L is for...

BDSM Checklist #12

by L. DuBois

When Las Palmas announces the checklist game, Victoria Contreras isn’t concerned, she’s intrigued. Even more so when her partner is none other than Master Cain.
Cain Ward enjoys trading verbal barbs with Victoria, but now they’re going do more than match wits. They’ll take on every “L” item on the BDSM checklist in a weekend of leather-wrapped pleasure and pain.
When their time together is over, only one questions remains. Will Cain admit that he bribed the overseers to make sure he finally got to put his hands on Victoria?

Genres: BDSM, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Erotica, M F Romance

157 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 27, 2020

About the author

See Lila DuBois.

Lila (writing as L. DuBois and Lila Dubois) is a top selling author of paranormal, fantasy and contemporary erotic romance. Having spent extensive time in France, Egypt, Turkey, England and Ireland Lila speaks five languages, none of them (including English) fluently. She now lives in Los Angeles with a cute Irishman and a half-Irish mini human.

Reviews

[Cécile Smits · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Golden Angel,for recommending this beauty to me!
Because it’s a delicious story,with the added layer of finding the courage to leave your comfort zone.
To take that risk in the hope of finding something beautiful,something to make your life that much better and fuller.

Cain knows about the game,and in return for his silence,he asks to be paired with Victoria.
He admires her for her spunk,her feistiness,even though she’s hiding her submissive side.
And he’s determined to show her the beauty of submitting to him,with the secret hope of something more permanent.

Victoria feels safe in the ropes,being bound quiets her mind like nothing else.
But a submissive she is not,not her,not ever....
Until she’s paired with the only Dom that gets under her skin,Cain.
He challenges her like no other,and she worries what he’s got up his sleeve.

What happens is beyond her wildest dreams.
The side he exposes,is one where she can embrace that submissive side without losing herself.
Without losing his respect,and most importantly,without losing her selfrespect.

After this introduction to the series i’m going to explore the other letters,that’s for sure.
Because the letter L has wet my appetite!

[Golden Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The checklist series is one of my favorite series for one big reason - L Dubois never disappoints.

These are some of the most original kinky books I've ever read and I go into each one eagerly, trying to anticipate what deviously delicious explorations might happen in this one... and she always surprises me. Especially with letters like "L" where I sit and wonder exactly what that could entail - licking? laps? leather?

Since it's BDSM the leather is almost required, but the THINGS she does with it! These books are always sizzling hot and so fun to read. I loved Cain and Vic (I have a soft spot for sassy submissives ;) and their chemistry was fantastic.

Strap in - you're in for a WILD ride.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sassy and Strong
L = Loved these characters!!
This was a great pairing. Emotional and snarky throughout. Very creative use of a motorcycle.....🍆
🤣

[JD (on semi-hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the twelfth in what I assume will be twenty-six entries in a series set in Las Palmas Oscuras, one of those fantasy BDSM clubs popular in this genre. (I say "assume" because I'm not entirely sure what kinks begin with "Z," but we'll see.) The series' central conceit offers us a dom and sub who participate in kink scenes that begin with the letter they've been assigned ("A," for example, includes "Anal Play"). Each is a stand-alone featuring a single couple (some long-standing, others not) that is long on erotica and short on story. In fact, I would call these "novellas," rather than "novels" since much of the total page space is taken up with ads for Ms. DuBois' other books.

Because each story features different characters, a different relationship dynamic, and different kinks, some will appeal more to individual readers based on personal preference than others. Here "L" means lots of leather-inspired activities, including a rather inventive use of a motorcycle.

I really wanted to like this one better than I did. Victoria and Cain enjoy a dynamic we haven't seen before: they know and banter with each other, but have never played together. In addition, since my personal preference isn't for high-protocol, I enjoyed Cain and Victoria's more laid-back approach and equal footing.

That said, the writing, plotting, and characterization weren't that strong. There were several typos; a very odd plot point that comes out of left field and has nothing to do with the book's major line of action; and an epilogue that has nothing to do with the MC. In terms of character, while I appreciated how much Cain adored Victoria, I didn't always think he was a good dom (he didn't check on Victoria after she ran from their scene, for example). And I thought Victoria was more interesting in the beginning than she was by the end when she pretty much just gave into Cain on everything. I'm not entirely sure why every woman here has to be presented as having something wrong with her if she's not ultimately an über-submissive.

Finally, though I'm enjoying the series, its major weakness is each book's abrupt ending. While I understand that Ms. DuBois concentrates on the BDSM play as a way to spark a deeper connection, the books often end just as the couple is opening up to each other. This is frustrating to this reader and it's particularly noticeable here.

3 stars. I appreciated the discussion of fat-shaming.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 12th book in the BDSM Checklist and is one sizzler. This is Victoria and Master Cain's story and one you don't want to miss. They have been “frenemies” at Las Palmas for a year but their chemistry is explosive. A checklist featuring the letter L leads to some steamy times. The book covers a wide range of emotions. Well written with strong characters and an engaging story. I read an arc and voluntarily chose to write a review.

[Cheryl Graham-Petit · Rating 4 out of 5]

L is for... is the twelfth book in the BDSM Checklist series. This frenemies romance story has just the right amount of drama, secrets, explosive chemistry, conflict, lust, lots of emotions, and a steady flow of steam that keeps you breathlessly reading till the end.

I volunteered to review an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Pansy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my!

L is for . . . Lascivious. Luscious. Lucky. All that leather. How very creative. Wow! Makes me want some too.

[Mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could give more than 5 stars but sadly not able to do so.

L is for is Cain and Victoria's story. Victoria and Cain have met before due to her being having served him drinks at Las Palmas prior to the game beginning. Cain likes that Victoria is not totally submissive but willing to be herself in her relationships outside of scenes. He actually admires her being a bit flippant with him when she served him a drink while she was behind the bar. Not many subs would be willing to be flippant to any Dom but Victoria is.

I love the whole concept of this series and each one gets better. In this one, the letter for the game is L and Cain takes it as being for leather. L is a bit limiting in the BDSM world but he is rather creative with the use of leather. I love how Victoria is forced to explore her self-imposed limitations as to what she is willing to do as a sub and to explore her own deep seated reasons as to why she is a sub. And when I say forced, she has a safe word and it is her choice to continue to scene with Cain.

I know that I say this after each book in this series comes out, but Cain and Victoria's story is my favorite. You can see the care and planning what went into the story and character development. I am loving the new epilogue which gives some insight into how the game came into being from the masterminds behind Las Palmas. I also love that Lila DuBois made Victoria is not a skinny girl but an average normal curvy girl who has to work out and accepts that her stomach isn't flat like those we see in the media. And that Cain actually seems to care, dare I say love her, even more because she is curvy. Not very common in the romance genre at all.

I did get a copy of this novel in advance from the demented mind of Lila DuBois in exchange for a fair and unbiased review. But she blew me away and it took me two readings to be able to write this review. And I see me reading it again soon.

[TinaMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Master Cain Ward is a mechanical engineer with his own mechanical engineering consulting company. He's worked on designing electric motorcycles and will design something very special for Victoria. He's a big guy and used to petite, baby girl subs flocking to him but he's been crushing on one feisty, power sub that doesn't hold back or backs down.

Victoria Contreras is a trial attorney. She loves suspension rope bondage on her own terms. The checklist game and Master Cain opens her eyes to hidden thoughts and feelings making her have to re-evaluate herself and her submissive nature.

Every single book in this series is fabulous and this one is no exception. The BDSM Checklist game is suppose to pull their members out of their comfort zone and Vic is not only out of her normal safe play, she has a realization that has her questioning herself. She always thought of her and Master Cain as frenemies but will discover he's the Dom she's needs.

'L is for...' brings us leather, lace and lectures and Master Cain is creative and diabolical, giving Vic what she needs with various leather implements and toys, but not with out her brand of fiesty. I love how these two enjoyed sparring with each other, both inside and outside of play and the open communication to help work through unknown issues as they came up.

Dubois really gets into the Dom and submissive perspectives, allowing a reader to feel the intensity and the emotional turbulence that can come with intense BDSM play, as well as sensual chemistry between to people falling for each other.

If you enjoy the BDSM genre, you'll love this book. It has all the feels, sensuality and decadence that make it a five star read.

I received a free copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving a review. If you like my reviews I hope you will follow my blog. https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/

[Samm Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I really do enjoy the checklist game that the overseers forced the members to play. L is pretty good and I love the back and forth between Vic and Cain. The letter L is pretty tame but the story behind this couple is what makes this one interesting. These two have totally different styles and have never played together before. A different dynamic, a pretty non-threatening L, and a Dom with a secret kept me glued to my e-reader. I will never look at motorcycles the same way ever again.

While I thought the book was great, I did miss the REVEAL that the earlier books had - Mae finding out who Xavier actually was in B, James finding out what Beth did and her aversion to contracts in C, throwing a divorced couple together in D, or Cort and Sejal's life outside of the club in G. We found out about Vic and Cain's public lives early on and it took some of the joy out of my reading the story but Cain made up for it with his skills :) - read the book!

I did thoroughly enjoy the brief glimpse into the Overseers' planning of the game and the surprise participant and now I really need the background on them.

I cannot wait to see what happens with M.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The club’s checklist game is now on L.
This book features Victoria and Cain, who have been “frenemies” at Las Palmas for about a year. Cain bribed the overseers to make sure he was paired with Victoria. Victoria, in her time at Las Palmas, has strictly scened with Doms who suspend her in rope bondage. She never expects to be paired with her frenemy, and she isn’t sure she will get what she needs from the main item under “L” - leather.

Cain and Victoria seem like an unlikely pair, but actually are quite compatible in the end. Cain really makes Victoria question what she wants from the lifestyle, and she makes Cain long for a real relationship not based on deception.

I was a bit tense as I read the intimate scenes between these two. The emotions that were drawn out of Victoria were intense and enlightening for her.

I loved Victoria and Cain’s story as much as the preceding ones. The author has created another unique and wonderful addition to the series!

[Shay Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

He Was Determined to Get Her – And He Did!!

Victoria has been sparing, trading barbs and subtle insults with Master Cain for about a year now and it looks like its not going to stop. She looks around trying to figure out who she is paired with. When she looks up again she is looking right at Master Cain’s smiling face and realizes that the Dom she will be spending the Alphabet game with is HIM! While still smiling at her, he asks “You know what, Vic? She wheezed “What?” He says, “You’re going to look good in leather.”

Master Cain or as he prefers her to call him "Cain" is not the stereotypical Dom and the neither is the chemistry between Cain and Victoria (whom he prefers to call Vic) which is “Hot!” Even with all that heat, he is going to have an uphill battle in breaking through her defenses. But how is she going to feel when she finds out he did a little blackmailing so that she was the Sub assigned to him during the game? Oh this should be interesting!!

[Melanie Marnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

How ironic is it that Victoria is paired with a Dom who only wears leather for a checklist game weekend and their letter is L? Cain is someone she considers a frenemy because of their irreverent sometimes caustic, barb filled conversations. Is he a Dom that will give her what she wants? Probably not. He does plan to give her what she needs though. Cain wants Vic because of their banter, because she's smart, because she won't hesitate to tell him off, because she can be a partner on equal footing. If you asked her, Vic would describe herself as only mildly submissive. Cain sees her differently and forces her to really come to terms with her submission. Cain proves to be quite creative in the way he dominates her within the confines of the letter L. He gives them both more than they both thought possible and perhaps a chance for a future together.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lila Dubois has delivered another unique read with L is for..., the latest edition in the BDSM Checklist series. Victoria and Master Cain have a different relationship in that they have never been paired together until now, but have an already established friendship within the club. During their time together, Victoria is pushed outside of her comfort zone and has an emotional journey with Master Cain. I felt that the author took us on a different ride with Victoria's emotional journey figuring out herself and why she does what she does at the club. This story still has the same hot and steamy scenes that we have read in each of the other books but there is something special in this book that you will just have to read to found out.

[Charliegirl1 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good but missing something

I'm always glad to read new books in the Checklist series, but this one seemed lacking. The scene with Cain on a video call with two outside characters was a product placement ad for another series, and I was disappointed that the epilogue was not a wrap up of this story, but was a prologue for the next book in the series.

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each New Letter Becomes My Favorite!!

Victoria’s favorite kink is to be tied up. It allows her to get inside her own head, basically not “counting on” the Dom she is with. When she is paired with Master Cain, she is not sure how that will work – and their letter is “L”. Leather, and all the implements associated.

This gets perfectly into the lifestyle and the bond between Dom and sub. Vic doesn’t consider herself a true sub, but Cain has news for her. This is so moving and revealing it is exciting to read.

Absolutely brilliant – I loved reading about these two. We get a great glimpse at what is to come with M – can’t wait!!

**I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book**

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let's start with this cover. There has never been a more perfect cover with the H, ever!! He's giving me a hot flash, seriously. But on with the review. I love all of the BDSM Checklist books, butI have a new favorite. Cain and Victoria do not have the typical D/s relationship, in fact it's anything but. She's sassy, smart, not afraid of confrontation, and has verbally sparred with Cain over the last year. He usually goes for bratty, petite, subs, but has found his attraction to subs has changed, to Victoria. I loved their push and pull, their chemistry was intense, and the book was perfectly paced. I don't know how ou do it, Lila DuBois but each letter is steamier than the last. Fantastic read!!
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Rian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this series is like enjoying a bag of my favorite candies—I can't get enough! Each book is a a little treat, and when I finish I will pick the next one, and then the next. The writing is engaging and easy to read. Every time I pick up one of these books I lose track of time. The author does a great job balancing all the elements in her stories, making each book a joy to read.

This series has quickly become my favorite escape throughout this year, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun and enjoyable kinky read!

(small spoiler)
And in this case, I want to recommend this book to one of my friends. My motor riding friend, if you see this popping up on your page, it has a fun scene with a motor.

[Evita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story took us on quite an emotional ride. Victoria and Cain are paired up but she is hesitant since they’ve known each other for a while and have the best banter, insults abound and so does the laughter.

Cain on the other hand has had his eye on Victoria but he has his hands full, can he make her see what’s in his heart?

They began as friends and end up so much more, I loved their story. They both had their struggles and once they opened up to each other, they began to see the light. This is a couple that I want to continue to see their journey. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book....my mind is totally and completely blown! This entire series is an interesting concept, and each book gets just a bit more taboo....a little more crazy.... a lot more heated! This book takes the concept of the game just a bit farther, and really leaves us with the idea that sometimes, what you think you want, really isn't what you really need!

Victoria thinks she has it all figured out. She is a strong woman, outside the club. Inside the club, she knows what she wants, and how to get it. But the game brings about surprises, and pushes her in directions she hasn't ever been in before, pushing her past her known limits, making her rethink everything. Making her want things she had never thought she would ever even consider.....

This book is absolutely crazy! Smoking hot, emotional, and full of surprises. I never knew what was coming next, and both main characters went through some very tough emotional revelations. This book had me guessing, right from the beginning, and even at the end, the author left me with a hint of what is coming in the next story. I can't wait! I'm sure it will be just as amazing as this one!

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

The books in this series just keep getting better and better! L is for… well, it is for lying, to yourself, lazy, in your expectations, and lust, and feeling it in unexpected ways. Cain and Vic have been sparring partners and enjoy that dynamic. Once paired, the emotions Vic had buried come forward, and the results are not what Cain expected. These two kept me guessing on where things were going, but then again, they kept each other guessing. It took a roundabout way, it didn’t really take any detours, but it was definitely an unexpected route, to get these two across their finish line!

[Judi · Rating 5 out of 5]

L is for...liberating

In this installment of what may be one of the most thought provoking BDSM series I’ve ever read, we get a tale of introspection. And also a demonstration of a book not defined by its cover. Frenemies Cain and Victoria love to verbally spar. But when the checklist game pairs him as her Dom she has to adjust her impression of him and of herself. This is one of those stories where it is invaluable to have both POVs because we are privy to the little things that tell us so much. Yes, this book has a lot of erotic content, but between the lines there is so much more.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pushing boundaries is all well and good when you are comfortable with your partner. But when a new game appears to "shake everyone up" frenemies Cain and Victoria are matched and given the letter "L" to explore. Will Vic's sassy and snappy comebacks take a back seat to his dominance? Will she show her needier side and have it be taken care of? And OMG!!! The scene with the motorcycle is HOT HOT HOT!

[Lissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

And again… just WOW!!! I find myself reading every BDSM Checklist story a bit more slowly than usual in order to not miss any of the delicious details! There are always so many emotions, and so many descriptive details that make every story a VERY SENSUAL EXPERIENCE! Absolutely loved Victoria and Cain’s story! The epiphany in Chapter 12 really did hit home for me. I suspect it would for many of us. A MUST READ!!! The experience will leave you absolutely breathless!!!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Dubois' checklist series is a HUGE GUILTY PLEASURE for me! I love every single one I've read. I enjoyed L, especially as it is the first letter of my name!

I enjoyed both Cain and Victoria. Loved the banter! Loved that Cain wanted Victoria. The question is, will they last for more than their play weekend? I wanted them to!

I received an advanced reader copy, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy this series a lot. My only complaint, if that is what you want to call it, is that the stories end a little too soon for my liking! In L is for..., Cain and Victoria have genuine chemistry as they explore the letter L. Their story is hot and erotic and I would have loved just a little bit more of it. This book is a great addition to the series.

I am voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a way to use the letter L, left a lot of room for creativity for sure. The fact that he was able to set this up with Leo caught me off guard as he comes off very strict rule book kind of guy. Love the seat BTW, country drives are going to be fun, funny if it actually went to market like this. What's going to happen with the new club and why did he get the uneasy vibe from that guy (sorry don't remember his name).

Love the concept of the game.

[NanaX8 · Rating 5 out of 5]

An entertaining read of L is for...has Cain bringing out the serious "LIKE" button in his journey of leather and lust but can he get Victoria to admit she likes him as well and wants to continue their journey or does the secret he's keeping call things to a halt. Loved it!! I volunteered an honest opinion for this book ❤❤❤.

[Catherine Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Cain & Victoria is a hot, crazy ride (literally). I will not look at a motorcycle quite the same way again. Lol. It was nice to read a story with a more "normal" sized woman as the leading lady. There isn't a novel in this series that does not touch you. Of course, the hot, creative, BDSM sex, doesn't hurt either.

[lovestoread · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vic is paired with Cain ... an odd pairing and one that is incredibly eye opening!

Vic faces some truths over the coming weekends and Cain unravels and tells her the truth.

Page turner and unable to set it down once I started reading! Lila has a way with words and pulls you in and takes you away with her stories.