Still (Long Slow Tease, #1) by Ann Mayburn

Jun 10, 2013 Baba rated it it was ok

Shelves: erotica-or-erotic-romance, military-and-former-mil-cia-navy, dnf, books-everyone-loved-but-baba

DNF at 59 %.**2 stars. Review posted July 17, 2013

Goodbye Still. I'm sorry that I had to abandon you, and I wish you a cushy and safe landing.

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PRELIMINARY REMARKS
I read the article 10 Tips to Writing Excellent Book Reviews. FIRST TIP 'Finish the book--Many people write reviews for books they don't finish reading' BTW, an indie author gave the tips.

As a reader it's my prerogative to abandon AND review a book when I don't enjoy it. It is my very valuable time AND money that I do invest when I'm rea ...more

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Mar 30, 2013 ♆ BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme rated it it was amazing

Shelves: bdsm, femdom, military, alpha-male, requested-reviewed, arc

Be still my beating heart and raging libido. This is my favourite book by Ms. Mayburn. BUY THIS BOOK NOW! I am moved to tears. This book completely shows how a writer beautifully incorporates real life into a romance novel. Make no mistakes, the realities of PTSD are not pretty, yet with love and support, this too shall be conquered.

While this story is fiction, Ms. Mayburn brings realism into it by showing the effects of PTSD on both the soldier and their loved ones. It makes this civilian unde Be still my beating heart and raging libido. This is my favourite book by Ms. Mayburn. BUY THIS BOOK NOW! I am moved to tears. This book completely shows how a writer beautifully incorporates real life into a romance novel. Make no mistakes, the realities of PTSD are not pretty, yet with love and support, this too shall be conquered.

While this story is fiction, Ms. Mayburn brings realism into it by showing the effects of PTSD on both the soldier and their loved ones. It makes this civilian understand better what happens during an episode. It also makes this civilian respect and appreciate our Armed Forces that much more.

The characters in this book are complex between their past experiences and where they want to be. Michelle is no longer in the Navy, yet she still is a doctor. She's still saving lives just as she saved Wyatt's life when they served together in the sandbox. She returns to him to save him yet again, this time from himself. But is it really him she's saving? Or are they saving each other? I'll let each reader decide for themselves.

The emotion radiating off these pages is potent. I felt fear, sorrow, anguish, frustration, rage and bliss. These intense feelings draw me into a world where a loving Domme trains a new male submissive. This male is so new to the BDSM lifestyle, he only knows the myths portrayed in bad BDSM pornos. The D/s in this story is subtle with a hint of steel. The kinky sex scenes are blazing hawt kicked up a notch. I'm thinking Ms. Mayburn needs to let her kink flag fly high a bit more often. Her depraved mind comes up with a delicious device that I've never seen. I need to send this book to a friend who knows about sexual furniture making.

The erotic power exchange in here is beautiful to witness. It's not an easy and smooth ride. Similar to non-kinky relationships, this one experiences ups and downs. It's fabulous to see a realistic portrayal of a new BDSM couple finding their way to trust one another. It's heartening to watch mistakes not destroy a relationship, only help grow and make it stronger. This book is highly recommended to femdom lovers who want to see the alpha male submit willingly. I am waiting on edge to read the next in this series.

*Provided by the author for review* ...more

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Apr 12, 2013 deb22luvsbooks rated it really liked it

Shelves: series

4.5 stars!! This book has a cover that is eyecatching, and the story matches the cover perfectly. This is a BDSM story, but one where the man is the submissive and an alpha male Marine submissive to boot! I really enjoyed how the PTSD aspect of this story was woven thru and how this is not only a story about BDSM but also a love story. It was a very good read and I expect the continuation of this story will be even better as this felt a bit like the buildup story to what will be an even better t ...more

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Apr 22, 2013 Jo * Smut-Dickted * rated it really liked it

Shelves: sex-pairing-f-m, genre-bdsm, profession-military-men, read-on-kindle, kink-fem-dom

I'm not sure I'm ready to write a review of this one but here goes. Warning: I was very conflicted when reading. Some pieces were some of the best writing I've read in a long time in this genre but other pieces I could just not wrap my head around at all. Warning: Could be spoilers.

The dialogue is crisp, and without fluff. There is a very smooth flow to the story - as with all of Mayburn's stories I've read. She crafts her work with great care in those areas - and you can absolutely tell. This I'm not sure I'm ready to write a review of this one but here goes. Warning: I was very conflicted when reading. Some pieces were some of the best writing I've read in a long time in this genre but other pieces I could just not wrap my head around at all. Warning: Could be spoilers.

The dialogue is crisp, and without fluff. There is a very smooth flow to the story - as with all of Mayburn's stories I've read. She crafts her work with great care in those areas - and you can absolutely tell. This is one of the stories where I enjoyed reading the story itself greatly. A true pleasure. Military pieces were outstanding. So awesome.

On one hand I loved that we finally get a Domme who is not a real true bitch, who has caring moments, who sometimes does selfless things. However that is balanced somewhat by the unfortunate fact that Michelle can be bitchy, snotty, and generally selfish. Then you have the fact I love that we get a true alpha that submits. However that is balanced by the fact I never arrived at a point where Wyatt's submission meant anything more than sex to him. She meant more to him - yes. Her. I just didn't walk away with the feeling it was the Domme her - just the her her. If that makes sense.

I mean certainly he enjoyed orgasms. He definitely seems to really love her. Beyond that it felt really flat to me - his landscape. So you have this serious military guy and all the sudden he's going to be like a house husband and just do what all day? Chores? It just didn't fit his personality as far as his background. Especially because he's been aimless trying to handle life. I felt like he needed a direction - something to work towards other than kissing her boots (because I never felt like that was really going to do it for him once lust wears off). You do start to get ideas of where this could go (e.g. his woodworking) but it felt incomplete. Also, Wyatt in the here and now had a different personality - consumed by the PTSD to some degree. That affected how I attached to him and the way I saw him. I can't help it - he feels like an injured bird to me. I never felt like I got a bead on what submitting means to him outside of orgasms and that meant it didn't leave me with a fulfilled feeling. I struggled to put Domina and Michelle together truly - much of what she did for him was wonderful and he seems better but, again, he is isolated.

A couple of things affected this. The whole 24/7 concept - which I do not believe Michelle (in any way) really could handle. It sounds good, she's got the money, and certainly she can boss the hell out of anyone. That does not make 24/7. She wants partly a service sub and partly a sexual sub. I felt like he was almost all sexual sub. Flatly there just was not a ton of service and I didn't see him eventually getting to the point where he existed just to serve her. A lot of service subs are never sexual with those they serve. They get off on the serving. I didn't feel like he did. I felt like he used it a bit to not have to deal with things or work off sexual frustration (which she gave him, IMHO, way too much of) There is one scene where she acts completely like he's bothering her and sort of shoo's him off. It felt contradictory. Perhaps this will get more exploration in the next book. E.G. when she gives him the assignment to look for the dog. He does. That works out superbly but, in large part, by the fact HE does the alpha thing and sets it up.

Next you have the whole "be my submissive for a month and if you then don't want to stay I'll pay for therapy and help for you". Ummm. Not so much. Implication is she can "fix" him. I don't know how that gets interpreted other ways. She couldn't heal him and I felt like she had her own f'ed up mess in her head that she never dealt with - she's not really ready to deal with his. I found her incredibly selfish to pretend that she was. She is playing with someone who could end up killing another - I feel you have to come at that with such a firm foundation yourself. This needed a lot more exploration by her, sooner in the game, and I felt like he should have told her something like no 24/7. Let's explore this in the bedroom - and work through our issues. We can expand out once that is comfortable and we have limits established and such. Yes she took control but it seems to flow way too much back and forth for me to get to 24/7. I felt they would be much happier with a different arrangement.

It seems like they went off the deep end first. The other thing about it is, for a 24/7, there is nearly no protocol that is delineated. A service sub would likely have more protocol - or perhaps that is just how I feel based on my observations. It is so casual - it made me feel at times she saw him like her car. A beautiful machine that she owns - and that did not gel at all with what they experienced in the military.

The fact she tells him to do his own research into BDSM - felt also a bit off. If she's a Domme her duty is to instruct, train, guide, shape. She doesn't tell him ahead of time what type of Domme she is - and he clearly doesn't know. I felt that some of the discussions should have happened before he moved in and multiple times to boot.

Thing is - she has been doing the Domme thing a long time. She has multiple friends in the lifestyle, she was a huge part of a club, etc. I felt like one of her friends (actually all of her friends) should have called her on her shit long ago. I did appreciate the one friend (forgot her name) calling her out on it - or rather mostly it was James the sub who actually did the calling out or noting.

The sex, for me (emphasis on me) was just o.k. I do wonder if some of my reaction to this book centers in the fact the Dom'ing is so incredibly tied to orgasm denial. I mean it really is almost the plot of the book. That is her (Michelle's) thing completely - and I dislike it over long periods. This is from personal experience. Having been in that place to have this denied I know that my frustration caused so much stress and friction I was a basket case and not in any good way at all. I hated the feeling (for me orgasms constitute some major amount of stress relief) and here I felt like it was too much, too quick. That goes back to easing in which didn't happen here. I think so much of this, for me, would have been more palatable with it not being just the immersion method.

I most certainly don't expect fiction to mirror real life in all ways. Clearly there were things that just did not hit me right here. Still overall I firmly stick it among some of the best FemDom out there right now. In spite of how it might sound - I only get this tied in and emotional and willing to pour my heart out in a review if I really reacted to the book. This means all those areas I felt dissonance in were so well written as to move me to that feeling. To me that's a compliment...but YMMV. ...more

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Apr 16, 2013 Mo rated it liked it

Love my Alpha Males who take command so this was a bit different for me. Michelle is a Domme and wants Wyatt to be her Sub. They met while on Tour overseas but never acted on the attraction as that is frowned upon in the Military (I think). They reconnect a couple of years later and Wyatt is not in a good place, he is suffering from PTSD. I did like it but could not really get how an Army officer with such male tendencies was able to turn and become a Sub. But I suppose for the love of a good wo ...more

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May 25, 2013 Jenn rated it really liked it

Shelves: whoa-baby-hot-hot-hot, bdsm

okaaaay....well lets see first few pages I was into it, yes im into the BDSM thing but not soooo much on topping a male... it was a bit of a

moment but half way through the book I stopped looking at it as trying to see what I would do in the situation and just went with it after I started looking at it like that it was a

moments all through the book the only thing I found really disappointing was its only the first instalment of the book and doesn't really have an ending yes I will be getting ...more

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Apr 11, 2013 Awilk -never sleeps- rated it really liked it

Shelves: body-art-tattoos, cover-favourites, dom-sub, disability-and-sickness, favourites, hot-alphas, kindle, military-men, read-in-2013, tortured-hero-s

4.5 STARS

I have to start with thanking V for bringing this to my attention. The cover is so eye catching, and thankfully the inside was even better.

I have not read many books with a dominant female, but it was definitely a genre I was interested in.

Ann Mayburn has written a very intelligent story here. She tackles the serious problems of grief and the trauma that returning military people can experience. Her knowledge and compassion truly shone through her beautiful words.

My favourite part of th ...more

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May 01, 2013 Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews added it

Shelves: guiltypleasures-ava

Ava's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

5 Stars

Michelle Sapphire and Wyatt Callahan are friends, colleagues, and now out of active duty. The attraction was always there but the environment prevented true opportunity to test the connection. Both being devoted to their military careers neither willing the jeopardize them for a romp in the sheets. Now that they’re out of harms way, the biggest obstacle they seem to face is themselves. Both struggling with emotional challenges, these two Ava's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

5 Stars

Michelle Sapphire and Wyatt Callahan are friends, colleagues, and now out of active duty. The attraction was always there but the environment prevented true opportunity to test the connection. Both being devoted to their military careers neither willing the jeopardize them for a romp in the sheets. Now that they’re out of harms way, the biggest obstacle they seem to face is themselves. Both struggling with emotional challenges, these two truly bring out the best in each other.

There is so much to this story I’m struggling to give it justice. It’s truly a fabulous read and I can’t wait to hear what you think of it.

First I want to talk about BDSM. I’m not big on the genre, because I’ve always struggled with female subservience. It. Bugs. Me. But because it’s fiction and I can see it’s for titillation I can read it and enjoy it, most of the time. I don’t like seeing heavy physical pain, or significant humiliation. Behaviors that I like to call ‘boot lickin’ aren’t for me. I’ve always been intrigued by female Domme’s because, let’s face it, there aren’t many within the genre. Why? I think because women (us readers) have a major misconception. They seem to think a submissive male loses his Alpha genes and follows some Ball Buster around like a puppy, effectively a boot licker… I’ve yet to read a book like that. The reason is simple, it’s not interesting to us. Weak men aren’t attractive to the audience. So I think it’s much more difficult to cast them in a submissive role, and retain the Alpha traits we so obviously demand. But do you see submissive women as weak? When you read a well written BDSM story who truly holds the power? Fans of the genre know the answer. So if reading about a female Domme is ‘not for you’ I challenge you to read this book. When you’re done, if you still think it’s not for you, shoot me a note a let me know. Because this story is very satisfying and I didn’t once find Wyatt weak because he wanted to cherish his Domina. To love her, protect her, and give her the security she needs in D/s play, and still retain the strength of a man, a true Alpha male. For me it was incredibly sexy to see a tiny, beautiful woman demand exactly what she wants- to tame a lion if you will. To sit astride a stallion and give him the discipline and love he needs to be content. To give him purpose and a path to happiness that is mutually healing and rewarding.

I know some tiny firecrackers who have a full size Alpha Male worshiping them everyday. Do you? I promise you those boys wouldn’t have it any other way. And of course I have to mention Ann happened to have some of my favorite things in Still.

Austin, Texas.
Horses- even a TWH!
a Rottweiler.
Strong patriotic Texas gentleman.

Did I mention Texas? So maybe I really connected to this story right from the get go, because the setting was truly perfect. Ann has another installment in the works for Michelle and Wyatt, and I know exactly why she’s calling this series a Long Slow Tease!!! Now READ IT! I Dare Ya! ~Ava

Review copy provided for an honest review. ...more

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Apr 09, 2013 Courtney rated it really liked it

****VISIT LOVENBOOKS.COM FOR MORE REVIEWS****

Femdom’s are not my typical reads. I have only read one in the past and hated it so much that I couldn’t even write a review. That is not the case with this book.

Ann Mayburn does such a great job of building the characters and giving the story so much depth that you are just pulled into the story. Anyone that has ever been around someone that has PTSD knows what a difficult journey it is. Ann does a superb job of keeping everything real and not sugarc ****VISIT LOVENBOOKS.COM FOR MORE REVIEWS****

Femdom’s are not my typical reads. I have only read one in the past and hated it so much that I couldn’t even write a review. That is not the case with this book.

Ann Mayburn does such a great job of building the characters and giving the story so much depth that you are just pulled into the story. Anyone that has ever been around someone that has PTSD knows what a difficult journey it is. Ann does a superb job of keeping everything real and not sugarcoating any of it. And then just we finally get to it – the book ends!! ARGH!

Wyatt & Michelle have a strong connection when they first met while being stationed together but obviously never showed any signs and could not act on their feelings. When they are finally given the chance to explore their feelings, Wyatt finds himself with a dominatrix and that is hard for any alpha-male to deal with. But that isn't the only thing that will hold these two back. Michelle has her own demons that she is battling and hiding from Wyatt. While Michelle is fully aware of Wyatt’s PTSD and will do anything to help him, she’s not willing to let Wyatt become aware of her battle.

“Callahan, no one gets through this world without a little pain. It is part of what shapes us, what makes us appreciate what we have, makes us fight for the good things in life.”

The passion, desire, fire, between these two characters is beyond words. It’s amazing how much you will feel with these characters. The love Wyatt has for Michelle shows in just the little things that he does. And you know that deep down Michelle loves Wyatt she just has a harder time letting that show to him.

“Domina, I love you. No matter what you do or say, not matter how hard you try to push me away, I love you and I’ll wait the rest of my life for you to love me back if that’s what I have to do.”

Even if you aren’t a fan of Femdom books or have never read one before, I would definitely recommend this book.

I am so damn antsy to see what happens in the next book!

...more

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Jan 31, 2015 Anna rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc

Michelle Sapphire, and Wyatt Callahan formed a bond and established a high level of trust when both were deployed in Afghanistan. Michelle was a Lieutenant and doctor in the Navy, and Wyatt was a Gunnery Sergeant in the Marines. They were also very attracted to one another, but were unable to even consider having a relationship that was not completely professional. After they return to the civilian world, they reconnect, but both are struggling with some pretty serious issues. Wyatt is suffering ...more

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Oct 29, 2014 ♡ Jeri's Book Attic ♡ the Romance Bibiliophile ♡ rated it really liked it

Shelves: 10-kindle, 14-arc

I doubt that there was any question what the nature of this book is when you look at its cover.

But it has been a long time that I was so confused about whether or no I should request an ARC of a book or not.

There is always “another first” (yes Christian Grey #eyeroll) for anything. So I read a lot of BDSM books with male Doms but this would have been my first female Dom (If I am not counting Lady Heather of CSI Vegas).

So where I was basically at a loss if I would like the story judging from that ...more

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Apr 23, 2016 Jennifer rated it really liked it

ARC received for review

3.5 HFN Stars

Two very strong people both struggling with forms of PTSD. Wyatt's is based on his experience in the Sandbox and Michelle's from the loss of her fiancee. I've not read many BDSM with a Domme instead of Dom, but I think this was very well done. Wyatt is a very yummy, alpha male and doesn't lose any of that in being her submissive. I do like it better when a Domme is called Mistress or Ma'am better than her choice of Domina. Her friends Yuki and James were great ...more

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Jul 11, 2013 Susan (susayq ~) rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2016books, contemporary-romance, ebooks, hot-factor, military-badge, older-hero

This was a great love story. Yes, you read that right. I know, the synopsis mentioned the BDSM in here and you expect it to be hot. Well, you're not wrong. It was hot, if that is what turns you on(I learned something about myself reading this, Dominatrix stuff is NOT my thing). But most of all, this was a love story between two people who are broken and trying to find a way to get better.

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Apr 11, 2013 Lyndac rated it really liked it

Shelves: e-books, z-2013-challenge-200, bdsm, femdom, m-f-romance, military-or-ex, series, spanking, wounded-warrior

Let me start by saying that femdom is not my thing, but wounded warriors are. This book was so well written and emotionally satisfying that I even enjoyed the femdom. The subject of PTSD was handled with honesty and sensitivity and made this a story to remember.

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Mar 31, 2013 Janet Juengling-Snell rated it it was amazing

A few months back, I read a snip of an untitled work in Process, the story fascinated me and as with any good snip bit, it cut off at just the right moment to leave you hanging… Success …. They hooked me. Over the next few months I kept thinking about what I had read… Dr. Michelle Sapphire has been called to the police station, in Austin Texas, to bail out Gunnery Sargent Wyatt Callahan. They had served together the year before, in Afghanistan, where they formed a special bond, that they could n A few months back, I read a snip of an untitled work in Process, the story fascinated me and as with any good snip bit, it cut off at just the right moment to leave you hanging… Success …. They hooked me. Over the next few months I kept thinking about what I had read… Dr. Michelle Sapphire has been called to the police station, in Austin Texas, to bail out Gunnery Sargent Wyatt Callahan. They had served together the year before, in Afghanistan, where they formed a special bond, that they could never act on being that Michelle was an officer and Wyatt an enlisted soldier. Both have seen their share of combat and the distressing effects, both physical and emotional.

Michelle and Wyatt were strong Dominant characters. Yet Michelle was a Domme and craved Wyatt’s submission. I needed to know how this was going to play out. I had to read “STILL” by Ann Mayburn…

Wyatt’s transition into the civilian world hasn’t been a smooth one, for he struggles with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and in the opening of Still, Wyatt was found drunk, sitting on the grave of his best friend and fellow soldier, also suffering from PTSD, who had killed himself after returning from Afghan. Seeing Wyatt struggling makes Michelle long to help Wyatt and offers him a deal…. Come live with her for one month as her submissive.

Hang on to your seat, this is where the emotional rollercoaster starts….

Ann Mayburn addresses the very real issue of PTSD and the devastating effects it can have on not only the soldier, but their family as well. PTSD comes in many different shapes and sizes, it varies from person to person, manifesting differently in everyone. But the results are almost always the same if left untreated, major destruction.

I applaud the fact that at the end of the book, Ms. Mayburn has listed resources for people to contact. She took a very difficult subject matter and weaves it into a beautiful love story.

I was surprised that while Wyatt struggled with his desire to serve and please Michelle, he never lost his dominant personality. He was Alpha to the core! The author, in my opinion did an excellent job in blending the two polar opposite personality traits. It certainly helped that the chemistry between these two was smoking to say the least. Some of the scenes were so intense they had me wiggling in my seat. I can honestly say some where so creative; I’ve never read anything like them before.

Michelle was a Domme with every ounce of her being, full of compassion and love. She constantly put her issues on the back burner in her quest to help Wyatt, till the tables were turned and she had to face some of her own demons. It was great to see two people struggling together to achieve the same goal, to build a strong, healthy, loving relationship with each other, while being open and honest.

Let me said that I normally don’t read Domme books, I like my Alpha/Dominant Male way too much. Yet, “Still” captivated me from the moment I started reading, all the pieces fit perfectly in place, for the story to flow ever so smoothly. You can’t help but fall in love with Michelle and Wyatt as you follow them on their journey of self-discovery and submission.

Whether you’re a Fem-Dom reader who loves a good story about a strong Alpha male giving his gift of submission or a fan of the Dominant Male whose only desire is to please his woman, Still by Ann Mayburn is a must read.

...more

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Jul 12, 2013 Optimist ♰King's Wench♰ rated it liked it

Shelves: erotica, yes-mistress, knives-out

Long slow tease is right! Gunnery Sergeant Wyatt Callahan & Lieutenant Michelle Sapphire, M.D. meet on the FOB in Afghanistan. Of course they can't pursue their attraction because of their difference in rank; however, that doesn't stop them from falling for each other. Ah… unrequited love. Wyatt is assigned to serve her which turns into protecting her even though she seems capable of protecting herself especially considering her nickname is the Ice Queen. Wyatt is from Austin, Michelle from Long slow tease is right! Gunnery Sergeant Wyatt Callahan & Lieutenant Michelle Sapphire, M.D. meet on the FOB in Afghanistan. Of course they can't pursue their attraction because of their difference in rank; however, that doesn't stop them from falling for each other. Ah… unrequited love. Wyatt is assigned to serve her which turns into protecting her even though she seems capable of protecting herself especially considering her nickname is the Ice Queen. Wyatt is from Austin, Michelle from Chicago but she decides to relocate to Austin after her tour. They run into each other at a friend's funeral & she can tell he's spiraling, drives him home & informs him that she's a Domme & would like him to be her submissive. As he's an alpha male & has historically always been in charge in the bedroom, he balks but takes her card anyway. A couple months later she gets a phone call from the Sheriff's department requesting she bail him out of jail at 3 a.m. She takes him home & gives him her proposition of becoming her submissive for one month under the guise of helping him "get his shit together".

He accepts since he's been gaga over her forever & everything goes well with very little friction between the two then… I don't know what happens but suddenly she's the one that needs to get her shit together. Wyatt initially is portrayed as spinning out of control in the grips of PTSD & admittedly he has his fair share of flashbacks & panic attacks but he seems far more capable of coping with the ghosts of his past than his "Domina". She's invited him to live with her & be her submissive but we find out that she's still pining away for her former submissive & has promised him to never love again as a sort of penance. Now, she lost her former love in a horrific way, there's no denying that, but if you invite someone into your home to become your submissive, someone you've wanted for two plus years, wouldn't you think that you'd be prepared to commit? I would. Furthermore, if I were Wyatt I'd be kind of fussy that I was mislead & now have to deal with all her BS baggage on top of my own shit.

Wyatt says & does everything in a completely panty melting way. He takes to submission like a duck to water. Submission might not be the best descriptor, perhaps servant is better. Joey W. Hill his a knack for writing an alpha male as a servant/submissive & Wyatt reminds me very much of that prototype. And truth be told, I was liking Michelle up until she started all this kaka about not being able to love again. I just felt like she should have considered all her emotionally capabilities prior to asking him to submit to her. It makes her look like she's not very self-aware & extremely capricious with another person's emotions. Another person that she professes to care about & for all intents & purposes pursued across the country. I also felt like her issues superseded his & he's supposedly there so she can help him cope with his mental health when she's kind of a basket case. Talk about the blind leading the blind. Wyatt does seem to respond in a positive way to being re-cast in the role of her protector, luckily for Michelle. Overall I enjoyed it, I was just disappointed by the trajectory it took.

And as a footnote, the delectable ice cream concoction that many enjoy is spelled sundae, not a day of the week. ...more

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Mar 27, 2013 Kaylyn rated it it was amazing

Shelves: loved

Michelle was amazing and full of compassion. She was also a very hot Domme who put her issues on the back burner when she sees Wyatt struggling. She wants to help him so badly but soon realizes she will have to face her own demons to do it. Those demons cause quite a few bumps in the road because Michelle just can’t seem to forgive herself.

Wyatt was every bit of an alpha and he struggles at first with the submissive role. He slowly learned that serving his Domina makes him extremely happy. His ...more

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Oct 15, 2013 Tony rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013-read, content-autoerotism, bdsm, bondage, content-oral, genre-erotic-romance, femdom, spanking, type-kindle

So... I really loved the premise and the first few chapters where it was all setup brilliantly. A soldier returning from combat suffers from PTSD and can't really adapt to 'normal' life again. In steps the doctor that he protected and nearly died for that believes that her Dominant personality and sexuality is just the thing that can help bring him back and ground him. So she makes him an offer and he accepts.
Now if that had been the story it would have been brilliant!
Most of the sex scenes work ...more

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Apr 10, 2013 Christy rated it really liked it

FemDom is not my normal cup of tea - I enjoy my alpha males entirely too much. But I *am* a fan of Ann Mayburn and the samples I read enticed me to buy the book.

Boy am I glad I did. The writing was amazing and the chemistry between Michelle and Wyatt was blistering. But beyond that, I loved how REAL these characters felt. They had real concerns and real struggles that made me WANT them to succeed. Ms. Mayburn's treatment of PTSD was respectful, insightful, and added to the appeal of Wyatt.

My on ...more

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May 27, 2013 Dee rated it liked it

Shelves: zz-battle-of-the-books-2013, bdsm-elements, erotic-romance, erotica, femdom

The cover and talk of femdom had me expecting so much more. While the story was well written, it was also confusing, IMO.

It started out strong, with a sexy scene by the lake with Michelle taking total control; it was super delicious and had me looking forward to what was to come. There was one more hot scene but sadly by the end of the story Wyatt was telling Michelle to slow down as he wanted to make her cum before he did. I never did figure out who was really in control, so I guess you could ...more

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May 12, 2014 B-M rated it really liked it

Shelves: bdsm-elements, 2014-july, autoeroticism, botb-2014, content-lots-of-oral-sex, character-disability, genre-contemporary, genre-bdsm, reviewed-by-me, genre-erotica-romance

What I most appreciated about this story was the fact the Domme wasn't an arse whipping power hungry cock breaking bitch. I liked Michelle's quiet and authoritative power to control and maneuver Wyatt to a place of submission. Oh I do love me a tale about broken people finding safety in each other. Sadly I was disappointed to see it was a serial....*sigh* I'd happily pay more and read more pages if it meant a story could be wrapped up in one book. One thing I found a giggle in (and I don't know ...more

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Jun 28, 2013 Amy rated it it was ok

Shelves: 2readseries

I had mixed feelings about this one and had no idea until near the end that there would be at least a sequel to the story. I had a difficult time connecting with the heroine. It was obvious she had internal feelings for the hero given their history but never truly expressed them and always came across as cold and methodical. The "dead fiance" always being in the room, in her thoughts, etc. became very tiresome. It felt like the hero made a positive progression with his demons but the heroine rem ...more

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Jul 08, 2014 Karen111 rated it did not like it

Shelves: bdsm-kinks-taboo

Read to 25% of this two years ago and didn't even realise - that's how forgettable it was! Lol! This time around I got to 27% and I still feel the same.

It was ok for me until Wyatt met Michelle's friends, also into the BDSM scene. This was too much for me and took the focus off of their own relationship.

Also, the idea that a person (doctor or otherwise) can 'cure' someone of their PTSD and alcoholism through a month of submission was a joke.

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Jun 22, 2013 Erica rated it it was ok

I didn't love this book. Michelle kept saying that she was a dom but she seemed to be more of a sub pretending to be a dom. I don't think it was a believable story

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May 23, 2013 Doris O'Connor rated it it was amazing

If you love BDSM books and have ever wondered about femdom and the dynamics of those relationships, then you must read this. Fabulous book.

The characters grab you and won't let you go.

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Nov 10, 2018 A Voracious Reader (a.k.a. Carol) rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: e-book, erotica-bdsm, erotica-femdom, romance, military, netgalley, 5-stars, year-2018

Book source ~ NetGalley

An officer and a gentleman. Except the officer is Navy Lieutenant Dr. Michelle Sapphire and the gentleman is Marine Gunnery Sergeant Wyatt Callahan. They served together in Afghanistan and while there was a very definite attraction between them they did nothing to acknowledge it. Officer and enlisted getting it on? Huge no-no. After an explosion nearly takes his life, Sapphire saves him, and they go back to the States. Months after their discharge, Wyatt hits rock bottom a ...more

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Apr 09, 2013 ♡B♡ rated it it was amazing

Shelves: bdsm, bad-boy, erotica, military, romance, tattoos

This one was good!! I have a special place in my heart for any book that is military based and when the hero is a Marine forget it! My husband was in the Marine Corps for 8 years and when they are dead on with the way the guys talk it makes me smile! :)

I loved it right from the get go! I wanted more and more and more! This is the first book that I read that is fem-dom that was longer than a short story. I have not read many of them. I am glad I was able to read this one because it does a GREAT This one was good!! I have a special place in my heart for any book that is military based and when the hero is a Marine forget it! My husband was in the Marine Corps for 8 years and when they are dead on with the way the guys talk it makes me smile! :)

I loved it right from the get go! I wanted more and more and more! This is the first book that I read that is fem-dom that was longer than a short story. I have not read many of them. I am glad I was able to read this one because it does a GREAT job of explaining why women like to take on that role. It wasn't too extreme and I loved that about it. The other one that I had read didn't get much into the back story of the woman,or the couple,but this one did. I liked seeing how she was before they got into that role with each other and seeing him fight everything in him to submit, well that was just fun!

I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this one so I was thinking that maybe it would be more along the lines of a 'hard' type of read. One that I would love either way but still a dominatrix who would be as hard on her sub as some of the book I have read with the Dom on his sub. I was pleasantly surprised when we got to see the softer side of Michelle though. I enjoyed seeing the two sides to her, and him as well. He hit it on the nail when he was talking about how he would NOT be her submissive out in public, if he would have been okay with that I would have automatically disliked it. I could not see him being submissive outside of play. The way Wyatt was portrayed from the get go was not a submissive. I got to the ending way too fast. It wasn't a long read only about 135 pages or so and so it didn't take long to get through it, but when I got to the ending I didn't want it to be over. I wanted more. I was happy to read at the ending she put an excerpt in for book 2. I will be reading the next one for sure.

It is funny that in all of it one of the things I couldn't wait to read more about was the dogs. lol I wanted to know what happened with them. That for some reason was some of the best parts for me. It is a small part but I enjoyed it very much. I am not sure what drew me to that part. Maybe because I LOVE dogs specially protective ones. So that was fun for me.

This book had it all for me it wasn't too over the top because I am a huge fan of Dom/Sub reads and mostly read male dom female sub. But I liked that I didn't feel as if it was not realistic for me. I know that there are people who live the lifestyle that are more 'hardcore' into it and I have read some that have that aspect. But since this was only the second one I have read with a domme I will say that I look forward to reading more of these types of books. There was a more emotional aspect to it and I loved that, too. Usually it is the sub that shows more emotion than the dom/domme so like I had said I enjoyed seeing her as more of a girl than a domme at some points in the book.

Can't wait for the next one to come out! :)

~Favorite quotes~

"Callahan, right now you're not dragging that cross, you're nailed to it."

"She liked a man with some steel in his spine, a warrior who would bow to no on but her."

"You give a man one good, toe-curling, I-rocked-your-fucking-world blow job and he'll never leave you."

"Sometimes I even like a man to take charge, but very rarely. I don't fit into any category and I don't want to. I am who I am and I refuse to be unhappy because people don't like things they can't understand. I'm not weird or a freak and I can make regular vanilla love and enjoy the hell out of it with the right man."

"Because I could save someone else's Owen." ...more

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May 07, 2013 Ni_kii rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fem-dom, feisty-heroine, ptsd, scarred-hero, smoking-hot-sex, smexy, conflicted-me

Really 4.5 Stars

I don’t know why I love FemDom but I do. The problem with this genre is that there are very few that are written well. Some authors make their Dommes cold, unfeeling bitches and this creates a character that I, as a reader, cannot connect with. In this book, Ann Mayburn does not make that mistake. She has created damaged and vulnerable characters that hooked on my heart strings and made me feel. The introduction made me cry; I knew that this was going to be a book that played wit Really 4.5 Stars

I don’t know why I love FemDom but I do. The problem with this genre is that there are very few that are written well. Some authors make their Dommes cold, unfeeling bitches and this creates a character that I, as a reader, cannot connect with. In this book, Ann Mayburn does not make that mistake. She has created damaged and vulnerable characters that hooked on my heart strings and made me feel. The introduction made me cry; I knew that this was going to be a book that played with me.

Wyatt is a troubled man suffering with PTSD after serving in the army. Spiralling out of control he decides that the only way forward is to turn to the woman who offered to Top him years before, the woman who attracts him like no other and can possibly save him; Michelle. I loved that the author had decided to go with this particular storyline. The realities of PTSD were shown realistically and sensitively throughout the book and it was the perfect emotional hook for me; I wanted him to be able to control his attacks. I was willing to put up with a lot from this woman as long as she could help him which was lucky, because she put him through a lot when she was dealing with her own issues. All throughout the book I could see that he truly wanted to get help; that he didn’t want to suffer from these attacks and my heart broke when he did. I could see how ceding control would work for him, the only thing I wasn’t convinced about was his ability to actually cede control (although the nipple piercing was a nice show of willingness...I liked that).

Michelle was a more complex issue for me as sometimes I liked her and sometimes I felt she let her issues influence the way she treated Wyatt. As a Domme during scenes, or Domina, she was amazing. She didn’t allow sex to be the main driving force of their relationship and she eased him into the relationship without ever allowing him to get too comfortable. The sex scenes, when they did happen, were fabulous and truly creative (making the sub make the sex furniture? Hot!). However, Michelle had some issues herself which, although didn’t stop her being a fabulous Domme in the bedroom, did make some of the other scenes more uncomfortable. It was an interesting twist on the typical D/s tale as the Domme was truly more out of control than the sub and I felt that, if there hadn’t been another Domme there in the form of Yuki, I wouldn’t have been comfortable with it. Although the saying is true about the sub having the majority of the power in the relationship, control is handed over and, once it is, it is trusted that it shall not be abused. Michelle did and said things that were not very respectful of the trust that Wyatt had placed in her, and they certainly showed that that trust wasn’t completely reciprocated, and it was left to Yuki to reel her in. On a side note, I adored Yuki and James. I wouldn’t mind reading more about their story J

The depth of emotion in this tale is astounding. It isn’t an easy ride for characters or readers as these characters continue to struggle with the trauma of their past whilst stepping into a fledgling relationship. It is a series book and the next book features the same characters on a continuation of their journey. I don’t mind this. I think the issues that these characters face will continue to throw new challenges at their relationship and I can’t wait to see how they overcome it!

Overall, this is a very good start to a FemDom series that I will continue with. I’m intrigued by the emotional ties between these two war-broken people and it has ensured I will buy the next one. Of course, the smoking sex and Alpha sub helped make my mind up too.... ...more

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Apr 08, 2013 Kim O rated it really liked it

4 big fat stars for this amazing, lovely, super steamy story of healing, hope, and second chances. I've looked at this cover for weeks, it was calling my name. I mean, look at this guy, and the nipple rings were causing my belly to flip every time I sat and stared at it. Well, boy am I glad that I read this book because I would have missed out, big-time.

This is a well-written BDSM story with a female Dom. If you are hesitant about this book because the hero is a submissive, don't be. Wyatt is t 4 big fat stars for this amazing, lovely, super steamy story of healing, hope, and second chances. I've looked at this cover for weeks, it was calling my name. I mean, look at this guy, and the nipple rings were causing my belly to flip every time I sat and stared at it. Well, boy am I glad that I read this book because I would have missed out, big-time.

This is a well-written BDSM story with a female Dom. If you are hesitant about this book because the hero is a submissive, don't be. Wyatt is totally alpha but because he has so much love and respect for his woman, he allows her to top him. He is not shown as weak but quite the opposite. He's one of those all around sweet, funny characters that you pull for and we all hope to find in a partner. He's very unselfish and open, doesn't play games and a true sweetheart, though he is struggling with PTSD. I think Ann Mayburn did an excellent job writing this story in a way that proves female DOMs are not all bitches who love to inflict nothing but pain on their subs. Michelle is a DOM in her core, she knows it and doesn't apologize for it, but she's also a loving, caring, guilt ridden character who struggles with her own demons but puts her problems aside to help Wyatt.

I came away from this story with even more admiration for our soldiers and what they have to deal with once they return from combat. PTSD affects so many soldiers and the way she described the hell and torment that Wyatt lived with was heart-breaking. Turning to alcohol is a way to cope because he didn't want anyone to think him weak for not being able to handle it. Sadly, this is typical in our society. The most beautiful and powerful parts of the book is where Michelle helps him through his episodes while staying at her ranch. Little things are triggers and she knew the signs though it was scary as hell for me to read. I was completely into the story and could "feel" what he was feeling. GOOD WRITING!! But, whenever he was on the edge and about to loose it, she would calmly step in and talk him down. It got to the point where just her scent or the sound of her voice could calm him and bring him back. She truly was his saving grace and he taught her how to love again, that is was OK for her to love again. I can't say too much without giving parts of the story away, but their first time together was perfect, the timing......everything. You have to be patient for it, but it does not disappoint.

STILL is not your typical BDSM book. It's unique and fresh, doesn't overpower you with BDSM, more like eases you into it. In the beginning after Wyatt decides to take Michelle up on her offer and stay with her under her "conditions" his reactions to some of the things she asks of him or makes him do is kind of funny. He's just so used to being the dominant one, it's hard for him but he realizes that he wants to be with her so he's willing to try.

The author, Ann Mayburn, comes from a military family. She does her homework and she knows her stuff. Of course, I know what PTSD is, but I felt educated by the time I finished reading. The 2nd book in the series will release this fall and I will be anxiously waiting. STILL has a HFN ending and I can't wait to continue with Wyatt and Michelle's story, and I'm hoping we get a little Club play in the next one. Although, I knew I'd be buying #2, the teaser at the end sealed the deal!

Do not pass this one by!
Enjoy! ...more

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Apr 03, 2013 Illustrious Illusions rated it it was amazing

The first word that comes to mind is simply WOW. I literally just finished this and rushed to do a review because I am utterly blown away and aching for part two of this story. I definitely wasn't ready for Still to end and the shocking thing is I heard that Ann Mayburn had decided to rewrite pieces of this story to make it better after I got my ARC- I can't imagine anything better than this. I have been a fan of her writing for several years and while I haven't read every book written by Ann M The first word that comes to mind is simply WOW. I literally just finished this and rushed to do a review because I am utterly blown away and aching for part two of this story. I definitely wasn't ready for Still to end and the shocking thing is I heard that Ann Mayburn had decided to rewrite pieces of this story to make it better after I got my ARC- I can't imagine anything better than this. I have been a fan of her writing for several years and while I haven't read every book written by Ann Mayburn ~ yet ~ Still ranks up there as one of my all time favorites.
Still is the first book in the Long Slow Tease series and it represents its name very well. This book is simply one long slow tease for the reader as well as the characters. Michelle and Wyatt are two very strong alpha characters who have survived things most of us don't want to imagine ~ yet we all respect and attempt to empathize with what they have been through. Michelle spent her time in the Navy in combat zones as a doctor doing her best to save the men who put their lives on the line. Wyatt spent much of his time on the front line or supporting the front line in various combat zones. Both came home with scars ~ physical and emotional.
When Michelle gets a call to come rescue Wyatt's drunk a** from jail, she knows that thing need to change. While they did have an intimate relationship while in the service, she wants one with him now that they are out. But she has to come clean with what she expects from this alpha Marine and see if he can open himself up enough to be a part of her life. Michelle is a fascinating dominant who knows that Wyatt needs a firm hand to bring him around and she isn't afraid to be the strong person that he needs.
I can't really say enough about Still. The issues of PTSD are real and vary from person to person. As someone who has family the suffers from these issues, I am amazed and in awe of the wonderful authors who can put it out there so everyone can see at least a piece of what our military men and women go through. Ann Mayburn takes a sensitive topic and gives it legs. The scenario's she creates are realistic enough that you ~will~ need Kleenex nearby for some of this story. From the very first page of this story, she will take you on a journey unlike anything you have ever experienced. An emotional roller coaster that is scorching hot with each climb and drop of your stomach. By the time the happy for now ending rolls around you'll probably be like me and whining for Ann to get Penance out like right now because you just can't wait and the tease she gives us in Still makes us want it more than Wyatt wants to please his Domina...

http://www.illustriousillusions.com/2... ...more

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