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Desires Unleashed
No-nonsense operations manager Kell Murphy wants to let loose and have some fun. Moonlighting as a bartender provides just enough adventure with strangers who don’t expect anything more than a well-made cocktail.
Business owner Taylor Simpson wants ultimate control. She might be at the bar every week to check out the sexy bartender, but she only ever orders one drink. Longing for a D/s dynamic that satisfies her need for dominance and her sexual desires, Taylor hopes to find her perfect power exchange in Kell.
As their attraction intensifies, Kell must decide if she’s willing to surrender to Taylor’s control while Taylor struggles to trust her real-life fantasy come true. Neither went looking for love, but as they explore their desires unleashed, their hearts lead them on an unexpected journey.
Business owner Taylor Simpson wants ultimate control. She might be at the bar every week to check out the sexy bartender, but she only ever orders one drink. Longing for a D/s dynamic that satisfies her need for dominance and her sexual desires, Taylor hopes to find her perfect power exchange in Kell.
As their attraction intensifies, Kell must decide if she’s willing to surrender to Taylor’s control while Taylor struggles to trust her real-life fantasy come true. Neither went looking for love, but as they explore their desires unleashed, their hearts lead them on an unexpected journey.
- GenresBDSM
226 pages, Paperback
Published February 14, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 19, 2023
It's funny that I, who am not a big fan of BDSM-themed novels, decided to read this one and in the end it turned out that it doesn't have much of bdsm. Or it does have a lot of that, but more from the point of view of how you can start a relationship between a dominant and a submissive person. And without doubting that it is interesting to enter the mind of a dominatrix, some of the reasoning has been quite confusing and very repetitive in relation to the doubts and insecurities of the two protagonists. But it is more shocking in the case of Taylor, who is the one who lives fully in the BDSM world. And Kell doesn't quite understand this new dynamic for her either, and that lack of understanding carries over into her story as well.
Since it has not been what I expected, I cannot rate it very highly. It's been in the middle for me.
Publisher Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for an honest review
Since it has not been what I expected, I cannot rate it very highly. It's been in the middle for me.
Publisher Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for an honest review
January 22, 2023
**Possible spoilers ahead.
Please bear in mind, this is but one person's review, and you may very well enjoy this book significantly more than I did. In fact, I hope you do.
At the start of this book, it says the author did her research, and it shows, but not in a good way. This reads like an essay due to be handed in for marks. There is no depth to the plot or characters. The story is shallow at best.
Taylor goes to pains to explain a D/s relationship. She is heavy-handed in her thinking, and rubbed me the wrong way more times than I can count. In the beginning, she makes a big deal of no touching without permission. I get that in a scene, but come on, Kell only brushed her hand. To then go and grab her by the throat in a fit of rage! I wanted to punch her in the Cu*t, and I don't use that word lightly.
Sorry, but I strongly disagree with the above statement. But that was Taylor's character - giving out absolutes. And the contract signing screamed of ... that trilogy.
What Kell saw in her, beyond her curiosity into the kink world, something she states herself she still doesn't understand, was beyond me. The first time they play, Taylor crosses her own lines after waxing poetic forever in a day about the importance of SSC - safe, sane, and consensual.
This type of book is why readers shy away from lesfic with BDSM. I love the genre, and it turned me off. It was all so... clinical.
At the beginning of the book, Taylor states she goes by the pronouns she/they/them. Not sure why as she is referred to she throughout. She/they/them is fond of calling her submissives sluts and goes by the title Sir. She also refers to herself as Daddy Dom - a vibe I never got.
Last, but not least, and believe me, I could go on forever, there is a suicide in this book so be warned if that is a trigger. It is brief, and there is no point to it, other than for a rant about Covid to follow. Something I actively avoid in fiction.
***
Ramblings while fresh in my mind
Although told from both point-of-views, I never felt I got to know Kell. By the 60% mark, the small amount of respect I had for Taylor took a rapid downward spiral. By the end of the book I couldn't stand her.
Contains:
Contracts
Absolutes
Name-calling (slut)
No sex until the 70% mark - and that was lacklustre at best.
Contracts
Daddy Dom (female)
Contracts
Taylor
*identifies as she/they/them.
*Insists on being addressed as Sir
*also identifies as a Daddy Dom, although the Daddy/Little dynamic never plays out on page.
The word dynamic used 65+ times, so the reader can never forget it is a dynamic, not a relationship.
Trigger warning - suicide. (Brief and served no purpose other than to have a rant about COVID - neither seemed necessary)
Please bear in mind, this is but one person's review, and you may very well enjoy this book significantly more than I did. In fact, I hope you do.
At the start of this book, it says the author did her research, and it shows, but not in a good way. This reads like an essay due to be handed in for marks. There is no depth to the plot or characters. The story is shallow at best.
Taylor goes to pains to explain a D/s relationship. She is heavy-handed in her thinking, and rubbed me the wrong way more times than I can count. In the beginning, she makes a big deal of no touching without permission. I get that in a scene, but come on, Kell only brushed her hand. To then go and grab her by the throat in a fit of rage! I wanted to punch her in the Cu*t, and I don't use that word lightly.
Anger in a scene could be useful to a certain degree, but in the work world it would spell disaster.
Sorry, but I strongly disagree with the above statement. But that was Taylor's character - giving out absolutes. And the contract signing screamed of ... that trilogy.
"I would likely tell you that I was going to play (with someone else) but we wouldn't discuss it."
"A dominant doesn't answer to her submissive. They answer to her, or him."
What Kell saw in her, beyond her curiosity into the kink world, something she states herself she still doesn't understand, was beyond me. The first time they play, Taylor crosses her own lines after waxing poetic forever in a day about the importance of SSC - safe, sane, and consensual.
This type of book is why readers shy away from lesfic with BDSM. I love the genre, and it turned me off. It was all so... clinical.
At the beginning of the book, Taylor states she goes by the pronouns she/they/them. Not sure why as she is referred to she throughout. She/they/them is fond of calling her submissives sluts and goes by the title Sir. She also refers to herself as Daddy Dom - a vibe I never got.
Last, but not least, and believe me, I could go on forever, there is a suicide in this book so be warned if that is a trigger. It is brief, and there is no point to it, other than for a rant about Covid to follow. Something I actively avoid in fiction.
***
Ramblings while fresh in my mind
Although told from both point-of-views, I never felt I got to know Kell. By the 60% mark, the small amount of respect I had for Taylor took a rapid downward spiral. By the end of the book I couldn't stand her.
Contains:
Contracts
Absolutes
Name-calling (slut)
No sex until the 70% mark - and that was lacklustre at best.
Contracts
Daddy Dom (female)
Contracts
Taylor
*identifies as she/they/them.
*Insists on being addressed as Sir
*also identifies as a Daddy Dom, although the Daddy/Little dynamic never plays out on page.
The word dynamic used 65+ times, so the reader can never forget it is a dynamic, not a relationship.
Trigger warning - suicide. (Brief and served no purpose other than to have a rant about COVID - neither seemed necessary)
January 17, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! This book wasn't bad but it wasn't good either. I wasn't able to connect with the characters at all, the time lapse or who POV it is isn't clear. I also felt it was very repetitive and a bit forced.
December 14, 2023
2.5 ⭐️
It started off ok and I thought it would be 4 stars read, but the ending was pretty rushed and we didn’t get to know the MCs well
I’m very disappointed it has been a while since i read a good BDSM book 🥲🥲.
It started off ok and I thought it would be 4 stars read, but the ending was pretty rushed and we didn’t get to know the MCs well
I’m very disappointed it has been a while since i read a good BDSM book 🥲🥲.
February 10, 2023
4.71/10 on CAWPILE -> 3 stars
I received an ARC copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
When I saw this was a sapphic BDSM themed novella I immediately requested it, because I'm interested in exploring BDSM themed romance books. After finishing it I find myself having conflicting feelings and am unsure how to review it.
For a novella it took me long to finish it so the story wasn't fully grabbing my attention. I think the main cause for this is that it sometimes reads more as an introduction guide to BDSM than as a fiction book. The representation of BDSM was good, but if someone wants to read an introduction then they will pick up a non-fiction book on the topic. The tone of the novel was confusing because the romance plot felt forced and in function of introducing us to the world of BDSM. The writing was also sometimes confusing because I had a hard time differentiating between the two main characters in the beginning and it wasn't always clear to me which POV I was reading.
That being said, I still enjoyed reading this when I did pick it up and will explore this subgenre more. I guess I just expected something more/different from this novella.
I received an ARC copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
When I saw this was a sapphic BDSM themed novella I immediately requested it, because I'm interested in exploring BDSM themed romance books. After finishing it I find myself having conflicting feelings and am unsure how to review it.
For a novella it took me long to finish it so the story wasn't fully grabbing my attention. I think the main cause for this is that it sometimes reads more as an introduction guide to BDSM than as a fiction book. The representation of BDSM was good, but if someone wants to read an introduction then they will pick up a non-fiction book on the topic. The tone of the novel was confusing because the romance plot felt forced and in function of introducing us to the world of BDSM. The writing was also sometimes confusing because I had a hard time differentiating between the two main characters in the beginning and it wasn't always clear to me which POV I was reading.
That being said, I still enjoyed reading this when I did pick it up and will explore this subgenre more. I guess I just expected something more/different from this novella.
February 21, 2023
If BDSM is not your shot of whisky, crawl to another bar as this book ain't your watering hole. Yowza!
The beginning and middle of this book are so well-written you are almost a fly on the wall as the MC's organically find one another and begin exploring many facets of a D/s commitment. It's hot- it's steamy- though it gets confusing. The last 25% of the book oscillated far too much. The Dom would assert her views and needs, say she'd never act on baser instincts, then act on baser instincts, be scared of her actions and partners perceptions, doubt her abilities, issue a very untoward apology, leave her sub perplexed...... as a reader I was left confused, too.
3.5 stars
The three pillars are mentioned (safe, sane, consensual), yet many of the scenes were NOT discussed prior to play they were just primal. If the Dom was into primal/prey play- awesome, but that's not what was written. A contract is illegal, but a conversation about hard and soft limits is more part of The Life.
All in all, it's an ok read. Just wish the MC was more tenable as the Dom she was being written to be.
The beginning and middle of this book are so well-written you are almost a fly on the wall as the MC's organically find one another and begin exploring many facets of a D/s commitment. It's hot- it's steamy- though it gets confusing. The last 25% of the book oscillated far too much. The Dom would assert her views and needs, say she'd never act on baser instincts, then act on baser instincts, be scared of her actions and partners perceptions, doubt her abilities, issue a very untoward apology, leave her sub perplexed...... as a reader I was left confused, too.
3.5 stars
The three pillars are mentioned (safe, sane, consensual), yet many of the scenes were NOT discussed prior to play they were just primal. If the Dom was into primal/prey play- awesome, but that's not what was written. A contract is illegal, but a conversation about hard and soft limits is more part of The Life.
All in all, it's an ok read. Just wish the MC was more tenable as the Dom she was being written to be.
August 5, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
The blurb clearly identifies this book has 2 main female characters. Both are between relationships and are attracted to each other. What is inside the pages has depth, emotions and desire in clear terms as Taylor seeks a relationship with Kelly. Kelly is introduced to a new world of experiences while Taylor demonstrates and teaches the kind of association she enjoys and expects. Both are surprised by the depths of their feelings for each other and the relationship brings surprises for them both.
This lesbian BDSM read is filled with underlying hopes and fears, as with any loving relationship, and I thought it was well-written and interesting, as well as sexy. The explicit nature of the book is to be expected, but is underpinned by desire more than lust. The storyline was good while the sexy stuff was fascinating!
The blurb clearly identifies this book has 2 main female characters. Both are between relationships and are attracted to each other. What is inside the pages has depth, emotions and desire in clear terms as Taylor seeks a relationship with Kelly. Kelly is introduced to a new world of experiences while Taylor demonstrates and teaches the kind of association she enjoys and expects. Both are surprised by the depths of their feelings for each other and the relationship brings surprises for them both.
This lesbian BDSM read is filled with underlying hopes and fears, as with any loving relationship, and I thought it was well-written and interesting, as well as sexy. The explicit nature of the book is to be expected, but is underpinned by desire more than lust. The storyline was good while the sexy stuff was fascinating!
February 9, 2023
Thank you to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. Desires Unleashed is available on Valentine's day 2023.
Desires Unleashed is an LGBTQ2+ novel that features kink. The book was easy and quick to read. However, it left me wanting more as I felt it ended suddenly. The descriptions of the underground kink clubs made me feel that I was there with Kell and Taylor. For someone unfamiliar with the D/s dynamic, I felt like the book did a great job of educating the character and the reader.
Desires Unleashed is an LGBTQ2+ novel that features kink. The book was easy and quick to read. However, it left me wanting more as I felt it ended suddenly. The descriptions of the underground kink clubs made me feel that I was there with Kell and Taylor. For someone unfamiliar with the D/s dynamic, I felt like the book did a great job of educating the character and the reader.
September 5, 2023
I usually don't read BDSM books but I was curious about this one so I wanted to give it a try.
It was a good start where we get to know the two MC's, Kell and Taylor, get to know each other and establish a bond. There was a lot of info about BDSM and although it was interesting, I would have like to feel more of the relationship developing once the contract was signed.
The ending was pretty quickly and left me wanting more of their journey into the dynamic.
3,5 stars for me.
An ARC was provided to me via Netgalley in return of an honest review.
It was a good start where we get to know the two MC's, Kell and Taylor, get to know each other and establish a bond. There was a lot of info about BDSM and although it was interesting, I would have like to feel more of the relationship developing once the contract was signed.
The ending was pretty quickly and left me wanting more of their journey into the dynamic.
3,5 stars for me.
An ARC was provided to me via Netgalley in return of an honest review.
January 30, 2023
This was a book that I read. The premise was very promising but it ended up reading like an informational pamphlet about bdsm than an actual romance. The author also had one of the characters go by she/they pronouns but then only used she which was weird. It felt like the characters had no personality, they only existed to give the readers information about bdsm.
I received an arc through netgalley.
I received an arc through netgalley.
May 15, 2024
After reading the 'Rowan House' series, I got a bit hooked on Lesbian BDSM novels. So 'Desires Unleashed' sounded interesting.
A bit disappointing, as this story reads more as an introduction guide to BDSM than as a fiction book. I did not even sympathise with the main character as she - Taylor crosses her own lines constantly after talking about the importance of SSC - safe, sane, and consensual.
A bit disappointing, as this story reads more as an introduction guide to BDSM than as a fiction book. I did not even sympathise with the main character as she - Taylor crosses her own lines constantly after talking about the importance of SSC - safe, sane, and consensual.
June 5, 2023
Not what I was expecting this book to be. Much heavier on the informative side of how to start a Dom-sub relationship versus the relationship itself. There was a good amount of character development for a story as short as this one was. Loved that they started off wanting one thing and it developed to something so much more.
There was room for a lot more, but what was there was pleasant to read.
There was room for a lot more, but what was there was pleasant to read.
April 30, 2023
Spicy! The kind of book that keeps you on your toes. That will hit all that you love. A long with spicy you get a nice story and it’s worth every minute of it.
February 14, 2023
This book seemingly was written as a tutorial on BDSM for those interested in the lifestyle. Unfortunately, it also reads like a tutorial. There are two women protagonists, each of whom want more than their current life is giving them. Kell no longer wants to be in charge of everything while Taylor wants a submissive of her own. When they meet in a bar, each senses something in the other that may be just what she is looking for.
The book is almost fast paced, and, in general, the writing done well, but neither character is particularly carefully drawn. Roman spends more time and effort in lecturing her readers about BDSM than giving them either a well-written BDSM-based novel or a romance. She spends time telling her readers that a Dom must take care of her sub, but then Taylor ignores that time after time. The scenes between the two characters are bland and will not raise any one’s heart rate.
The ending comes too fast, and readers will turn the page only to find the story has truly ended. All in all, the book seems rushed and lacking in substance. This book should not be classified as either erotica or romance because it is neither. There are, however, several tidbits throughout that can be learning moments for the curious.
My thanks to Bold Strokes Books for an eARC.
The book is almost fast paced, and, in general, the writing done well, but neither character is particularly carefully drawn. Roman spends more time and effort in lecturing her readers about BDSM than giving them either a well-written BDSM-based novel or a romance. She spends time telling her readers that a Dom must take care of her sub, but then Taylor ignores that time after time. The scenes between the two characters are bland and will not raise any one’s heart rate.
The ending comes too fast, and readers will turn the page only to find the story has truly ended. All in all, the book seems rushed and lacking in substance. This book should not be classified as either erotica or romance because it is neither. There are, however, several tidbits throughout that can be learning moments for the curious.
My thanks to Bold Strokes Books for an eARC.
February 28, 2023
I usually do not read BDSM novels, but I enjoyed some other books by this author and decided to give this one a go when I saw it was available for reviewers.
It is a well-written book, but there is more BDSM education than the act per se. I did not really feel the romance and it was not what I was expecting.
It is a well-written book, but there is more BDSM education than the act per se. I did not really feel the romance and it was not what I was expecting.
February 23, 2023
Interesting story, not something that I'm into but thought I would give it a read. Like most of the reviews I thought the first chapters of this book were really well written and the story was flowing very nicely, but the BDSM aspects were introduced it didn't flow as well. I initially thought the relationship between Kell and Taylor was a good one, but after a bit I got kind of confused about what the relationship was all about, because at times it felt like Taylor was to much of a mommy or daddy figure and not a romantic partner. I'm not saying I didn't like the story, because I did, but I feel that there should be more to this story. I hope to read more in the future from this author and I would definitely recommend her other books.
February 12, 2023
Thank you to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. Desires Unleashed is available on Valentine's day 2023.
Desires Unleashed is an LGBTQ2+ novel that features kink. The book was easy and quick to read. However, it left me wanting more as I felt it ended suddenly. The descriptions of the underground kink clubs made me feel that I was there with Kell and Taylor. For someone unfamiliar with the D/s dynamic, I felt like the book did a great job of educating the character and the reader.
Desires Unleashed is an LGBTQ2+ novel that features kink. The book was easy and quick to read. However, it left me wanting more as I felt it ended suddenly. The descriptions of the underground kink clubs made me feel that I was there with Kell and Taylor. For someone unfamiliar with the D/s dynamic, I felt like the book did a great job of educating the character and the reader.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews