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The crack of his whip...her initiation into submission.
Evelyn Larsen is numb. She’s lost her job, her lover…and herself. She doesn’t want love or passion, but she does want to feel again. She wants the pain of BDSM…even if it means she’ll have to endure the pleasure.
Businessman and Dom, Alex Ferraro isn’t interested in anything more than scenes in his dungeon. But the haunting look in Evelyn’s eyes draws him in. Under his control, he could set her free. But once his, will he be able to let her go?
Evelyn Larsen is numb. She’s lost her job, her lover…and herself. She doesn’t want love or passion, but she does want to feel again. She wants the pain of BDSM…even if it means she’ll have to endure the pleasure.
Businessman and Dom, Alex Ferraro isn’t interested in anything more than scenes in his dungeon. But the haunting look in Evelyn’s eyes draws him in. Under his control, he could set her free. But once his, will he be able to let her go?
141 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 28, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 26, 2026
3.5 stars
Initiation Into Submission: High Protocol #1 – Damaged is a quick, emotionally driven novella that focuses more on the inner lives of its characters than on heavy BDSM content. Evelyn’s numbness and desire to feel something again give the story a strong emotional foundation, and Alex’s controlled, disciplined presence creates a dynamic that’s more about healing than intensity. The pacing is fast, making it easy to finish in one sitting, but that speed also means the BDSM elements stay relatively light. Despite the setup of high protocol and dungeon scenes, the book leans toward romance and emotional connection rather than detailed or intense kink. Readers who enjoy character‑focused erotic romance will find it satisfying. Still, anyone hoping for a deeper or more immersive BDSM experience may feel it doesn’t fully explore the world it hints at. It’s ultimately a story about two damaged people finding a way to feel again, wrapped in a sensual but restrained package.
Initiation Into Submission: High Protocol #1 – Damaged is a quick, emotionally driven novella that focuses more on the inner lives of its characters than on heavy BDSM content. Evelyn’s numbness and desire to feel something again give the story a strong emotional foundation, and Alex’s controlled, disciplined presence creates a dynamic that’s more about healing than intensity. The pacing is fast, making it easy to finish in one sitting, but that speed also means the BDSM elements stay relatively light. Despite the setup of high protocol and dungeon scenes, the book leans toward romance and emotional connection rather than detailed or intense kink. Readers who enjoy character‑focused erotic romance will find it satisfying. Still, anyone hoping for a deeper or more immersive BDSM experience may feel it doesn’t fully explore the world it hints at. It’s ultimately a story about two damaged people finding a way to feel again, wrapped in a sensual but restrained package.
April 13, 2023
Ok wait… I loved this book!
I find bdsm books can definitely be a bit hit or miss for me but this novel really was a hit. The plot was well written and didn’t feel dragged out. I devoured this in hours unable to put this down. I really like how this book was a slow burn in the sense that there was no full on s3x until the last 20% but this book was in no way not spicy! There was spice from about 25% in to the book. The plot line felt really realistic and really kept me intrigued through out.
I loved how Kyann wrote the fmc Evelyn. She was such a relatable character, grieving from a loss of her fiancé and not sure what to do with her life we get to follow her journey of self discovery. She goes to the dungeon for pain but in the end leaves with pleasure. Alex is the dom every girl wants, he saw the fmc and knew she was it for him from the get go and was willing to do what he had to go get her where he wanted her.
This novel is full of amazing tropes such as he falls first, possessive fmc and instant attraction! If you like any of these I would advise you to pick this book up asap.
I find bdsm books can definitely be a bit hit or miss for me but this novel really was a hit. The plot was well written and didn’t feel dragged out. I devoured this in hours unable to put this down. I really like how this book was a slow burn in the sense that there was no full on s3x until the last 20% but this book was in no way not spicy! There was spice from about 25% in to the book. The plot line felt really realistic and really kept me intrigued through out.
I loved how Kyann wrote the fmc Evelyn. She was such a relatable character, grieving from a loss of her fiancé and not sure what to do with her life we get to follow her journey of self discovery. She goes to the dungeon for pain but in the end leaves with pleasure. Alex is the dom every girl wants, he saw the fmc and knew she was it for him from the get go and was willing to do what he had to go get her where he wanted her.
This novel is full of amazing tropes such as he falls first, possessive fmc and instant attraction! If you like any of these I would advise you to pick this book up asap.
October 10, 2022
OK, probably 4.5 stars. I would take half of a star off for the haste of the story arc.
Evie is broken by grief and has been for a year. After stumbling into BDSM online, she becomes obsessed, because this is the first thing that has actually interested her in a year. She fills out an application and is invited to a club.
Where... she meets the owner. Who has only had shallow dungeon-only encounters for years. And suddenly he is taken by her. And wants her in all of his life. So he takes over her training and decides that is not training her, he is *taking* her.
Exploration, tension, drama, breakup, reconciliation, HEA.
This is a very well-written BDSM club romance. It hits the tropes and hits them well. My problem is that it is all so formulaic and all so FAST.
Other than that, very well written. I will be continuing to read the series.
Evie is broken by grief and has been for a year. After stumbling into BDSM online, she becomes obsessed, because this is the first thing that has actually interested her in a year. She fills out an application and is invited to a club.
Where... she meets the owner. Who has only had shallow dungeon-only encounters for years. And suddenly he is taken by her. And wants her in all of his life. So he takes over her training and decides that is not training her, he is *taking* her.
Exploration, tension, drama, breakup, reconciliation, HEA.
This is a very well-written BDSM club romance. It hits the tropes and hits them well. My problem is that it is all so formulaic and all so FAST.
Other than that, very well written. I will be continuing to read the series.
August 24, 2025
Emotional and sultry!
March 25, 2023
Everything I expected, and a little I didn't expect. Engaging characters and a story that is easy to get lost in. It moves at a good pace, but not so fast you don't have time to feel every emotion depicted.
Want to Read
January 28, 2025🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/13/2022)! 🎁
March 29, 2026
WHAT WAS THAT. WHO APPROVED THIS. I NEED A MINUTE.
I first discovered KyAnn Waters through her Ruthless Beast which was a 5-⭐ read!
I love a good dom/sub story with emotional healing...
...and this book delivers just that! ❤️
If you're looking for something similar, I also highly recommend The Wonderland Chronicles series (of novellas) by Alexis Rey! 🫶
My favorite quotes:
What it is about:
Damaged is a fast, emotionally charged romance that dives straight into messy attraction, vulnerability, and the kind of connection that feels a little too intense, too quickly. What starts as pure heat quickly unravels into something deeper, exposing scars, tension, and feelings neither character is ready to handle. It’s short, addictive, and hits that perfect mix of spice and emotional chaos that leaves you reeling long after the last page.
What I loved:
💔how she is desperately looking for -any- way to feel even remotely alive
🤣how he epically fails at his initial good intentions, planning to have her trained as a sub by anyone-but-him
🥹how this little novella still managed to give me all the feels: her heartbreak, his obsession, her best friend's judgment,...
💔chapter 14
What I struggled with:
I am nitpicking...but:
🔚how chapter 15 felt more like an epilogue
What you need to know:
📚interconnected standalone, part of the Initiation into Submission: High Protocol series
⏰novella
🫂dual POV, 1st person
🧑🏼🤝👩🏻venture capitalist x former paralegal
💕he fell first, he fell harder
🖤dom x sub dynamics
🦺her safeword is Patience #IYKYK
❤️🩹hurt/comfort
💔3rd act breakup
❤️🩹emotional healing
❤️HEA
For the safety squad:
🌶️spice
🦺content warnings
I first discovered KyAnn Waters through her Ruthless Beast which was a 5-⭐ read!
I love a good dom/sub story with emotional healing...
...and this book delivers just that! ❤️
If you're looking for something similar, I also highly recommend The Wonderland Chronicles series (of novellas) by Alexis Rey! 🫶
My favorite quotes:
"My mother told me to get on a dating app." A smile curled her lips. "I told her I wasn't looking for sex."
Misty laughed. "You should be. Come to Roosters." She wagged her brows. "It's full of cocks."
Difficult. Taking the BAR exam would be difficult, digging a trench would be difficult, burying Daniel was difficult. Living without him wasn't difficult. She wasn't living.
"No, we won't be dating." He took a step closer to her. "Dating implies you could date other men. You'll be exclusively mine, inside and outside the club."
What it is about:
Damaged is a fast, emotionally charged romance that dives straight into messy attraction, vulnerability, and the kind of connection that feels a little too intense, too quickly. What starts as pure heat quickly unravels into something deeper, exposing scars, tension, and feelings neither character is ready to handle. It’s short, addictive, and hits that perfect mix of spice and emotional chaos that leaves you reeling long after the last page.
What I loved:
💔how she is desperately looking for -any- way to feel even remotely alive
🤣how he epically fails at his initial good intentions, planning to have her trained as a sub by anyone-but-him
🥹how this little novella still managed to give me all the feels: her heartbreak, his obsession, her best friend's judgment,...
💔chapter 14
What I struggled with:
I am nitpicking...but:
🔚how chapter 15 felt more like an epilogue
What you need to know:
📚interconnected standalone, part of the Initiation into Submission: High Protocol series
⏰novella
🫂dual POV, 1st person
🧑🏼🤝👩🏻venture capitalist x former paralegal
💕he fell first, he fell harder
🖤dom x sub dynamics
🦺her safeword is Patience #IYKYK
❤️🩹hurt/comfort
💔3rd act breakup
❤️🩹emotional healing
❤️HEA
For the safety squad:
🌶️spice
🦺content warnings
September 6, 2024
Rating: 1.5 stars
It was okay until it wasn't. Knowing it was a shorter book I knew that I had to lower my expectations on character building/story. Unfortunately, it felt like the book was sped up to fit all the things in a "standard' length novel. There was this instant connection between the MMC and FMC and it became an obsession for the MMC. Instead of letting the FMC explore and learn from a different Dom, she was swept away to be brought under his wing. The MMC was known in the club to only have experienced subs and a whole slew of them. Already a turn off that he couldn't put his alphahole tendency aside so that she could actually learn how to be a sub.
I don't think he really taught her at all. I was not impressed that she never felt truly comfortable to use her safeword because there was not an actual conversation about how to use it, when to use it, etc. and the expectation that we should believe she would from her research is different. Reading about it and using it are two very different things. Also, the moment when he knew she should have used it and still proceeded with the scene is upsetting because they talked about trust. It felt like he took advantage. I think that is why it was even more upsetting that she was saying her safeword with another Dom but didn't end up getting out of the scene because she didn't feel that she could. She felt she just needed to let go and that included her safe word.
The whole third act breakup was unfortunate because the MMC had a whole file on her and I get why she was mad but someone in his position, just rich people in general would have done that. I don't think it is at all surprising. Also, her best friend gave her location away so quickly. No. That was such a plot mover so he wasn't searching from coast-to-coast. Also, the whole time her best friend is disapproving of him so she had no reason to even give him any info.
Spice was 2.5-3 stars. Overall, the initiation aspect of this series both being the first book and the series name makes me hesitant to continue.
It was okay until it wasn't. Knowing it was a shorter book I knew that I had to lower my expectations on character building/story. Unfortunately, it felt like the book was sped up to fit all the things in a "standard' length novel. There was this instant connection between the MMC and FMC and it became an obsession for the MMC. Instead of letting the FMC explore and learn from a different Dom, she was swept away to be brought under his wing. The MMC was known in the club to only have experienced subs and a whole slew of them. Already a turn off that he couldn't put his alphahole tendency aside so that she could actually learn how to be a sub.
I don't think he really taught her at all. I was not impressed that she never felt truly comfortable to use her safeword because there was not an actual conversation about how to use it, when to use it, etc. and the expectation that we should believe she would from her research is different. Reading about it and using it are two very different things. Also, the moment when he knew she should have used it and still proceeded with the scene is upsetting because they talked about trust. It felt like he took advantage. I think that is why it was even more upsetting that she was saying her safeword with another Dom but didn't end up getting out of the scene because she didn't feel that she could. She felt she just needed to let go and that included her safe word.
The whole third act breakup was unfortunate because the MMC had a whole file on her and I get why she was mad but someone in his position, just rich people in general would have done that. I don't think it is at all surprising. Also, her best friend gave her location away so quickly. No. That was such a plot mover so he wasn't searching from coast-to-coast. Also, the whole time her best friend is disapproving of him so she had no reason to even give him any info.
Spice was 2.5-3 stars. Overall, the initiation aspect of this series both being the first book and the series name makes me hesitant to continue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2026
Evelyn Larsen is still torturing herself over the death of her boyfriend, and love of her life, in a car accident - an accident that occurred when she was driving. Having given up her job as a paralegal, Evelyn now freelances, doing research into topics assigned to her by various publications.
When she is asked to research the BDSM scene, Evelyn finds herself drawn to the idea of being a submissive and being punished - and, against her better judgement, completes a questionnaire for a local BDSM club. Surprised to be summoned for an interview, Evelyn meets owner and business venture capitalist Alex Ferraro - and the connection is instantaneous.....
A reasonable read but quite predictable in plot - novice sub meets rich businessman who doesn't normally go for novices but in her case yada yada/ she falls for him then finds something out that makes her feel betrayed and leaves, he goes to search for her etc - but it was okay and at least not peppered with misprints and wrong words as many stories in this genre are (there were a couple but not too many!) - 6/10.
When she is asked to research the BDSM scene, Evelyn finds herself drawn to the idea of being a submissive and being punished - and, against her better judgement, completes a questionnaire for a local BDSM club. Surprised to be summoned for an interview, Evelyn meets owner and business venture capitalist Alex Ferraro - and the connection is instantaneous.....
A reasonable read but quite predictable in plot - novice sub meets rich businessman who doesn't normally go for novices but in her case yada yada/ she falls for him then finds something out that makes her feel betrayed and leaves, he goes to search for her etc - but it was okay and at least not peppered with misprints and wrong words as many stories in this genre are (there were a couple but not too many!) - 6/10.
September 1, 2024
4 ✨
4 ✨
A nice quick, realistic read.
A year after the FMC loses her husband she gets an invitation to join the High Protocol club and meets the MMC.
While she is looking for pain he is looking for more.. And will do anything to have her.
Great smut and a good palette cleaner.
Please know this story is mostly smut and a pinch of a plot.
Easy to read.
4 ✨
A nice quick, realistic read.
A year after the FMC loses her husband she gets an invitation to join the High Protocol club and meets the MMC.
While she is looking for pain he is looking for more.. And will do anything to have her.
Great smut and a good palette cleaner.
Please know this story is mostly smut and a pinch of a plot.
Easy to read.
June 10, 2023
Sensual and Naughty 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
If you like sensual and naughty this story has it. I thought it was a perfect read and introduction to High Protocol.. I will be reading the next book in this series. 🤓
If you like sensual and naughty this story has it. I thought it was a perfect read and introduction to High Protocol.. I will be reading the next book in this series. 🤓
November 22, 2023
Delicious Dom🔥
Loved this BDSM story. Author Waters does a fantastic job showing the beauty of Alex & Evelyn's relationship. If I ever wanted to try, I'd want a Dom from High Protocol. ❤️
Loved this BDSM story. Author Waters does a fantastic job showing the beauty of Alex & Evelyn's relationship. If I ever wanted to try, I'd want a Dom from High Protocol. ❤️
July 20, 2024
Good
I liked the premise and the execution. The characters were okay. I just… it’s like it just ended. I don’t know what more I expected from the story, but I didn’t expect it to end when it did. Then I realized it’s a series. Gotta save something for the next book. Grrr.
I liked the premise and the execution. The characters were okay. I just… it’s like it just ended. I don’t know what more I expected from the story, but I didn’t expect it to end when it did. Then I realized it’s a series. Gotta save something for the next book. Grrr.
October 14, 2025
2.5 stars.
For a short book, I suppose it accomplished what it was supposed to but no way both MCs flip what they want that fast. Spice was plentiful but could have been more detailed for a better rating.
5 chilis
For a short book, I suppose it accomplished what it was supposed to but no way both MCs flip what they want that fast. Spice was plentiful but could have been more detailed for a better rating.
5 chilis
April 14, 2024
Decent quick read!
December 2, 2024
Alex owns a bdsm club, he falls for Evelyn who tries the club as she wants to feel pain after she looses her job and b/f. She realises she is submissive and falls for Alex
February 6, 2025
The book felt rushed and the concept has been done. It was an easy read but lacked depth IMO.
April 3, 2025
This is a quick and spicy read. It’s book one of the series. As the name implies, the FMC goes to a BDSM club for the first time, and you have to read to find out what all happens in this story.
July 11, 2025
spicy.
August 15, 2025
It’s middle of the road for me. I didn’t love it. I didn’t hate it. It’s bdsm and while there is a romance it’s not a hearts and flowers romance.
November 12, 2025
A very Eroctic BDSM READ. If you don’t like BDSM, or any bondage or D/s play than this is not the book for you.
December 30, 2025
Hot and Sexy🥵🫦👅
both characters need each other.
both characters need each other.
Read
January 14, 2026DNF
November 21, 2024
Great start to a series!
Damaged is book 1 in the Initiation into Submission: High Protocol series. What an enticing way to introduce a BDSM series with this exciting story. There are plenty of tempting characters and I think this will lead to some other fun books about the club. I can’t wait to jump into the next one!
Damaged is book 1 in the Initiation into Submission: High Protocol series. What an enticing way to introduce a BDSM series with this exciting story. There are plenty of tempting characters and I think this will lead to some other fun books about the club. I can’t wait to jump into the next one!
May 4, 2023
Well balanced between emotion and spice.
Still reeling from her fiance’s death, Evelyn finds something that sparks some interest – a BDSM club. When she enters the club, the owner Alex knows he has to be her teacher. Their journey is fast, but emotional – this is not just a shmxxy book.
If you like ‘he falls first’ and instant attraction, with a little bit of dominance thrown in, this is a delicious fast read to an HEA.
Still reeling from her fiance’s death, Evelyn finds something that sparks some interest – a BDSM club. When she enters the club, the owner Alex knows he has to be her teacher. Their journey is fast, but emotional – this is not just a shmxxy book.
If you like ‘he falls first’ and instant attraction, with a little bit of dominance thrown in, this is a delicious fast read to an HEA.
September 27, 2024
An interesting a potentially dangerous plot where a young lady that is psychologically damaged is initiated into BDSM as a form of self imposed therapy and then builds a relationship. It is handled well by this author
February 4, 2024
She’s Lost Everything
Evelyn is searching for pain to help her heal, to feel again. What she finds is Alex. Will she submit to him and finally be free?
Evelyn is searching for pain to help her heal, to feel again. What she finds is Alex. Will she submit to him and finally be free?
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews