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Camellia #1
Camellia
Danny doesn't expect much to come from the interview she has lined up through her modelling agency, who told her only that it involved tea and a kink convention. She thinks it won't be much more than wearing some strange outfit, sitting around, and getting easy money that she desperately needs.
What she gets instead is Lucy, a formidable woman in riding boots and a corset, who makes Danny want to please her without saying a word. By the end of the interview, Danny is convinced that her new job isn't going to be anywhere near as easy as she first believed. Can Danny make the woman determined to keep her at the end of her riding crop let her into her heart as well as her bed?
What she gets instead is Lucy, a formidable woman in riding boots and a corset, who makes Danny want to please her without saying a word. By the end of the interview, Danny is convinced that her new job isn't going to be anywhere near as easy as she first believed. Can Danny make the woman determined to keep her at the end of her riding crop let her into her heart as well as her bed?
152 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2014
2 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
About the author
Cari Z.
136 books539 followersCari Z. is a Colorado girl who loves snow and sunshine. She has a wonderful relationship with her husband, a complex relationship with the characters in her head and a sadomasochistic relationship with her exercise routine. She feels like Halloween should happen every month, which is why you get this picture of her, and hopes that you enjoy reading what she's put out there as much as she enjoyed writing it in the first place.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 5, 2014
Oh my... I bought this on a whim at the Denver Pridefest when I came across the Out in Colorado LGBT authors' booth. I'm VERY glad I did.
Although I'm a lesbian, I much prefer to read and write M/M romance. I'm beginning to think that was just because the F/F romance I read before now was just not done well enough to hold my attention. I truly enjoyed this and would have outright devoured it if I hadn't had writing deadlines to meet.
Although I'm a lesbian, I much prefer to read and write M/M romance. I'm beginning to think that was just because the F/F romance I read before now was just not done well enough to hold my attention. I truly enjoyed this and would have outright devoured it if I hadn't had writing deadlines to meet.
August 10, 2016
I received a free copy via Inked Rainbow in exchange for an honest review.
This was an interesting read. It’s not my usual fare, but the premise looked interesting. It ended up being different than I expected.
For the most part, I found it more informative than romantic or sensual. I don’t mind stories like that, but this one didn’t otherwise seem to have a whole lot of plot. It was mostly educating readers about the dynamics of certain D/s relationships. I was hoping we might see more of the characters making an emotional connection, but the story seemed more concerned with explanations and teaching. There was virtually no conflict or tension.
I was also a bit put off by the way Lucy, the Domme, was an upperclass, cultured woman who had to “educate” Danny, who was clearly blue collar. That made me uncomfortable. Maybe that relationship dynamic will be explored further (and better) in future stories.
Overall, the writing style was good, and the premise was appealing, but the story fell flat for me. This is not any fault of the authors; it’s all personal preference. I’m sure there are other readers who would love it.
This was an interesting read. It’s not my usual fare, but the premise looked interesting. It ended up being different than I expected.
For the most part, I found it more informative than romantic or sensual. I don’t mind stories like that, but this one didn’t otherwise seem to have a whole lot of plot. It was mostly educating readers about the dynamics of certain D/s relationships. I was hoping we might see more of the characters making an emotional connection, but the story seemed more concerned with explanations and teaching. There was virtually no conflict or tension.
I was also a bit put off by the way Lucy, the Domme, was an upperclass, cultured woman who had to “educate” Danny, who was clearly blue collar. That made me uncomfortable. Maybe that relationship dynamic will be explored further (and better) in future stories.
Overall, the writing style was good, and the premise was appealing, but the story fell flat for me. This is not any fault of the authors; it’s all personal preference. I’m sure there are other readers who would love it.
August 26, 2021
As a tea drinker, it livens up the experience while reading this.
Solid 4 for Lucy's leather crop and Danny's tight corset.
Solid 4 for Lucy's leather crop and Danny's tight corset.
April 24, 2019
One of the few kinky books I've read that acknowledges "the scene" and the fact that there is a kinky community out there! I was pleasantly surprised to see a convention in this book, for example, and the setting was great for this piece. I liked the interactions between the two main characters, and felt satisfied after reading it.
