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BDSM Checklist #16
P is for...
There's a thin line between pleasure and pain, and an even thinner line between love and hate.
Mal knows she’s to blame for what happened between her and Master Benson.
The Checklist Game gives them a chance, a reason, to finally deal with their past. When Benson threatens to leave the club rather than partner with her, Mal convinces him to stay. To scene with her one more time.
To punish her.
And maybe then, he’ll forgive her.
P is for punishment, pain… and pleasure.
Mal knows she’s to blame for what happened between her and Master Benson.
The Checklist Game gives them a chance, a reason, to finally deal with their past. When Benson threatens to leave the club rather than partner with her, Mal convinces him to stay. To scene with her one more time.
To punish her.
And maybe then, he’ll forgive her.
P is for punishment, pain… and pleasure.
207 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 24, 2022
65 people are currently reading
200 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 45 reviews
May 26, 2022
We’ve reached the letter P in L Dubois’ Checklist series,and it’s another winner.
There are so many possibilities with this letter,but what rules mostly,is pain….
Pain of the heart,pain of two people that should be together,but were seperated because of a misunderstanding and a secret.
Knowing the Dom is a sadist,and the sub is a masochist makes it even more painful….
Benson is determined to hand his letter back to the overseers.
Not because it’s the P,no….because he’s paired with Mal.
They were together,exploring their dynamic,until she ruined it.
And he’s avoided her ever since….
Only Mal finds out they’re paired,and she pleas with him to give it a chance.
To allow her atonement for what she sees as her fault of what went wrong….
When he finally agrees,he does so with a limitation.
She will receive no pleasure…
But the further they go down the possibilities within the letter,the harder it gets….for both.
And when the truth comes out…..
This was a beautiful story of how you think you communicate,how you think you’re honest enough,there’s always something that needs to be said.
Something that has the power to change everything….
I loved how Mal wanted to show him,in her submission to him,that he wasn’t the monster he thought he was.
And how Benson was so very careful with Mal,even while giving her what he knew she needed.
In short,it was a story i enjoyed,very much!
There are so many possibilities with this letter,but what rules mostly,is pain….
Pain of the heart,pain of two people that should be together,but were seperated because of a misunderstanding and a secret.
Knowing the Dom is a sadist,and the sub is a masochist makes it even more painful….
Benson is determined to hand his letter back to the overseers.
Not because it’s the P,no….because he’s paired with Mal.
They were together,exploring their dynamic,until she ruined it.
And he’s avoided her ever since….
Only Mal finds out they’re paired,and she pleas with him to give it a chance.
To allow her atonement for what she sees as her fault of what went wrong….
When he finally agrees,he does so with a limitation.
She will receive no pleasure…
But the further they go down the possibilities within the letter,the harder it gets….for both.
And when the truth comes out…..
This was a beautiful story of how you think you communicate,how you think you’re honest enough,there’s always something that needs to be said.
Something that has the power to change everything….
I loved how Mal wanted to show him,in her submission to him,that he wasn’t the monster he thought he was.
And how Benson was so very careful with Mal,even while giving her what he knew she needed.
In short,it was a story i enjoyed,very much!
May 26, 2022
This is the sixteenth of twenty-six entries in a series set in Las Palmas Oscuras, one of those fantasy BDSM clubs popular in this genre. The series' central conceit pairs a dom and sub 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 "P" literally means punishment, pain, and primal play (I had no idea what that meant); metaphorically, it refers to the past. You see, Benson and Mal have an ugly shared history; will the "game" set things right or irrevocably break them apart? Note: While this is a standalone in terms of the couple, we do see characters from previous books; in addition, the couple does play with other people, which isn't to all tastes.
The MC was so toxic that initially I was afraid I wouldn't like this book, but it ended up not being a problem. This isn't the first time the author has featured a second-chance, (friends)-to-enemies-to-lovers trope. Though this pairing is different from the other since Benson and Mal were never a committed couple, they were play partners until one scene ruined their relationship. Frequent flashbacks interspersed with kink scenes slowly peel away the narrative onion, so to speak, until we understand what happened. I found this narrative structure compelling -- at the very least, it avoided info-dump. Other positives include the author's emphasis on consent; that Mal wasn't a doormat and Benson a bully; inventive scenes; and diversity in representation.
I had some problems with the book, but I'm going to mention the two most important. First, the internal monologues were so long and repetitive that they disrupted the action and took me out of the book. So many authors do this and I wish they'd stop. Readers really can retain information: constantly reminding us just impedes the flow.
The second and more serious is that no one -- Benson, Mal, the club, or the author -- understands what "fault" means. One of the dictionary definitions is "error;" another is "character weakness." I struggle to see how a woman, subject to intense physical scenes and reeling from emotional turmoil, is at "fault" here. Throughout, the characters -- and, by extension, the author -- frame what happened in the past as a series of conscious decisions and wilful lies, all of which Mal needed to be "punished" for. I'm sorry, but no: responses that people have no control over aren't fodder for slap-happy BDSM play. And since double-standards is my pet peeve, I was particularly upset that no one thought that Benson, equally at "fault" for , should also be "punished." When I saw the teaser for this in the last book, I was afraid the author would blame the woman for the couple's problems and that is, indeed, what happened.
3 1/2 stars. But only because of the touching exchange towards the end. Mal is too much of a pain slut for my comfort, but that's a "not my kink" problem. Others who like harder-core sadomasochism will enjoy this. "Q" is next, which -- what starts with Q? Disappointingly, unlike in the previous books, there was no teaser for the next. Side Note: At some point, the author needs to address how people with lower-paying jobs can afford the astronomical fees for such an exclusive club.
The MC was so toxic that initially I was afraid I wouldn't like this book, but it ended up not being a problem. This isn't the first time the author has featured a second-chance, (friends)-to-enemies-to-lovers trope. Though this pairing is different from the other since Benson and Mal were never a committed couple, they were play partners until one scene ruined their relationship. Frequent flashbacks interspersed with kink scenes slowly peel away the narrative onion, so to speak, until we understand what happened. I found this narrative structure compelling -- at the very least, it avoided info-dump. Other positives include the author's emphasis on consent; that Mal wasn't a doormat and Benson a bully; inventive scenes; and diversity in representation.
I had some problems with the book, but I'm going to mention the two most important. First, the internal monologues were so long and repetitive that they disrupted the action and took me out of the book. So many authors do this and I wish they'd stop. Readers really can retain information: constantly reminding us just impedes the flow.
The second and more serious is that no one -- Benson, Mal, the club, or the author -- understands what "fault" means. One of the dictionary definitions is "error;" another is "character weakness." I struggle to see how a woman, subject to intense physical scenes and reeling from emotional turmoil, is at "fault" here. Throughout, the characters -- and, by extension, the author -- frame what happened in the past as a series of conscious decisions and wilful lies, all of which Mal needed to be "punished" for. I'm sorry, but no: responses that people have no control over aren't fodder for slap-happy BDSM play. And since double-standards is my pet peeve, I was particularly upset that no one thought that Benson, equally at "fault" for , should also be "punished." When I saw the teaser for this in the last book, I was afraid the author would blame the woman for the couple's problems and that is, indeed, what happened.
3 1/2 stars. But only because of the touching exchange towards the end. Mal is too much of a pain slut for my comfort, but that's a "not my kink" problem. Others who like harder-core sadomasochism will enjoy this. "Q" is next, which -- what starts with Q? Disappointingly, unlike in the previous books, there was no teaser for the next. Side Note: At some point, the author needs to address how people with lower-paying jobs can afford the astronomical fees for such an exclusive club.
May 22, 2022
This is an improvement on previous books in the series. There are some very emotional parts to the story of Benson & Mal who, whilst apparently in love with each other, fell out violently over some aspect of their relationship that we learn about slowly.
It's clear they are in love but have significant issues & barriers to overcome if they are to move forward together. The emotional parts of the story were truly moving & brought tears to my eyes. However, whilst steamy, the descriptions of the sex scenes are in SO MUCH detail that it becomes clinical rather than erotic & just did nothing for me. The old adage "less is more" really proves to be true here.
If you like lengthy graphic sex with all kinds of severe kink then you'll enjoy this book. I enjoy BDSM in my books but these are just overkill. I like a good story along with the sex but sex just for the sake of it gets boring fast. I appreciate these stories are set in a sex club with the aim of setting up couples together but it doesn't have to be sex-by-numbers at the expense of story.
It's clear a lot of emotion was poured into this book & I love that but this series is really getting past its sell- by date. More substance & less blow-by-blow graphic detail would encourage me to read any more of these.
It's clear they are in love but have significant issues & barriers to overcome if they are to move forward together. The emotional parts of the story were truly moving & brought tears to my eyes. However, whilst steamy, the descriptions of the sex scenes are in SO MUCH detail that it becomes clinical rather than erotic & just did nothing for me. The old adage "less is more" really proves to be true here.
If you like lengthy graphic sex with all kinds of severe kink then you'll enjoy this book. I enjoy BDSM in my books but these are just overkill. I like a good story along with the sex but sex just for the sake of it gets boring fast. I appreciate these stories are set in a sex club with the aim of setting up couples together but it doesn't have to be sex-by-numbers at the expense of story.
It's clear a lot of emotion was poured into this book & I love that but this series is really getting past its sell- by date. More substance & less blow-by-blow graphic detail would encourage me to read any more of these.
May 21, 2022
P is for…Past Sins that can’t be forgiven?
This Dom/Sub friends to enemies to forced playmates story weaves their heartbreaking plot line amongst some well executed and intense S&M. The emotions jump off of the page as our couple tear into each other exposing their deep feelings. I love that these characters are bigger than life but we also see peeks of their identities outside the Club and the epilogue made me happy, 😌.
This Dom/Sub friends to enemies to forced playmates story weaves their heartbreaking plot line amongst some well executed and intense S&M. The emotions jump off of the page as our couple tear into each other exposing their deep feelings. I love that these characters are bigger than life but we also see peeks of their identities outside the Club and the epilogue made me happy, 😌.
May 21, 2022
Holy shhhhhhmokes....what a hot, steamy, emotional ride to learning to communicate and not making erroneous assumptions. The struggle is real but so is the love....will Benson & Mal realize before it's too late.
May 19, 2022
Another scorching hot and deeply emotional read in this amazing BDSM series.
May 26, 2022
The letter “P” and Malvia? Seriously? The Overseer’s have lost their mind!
When Master Benson receives his letter and finds out who he is partnered with he is livid. To the point he almost resigns his membership on the spot. Then when Malvia (Mal) finds out who she is paired with she lets loose with her feeling that leave no doubt she is not happy. She is also willing to resign her membership than be his sub for the "Checklist" game.
Being given the letter "P," is bad enough but combined with their history, Master Benson does not want to go down that dark road, especially with Mal. The one person who has the power to make him loses it, whether she realizes it or not. However, Benson and Mal must decide if they can push aside their anger with one another to complete the letter they were given or resign the membership to the place they both need. Mal convinces Master Benson to scene one last time so that they can not only stay at the club, but to put the past behind them.
Maybe after this they can let go of the pain and forgive one another, or maybe not.
When Master Benson receives his letter and finds out who he is partnered with he is livid. To the point he almost resigns his membership on the spot. Then when Malvia (Mal) finds out who she is paired with she lets loose with her feeling that leave no doubt she is not happy. She is also willing to resign her membership than be his sub for the "Checklist" game.
Being given the letter "P," is bad enough but combined with their history, Master Benson does not want to go down that dark road, especially with Mal. The one person who has the power to make him loses it, whether she realizes it or not. However, Benson and Mal must decide if they can push aside their anger with one another to complete the letter they were given or resign the membership to the place they both need. Mal convinces Master Benson to scene one last time so that they can not only stay at the club, but to put the past behind them.
Maybe after this they can let go of the pain and forgive one another, or maybe not.
May 25, 2022
Samppa Benson and Malva were play partners until a scene went too far breaking them both. They've been able to avoid each other until the BDSM Checklist game forces them to play one more time or have their membership revoked.
Master Benson is a sadist and Malvia is a masochist testing and pushing her limits. She's worked a lot on identifying her submissive and masochistic needs and hopes Master Benson's punishment can finally heal them both.
All relationships have their bumpy spots and communication is key whether it's a vanilla and BDSM relationships. Malvia's journey with Benson led to mistakes but the game will help them come back together and work through the pain and the forgiveness of punishment.
Another wickedly good BDSM romance by Dubois, with intense S/M scenes that may be difficult for some readers. Read at your own discretion.
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
Master Benson is a sadist and Malvia is a masochist testing and pushing her limits. She's worked a lot on identifying her submissive and masochistic needs and hopes Master Benson's punishment can finally heal them both.
All relationships have their bumpy spots and communication is key whether it's a vanilla and BDSM relationships. Malvia's journey with Benson led to mistakes but the game will help them come back together and work through the pain and the forgiveness of punishment.
Another wickedly good BDSM romance by Dubois, with intense S/M scenes that may be difficult for some readers. Read at your own discretion.
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
May 24, 2022
I love how in this BDSM alphabet game the overseers are manipulative and creative with what they are putting their members through and this one between Master Benson and Mal is emotional and full of the feels whilst also being sinfully sexy!
These two have history and it's very obvious from the get go. We are teased throughout as we are slowly drip fed what has happened in the past to get to the point of we meet Master Benson and Mal. The pain to get to the pleasure is physical in some very sexually charged and scorching scenes between this sadist and masochist but also extremely emotional and raw throughout. I loved every single minute of this pain to get to the pleasure and as always, L.DuBois has kept me on the edge of my seat and turning the page in eager anticipation to see where Master Benson and Mal's story goes. Deeply satisfying and as usual, can't wait for more!
These two have history and it's very obvious from the get go. We are teased throughout as we are slowly drip fed what has happened in the past to get to the point of we meet Master Benson and Mal. The pain to get to the pleasure is physical in some very sexually charged and scorching scenes between this sadist and masochist but also extremely emotional and raw throughout. I loved every single minute of this pain to get to the pleasure and as always, L.DuBois has kept me on the edge of my seat and turning the page in eager anticipation to see where Master Benson and Mal's story goes. Deeply satisfying and as usual, can't wait for more!
May 25, 2022
This is a great series.
The Overseers really hit it out of the park with this pairing. The sub that made a Master a Monster. The Overseers came really close to pushing Benson out of Las Palmas with this one. This is a story of redemption. Bringing together the sub and the Master that has avoided her since everything went wrong.
The first 3/4 of the book gives plenty of scenes for those who desire them with a smattering of past happenings to keep things really interesting. When we finally get to the root of Benson and Mal's issues, the story really ignites.
This was an enjoyable addition to the series but A, B, C, D, and G are still my favorites. Grab this series, I don't think you'l be disappointed.
The Overseers really hit it out of the park with this pairing. The sub that made a Master a Monster. The Overseers came really close to pushing Benson out of Las Palmas with this one. This is a story of redemption. Bringing together the sub and the Master that has avoided her since everything went wrong.
The first 3/4 of the book gives plenty of scenes for those who desire them with a smattering of past happenings to keep things really interesting. When we finally get to the root of Benson and Mal's issues, the story really ignites.
This was an enjoyable addition to the series but A, B, C, D, and G are still my favorites. Grab this series, I don't think you'l be disappointed.
May 24, 2022
Each Letter Exceeds Expectations!!
These stories, while sexy and steamy, are more about the relationships. The overseers mix things up by assigning couples and their letter to “play” with. In this case it is two people who have a tough past, and avoid each other. The penalty to not accepting the assignment is to leave the club.
It is a close thing, but these two end up playing. But this is deadly serious. An incredible reveal on the backstory so we understand how these two got here. Pushing boundaries, both feel a certain comfort and a high level of trepidation. Both missed the other, but cannot admit it. Perhaps those overseers know what they are doing. Absolutely stunning.
*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
These stories, while sexy and steamy, are more about the relationships. The overseers mix things up by assigning couples and their letter to “play” with. In this case it is two people who have a tough past, and avoid each other. The penalty to not accepting the assignment is to leave the club.
It is a close thing, but these two end up playing. But this is deadly serious. An incredible reveal on the backstory so we understand how these two got here. Pushing boundaries, both feel a certain comfort and a high level of trepidation. Both missed the other, but cannot admit it. Perhaps those overseers know what they are doing. Absolutely stunning.
*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
May 25, 2022
When the author provides a 'warning' regarding needles, I really want to run the other way. But, since I truly am entertained by the "Alphabet" series, I put aside my trepidation and read it anyways. In the game devised by the overseers, only the truly devoted will make it. Mal and Benson have a past that has put them at odds in the club. But once they accept the game and the rules, neither one wants to allow the possibility of failure to happen. "P" pushes all boundaries: penetration, public, punishment, to name only a few.
May 24, 2022
Their needs are well matched, but their communication sucks!
And of course those pesky overseers pair them in their compulsory game.
From the very start it seems this match is over before it begins.
Watch and savor the - literally - painful journey that lacks only one thing, absolute honesty with themselves and each other.
All the other ingredients are there in scrumptious abundance!
Told in minute detail ...!
Sigh!
And of course those pesky overseers pair them in their compulsory game.
From the very start it seems this match is over before it begins.
Watch and savor the - literally - painful journey that lacks only one thing, absolute honesty with themselves and each other.
All the other ingredients are there in scrumptious abundance!
Told in minute detail ...!
Sigh!
May 25, 2022
e next book in the BDSM game is out and its a doozy. Benson is a sadist that is furious the overseers for matching him w/ the woman who made him feel like a monster. Mal is a masochist who is working hard to learn her limits. Now they must face their past and the game.
This is such a great series for anyone involved in the lifestyle or even curious about the lifestyle. Lets you get a peak at all the variants, even those you would never do yourself.
Definitely recommend!
This is such a great series for anyone involved in the lifestyle or even curious about the lifestyle. Lets you get a peak at all the variants, even those you would never do yourself.
Definitely recommend!
May 28, 2022
it’s good.
This should be a 3 1/2 stars.
I liked the story, yet I feel like I’ve read it before. Miscommunication between a Dom/sub is a very common trope in BDSM books. The relationship wasn’t really new or even unique for me. I suspect others might like it much more.
This one is very focused on heavy pain play , take that warning seriously.
It’s still a good addition to a series that I will continue to read .
This should be a 3 1/2 stars.
I liked the story, yet I feel like I’ve read it before. Miscommunication between a Dom/sub is a very common trope in BDSM books. The relationship wasn’t really new or even unique for me. I suspect others might like it much more.
This one is very focused on heavy pain play , take that warning seriously.
It’s still a good addition to a series that I will continue to read .
May 24, 2022
Another delightful add to the Checklist series!
Master Benson & Mal have a bit of history & the overseers see the game as an opportunity for these to work out their issues.
Mistress Faith has a part to play in this story & is great to see her interact with the main characters.
Can't wait for the remaining letters of the alphabet & then do a binge re-read.
Master Benson & Mal have a bit of history & the overseers see the game as an opportunity for these to work out their issues.
Mistress Faith has a part to play in this story & is great to see her interact with the main characters.
Can't wait for the remaining letters of the alphabet & then do a binge re-read.
May 24, 2022
communication gone bad
A couple with a lot a hurt due to a breaking down in communication brought back together by the Checklist game that might just save them from themselves and rekindle what they once had
A couple with a lot a hurt due to a breaking down in communication brought back together by the Checklist game that might just save them from themselves and rekindle what they once had
May 25, 2022
L. DuBois has given her readers a well written, emotional, raw, and hot read with intense s/m scenes, mistrust, communication issues, redemption, forgiveness, plenty of steam, and love.
I volunteered to review an advance reader copy of this book.
I volunteered to review an advance reader copy of this book.
May 26, 2022
Full on hard core, I could feel the pain of the 2 main characters through the whole book
May 21, 2022
So much pain!
My heart hurts for this couple. I feel like they were made for each other.
❤️
What a fantastic BDSM series
My heart hurts for this couple. I feel like they were made for each other.
❤️
What a fantastic BDSM series
May 30, 2022
Well, this book is a long one and that meanie named Lila didn't give us much time to get it read before she hit publish. And with having to work a real job and not just sit at home and read, it has taken me a bit to get this one finished.
This is book 16, yes 16, in the Checklist series. And like each and every other book in the series, it is a stand alone but it is also a part of an extended storyline.
The owners/bosses of the exclusive BDSM club Las Palmas decided everyone was getting lazy and needed something to shake them up. So the idea of a game was created and every dom and sub in the club were paired up and no one is exempt from the games. Every pair is assigned a letter and it is up to the doms to initiate things. (The subs do not know the letter until they meet the dom they have been paired with.)
When Master Benton realizes who he is paired up, he is livid. Mal is not too happy about being paired up with Benton either. She is willing to quit the club over being paired up with him. Benton is also ready to quit the club over being paired up with Mal. Yes, these two have some history and it wasn't good.
Pain falls under the letter P assigned to this pair and the question is can these two work past their past issues and pain to realize that they do belong to each other? Or is the letter P a Punishment for these two?
Like all books written by Ms. DuBois, the BDSM in this book is consensual. BDSM requires trust and communication between the partners. The characters in this book are well developed and relatable. Each book is well written and enjoyable. But if you have triggers, please check the triggers list linked at the start of the book.
I did receive a job of this novel in advance from the author in exchange for a fair and unbiased review. But Lila was naughty and kept writing instead of letting us read it with plenty of time before she clicked a button.
This is book 16, yes 16, in the Checklist series. And like each and every other book in the series, it is a stand alone but it is also a part of an extended storyline.
The owners/bosses of the exclusive BDSM club Las Palmas decided everyone was getting lazy and needed something to shake them up. So the idea of a game was created and every dom and sub in the club were paired up and no one is exempt from the games. Every pair is assigned a letter and it is up to the doms to initiate things. (The subs do not know the letter until they meet the dom they have been paired with.)
When Master Benton realizes who he is paired up, he is livid. Mal is not too happy about being paired up with Benton either. She is willing to quit the club over being paired up with him. Benton is also ready to quit the club over being paired up with Mal. Yes, these two have some history and it wasn't good.
Pain falls under the letter P assigned to this pair and the question is can these two work past their past issues and pain to realize that they do belong to each other? Or is the letter P a Punishment for these two?
Like all books written by Ms. DuBois, the BDSM in this book is consensual. BDSM requires trust and communication between the partners. The characters in this book are well developed and relatable. Each book is well written and enjoyable. But if you have triggers, please check the triggers list linked at the start of the book.
I did receive a job of this novel in advance from the author in exchange for a fair and unbiased review. But Lila was naughty and kept writing instead of letting us read it with plenty of time before she clicked a button.
December 7, 2024
Boring read.
The characters were not likable or even interesting. The female lead's focus on her 'journey into submission' came off as pretentious and self-important and the male lead's refusal to take any responsibility for his choices, past or present, made him look pompous and immature.
There was no relationship building. All the past scenes of any connection were mentioned briefly in passing, as opposed to shown, and the present scenes were lacking in any connection because they were both holding back and on different pages emotionally (ie he saw this opportunity as a last chance to touch her and she saw it as closure).
That holding back also made the smut more a recital of acts than a strong or keen experience.
And they were such a mismatch romantically. She clearly needed someone stronger who could hold his own with her and he needed someone less zealous and more practical.
And then there was the bad...
The two main characters were involved as steady but not formally committed play partners until a scene went horribly wrong due lack of honesty on the female lead's part.
Except that's not exactly what happened.
Because BOTH of them were keeping a secret and BOTH of them made bad choices influenced by their secret that led up to that past final scene.
But everything was put on the female lead's shoulders. Why? No clue.
It got two stars because it is not a bad read, it is just a boring read.
Do not recommend.
The characters were not likable or even interesting. The female lead's focus on her 'journey into submission' came off as pretentious and self-important and the male lead's refusal to take any responsibility for his choices, past or present, made him look pompous and immature.
There was no relationship building. All the past scenes of any connection were mentioned briefly in passing, as opposed to shown, and the present scenes were lacking in any connection because they were both holding back and on different pages emotionally (ie he saw this opportunity as a last chance to touch her and she saw it as closure).
That holding back also made the smut more a recital of acts than a strong or keen experience.
And they were such a mismatch romantically. She clearly needed someone stronger who could hold his own with her and he needed someone less zealous and more practical.
And then there was the bad...
The two main characters were involved as steady but not formally committed play partners until a scene went horribly wrong due lack of honesty on the female lead's part.
Except that's not exactly what happened.
Because BOTH of them were keeping a secret and BOTH of them made bad choices influenced by their secret that led up to that past final scene.
But everything was put on the female lead's shoulders. Why? No clue.
It got two stars because it is not a bad read, it is just a boring read.
Do not recommend.
May 26, 2022
This is a great addition to the Checklist series. I was a bit apprehensive with this one, because the line between punishment/pain and pleasure can be a fine one, but I really enjoyed the story. Lila Dubois handled that line perfectly - I shouldn’t have worried.
Benson and Mal have a rocky history together, and neither is happy that the overseers have matched them in the checklist game.
Mal is a masochist who is working hard to learn her limits while balancing her needs. Benson is a sadist who thought he had done everything that Mal wanted - he played safely within limits that Mal had set. Their relationship didn’t end well, because Benson feels like a monster.
The scenes were highly intense and extremely emotional. Were the overseers right in bringing these two together? Will this pair realize they should never be together again, or will they work through their issues and find some kind of future together?
While I personally don’t understand the extremes that Benson and Mal need, I can certainly appreciate that those needs are valid. Lila Dubois did a fantastic job with this addition to the series!
Benson and Mal have a rocky history together, and neither is happy that the overseers have matched them in the checklist game.
Mal is a masochist who is working hard to learn her limits while balancing her needs. Benson is a sadist who thought he had done everything that Mal wanted - he played safely within limits that Mal had set. Their relationship didn’t end well, because Benson feels like a monster.
The scenes were highly intense and extremely emotional. Were the overseers right in bringing these two together? Will this pair realize they should never be together again, or will they work through their issues and find some kind of future together?
While I personally don’t understand the extremes that Benson and Mal need, I can certainly appreciate that those needs are valid. Lila Dubois did a fantastic job with this addition to the series!
May 28, 2022
Master Benson and Malvia's book was an emotional read. Benson and Mal have a past history that ending publicly and badly. It left them both hurt and a little broken and when they are paired for the checklist game it rips their wounds completely open. Benson outright refuses to participate but Mal sees it as way for them to move on. When Benson and Mal were together, they were honest about their needs but not their feelings and it caused a dangerous situation that broke them. When Benson finally agrees, he tries to keep his feeling separate but he struggles as they scene it reminds them how good they were together. This was an emotional and at times difficult to read because your heart just hurt for these two as it was evident that they loved each other but the past mistakes kept happening. They must learn to communicate about everything if they are ever able to move forward. This was an very emotional and enjoyable read. I cannot wait for the next installment.
May 22, 2022
Benson and Mal have a history. Their relationship schism is not mending as they patently avoid each other at Las Palmas. The Las Palmas overseers once again show their manipulative side when they pair these two in the hopes they can at least find closure and move on. Mistrust dictates caution rather than pleasure in their actions and reactions with each other. He's a sadist; demanding, stern and disciplined. She's a masochist with a need to push the envelope and explore her darker extreme side. Their assigned letter "P" has a many items such as pain, public exposure and punishment that they can incorporate into their play. There are quite a few that are definitely no. It takes history repeating itself for them to finally openly and truthfully communicate and guess what? They've both been on the same page when it come to their feelings for one another.
February 22, 2023
“This weekend was the last time Benson would ever take her as his submissive.”
It’s official. The Overseers are truly evil geniuses. While a number of books in this series have had a fair amount of angst, Benson and Mal repeatedly broke my heart. I literally cried a couple of times at the pain and longing they both were consumed with. These two true soul mates were both so afraid of spoiling the relationship they had that they hid their true feelings from each other, which ultimately destroyed what they had. I hope they realize how truly fortunate they are that Masters Mikel and Leo, along with Mistress Faith are such intuitive and controlling butinskis! Without being forced by the club’s fearless leaders, god knows how long they would have continued their joint misery. God this was good! And we still have ten more to come. Bring them on!
It’s official. The Overseers are truly evil geniuses. While a number of books in this series have had a fair amount of angst, Benson and Mal repeatedly broke my heart. I literally cried a couple of times at the pain and longing they both were consumed with. These two true soul mates were both so afraid of spoiling the relationship they had that they hid their true feelings from each other, which ultimately destroyed what they had. I hope they realize how truly fortunate they are that Masters Mikel and Leo, along with Mistress Faith are such intuitive and controlling butinskis! Without being forced by the club’s fearless leaders, god knows how long they would have continued their joint misery. God this was good! And we still have ten more to come. Bring them on!
May 28, 2022
Lila Dubois has done a fantastic job with this series and this story is a great addition to the Checklist series.
Benson and Mal have had a rocky history together, unhappy that the overseers have placed them together in the game.
Benson is a sadist and feels like a monster, he thought he done everything that Mal wanted. She is a masochist who is trying to learn her limits while balancing her needs. Benson played within the limits that Mal had set but their relationship didn’t end well between the two.
Their scenes together are intense and extremely emotional. Will this bring them together again and work through their past to find a future together?
This is a tough story of the fine line between punishment/pain and Lila Dubois handled that line perfectly.
Benson and Mal have had a rocky history together, unhappy that the overseers have placed them together in the game.
Benson is a sadist and feels like a monster, he thought he done everything that Mal wanted. She is a masochist who is trying to learn her limits while balancing her needs. Benson played within the limits that Mal had set but their relationship didn’t end well between the two.
Their scenes together are intense and extremely emotional. Will this bring them together again and work through their past to find a future together?
This is a tough story of the fine line between punishment/pain and Lila Dubois handled that line perfectly.
June 19, 2022
These books are simply wonderful. I love how DuBois uses the idea of the checklist to work through the challenges Mal and Benson have avoided since their club relationship soured months ago. These are two smart protagonists, and seeing what they have to face in terms of anger, guilt, expiation, and more drive this story forward in a fascinating way. I really liked that Mal acknowledged her responsibility for what happened early on, while Benson had a greater curve to address what went wrong in the past.
The spicy scenes in P is for are super hot, but they always, always serve the story. I love that, 16 books in, DuBois is finding more and more ways to keep it intriguing, as well as to make me long for the next book!
The spicy scenes in P is for are super hot, but they always, always serve the story. I love that, 16 books in, DuBois is finding more and more ways to keep it intriguing, as well as to make me long for the next book!
July 6, 2022
P is for...if you have read the rest of the series you have already started to guess the answers. Pain is a big one, but there is no sign of pleasure. I was a bit afraid that going into this story that it would be too dark for me. It was anything but that. DuBois wrote a book in which the characters needs were fulfilled and the mystery of why they fell apart came to light.
I really liked the story and there is no shame in your needs, and these two loved each other without a doubt. Playing the game required honesty and communication. We have seen that in every story, and it always leads to a HEA.
The only thing I was missing was a glimpse into the future. What their lives looked like after they left the club. I guess that I'm just greedy, and I wanted more of these characters.
I really liked the story and there is no shame in your needs, and these two loved each other without a doubt. Playing the game required honesty and communication. We have seen that in every story, and it always leads to a HEA.
The only thing I was missing was a glimpse into the future. What their lives looked like after they left the club. I guess that I'm just greedy, and I wanted more of these characters.
May 28, 2022
Loved “P is for’’! I’m finding that the alphabet/books are getting more and more intense as we’re going through the letters. I’m also going to need to make some kind of diagram with all the characters so I can place them accordingly when they are revisited in future books! Personally, I’m not into “pain” but the psychology behind it is very intriguing for me. I found myself totally engrossed in Malvia’s thoughts: anxious, worried, alone, sad (crying my eyes out!)… and finally Loved!!! (Thank goodness for the HEA or I would have been totally distraught at the end!!) I truly enjoyed P is for… Well worth reading! 5 Stars!!!
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