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Traditional Love #1
Traditional Love
Is finding true love as simple as finding a strong man who spanks?
In hopes that she can rebuild her broken life, Neely moves back to her hometown and becomes roommates with her best friend, Caine. Living together they soon discover that their feelings go far beyond just friendship. Neely is surprised to learn that Caine believes in spanking as a way of life. He lives and passionately upholds a lifestyle known as Domestic Discipline. He is a man who believes in loving, cherishing and spanking his women!
But can Neely let go, and trust in Caine? Can she submit to his way of life, and emerge herself in his like minded group of friends? Is Domestic Discipline just what Neely needs? Or will the uncertainty of the lifestyle tear them apart?
Domestic Discipline Erotic Romance
In hopes that she can rebuild her broken life, Neely moves back to her hometown and becomes roommates with her best friend, Caine. Living together they soon discover that their feelings go far beyond just friendship. Neely is surprised to learn that Caine believes in spanking as a way of life. He lives and passionately upholds a lifestyle known as Domestic Discipline. He is a man who believes in loving, cherishing and spanking his women!
But can Neely let go, and trust in Caine? Can she submit to his way of life, and emerge herself in his like minded group of friends? Is Domestic Discipline just what Neely needs? Or will the uncertainty of the lifestyle tear them apart?
Domestic Discipline Erotic Romance
138 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 26, 2010
17 people are currently reading
447 people want to read
About the author
Alta Hensley
117 books2,348 followersAlta Hensley is a NYT & USA Today bestselling author of dark romance where the villain always gets the happily ever after.
Twisted, clever, and occasionally unhinged, her books deliver morally gray anti-heroes, sharp-tongued heroines, and happily ever afters that taste even sweeter after a little ruin. With a signature blend of grit, wit, and heat, Alta’s stories prove one thing: Villains deserve love too.
Alta lives on the foggy coast of Oregon with her husband, two daughters, and a pair of dogs who think they’re in charge. When she’s not writing redemption for the irredeemable, she’s walking the coastline or sipping craft beer in eccentric little bars that feel like they belong in her books.
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Twisted, clever, and occasionally unhinged, her books deliver morally gray anti-heroes, sharp-tongued heroines, and happily ever afters that taste even sweeter after a little ruin. With a signature blend of grit, wit, and heat, Alta’s stories prove one thing: Villains deserve love too.
Alta lives on the foggy coast of Oregon with her husband, two daughters, and a pair of dogs who think they’re in charge. When she’s not writing redemption for the irredeemable, she’s walking the coastline or sipping craft beer in eccentric little bars that feel like they belong in her books.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltaHensleyA...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Alta-Hensley/e...
Website: www.altahensley.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/altahensley
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alta-...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@altahensley
Join her mailing list: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
May 14, 2025
a quote from the blog:
"Domestic Discipline is the practice between two consenting life partners in which the husband (or head of the household) takes the necessary measures to achieve a healthy marriage or relationship (yep are you getting this) dynamic, it encompasses the necessary measures to create a healthy home environment, the necessary measures to protect all members of the family from dangerous or detrimental outcomes by punishing the contributing, and unwanted, behaviours".
I am a great advocate of freedom of choice and what happens between consenting adults in their own homes IS their own choice.
So the problem I had with this whole concept (described above) is that this book failed to communicate that to love me.
I love the Alpha male thing and how they see themselves in charge but for me, Caine was no alpha male. Bullish, heavy-handed, overbearing? yes but no alpha male about him.
His handling of Neely was overdone and his treatment of her in this relationship was one-sided. "Do what I say or else over my knee you go"
His dishing out of the discipline came across as painful and not much love involved.
Every time he "disciplines" her he says " I don't like hurting you" and doesn't negate the fact that he is hurting her. His declaration of "I love you Neely girl" after every spanking suggests that because he "loves her" he has to do it.
Alta Hensley's explanation of where she was coming from with this book is that it " defines the lifestyle and depicts Caine as a loving, romantic male and how he demonstrates how much he loves HIS woman is by reinforcing HIS rules as "Head of the Household" and does this through domestic discipline "spanking"
So Caine basically rules the roost and his effective way of running HIS household is to ensure that HIS woman doesn't overspend, stays within HIS rules, no swearing, no overindulgence etc etc etc so basically the woman does what he says or else and if she doesn't obey HIM over his knee she goes! Not much love in this relationship.
I found the romance aspect of the story lacking. It didn't exist. When they get down to having sex it is reasonably hot but other than Caine supposedly demonstrating his love through some painful discipline, this story is mainly about Neely submitting to HIS lifestyle (or else) and there isn't a lot more to the plot.
I am fortunate I have a loving equal relationship and am adult enough to say "sorry" to my husband if I overspend, overindulge and curse and he is adult enough to accept I have weaknesses without putting me over his knee and of course, this works both ways - (wink, wink).
For me, there was nothing "traditional" about their love or relationship. No real equality. What HE says goes or else and that was
I didn't get it.
"Domestic Discipline is the practice between two consenting life partners in which the husband (or head of the household) takes the necessary measures to achieve a healthy marriage or relationship (yep are you getting this) dynamic, it encompasses the necessary measures to create a healthy home environment, the necessary measures to protect all members of the family from dangerous or detrimental outcomes by punishing the contributing, and unwanted, behaviours".
I am a great advocate of freedom of choice and what happens between consenting adults in their own homes IS their own choice.
So the problem I had with this whole concept (described above) is that this book failed to communicate that to love me.
I love the Alpha male thing and how they see themselves in charge but for me, Caine was no alpha male. Bullish, heavy-handed, overbearing? yes but no alpha male about him.
His handling of Neely was overdone and his treatment of her in this relationship was one-sided. "Do what I say or else over my knee you go"
His dishing out of the discipline came across as painful and not much love involved.
Every time he "disciplines" her he says " I don't like hurting you" and doesn't negate the fact that he is hurting her. His declaration of "I love you Neely girl" after every spanking suggests that because he "loves her" he has to do it.
Alta Hensley's explanation of where she was coming from with this book is that it " defines the lifestyle and depicts Caine as a loving, romantic male and how he demonstrates how much he loves HIS woman is by reinforcing HIS rules as "Head of the Household" and does this through domestic discipline "spanking"
So Caine basically rules the roost and his effective way of running HIS household is to ensure that HIS woman doesn't overspend, stays within HIS rules, no swearing, no overindulgence etc etc etc so basically the woman does what he says or else and if she doesn't obey HIM over his knee she goes! Not much love in this relationship.
I found the romance aspect of the story lacking. It didn't exist. When they get down to having sex it is reasonably hot but other than Caine supposedly demonstrating his love through some painful discipline, this story is mainly about Neely submitting to HIS lifestyle (or else) and there isn't a lot more to the plot.
I am fortunate I have a loving equal relationship and am adult enough to say "sorry" to my husband if I overspend, overindulge and curse and he is adult enough to accept I have weaknesses without putting me over his knee and of course, this works both ways - (wink, wink).
For me, there was nothing "traditional" about their love or relationship. No real equality. What HE says goes or else and that was
I didn't get it.
July 29, 2016
I read this book at the suggestion of somebody on Twitter. She said that it was a "non-traditional" erotic romance, and that piqued my interest.
This story is told by Neely, who is just out of an apathetic marriage. She's elected to move back to where she grew up, to the loving arms of her best friend, Nicole, and her big brother Caine, who are basically the only family Neely has had for a long time. When Neely announces that she is moving home, Caine insists that she move in with him. He's got more than enough room, and is anxious to be sure that Neely is around those who love her most and best. Neely, who feels abandoned by her ex, readily agrees and moves into Caine's house.
When she moves in, she finds a beautifully decorated bedroom waiting for her. She also finds herself viewing Caine in a less than big brother light. He's always been handsome, but he's grown into a dominant force, and one that she finds herself drawn to over and over again. On one of her first night's home, Neely overhears Caine practicing Domestic Discipline with his girlfriend. As she listens, Caine spanks his girlfriend to punish her for being rude to Neely and his sister. Neely finds herself intrigued and turned on. She wonders if she could ever submit to Caine disciplining her.
Soon it becomes apparent that Caine and Neely have a strong attraction to each other, and Caine and his girlfriend break up. Shortly after that, Caine and Neely are exploring their feelings for each other. Caine explains the practice of Domestic Discipline, where Neely would agree that Caine is the head of their household, meaning that he makes decisions for the house, his word is final, and he reserves the right to discipline Neely by spanking if she does something worthy of punishment. Neely is scared, but also intrigued by the practice and agrees to try it. Her first punishment from Caine is for keeping their relationship a secret. She's understandably, unsure about how others might feel about their lifestyle, and doesn't tell her close friends. When Caine realizes this, he's very angry with Neely, and disciplines her by spanking her. Neely starts off upset, but the encounter does end with them reaffirming their feelings for each other by sex. Will Neely be able to adjust to Caine's lifestyle? Or will she decide that Domestic Discipline is not for her.
Oh man, where to start with this book. Look, I'm an old skool romance reader. I have no hot button when it comes to forced seduction, spanking, or many other issues that a lot of readers have with old romances. But this book pushed every trigger I had. Part of it is that this is a contemporary novel, and to me, the practice of Domestic Discipline is counter intuitive to what I believe as a modern woman. In this story, Neely agreed that Caine would be the "head of the household" and gave him the power to "punish" her by spanking her. At one point, he did it with a hairbrush while impaling her anally with his finger (not sexually) until she was in severe pain.
I try very hard to yuck someone else's yum. Much like D/s books, I have a hard time identifying with those who enjoy pain with their sex. But this wasn't about sex to me. It was about power. And Neely willingly handed over her power, allowing Caine to decide which of her actions were punishable offenses. The author does a good job of explaining the thinking behind it, and in trying to make Caine's actions ones of love. He's constantly "lovingly" doing something or another "for" Neely, even holding her as she sobs on his lap after he spanks her. But I could never get over being appalled that the heroine would allow the hero to put her over his knees and strike her. No matter that it ended in "relationship affirming" sex. This is not a storyline, nor a practice I found myself either remotely turned on by, nor intrigued by. I simply don't understand it.
I think that Alta Hensley has a strong writing voice. And I enjoyed her style. But the subject matter was one that had my constantly making the "icky" face and recoiling from the violence and lopsided nature of the relationship between the heroine and the hero. This is definitely not a traditional romance in any sense of the word, and Traditional Love is a book I don't think I can comfortably recommend to any reader.
Final grade: D
This story is told by Neely, who is just out of an apathetic marriage. She's elected to move back to where she grew up, to the loving arms of her best friend, Nicole, and her big brother Caine, who are basically the only family Neely has had for a long time. When Neely announces that she is moving home, Caine insists that she move in with him. He's got more than enough room, and is anxious to be sure that Neely is around those who love her most and best. Neely, who feels abandoned by her ex, readily agrees and moves into Caine's house.
When she moves in, she finds a beautifully decorated bedroom waiting for her. She also finds herself viewing Caine in a less than big brother light. He's always been handsome, but he's grown into a dominant force, and one that she finds herself drawn to over and over again. On one of her first night's home, Neely overhears Caine practicing Domestic Discipline with his girlfriend. As she listens, Caine spanks his girlfriend to punish her for being rude to Neely and his sister. Neely finds herself intrigued and turned on. She wonders if she could ever submit to Caine disciplining her.
Soon it becomes apparent that Caine and Neely have a strong attraction to each other, and Caine and his girlfriend break up. Shortly after that, Caine and Neely are exploring their feelings for each other. Caine explains the practice of Domestic Discipline, where Neely would agree that Caine is the head of their household, meaning that he makes decisions for the house, his word is final, and he reserves the right to discipline Neely by spanking if she does something worthy of punishment. Neely is scared, but also intrigued by the practice and agrees to try it. Her first punishment from Caine is for keeping their relationship a secret. She's understandably, unsure about how others might feel about their lifestyle, and doesn't tell her close friends. When Caine realizes this, he's very angry with Neely, and disciplines her by spanking her. Neely starts off upset, but the encounter does end with them reaffirming their feelings for each other by sex. Will Neely be able to adjust to Caine's lifestyle? Or will she decide that Domestic Discipline is not for her.
Oh man, where to start with this book. Look, I'm an old skool romance reader. I have no hot button when it comes to forced seduction, spanking, or many other issues that a lot of readers have with old romances. But this book pushed every trigger I had. Part of it is that this is a contemporary novel, and to me, the practice of Domestic Discipline is counter intuitive to what I believe as a modern woman. In this story, Neely agreed that Caine would be the "head of the household" and gave him the power to "punish" her by spanking her. At one point, he did it with a hairbrush while impaling her anally with his finger (not sexually) until she was in severe pain.
I try very hard to yuck someone else's yum. Much like D/s books, I have a hard time identifying with those who enjoy pain with their sex. But this wasn't about sex to me. It was about power. And Neely willingly handed over her power, allowing Caine to decide which of her actions were punishable offenses. The author does a good job of explaining the thinking behind it, and in trying to make Caine's actions ones of love. He's constantly "lovingly" doing something or another "for" Neely, even holding her as she sobs on his lap after he spanks her. But I could never get over being appalled that the heroine would allow the hero to put her over his knees and strike her. No matter that it ended in "relationship affirming" sex. This is not a storyline, nor a practice I found myself either remotely turned on by, nor intrigued by. I simply don't understand it.
I think that Alta Hensley has a strong writing voice. And I enjoyed her style. But the subject matter was one that had my constantly making the "icky" face and recoiling from the violence and lopsided nature of the relationship between the heroine and the hero. This is definitely not a traditional romance in any sense of the word, and Traditional Love is a book I don't think I can comfortably recommend to any reader.
Final grade: D
July 28, 2012
Catching a cheating spouse should generate outrage and pain. Instead, for Neely, it only gives her a feeling of relief and happiness. This is because she's made the right choice, leaving her husband and getting a divorce. This infidelity was the final nail the proverbial coffin. Free from a loveless marriage, Neely heads home to be with her best friend Coley. Coley's brother Caine has always been an older brother to Neely too. When he offers a room in his home, she's delighted yet wary. What of Caine's girlfriend, Sara?
Not long after Neely moves in, Sara is kicked to the curb while Caine and Neely get it on. While this sounds like Neely is a boyfriend stealing twat, it's really Caine who caused the problem. Caine is not a perfect man. He is a perfect Mr. Right Now. He's a perpetual womanizer in some senses. As his sister states, he moves a woman in to live with him fast and forces them to be homeless in another breath. For a man who preaches "traditional" love and doesn't like foul language from a woman, he is pretty liberal with his living arrangements. Who moves from one woman to another before the bed sheet is even cold? Apparently Caine does this with ease.
Neely isn't concerned about Caine's fickle loyalties. He's a changed man because he's finally found the woman of his dreams. Yes, he's a bit high handed and he certainly shows how much regard he has for his girlfriend by who he chooses. Caine's domestic discipline philosophy is actually sound and arousingly hot. It makes him attractive and perfect to keep Neely from bad habits. What was disappointing about him is how he made Sara feel. True, Sara behaved poorly but it was a doom relationship when she moved in with him. He has a track record of big boobed short term spanking fuck buddies. Basically, he's a slutty anal probing gigolo.
Neely's introduction to domestic discipline was a bit shocking and illicit for her. It appears the spanking, paddling and butt fucking only make her slutty pussy wet. This is all good for Caine. It's a fitting match. He enjoys doling out spankings and anal fucks while she lovely slurbs it all up. The whirlwind romance is tooth aching sweet.
While the characters are just okay, the topic is what really made the book hot. How Ms. Hensley showcased domestic discipline is fabulous. It's nice to see a consensual contemporary romance where both parties are actively on the same page. In addition, the tidbits of the domestic discipline lifestyle were positively presented in a way anyone can understand, even if it isn't their thing. For those who do like this type of lifestyle, this was spot on. This book was a fast and enjoyable read. This is HIGHLY recommended to kinky readers who enjoy maledom with spanking.
Not long after Neely moves in, Sara is kicked to the curb while Caine and Neely get it on. While this sounds like Neely is a boyfriend stealing twat, it's really Caine who caused the problem. Caine is not a perfect man. He is a perfect Mr. Right Now. He's a perpetual womanizer in some senses. As his sister states, he moves a woman in to live with him fast and forces them to be homeless in another breath. For a man who preaches "traditional" love and doesn't like foul language from a woman, he is pretty liberal with his living arrangements. Who moves from one woman to another before the bed sheet is even cold? Apparently Caine does this with ease.
Neely isn't concerned about Caine's fickle loyalties. He's a changed man because he's finally found the woman of his dreams. Yes, he's a bit high handed and he certainly shows how much regard he has for his girlfriend by who he chooses. Caine's domestic discipline philosophy is actually sound and arousingly hot. It makes him attractive and perfect to keep Neely from bad habits. What was disappointing about him is how he made Sara feel. True, Sara behaved poorly but it was a doom relationship when she moved in with him. He has a track record of big boobed short term spanking fuck buddies. Basically, he's a slutty anal probing gigolo.
Neely's introduction to domestic discipline was a bit shocking and illicit for her. It appears the spanking, paddling and butt fucking only make her slutty pussy wet. This is all good for Caine. It's a fitting match. He enjoys doling out spankings and anal fucks while she lovely slurbs it all up. The whirlwind romance is tooth aching sweet.
While the characters are just okay, the topic is what really made the book hot. How Ms. Hensley showcased domestic discipline is fabulous. It's nice to see a consensual contemporary romance where both parties are actively on the same page. In addition, the tidbits of the domestic discipline lifestyle were positively presented in a way anyone can understand, even if it isn't their thing. For those who do like this type of lifestyle, this was spot on. This book was a fast and enjoyable read. This is HIGHLY recommended to kinky readers who enjoy maledom with spanking.
January 24, 2012
This one resonated with me due to Neely's ex. Understanding that you don't want to be the one in control all the time is tough for us girls raised to think we have to do it all - be it all - have it all. Of course y'all know spanking is my thing - whether through CP, sex, whatever - I'm not too fussy. I thought the story in this was interesting and I related to it with Neely feeling she was the stronger partner in her marriage and she did not want that again. Caine was o.k. for the most part - he didn't set my sheets on fire or anything. Great subject and treatment. I thoroughly enjoyed it and the romance part of it too!
January 3, 2013
Alta Hensley's Traditional Love triggered many emotions from me. Other reviews outlined the story well, so I will address thoughts about DD, dominence, and how I interpret distribution.
First, as an extremely independent female, I believe a man is equal to a woman. Caine mentions this belief to Neely, but the structure of domestic discipline is the punishment of a wife through spanking plus anal manipulation that demands submission. While I agree this is HOT, where's the balance of equal partnership? The DNA structure does not make a male infalible. Caine is depicted as fair, but he also makes a mistake for which he apologizes...however, without punishment.
Next, Neely showed strength in leaving a disfunctional marriage. I see no weakness there and Caine expresses these thoughts as well. It seems that Neely loses more self esteem through this DD relationship since she gives up control (wearing a butt plug at a party so she is reminded to control alcohol). While Neely agrees to a variety of 'treatments' blindly, she has many years of friendship to build blind trust with Caine. Still, there is a gap in her character development between the time she leaves her husband and when she accepts discipline. She was happy about coming home, made a healthy decision and then starts to second guess herself. She gives up power, although Caine is mostly fair with punishment, I was left with a sence of loss for Neely.
Still, the story of love and DD was very enjoyable. I was not aware of DD relationships, so I investigated its origins. Interestingly enough, the practice of spanking a wife is found in biblical passage...along with many other types of practices, which are not incorporated into a healthy lifestyle. Neely had a problem with weak men. So do I. So if her first husband believed in DD, then she may have been stuck with decisions he made and consumed in a disfunctional marriage.
Caine was powerful, strong, loving, and fair. Most times he demonstrated a level head. I wonder about the reality of men overall and their ability to maintain Caine's wisdom. Neely was represented fairly, however I also wonder about her giving up so much control. In Traditional Love, trust between Caine and Neely was built over many years of friendship, which made the story, practices, and outcome an enjoyable read.
First, as an extremely independent female, I believe a man is equal to a woman. Caine mentions this belief to Neely, but the structure of domestic discipline is the punishment of a wife through spanking plus anal manipulation that demands submission. While I agree this is HOT, where's the balance of equal partnership? The DNA structure does not make a male infalible. Caine is depicted as fair, but he also makes a mistake for which he apologizes...however, without punishment.
Next, Neely showed strength in leaving a disfunctional marriage. I see no weakness there and Caine expresses these thoughts as well. It seems that Neely loses more self esteem through this DD relationship since she gives up control (wearing a butt plug at a party so she is reminded to control alcohol). While Neely agrees to a variety of 'treatments' blindly, she has many years of friendship to build blind trust with Caine. Still, there is a gap in her character development between the time she leaves her husband and when she accepts discipline. She was happy about coming home, made a healthy decision and then starts to second guess herself. She gives up power, although Caine is mostly fair with punishment, I was left with a sence of loss for Neely.
Still, the story of love and DD was very enjoyable. I was not aware of DD relationships, so I investigated its origins. Interestingly enough, the practice of spanking a wife is found in biblical passage...along with many other types of practices, which are not incorporated into a healthy lifestyle. Neely had a problem with weak men. So do I. So if her first husband believed in DD, then she may have been stuck with decisions he made and consumed in a disfunctional marriage.
Caine was powerful, strong, loving, and fair. Most times he demonstrated a level head. I wonder about the reality of men overall and their ability to maintain Caine's wisdom. Neely was represented fairly, however I also wonder about her giving up so much control. In Traditional Love, trust between Caine and Neely was built over many years of friendship, which made the story, practices, and outcome an enjoyable read.
April 21, 2012
This is a hot book, with realistic spanking scenes and a fair amount of anal play (and anal punishment) if that's your thing. I also found myself really interested in the characters and what happened to them. So much so that in spite of the two star review, I will be buying the next book in the series.
I gave it only two stars, though, because I thought the set-up was pretty implausible, and there were multiple plot flaws - enough that the story almost couldn't work for me. Neely is coming off an ugly divorce (she admits she was such a bitch to her husband that she made him cry) and decides to move back to her home town. But she doesn't move in with her best (girl) friend (even though the friend is portrayed as being single and not in a relationship.) No, she moves into her girlfriend's BROTHER'S house (who is also portrayed as being her good friend) even though the brother IS in a relationship.
Then she's all shocked when Caine's girlfriend sort of doesn't like the situation (hmmm - what a surprise) and, after overhearing Caine spank his girlfriend twice within the first 48 hours, Caine then breaks up with (and kicks out) said girlfriend. It doesn't make you think much of Caine, frankly, after which point it takes barely another day for the relationship between Caine and Neely to blossom. Neely also gets puking drunk within the first few days of her visit, a big turn-off for me.
The development of the DD relationship between Caine and Neely is well-handled and realistic, I thought, but then at the end of the story several other unlikely plot turns made me sort of shake my head. So, read it for the sex (which is really hot - particularly if you find the idea of anal punishment intriguing) but be aware that some of the plot turns are going to make you pretty much shake your head.
I gave it only two stars, though, because I thought the set-up was pretty implausible, and there were multiple plot flaws - enough that the story almost couldn't work for me. Neely is coming off an ugly divorce (she admits she was such a bitch to her husband that she made him cry) and decides to move back to her home town. But she doesn't move in with her best (girl) friend (even though the friend is portrayed as being single and not in a relationship.) No, she moves into her girlfriend's BROTHER'S house (who is also portrayed as being her good friend) even though the brother IS in a relationship.
Then she's all shocked when Caine's girlfriend sort of doesn't like the situation (hmmm - what a surprise) and, after overhearing Caine spank his girlfriend twice within the first 48 hours, Caine then breaks up with (and kicks out) said girlfriend. It doesn't make you think much of Caine, frankly, after which point it takes barely another day for the relationship between Caine and Neely to blossom. Neely also gets puking drunk within the first few days of her visit, a big turn-off for me.
The development of the DD relationship between Caine and Neely is well-handled and realistic, I thought, but then at the end of the story several other unlikely plot turns made me sort of shake my head. So, read it for the sex (which is really hot - particularly if you find the idea of anal punishment intriguing) but be aware that some of the plot turns are going to make you pretty much shake your head.
January 11, 2013
This book would be a great candidate for a multiple rating system. While the story was compelling and interesting, the writing style and characterization were simplistic, at times feeling like a satire of Harlequin/Mills and Boon romances.
The author did a good job explaining why Neely's first marriage didn't work and why she and Caine were a better fit. I appreciated the time taken to show how and why domestic discipline could be so effective for some couples. The spanking scenes were well done, both sexy and enlightening.
Unfortunately the over the top, hearts and flowers, perfect love aspect made my eyes roll numerous times. For example, there was an excessive amount of "gushing" by both protagonists - this may be judgmental on my part, but it just doesn't strike me as very manly to "gush" (actually a good deal of Caine's dialog felt rather feminine to me). For an avowed romantic who reads little else besides romance, it does strike me as strange that this is my complaint. By the end of the book, I felt they both had such high (and unrealistic) expectations from on another and for the relationship, there was simply no way it could live up to the hype.
I know romance novels are unrealistic, formulaic, and have stereotyped characters, but in this case I think it was the first person point of view combined with dialog that was so overly flowery (and don't forget the gushing!), this one went from unrealistic to embarrassing in my opinion.
So, a good story with an execution that just didn't work for me.
The author did a good job explaining why Neely's first marriage didn't work and why she and Caine were a better fit. I appreciated the time taken to show how and why domestic discipline could be so effective for some couples. The spanking scenes were well done, both sexy and enlightening.
Unfortunately the over the top, hearts and flowers, perfect love aspect made my eyes roll numerous times. For example, there was an excessive amount of "gushing" by both protagonists - this may be judgmental on my part, but it just doesn't strike me as very manly to "gush" (actually a good deal of Caine's dialog felt rather feminine to me). For an avowed romantic who reads little else besides romance, it does strike me as strange that this is my complaint. By the end of the book, I felt they both had such high (and unrealistic) expectations from on another and for the relationship, there was simply no way it could live up to the hype.
I know romance novels are unrealistic, formulaic, and have stereotyped characters, but in this case I think it was the first person point of view combined with dialog that was so overly flowery (and don't forget the gushing!), this one went from unrealistic to embarrassing in my opinion.
So, a good story with an execution that just didn't work for me.
March 25, 2015
A SPANKING MARRIAGE IS A LASTING MARRIAGE
Neely accept a job that returns her to her hometown and two closest friends, siblings, Coley and Caine after her marriage comes to an end. Caine had always treated her like a big brother growing up, but they are both older, and after being reunited, discover feelings have changed. Knowing what Neely learns about Caine and his beliefs, can she accept a Domestic Discipline relationship? The chemistry between Caine and Neely is extremely hot, full of passion with scorching sex scenes. The storyline keeps the pages turning, the characters interaction is heartwarming and the dialogue is entertaining. Caine proves to be a true romantic at heart with his loving surprise to Neely. A way to stay strong, committed and connected. I look forward to reading more about them and their friends.
Neely accept a job that returns her to her hometown and two closest friends, siblings, Coley and Caine after her marriage comes to an end. Caine had always treated her like a big brother growing up, but they are both older, and after being reunited, discover feelings have changed. Knowing what Neely learns about Caine and his beliefs, can she accept a Domestic Discipline relationship? The chemistry between Caine and Neely is extremely hot, full of passion with scorching sex scenes. The storyline keeps the pages turning, the characters interaction is heartwarming and the dialogue is entertaining. Caine proves to be a true romantic at heart with his loving surprise to Neely. A way to stay strong, committed and connected. I look forward to reading more about them and their friends.
October 14, 2016
Spoiler Ahead This was a pretty good book. After divorcing her cheating husband Neely decides to move back to her hometown and move in with her best friend Caine who has a girlfriend Sara. Neely realizes that she has feelings for him and she he and Sara break up they start a relationship. Caine believes in Domestic Discipline can she except Caine's discipline. This book was hot the sex scenes between these two were hot. Caine proves to be a true romantic at heart with his loving surprise to Neely. This was my first time reading this author this book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
February 9, 2017
DNF 20%. Too messy and disliked heroine. Heroine was not innocent in her failed marriage. Heroine caught her cheating husband and got off to watching the OW. Heroine unnecessarily moving in with Hero and his girlfriend was a stupid setup looking for trouble. Girlfriend was jealous and heroine become voyeur to their D/s.
April 27, 2021
I enjoyed this book very much and will keep reading the ones that come after it it keeps you on your toes makes you want to keep reading it 👊
January 9, 2013
Caveat: I read this book well after the Fifty Shades books, so I am aware that my perceptions are likely colored by comparisons.
I am sure Alta Hensley is a MUCH better writer than E.L. James. Her characters at least have thoughts and real world mundane problems. I liked her style for the most part and did not even object to her very linear narrative.
Calling the characters two-dimensional is an insult to Edward Albee and Flatland. Nelly begins being portrayed as a strong woman who, for whatever reason, WANTS to be subjected to spankings and verbal/physical domination. Her friends are varying degrees of massively irresponsible/immature girls (not women) who drink too much and who, again, WANT to be physically dominated for whatever reason. Caine and all of the men are Neanderthals who use their brute size to control their women.
I became increasingly irritated by the constant statements, done in various ways, that this was not abuse. Ms. Hensley would not have included this if she had not been very aware that this was abuse. Hitting people is not love in this context. This was not a BDSM novel where the spankings were part of a "scene." As I read it, I thought it was a modern post-feminist retelling of a Gorean story.
To summarize the entire idea:
Man = Head of Household, gets to beat wife/GF for transgressions but he makes it up by fucking her after.
Woman = Keeps house, obeys husband/BF, submits to beatings when he feels she has transgressed.
Society = turns blind eye to this because the marriages last.
Believe it or not, this story actually made me more uncomfortable than 50 Shades. It was because the author tried (and failed) to normalize spousal abuse. At least E.L. James went too far in the other direction and made domestic abuse a sign of serious issues.
I am sure Alta Hensley is a MUCH better writer than E.L. James. Her characters at least have thoughts and real world mundane problems. I liked her style for the most part and did not even object to her very linear narrative.
Calling the characters two-dimensional is an insult to Edward Albee and Flatland. Nelly begins being portrayed as a strong woman who, for whatever reason, WANTS to be subjected to spankings and verbal/physical domination. Her friends are varying degrees of massively irresponsible/immature girls (not women) who drink too much and who, again, WANT to be physically dominated for whatever reason. Caine and all of the men are Neanderthals who use their brute size to control their women.
I became increasingly irritated by the constant statements, done in various ways, that this was not abuse. Ms. Hensley would not have included this if she had not been very aware that this was abuse. Hitting people is not love in this context. This was not a BDSM novel where the spankings were part of a "scene." As I read it, I thought it was a modern post-feminist retelling of a Gorean story.
To summarize the entire idea:
Man = Head of Household, gets to beat wife/GF for transgressions but he makes it up by fucking her after.
Woman = Keeps house, obeys husband/BF, submits to beatings when he feels she has transgressed.
Society = turns blind eye to this because the marriages last.
Believe it or not, this story actually made me more uncomfortable than 50 Shades. It was because the author tried (and failed) to normalize spousal abuse. At least E.L. James went too far in the other direction and made domestic abuse a sign of serious issues.
December 29, 2012
I am writing the review after my second time reading this since I didn't write one the first time around. In fact, I didn't even have this GoodReads account at the time. This was a pre-50 Shades title for me.
I had always been curious about Domestic Discipline - never had any personal experience with it but I had read a few of the blogs where people talked about how they made it work. I found this a fascinating story about how two people are working to make it work.
I really admired the way Neely was able to move on after her marriage failed and restart her life. And her willingness to put herself in Caine's hands.
Caine - I really liked him at first but some of his decisions confused me. He is actually one of the Domiant-types that I use to rate others against. But maybe it is being more experienced in the genre a year later, he does come across as a bit of a jerk at times so I understand why some of the other reviewers were down on him.
I really think of this as the book for someone who wants to learn more about Domestic Discipline to read first. If they don't run screaming out of the room, there are other directions to go after that.
I had always been curious about Domestic Discipline - never had any personal experience with it but I had read a few of the blogs where people talked about how they made it work. I found this a fascinating story about how two people are working to make it work.
I really admired the way Neely was able to move on after her marriage failed and restart her life. And her willingness to put herself in Caine's hands.
Caine - I really liked him at first but some of his decisions confused me. He is actually one of the Domiant-types that I use to rate others against. But maybe it is being more experienced in the genre a year later, he does come across as a bit of a jerk at times so I understand why some of the other reviewers were down on him.
I really think of this as the book for someone who wants to learn more about Domestic Discipline to read first. If they don't run screaming out of the room, there are other directions to go after that.
January 20, 2013
This book completely disappointed me; I don't know what it was, but the plot moved waay too fast for my taste. I wish it would have gone at a much slower pace so we could see more character development. It definitely needed it.
Yet, that didn't happen. Things went fairly quick as I couldn't really get a feel of the characters. I would have liked to have seen more realistic reactions to the fact this guy and his group of friends spanked their significant others.
It didn't strike me as something that would happen in real life; it didn't strike me as a topic/subject that one would take lightly. I would have also liked to see Neely struggle with this new found way of dealing with problems in the relationship. By the way, there was waay too much fluff in this story for me to thoroughly enjoy it; there should have been just a bit more angst. That would have made it a lot more realistic and relatable to me.
Overall, it was so-so. I like my stories to have a little more depth and substance; I tend to lean towards stories that I can pick a part, but this was okay.
Yet, that didn't happen. Things went fairly quick as I couldn't really get a feel of the characters. I would have liked to have seen more realistic reactions to the fact this guy and his group of friends spanked their significant others.
It didn't strike me as something that would happen in real life; it didn't strike me as a topic/subject that one would take lightly. I would have also liked to see Neely struggle with this new found way of dealing with problems in the relationship. By the way, there was waay too much fluff in this story for me to thoroughly enjoy it; there should have been just a bit more angst. That would have made it a lot more realistic and relatable to me.
Overall, it was so-so. I like my stories to have a little more depth and substance; I tend to lean towards stories that I can pick a part, but this was okay.
February 16, 2012
Alta Hensley's TRADITIONAL LOVE is not your typical D/s romance.
Neely and Caine have been friends for a long time. After a painful divorce, Neely comes home and Caine takes her in, even though he is living with another woman. One night, Neely overhears Caine giving the girlfriend, Sara, a spanking. At Neely's inquiry, Caine explains his attitudes on Domestic Discipline, and even goes so far as to say that all his friends practice it as well. After Caine gives Sara the heave-ho (was happy to see it), Neely seems to take to the idea of DD rather quickly, but what the author does here is really take the time to explain, through Caine, about the lifestyle, and the attitude of those who practice it--that it can strengthen relationships, head off divorce, etc. We hear through Neely's first person POV how it feels to give in to this life, and the POV choice the author made was a good one. I really enjoyed it.
Neely and Caine have been friends for a long time. After a painful divorce, Neely comes home and Caine takes her in, even though he is living with another woman. One night, Neely overhears Caine giving the girlfriend, Sara, a spanking. At Neely's inquiry, Caine explains his attitudes on Domestic Discipline, and even goes so far as to say that all his friends practice it as well. After Caine gives Sara the heave-ho (was happy to see it), Neely seems to take to the idea of DD rather quickly, but what the author does here is really take the time to explain, through Caine, about the lifestyle, and the attitude of those who practice it--that it can strengthen relationships, head off divorce, etc. We hear through Neely's first person POV how it feels to give in to this life, and the POV choice the author made was a good one. I really enjoyed it.
October 3, 2012
When you pick up the latest reworking of a fairy tale, do you complain about already knowing the ending? Hardly! While the reader may spot the happy ending from the very beginning, that doesn't make this love story any less enjoyable. Yes, there are plot implausibilities. Yes, our hero and heroine's path toward each other is perhaps faster and smoother than it might be in reality. But _Avengers_ was a smash box office hit, and I've yet to see anyone jet-propelled by an iron suit or able to turn into a green muscled giant by getting angry.
What this book does well is establish a setting that causes the reader to *want* the main characters together. Even if the way it happens is as easy as a fairy tale, it is still satisfying. Even better, (no details to prevent giving a spoiler), there is no evil character. Just hope for future happy endings for others.
What this book does well is establish a setting that causes the reader to *want* the main characters together. Even if the way it happens is as easy as a fairy tale, it is still satisfying. Even better, (no details to prevent giving a spoiler), there is no evil character. Just hope for future happy endings for others.
December 17, 2012
Wonderful how "Traditional Love" got my emotions (and arousal) going! I loved every second of the book. Ms. Hensley did such fantastic job creating characters you can love and hate- oo, did I agree with Neely about Sara! While I know that some may find parts of the action implausible, I found the pace of the love to be wholly realistic, for the characters as they were written. I think too often as readers, we watch things happen and feel uncomfortable if they happen faster or slower than we would personally be comfortable with, but this is unfair to the author and the characters themselves. The lovemaking was beautifully written, drawing the reader into the story.
June 28, 2015
It was hot in parts, and I genuinely understood Neely's frustration with her unfulfilling first marriage. She was a pretty interesting character, and I liked that she wasn't some dithering virgin. Unfortunately, I thought Caine was sort of a jerk, Sara was pointlessly evil (and her dangerous head-bashing physical assaults wouldn't be tolerated by any group, no matter how desperate they were for a willing ass to spank,) and there was a lot of silly pseudo-psychology being floated around.
January 17, 2016
This book explores a "domestic discipline" relationship in which the man spanks his woman when she misbehaves. The couple have known each other and been friends for years before it becomes romantic. There's no tension and you're just told they are in love. The woman is shown to be flawed and hesitant after just getting out of a very bad marriage where she didn't respect her husband The man is a shown to be infinitely patient and loving and nearly perfect. He was just too good to be true and that's why I didn't buy this storyline.
November 19, 2012
The book was well written and an overall okay story. It moved too fast at times and had overblown emotions in others. I don't know if I will read the second in the series, as I'm not sure I could fully embrace the type of lifestyle these two live that include a paddle, hairbrush, and anal penetration as forced submission.
March 7, 2022
Great, steamy, and basically drama free. Since they had been friends for years I thought that there would be more with that as well. Fun that they married the night they announced the engagement, but if it happened that way didnt he violate the trust issue?? Shouldn't he be punished as well?? Should be a 2 way street, I understand it doesn't work that way, just saying.
March 25, 2025
Neely, a young woman and Caine, her best friend's big brother and her great friend too tells her she is going to come live with him when she moves back to her hometown for a new job. She goes on a girls night out with his sister and two other girl friends and drinks too much and when a guy hits on her and won't leave her alone when she isn't interested, Caine comes and takes her and his sister home and one of his friends takes the other two girls home.
She finds out he is into DD or domestic discipline lifestyle and agrees to live with him and accept that he will be the man of the relationship and she will submit to the discipline that he will give her to settle disagreements or when she gets our of hand. He explains what he expects and she agrees.
She learns to trust him and he makes a promise to always protect her but never really hurt her. Caine has his rules, like never discipline when he is angry and to always monitor her reactions and make sure she is safe and agrees to this type of relationship. They also agree that they are forever and living this lifestyle will help them stay close, communicate their expectations and needs and make the relationship stronger.
Interesting lifestyle and ideas that is based on Traditional Love to keep a marriage strong.
She finds out he is into DD or domestic discipline lifestyle and agrees to live with him and accept that he will be the man of the relationship and she will submit to the discipline that he will give her to settle disagreements or when she gets our of hand. He explains what he expects and she agrees.
She learns to trust him and he makes a promise to always protect her but never really hurt her. Caine has his rules, like never discipline when he is angry and to always monitor her reactions and make sure she is safe and agrees to this type of relationship. They also agree that they are forever and living this lifestyle will help them stay close, communicate their expectations and needs and make the relationship stronger.
Interesting lifestyle and ideas that is based on Traditional Love to keep a marriage strong.
May 9, 2023
⭐⭐⭐
Caïn et Neely
Discipline domestique
.
Fin trop rapide à mon goût.
.
.
Après avoir assisté à la tromperie de son mari en direct. Neely décide de rompre et s'en va de leur maison. Quelques mois plus tard, ils décident de mettre fin à leur mariage en divorcent.
Divorce qui vient à point nommé car elle décide de retourner au bercail.
Orpheline, elle rentre retrouver sa deuxième famille, sa meilleure amie Coley et son Frère Caïn.
Quoi de surprises en logant chez Logan de découvrir que sa petite amie est une garce et qu'il partage un style de vie non conforme à la société, ils croient et partage la discipline domestique.
Quelques jours plus tard, les deux rompent, et elle découvre que le relation qu'elle a toujours eu avec Caïn est biaisé, il y a entre deux des sentiments plus profond que de l'amitié et que fraternelle.
Et là débute leur relation, avec des hauts et des bas.
Caïn et Neely
Discipline domestique
.
Fin trop rapide à mon goût.
.
.
Après avoir assisté à la tromperie de son mari en direct. Neely décide de rompre et s'en va de leur maison. Quelques mois plus tard, ils décident de mettre fin à leur mariage en divorcent.
Divorce qui vient à point nommé car elle décide de retourner au bercail.
Orpheline, elle rentre retrouver sa deuxième famille, sa meilleure amie Coley et son Frère Caïn.
Quoi de surprises en logant chez Logan de découvrir que sa petite amie est une garce et qu'il partage un style de vie non conforme à la société, ils croient et partage la discipline domestique.
Quelques jours plus tard, les deux rompent, et elle découvre que le relation qu'elle a toujours eu avec Caïn est biaisé, il y a entre deux des sentiments plus profond que de l'amitié et que fraternelle.
Et là débute leur relation, avec des hauts et des bas.
July 6, 2025
What a train wreck. 👎
November 19, 2025
Dnf. Juvenile writing
January 19, 2013
So I finished this in 2 days, easy read. But not really believable characters. The story is fast too, maybe too fast and that is why it is hard to believe the story or the character. Maybe with more passing of time, I could see this being a little real. But for all those who want to read a DD book and have the idea behind DD explained alittle this would be a good book to start at. Just something about the characters did not work for me. It starts with a girl, Neely (yep that is her name) and she is leaving her husband after finding him in bed with another woman. She just up and walks away without a fight, but she makes sure to interupt them before she walks away. I did like that part and thought I would like her character because of it, but that was really the best think she did in the book to make me like her.
Then she moves back to her home town. Her best friend, Coley (yep that is her name) and best friend's brother Caine and happy to get her back home and Caine has her move in with him and his girlfriend sara. Spoiller alert here! The first night there she hears Caine and Sara get into a fight and Caine spanks Sara for her back behavior. It is a bit shocking. Then Neely learns that all of Caines friends and into the whole DD (That would be spanking to correct bad behavior). The story is a little hard to believe and some of the characters I liked and some I did not think were written well at all. A few scenes are really interesting and the explaination of this way of life is thought provoking at least. If you like light BDSM you might like this book.
Then she moves back to her home town. Her best friend, Coley (yep that is her name) and best friend's brother Caine and happy to get her back home and Caine has her move in with him and his girlfriend sara. Spoiller alert here! The first night there she hears Caine and Sara get into a fight and Caine spanks Sara for her back behavior. It is a bit shocking. Then Neely learns that all of Caines friends and into the whole DD (That would be spanking to correct bad behavior). The story is a little hard to believe and some of the characters I liked and some I did not think were written well at all. A few scenes are really interesting and the explaination of this way of life is thought provoking at least. If you like light BDSM you might like this book.
August 6, 2014
Rating: 4 Stars
This was an easy, breezy book that held my attention. The story of Neely (recently divorced, BFF to Coley) and Caine (dominant, childhood friend to Neely, brother to Coley).
While the story was short, it did an excellent job of explaining the domestic discipline concept as it pertained to Caine and Neely's relationship. Each time I read a dd type book, I step out of my own comfort zone and learn something new and different. I thought the author did an excellent job explaining some of the benefits of being in a dd relationship and how it works.
I loved Caine! If dd ever became my kink, I'd like a Caine clone. He loved and cared for Neely fiercely! He always seemed to know what she needed and gave it to her. He was not a over-the-top-dominant-alpha. He was just right. Neely also worked for me in the book. She was open to the concept and she seemed to embrace it. I was pleased that she was not disobeying him for the sake of being disciplined. I also found that the book had good balance between story and dd. It included a lot of romance and interactions with others. Well Done!
I really enjoyed this book and will look to read other books by Alta Hensley.
Why Not 5 Stars?
While I enjoyed the story, it's just not a book that I would consider picking up and reading again.
This was an easy, breezy book that held my attention. The story of Neely (recently divorced, BFF to Coley) and Caine (dominant, childhood friend to Neely, brother to Coley).
While the story was short, it did an excellent job of explaining the domestic discipline concept as it pertained to Caine and Neely's relationship. Each time I read a dd type book, I step out of my own comfort zone and learn something new and different. I thought the author did an excellent job explaining some of the benefits of being in a dd relationship and how it works.
I loved Caine! If dd ever became my kink, I'd like a Caine clone. He loved and cared for Neely fiercely! He always seemed to know what she needed and gave it to her. He was not a over-the-top-dominant-alpha. He was just right. Neely also worked for me in the book. She was open to the concept and she seemed to embrace it. I was pleased that she was not disobeying him for the sake of being disciplined. I also found that the book had good balance between story and dd. It included a lot of romance and interactions with others. Well Done!
I really enjoyed this book and will look to read other books by Alta Hensley.
Why Not 5 Stars?
While I enjoyed the story, it's just not a book that I would consider picking up and reading again.
March 25, 2015
A SPANKING MARRIAGE IS A LASTING MARRIAGE
Neely accept a job that returns her to her hometown and two closest friends, siblings, Coley and Caine after her marriage comes to an end. Caine had always treated her like a big brother growing up, but they are both older, and after being reunited, discover feelings have changed. Knowing what Neely learns about Caine and his beliefs, can she accept a Domestic Discipline relationship? The chemistry between Caine and Neely is extremely hot, full of passion with scorching sex scenes. The storyline keeps the pages turning, the characters interaction is heartwarming and the dialogue is entertaining. Caine proves to be a true romantic at heart with his loving surprise to Neely. A way to stay strong, committed and connected. I look forward to reading more about them and their friends.
Neely accept a job that returns her to her hometown and two closest friends, siblings, Coley and Caine after her marriage comes to an end. Caine had always treated her like a big brother growing up, but they are both older, and after being reunited, discover feelings have changed. Knowing what Neely learns about Caine and his beliefs, can she accept a Domestic Discipline relationship? The chemistry between Caine and Neely is extremely hot, full of passion with scorching sex scenes. The storyline keeps the pages turning, the characters interaction is heartwarming and the dialogue is entertaining. Caine proves to be a true romantic at heart with his loving surprise to Neely. A way to stay strong, committed and connected. I look forward to reading more about them and their friends.
April 22, 2015
I loved this story. Neely discovers her husband having sex with someone else. That is the final straw to their bad marriage. When she gets a job offer in her home town, she decides to move back. Coley and Caine are her best friends from childhood. She always thought of him as a brother, until she moved in. Then, even though he had a girlfriend living with him, she started feeling more for him. Eventually, Caine and Sara break up and Caine and Neely start talking about a relationship. This is when Neely learns that Caine practices Dd and wants a Dd relationship with her. I loved this story. It moved along and didn’t seem rushed. I hope that we learn more about these characters in future stories. I give this 5 stars!
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