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Taming Her
When they were still in college, Ava Sontag ran away from her feelings for Griffin Dix. It was the biggest mistake of her life, and she thought she would never see him again. Until today...Today he put her in handcuffs.He's a police officer now and she's under arrest, but he's not bringing her back to the station.After watching Ava put herself at risk with self-destructive behavior twice in one day, Griffin has decided that drastic action is warranted. She is coming home with him whether she likes it or not, and once there she will be taken in hand and given the stern correction she clearly needs.But Griffin is planning to do much more than just bare Ava's bottom and spank her soundly. She is going to find out just how much desperately intense pleasure a dominant man can wring from her naked, helplessly bound body, and when he is done with her she will be well and truly tamed.Publisher's Taming Her includes spankings and sexual scenes. If such material offends you, please don't buy this book.
237 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 12, 2021
118 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Lily Harlem
251 books688 followersMeet your next sexy as f*ck book boyfriend!
You'll love my Alpha male heroes and the women who (try to) tame them, so dive into my vast selection of steamy romances and be prepared to stay up late into the night being seduced by kinky dukes, hot hockey players, masterful Vikings and badass bikers. (To name a few!)
And to get you started, and my way of saying 'welcome to my world', grab a FREE ebook of your choice from my website www.lilyharlem.com
You'll love my Alpha male heroes and the women who (try to) tame them, so dive into my vast selection of steamy romances and be prepared to stay up late into the night being seduced by kinky dukes, hot hockey players, masterful Vikings and badass bikers. (To name a few!)
And to get you started, and my way of saying 'welcome to my world', grab a FREE ebook of your choice from my website www.lilyharlem.com
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 22, 2021
This is a second-chance cabin romance between wild child Ava and holier-than-thou cop Griff. Years after a brief college affair, they've now run into each other again. Shocked at her party-hearty habits, Griff kidnaps her and keeps her locked in his house until she does everything he tells her to without question straightens out her life. And that's pretty much it.
I strongly disliked this book, but because what bothered me may not bother you, let me first say that if you're looking for fairly mild, well-described kink/discipline scenes between two characters who exhibit some growth, you may enjoy this. Despite the many, many, many problems I had with Griff, he does care about Ava, wants her to be happy, and supports her dreams. And the sex, at least, is consensual (Griff crosses every other line, but I guess even he's not willing to somehow twist rape into "I'm doing this for your own good").
My problem is that given that it's set in our contemporary Western world, I couldn't summon up enough suspension of disbelief to believe any of what happens here -- and, as a reader, once my eyes start rolling and can't stop, then I lose all investment in the couple.
Here are three examples of what we're supposed to buy:
1) That this is consensual: Griff (and, by extension, the author) keeps telling us that Ava has agreed to his treatment of her, but, uhm, actually, no, she didn't. He kidnapped her; took her purse and her phone; beat her when she tried to escape; and tied her to the bed. Now, I don't know about you, but this doesn't say "consensual" to me.
2) That Griff's illegal actions will have no consequences: The author pays lip service to the fact that in reality Griff would not only be out of a job, but also in prison for what he does to Ava, but, apparently, we're just supposed to buy that it crosses both their minds for one fleeting second and then...nothing.
3) That Griff is a good, responsible, experienced dom: Hmm, let's see now. He doesn't get Ava's consent for well, anything (I laughed when he said that he wasn't beating her, when, as a policeman, he should know that the definition of beating is hitting someone without their consent). He doesn't discuss limits or safewords. He doesn't allow her to ask questions, even though she's a complete kink newbie. And he leaves her alone in the house tied to a bed with no way to get out should, say, the house catch on fire. Since all of these are like BDSM 101, I think it's safe to say that Griff is a pretty poor excuse for a dom.
I couldn't stand Griff: when Ava says that he's "judgmental, bombastic, superior attitude," she's absolutely right. Ava is more likable (at least she comes across as more human and less cold), but she gives into everything Griff does with little pushback, so much so that there's very little conflict in this book.
But my real problems are two-fold. One, this book is extremely ableist and preaches that you can beat addictions out of someone and that they can detox with no side effects in a matter of days. Wow, if only the approximately 35 million people in the world with addictions just did that, wouldn't everything just be peachy-keen? Finally, whenever a man tells a woman that you "set yourself up for sexual assault” -- well, I'm pretty much out.
2 stars. I've liked some of this author's other books better. Given all that I say above and the fact that certain lines of action are raised, but neither revisited nor resolved (drugs, her father), I strongly encourage Ms. Harlem to invest in an editor or Beta reader. Someone who, at the very least, might have said something along the lines of "You know, statistically, at least some of your readers have been victims of sexual assault, so maybe don't imply that they could have avoided the worst experience of their life if they just hadn't been drunk, high, or dressed provocatively?" Or you can just suspend disbelief...
I strongly disliked this book, but because what bothered me may not bother you, let me first say that if you're looking for fairly mild, well-described kink/discipline scenes between two characters who exhibit some growth, you may enjoy this. Despite the many, many, many problems I had with Griff, he does care about Ava, wants her to be happy, and supports her dreams. And the sex, at least, is consensual (Griff crosses every other line, but I guess even he's not willing to somehow twist rape into "I'm doing this for your own good").
My problem is that given that it's set in our contemporary Western world, I couldn't summon up enough suspension of disbelief to believe any of what happens here -- and, as a reader, once my eyes start rolling and can't stop, then I lose all investment in the couple.
Here are three examples of what we're supposed to buy:
1) That this is consensual: Griff (and, by extension, the author) keeps telling us that Ava has agreed to his treatment of her, but, uhm, actually, no, she didn't. He kidnapped her; took her purse and her phone; beat her when she tried to escape; and tied her to the bed. Now, I don't know about you, but this doesn't say "consensual" to me.
2) That Griff's illegal actions will have no consequences: The author pays lip service to the fact that in reality Griff would not only be out of a job, but also in prison for what he does to Ava, but, apparently, we're just supposed to buy that it crosses both their minds for one fleeting second and then...nothing.
3) That Griff is a good, responsible, experienced dom: Hmm, let's see now. He doesn't get Ava's consent for well, anything (I laughed when he said that he wasn't beating her, when, as a policeman, he should know that the definition of beating is hitting someone without their consent). He doesn't discuss limits or safewords. He doesn't allow her to ask questions, even though she's a complete kink newbie. And he leaves her alone in the house tied to a bed with no way to get out should, say, the house catch on fire. Since all of these are like BDSM 101, I think it's safe to say that Griff is a pretty poor excuse for a dom.
I couldn't stand Griff: when Ava says that he's "judgmental, bombastic, superior attitude," she's absolutely right. Ava is more likable (at least she comes across as more human and less cold), but she gives into everything Griff does with little pushback, so much so that there's very little conflict in this book.
But my real problems are two-fold. One, this book is extremely ableist and preaches that you can beat addictions out of someone and that they can detox with no side effects in a matter of days. Wow, if only the approximately 35 million people in the world with addictions just did that, wouldn't everything just be peachy-keen? Finally, whenever a man tells a woman that you "set yourself up for sexual assault” -- well, I'm pretty much out.
2 stars. I've liked some of this author's other books better. Given all that I say above and the fact that certain lines of action are raised, but neither revisited nor resolved (drugs, her father), I strongly encourage Ms. Harlem to invest in an editor or Beta reader. Someone who, at the very least, might have said something along the lines of "You know, statistically, at least some of your readers have been victims of sexual assault, so maybe don't imply that they could have avoided the worst experience of their life if they just hadn't been drunk, high, or dressed provocatively?" Or you can just suspend disbelief...
March 21, 2021
Ava is a woman without any direction. She was an abused child, in that she had no one to care about her. Her father just tossed money in her direction. So Ava grew up without a job, just being a party animal. Her friends enable her by encouraging her to drink and party. Griff loved Ava when she was in college, and to be honest, still loves her. When he meets her again in his role as a police officer he is sad to see that she is still alone. He decides that he is going to make her 'better'. I agree that Ava needed this, but I disagree with him kidnapping her. And leaving her handcuffed while he goes somewhere for an hour is definitely not the right thing to do. In the long run, they have their HEA, but this is not one of my favorites that the author has written.
I received an advance copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
I received an advance copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
March 18, 2021
Even if the DD kink is not your thing, Taming Her is still a good story. Ava is provided with material things from her Dad instead of the attention and love that she needs. In order to get attention, she has become the ultimate party girl, out every night drinking and abusing drugs. She walked away from Griff in the past and this time he is not letting her go. He is able to help her find her way to happiness albeit in a way different from the norm.
I liked the book, but the author went too far in violating a basic rule of "safe" in safe , sane and consensual. Never leave a person in a vulnerable position without supervision. This was a major "no" for me.
I liked the book, but the author went too far in violating a basic rule of "safe" in safe , sane and consensual. Never leave a person in a vulnerable position without supervision. This was a major "no" for me.
March 19, 2021
In college Ava ran away from her feelings for Griffin and the next time she sees him he is putting her in handcuffs. Griffin is a cop and after he sees Ava’s wild behavior, he plans to take her home and teach her some discipline, even if that means taking her over his knee. Fast-paced read with steamy chemistry and an entertaining story. I liked it.
March 21, 2021
Ava is a spoiled brat who cares about nothing but drinking, partying, some drug abuse with no direction or responsibility in her life. Griff is self confident, dominate, and decides that he's going to take Ava in hand and keep her from self destruction. He is a cop and still loves Ava even though they haven't seen each other since college. He arrests her but instead of taking her to jail he takes her home and begins shaping her up. For every misbehaviour there is a correction and getting your bottom spank can remind you of what you did wrong. Griff was always caring, tender and fair plus with the right control and domination will he be able to save Ava from herself? Very sexy and steamy. Really liked this story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 21, 2021
Griff is a cop and a Dom. He has a good life, but when he sees his college girlfriend acting wild and crazy in the club one night, he realizes that he's never gotten over her leaving him with a broken heart. He's worried about her and realizes it's up to him to save her. He basically kidnaps her, but what a way to be kidnapped. Ava is suddenly awakened from her world of partying to having to tow the line with a man who's strong enough to keep her in check and redden her bottom frequently. Question is can she stay on the straight and narrow even for a good man like Griff?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 22, 2021
I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. Griff and Ava have a history together. They had dated back in college. Things have sure changed since then. Ava is in a self destruct mode now a days. When Griff sees her and the shape she is in, he knows that he has to do something to save the woman he has loved for a while. He proceeds to do what it takes including spankings. This might make her realize just how important she is. He has her best interest at heart but still has some steamy times
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 20, 2021
Defiance Tamed
Ava is an aimless party girl, and Griff is a cop and a former flame. When he rescues her from walking into traffic, he realizes she needs an intervention. My favourite part of this story was Ava transformation from party girl to prospering woman. The representation of her as self-destructive felt very realistic, and it’s so inspiring how her life gets turned around, due both to her decisions and Griff’s firm hand. Of course, the scenes with that firm hand are super spicy as well!
Ava is an aimless party girl, and Griff is a cop and a former flame. When he rescues her from walking into traffic, he realizes she needs an intervention. My favourite part of this story was Ava transformation from party girl to prospering woman. The representation of her as self-destructive felt very realistic, and it’s so inspiring how her life gets turned around, due both to her decisions and Griff’s firm hand. Of course, the scenes with that firm hand are super spicy as well!
April 14, 2021
Ava’s been lost for a while as she goes from one party to the next. Griffin’s never forgotten Ava and after rescuing her twice, he knows the only way to truly save her is under his firm hand. Ava can’t believe when Griffin takes over her life, but the more time they spend together Ava finally feels like she can breathe as with Griffin’s help she finally finds a purpose. With Griffin vacation time coming to an end, will Ava stay or will he lose the woman who has always had his heart?
I received an ARC of this book via Book Sprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC of this book via Book Sprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 2, 2021
This is Ava and Griff's second chance at love
She's a hard partying woman that doesn't care about anything or anybody she can't remember the last time she had a normal thought or did anything when she wasn't drunk and high on drugs, he's a Policeman and former lover. I would recommend this book for mature readers only (lots of sexual situations) that enjoy stories that are funny, steaming hot, and romantic.
She's a hard partying woman that doesn't care about anything or anybody she can't remember the last time she had a normal thought or did anything when she wasn't drunk and high on drugs, he's a Policeman and former lover. I would recommend this book for mature readers only (lots of sexual situations) that enjoy stories that are funny, steaming hot, and romantic.
March 14, 2021
Ava’s lifestyle isn’t doing her any favours. She’s out of control and her ex, Griff is making it his mission to change that. Through love and dominance, Ava’s life is turned around in this beautiful second chance love story by Lily Harlem. It’s hot and sexy with lots of spanking. You won’t want to miss it!
March 18, 2021
An enjoyable BDSM book with good story building . I liked the characters. There is a lot of care regarding details and background stories for them. The love scenes are beautifully written . All in all , a good read
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 24, 2021
Ava left Griff and he became a police officer and she just was party girl.
He kidnaps her to give her chance to get Alcohol out of system and find a goal.
Must read this book to see her challenges.
Pam B.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
He kidnaps her to give her chance to get Alcohol out of system and find a goal.
Must read this book to see her challenges.
Pam B.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2021
This story was pretty sweet, and I enjoyed the couple after some time. For me her bratty behavior was too much to stomach and really irritated me. But I'm glad she grew out of that.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 3, 2021
I enjoyed Griffin & Ava's book. It was an intriguing read. And a new author for me. I received a free copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
October 19, 2021
Good read
Really good 👍 story Relaxing intriguing and suspenseful Could not put it down Looking forward to the next story Thank you
Really good 👍 story Relaxing intriguing and suspenseful Could not put it down Looking forward to the next story Thank you
February 18, 2025
Great story, as usual from this author. Griff's seemingly harsh behavior is balanced by his loving concern. I was rooting for this couple to succeed.
September 18, 2025
DNF at 33% once the nipple clamps came out—
Ouchhh 😟
Ouchhh 😟
October 14, 2025
Actual rating: 4.5 stars.
Taming Her is a delicious brand of naughtiness, spanking, and sexiness. It's Lily Harlem at her finest with a beautiful blend of kink and romance filled with love and emotion.
I wasn't sure how I would enjoy this book knowing what this particular publisher likes in the books they publish, but I love Ms Harlem as a writer and she's one of my favorite erotic romance authors since her books tend to be an amazing amalgamation of sexiness and heart. I was worried going in but I shouldn't have. Ms Harlem once again did not disappoint.
Ava is a brat. She's spoiled, directionless, and irresponsible, and on a one way path to self-destruction between the drinking, partying, and occasional drug use. She has a tendency to push boundaries and test limits. It's a good thing Griff was there to take her in hand and provide the control and discipline she didn't know she needed in her life. I was anxious reading about Ava for the better part of the book, waiting for her to bolt, waiting for her to act up which she did a couple of times. Fortunately, Griff is dominant enough and swift to take corrective action where she's concerned. I liked her a lot more when she started to settle into the new her and to realise that her life was better off with rules and discipline. Rules and discipline that she needed.
I love Griff. He's so dominant and sure of himself. His self-confidence and knowing that he was what Ava needed was heady. He's a healthy dose of tough love that Ava desperately needed after never having had any guidance or leadership in her life. Griff is so take charge and dominating and it's sexy as heck. I love how he set the rules, dispensed of punishments and rewards as he saw fit, and he was always tender, caring, and fair. Ava's well being was always at the forefront of his mind even when he was punishing her. And knowing Ava, she will always need a strong hand in her life.
I'm so glad I took a chance on this book. I enjoyed seeing the marked changes in Ava, in her life, and in her outlook and behaviour. I also enjoyed Griff's dominance, determination, and caring. What a wonderful read!
Taming Her is a delicious brand of naughtiness, spanking, and sexiness. It's Lily Harlem at her finest with a beautiful blend of kink and romance filled with love and emotion.
I wasn't sure how I would enjoy this book knowing what this particular publisher likes in the books they publish, but I love Ms Harlem as a writer and she's one of my favorite erotic romance authors since her books tend to be an amazing amalgamation of sexiness and heart. I was worried going in but I shouldn't have. Ms Harlem once again did not disappoint.
Ava is a brat. She's spoiled, directionless, and irresponsible, and on a one way path to self-destruction between the drinking, partying, and occasional drug use. She has a tendency to push boundaries and test limits. It's a good thing Griff was there to take her in hand and provide the control and discipline she didn't know she needed in her life. I was anxious reading about Ava for the better part of the book, waiting for her to bolt, waiting for her to act up which she did a couple of times. Fortunately, Griff is dominant enough and swift to take corrective action where she's concerned. I liked her a lot more when she started to settle into the new her and to realise that her life was better off with rules and discipline. Rules and discipline that she needed.
I love Griff. He's so dominant and sure of himself. His self-confidence and knowing that he was what Ava needed was heady. He's a healthy dose of tough love that Ava desperately needed after never having had any guidance or leadership in her life. Griff is so take charge and dominating and it's sexy as heck. I love how he set the rules, dispensed of punishments and rewards as he saw fit, and he was always tender, caring, and fair. Ava's well being was always at the forefront of his mind even when he was punishing her. And knowing Ava, she will always need a strong hand in her life.
I'm so glad I took a chance on this book. I enjoyed seeing the marked changes in Ava, in her life, and in her outlook and behaviour. I also enjoyed Griff's dominance, determination, and caring. What a wonderful read!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews