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BDSM Checklist #15
O is for...
There’s a new game at LA’s most exclusive club, and everyone has to play.
Sarah is the submissive everyone forgets and long after the checklist “game” was announced she’s still waiting. Desperate to scene, she makes a dangerous decision.
Dev may be a white knight by day, but at night all his darker needs and desires come out to play. Sarah is puzzling, but his plans for her are simple if devious. When he puts her over his knee it’s play, not punishment…until he realizes she’s lying to him.
Forced to confess her sins, and reveal her deepest fears, Sarah expects Dev to walk away. But in the end her perfect white knight might be a man in black leather.
Sarah is the submissive everyone forgets and long after the checklist “game” was announced she’s still waiting. Desperate to scene, she makes a dangerous decision.
Dev may be a white knight by day, but at night all his darker needs and desires come out to play. Sarah is puzzling, but his plans for her are simple if devious. When he puts her over his knee it’s play, not punishment…until he realizes she’s lying to him.
Forced to confess her sins, and reveal her deepest fears, Sarah expects Dev to walk away. But in the end her perfect white knight might be a man in black leather.
171 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 21, 2022
40 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
About the author
L. DuBois
39 books294 followersSee 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
January 27, 2022
This series has been a lot of fun to read so far,so when O is for…..arrived,i couldn’t wait to read it.
Turns out,this one’s a mix of sad,sweet,and hard ‘n dirty.
Sad because Sarah is a neglected sub.
There hasn’t been one Dom that wanted to play with her,just her,for so long.
She’s been a “prop” at best,and left behind as soon as the Dom took the sub he was playing with to one of the rooms.
Changing her limits list hasn’t helped,changing her looks hasn’t helped,and now with this game,the Dom doesn’t even show,and doesn’t even let her know he can’t be bothered….
Sweet,because the Dom that she’s paired with may have been out of the country,and therefore late,is determined to make their letter a great experience.
Dev isn’t sure what kind of sub Sarah is,because she keeps giving mixed signals.
But he’s doing his damn best to give her what she seems to need.
Until he finds out she’s been lying…..and the reasons why.
He’s mad because he should’ve been able to trust her to be honest about her limits.
At the same time,he’s mad because apparently there hasn’t been anyone that gave her the attention she deserved.
Hard n dirty because he’s determined to correct the situation,starting with the punishment she clearly deserves for lying to him.
After that,he’s going to make sure she knows he’s claiming her.
And he does that in a way that she KNOWS she’s his!
At the same time,he’s asked the Doms that neglected her are going to give the attention she deserves.
All that within the letter they were given…..
It may have been a short story,but it packed a punch.
I liked how Dev reacted after he heard Sarah’s confession.
How he did his best to make her see her own worth.
I would’ve liked to see him “talk” to the overseers,though….
Turns out,this one’s a mix of sad,sweet,and hard ‘n dirty.
Sad because Sarah is a neglected sub.
There hasn’t been one Dom that wanted to play with her,just her,for so long.
She’s been a “prop” at best,and left behind as soon as the Dom took the sub he was playing with to one of the rooms.
Changing her limits list hasn’t helped,changing her looks hasn’t helped,and now with this game,the Dom doesn’t even show,and doesn’t even let her know he can’t be bothered….
Sweet,because the Dom that she’s paired with may have been out of the country,and therefore late,is determined to make their letter a great experience.
Dev isn’t sure what kind of sub Sarah is,because she keeps giving mixed signals.
But he’s doing his damn best to give her what she seems to need.
Until he finds out she’s been lying…..and the reasons why.
He’s mad because he should’ve been able to trust her to be honest about her limits.
At the same time,he’s mad because apparently there hasn’t been anyone that gave her the attention she deserved.
Hard n dirty because he’s determined to correct the situation,starting with the punishment she clearly deserves for lying to him.
After that,he’s going to make sure she knows he’s claiming her.
And he does that in a way that she KNOWS she’s his!
At the same time,he’s asked the Doms that neglected her are going to give the attention she deserves.
All that within the letter they were given…..
It may have been a short story,but it packed a punch.
I liked how Dev reacted after he heard Sarah’s confession.
How he did his best to make her see her own worth.
I would’ve liked to see him “talk” to the overseers,though….
April 21, 2022
The BDSM Series continues and this is Sarah and Dev's story. Talk about a mix of emotions, this book has them all. Sarah has been the neglected sub that everyone bypassed. When she's paired with Dev she is not truthful with him. No shortage of steam, drama or angst. They ended up being the right pairing. A good addition to the series. I read an advance reader copy via the author and voluntarily chose to review it.
January 24, 2022
Devin Rinaldo is the leader of a kidnapping, ransom and repatriation specialist. Rescuing people is his job. As a Dom he sheds his white knight persona to become a villain.
Sarah is a nuclear physicist, a civilian consultant with a lot of responsibilities. She's a submissive who's struggling with doubts and insecurities and feelings of being forgettable and ignorable. She has high hopes when the BDSM Checklist starts but when her assigned Dom doesn't show, it feeds all her gremlins.
Can I tell you how much I love Lila DuBois? She writes amazing BDSM love stories that not only steam up your pages but weaves in the importance of playing within the rules that keeps everyone as safe as they can be given the circumstances.
In 'O is for ...' Sarah is clearly struggling and within her internal struggles, she makes mistakes that not only put her at higher risk but also undermines the trust and open communication necessary in BDSM.
Master Dev may not get to play as often as he likes being out of the country on assignment but when he's at the Club he lets his villainous side out. Sarah intrigues him and when missteps happen, he's the Dom to correct his little sub and their letter O is the perfect fit as he puts her through over the knee spankings, orgasm control and denial.
By the end I was deeply immersed in their story when it ended. I needed and wanted more and I promptly sent Lila a message asking her how she could cut me off like that? Her response .... I wrote more! Since I received an advance copy, I won't find out what other goodies she's added until release but I know and trust that the addition is going to be great.
For more of my reviews follow my blog at https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/
If you prefer to listen to my reviews, you can find my reviews on Spotify here: https://anchor.fm/wyldheart-reads
Sarah is a nuclear physicist, a civilian consultant with a lot of responsibilities. She's a submissive who's struggling with doubts and insecurities and feelings of being forgettable and ignorable. She has high hopes when the BDSM Checklist starts but when her assigned Dom doesn't show, it feeds all her gremlins.
Can I tell you how much I love Lila DuBois? She writes amazing BDSM love stories that not only steam up your pages but weaves in the importance of playing within the rules that keeps everyone as safe as they can be given the circumstances.
In 'O is for ...' Sarah is clearly struggling and within her internal struggles, she makes mistakes that not only put her at higher risk but also undermines the trust and open communication necessary in BDSM.
Master Dev may not get to play as often as he likes being out of the country on assignment but when he's at the Club he lets his villainous side out. Sarah intrigues him and when missteps happen, he's the Dom to correct his little sub and their letter O is the perfect fit as he puts her through over the knee spankings, orgasm control and denial.
By the end I was deeply immersed in their story when it ended. I needed and wanted more and I promptly sent Lila a message asking her how she could cut me off like that? Her response .... I wrote more! Since I received an advance copy, I won't find out what other goodies she's added until release but I know and trust that the addition is going to be great.
For more of my reviews follow my blog at https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/
If you prefer to listen to my reviews, you can find my reviews on Spotify here: https://anchor.fm/wyldheart-reads
January 25, 2022
I just finished O is For…, and I loved it! I feel that this is a great addition to the series (even though these books always keep me stressed for some reason!)
Poor Sarah is struggling - she feels invisible and forgotten. I’m glad The Overseers matched her with the right Dom - one who took the time to really see her. I’m also glad that it was strongly suggested to Sarah that she find someone to talk with about her issues, because sometimes we all need a little help.
I liked Dev - he saw himself as a certain type of Dom, but being matched with Sarah brought out a side to himself he didn’t expect.
I found myself feeling a little heartbroken for Sarah when Dev was “investigating “ Sarah’s time at Las Palmas. A good Dom like Dev would feel the need to give his full attention to trying to understand Sarah, and I was happy with how his character handled the situation.
I did feel that not a lot of time was spent exploring the letter “O”, but it did not affect my enjoyment of the book.
I can’t wait for P is For…!
Poor Sarah is struggling - she feels invisible and forgotten. I’m glad The Overseers matched her with the right Dom - one who took the time to really see her. I’m also glad that it was strongly suggested to Sarah that she find someone to talk with about her issues, because sometimes we all need a little help.
I liked Dev - he saw himself as a certain type of Dom, but being matched with Sarah brought out a side to himself he didn’t expect.
I found myself feeling a little heartbroken for Sarah when Dev was “investigating “ Sarah’s time at Las Palmas. A good Dom like Dev would feel the need to give his full attention to trying to understand Sarah, and I was happy with how his character handled the situation.
I did feel that not a lot of time was spent exploring the letter “O”, but it did not affect my enjoyment of the book.
I can’t wait for P is For…!
January 23, 2022
Sarah just about broke my heart with the way she was treated at Las Palmas.
I would love to know how the overseers did not notice what was happening and to totally overlook her when they knew the Dom assigned to her was unavailable. I understood Sarah's need to submit but her lack of communication with the Doms at Las Palmas was almost as inexcusable as their treatment of her.
I really loved when Dev came to her rescue when he finally noticed something was wrong. Dev actually getting to the root of Sarah's problem, eraned him some bonus points in my opinion. \
I would have loved to see more of this story but it ends abruptly with not much of a wrap up.
I would love to know how the overseers did not notice what was happening and to totally overlook her when they knew the Dom assigned to her was unavailable. I understood Sarah's need to submit but her lack of communication with the Doms at Las Palmas was almost as inexcusable as their treatment of her.
I really loved when Dev came to her rescue when he finally noticed something was wrong. Dev actually getting to the root of Sarah's problem, eraned him some bonus points in my opinion. \
I would have loved to see more of this story but it ends abruptly with not much of a wrap up.
January 29, 2022
O is for...had a bit of a different vibe to it. Not a bad one, just different. It's easily a one sitting read. I found that I wanted to get to get to know both Dev and Sarah in more depth. Imagine having so little self esteem or confidence that you are utterly forgettable so you try everything imaginable to become something "more/better/different." Dev sees Sarah but her submissive persona has him second guessing his instincts. Breaking her down is the only way to build her up.
January 26, 2022
This is the fifteenth 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 paired for kink scenes that begin with the letter the club assigns them. Because each novella features different characters, relationship dynamics, and kinks, some will appeal more to individual readers based on personal preference than others. Here "O" means orgasms (or lack of them), otk spanking, and...outdoors? And the MC's conflict is Sarah's lack of self-confidence and inability to articulate her needs -- the latter leads both of them into a potentially dangerous scene...
I found this difficult to rate and not for the first time wished that GR offered half stars. Let me begin with what I liked. The characters were likable; the prose flowed and was reasonably well-edited; and the kink scenes well-described. I appreciate that the author provides trigger warnings in such a way that those who want to can read them, while those who don't can ignore them. Finally, I thought Ms. DuBois did a good job of presenting Sarah's insecurity. I note that some reviewers didn't understand it, but one sign of low self-esteem is exactly that: you're never sure if your feelings are valid or if you're projecting -- and there's nothing that undermines self-confidence more than not being able to trust your own opinions, assessments, and choices. Note: .
My problems were that the author offers us too much information in some areas and not enough in others -- leaving Sarah's character nearly incoherent and a lot of questions I had unanswered. For example, since this book was really about Sarah's growth, the pages devoted to Dev's "ops" were not only out of place in an otherwise realistic book, but also didn't allow any space to address why Sarah had so much self-doubt, which clearly went beyond BDSM. In truth, it was difficult to get a handle on her and seeing her in a setting outside the club might have helped (I didn't really see the "goofiness" she was supposed to have, for instance, so didn't understand why Dev was attracted to her). In addition, the club owners never .
3 1/2 stars. I do recommend this, despite my caveats. It looks like "P" will be either a second-chance romance and/or enemies-to-lovers. Based on the teaser, I devoutly hope the author isn't going to blame the MFC for whatever transpired between them: I hate when authors vilify the woman and let the man off scot-free.
I found this difficult to rate and not for the first time wished that GR offered half stars. Let me begin with what I liked. The characters were likable; the prose flowed and was reasonably well-edited; and the kink scenes well-described. I appreciate that the author provides trigger warnings in such a way that those who want to can read them, while those who don't can ignore them. Finally, I thought Ms. DuBois did a good job of presenting Sarah's insecurity. I note that some reviewers didn't understand it, but one sign of low self-esteem is exactly that: you're never sure if your feelings are valid or if you're projecting -- and there's nothing that undermines self-confidence more than not being able to trust your own opinions, assessments, and choices. Note: .
My problems were that the author offers us too much information in some areas and not enough in others -- leaving Sarah's character nearly incoherent and a lot of questions I had unanswered. For example, since this book was really about Sarah's growth, the pages devoted to Dev's "ops" were not only out of place in an otherwise realistic book, but also didn't allow any space to address why Sarah had so much self-doubt, which clearly went beyond BDSM. In truth, it was difficult to get a handle on her and seeing her in a setting outside the club might have helped (I didn't really see the "goofiness" she was supposed to have, for instance, so didn't understand why Dev was attracted to her). In addition, the club owners never .
3 1/2 stars. I do recommend this, despite my caveats. It looks like "P" will be either a second-chance romance and/or enemies-to-lovers. Based on the teaser, I devoutly hope the author isn't going to blame the MFC for whatever transpired between them: I hate when authors vilify the woman and let the man off scot-free.
July 14, 2022
This book. This. Book.
This is the first of the series that I am reading, and also a first from this Author. I am looking forward to reading more!
Sarah as a MC is relatable, sweet, forgiving. She is anything but forgettable.
This book made me really reflect on how a woman's words are not always taken at face value. She said she was being ignored and I felt like even as a reader it was assumed "Maybe she was just misunderstood, maybe she just didn't express herself...." And the blame was put on her. When the other sides of the story dropped, I was shocked. Reeling at the fact that even I as a women, had not believed another woman.
I'm not sure if that was intentional, but I am so thankful the Author gave me this to reflect on.
Dev is everything, kind, attentive, and sexy as hell! Everyone should have a Dev around, a person who wants to get to know you and wants to meet your needs.
The theme of open and honest communication with your partner, Gold.
Easy 4 stars.
🔥🔥🔥🔥- I give this a 4 flame on my heat scale. The message was so important and I appreciated that it was done, even if it took away from some of the "spice" to dive into more serious topics. Kinky, well written intimacy that make your toes curle a little. Two partners who have a great connection, and once they have that communication down it heats up even more.
This is the first of the series that I am reading, and also a first from this Author. I am looking forward to reading more!
Sarah as a MC is relatable, sweet, forgiving. She is anything but forgettable.
This book made me really reflect on how a woman's words are not always taken at face value. She said she was being ignored and I felt like even as a reader it was assumed "Maybe she was just misunderstood, maybe she just didn't express herself...." And the blame was put on her. When the other sides of the story dropped, I was shocked. Reeling at the fact that even I as a women, had not believed another woman.
I'm not sure if that was intentional, but I am so thankful the Author gave me this to reflect on.
Dev is everything, kind, attentive, and sexy as hell! Everyone should have a Dev around, a person who wants to get to know you and wants to meet your needs.
The theme of open and honest communication with your partner, Gold.
Easy 4 stars.
🔥🔥🔥🔥- I give this a 4 flame on my heat scale. The message was so important and I appreciated that it was done, even if it took away from some of the "spice" to dive into more serious topics. Kinky, well written intimacy that make your toes curle a little. Two partners who have a great connection, and once they have that communication down it heats up even more.
January 22, 2022
Sometimes you finish a book and you aren’t sure what you think about it, so you sleep on it, and when you wake up you realize you haven’t stopped thinking about it, so really what was the issue? In this case, none, because I already knew I connected with and loved the characters. That is the wonderful thing about this series, all the characters are so different, but you immediately see things from their POV, and you can’t help but like them. Sarah had me aching for her, and then when she explained to Dev, and then the follow up, I was in tears for her. Dev was everything Sarah needed and all that even she didn’t realize she wanted. It took these two a bit to get to their letter, but it was such an exploratory time, it all made sense. The letter, the BDSM, that was secondary to the connections they were making. So, after sleeping on it, I realized I loved this book and my only complaint is that it just ended and I wanted so much more from these two!!!
January 24, 2022
it was a good story, but…
I enjoyed the story. It wasn’t as tight of a story as the others. Also, when given the the letter O I am expecting a lot of 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥. Sadly this book disappoints on that.
Also, the inventive kinks seem to be really waning.
I loved watching the sub come to her truths. I think there is an unreasonable expectation that anyone could be completely honest when first meeting someone new about their long held beliefs about themselves. Trust no matter how BDSM tries to skirt it, takes time. It is earned over time. I find punishment early in the dynamic for lack of trust and complete honesty to be over the top. No one is even that honest with themselves much of the time.
Also, safe words are important, but frankly almost no sub ever uses them. They should, but it rarely happens.
I enjoyed the story. It wasn’t as tight of a story as the others. Also, when given the the letter O I am expecting a lot of 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥. Sadly this book disappoints on that.
Also, the inventive kinks seem to be really waning.
I loved watching the sub come to her truths. I think there is an unreasonable expectation that anyone could be completely honest when first meeting someone new about their long held beliefs about themselves. Trust no matter how BDSM tries to skirt it, takes time. It is earned over time. I find punishment early in the dynamic for lack of trust and complete honesty to be over the top. No one is even that honest with themselves much of the time.
Also, safe words are important, but frankly almost no sub ever uses them. They should, but it rarely happens.
January 27, 2022
Love this series. For anyone who is in or is just curious about BDSM, this is the perfect series. This one is a little different than some of the others in the series as the emphasis isn't necessarily on the letter O. It is about how necessary communication is in BDSM.
Sarah believes she is easily forgettable and ignored. While not written, I can't help believing this comes from past experiences probably from her childhood, but who knows.
She needs and craves submission, but fails to communicate what she truly needs, and attempts to change herself to become what someone will want. Ultimately ending up with her getting the complete opposite.
The game changes everything by giving her a Dom who is willing to ask the right questions and look deeper.
O is for ... has quickly become my favorite of this series. We all need to learn to communicate and don't change yourself for anybody else. Express and communicate what you need, then go after it!
Sarah believes she is easily forgettable and ignored. While not written, I can't help believing this comes from past experiences probably from her childhood, but who knows.
She needs and craves submission, but fails to communicate what she truly needs, and attempts to change herself to become what someone will want. Ultimately ending up with her getting the complete opposite.
The game changes everything by giving her a Dom who is willing to ask the right questions and look deeper.
O is for ... has quickly become my favorite of this series. We all need to learn to communicate and don't change yourself for anybody else. Express and communicate what you need, then go after it!
January 25, 2022
O is for... by L. Dubois is the next book in the Checklist series and it is a read that will open your eyes to a different side of this lifestyle. Sarah and Dev are two characters that think they know what is best for themselves, until they are given the letter game to play. Sarah is a character that you feel for because of her insecurities that will draw out her emotions as well as Dev's feelings about Sarah. Because of the emotional nature of their relationship, this book, to me, is more about their relational connection versus the actual item checklist. Don't get me wrong, there is definitely the heat and sexy times with the letter 'O' even though it is a short list, but these two have more to learn and deal with than just the list of letter items. I am enjoying reading this series and the different couples and how they approach their checklist item.
January 26, 2022
L Dubois takes readers on another self-discovery ride with this next installment of the Checklist series. Sarah is a submissive with many insecurities which holds her back from asking for what she truly needs. Devin believes he has two sides of his life that cannot be merged - savior and villain. Sarah and Devin are paired in the games with the letter O. Sarah is kept waiting which feeds her negative thoughts of self-worth. When Devin finally appears, the two quickly realize the importance of communication and truthfulness. As the two embark on the letter O list, Sarah begins to see that she is worthy of a caring Dom. Devin becomes aware that he is capable of being both savior and villain to give Sarah what she needs as his submissive. O is for may be a short read but packs a heavy punch of self-discovery and emphasizes on being true to one's self.
January 25, 2022
I am just loving this series! The characters are incredible and some peek in every once in a while as we progress through the alphabet :)
The one thing I keep hearing is communication is key in the BDSM world. Well, this is definitely the case for O...Sarah has not been at all forthcoming in her journey at Las Palmas. When the game begins and she is left waiting, her insecurities grow and grow. Dev is the Dom assigned to Sarah, and he's away with work when the game begins.
Lovely read about talking and listening! The things you learn when you do. Dev is perfect for Sarah, and when Sarah opens up, realizes she feels more for Dev than any other Dom to date.
The one thing I keep hearing is communication is key in the BDSM world. Well, this is definitely the case for O...Sarah has not been at all forthcoming in her journey at Las Palmas. When the game begins and she is left waiting, her insecurities grow and grow. Dev is the Dom assigned to Sarah, and he's away with work when the game begins.
Lovely read about talking and listening! The things you learn when you do. Dev is perfect for Sarah, and when Sarah opens up, realizes she feels more for Dev than any other Dom to date.
January 22, 2022
Great storyline. Sarah is a highly intelligent woman who has major self esteem issues. She is a member of the exclusive bdsm club but has had no partner for months, despite changing her preferences, even to those she really didn’t want to try. The club has enforced a game for all members, a letter of the alphabet is given and a new Dom. Sarah sits alone waiting for a Dom , who doesn’t turn up. He is busy rescuing hostages and assumes Sarah knows he can’t make the first meeting. Their first time together does not go well, reinforcing Sarah’s fear of being unlovable and Dev struggles to see the real Sarah. She needs him to make her feel worthwhile and he needs her to bring light into his life- but will that happen?
January 25, 2022
Another brilliant installment of Lila DuBois' Alphabet series. Dev and Sarah's story centers around the foibles of humanity. Personal insecurities and trying to be what you think others would like you to be, as well as those same "others" only seeing what they want to see in you, or not bothering to get to know you at all. Dev comes in with the right balance of white knight and "villain". I'd like to be on his naughty list.
January 26, 2022
Every single time… I’m amazed!!! Lila Dubois makes excellent use of descriptive language; her stories are always such a sensual read! From my point of view, I could see myself in the female character, so much so that I was crying uncontrollably in the scene about half way through the story. I truly enjoyed the story! As always, it was Fabulous!! Loved it! Five Star Review!
January 28, 2022
Best one yet
This book ticks all the right boxes for me. I don't like BDSM just for the sake of BDSM, I like it when it's sexy but not over the top, when there are reasons for the choices that are made, when you as the reader can feel the chemistry and watch them "catch feelings", and this one does all of the above. I wasn't sure about Sarah at some parts of the story,but as her motivation s are revealed, she was very relatable.
This book ticks all the right boxes for me. I don't like BDSM just for the sake of BDSM, I like it when it's sexy but not over the top, when there are reasons for the choices that are made, when you as the reader can feel the chemistry and watch them "catch feelings", and this one does all of the above. I wasn't sure about Sarah at some parts of the story,but as her motivation s are revealed, she was very relatable.
January 22, 2022
Sarah and Dev have been partnered for the checklist game with the letter O. Sarah was a difficult character for me as she had low self esteem and she was constantly stating that she was easily ignored and forgettable. Dev is an hostage retrieval specialist who has a dark side. When paired together Sarah is not truthful about who she is and what she needs. This leads to a serious misunderstanding that put Sarah in harms way. When Dev finally sees and listens to Sarah he sees what all the others have missed. Overall, this was an engaging read. I felt the book abruptly ended and would have liked an epilogue about this couple. I cannot wait for the next installment in the series.
January 26, 2022
"O" is for Out Of This World!!
There is a trigger warning for this story for sure! Two strong people paired blindly in the game sets up a wild ride. This story is achingly harsh and sweet at the same time, and I can honestly say I had to stop reading several times to settle my emotions.
Yes, there is a happy ending, but the path to it is rough, very harsh.
There is a trigger warning for this story for sure! Two strong people paired blindly in the game sets up a wild ride. This story is achingly harsh and sweet at the same time, and I can honestly say I had to stop reading several times to settle my emotions.
Yes, there is a happy ending, but the path to it is rough, very harsh.
January 22, 2022
O is for…Opening up, even when it hurts
This short erotic tale seems so much larger than it’s page count. We’re taken into Devin’s everyday life and given a deep dive into his mindset. Sarah is a little more mysterious, though her POV does give us her thoughts we get her background piecemeal. The scening takes up the majority of the read and I felt like I was there watching this couple as they discover each other. An uplifting hopeful storyline makes this sexy read a one-click.
This short erotic tale seems so much larger than it’s page count. We’re taken into Devin’s everyday life and given a deep dive into his mindset. Sarah is a little more mysterious, though her POV does give us her thoughts we get her background piecemeal. The scening takes up the majority of the read and I felt like I was there watching this couple as they discover each other. An uplifting hopeful storyline makes this sexy read a one-click.
January 20, 2022
I pretty much read this in one sitting - the emotional ride that Dev and Sarah go on over the course of a few days is heartrending but also so beautifully worked through, I simply couldn't get enough.
L. Dubois once again manages to give me the feels and desperately want more as Dev learns he can be a dark knight and Sarah learns that she is, and can be seen. I have to admit, this made me fairly emotional reading Sarah's emotional and physical pain and it resonated, as I am sure it will with many others. I desperately want more from this story, this couple and felt bereft at the end but that's the nature of the Checklist Series and L. Dubois is a Master of the alphabet.
L. Dubois once again manages to give me the feels and desperately want more as Dev learns he can be a dark knight and Sarah learns that she is, and can be seen. I have to admit, this made me fairly emotional reading Sarah's emotional and physical pain and it resonated, as I am sure it will with many others. I desperately want more from this story, this couple and felt bereft at the end but that's the nature of the Checklist Series and L. Dubois is a Master of the alphabet.
January 22, 2022
L. DuBois takes her readers on an emotional journey in her newest BDMS romance book, O is for... This well written book has it all... a great storyline and interesting characters, heartache, lies, doubts, explicit scenes, insecurities, and a steady flow of steam.
I volunteered to review an advance reader copy of this book.
I volunteered to review an advance reader copy of this book.
January 20, 2022
O is o-mazing!!
Had to give a quick reread to end of N to find out what the overseers had in mind for O & it was a delight!
Dev and Sarah are perfect for each other! Eventually....once Sarah was no longer forgotten or ignored. Loved how Dev didn't just keep making assumptions & did a bit of investigating.
Can't want to see what we'll get with P is for...
Had to give a quick reread to end of N to find out what the overseers had in mind for O & it was a delight!
Dev and Sarah are perfect for each other! Eventually....once Sarah was no longer forgotten or ignored. Loved how Dev didn't just keep making assumptions & did a bit of investigating.
Can't want to see what we'll get with P is for...
October 31, 2022
The last checklist book was a really great story so I was expecting great things from this but, sadly, it just does not measure up.
Sarah is desperate for a Dom to play with but has massive confidence issues, believing she is invisible to Doms at the club who, for a year, have treated her as an accessory or furniture for their scenes with other subs. Dev, being away on a mission for weeks, doesn't help by leaving her hanging until he gets back.
There are huge communication issues between Sarah and Dev: Sarah misconstrues everything Dev says or does, whilst Dev is patient as they try to find their way together. Sadly, for me the story just did not ring true. It was hard to engage with the characters, particularly Sarah, on whom the story mainly focuses at the expense of Dev. Dev's opening scene is too brief to add anything worthwhile to the story and little is added as the story progresses. We are told, for example, that he cares about his team but that he isn't a hero, (or so he thinks) but this wasn't explored in any detail so we just have to take his word for it.
Sarah just comes across as whiny and pretty stupid: what intelligent & educated person, regardless of their insecurities, would spend a whole year at an expensive club where they are pretty much ignored. The reasons are briefly explained but not explored and it just doesn't wash: putting up with that treatment beyond a few months is just not credible. Dev's character was more likeable and it was easy to sympathise with his frustrations over Sarah's poor communication and lies. Sarah was less plausible, pathetic rather than sympathetic, lacking any real authenticity. I just wanted to shake her.
The book is too short to do justice to the story and nothing explains WHY Sarah & Dev feel the way they do about themselves. It is contrived and often superficial - Dev's 'investigation', for example, into the truth of Sarah's claims that she was invisible to club members, is cursory, implausible and lacks any depth, just like the rest of the story. Even the BDSM scenes fail to live up to their promise. With limited possibilities, other letters are adapted to fit "O" but the scenes do not work as erotic or sensual, despite being explicit. How can Dubois write such a great, emotionally charged story like "N" and then produce this bland, superficial, unengaging book? It really feels like the ideas for the series are running dry.
Despite all this, I did not hate the story. I liked the premise and did shed an occasional tear at Sarah's experience but lack of any real depth in the narrative meant it was short-lived. Sadly, despite the initial promise, the story failed to really engage me. Perhaps this series is really getting past its sell-by date.
Sarah is desperate for a Dom to play with but has massive confidence issues, believing she is invisible to Doms at the club who, for a year, have treated her as an accessory or furniture for their scenes with other subs. Dev, being away on a mission for weeks, doesn't help by leaving her hanging until he gets back.
There are huge communication issues between Sarah and Dev: Sarah misconstrues everything Dev says or does, whilst Dev is patient as they try to find their way together. Sadly, for me the story just did not ring true. It was hard to engage with the characters, particularly Sarah, on whom the story mainly focuses at the expense of Dev. Dev's opening scene is too brief to add anything worthwhile to the story and little is added as the story progresses. We are told, for example, that he cares about his team but that he isn't a hero, (or so he thinks) but this wasn't explored in any detail so we just have to take his word for it.
Sarah just comes across as whiny and pretty stupid: what intelligent & educated person, regardless of their insecurities, would spend a whole year at an expensive club where they are pretty much ignored. The reasons are briefly explained but not explored and it just doesn't wash: putting up with that treatment beyond a few months is just not credible. Dev's character was more likeable and it was easy to sympathise with his frustrations over Sarah's poor communication and lies. Sarah was less plausible, pathetic rather than sympathetic, lacking any real authenticity. I just wanted to shake her.
The book is too short to do justice to the story and nothing explains WHY Sarah & Dev feel the way they do about themselves. It is contrived and often superficial - Dev's 'investigation', for example, into the truth of Sarah's claims that she was invisible to club members, is cursory, implausible and lacks any depth, just like the rest of the story. Even the BDSM scenes fail to live up to their promise. With limited possibilities, other letters are adapted to fit "O" but the scenes do not work as erotic or sensual, despite being explicit. How can Dubois write such a great, emotionally charged story like "N" and then produce this bland, superficial, unengaging book? It really feels like the ideas for the series are running dry.
Despite all this, I did not hate the story. I liked the premise and did shed an occasional tear at Sarah's experience but lack of any real depth in the narrative meant it was short-lived. Sadly, despite the initial promise, the story failed to really engage me. Perhaps this series is really getting past its sell-by date.
December 7, 2024
Bad dom, bad sub, bad pairing.
I understood perfectly how the female lead felt up on that stage and was furious at how badly the aftermath was handled. She made it clear how humiliating it would have been having to safe word because her dom didn't care enough to be there checking in and providing emotional support during a a new and physically risky scene and it was just brushed over. And frankly the fact that the male lead wasn't right there doing those things when it was their first scene together and he barely knew her - so he did not have a handle on her needs and limits - was appalling. So what if he was in the shadows counting how many seconds she was in each position, he wasn't close enough to know she was crying until she started sobbing loudly, so he wasn't close enough to be monitoring her properly, let alone release her immediately if a breaking point was reached. Yes, she needed to be punished for not safe wording but he also needed to make amends... and he never did.
The female lead was a rather annoying character. She did everything she could not to draw attention to herself and then was resentful and all pity-party when no one gave her any attention. (And it really annoyed me that this was never addressed.)
The male lead's characterization was more of an outline than an actual person with particular needs, wants and desires. He was just generic whips and chains dom no. 47. (The first club scene even has him welding a whip for no reason.)
The relationship-building was poor. There was no emotional connection, no meeting of the minds, heck, there wasn't even any intimate meshing of needs. The female lead was primed to fall for anyone who saw and wanted her so anyone who gave her that attention would have served and the male lead wasn't fleshed out enough to understand why he was so into a woman he barely knew and hadn't been her true self for the majority of their interactions.
Moreover, it was never explained (1) why the overseers left the female lead in the dark regarding the male lead's circumstances for an entire week, (2) why, in the last year, when the overseers couldn't puzzle her out, they didn't bother to seek her out to solve the puzzle and steer her towards getting her needs met (3) and why the overseers, while not understanding her needs, paired her with the male lead.
Do not recommend.
I understood perfectly how the female lead felt up on that stage and was furious at how badly the aftermath was handled. She made it clear how humiliating it would have been having to safe word because her dom didn't care enough to be there checking in and providing emotional support during a a new and physically risky scene and it was just brushed over. And frankly the fact that the male lead wasn't right there doing those things when it was their first scene together and he barely knew her - so he did not have a handle on her needs and limits - was appalling. So what if he was in the shadows counting how many seconds she was in each position, he wasn't close enough to know she was crying until she started sobbing loudly, so he wasn't close enough to be monitoring her properly, let alone release her immediately if a breaking point was reached. Yes, she needed to be punished for not safe wording but he also needed to make amends... and he never did.
The female lead was a rather annoying character. She did everything she could not to draw attention to herself and then was resentful and all pity-party when no one gave her any attention. (And it really annoyed me that this was never addressed.)
The male lead's characterization was more of an outline than an actual person with particular needs, wants and desires. He was just generic whips and chains dom no. 47. (The first club scene even has him welding a whip for no reason.)
The relationship-building was poor. There was no emotional connection, no meeting of the minds, heck, there wasn't even any intimate meshing of needs. The female lead was primed to fall for anyone who saw and wanted her so anyone who gave her that attention would have served and the male lead wasn't fleshed out enough to understand why he was so into a woman he barely knew and hadn't been her true self for the majority of their interactions.
Moreover, it was never explained (1) why the overseers left the female lead in the dark regarding the male lead's circumstances for an entire week, (2) why, in the last year, when the overseers couldn't puzzle her out, they didn't bother to seek her out to solve the puzzle and steer her towards getting her needs met (3) and why the overseers, while not understanding her needs, paired her with the male lead.
Do not recommend.
January 31, 2022
O is for? Oh so naughty? Maybe . . .
This is a continuation of the Alphabet Game at a very exclusive BDSM club. And today's letter is O which has so many possibilities including orgasism denial or over the knee or on your knees and many more to choose from for a creative mind.
Sarah is at the Club when the Doms are handed their letters and who they are partnered with but she is not called that night nor the next. She keeps coming back to the Club every weekend hoping her mysterious Dom will call her but all she can do is watch others. Sarah already has a reputation at the Club and she has a slightly negative self image because she thinks she is easily forgotten and ignored. (Obviously something traumatic has happened to her in her past.)
Dev has an unusual occupation and because he is often out of communication, he is late in reading his messages. When he is finally able to get back to the Club, he needs to release some of his angst before meeting up with Sarah. Sarah is unaware of who the man is that is doing a whip demo in one of the courtyards. She has a mental image of him as a lumberjack and starts an innocent giggle. As she tries to leave hoping she wasn't heard, Dev calls out to her. And the Game begins.
One thing to remember about BDSM is that both Doms and subs need to be honest with each which is something Sarah has to learn. She has a bad habit of trying to be who she thinks the Dom she has paired with wants instead of being true to herself.
This is a fun read and like always good characters and a plot. But than it is Lila DuBois so why would it be anything else?
I did receive a copy of this novel from the author in advance in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
This is a continuation of the Alphabet Game at a very exclusive BDSM club. And today's letter is O which has so many possibilities including orgasism denial or over the knee or on your knees and many more to choose from for a creative mind.
Sarah is at the Club when the Doms are handed their letters and who they are partnered with but she is not called that night nor the next. She keeps coming back to the Club every weekend hoping her mysterious Dom will call her but all she can do is watch others. Sarah already has a reputation at the Club and she has a slightly negative self image because she thinks she is easily forgotten and ignored. (Obviously something traumatic has happened to her in her past.)
Dev has an unusual occupation and because he is often out of communication, he is late in reading his messages. When he is finally able to get back to the Club, he needs to release some of his angst before meeting up with Sarah. Sarah is unaware of who the man is that is doing a whip demo in one of the courtyards. She has a mental image of him as a lumberjack and starts an innocent giggle. As she tries to leave hoping she wasn't heard, Dev calls out to her. And the Game begins.
One thing to remember about BDSM is that both Doms and subs need to be honest with each which is something Sarah has to learn. She has a bad habit of trying to be who she thinks the Dom she has paired with wants instead of being true to herself.
This is a fun read and like always good characters and a plot. But than it is Lila DuBois so why would it be anything else?
I did receive a copy of this novel from the author in advance in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
January 27, 2022
Oooh yeah
The items on "O" were expected but the big surprise were the players. Sarah is a bit like me, feeling invisible and
unwanted. Dev is a man who lives by the rule "open communication." Yet another "O." Loved the interplay between them so maybe that is why I felt cheated. Book ends abruptly compared to the earlier books that developed the characters more and made it actually feel like the play took place over several weeks. Feels like author was a bit rushed or not as invested. But a great book.
The items on "O" were expected but the big surprise were the players. Sarah is a bit like me, feeling invisible and
unwanted. Dev is a man who lives by the rule "open communication." Yet another "O." Loved the interplay between them so maybe that is why I felt cheated. Book ends abruptly compared to the earlier books that developed the characters more and made it actually feel like the play took place over several weeks. Feels like author was a bit rushed or not as invested. But a great book.
January 27, 2022
I love this Club series but this book was different and in some ways difficult. I wanted to get to get to know both Dev and Sarah I wish it was much longer.
Sarah has so little self esteem and difficultly with her confidence that she is forgettable to everyone. That she needs to be something "more/better/different because no one scenes with her leaving her feeling invisible.
But Dev sees Sarah, but her persona has him confused and second guessing his instincts.
I loved these two I just wish we could have more time with them.
Sarah has so little self esteem and difficultly with her confidence that she is forgettable to everyone. That she needs to be something "more/better/different because no one scenes with her leaving her feeling invisible.
But Dev sees Sarah, but her persona has him confused and second guessing his instincts.
I loved these two I just wish we could have more time with them.
January 30, 2022
Their letter is 'O' but submissive Sarah doesn't know that. She is feeling forgotten and ignored and afraid she's been left out of the game because no Dom wants her. I felt really bad for Sarah and I loved that when Dev was finally able to connect with her, that he was so warm and caring. He was the perfect partner to heal Sarah's emotional pain. This story is a heart tugger with a sweet ending and I enjoyed it a lot. 4.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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