSM dynamic works for me.
Clearly the arrangement becomes jeopardized as feelings begin to become an obstacle because this is a romance, of course. Kristina and Parker have great physical chemistry from the very beginning. The gradual progression in their relationship felt natural and believable. I liked these two together and I was rooting for them.
At times, it was a bit morose. Intense and over dramatic. Kristina's repeated mantra of 'I don't do relationships' made me want to roll my eyes in frustration. But I'll take that over sickeningly sweet and fluffy any day. I felt their deep connection, which is surprising because I'm not sure if they ever really had any significant conversation. Does Parker even have a family?
Ultimately, I had a lot of fun reading this. It was hot, forbidden, tantalizing, and emotional.
I recommend this to people who like romance, angst, lots of sex, and VERY dedicated wing women.
I received an ARC from NineStar Press for an honest review.
What do you do after your wife of 14 years leaves you for the young woman she cheated on you with? Find a service to connect you with a hot young Latina woman to show you the wonderful world of submission. Reasonable.
I would put this in the erotic romance category. There was a lot of sexy times. Other reviewers say it is light on the BDSM aspect, but I wouldn't know because I don't know anything about that. I thought it was interesting that Kristina, the 24 year-old, was the Dom. It seemed like a reversal of what you would expect with an age gap relationship. I don't normally read books heavy on the sexual content, but I really got into this one. I guess light BDSM dynamic works for me.
Clearly the arrangement becomes jeopardized as feelings begin to become an obstacle because this is a romance, of course. Kristina and Parker have great physical chemistry from the very beginning. The gradual progression in their relationship felt natural and believable. I liked these two together and I was rooting for them.
At times, it was a bit morose. Intense and over dramatic. Kristina's repeated mantra of 'I don't do relationships' made me want to roll my eyes in frustration. But I'll take that over sickeningly sweet and fluffy any day. I felt their deep connection, which is surprising because I'm not sure if they ever really had any significant conversation. Does Parker even have a family?
Ultimately, I had a lot of fun reading this. It was hot, forbidden, tantalizing, and emotional.
I recommend this to people who like romance, angst, lots of sex, and VERY dedicated wing women.
I received an ARC from NineStar Press for an honest review.
October 8, 2019
Oh, this one is hot and and best read at home. Professor Parker Freeman has just signed the divorce papers to end her 14-year marriage which hasn't been good for a long time. Her ex-wife's affairs have done nothing for her self-esteem and she feels it's time to try something new, something she's not even sure about. She contacts an agency to pair her with a domme so that she can explore her submissive side. She nearly walks out of the first meeting with the prospective domme because Kristina Diaz is not what she expected at all.
The result is an engaging story with two interesting main characters, loads of well-written erotic scenes, good secondary characters and a pretty good plot line. It's not heavy bdsm and there is a beautiful balance of explicit and fade-to-black content so that the scenes don't become repetitive or boring.
It's got the emotional connection, some angst, some drama as well as strong and smart women. The only thing that did bother me a little is that Kristina's origin story seemed like it was thrown in to elicit some sympathy for her when she was an already sympathetic character. Other than that, it's a lovely combination of elements.
Book received from Netgalley and NineStar Press for an honest review.
The result is an engaging story with two interesting main characters, loads of well-written erotic scenes, good secondary characters and a pretty good plot line. It's not heavy bdsm and there is a beautiful balance of explicit and fade-to-black content so that the scenes don't become repetitive or boring.
It's got the emotional connection, some angst, some drama as well as strong and smart women. The only thing that did bother me a little is that Kristina's origin story seemed like it was thrown in to elicit some sympathy for her when she was an already sympathetic character. Other than that, it's a lovely combination of elements.
Book received from Netgalley and NineStar Press for an honest review.
November 11, 2019
Vanilla BDSM; it's becoming a thing.
I'm always a little cautious when it comes to books labeled as BDSM because more often than not, I end up disappointed. This book is very light BDSM themed and full of (contrived) angst yet still managed to have some uplifting moments.
Story lines and characters arcs that make you groan because of their absurdity and how over they top they are, are a big pet peeve of mine and this book sadly has several of those. The biggest one being Parker's ex wife. Would I mind if someone dangled her ass off of the roof of the Chrysler Building? Nope, not one bit. Did those characters really have to be written that unhinged?
The book is not all eye rolls and WTF moments though. I really liked Parker and Kristina's character arc, though I would have liked it more if Parker's transformation into her more confident self was a little bit more gradual instead of what felt like something that happened overnight. The other thing I liked about the book were Parker's closest friends. Yay for the family you choose :)
On a final note the ending was very rushed and I honestly wondered if there were entire chapters that were cut. You will also really need to suspend your disbelief while reading this. If you want an angsty book with some pretty hot scenes and a happy ending, then go ahead and read this. If you're looking for anything more than that, keep looking. Overall rating is a 3,25*.
TW:
I'm always a little cautious when it comes to books labeled as BDSM because more often than not, I end up disappointed. This book is very light BDSM themed and full of (contrived) angst yet still managed to have some uplifting moments.
Story lines and characters arcs that make you groan because of their absurdity and how over they top they are, are a big pet peeve of mine and this book sadly has several of those. The biggest one being Parker's ex wife. Would I mind if someone dangled her ass off of the roof of the Chrysler Building? Nope, not one bit. Did those characters really have to be written that unhinged?
The book is not all eye rolls and WTF moments though. I really liked Parker and Kristina's character arc, though I would have liked it more if Parker's transformation into her more confident self was a little bit more gradual instead of what felt like something that happened overnight. The other thing I liked about the book were Parker's closest friends. Yay for the family you choose :)
On a final note the ending was very rushed and I honestly wondered if there were entire chapters that were cut. You will also really need to suspend your disbelief while reading this. If you want an angsty book with some pretty hot scenes and a happy ending, then go ahead and read this. If you're looking for anything more than that, keep looking. Overall rating is a 3,25*.
TW:
September 29, 2019
3.25 stars - I had never read anything by this author before and I was pretty psyched to get to read Never Knew Until You since it promised to deliver some of my favourite things in a novel: BDSM romance, age/gap and a little angst. I have to say I was let down by this read.
The blurb is seriously misleading. I was expecting a hot, steamy read, but there are almost no sex scenes (and they are pretty tame), the sub/dom element is very light and this book uses almost all of the angsty clichés you can think of.
MC Parker is a 40 year-old English professor who recently got divorced after walking in on her wife of 14 years cheating on her. Feeling defeated, Parker spends most of her evenings on divorce forums where she comes across an ad for the Pandora Agency, a club that promises to help their clients regain their confidence through submission. That's how Parker meets, MC Kristina, a successful 25 year-old business woman who has commitment issues.
This book isn't bad, but it wasn't what I was hoping for. It's a quick, easy read with decent writing that kept me engaged enough. I just personally prefer books with a deeper plot and less angsty drama.
I would most probably give the author another shot based on what I've read and I think Never Knew Until You could be a good starting point if you're not sure you like the BDSM subgenre.
***I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
The blurb is seriously misleading. I was expecting a hot, steamy read, but there are almost no sex scenes (and they are pretty tame), the sub/dom element is very light and this book uses almost all of the angsty clichés you can think of.
MC Parker is a 40 year-old English professor who recently got divorced after walking in on her wife of 14 years cheating on her. Feeling defeated, Parker spends most of her evenings on divorce forums where she comes across an ad for the Pandora Agency, a club that promises to help their clients regain their confidence through submission. That's how Parker meets, MC Kristina, a successful 25 year-old business woman who has commitment issues.
This book isn't bad, but it wasn't what I was hoping for. It's a quick, easy read with decent writing that kept me engaged enough. I just personally prefer books with a deeper plot and less angsty drama.
I would most probably give the author another shot based on what I've read and I think Never Knew Until You could be a good starting point if you're not sure you like the BDSM subgenre.
***I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
October 14, 2019
Never Knew Until You is my first encounter with author L. E. Royal. She has produced a romantic novel that ticks a lot of the required boxes and will certainly do well with the romance crowd. Don’t be scared off by the SM label because it’s not really hard core at all but merely a plot device for the two mains to get together early on in the book.
The writing is competent, the story is not really anything we haven’t seen before but that’s okay. The familiar themes are all there; an age-gap, wealth and beauty, an understanding best friend with a shoulder to cry on, an ex with an evil streak, a fair amount of sex (not much kink), one of the mains has a tortured but mysterious past, some drama at the 80% mark and a happily ever after. The ex girlfriend was too over the top evil for my taste, I had some trouble seeing a 24 year old in the mistress role on top of having a demanding job as CEO of a big company. I also thought the story lagged a bit in the middle. But overall there’s enough to keep the romance fans satisfied.
f/f explicit, a bit of light spanking
Themes: nasty breakup, self esteem issues, The Pandora Agency, the romance was served with a light SM sauce, brooding rich heiress with a checkered past, commitment phobe.
3.4 Stars
The writing is competent, the story is not really anything we haven’t seen before but that’s okay. The familiar themes are all there; an age-gap, wealth and beauty, an understanding best friend with a shoulder to cry on, an ex with an evil streak, a fair amount of sex (not much kink), one of the mains has a tortured but mysterious past, some drama at the 80% mark and a happily ever after. The ex girlfriend was too over the top evil for my taste, I had some trouble seeing a 24 year old in the mistress role on top of having a demanding job as CEO of a big company. I also thought the story lagged a bit in the middle. But overall there’s enough to keep the romance fans satisfied.
f/f explicit, a bit of light spanking
Themes: nasty breakup, self esteem issues, The Pandora Agency, the romance was served with a light SM sauce, brooding rich heiress with a checkered past, commitment phobe.
3.4 Stars
September 25, 2019
Lost and Found
Parker is alone, lonely and feeling abandoned by her cheating ex-wife. While scrolling through a divorce chat group she comes across an ad for The Pandora Agency who promotes submission as a way to heal and find yourself. Having nothing to lose Parker meets Ms Kristina. Parker is embarrassed and shy but the young Mistress soon breaks through her walls. Kristina has issues of her own and won’t let Parker in all the way. Somehow they must find a way to break down the barriers or lose each other maybe forever…. I loved this story!! It was filled with raw emotions, real feelings and so much depth. These are two women that you will care about very quickly and want them to be ok so desperately. This is a book you wont be able to put down and it will make you FEEL so be prepared. I can’t recommend this book strongly enough!
Parker is alone, lonely and feeling abandoned by her cheating ex-wife. While scrolling through a divorce chat group she comes across an ad for The Pandora Agency who promotes submission as a way to heal and find yourself. Having nothing to lose Parker meets Ms Kristina. Parker is embarrassed and shy but the young Mistress soon breaks through her walls. Kristina has issues of her own and won’t let Parker in all the way. Somehow they must find a way to break down the barriers or lose each other maybe forever…. I loved this story!! It was filled with raw emotions, real feelings and so much depth. These are two women that you will care about very quickly and want them to be ok so desperately. This is a book you wont be able to put down and it will make you FEEL so be prepared. I can’t recommend this book strongly enough!
May 30, 2020
I couldn’t find the chemistry between the main characters, they lusted after each other, the author said so, but I didn’t feel it in the interactions. I tried but I really couldn’t. It felt rushed like all instant lust/love are but slow at the same time. I liked the main characters by themselves, but I didn’t get them as a couple. The best friend lesbian couple? Adorable.
Also, this had so many different side topics that took you absolutely nowhere that I got desperate just to finished it and be done with it. The ex wife, the new girlfriend, the break in, the age gap, the old partner, the dude, the drinking, the doubt, the other dom, the library inauguration, etc, maybe those things where connected and I just didn’t get it.
Also, this had so many different side topics that took you absolutely nowhere that I got desperate just to finished it and be done with it. The ex wife, the new girlfriend, the break in, the age gap, the old partner, the dude, the drinking, the doubt, the other dom, the library inauguration, etc, maybe those things where connected and I just didn’t get it.
October 16, 2019
This wasn’t exactly what I expected but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
The story was categorized as BDSM but it felt less BDSM and more about the two women who develop more feelings than they intended from what was supposed to be a purely sex based relationship. There are some BDSM elements but it feels secondary and more on the periphery.
The characters are a good contrast to each other. There’s a good amount of attraction and angst as they figure out what they are to each other. The story moves well as they go through their push and pull.
This is my first read from this writer and was enough to peak my interest in their other bodies of work.
The story was categorized as BDSM but it felt less BDSM and more about the two women who develop more feelings than they intended from what was supposed to be a purely sex based relationship. There are some BDSM elements but it feels secondary and more on the periphery.
The characters are a good contrast to each other. There’s a good amount of attraction and angst as they figure out what they are to each other. The story moves well as they go through their push and pull.
This is my first read from this writer and was enough to peak my interest in their other bodies of work.
September 27, 2019
Arc provided by NetGalley. Parker is a 40 year old divorced, who spent 14 yrs In a sexless, bad marriage. She decides to meet someone thru a bdsm agency. She wants to try something different. She meets Kristina. She thinks Kristina is too young and she decides that she should leave but Kristina tells her to give her 15 minutes and makes her orgasm with her clothes on. Kristina has a lot of rules and doesn’t want to date or have a relationship but parker seems to break those rules. I enjoyed this book. It was sexy and fun. I would definitely recommend it.
February 2, 2021
This book has an atmosphere thick with sex surrounded with emotion. In a story that starts off with seeking submission for empowerment after divorce we expected BDSM and kink, but the romance, chemistry and emotions were a huge – huge – plus.
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
September 29, 2019
Oh my! I love a good BDSM romance. Never Knew Until You is that. 41 year old Parker Freeman is newly divorce from her cheating ex-wife. She is in a funk and decides to go to the Pandora agency who helps people find themselves through submission. Parker is paired up Kristina Diaz. Little does Parker know is that Kristina is 24. When Parker realizes that Kristina is her dominant she is ready to run, but Kristina does convince her to stay for at least the rest of there initial meeting.
This romance is HOT. Even thought this is BDSM, I would consider it to be on the softer side of the scale. There is chemistry between the two mains and Kristina is actually a trustworthy dominant. The sex scenes are well done and there was just the right amount of them. I am really impressed with the writing in this romance. Both MCs have trust issues because of past relationships but they are able to still get to know one another enough. This for sure was worth the read.
I rate this 4.25 stars
This arc was provided by Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review
This romance is HOT. Even thought this is BDSM, I would consider it to be on the softer side of the scale. There is chemistry between the two mains and Kristina is actually a trustworthy dominant. The sex scenes are well done and there was just the right amount of them. I am really impressed with the writing in this romance. Both MCs have trust issues because of past relationships but they are able to still get to know one another enough. This for sure was worth the read.
I rate this 4.25 stars
This arc was provided by Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review
September 28, 2019
I found the overall story engaging although a little too similar to 50 shades of Grey for my liking. I worry that following the same pattern for why Kristina is a Dom perpetuates the idea that Dom/Sub relationships are often born out of trauma. I fear that this would create the notion that a BDSM relationship is dysfunctional in a novice reader. However, I acknowledge that this is one relationship and that there probably exist relationships like the one portrayed in the book.
The story was a bit too predictable but still overall enjoyable for the romance itself. I took minor issues with some wording choices as well. However, I still felt this was an enjoyable female/female BDSM romance nonetheless.
The story was a bit too predictable but still overall enjoyable for the romance itself. I took minor issues with some wording choices as well. However, I still felt this was an enjoyable female/female BDSM romance nonetheless.
February 16, 2020
This took me by surprise. I knew the gist – BDSM, age gap romance – I read the blurb. It was much more powerful than I expected. I really enjoyed the way both Kristina and Parker, at different times and in different ways, were there for the other. I felt the pain that Parker carried around from her ex-wife’s behavior, and how hard it was for her to try to heal herself. This novel is more than just a light BDSM contract/relationship. Both women didn’t expect to feel more than they agreed to, and yet Royal drew out the threads so well that I needed to know how this would end. I couldn’t put it down and read it in one day.
January 10, 2025
Never knew until you
Parts of this were expected, like a quiet echo of something 50 shades ish, but also really quite different. Not quite a sub/domme relationship, but enough for the suggestion and allow the building of the relationship and development between the two MC's. A really enjoyable read.
Parts of this were expected, like a quiet echo of something 50 shades ish, but also really quite different. Not quite a sub/domme relationship, but enough for the suggestion and allow the building of the relationship and development between the two MC's. A really enjoyable read.
October 26, 2019
3.5 🌟
June 16, 2020
Review to come!
March 14, 2025
Very physical but the protagonists care about each other.
October 4, 2019
Thanks to NetGalley and NineStar Press for the galley of Never Knew Until You by L.E. Royal!
Parker Freeman’s 14-year marriage just ended. Her ex-wife was cheating for years and has finally left her for a 30-something. Parker gave up the possibility of kids, among other things, for her ex’s wishes, and now she feels like she’s wasted all of that time. In an attempt to find herself, Parker spontaneously signs up with an agency to be a submissive believing that maybe such a relationship might help her find herself again. When she meets Miss Diaz, however, and discovers this 24 year-old is, in fact, not the daughter of her dominant, she gets cold feet. The two embark on a dominant-submissive relationship, and when things get deeper than sex for both of them, they’ll need to face their pasts for the possibility of a future.
This book is exactly what I needed right now. It’s supposedly fall. I’ve had a marathon of a summer, and this week hasn’t been the greatest. This book provided me the escape I needed with enough deeper feelings and romance to invest me in the characters and their future.
There’s plenty of hot sex if that’s what you’re after, plenty of awesome female friendships to remind you of that one friend who will call your bullshit when needed, and there’s a healthy dose of solid romance as well. Something for everyone.
It moves pretty quickly (I finished it in about a day), and it’s out on Tuesday, so make sure to add it to your fall lesfic reading if you need a sexy escape from reality for a minute.
Parker Freeman’s 14-year marriage just ended. Her ex-wife was cheating for years and has finally left her for a 30-something. Parker gave up the possibility of kids, among other things, for her ex’s wishes, and now she feels like she’s wasted all of that time. In an attempt to find herself, Parker spontaneously signs up with an agency to be a submissive believing that maybe such a relationship might help her find herself again. When she meets Miss Diaz, however, and discovers this 24 year-old is, in fact, not the daughter of her dominant, she gets cold feet. The two embark on a dominant-submissive relationship, and when things get deeper than sex for both of them, they’ll need to face their pasts for the possibility of a future.
This book is exactly what I needed right now. It’s supposedly fall. I’ve had a marathon of a summer, and this week hasn’t been the greatest. This book provided me the escape I needed with enough deeper feelings and romance to invest me in the characters and their future.
There’s plenty of hot sex if that’s what you’re after, plenty of awesome female friendships to remind you of that one friend who will call your bullshit when needed, and there’s a healthy dose of solid romance as well. Something for everyone.
It moves pretty quickly (I finished it in about a day), and it’s out on Tuesday, so make sure to add it to your fall lesfic reading if you need a sexy escape from reality for a minute.
October 2, 2019
This is my first book from L.E. Royal and I found it to be well planned out and a very interesting story. Even though the story centers around a BDSM relationship, it is very light on anything heavy. It is more about the dom/sub relationship and the issues that both are dealing with from their past. The sub (Parker) is looking for a new start after her wife of nearly 15 years cheats on her with a much younger intern. The dom (Kristina) is dealing with issues from her childhood and from a dom of her own that has caused her pain. Kristina doesn't date and only wants to keep their relationship in the BDSM realm. But as the couple gets to know each other and is together through their playtimes, feelings begin to bloom on both sides.
I really enjoyed the story and the battles that each went through. The sex scenes were very well done and were much more loving than you would expect from a BDSM story. Definitely worth checking out.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
I really enjoyed the story and the battles that each went through. The sex scenes were very well done and were much more loving than you would expect from a BDSM story. Definitely worth checking out.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
March 30, 2020
I was entrigued when I read the synopsis of this book and was so thrilled I was granted permission to review. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. On the surface, it seemed like Parker and Kristina would never mesh, but wow, as their "relationship" grew so did they. They had chemistry immediately, despite Parker thinking she was waiting for Kristina's mom. And that chemistry made this book so hit. Granted, there is a BDSM element to this book but it was honestly handled in such a different way than others of this genre. I found that the romance was stronger due to the "Dom", "Sub" element. My only issue was how fast the book ended. I feel like I needed more there are the end. I highlt recommend this book and look forward to reading many more books from L.E. Royal in the future!
January 4, 2021
Age gap sub
Parker is a divorced 40 year old college professor who wants to regain her life back. By doing so she winds herself the website for Pandora's box. After consideration she agrees to set up a meeting, unbeknownst to her, she encounters Kristina.
Kristina is 24 whose main job is running a multimillion dollar business and pleasures in Domme\Sub relationship. She is adamant that she does not do relationships or jealousy.
Upon meeting Parker is torn between the age gap and what is expected.
Follow along and read this well written, HOT & STEAMY tale.
My only complaint is the ending is rushed and it felt like the author knew it in her last section. Its worth a reread in the future.
Parker is a divorced 40 year old college professor who wants to regain her life back. By doing so she winds herself the website for Pandora's box. After consideration she agrees to set up a meeting, unbeknownst to her, she encounters Kristina.
Kristina is 24 whose main job is running a multimillion dollar business and pleasures in Domme\Sub relationship. She is adamant that she does not do relationships or jealousy.
Upon meeting Parker is torn between the age gap and what is expected.
Follow along and read this well written, HOT & STEAMY tale.
My only complaint is the ending is rushed and it felt like the author knew it in her last section. Its worth a reread in the future.
January 22, 2022
Age-gap BDSM ,
Parker is fresh out of A 14 year marriage. She’s feeling lost and betrayed after she finds out her wife leaves her and has been cheating on her with a younger woman. Parker’s family and best friend immediately surround her and try to help her through this awful time, but Parker stills feels alone and lost. Parker decides to shake away her loneliness by reaching out to an escort service. Enter the young and beautiful Kristina. The loneliness is replaced by feelings of desire and love, along with some sexual play. If you are interested in a story about rediscover, love, desire and light BDSM this book is for you. Self worth and self love is beautiful! Check this book out today.
Highly recommend ##
Parker is fresh out of A 14 year marriage. She’s feeling lost and betrayed after she finds out her wife leaves her and has been cheating on her with a younger woman. Parker’s family and best friend immediately surround her and try to help her through this awful time, but Parker stills feels alone and lost. Parker decides to shake away her loneliness by reaching out to an escort service. Enter the young and beautiful Kristina. The loneliness is replaced by feelings of desire and love, along with some sexual play. If you are interested in a story about rediscover, love, desire and light BDSM this book is for you. Self worth and self love is beautiful! Check this book out today.
Highly recommend ##
November 13, 2019
An okay read
I was really intrigued by the blurb on the book. Sadly I ended up being a bit disappointed. Felt like the author couldn’t decide on whether to write a romance novel or a erotic BDSM novel and ended up combining the two. And then ended up doing both halfway.
It’s an okay book, but it felt lacking in both romance and the sex scenes. I found the sex scenes boring and tame. I would have loved more build up in the romance department, and more steamy sex scenes, not necessarily BDSM sex either. I found the ending sweet but it couldn’t make up for the rest of the book
I was really intrigued by the blurb on the book. Sadly I ended up being a bit disappointed. Felt like the author couldn’t decide on whether to write a romance novel or a erotic BDSM novel and ended up combining the two. And then ended up doing both halfway.
It’s an okay book, but it felt lacking in both romance and the sex scenes. I found the sex scenes boring and tame. I would have loved more build up in the romance department, and more steamy sex scenes, not necessarily BDSM sex either. I found the ending sweet but it couldn’t make up for the rest of the book
October 11, 2019
Detailed score: 3.75
A very nicely done erotirom with neither the pwoarrr or the romance bits underdone.
Loses some points because
- the barrier to love was a) flimsy and b)resolved by one of the oldest tropes in the book.
- another classic irritant in lesrom/erotirom: ended waaaay too quickly after the barrier to love resolved.
The BDSM bits are very light so don’t let that turn you off if that’s not your thing.
Worth a read (probably not in public!)
A very nicely done erotirom with neither the pwoarrr or the romance bits underdone.
Loses some points because
- the barrier to love was a) flimsy and b)resolved by one of the oldest tropes in the book.
- another classic irritant in lesrom/erotirom: ended waaaay too quickly after the barrier to love resolved.
The BDSM bits are very light so don’t let that turn you off if that’s not your thing.
Worth a read (probably not in public!)
October 19, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I enjoyed this Book especially as it did not stereotype lesbians which is unusual in most books. It was a nice story.
I enjoyed this Book especially as it did not stereotype lesbians which is unusual in most books. It was a nice story.
October 18, 2019
low 3 stars | This is pretty tame. I was expecting more.
December 19, 2022
Despite its synopsis and tags this story hasn't a SM or Dom/Sub main subject, sure it has some of it but it's not the principal point, just an excuse for the two main characters to meet.
The story starts with Parker getting her divorce after a fourteen year marriage with a woman who cheated on her even with her own knowledge. But now she is forty years old and her ex-wife was in need for a younger partner. Parker was accustomed and comfortable in some way in her marriage and now she does not know how to move forward in terms of new relationships. And she decides to call a contact agency, attracted by the good reviews about SM exchanges. The partner she finds when she goes to the first date is not as she imagined, she is a twenty-four-year-old girl and not very imposing in terms of topics of domination, but her mutual attraction is undeniable. And from here the story becomes a path in which the two women open up to each other and overcome their fears and apprehensions.
Overall, the story is more a traditional romance than an erotic novel, which is what I expected when reading the synopsis. As such, it has its deficiencies since the behavior of the young woman, Kristina, is not very well defined, I am not an expert on the BDSM issue, but Kristina's history has seemed to me to be inconsistent.
It has its emotional parts, a little drama, some hot scenes and a bit hasty ending. Just an ok read.
An advanced reading copy has been sent to me by the publisher NineStar Press through Netgalley for my honest review
The story starts with Parker getting her divorce after a fourteen year marriage with a woman who cheated on her even with her own knowledge. But now she is forty years old and her ex-wife was in need for a younger partner. Parker was accustomed and comfortable in some way in her marriage and now she does not know how to move forward in terms of new relationships. And she decides to call a contact agency, attracted by the good reviews about SM exchanges. The partner she finds when she goes to the first date is not as she imagined, she is a twenty-four-year-old girl and not very imposing in terms of topics of domination, but her mutual attraction is undeniable. And from here the story becomes a path in which the two women open up to each other and overcome their fears and apprehensions.
Overall, the story is more a traditional romance than an erotic novel, which is what I expected when reading the synopsis. As such, it has its deficiencies since the behavior of the young woman, Kristina, is not very well defined, I am not an expert on the BDSM issue, but Kristina's history has seemed to me to be inconsistent.
It has its emotional parts, a little drama, some hot scenes and a bit hasty ending. Just an ok read.
An advanced reading copy has been sent to me by the publisher NineStar Press through Netgalley for my honest review
July 2, 2022
Two messy MC's fall in love when love should've been the last thing on the agenda. One leading lady dissolved a long, unhealthy marriage and falls into a young Domme's lap in an effort to find herself. The age gap is an interesting choice as I have never read a fiction where the Domme is younger than her submissive so it is an interesting read.
There's a lot going on between the professor and her life and the domme and her clients, life, and past. It took away from the plot a bit but still a good read, a HEA and lots of steamy moments in and out of the bedroom.
There's a lot going on between the professor and her life and the domme and her clients, life, and past. It took away from the plot a bit but still a good read, a HEA and lots of steamy moments in and out of the bedroom.
April 6, 2020
Raw and Poignant
The chemistry between Kristina and Parker is amazingly well written and certainly raw. There is a good amount of angst in this story that actually seems to enhance their chemistry rather than detract from the plot. Although the ending felt a little rushed, I highly recommend this novel to anyone looking to further explore BDSM erotica and romance.
The chemistry between Kristina and Parker is amazingly well written and certainly raw. There is a good amount of angst in this story that actually seems to enhance their chemistry rather than detract from the plot. Although the ending felt a little rushed, I highly recommend this novel to anyone looking to further explore BDSM erotica and romance.
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