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Playing the Game #1
Bounce Down: First Quarter: Start of Play
What happens when a first-time dominant and submissive come together?
The answer is a great deal of heartache.
Brendon is an AFL footballer who advertises on the internet for a submissive. Suzie, a secretary at Homicide Squad, is curious and answers his ad.
Theirs is a story plagued with anguish and subjugation, as they each struggle to find themselves; from the thrills of power play to the depths of self-degradation.
They are both inexperienced in the roles they play and as this tragic relationship develops, Brendon and Suzie each realise they want more.
Will Suzie get the respect she deserves and will Brendon finally admit how important she has become?
This standalone 60,000 word relationship romance is part of the Playing the Game: 4 Quarters of Submission series. Part II Getting Tackled release date 1st June 2014.
Excerpt from Bounce Down:
"He forced my lips apart and as he thrust his tongue deep, I vaguely wondered how it would feel between my legs. The power of his savage assault momentarily stunned me, before I was caught up in the passionate embrace and returned his deep, mind-blowing kiss. I had never experienced a kiss like that before. In fact, kiss was too mild a word for what we were doing.
I felt light headed and questioned how long I could go without breathing. Brendon must have also reached his limit, as he soon broke contact and hauled in a ragged breath. I stared into his eyes and noticed their colour had changed to a darker blue, almost like the ocean.
I had enough time to take another breath before he claimed my mouth once more. I knew my lips would be bruised and swollen but I didn’t care. I wanted to savour whatever attention he chose to give me.
Eventually he relented and resting his forehead against mine, closed his eyes as he took another breath. My own breathing was shallow and rapid, like I had been running. On opening his eyes he held my gaze for a long moment, as though he was contemplating his next move."
The answer is a great deal of heartache.
Brendon is an AFL footballer who advertises on the internet for a submissive. Suzie, a secretary at Homicide Squad, is curious and answers his ad.
Theirs is a story plagued with anguish and subjugation, as they each struggle to find themselves; from the thrills of power play to the depths of self-degradation.
They are both inexperienced in the roles they play and as this tragic relationship develops, Brendon and Suzie each realise they want more.
Will Suzie get the respect she deserves and will Brendon finally admit how important she has become?
This standalone 60,000 word relationship romance is part of the Playing the Game: 4 Quarters of Submission series. Part II Getting Tackled release date 1st June 2014.
Excerpt from Bounce Down:
"He forced my lips apart and as he thrust his tongue deep, I vaguely wondered how it would feel between my legs. The power of his savage assault momentarily stunned me, before I was caught up in the passionate embrace and returned his deep, mind-blowing kiss. I had never experienced a kiss like that before. In fact, kiss was too mild a word for what we were doing.
I felt light headed and questioned how long I could go without breathing. Brendon must have also reached his limit, as he soon broke contact and hauled in a ragged breath. I stared into his eyes and noticed their colour had changed to a darker blue, almost like the ocean.
I had enough time to take another breath before he claimed my mouth once more. I knew my lips would be bruised and swollen but I didn’t care. I wanted to savour whatever attention he chose to give me.
Eventually he relented and resting his forehead against mine, closed his eyes as he took another breath. My own breathing was shallow and rapid, like I had been running. On opening his eyes he held my gaze for a long moment, as though he was contemplating his next move."
221 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2014
24 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
About the author
Lorraine Loveit
19 books51 followersLorraine Loveit lives in Perth, Western Australia with her family and two dogs.
She began writing stories in high school and has never tired of putting pen to paper. These days she has fun creating interesting characters for her sexy novels.
Apart from watching rom/coms, her favourite pastime is reading, especially regency bodice-rippers. In fact, she has a Victorian-era novel on the back-burner, just waiting for her to continue with the story.
When on holidays Lorraine enjoys camping with her family.
Facebook link:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lorrai...
She began writing stories in high school and has never tired of putting pen to paper. These days she has fun creating interesting characters for her sexy novels.
Apart from watching rom/coms, her favourite pastime is reading, especially regency bodice-rippers. In fact, she has a Victorian-era novel on the back-burner, just waiting for her to continue with the story.
When on holidays Lorraine enjoys camping with her family.
Facebook link:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lorrai...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
July 23, 2014
This is a 2.5 star book. It's more than just okay yet I can't say I enjoyed it completely. There are things to this story which puts me ill at ease and causes me to not like the overall message. Yet I still want to know what happens next. Suzie is a typist for the homicide squad. She possesses close friends and co-workers who like her. What she's missing is a man who excites her sexually. She wants to explore bondage and impact play. Is she submissive? She's not sure and she wants to find a dominant to play with and see if she enjoys it. Through a dating website, she meets Brendon. He's a famous footballer who doesn't want his sexual proclivities coming to light. He also doesn't want to deal with a girlfriend. He just wants a submissive to dominate, screw and then go back to his usual activities.
This story spends a lot of time with Suzie trying to justify why she's okay with being Brendon's dirty little secret. She's signed a nondisclosure contract to make sure she doesn't talk about Brendon to her friends. This is a first warning flag. Second, Brendon begins to isolate her from her friends. Suzie's friends intervene in a way which makes sense yet the story paints the friends as the bad guys for interfering. Third, there is a body modification ultimatum which is reprehensible. Suzie's decision for this ultimatum is what really killed the book for me.
I'm not a stranger to body modification stories. I love them. The dirty and nastier, the better. These stories also happen to be non-con, not a romantic erotic novel. This blurring of lines is what makes this story not work for me. The BDSM in this book is an excellent example of what to avoid. A dominant who does what Brendan does is not someone a new submissive should ever get involved with and in addition, not someone who is a good role model of the BDSM lifestyle. Are there dominants like this in real life? I am sure there are and they are the ones who give BDSM a bad name. They are the abusers manipulating and guilt tripping submissives into situations which are unhealthy. The lack of open communication and building of trust are issues for me in this book. BDSM aside, the characters were okay.
Brendon is not a bad guy. Suzie is not a too stupid to live character. The dynamic between the two characters is disastrous. They don't bring the best out of each other. Instead, it seems to be a toxic relationship where Brendon comes across as more evil and Suzie becomes more shallow. For me, it is difficult to read a story like this and enjoy it. The temptation to want to slap the characters upside the head is too great. And yet, it's like a train wreck. I can't look away. I want to know what happens next. Does Brendon redeem himself? Does Suzie learn more about being a submissive? These are all questions I ponder.
Ms. Loveit does a good job with her character building. Her writing style is smooth and her plot devices work. From a writing perspective, she's an author I'd read again. From a story message standpoint, it's difficult for me to enjoy and rubs me the wrong way. This book is for those who don't mind abusive behaviours posing as a romantic.
*I received this book as a review copy in return for an honest review
This story spends a lot of time with Suzie trying to justify why she's okay with being Brendon's dirty little secret. She's signed a nondisclosure contract to make sure she doesn't talk about Brendon to her friends. This is a first warning flag. Second, Brendon begins to isolate her from her friends. Suzie's friends intervene in a way which makes sense yet the story paints the friends as the bad guys for interfering. Third, there is a body modification ultimatum which is reprehensible. Suzie's decision for this ultimatum is what really killed the book for me.
I'm not a stranger to body modification stories. I love them. The dirty and nastier, the better. These stories also happen to be non-con, not a romantic erotic novel. This blurring of lines is what makes this story not work for me. The BDSM in this book is an excellent example of what to avoid. A dominant who does what Brendan does is not someone a new submissive should ever get involved with and in addition, not someone who is a good role model of the BDSM lifestyle. Are there dominants like this in real life? I am sure there are and they are the ones who give BDSM a bad name. They are the abusers manipulating and guilt tripping submissives into situations which are unhealthy. The lack of open communication and building of trust are issues for me in this book. BDSM aside, the characters were okay.
Brendon is not a bad guy. Suzie is not a too stupid to live character. The dynamic between the two characters is disastrous. They don't bring the best out of each other. Instead, it seems to be a toxic relationship where Brendon comes across as more evil and Suzie becomes more shallow. For me, it is difficult to read a story like this and enjoy it. The temptation to want to slap the characters upside the head is too great. And yet, it's like a train wreck. I can't look away. I want to know what happens next. Does Brendon redeem himself? Does Suzie learn more about being a submissive? These are all questions I ponder.
Ms. Loveit does a good job with her character building. Her writing style is smooth and her plot devices work. From a writing perspective, she's an author I'd read again. From a story message standpoint, it's difficult for me to enjoy and rubs me the wrong way. This book is for those who don't mind abusive behaviours posing as a romantic.
*I received this book as a review copy in return for an honest review
April 13, 2014
I wanted to DNF this at 38%, but I kept reading because I hoped it would get better. But…
It did not! And I’m so mad I wasted time reading this book (I’m really trying not to call it some colorful name), I was actually considering throwing my kindle in the trash for a second.
So why I did not like this?
Grammar and formatting errors aside, the book is more tell than show.
I mean since the heroes meet only on weekends, everything during the week was described so hastily, I couldn't make myself care about what was going on. Which was not much. Apart from the author throwing in some descriptions of police procedures. In my opinion, it wasn't necessary, or relevant. It felt more like the author was trying to show-off her knowledge of how detectives work, and so on.
It might have worked, if I actually saw the heroine do or witness all of those things, but it was only told that she needs to do this, or she had a hard day doing that, and that’s it.
Then, comes the relationship between heroes. And I have no idea where to begin.
A part of me just asks: what relationship? They rarely talked. Never did anything together. Another part is simply furious.
To be fair, the heroine answered an ad for a submissive. So it was not like she was a girlfriend - Brendon made it clear. That was why Suzie's constant whining because he did not treat her like a girlfriend, but rather someone one would be ashamed of, got on my nerve.
There were times I wanted to just slap her. To slap both of them. Their first meeting, for example: she agrees to get into a stranger's car (being a well-known star is not an insurance against being a criminal – and she works with homicide detectives, for god’s sake). Then she agrees to be blindfolded and taken to his home. And also switches her cellphone off, because he asks her to. That was where I almost DNF'ed.
I kept reading...
I got some sex scenes that were not even very descriptive, and started to realize that the hero is not a dom, but an asshole.
Like I've said before, in all fairness, he was clear on the fact that she would be only a sex object. She agreed. But as the story progressed, I got to see his domineering/abusive side that has nothing to do with bedroom. He was simply a jerk.
I wasn't too excited about the heroine’s intelligence too. That’s another thing that made me want to slap her.
They don’t want anyone to know about their “relationship”, so she just spins tales to some ten people asking them to not tell anyone and is shocked than someone does. I guess she had never heard a saying: two knows, a pig knows.
And the worst part is when the hero told her that if she wanted to be his girlfriend, she would have . I was shocked when she didn't slap him, or something. She was hurt, and yet she told she would think about it. I waited and waited for her to do something. Anything. At this point, I didn't just not like Brendon, I hated him. But knowing that the book would have some kind of HEA one way or another, I wanted to see him groveling.
Even after some good groveling I wouldn't have taken him back. Relationship with him is just not healthy. Of course, I’m not Suzie, the stupid doormat, but when she , that was like a slap to my face. Hence the rating!
(it’s from excerpt from second book, but I think this sums up the first book too, very nicely)
I did not like lying or keeping the truth from people. I had been doing it quite a lot since I had met him. Brendon was the only person that I did not lie to, I didn't dare.
That’s right, it’s a match made in heaven!
It did not! And I’m so mad I wasted time reading this book (I’m really trying not to call it some colorful name), I was actually considering throwing my kindle in the trash for a second.
So why I did not like this?
Grammar and formatting errors aside, the book is more tell than show.
I mean since the heroes meet only on weekends, everything during the week was described so hastily, I couldn't make myself care about what was going on. Which was not much. Apart from the author throwing in some descriptions of police procedures. In my opinion, it wasn't necessary, or relevant. It felt more like the author was trying to show-off her knowledge of how detectives work, and so on.
It might have worked, if I actually saw the heroine do or witness all of those things, but it was only told that she needs to do this, or she had a hard day doing that, and that’s it.
Then, comes the relationship between heroes. And I have no idea where to begin.
A part of me just asks: what relationship? They rarely talked. Never did anything together. Another part is simply furious.
To be fair, the heroine answered an ad for a submissive. So it was not like she was a girlfriend - Brendon made it clear. That was why Suzie's constant whining because he did not treat her like a girlfriend, but rather someone one would be ashamed of, got on my nerve.
There were times I wanted to just slap her. To slap both of them. Their first meeting, for example: she agrees to get into a stranger's car (being a well-known star is not an insurance against being a criminal – and she works with homicide detectives, for god’s sake). Then she agrees to be blindfolded and taken to his home. And also switches her cellphone off, because he asks her to. That was where I almost DNF'ed.
I kept reading...
I got some sex scenes that were not even very descriptive, and started to realize that the hero is not a dom, but an asshole.
Like I've said before, in all fairness, he was clear on the fact that she would be only a sex object. She agreed. But as the story progressed, I got to see his domineering/abusive side that has nothing to do with bedroom. He was simply a jerk.
I wasn't too excited about the heroine’s intelligence too. That’s another thing that made me want to slap her.
They don’t want anyone to know about their “relationship”, so she just spins tales to some ten people asking them to not tell anyone and is shocked than someone does. I guess she had never heard a saying: two knows, a pig knows.
And the worst part is when the hero told her that if she wanted to be his girlfriend, she would have . I was shocked when she didn't slap him, or something. She was hurt, and yet she told she would think about it. I waited and waited for her to do something. Anything. At this point, I didn't just not like Brendon, I hated him. But knowing that the book would have some kind of HEA one way or another, I wanted to see him groveling.
Even after some good groveling I wouldn't have taken him back. Relationship with him is just not healthy. Of course, I’m not Suzie, the stupid doormat, but when she , that was like a slap to my face. Hence the rating!
(it’s from excerpt from second book, but I think this sums up the first book too, very nicely)
I did not like lying or keeping the truth from people. I had been doing it quite a lot since I had met him. Brendon was the only person that I did not lie to, I didn't dare.
That’s right, it’s a match made in heaven!
August 2, 2023
I started this book after reading the reviews. I knew about the spoiler which I think helped me prepare for that moment mentally. I knew it was coming and was curious about how the author would deal with it.
This main deterrent for readers aside, I enjoyed this book. It was like a guilty pleasure that I couldn't get enough of, and I kept reading to see what would happen next. The sex scenes were hot too. I've read two books out of the series now, and you can tell the author keeps up with the high-intensity drama in this saga. It may not be your traditional romance, but it's definitely addicting!
This main deterrent for readers aside, I enjoyed this book. It was like a guilty pleasure that I couldn't get enough of, and I kept reading to see what would happen next. The sex scenes were hot too. I've read two books out of the series now, and you can tell the author keeps up with the high-intensity drama in this saga. It may not be your traditional romance, but it's definitely addicting!
April 9, 2014
In “Bounce Down,” heroine Suzie Price answers the call for a dom/sub relationship. While she enters the bargain with a degree of curiosity and trepidation, she quickly begins to develop stronger feelings for Brendon, her partner. Along the way, she experiences not only the highs and lows of this unusual agreement and must ward off the well-meaning but intrusive inquiries of her friends, including a cadre of male friends at the police station in which she works.
Possessing an XY chromosome pair—and having never read fiction of this sort—I wasn’t sure how this book would suit me. But I was pleasantly surprised! And no, not so much because of the erotic scenes (where were tantalizing, to be sure), but because the focus remains squarely on the most interesting aspect of the heroine’s journey: the evolution of her feelings for Brendon. What could have been an endless series of trysts instead describes an emotional passage, and the physical scenes serve to mark her emotional progress. To me, the arc of her sexual progression would have been far less interesting without the deeper personal bond Suzie forms and desires in return from Brendon. As deepening feelings by both partners lead to compromises, the reader is left wondering what will happen in the sequels.
If you’re interested in a book that appeals equally to passionate and emotional bonding, “Bounce Down” may be just the book for you.
Possessing an XY chromosome pair—and having never read fiction of this sort—I wasn’t sure how this book would suit me. But I was pleasantly surprised! And no, not so much because of the erotic scenes (where were tantalizing, to be sure), but because the focus remains squarely on the most interesting aspect of the heroine’s journey: the evolution of her feelings for Brendon. What could have been an endless series of trysts instead describes an emotional passage, and the physical scenes serve to mark her emotional progress. To me, the arc of her sexual progression would have been far less interesting without the deeper personal bond Suzie forms and desires in return from Brendon. As deepening feelings by both partners lead to compromises, the reader is left wondering what will happen in the sequels.
If you’re interested in a book that appeals equally to passionate and emotional bonding, “Bounce Down” may be just the book for you.
August 5, 2014
I'm always a little skeptical when it comes to erotic romance novels. I usually find that many of them sound the same, as if they are interchangeable. I didn't find that to be true with Bounce Down. The characters were fresh and Ms. Loveit was careful to make sure that her book was deeper than the eroticism. It is a love story more than anything else. Take out the sex scenes and it would be able to stand on its own as a romance novel. I mean that as a huge compliment.
The character of Suzanna at times is frustrating. She seems stupid, almost like a wide eyed child at first. As you read on, however, she becomes this confident, charming character. I love the character of Brendon. He is strong and also a little vulnerable. That is a great combination. His dominant nature is spliced with a shy smile or kind words here and there, making you fall in love with him.
The only reason I gave this book four stars instead of five is because of the ending. I don't want to give away any spoilers to those that have yet to read it but Brandon does something that made me question my affection for him. When Suzanna agrees to his request, I found myself losing some of the respect for her that had grown in me as the story went on.
All in all, I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a little romance or spice in their lives. It is a quick and easy read that keeps you focused and entertained until the very end.
The character of Suzanna at times is frustrating. She seems stupid, almost like a wide eyed child at first. As you read on, however, she becomes this confident, charming character. I love the character of Brendon. He is strong and also a little vulnerable. That is a great combination. His dominant nature is spliced with a shy smile or kind words here and there, making you fall in love with him.
The only reason I gave this book four stars instead of five is because of the ending. I don't want to give away any spoilers to those that have yet to read it but Brandon does something that made me question my affection for him. When Suzanna agrees to his request, I found myself losing some of the respect for her that had grown in me as the story went on.
All in all, I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a little romance or spice in their lives. It is a quick and easy read that keeps you focused and entertained until the very end.
September 22, 2014
Famous footballer Brendon Maclver places an ad looking for a submissive. Eager to explore his darker dominant desires but needing to avoid the public eye. Suzie who works in a homicide division of a police station answers the ad. Here's were I had the problem, she answers the ad and agrees to meet him she doesn't know who she is meeting and although her friend tries to help her she doesn't listen and let's him blindfold her and goes to his house. Brendon for his part needs to go to Dom school or something. What I did like about this book was that it had sports in it being a sports girl I loved that. I was a little pissed when Brendon finally offers her what she has secretly desired all along a normal relationship on his arm in public. In exchange for one act a display of her commitment to him and she said yes. This was my first time reading this author and although I had already had this book it was given to me along with the next one for an honest review. This book was well written and I didn't come across a lot of errors so for that I am giving this one 3 stars.
May 17, 2015
Suzie is a young woman exploring her sexual desires. Answering an ad for a Dom/sub relationship, Suzie has all her boundaries tested along with a sexual awakening that is both frightening and exciting.
Brendon is a well know AFL player seeking an opportunity to express his inner Dom. After meeting with Suzie he seems to bluff his way through the new role, but has Suzie totally smitten.
While Suzie is well aware of how this relationship will work, she struggles with the arrangement allowing her emotions to often seep through clouding her judgement. Brendon makes it very clear that this is purely a Friday to Sun arrangement where she is his submissive and she is to follow his rules at all times.
Being new to this kind of relationship Suzie often berates herself knowing that she has a part to play and emotions are not included. Even when Brendon makes demands that are excessive, Suzie’s submissive side is excited to please her Dom…
Brendon is a well know AFL player seeking an opportunity to express his inner Dom. After meeting with Suzie he seems to bluff his way through the new role, but has Suzie totally smitten.
While Suzie is well aware of how this relationship will work, she struggles with the arrangement allowing her emotions to often seep through clouding her judgement. Brendon makes it very clear that this is purely a Friday to Sun arrangement where she is his submissive and she is to follow his rules at all times.
Being new to this kind of relationship Suzie often berates herself knowing that she has a part to play and emotions are not included. Even when Brendon makes demands that are excessive, Suzie’s submissive side is excited to please her Dom…
December 25, 2014
I picked this book up as a freebie and the first 10% had me intrigued. The story had such potential.
Then the two main characters acted like juvenile idiots. I couldn't warm to either, but plodded on, hoping to at least read some steamy action. But it wasn't to be, a lot of the sex happened off page, what was on page was forgettable.
There was a lot of reference to her job and work colleagues. A number of people might like the 'bigger' story. It wasn't a bad story per say, but it wasn't for me.
Will I continue with the series? Not likely.
Oh and this extract sealed the deal
I did not like lying or keeping the truth from people. I had been doing it quite a lot since I had met him. Brendon was the only person that I did not lie to, I didn't dare.
I hate liars, grrrrr.
Then the two main characters acted like juvenile idiots. I couldn't warm to either, but plodded on, hoping to at least read some steamy action. But it wasn't to be, a lot of the sex happened off page, what was on page was forgettable.
There was a lot of reference to her job and work colleagues. A number of people might like the 'bigger' story. It wasn't a bad story per say, but it wasn't for me.
Will I continue with the series? Not likely.
Oh and this extract sealed the deal
I did not like lying or keeping the truth from people. I had been doing it quite a lot since I had met him. Brendon was the only person that I did not lie to, I didn't dare.
I hate liars, grrrrr.
February 13, 2015
This book bothered me a lot. I dont like Brendon. I felt he had ulterior motives. It was ok. But they acted like a weird couple i mean. It didnt make sense.
August 28, 2019
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I loved this story. I am going to read the entire series. I appreciated the character development and the interesting although unusual way that the relationship develops between Brendon and Suzanna. I also appreciate that fiction is just that. This is the first novel I have read of Lorraine Loveit's. I have added her books to my every growing TBR library.
August 31, 2019
I struggled to finish reading this book. I found Suzannah to be somewhat relatable until the end of the book. I disliked how her so called friend did quite a few things without her consent and used his position of power to do it. Otherwise the book was well written and the initial getting into the relationship was interesting.
January 18, 2020
What happens when you have an inexperienced dom and sub? This is a steamy story about Suzie, who works in the homicide department transcribing statements, and Brendon, a star athlete of the AFL. The characters are both infuriating and endearing. While there is a lot of sex scenes, there is a fascinating plot to the story. As another reviewer put:a classy version of 50 Shades of Gray!
Thank you to Voracious Readers Only for a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to Voracious Readers Only for a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
February 5, 2020
Awesome book! Loved it! I received a complimentary copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only.
September 11, 2019
An easy read that annoyed me in places because of the attitude of the characters. Not overly impressed but caught up enough to read the next book in the series
April 3, 2014
This is not my go to genre. However, since I am a fairly eclectic reader, a good story is a good story.
First the writing:
The writing is crisp, engaging and solid. I really like this writers style and voice. The synopsis I initially read said if you liked 50 shades you will like this book also. Well, a reader friend coaxed me into reading 50 shades, as we often read the same stories, and this one was no exception. This is where our tastes tend to overlap and separate. However on this one we can agree its a great story.
The story:
As far as the story, I think it will have lots of mixed reviews just as 50 shades does. However, for me personally, I enjoyed it far better than fifty shades. The writing was irritating and far less sharp in the other book. The emailing back and forth with every detail down to the seconds drove me nuts. It was frivolous fluff and destracting from the story. This book had none of that.
This genre seems to bring out lots of different reactions. For me, the story was excellently executed. Knowing I could never be in these types of relationships because in my opinion, they are destructive and self destructive. And heck I wouldn't have the patients, desire or inclination. Still, I can find the story intriguing.
Probably because of a psychology degree and background, I've encountered enough varying situations that I know all levels of degrees of it exist. I remember being totally baffled as an early teen when I noticed how a friend I'd known got her first boyfriend and totally changed. He completely dominated her and she was actually afraid of angering him. She did whatever he said, when he said it and they were both very young. It was incomprehensible to me.
That said, I just know that when reading this genre everyone seems to have different ideas. One person said it was very vanilla but since this was supposed to be Brendon's first time as a dominate I assume that is probably normal, which makes the story more believable. He wouldn't necessarily start out as a hard core dominate or maybe he would. It seems to me he's also testing and expanding.
The fact that I'm quite interested in reading the next book means the story was very good for me. This writer has a very strong voice and the story she's writing could be straight out of a case file in many ways. I found it very believable. I, of course have my, "Is she nuts?", "I would have been long gone!", etc moments. But considering I have those on a regular basis anyway with real people, that's definitely not anything to indicate the excellence of the story and the story telling. I engage all of these books that way. These books are not romances to me and I know this going into the genre.
And, just like I'm looking forward to the next book, I am looking forward to the comments on this book. Just reading all of the varying comments on 50 shades shows how all over the place people are on this subject. And I do believe Ms. Loveit will cause a nice stir with this book. Excellent job!
One last note that's unimportant, I just found it nice, this author is obviously not American. And, I love the little colloquialisms and things she says that are true to her dialect. I can almost hear the Australian lilt. I thought that was way cool. And, the characters life outside of this relationship is very interesting. Makes me wonder why she doesn't just find one if the nice guys that likes her exactly the way she is. But, then it wouldn't be this genre. And, as already stated, I know people in real life who I wonder the same thing about.
First the writing:
The writing is crisp, engaging and solid. I really like this writers style and voice. The synopsis I initially read said if you liked 50 shades you will like this book also. Well, a reader friend coaxed me into reading 50 shades, as we often read the same stories, and this one was no exception. This is where our tastes tend to overlap and separate. However on this one we can agree its a great story.
The story:
As far as the story, I think it will have lots of mixed reviews just as 50 shades does. However, for me personally, I enjoyed it far better than fifty shades. The writing was irritating and far less sharp in the other book. The emailing back and forth with every detail down to the seconds drove me nuts. It was frivolous fluff and destracting from the story. This book had none of that.
This genre seems to bring out lots of different reactions. For me, the story was excellently executed. Knowing I could never be in these types of relationships because in my opinion, they are destructive and self destructive. And heck I wouldn't have the patients, desire or inclination. Still, I can find the story intriguing.
Probably because of a psychology degree and background, I've encountered enough varying situations that I know all levels of degrees of it exist. I remember being totally baffled as an early teen when I noticed how a friend I'd known got her first boyfriend and totally changed. He completely dominated her and she was actually afraid of angering him. She did whatever he said, when he said it and they were both very young. It was incomprehensible to me.
That said, I just know that when reading this genre everyone seems to have different ideas. One person said it was very vanilla but since this was supposed to be Brendon's first time as a dominate I assume that is probably normal, which makes the story more believable. He wouldn't necessarily start out as a hard core dominate or maybe he would. It seems to me he's also testing and expanding.
The fact that I'm quite interested in reading the next book means the story was very good for me. This writer has a very strong voice and the story she's writing could be straight out of a case file in many ways. I found it very believable. I, of course have my, "Is she nuts?", "I would have been long gone!", etc moments. But considering I have those on a regular basis anyway with real people, that's definitely not anything to indicate the excellence of the story and the story telling. I engage all of these books that way. These books are not romances to me and I know this going into the genre.
And, just like I'm looking forward to the next book, I am looking forward to the comments on this book. Just reading all of the varying comments on 50 shades shows how all over the place people are on this subject. And I do believe Ms. Loveit will cause a nice stir with this book. Excellent job!
One last note that's unimportant, I just found it nice, this author is obviously not American. And, I love the little colloquialisms and things she says that are true to her dialect. I can almost hear the Australian lilt. I thought that was way cool. And, the characters life outside of this relationship is very interesting. Makes me wonder why she doesn't just find one if the nice guys that likes her exactly the way she is. But, then it wouldn't be this genre. And, as already stated, I know people in real life who I wonder the same thing about.
September 14, 2014
This is the first book in the series. And I must say after reading it-- I found myself wanting to know more about the relationship between Brendan and Susie.
The characters are well described - the scenes are described so well that you find yourself right in them. Even though this book has DOM/SUB in it - and has Suzie getting hurt. It is very well written, And I would recommend it to all adults. This book is an erotic romance and has more romance in it than erotic.
The connection between Brendan and Susie is amazing.
All this being said ... Let me tell you some about the book. But you might want to get some coffee an a danish.
As this story starts out we are introduced to Susie who is a secretary for the police dept in the homicide division. She is wanting something different in her life. So, one day she see's an ad in the newspaper which she decides to answer. This is when she meets Brandan. And decides to become his submissive. They keep it all a secrete from everyone. She is not allowed to tell anyone that she is seeing Brandon. He has his rep to keep up- as he is a star NFL player. The person she usually goes to at work know that she is not telling something an he is worried about her. Then there are her family and other friends that are also. After a while she tells Brandon that she wants more out of their relationship and wants him to take her out. He has a problem with her drinking -- doesn't like it at all and does not want her to socialize with anyone.
Have to READ THE BOOK!!! i RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO ALL ADULTS. AND AT THE CURRENT TIME IT currently FREE!! GO GET YOUR COPY TODAY!! I give this book a rating of 15 stars out of 5 stars.
Looking forward to reading the second book in the series Tackled followed by Hard Ball. YOU NEED TO READ IT NOW!! You will be amazed by the author and her writing. She is totally amazing and has a way with words. what are you waiting for?? GO READ ABOUT SUSIE AND BRANDON NOW!!!
The characters are well described - the scenes are described so well that you find yourself right in them. Even though this book has DOM/SUB in it - and has Suzie getting hurt. It is very well written, And I would recommend it to all adults. This book is an erotic romance and has more romance in it than erotic.
The connection between Brendan and Susie is amazing.
All this being said ... Let me tell you some about the book. But you might want to get some coffee an a danish.
As this story starts out we are introduced to Susie who is a secretary for the police dept in the homicide division. She is wanting something different in her life. So, one day she see's an ad in the newspaper which she decides to answer. This is when she meets Brandan. And decides to become his submissive. They keep it all a secrete from everyone. She is not allowed to tell anyone that she is seeing Brandon. He has his rep to keep up- as he is a star NFL player. The person she usually goes to at work know that she is not telling something an he is worried about her. Then there are her family and other friends that are also. After a while she tells Brandon that she wants more out of their relationship and wants him to take her out. He has a problem with her drinking -- doesn't like it at all and does not want her to socialize with anyone.
Have to READ THE BOOK!!! i RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO ALL ADULTS. AND AT THE CURRENT TIME IT currently FREE!! GO GET YOUR COPY TODAY!! I give this book a rating of 15 stars out of 5 stars.
Looking forward to reading the second book in the series Tackled followed by Hard Ball. YOU NEED TO READ IT NOW!! You will be amazed by the author and her writing. She is totally amazing and has a way with words. what are you waiting for?? GO READ ABOUT SUSIE AND BRANDON NOW!!!
April 2, 2014
?????
I gave this a four star rating, not because I enjoyed the book BUT because being the first erotic book this author has published I had to give her kudos for that!! unfortunately though I wouldn't consider this a erotic or bdsm I'd consider it more of a YA vanilla book. some people that read this might think I'm being harsh, I'm not I'm being honest, in fact I was given a copy of this for my honest review. my biggest issue was there was no connection for me w/the characters she "Suzie's character was contradicting for example; she responds to an ad for a "Sub" and she's never even touched herself in a sexual manor? she's very,very, immature for someone that works with homicide detectives. "brandons" character, well let's just say it just seemed like he wants a door mat!! and his "Dom" behavior is all wrong!! he's not even close to being a Dom, he's, a mental abuser. that's just a few of the reasons why these characters were not connecting. the biggest negative for me was the SEX! it was dull and not descriptive at all. I've read over a hundred erotic/erotica, bdsm, NA books and not just the ones on my kindle fire book shelf, and this book just didn't meet my expectations where the SEX is concerned. it was "Diet Vanilla" for me. in my opinion when you write about romance,SEX, doms,subs, your readers have to feel it through your page's. it absolutely has to be more "descriptive" "visual" I'm still going to give this author another chance I'm going to read the final books of this series because I realize she is new to this style of writing, and I'm NOT a hater ((; I do hope the n ext books to this series are more to my liking.
I gave this a four star rating, not because I enjoyed the book BUT because being the first erotic book this author has published I had to give her kudos for that!! unfortunately though I wouldn't consider this a erotic or bdsm I'd consider it more of a YA vanilla book. some people that read this might think I'm being harsh, I'm not I'm being honest, in fact I was given a copy of this for my honest review. my biggest issue was there was no connection for me w/the characters she "Suzie's character was contradicting for example; she responds to an ad for a "Sub" and she's never even touched herself in a sexual manor? she's very,very, immature for someone that works with homicide detectives. "brandons" character, well let's just say it just seemed like he wants a door mat!! and his "Dom" behavior is all wrong!! he's not even close to being a Dom, he's, a mental abuser. that's just a few of the reasons why these characters were not connecting. the biggest negative for me was the SEX! it was dull and not descriptive at all. I've read over a hundred erotic/erotica, bdsm, NA books and not just the ones on my kindle fire book shelf, and this book just didn't meet my expectations where the SEX is concerned. it was "Diet Vanilla" for me. in my opinion when you write about romance,SEX, doms,subs, your readers have to feel it through your page's. it absolutely has to be more "descriptive" "visual" I'm still going to give this author another chance I'm going to read the final books of this series because I realize she is new to this style of writing, and I'm NOT a hater ((; I do hope the n ext books to this series are more to my liking.
May 16, 2014
Intriguing, sexy, edge of your seat story between a high profile athlete and a common secretary. I look forward to reading the rest of the series!
I have never been a person to sit down to read as a past time but have recently started to do so, I received this book from the author for a honest review. I need a book to start quickly, some like this, some don't. I found it did indeed grab my attention enough to keep me reading. It is a romance book with a splash of dominance. The story line is compelling, I enjoyed it mostly because you must have an imagination and open mind with the realization it is a story not a real life situation. Simply stating the sex is not completely spelled out, you must visualize the parts in the middle, which made me more intrigued due in part because I could fill in the spaces with my own imagination. I could see myself in the story, sometimes wanting to scream at the characters and other times wanting to say "oh, how sweet". I read the book in one sitting unable to put it down, so now I wait for the "2nd Quarter" and can't wait.
The only fault that bothers me without giving anything away is you must keep in mind this is fantasy and not a "true" story. Some may find parts of the book more controlling bordering abusive behavior but I believe this will be a transformation series in the characters as it develops. Either way, I want to read the rest of the series to see if myself and the author have the same vision.
It could be edited again, as there are many misspelled, punctuation and grammar mistakes.
I have never been a person to sit down to read as a past time but have recently started to do so, I received this book from the author for a honest review. I need a book to start quickly, some like this, some don't. I found it did indeed grab my attention enough to keep me reading. It is a romance book with a splash of dominance. The story line is compelling, I enjoyed it mostly because you must have an imagination and open mind with the realization it is a story not a real life situation. Simply stating the sex is not completely spelled out, you must visualize the parts in the middle, which made me more intrigued due in part because I could fill in the spaces with my own imagination. I could see myself in the story, sometimes wanting to scream at the characters and other times wanting to say "oh, how sweet". I read the book in one sitting unable to put it down, so now I wait for the "2nd Quarter" and can't wait.
The only fault that bothers me without giving anything away is you must keep in mind this is fantasy and not a "true" story. Some may find parts of the book more controlling bordering abusive behavior but I believe this will be a transformation series in the characters as it develops. Either way, I want to read the rest of the series to see if myself and the author have the same vision.
It could be edited again, as there are many misspelled, punctuation and grammar mistakes.
Read
August 26, 2019Bounce Down is the first novel in the series Playing the Game.
This story focusses on Brendon and Suzie's disturbing and sometimes tragic relationship. Bounce Down encompasses the first two months of their arrangement, which delves into the struggles they each encounter.
Despite Suzie's low self-esteem, even she begins to question why she remains in this mentally abusive relationship. She acknowledges she wants more from Brendon, but at what cost? She is too embarrassed and ashamed to tell anyone about the self-destructive path she has embarked on.
As the story is told from Suzie's point of view, it is hard to understand what makes Brendon treat her as he does. What is obvious, is Brendon's possessiveness and jealousy over the other men in Suzie's life.
Although there are numerous similar story-lines featuring dominate/submissive couples, this story is more about their wants and needs, as they try to figure out what they really want from each other.
Bounce Down can be read as a stand-alone, however the next instalment delves deeper into the characters, with the hope that they can survive this heart-breaking relationship.
Interwoven in this story is a behind-the-scenes look into the world of an AFL player, as well as an in-depth insight into a police squad who investigate murders and suspicious disappearances.
This story focusses on Brendon and Suzie's disturbing and sometimes tragic relationship. Bounce Down encompasses the first two months of their arrangement, which delves into the struggles they each encounter.
Despite Suzie's low self-esteem, even she begins to question why she remains in this mentally abusive relationship. She acknowledges she wants more from Brendon, but at what cost? She is too embarrassed and ashamed to tell anyone about the self-destructive path she has embarked on.
As the story is told from Suzie's point of view, it is hard to understand what makes Brendon treat her as he does. What is obvious, is Brendon's possessiveness and jealousy over the other men in Suzie's life.
Although there are numerous similar story-lines featuring dominate/submissive couples, this story is more about their wants and needs, as they try to figure out what they really want from each other.
Bounce Down can be read as a stand-alone, however the next instalment delves deeper into the characters, with the hope that they can survive this heart-breaking relationship.
Interwoven in this story is a behind-the-scenes look into the world of an AFL player, as well as an in-depth insight into a police squad who investigate murders and suspicious disappearances.
June 13, 2015
This book had me really torn, part of me wanted to absolutely love it but the other part wanted me to hate it. in saying that I finished it reasonably quickly.
Brendan is a professional football player and 1st time dominant, Suzie is a police Secretary and a 1st time submissive. after answering an add Suzie meets up with Brendan in a secretive meet and greet before the 2 start their sub/dom relationship. They get along from the beginning but Suzie finds it difficult to be the submissive that Brendan wants but goes along with it anyway.
Finding it difficult to work with a group of detectives and hide her secret relationship with Brendan, Suzie is given the ultimate decision to make.... but is it really what she wants?
Right so with the bulk of the story out, I live in Australia so I knew if a number of the places Lorraine used which was kind of cool, but I anything than a football (afl/league) or whatever fan.
I despise he game and the players and therefore my lack of want for this book. I disliked Brendan and his attitude and the way he spoke to Suzie dominant or not,it was just terrible so I severely struggled then his demand/request at the end of the book I wanted to slap Suzie over the head and tell her to get a life. Really are women that dumb??? gggrrr, want to love, want to hate. I think Lorraine won this round, I am about to start book 2.
Brendan is a professional football player and 1st time dominant, Suzie is a police Secretary and a 1st time submissive. after answering an add Suzie meets up with Brendan in a secretive meet and greet before the 2 start their sub/dom relationship. They get along from the beginning but Suzie finds it difficult to be the submissive that Brendan wants but goes along with it anyway.
Finding it difficult to work with a group of detectives and hide her secret relationship with Brendan, Suzie is given the ultimate decision to make.... but is it really what she wants?
Right so with the bulk of the story out, I live in Australia so I knew if a number of the places Lorraine used which was kind of cool, but I anything than a football (afl/league) or whatever fan.
I despise he game and the players and therefore my lack of want for this book. I disliked Brendan and his attitude and the way he spoke to Suzie dominant or not,it was just terrible so I severely struggled then his demand/request at the end of the book I wanted to slap Suzie over the head and tell her to get a life. Really are women that dumb??? gggrrr, want to love, want to hate. I think Lorraine won this round, I am about to start book 2.
July 9, 2020
Decent book.
July 24, 2014
I have mixed feelings about this book and the characters, I liked the story line and the characters but then I disliked both where the storyline and the characters were heading, especially the ending, SCREAM!!!
Suzie at the start was likeable but as I got further into the book she came across naive, and pretty dumb, I seriously wanted to slap her!!! ... She chose to answer an ad in the paper and she chose to continue seeing Brendon knowing this wasn't a "relationship" and yet she dwelled and got upset about the whole situation.
And Brendon well he too started off likeable but by the end I was horrified by him!! He doesn't want a "girlfriend" but then becomes jealous when he sees her with her male work colleagues and he keeps calling to check on her whereabouts.... seriously "possessive" mean much!!!
I couldn't understand why her male colleagues were constantly in her face about Brendon, I understand they were concerned for well being but the constant questioning made them sound like jealous boyfriends.
But the final cruncher for me disliking these two was when he requested she change a part of herself if she wanted a "relationship" with him and she agrees!!!! WTF, I wanted to scream!!!!
Suzie at the start was likeable but as I got further into the book she came across naive, and pretty dumb, I seriously wanted to slap her!!! ... She chose to answer an ad in the paper and she chose to continue seeing Brendon knowing this wasn't a "relationship" and yet she dwelled and got upset about the whole situation.
And Brendon well he too started off likeable but by the end I was horrified by him!! He doesn't want a "girlfriend" but then becomes jealous when he sees her with her male work colleagues and he keeps calling to check on her whereabouts.... seriously "possessive" mean much!!!
I couldn't understand why her male colleagues were constantly in her face about Brendon, I understand they were concerned for well being but the constant questioning made them sound like jealous boyfriends.
But the final cruncher for me disliking these two was when he requested she change a part of herself if she wanted a "relationship" with him and she agrees!!!! WTF, I wanted to scream!!!!
April 12, 2014
Bounce Down Playing the Game Book 1
Famous footballer Brendon Maclver places an add looking for a submissive. Eager to explore his darker dominant desires but needing to avoid the public eye.
Suzie Price secretary to the homicide division of her local police station. She answers a mysterious ad for a submissive wanting to explore new found urges.
Brendon and Suzie have instant chemistry. Suzie flourishes under his dominance in his domain but struggles with keeping the relationship secret from her friends and co-workers.
Brendon finally offers her what she has secretly desired all along, a normal relationship, on his arm in public. In exchange for one act, a display of her commitment to him. Can she live with it, can she live without him if she doesn't?
Lorraine Loveit has captured the essence of the struggle to submit, captivating read. Leaves you wanting more.
Famous footballer Brendon Maclver places an add looking for a submissive. Eager to explore his darker dominant desires but needing to avoid the public eye.
Suzie Price secretary to the homicide division of her local police station. She answers a mysterious ad for a submissive wanting to explore new found urges.
Brendon and Suzie have instant chemistry. Suzie flourishes under his dominance in his domain but struggles with keeping the relationship secret from her friends and co-workers.
Brendon finally offers her what she has secretly desired all along, a normal relationship, on his arm in public. In exchange for one act, a display of her commitment to him. Can she live with it, can she live without him if she doesn't?
Lorraine Loveit has captured the essence of the struggle to submit, captivating read. Leaves you wanting more.
January 8, 2022
Bounce Down by Lorraine Loveit was sent to me by voracious readers only. It is the first installment of Playing the Game series and quite a refreshing book to read. A sexual awakening and experimentation are the attributes provided to both the protagonist and her other counterpart who also happens to be her dominant. Quite a rigid work space or sub-dom space as you may call it, Suzie is an impressive character. As we move towards the end we notice that she has taken her role of a submissive too seriously and ends up agreeing to whatever Brendon says, maybe not at once but gradually she does.
April 8, 2014
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review and it is GREAT! This is part one (1st Quarter of the Game) of the Playing the Game Series (4 Quarters of Submission). Brenden placed the ad for a submissive and Suzie answered it. Brenden in a AFL pro footballer so she has to sign a Nondisclosure Agreement. He never takes her out in public which makes her friends question the relationship. She works for Homicide Squad as a typist so her cops friends want to look out for her. He introduces her to submissive style play and punishment. This book is "50 Shades of Grey"ish.
September 2, 2016
If I were rating only the sexual encounters in the book, my rating would be much higher. However, there's the story and the characters that kept getting in the way. Brandon is such a jerk that it was difficult to finish reading the story. I had a hard time believing that Suzie would believe the lines that he was feeding her. If Suzie broke up with her previous boyfriend because he wanted a D/s relationship, why would she seek one out with someone else by responding to an ad? This is the first book that I've read where I wasn't actively hoping for a HEA.
June 8, 2014
This isn't like any story I've read before. I couldn't say it's a love story because I don't feel the love there. I was disappointed with the D/s relationship because it's not what I was used to. They're not in the same wavelength when it comes to the relationship. There was a life-changing decision Suzanna made and let's just say we see things differently. I wouldn't do what she did for the reason she wants.
April 3, 2014
I had mixed feelings about this book. I enjoyed the first 75 percent of the story, but by the end I didn't care much for either of the lead characters. Given the nature of the story I am not sure that was the author's intent. I am hoping she can turn it around in the second novel of the series.
May 13, 2014
This is the first of a four part series, and even though I am not crazy about Brendon thus far, the story line has caught my interest and I eagerly jumped into the second book. I am really curious to see where the author is taking this relationship.
September 4, 2014
A great story with smoking hot sex scenes. I did not like the ending but the story does continue. Thankfully no cliffhanger that will leave you frustrated but you will want more from this great story.
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