Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Fetishist #1

Step Right Up

Rate this book
This is the unconventional love story of drag queen daddy Dom and his full figured pain whore brat. It does contain consensual torture, degradation, and extremely filthy kink. You can’t say you haven’t been warned.

Danny’s always been the big girl, the one ‘that would have such a pretty face if only she lost the weight.’ She’s dated the worst kinds of guys, the ones that wanted to use her or abuse her and when she met Jack she knew he was too good to be true. Unfortunately she didn’t figure it out until she was barefoot and pregnant, living under this man’s thumb and his fists. Fortunately she was rescued before it’s too late, only after Jack swore that he would get both her and their baby back if it was the last thing he did.

For six years Danny raised her daughter with the fear of losing her. She didn’t date, she didn’t even look at a man until her friends decided that enough is enough and convince her to go out and have a good time. She went along to appease her friends but had no idea she would end up at a private club, a secret circus called Cirque de Delices Tortueux, a sex club.

Danny had no intention of meeting a man but when she came face to face with the mistress of ceremonies, Madame Cracheur de Feu, a fire eating, whip wielding drag queen. She doesn’t know whether to run or to throw herself at the feet of this gorgeous creature.

Madame or rather Xander has plans of his own where Danny is concerned. For him it’s lust at first sight, not only does he want her in his bed but he wants her at the end of his whip. Can he convince the girl afraid of being controlled and abused to be his submissive?

174 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 2, 2021

1 person is currently reading
51 people want to read

About the author

D.L. Howe

25 books605 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
7 (25%)
4 stars
12 (42%)
3 stars
7 (25%)
2 stars
1 (3%)
1 star
1 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Isabella. R.
1,007 reviews2,210 followers
November 3, 2021
3.5 Words My Love Stars ⭐

Well this was different, and exactly the reason I wanted to read it. An erotic romance between a plus sized woman and a drag queen; it's not something you often read about. Step Right Up was emotional and daring. Kudos to the author for taking us on this voyeuristic journey.

"You'll think I'm crazy, but I think you're mine."

Danny is a dreamer. But unfortunately along the way she was taken advantage of and ended up in an abusive relationship. One of the lucky ones who got away, even that didn't come without a price.

A moment for herself, sees Danny's friends bringing her to a club. One with acts to entertain and titillate, Cirque de Delices Tortueux. A place for everyone's pleasure and where Danny first lays on Madame Cracheur de Feu. Or just Xander.

"As soon as I saw you in the crowd, I knew there was something special there. I knew I would pick you from the start."

Xander is Prince Charming but in heels and wielding a whip. I mean the world turned on its axis the minute he met Danny. He saw more in her than she ever could of dream of. He took all her insecurities and healed her with his care, support and dirty dirty ways. Honestly these two together were a sex help manual.

It's been awhile since I read a book with this amount of creative sex and I was one happy girl. But all kink aside there was the seriousness of abuse and sabotage which was heartbreaking. I guess my only criticism was the instalove. I wish we got time to explore Danny and Xander falling in love. Everything happened at lightening speed and it felt like I was missing out on a significant backstory. However I am excited with what this author will be dishing up next!
Profile Image for Crystal (Crystalreads2).
974 reviews1,001 followers
October 15, 2021
Finally, a book where the female protagonist is a voluptuous woman. Step Right Up is the first book I have read from this author and won’t be my last. I really enjoyed and had such a fun time reading this book in this series.


We first meet Danny pregnant and in an abusive relationship. With the help of her sister and husband, she was able to Escape. Now Six years later she is always looking over her shoulder and lives a quiet life with her mother and daughter.

One night her friends force her to go out and end up in a castle that ends up being Cirque de Delices Tortueux. Or better known as Circus of Torturous Delights sex club. Here is where she Meets The drag queen ringmaster and both have an instant attraction. This is just the tip and boy does it get hot and steamy after that.

Make no mistake her daughter always comes first and balances work, single parenthood, and now love. Now mix in drama with her ex showing up.

The author did her homework and is spot on with Dd/Lg and other aspects of lifestyle. The book is fast-paced, well written, and in Danny’s POV. My only constructive criticism is I would love to have read Xander’s POV.