November 29, 2017
Potentially one of the best BDSM introductory novels I've ever read. Wonderful characters, wonderful writing, and a go-to reread whenever I want something fun, exciting (in all the best ways), and that will make me smile.
September 6, 2018
Kinky romance + tea education.
Danny is a model hired to perform at a Kink Convention. Taught by a formidable lady named Lucy, she is to perform an authentic Japanese tea ceremony. Unexpected however Danny's interest is drawn to more than tea alone.
In all, this is a short and rather well written romance story that features a number of tastefully depicted BDSM moments. I had to warm a bit to Lucy as a love interest, but Danny was steller form the get-go. Colorful, enthusiastic and with the right amount of spunk to make a good character. Add to that a sedate, calm and measured atmosphere and you end up with a romance without all the angst or impossible odds to muddy the water.
To conclude: Yes I liked this novel very much, and will read the second novel in the series.
Danny is a model hired to perform at a Kink Convention. Taught by a formidable lady named Lucy, she is to perform an authentic Japanese tea ceremony. Unexpected however Danny's interest is drawn to more than tea alone.
In all, this is a short and rather well written romance story that features a number of tastefully depicted BDSM moments. I had to warm a bit to Lucy as a love interest, but Danny was steller form the get-go. Colorful, enthusiastic and with the right amount of spunk to make a good character. Add to that a sedate, calm and measured atmosphere and you end up with a romance without all the angst or impossible odds to muddy the water.
To conclude: Yes I liked this novel very much, and will read the second novel in the series.
February 21, 2016
I can’t say I've ever picked up an erotic story and received such an education on preparing and serving tea. Which teas compliment which foods, and so on. People who are connoisseurs of such beverages will fall in love with that aspect of the story alone.
The BDSM is explained in minute detail, which will appeal to those with little knowledge of, or new to the lifestyle. Those not so new to the genre might find it a little preachy, for want of a better word.
It was almost as if the characters felt they had to justify their desires and motivations. One thing I found disturbing, was how Lillian’s character was portrayed. She is a slave, something which once again is explained to the reader in detail. I’ve read many books focused around TPE (total power exchange) but this is the first I’ve read when the submissive has remained mute. Not once did she utter a word. Nada, naught, zero from her mouth, even when she was helping Danny dress for the tea/kink convention, and it was just the two of them in the bathroom. I didn’t get that! Oh there you go, there’s something that wasn’t explained.
The story gives more page time to Danny than Lucy, in part due to the fact Danny has a family, who I could have done without meeting, and that Lucy is estranged from her parents.
I don’t really have a lot else to say about this story. Nothing memorable stuck with me. There’s no real conflict, and it ends with a Happy for now, at best.
I recommend this story as a gateway to BDSM, and to those who enjoy reading about the finer arts of preparing and serving tea.
Copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
The BDSM is explained in minute detail, which will appeal to those with little knowledge of, or new to the lifestyle. Those not so new to the genre might find it a little preachy, for want of a better word.
It was almost as if the characters felt they had to justify their desires and motivations. One thing I found disturbing, was how Lillian’s character was portrayed. She is a slave, something which once again is explained to the reader in detail. I’ve read many books focused around TPE (total power exchange) but this is the first I’ve read when the submissive has remained mute. Not once did she utter a word. Nada, naught, zero from her mouth, even when she was helping Danny dress for the tea/kink convention, and it was just the two of them in the bathroom. I didn’t get that! Oh there you go, there’s something that wasn’t explained.
The story gives more page time to Danny than Lucy, in part due to the fact Danny has a family, who I could have done without meeting, and that Lucy is estranged from her parents.
I don’t really have a lot else to say about this story. Nothing memorable stuck with me. There’s no real conflict, and it ends with a Happy for now, at best.
I recommend this story as a gateway to BDSM, and to those who enjoy reading about the finer arts of preparing and serving tea.
Copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2015
ThreeandHalfStars
This was an interesting read. It's not my usual fare, but the premise looked interesting. It ended up being different than I expected.
For the most part, I found it more informative than romantic or sensual. I don't mind stories like that, but this one didn't otherwise seem to have a whole lot of plot. It was mostly educating readers about the dynamics of certain D/s relationships. I was hoping we might see more of the characters making an emotional connection, but the story seemed more concerned with explanations and teaching. There was virtually no conflict or tension.
I was also a bit put off by the way Lucy, the Domme, was an upperclass, cultured woman who had to "educate" Danny, who was clearly blue collar. That made me uncomfortable. Maybe that relationship dynamic will be explored further (and better) in future stories.
Overall, the writing style was good, and the premise was appealing, but the story fell flat for me. This is not any fault of the authors; it's all personal preference. I'm sure there are other readers who would love it.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Amy
This was an interesting read. It's not my usual fare, but the premise looked interesting. It ended up being different than I expected.
For the most part, I found it more informative than romantic or sensual. I don't mind stories like that, but this one didn't otherwise seem to have a whole lot of plot. It was mostly educating readers about the dynamics of certain D/s relationships. I was hoping we might see more of the characters making an emotional connection, but the story seemed more concerned with explanations and teaching. There was virtually no conflict or tension.
I was also a bit put off by the way Lucy, the Domme, was an upperclass, cultured woman who had to "educate" Danny, who was clearly blue collar. That made me uncomfortable. Maybe that relationship dynamic will be explored further (and better) in future stories.
Overall, the writing style was good, and the premise was appealing, but the story fell flat for me. This is not any fault of the authors; it's all personal preference. I'm sure there are other readers who would love it.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Amy
January 8, 2015
A delightful romance set in the midst of a kinky conference and enveloped in a somewhat artistic portray of the tea ceremony, Camellia takes sensuality to a brand new level.
As the plot goes, Danny is a young, somewhat unconventional model with an interview set by her agency of which she only knows involves tea and a kink convention. She goes in for the interview and meets Lucy; sofisticated and composed, and outfitted in riding boots and a riding crop, Lucy will get under Danny’s skin and take her for a heck of a ride.
July 6, 2014
Oh my... I bought this on a whim at the Denver Pridefest when I came across the Out in Colorado LGBT authors' booth. I'm VERY glad I did.
Although I'm a lesbian, I much prefer to read and write M/M romance. I'm beginning to think that was just because the F/F romance I read before now was just not done well enough to hold my attention. I truly enjoyed this and would have outright devoured it if I hadn't had writing deadlines to meet.
Although I'm a lesbian, I much prefer to read and write M/M romance. I'm beginning to think that was just because the F/F romance I read before now was just not done well enough to hold my attention. I truly enjoyed this and would have outright devoured it if I hadn't had writing deadlines to meet.
January 13, 2015
I have no experience in the kind of scene this book is about but I got the impression it was quite accurate as far as the way things worked. but even if Cari Z. was pulling all of it out of thin air the details of how the scene works seemed realistic and that is what i liked about it. I wish it were longer and am looking forward to the next book if there is one.
December 6, 2024
Camellia (and its sequel Spring Blossom) is a short lesbian novella that combines soft bdsm with ... traditional Japanese tea ceremony!! Quite a bizarre combination, yet it somehow works (one of my favorite re-reads 🙂).
December 6, 2015
2014 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
May 22, 2016
Lovely and hot.
April 11, 2017
I absolutely loved this, especially how Danny and Lucy's relationship progressed. It was pleasantly surprising to me how much I even enjoyed the bits of tea knowledge dispersed in the book. I'll admit, Lucy made me want to go to a tea shop and pick up fancy teas, although I'd probably be disappointed by the lack of sexy women with riding crops.
Also, I was glad to see how accurate kink lifestyles were portrayed. It's always refreshing to see lifestyles addressed carefully and consent handled well. Verbally asking permission to touch someone is extremely sexy.
I will say that I was a tad bit disappointed by the ending, simply because I would have liked to see things progress further before the ending of the first book (but yay! A sequel!).
Also, I was glad to see how accurate kink lifestyles were portrayed. It's always refreshing to see lifestyles addressed carefully and consent handled well. Verbally asking permission to touch someone is extremely sexy.
I will say that I was a tad bit disappointed by the ending, simply because I would have liked to see things progress further before the ending of the first book (but yay! A sequel!).
June 19, 2017
I inhaled this one. I picked it up at Pridefest and it was phenomenal. Being knowledgable in the d/s world already just fleshed this out for me and helped me picture everything in the real world. Now on to book two.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews