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Whimsical Dreams #1
Whimsical Haven
When Rowan Holland of Woodbridge, Virginia lands squarely in the crosshairs of a psychotic stalker, fleeing to Whimsy, Florida might be her only chance of escape.
There, she'll meet the head of lesbian-owned Armstrong Protection Services. Possessive. Protective. Deadly.
Bryn Armstrong, one of the owners of APS, is immediately captivated by an equally-mesmerized Rowan, and vows she will do everything in her power to protect Rowan from this psychopath.
When the stalker follows Rowan to Whimsy, staying hidden in the shadows, it's up to Bryn—along with her twin, Riley, and "the Seven," the butch management team of APS—to cut him down and put an end to Rowan's nightmare.
But, as the stalker draws closer to Rowan and the increased danger to Bryn's woman becomes more real, Bryn and her team know they must find and stop the psychopath, who just may be a killer in disguise.
TW: This work of fiction contains a scene of disciplinary spanking and other instances of light BDSM that some readers may find triggering.
There, she'll meet the head of lesbian-owned Armstrong Protection Services. Possessive. Protective. Deadly.
Bryn Armstrong, one of the owners of APS, is immediately captivated by an equally-mesmerized Rowan, and vows she will do everything in her power to protect Rowan from this psychopath.
When the stalker follows Rowan to Whimsy, staying hidden in the shadows, it's up to Bryn—along with her twin, Riley, and "the Seven," the butch management team of APS—to cut him down and put an end to Rowan's nightmare.
But, as the stalker draws closer to Rowan and the increased danger to Bryn's woman becomes more real, Bryn and her team know they must find and stop the psychopath, who just may be a killer in disguise.
TW: This work of fiction contains a scene of disciplinary spanking and other instances of light BDSM that some readers may find triggering.
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2021
45 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
About the author
Tiffany E. Taylor
13 books86 followersTiffany E. Taylor lives with her spouse and their daughter in an idyllic little west-central Florida coastal town called Gulfport where the sapphic invasion is in full force.
She writes spicy, sensual romance fiction within the passionate butch/femme dynamic in a variety of genres: romantic suspense, 40+ midlife, paranormal romance, and erotica. The Taylor's belong to the butch/femme community of which she writes about so passionately.
You can find out more about Tiffany at www.tiffanyetaylor.com.
She writes spicy, sensual romance fiction within the passionate butch/femme dynamic in a variety of genres: romantic suspense, 40+ midlife, paranormal romance, and erotica. The Taylor's belong to the butch/femme community of which she writes about so passionately.
You can find out more about Tiffany at www.tiffanyetaylor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
dnf
January 9, 2022DNF 42% No rating because this book just isn't for me.
The first book that I read by this author was a paranormal romance about alpha butch wolf shifters and fated mates and all that. A lot of the classic alpha tropes were present (protective, dominate etc) and in a werewolf story I didn't think much about it - it didn't bother me.
This book is not paranormal and yet there are "alpha" butches and all the tropes are present, and its really bothering me.
The first book that I read by this author was a paranormal romance about alpha butch wolf shifters and fated mates and all that. A lot of the classic alpha tropes were present (protective, dominate etc) and in a werewolf story I didn't think much about it - it didn't bother me.
This book is not paranormal and yet there are "alpha" butches and all the tropes are present, and its really bothering me.
April 25, 2022
Excellent!
Wow, what an amazing start of a new series! I love the bad ass seven but I love the alpha butch Bryn the most. She's my hero. A lot is happening in Whimsical Haven. It kept me captivated from page one. There is fear, tension, intrigue, laughter, love, light BDSM and an amazing dynamic between the characters. I am now very curious about the sequel. Needless to say, I'm really excited about the Whimsical Dreams series and I can highly recommend it.
Wow, what an amazing start of a new series! I love the bad ass seven but I love the alpha butch Bryn the most. She's my hero. A lot is happening in Whimsical Haven. It kept me captivated from page one. There is fear, tension, intrigue, laughter, love, light BDSM and an amazing dynamic between the characters. I am now very curious about the sequel. Needless to say, I'm really excited about the Whimsical Dreams series and I can highly recommend it.
November 23, 2022
Weird. I know I posted my review on January 28 this year, but it's gone now.
I don't often take my romance reads with a side of action/suspense, but after seeing this book discussed online I decided to check it out. I'm glad I did.
Rowan moves from Virginia to Florida fleeing a stalker and comes under the care of Bryn a powerful "alpha male" character in all but gender. Bryn is a charismatic butch lesbian, and co-owner (with her twin sister) of Armstrong Protection Services, a firm run by women, staffed by women and offering a range of security and related services to women.
Rowan is a gorgeous "femme" character and she and Bryn fall for each other on sight. There's a strong "fated mates" feel to their instalove which fits in well with the "pack" mentality of Bryn's close circle of butch badass friends/co-workers. Rowan is described as highly intelligent, with a savant-like gift for data analysis, but at times she seems painfully naïve and emotional - though I suppose being driven from your home and friends to a strange place could leave the best of us a little fragile and emotional.
I don't often take my romance reads with a side of action/suspense, but after seeing this book discussed online I decided to check it out. I'm glad I did.
Rowan moves from Virginia to Florida fleeing a stalker and comes under the care of Bryn a powerful "alpha male" character in all but gender. Bryn is a charismatic butch lesbian, and co-owner (with her twin sister) of Armstrong Protection Services, a firm run by women, staffed by women and offering a range of security and related services to women.
Rowan is a gorgeous "femme" character and she and Bryn fall for each other on sight. There's a strong "fated mates" feel to their instalove which fits in well with the "pack" mentality of Bryn's close circle of butch badass friends/co-workers. Rowan is described as highly intelligent, with a savant-like gift for data analysis, but at times she seems painfully naïve and emotional - though I suppose being driven from your home and friends to a strange place could leave the best of us a little fragile and emotional.
September 23, 2021
Well, where shall I begin?
I completed this story 5 days ago, but it took many days for me to allow the story to truly seep through my brain and figure out my feelings toward it. I had a pretty good idea of the premise of this story based on the blurb and what the author shared on social media, but I gotta be honest and say that there were aspects that had me pausing mid-chapter just to regain my breath. I am not a prude and I don't ever shy away from anything that's outside vanilla. Whimsical Haven, however, had me questioning my own desires and my own boundaries.
The main story was written with expertise and what I can only assume - unless Taylor is a secret CIA/Marine/analyst/badass - thorough research. My head was reeling at times as was Rowan's toward all the tech-y vernacular. I must admit, the 'Badass Butches' or 'The Seven' were more than just pretty faces with hard bodies. Taylor created suspense throughout while keeping us entertained with Rowan's "playdates" with the sinfully, delicious Butches. Every single Butch were tender, protective gentlemen toward Rowan. Admittingly, I found some of the nicknames they called Rowan had me reacting viscerally in a negative way, but reminded myself that they weren't being condescending or belittling, it was just in their nature to behave that way toward a femme. In the end, it was rather endearing. And before you think that Rowan was some little, helpless, emotional femme, think again. As much as Rowan was naïve in certain ways, she was also a highly intelligent woman who could probably have the knowledge and know-how to eviscerate someone. I sensed Rowan, though, suffered from low self-esteem for various reasons and it hindered on her true potential. Bryn, however, was a saint and selflessly and lovingly lifted Rowan up to show her that she was a smart, beautiful, and a worthy person.
Bryn and Rowan's relationship formed at lightning speed. And it wasn't really anything to do with the fact that they both were women, because of that whole cliché of lesbians moving fast. It was more Bryn. She was a formidable woman who knew what she wanted and liked, and she didn't hesitate with Rowan. Their first time meeting and the words exchanged between them was rather jarring, but after reading the book, twice, I was able to weed through the story and solely focus on Bryn's actions and words. Bryn. Is. A. Dominant. She calls herself an Alpha butch. To me, that said she had an Alpha personality with a masculine energy. Intoxicating. Sexy. F*cking terrifying... to anyone who wrongs her or someone she cares for.
Taylor gave what a special few crave in our deepest, darkest fantasies but will not reveal into the light of day. Initially, I didn't like it, but after walking away and thoroughly thinking about it, I came to the conclusion that it was nothing but human nature to want, need, and crave that kind of attention. Well, it is for me, anyway. This story bordered if not crossed that line into facets of the bdsm lifestyle. Words like Domme or sub were never used, but the dynamics between Bryn and Rowan screamed exactly that. And it was yummy. I ate it all up and begged for more.
Taylor left us salivating for the second part of the story and she deliciously revealed a hint of what may be to come in the next book. I thank Taylor for writing a book with Butch women who aren't afraid to be their true, authentic masculine selves. I added this book to my 'favourites' list because I plan on re-reading again and again.
5 stars and a high recommendation!
I completed this story 5 days ago, but it took many days for me to allow the story to truly seep through my brain and figure out my feelings toward it. I had a pretty good idea of the premise of this story based on the blurb and what the author shared on social media, but I gotta be honest and say that there were aspects that had me pausing mid-chapter just to regain my breath. I am not a prude and I don't ever shy away from anything that's outside vanilla. Whimsical Haven, however, had me questioning my own desires and my own boundaries.
The main story was written with expertise and what I can only assume - unless Taylor is a secret CIA/Marine/analyst/badass - thorough research. My head was reeling at times as was Rowan's toward all the tech-y vernacular. I must admit, the 'Badass Butches' or 'The Seven' were more than just pretty faces with hard bodies. Taylor created suspense throughout while keeping us entertained with Rowan's "playdates" with the sinfully, delicious Butches. Every single Butch were tender, protective gentlemen toward Rowan. Admittingly, I found some of the nicknames they called Rowan had me reacting viscerally in a negative way, but reminded myself that they weren't being condescending or belittling, it was just in their nature to behave that way toward a femme. In the end, it was rather endearing. And before you think that Rowan was some little, helpless, emotional femme, think again. As much as Rowan was naïve in certain ways, she was also a highly intelligent woman who could probably have the knowledge and know-how to eviscerate someone. I sensed Rowan, though, suffered from low self-esteem for various reasons and it hindered on her true potential. Bryn, however, was a saint and selflessly and lovingly lifted Rowan up to show her that she was a smart, beautiful, and a worthy person.
Bryn and Rowan's relationship formed at lightning speed. And it wasn't really anything to do with the fact that they both were women, because of that whole cliché of lesbians moving fast. It was more Bryn. She was a formidable woman who knew what she wanted and liked, and she didn't hesitate with Rowan. Their first time meeting and the words exchanged between them was rather jarring, but after reading the book, twice, I was able to weed through the story and solely focus on Bryn's actions and words. Bryn. Is. A. Dominant. She calls herself an Alpha butch. To me, that said she had an Alpha personality with a masculine energy. Intoxicating. Sexy. F*cking terrifying... to anyone who wrongs her or someone she cares for.
Taylor gave what a special few crave in our deepest, darkest fantasies but will not reveal into the light of day. Initially, I didn't like it, but after walking away and thoroughly thinking about it, I came to the conclusion that it was nothing but human nature to want, need, and crave that kind of attention. Well, it is for me, anyway. This story bordered if not crossed that line into facets of the bdsm lifestyle. Words like Domme or sub were never used, but the dynamics between Bryn and Rowan screamed exactly that. And it was yummy. I ate it all up and begged for more.
Taylor left us salivating for the second part of the story and she deliciously revealed a hint of what may be to come in the next book. I thank Taylor for writing a book with Butch women who aren't afraid to be their true, authentic masculine selves. I added this book to my 'favourites' list because I plan on re-reading again and again.
5 stars and a high recommendation!
February 24, 2022
I usually love a romance with a bit of D/s, i love a butch/femme story BUT this story is ABUSE. There is NO CONSENT.
August 31, 2024
This was an ok debut story. The story follows Rowan, who ends up moving to Florida with her best friend to avoid a stalker. There she meets Bryn, one of the managers of Armstrong Protective Services (APS), who Rowan hires for security until her stalker is caught. The story has potential but the execution didn't stick the landing. At the root of almost all of my complaints is that the story was told and not shown. There was a lot of exposition and info dumping.
The biggest issue I had was the beginning of the relationship. In the first meeting between Rowan and Bryn is a professional security meeting but within 5 minutes Bryn has decided that Rowan is her possession and even starts caressing Rowans cheek. Rowan is being stalked by a guy who thinks she is his without her consent and here is Bryn already making the same claims. I was secretly hoping that the author would make a twist by making Bryn the stalker Rowan needed to escape. The relationship struggled because the story was told and not shown and the beginning of the book could have used more time to really set the stage. The stalking, move, and relationship happen really quickly and through a lot of exposition, if more time was spent fleshing it out, I wouldn't have had any problems with the relationship.
The book had lots of potential and hopefully the sequel takes more time to set up the characters and relationships. Hopefully with most of the exposition about the APS managers and their jobs taken care of in this book, it will leave more room to build up and show the story in the next.
The biggest issue I had was the beginning of the relationship. In the first meeting between Rowan and Bryn is a professional security meeting but within 5 minutes Bryn has decided that Rowan is her possession and even starts caressing Rowans cheek. Rowan is being stalked by a guy who thinks she is his without her consent and here is Bryn already making the same claims. I was secretly hoping that the author would make a twist by making Bryn the stalker Rowan needed to escape. The relationship struggled because the story was told and not shown and the beginning of the book could have used more time to really set the stage. The stalking, move, and relationship happen really quickly and through a lot of exposition, if more time was spent fleshing it out, I wouldn't have had any problems with the relationship.
The book had lots of potential and hopefully the sequel takes more time to set up the characters and relationships. Hopefully with most of the exposition about the APS managers and their jobs taken care of in this book, it will leave more room to build up and show the story in the next.
September 26, 2021
This debut by Tiffany E. Taylor was the perfect escape in an otherwise hectic week for me. I thoroughly enjoyed diving into the town of Whimsy and following along the exciting journey of Rowan, a smart-as-a-whip femme, and her sexy, protective butch, Bryn. This romantic thriller has a lot of twists and turns, and the attraction between the two main characters is sizzling. I am really looking forward to getting to know all of "The Seven" in future books in the series!
Read
January 8, 2022A miss for me.
Whimsical Haven is an intrigue novel that has a naïve young woman relocating to a small town to escape a stalker. There's an insta-lust/love connection with the big butch security expert she hires - which ironically results in the butch instantly (obsessively?) declaring she has "claimed" her and pretty much will destroy anyone that tries to take her away. Ironic much?
As this is the first of what will be a series, there's a lot of exposition and a really large cast of supporting characters that overwhelm the intrigue and the romance (not much romance ... wham bam you belong to me ma'am) plots. With so many characters its hard to keep track of who is who and it doesn't help that all of them fall firmly into either the big/strong/protective butch or sweet/petite/curvy femme stereotypes. If the terms "alpha butch" or "my woman" bother you, give it a pass.
Whimsical Haven is an intrigue novel that has a naïve young woman relocating to a small town to escape a stalker. There's an insta-lust/love connection with the big butch security expert she hires - which ironically results in the butch instantly (obsessively?) declaring she has "claimed" her and pretty much will destroy anyone that tries to take her away. Ironic much?
As this is the first of what will be a series, there's a lot of exposition and a really large cast of supporting characters that overwhelm the intrigue and the romance (not much romance ... wham bam you belong to me ma'am) plots. With so many characters its hard to keep track of who is who and it doesn't help that all of them fall firmly into either the big/strong/protective butch or sweet/petite/curvy femme stereotypes. If the terms "alpha butch" or "my woman" bother you, give it a pass.
February 3, 2022
Okay, so the story started off good and it was getting better until that whole "insta-love" thing happened. I don't mind instant love, but this was pushing it to the limit. I cringed so many times throughout this book it became painful. The excessive amount times the "butches" cursed in every single sentence (it felt that way) was horrible. And don't get me started on the femmes. Was it necessary to say "motherfucking" or "motherfucker" or just "fuck" anytime a conversation was had? It was unreal and jarring and totally killed that whole professionalism of the company the butches were running. I pray when they're working with real clients they don't speak that way to them or around them.
This book reminds me of those people you meet in life and you can't tell if they're intelligent and making sense or if they're completely nuts and out of touch with reality.
My positives:
- some of the characters were hot
- the femme saved the day and not the butch
- I respect the BDSM elements in it
- the sex was sizzling ( the dialogue was cheesy, though)
- the author did her homework regarding certain elements in the story
3 solid stars, and I do plan on reading the sequel.
This book reminds me of those people you meet in life and you can't tell if they're intelligent and making sense or if they're completely nuts and out of touch with reality.
My positives:
- some of the characters were hot
- the femme saved the day and not the butch
- I respect the BDSM elements in it
- the sex was sizzling ( the dialogue was cheesy, though)
- the author did her homework regarding certain elements in the story
3 solid stars, and I do plan on reading the sequel.
Read
February 21, 2022This book just wasn't for me. In the first few chapters, I found myself quite interested in Rowan's predicament and the whole stalker situation. I knew that there was a big butch/femme aspect to this but I did not expect how far it truly goes. There was so much predatory possession in this that it really irked me. A lot of claiming that Rowan was 'hers' in just the first day of meeting, with little interaction between them. The mutual attraction by Rowan didn't warrant the behaviour by Bryn. It was a complete turn off, which is a shame as I think this had an intriguing storyline outside of this dynamic.
There were so many moments were I felt like it went too far. It was obsessive, controlling, possessive in the way the relationship was portrayed, which is definitely not my jam. At all.
There were so many moments were I felt like it went too far. It was obsessive, controlling, possessive in the way the relationship was portrayed, which is definitely not my jam. At all.
February 19, 2024
The story of a ‘stalked’ lady being looked after by possessive butch who claims within 5 minutes of meeting her “I own her.” If that’s not creepy…. Ended with set up for book 2 which I will not be reading.
February 21, 2022
Tiffany E. Taylor is an LGBTQ romance author who advertises herself as someone who enjoys writing passionate, sensual stories, and let me tell you, Whimsical Haven is certainly all of that. If you are a reader that enjoys intense and powerful butch/femme dynamics, then get ready; this one will have your blood pumping in no time.
The story is intense at times, especially the sex scenes. It is evident that Taylor enjoys writing these scenes, as they are always playful. However, she does like to push the envelop a bit. If you are one that’s not comfortable with BDSM, then this might not be your cup of tea.
The drama and action are nicely infused with a full and diverse cast of characters. However, they more than make it fun, keeping things jumping until the very end. Because there’s a lot of them, I’d label this as more of an ensemble piece than a single entity story arc. It makes no difference though, the cast of characters all work well together, helping to bring this story to life in their own unique way.
The setting, which is quite delightful, provides the perfect backdrop for this story world. In fact, Whimsy, Florida might just be my next vacation destination! It provides an excellent place for the romantic and dramatic action to play out. It has layers and dimension; it’s not flat or sterile. All in all, it provides an intriguing story landscape and is wonderful for this novel.
Story elements aside, the love story is where the true force of this story lies. Bryan and Rowan have HOT chemistry together. The power dynamics between them can’t be beat. They are so full of passion; it almost scorches the page. However, even though the romance is hot and heavy, it remains sweet and tender at its core. I liked them and I liked them together.
Final remarks…
Because this is Taylor’s first published romance, there are a few spots that could use some tweaking. However, it’s easy to see that she has talent. Whimsical Haven is an impressive debut; it will be fun to see where she takes book two in the series.
Strengths…
Steamy
Entertaining
Full of action
The story is intense at times, especially the sex scenes. It is evident that Taylor enjoys writing these scenes, as they are always playful. However, she does like to push the envelop a bit. If you are one that’s not comfortable with BDSM, then this might not be your cup of tea.
The drama and action are nicely infused with a full and diverse cast of characters. However, they more than make it fun, keeping things jumping until the very end. Because there’s a lot of them, I’d label this as more of an ensemble piece than a single entity story arc. It makes no difference though, the cast of characters all work well together, helping to bring this story to life in their own unique way.
The setting, which is quite delightful, provides the perfect backdrop for this story world. In fact, Whimsy, Florida might just be my next vacation destination! It provides an excellent place for the romantic and dramatic action to play out. It has layers and dimension; it’s not flat or sterile. All in all, it provides an intriguing story landscape and is wonderful for this novel.
Story elements aside, the love story is where the true force of this story lies. Bryan and Rowan have HOT chemistry together. The power dynamics between them can’t be beat. They are so full of passion; it almost scorches the page. However, even though the romance is hot and heavy, it remains sweet and tender at its core. I liked them and I liked them together.
Final remarks…
Because this is Taylor’s first published romance, there are a few spots that could use some tweaking. However, it’s easy to see that she has talent. Whimsical Haven is an impressive debut; it will be fun to see where she takes book two in the series.
Strengths…
Steamy
Entertaining
Full of action
April 26, 2022
The Expendables, but with very MOC lesbians
SAPPHIC BOOK BINGO: author's pick, unusual job, erotica, out of your comfort zone, butch character, meet-cute; UNICORN: twins, BDSM (possibly other categories)
Do not use my review to decide whether to read this book.
It was obvious to me that a lot of research went into the Armstrong Protection Services (APS) personnel, aspects, and details of the story. The were many APS staff workers, and it was a little difficult to keep track of who they were and what they did there. The owners/employees - with the exception of the administrative women - at times acted like men with "roid rage." The femme MC was constantly treated like a damsel in distress, but her butch lover also treated her like a possession, often referring to her as, "my woman." She was referred to as, "her woman" in the narrative quite often, as well. The femme character, whose mother used to work in computer forensics, worked in predictive analytics, but was completely ignorant of cybersecurity threats and safety measures.
I'm a middle-aged, educated military veteran, so my life and experiences gave me an atypical perspective of the story. I felt that since so much attention to detail had been paid to APS and the alpha butches, an equally in-depth attempt should have been given to the other MC's job, too. I disliked the "ownership" that the alpha MC displayed towards her lover. She was a capable woman and shouldn't gave been treated like she was helpless. A strong, independent, feminist woman wouldn't have tolerated behavior like that.
SAPPHIC BOOK BINGO: author's pick, unusual job, erotica, out of your comfort zone, butch character, meet-cute; UNICORN: twins, BDSM (possibly other categories)
Do not use my review to decide whether to read this book.
It was obvious to me that a lot of research went into the Armstrong Protection Services (APS) personnel, aspects, and details of the story. The were many APS staff workers, and it was a little difficult to keep track of who they were and what they did there. The owners/employees - with the exception of the administrative women - at times acted like men with "roid rage." The femme MC was constantly treated like a damsel in distress, but her butch lover also treated her like a possession, often referring to her as, "my woman." She was referred to as, "her woman" in the narrative quite often, as well. The femme character, whose mother used to work in computer forensics, worked in predictive analytics, but was completely ignorant of cybersecurity threats and safety measures.
I'm a middle-aged, educated military veteran, so my life and experiences gave me an atypical perspective of the story. I felt that since so much attention to detail had been paid to APS and the alpha butches, an equally in-depth attempt should have been given to the other MC's job, too. I disliked the "ownership" that the alpha MC displayed towards her lover. She was a capable woman and shouldn't gave been treated like she was helpless. A strong, independent, feminist woman wouldn't have tolerated behavior like that.
October 2, 2021
Hang on
If you love bad ass alpha butch. How about 9 of them. This is a wonderful action filled book. A sexual predator has his sights set on Rowan. She flees to Whimsey FL and meets her alpha butch mate. There is a lot of story here. Great characters. Well written. And more to come. Can't wait. This is a great story by a new author.
If you love bad ass alpha butch. How about 9 of them. This is a wonderful action filled book. A sexual predator has his sights set on Rowan. She flees to Whimsey FL and meets her alpha butch mate. There is a lot of story here. Great characters. Well written. And more to come. Can't wait. This is a great story by a new author.
April 15, 2022
I enjoyed the story, a bit heavy on setup descriptions of different areas. Didn't care for the Alpha Butch descriptions of owning. Was like Rowan did not have any choice with Bryn.
May 2, 2022
keeps you on your toes
The LGBTQ+ community is as diverse as each person that makes it up. We are collectively a queer community with many expressions. The Butch/Femme expression is difficult for many to understand and referring to anything like BDSM, butch/femme, trans, etc as a sub culture is an insult to the community and the expression of same gender attraction.
I know that Tiffany has received some trash talk about the representation of the butch/femme dynamic but it comes from individuals who are as myopic in their understanding of human diversity as the “straight people” who want to fix us.
Her stories are as engaging as her characters and they represent a very underrepresented part of our community that has suffered tremendously for over a hundred years. Did you know that in 1960’s Oakland, Berkeley and San Francisco, CA a dyke could be arrested for wearing mens clothing? That the Butch took the beatings and many were maimed simply for what they wore and how they acted? Yet, it is was the Butches, myself among them, that patrolled the Castro to stop young men from getting beaten to death for being gay.
The Alpha Butch is not a myth and the expressions are as diverse as the women who find themselves following a code of life that can be construed as too possessive and I am sure there are some unpleasant examples, but for the most part when the shit hits the fan you want an Alpha Butch at your back. And like all relationships, what two consenting adults choose to do is no one’s business.
Please do us all a favor, if you don’t like the story, don’t read the book but don’t allow your ignorance and prejudice to trash an author that is providing a really good story and a different view of life.
The LGBTQ+ community is as diverse as each person that makes it up. We are collectively a queer community with many expressions. The Butch/Femme expression is difficult for many to understand and referring to anything like BDSM, butch/femme, trans, etc as a sub culture is an insult to the community and the expression of same gender attraction.
I know that Tiffany has received some trash talk about the representation of the butch/femme dynamic but it comes from individuals who are as myopic in their understanding of human diversity as the “straight people” who want to fix us.
Her stories are as engaging as her characters and they represent a very underrepresented part of our community that has suffered tremendously for over a hundred years. Did you know that in 1960’s Oakland, Berkeley and San Francisco, CA a dyke could be arrested for wearing mens clothing? That the Butch took the beatings and many were maimed simply for what they wore and how they acted? Yet, it is was the Butches, myself among them, that patrolled the Castro to stop young men from getting beaten to death for being gay.
The Alpha Butch is not a myth and the expressions are as diverse as the women who find themselves following a code of life that can be construed as too possessive and I am sure there are some unpleasant examples, but for the most part when the shit hits the fan you want an Alpha Butch at your back. And like all relationships, what two consenting adults choose to do is no one’s business.
Please do us all a favor, if you don’t like the story, don’t read the book but don’t allow your ignorance and prejudice to trash an author that is providing a really good story and a different view of life.
April 30, 2022
I do like some of the characters in this story but unfortunately feel flat for me. This was almost a DNF book.
September 22, 2023
Whimsical Haven
I absolutely loved this book by Tiffany E Taylor. I believe this will be an intriguing series full of Badass Butches and resilient femmes. The chemistry is outstanding and full of heat. I look forward to more books by this author.
I absolutely loved this book by Tiffany E Taylor. I believe this will be an intriguing series full of Badass Butches and resilient femmes. The chemistry is outstanding and full of heat. I look forward to more books by this author.
April 9, 2022
I really love reading bitch/femme wlw books. Sadly there are not enough out there. Ms Taylor writes this dynamic superbly and this book has everything I like: strong, hot butches, smart beautiful femmes and action galore. This book was a wonderful setup for what will be an amazing series.
March 25, 2022
Wonderful story and characters!
I have read all of this authors books and this one is my favorite. The characters in this book are fantastic and I can't wait for more books about them.
I have read all of this authors books and this one is my favorite. The characters in this book are fantastic and I can't wait for more books about them.
March 15, 2022
Wow. This book is extremely well written. I loved the suspense that is in this book. This was a book that I couldn't put down. Each page held me captivated until the very end and left me wanting more. I can't wait for book two to come out.
February 13, 2024
using the term "alpha butch" unironically.
The first book by Tiffany E. Taylor I read was Trust In Me which is by definition a BDSM book. Because that was the purpose of the book I gave it a lot of leeway because the kink community itself is about exploration and to each their own.
This book, however, does not get leeway with me. It took me an agonizing 40% to realize the oddly ingrained lesbian misogyny wasn't going to stop. This book takes a grown woman and trivializes her down to a damsel in distress. From the moment our "alpha butch" sees her, she decides to take over making all autonomous decisions for her without consent or conversation around that. I have no problem with master/slave play between consenting adults but this book had a big huge miss on the consenting conversation front that left the rest of this book's vocabulary firmly in the cringe category.
The first book by Tiffany E. Taylor I read was Trust In Me which is by definition a BDSM book. Because that was the purpose of the book I gave it a lot of leeway because the kink community itself is about exploration and to each their own.
This book, however, does not get leeway with me. It took me an agonizing 40% to realize the oddly ingrained lesbian misogyny wasn't going to stop. This book takes a grown woman and trivializes her down to a damsel in distress. From the moment our "alpha butch" sees her, she decides to take over making all autonomous decisions for her without consent or conversation around that. I have no problem with master/slave play between consenting adults but this book had a big huge miss on the consenting conversation front that left the rest of this book's vocabulary firmly in the cringe category.
March 11, 2022
Like a Wolf Pack!
That is an AWESOME Pack of Nine Alpha Butches!
I like the concept of APS and the whole Team of Riley and Bryns „Seven“!
I loved the chemistry and the soulmate love story of Bryn and her „Dulzura“ - Rowan.
I can’t wait for the second book. It’s full of action, romance and very steamy scenes!
That is an AWESOME Pack of Nine Alpha Butches!
I like the concept of APS and the whole Team of Riley and Bryns „Seven“!
I loved the chemistry and the soulmate love story of Bryn and her „Dulzura“ - Rowan.
I can’t wait for the second book. It’s full of action, romance and very steamy scenes!
February 14, 2022
need to read
The story will keep you captivated the whole way through. It has suspense,
danger adventure love sadness happiness and you will still want more. Don’t mess the next book. I’m looking forward to it.
The story will keep you captivated the whole way through. It has suspense,
danger adventure love sadness happiness and you will still want more. Don’t mess the next book. I’m looking forward to it.
January 15, 2023
Great read. Good suspence. Wonderful characters. Can't wait to read book 2.
April 9, 2025
I don’t mind a traditional butch/femme romance on occasion but this is so far beyond ‘traditional’ that it totally missed the mark for me.
Rowan moves to a small Florida town to escape a stalker who has not yet made any overtly scary moves against her but who, it turns out, has made such moves against other women. Rowan is your typical femme: gorgeous, blond, pretty, short etc. On arrival in Whimsy she almost immediately meets head of her protection organisation, Bryn. Bryn is the ultra-butch - tall, dark, muscled and also gorgeous (in a different way). Do we get some build-up of a relationship between these two? No! Bryn immediately claims Rowan as ‘hers’ with no consent whatsoever. And Rowan, who’s supposed to be a strong personality, goes along with this without a whimper. So, she runs from someone who wants to dominate and control her straight into the arms of someone who dominates and controls her! And subsequently, she submits to a punishment spanking (not a fun one but one from which she has to ‘heal’ subsequently) because she broke Bryn’s ‘rules’ and dared to put herself down over something. Add in the inability to speak a sentence without using the ‘f word’ and this was just ‘yuck’ on so many levels for me.
The only thing I liked was that all the training Rowan was given proved to be useful in the end. And be warned that if you read the Epilogue, this leaves things on a cliffhanger for book 2. I’m not sure I’ll be rushing to read this (even though I have it) , if this is the kind of thing to expect more of…
Rowan moves to a small Florida town to escape a stalker who has not yet made any overtly scary moves against her but who, it turns out, has made such moves against other women. Rowan is your typical femme: gorgeous, blond, pretty, short etc. On arrival in Whimsy she almost immediately meets head of her protection organisation, Bryn. Bryn is the ultra-butch - tall, dark, muscled and also gorgeous (in a different way). Do we get some build-up of a relationship between these two? No! Bryn immediately claims Rowan as ‘hers’ with no consent whatsoever. And Rowan, who’s supposed to be a strong personality, goes along with this without a whimper. So, she runs from someone who wants to dominate and control her straight into the arms of someone who dominates and controls her! And subsequently, she submits to a punishment spanking (not a fun one but one from which she has to ‘heal’ subsequently) because she broke Bryn’s ‘rules’ and dared to put herself down over something. Add in the inability to speak a sentence without using the ‘f word’ and this was just ‘yuck’ on so many levels for me.
The only thing I liked was that all the training Rowan was given proved to be useful in the end. And be warned that if you read the Epilogue, this leaves things on a cliffhanger for book 2. I’m not sure I’ll be rushing to read this (even though I have it) , if this is the kind of thing to expect more of…
September 27, 2022
SuperHeros to the Rescue
The first book in the Whimsical Dreams Series, Whimsical Haven, reads much like a superhero adventure with the alpha butches of Armstrong Protective Services (APS) coming to the rescue of a femme, Rowan, who's being stalked by a sociopath serial predator; nevertheless there's a surprise twist to that in who actually winds up being the rescuer.
It's oftentimes an entertaining humorous story even while dealing with serious topics. And in light of the danger the Femme MC finds herself in it's a good thing the Alpha Butches believe in equipping all women to be able to protect themselves.
It's also a steamy romance with BDSM dynamics between APS Alpha Butch Bryn and Femme Rowan.
I suspect that not only will the butches impact the outlooks of the femmes but likewise the femmes will wind up greatly impacting the butches causing some transformation in their attitudes and behaviors towards femmes.
It was a suspenseful and romantic story and I look forward to the next book in this series.
The first book in the Whimsical Dreams Series, Whimsical Haven, reads much like a superhero adventure with the alpha butches of Armstrong Protective Services (APS) coming to the rescue of a femme, Rowan, who's being stalked by a sociopath serial predator; nevertheless there's a surprise twist to that in who actually winds up being the rescuer.
It's oftentimes an entertaining humorous story even while dealing with serious topics. And in light of the danger the Femme MC finds herself in it's a good thing the Alpha Butches believe in equipping all women to be able to protect themselves.
It's also a steamy romance with BDSM dynamics between APS Alpha Butch Bryn and Femme Rowan.
I suspect that not only will the butches impact the outlooks of the femmes but likewise the femmes will wind up greatly impacting the butches causing some transformation in their attitudes and behaviors towards femmes.
It was a suspenseful and romantic story and I look forward to the next book in this series.
August 4, 2023
Sort of DNF (quick skim to finish).
This book starts off with a male stalker of the MC and then introduces the other MC who is the head of a woman run security company. The premise is intriguing but within the first 50 pages, the tone the second MC (Bryn) took made her sound like the stalker. There was no distinction between the violence of the male stalker and the "alpha butch." I love a good butch-femme novel especially when the characters so clearly understand and embody those labels. However, the alpha narrative is not my thing. There was no consensual BDSM elements and it instead read very toxic. The 'claiming' immediately when meeting, also known as the 'insta-love' trope also means as a reader I do not get to experience the character's meeting and getting to know one another which to me defeats the purpose of a romance novel.
Also for a lesbian novel, there is way to much comment on the male stalkers genitals. Please I don't want to read about some guy's hypothetical junk.
This book starts off with a male stalker of the MC and then introduces the other MC who is the head of a woman run security company. The premise is intriguing but within the first 50 pages, the tone the second MC (Bryn) took made her sound like the stalker. There was no distinction between the violence of the male stalker and the "alpha butch." I love a good butch-femme novel especially when the characters so clearly understand and embody those labels. However, the alpha narrative is not my thing. There was no consensual BDSM elements and it instead read very toxic. The 'claiming' immediately when meeting, also known as the 'insta-love' trope also means as a reader I do not get to experience the character's meeting and getting to know one another which to me defeats the purpose of a romance novel.
Also for a lesbian novel, there is way to much comment on the male stalkers genitals. Please I don't want to read about some guy's hypothetical junk.
July 23, 2024
I can't understand the 4.09 rating (ATM). The butches are strong, protective etc, but over the top and absolutely unrealistic in communication. "Claiming" the femme after a short meeting and then using spanking as discipline without previous common understanding.... Which is kinda sad, because the basic story line (inkl. dammsel in distress) is interesting, and this paramilitary protection service could be really great. That's the only reason I bought and read all the books and gave 2 stars for all of them.
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