Fc9jn5fbtM7T8ND
Profile Image for Niki {Still a Widow but reading more}.
814 reviews348 followers
October 16, 2021
Well that was interesting!!

I definitely can say I have never read anything like this. The H, Xander, is a 6ft 8in (in his platform stilettos) Bisexual Drag Queen dominant, who runs a sex club a la Cirque du Soleil. And I loved him! He had to be the sweetest, yet kinkiest Dom I've ever read.

Xander sees Danny, the chubby insecure submissive h, at one of his shows and feels a instant connection to her. He feels she is the other half of his soul. Xander can tell she has been hurt so badly in the past and vows to do everything he can to set her free and make her happy.

I liked this. It was interesting and different. It was definitely insta-love, but Xander and Danny still took the time to go slow and build trust for a strong Dom/sub relationship. There was Danny's past traumas and insecurities to overcome, and Xander had to prove himself before being able to be a part of Tillie, Danny's young daughter's life too.

There were threats, jealousies, and backstabbing betrayals for Xander and Danny to overcome. Many emotional moments had me in tears. There was also all sorts of craziness going on, such as: spankings, whips, medical play, knife play, fire play, punishments, menage, squirting, and fisting. So much fisting!! LOL. But in all that, there was also a sweet, judgement free, story of unconditional love.

I personally struggled with some of the public BDSM scenes, and with the menage. I am a weird hypocrite because I don't mind a Reverse Harem, even with MM, where everyone is in a relationship. I don't like it so much when couples bring in random thirds, I feel it leads to trouble. This is what affected my rating.

Even though this is an ARC review, I will always shoot you straight. I received a copy from the author in exchange for a honest review.
Profile Image for Jess Brady.
Author 1 book168 followers
June 21, 2022
*ARC received from author in exchange for my honest review. *

Step Right Up by D.L. Howe was one of those books that kind of come out nowhere. One minute you are intrigued and then the next you can't stop because are so immersed in Danny & Xander's love affair.

Danny was a character I could relate to on several levels and for me that always increases the affect a story has on me. She was a chubby girl who had always been treated like she was less than because of that and then Xander comes along praising her for everything that she is and it makes her wary. All she wants is believe his words but that is hard when you have constantly been told you are worthless. Her feelings, emotions and tears were all valid and mad me adore her even more.

Xander was one of those lead males that just makes you swoon from the moment he steps on the page. Xander was also Madame Cracheur de Feu, a fire eating drag queen which only made me fall for him even more. He wasn't your typical hero and that was so refreshing. Yes, he had money, but he was also entirely sweet and in love with Danny.

This was an instalove story, which I didn't mind. Usually I do, but Howe created a world where anything was possible so for me, I just rolled with it and was pleasantly surprised.

Now the kink, whoa baby!! It was HOT HOT HOT!!! This type of story might not be for everyone, but I thoroughly enjoyed all the kink and the way that it was written. Dom & Sub stories don't always appeal to me, and I don't seek them out, but I really am glad I read this one.

Step Right Up was a swoony, sexy & deliciously kinky!! I'd say, give it a go because like me you might be surprised!!
Profile Image for D.L. Howe.
Author 25 books605 followers
Read
November 2, 2021
Step Right Up is now available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited.

It’s one fun, emotional and incredibly kinky ride!
Profile Image for BookLover.
659 reviews4 followers
October 4, 2021
Taking the Right Step.

Main cast of characters.
Danny
Zander
Tilly, Danny’s daughter
Jack, Danny’s ex.

This book starts off with Danny heavily pregnant in an abusive relationship when she’s rescued and given a second chance at life. Fast forward six years and although life is good Danny is very single and very lonely. That is until she meets the flamboyant Zander. Lust quickly blooms into love for these two as they explore their very kinky and dark sides together and despite their age gap they fit together well.

But as often happens life doesn’t run smoothly for this young single mother when the worst thing that could ever happen to a mother occurs. Will she be able to keep her daughter safe when her ex appears from her past and will he end her newfound happiness and relationship?

Please heed the author’s warning on this one because it’s a dirty kinky read but if kinky bdsm is your trope then jump right in whips and all.

This is a cracking read and I gratefully received an advanced readers arc for my honest review. Thank you DL Howe for this opportunity 🙏🏻
Profile Image for Cassandra.
857 reviews17 followers
October 5, 2021
Pregnant Danny is rescued from her abusive boyfriend only to return home to live with a toxic mother. Skipping forward 6 years we see she has finished college, has a good if not all that interesting, job and no sex life. At. All. Whisked off to a sex club by her friends (who I'd have liked to see more of - they were funny as) she meets the exotic and erotic Mistress of Ceremonies (aka Xander) and becomes part of the show.

This is a story of immediate insta-love so be warned. One look, one date and they are it for each other. Danny struggles with her self- image but Xander is adorable and oh so sweet with her. He's patient, kind and generous and clearly adores Danny. He's also kinky AF.

Drama ensues from Xander's job and Danny's ex with the worst possible outcome for Danny and her daughter on their way to a HEA.

This story had a great premise, I mean, a sexy as all get out drag queen? What's not to love? And I LOVED that the FMC was not just another skinny white chick but was real sized and had real issues that many women could relate to. She also had significant challenges in subbing for Xander because of the abuse and this was handled really well by the author.

There were some things I'd have loved to see more of. I'd have loved to see more of Xander in drag but that may be because I've just recently read the 'Dare to Try' series, which technically has a cross-dressing MC, so I was kind of hoping for more drag. I'd also liked more exploration of Chase, both before and after 'the event' because I feel like there's a few loose ends for me and maybe a bit more relationship building between Danny and Xander. There are some minor editing issues so if that bothers you, you'll need to put that to the side.

Nonetheless, this was a rollicking fun read. I can't wait for the next one!
Profile Image for L.L. Meyer.
Author 10 books340 followers
December 9, 2021
Kinky goodness with lots of feels!
"I know your heart because it beats with mine."
After getting out of an abusive relationship, Danny spends years focusing on her daughter until she ends up at a kink club with her friends and meets Xander. Danny is hesitant, but . . .
I can live with mistakes, but can I live with regrets?
. . . the strength of their instant connection can't be ignored. Danny and Xander embark on a D/s relationship and get up to all kinds of crazy-hot hardcore kink as they grow closer.

If you're into . . .
✔ BDSM kink
✔ contemporary insta-love
✔ a fiery full-figured sub
✔ a drag queen Alpha Dom
✔ a super-sweet kid
. . . you've found your next read!
Profile Image for Maxine Keith.
105 reviews7 followers
September 23, 2021
Step Right Up
By D. L. Howe

There is so much to say about this book!!! First, D.L. Howe gets it right!!! Her portrayal of the Dd/lg dynamic is spot on. While Xander is a dream Daddy Dom, I warn readers not in the life to remember this is a fiction book and not many Dom's are as amazing. I wish they were, I'd sit on a waiting list for one.  Danny is truly every woman during their darkest, weakest moment.  Her insecurities are honest and real, and completely relatable.  If a this wasn't enough, the sex and bdsm play scenes are HOT!!! I mean get Bob ready because you're going to want him. I haven't even begun to talk about the storyline. Talk about a book you can't put down. I love reading about broken women learning to stand tall, and this book is it. It was hard to read her darker moments, but I couldn't stop smiling at the end. I don't want to give anything away but there are a few twists. This is a HEA with a dirty twist. I will warn if you aren't into HOT sex and not a fan of true bdsm, then think twice about this book. But if you are, this book get it right. Five golden handcuffs for this gorgeous book. 
Profile Image for L.A. Power.
Author 1 book24 followers
February 23, 2022
Wow this was different than any book I've ever read. Kinky, bdsm, fetish, pornstar material. There is a lot of sexual content in this book.

I started reading this book and my jaw hit the floor on numerous occasions. The author opened my eyes into the world of bdsm, kink and dom sub scene.

I loved how the authors main character hated her body and I watched as she slowly changed and grew to love, and be comfortable in herself. Finally loving herself completely in the end. Feeling worthy. That for me was the most amazing thing as to often do we find fault in ourselves. Too many people worry about the few extra kilo or pounds in weight they carry, so I really loved this aspect in the writing.

I thought in reading it, that the book was going to be solely based on kink and fetish but a good storyline runs right through it. There is a lot of sexual content for those who are really interested in a more naked read.

I enjoyed this story, it's not my typical read but the authors descriptions, leave nothing to the imagination as she paints a clear picture.

I will pick up another book by this author, as I'm very curious what will be in the next book.
Profile Image for J.L. Grice.
Author 7 books18 followers
February 8, 2022
This book was a very interesting read, and I really did like the characters. I especially liked that Xander was a drag queen. I really felt for Danny and the struggles she went through. The book was quite emotional at times too.
The sex scenes were quite hot and well written.
Overall an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for S.M. LANYON.
343 reviews13 followers
April 7, 2023
Loved it❤️



There was no way I would read the EXHIBITIONIST CHRISTMAS and simply skim over the incredibly hot couple Danny and Xander. ♥️
This book was a devine fantasy. The sexy, steamy Xander was everything Danny had not dared to hope for. He is in a kink category of his own. And yes, he is absolutely crazy about Danny even if it takes her forever to believe him.♥️
I loved their story so much because it hit hard on the reality of kink lifestyle colliding with Danny's mundane existence and her responsibilities as a parent and student counsellor. The double societal standards she has to abide by are glaringly obvious - she is a mother, therefore she shouldn't crave a sex life, let alone a kinky one. She is overweight, so romance is not for her. She should just settle with what she's got and be grateful. She's got a job that's safe but unfulfilling, but she should just play it safe or risk losing the financial safety her employment provides.♥️
As soon as Danny dares to take a gulp of freedom and challenge these preconceived norms she must abide by all hell breaks loose. Her new relationship with Xander is put through the ringer, but she never stops fighting for herself first and foremost. What I loved about that part was that Danny sticks to her guns and demands the respect she deserves on all fronts. It was glorious to see her thrive. ♥️
There was a lot to navigate until the relationship became substantial. It quickly became clear that although their attraction was undeniable, Xander and Danny had to put in real work into fine-tuning their dynamic and getting to know each other better than skin-deep.♥️
Xander had to quickly realise that although he was smitten with Danny, he couldn't rely on kink alone to nurture their relationship. It took him a hot minute to figure he can't just take over and do his thing without communicating his intentions clearly. In Danny he found a missing piece of his soul. When they finally came together after all the trials and tribulations those two were hotter than ever.♥️

Absolutely loved it♥️

Profile Image for Rebeka Porter.
Author 7 books7 followers
October 3, 2021
If you like really fast paced story telling with lots of spicy and hot moments, you'll really enjoy this story. The pacing is very quick and there's a LOT of steamy time that's definitely not vanilla ;) I also really enjoyed reading about a character that's overweight and still loved and found gorgeous and sexy. A majority of books I've read either portray women as short and petite or tall and slim. It was refreshing to read about a woman with curves.

Danny's daughter is also always number one in her mind and I think the author did a great job incorporating the difficulties that can arise with being a single mom. It didn't feel like she was just a throw away character.

The few issues I had, which kept me from giving this story five stars, is how fast the conflict came and went at the very end of the book. I didn't feel the build up to it and felt like it concluded too quickly. I also would have liked to see more of Danny's best friends. I only saw them that one night when Danny went out to the club so they felt unimportant to the overall plot.

However, I think this is a good read and I encourage anyone who enjoys BDSM type stories to give this one a try! There's plenty of spicy in here to go around ;)
Profile Image for Cori Zahara.
Author 15 books865 followers
October 5, 2021
**I received an advanced copy of this book**

Its not often that I dive into the BDSM world, but the author totally threw me in the deep end with this one.

Firstly, I loved that the leading MC was a drag artist. I have never read, nor have I came across a character with such a persona. I actually found myself hoping to see more of his drag side, but I did equally enjoy him as Xander too.

Onto Danny, our leading FC. She's a character that I imagine many girls will relate to in someway. I did. . . And at one point, I actually felt myself feeling her fears. Horrible feeling, but it shows that she was written well... I don't have triggers, so I was fine with this, but it gave me a sense of empathy towards her character. 

All side characters had a decent level of involvement, and it was nice to watch Xander integrate into Danny's life and family.

The is a lot of spice, a lot of spice! But you expect that with BDSM books when done right. The is also a backstory, with a twist that comes in the later half. I won't give spoilers, but one character definitely deserved a slap from Danny (I don't condone violence, but this person really did! 😂😂)... and deserved it on more than one occasion! Its a quick read, I finished in a night, but I wouldn't say its overly short. I tend to read quickly if I intend to finish a book. I did pick up on one or two typos, but people forget that authors are human... it happens, and this was an ARC copy, so these little issues may not even appear in the final draft.

All in all, if you like a quick, steamy read with relatable characters who fall hard in love, I'd recommend 🙂🖤
Profile Image for Sass.
1,457 reviews17 followers
December 29, 2022
It's refreshing to read about a larger woman getting to explore a kinkier side of her sexuality with an amazing partner. Reading as Danny overcomes her body confidence problems with Xavier's guidance made me so happy. Everyone deserves to feel attractive and desired in their own skin.

I have to admit some discomfort with the D/s aspect of things, but that's my own trauma, lol. It's just so difficult for me to hand over complete control of my life to another person, especially so quickly (an insta-love scenario), but I've been burned before...though in Danny's case things are different, but I totally understand her bratty behaviour! I don't make a good sub unless it's a sandwich (cringe with me, people).

All in all I feel like if you want to read about a woman's journey into the BDSM lifestyle and see her blossom over time, you'll like this. It's a nice intro into things, but be warned: it's filthy in a fun, sexy way. 💋🌶❤

Profile Image for Amy Meme B.
94 reviews1 follower
January 18, 2024
This was great fun, super kinky. I loved the MMC he was great and I loved the plus sized rep (often bigger girls are just wrote as curvy and perfectly hourglass they just don't see it, it's nice to see that this h is actually larger)

I would of loved this as a full sized book.

I'm going to recommend it on the online book group I'm in, I hope loads of people will find and enjoy it
Profile Image for Rodin.
1,543 reviews
February 3, 2022
What a masterpiece!
DL has taken the nitty gritty of modern life and given us a hard dose of reality.
Danny is a big girl but beautiful to the core.
Her trials and tribulations are full of modern day dilemmas.
Beautiful descriptive prose.
Sometimes confronting but always brutally honest.
Throw in some fantastic sex scenes and you have a great read.
Five white hot pulsing shooting stars.
Profile Image for S.M. Landon.
Author 8 books48 followers
May 22, 2023
Loved it! This book was a thrilling experience, very clearly showcasing the struggles of modern motherhood and the unrealistic standards society has for single mothers. The spice was on! I love Xander and may we all find a man who is sooooo giving:)))
Profile Image for Madi Griner.
16 reviews
April 10, 2024
Some Stuff Just Wasn't Cool

I hate to leave such a low review, but some things I just couldn't swallow.

The kinks in this book were plentiful, and not all of them were my own, but I would never yuck someone else's yum or include that in part of a review. This was actually one of the pluses.

My issues lie in the somewhat "racist but hot" best friend. I know the intention wasn't that being attractive or half Cuban saved her from the racism, but that's exactly how it comes off and exactly how it ends up. It wasn't necessary or even relevant to the story in any capacity. It was just super uncool and left a bad taste in my mouth.

Then, there are inconsistencies. Some details were one thing in one part, then somehow totally different in another, like the appearance of a character. Normally, if it was just once and a small detail, I could get past it, but that did not fit this time.

The other issue is the grammar, spelling, overall pacing and structure of the story. It was stilted, there were run-on sentences, and awkward phrasing. I had to reread several paragraphs at a time to understand what was going on.

So, yeah, those are my issues with the book. I did finish it, so my review is as well formed and informed as I could possibly make it. I'd never review a book without finishing it first.

I did enjoy the overall idea of the book, and the author did do a good job of getting me amped up when I should've been. I enjoyed some of the kinks, but again, I'm not reviewing based on kinks.

The book isn't for me but I could see how others could enjoy it.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.