My life revolved around two things— sex and power. As a sex therapist, I helped couples with their intimacy issues while appearing to lead a typical single life. Although I lived a civilized life during the day, by nightfall I transformed into my sadistic, dominating persona.
When a session with my submissive left him severely injured, I found myself sitting in Xavier Bennett’s office for court-ordered therapy. It was one thing to reveal the skeletons in my closet, but it was a different ball game to confess these demons to my colleague. Little did I know, he harbored dark secrets of his own.
After receiving an invitation to assist Xavier with his marriage retreat, I soon learn his intentions weren't what they seemed. What I thought would be a relaxing work-related vacation turned into a mental bloodbath as we both fought for dominance. Walls will come tumbling down and someone’s bound to get hurt.
There can only be one Master. Who will come out on top and who will surrender?
Victoria Bright is from a small town in North Carolina and currently resides in Greenville, South Carolina. You can usually find her hoarding bottles of Cool Blue Gatorade, playing The Sims when not writing, or obsessing over Camaros.
Carnal Recovery from Victoria Bright was a HOT 5+ star read. Ugly Cry, Dark & Erotic Romance, Hot Alpha Male and Female.
As I grinned at one slave stuffed in a dog crate and another tied face down on a table before me, I realized even more what I was. A sadist.
All I can say is “WOW”. This is my first read by Victoria Bright and it is most definitely not my last.
We meet Gia who is a sex therapist and a Sadist Dominant. After an incident with one of her slaves ending up in the hospital she has been ordered to see a therapist. This is where we meet Xavier . He happens to work in the same building at Gia and has had his eye on Gia for quite some time. Now is his chance to get close to her through therapy. The only problem is, he is also a Dominant.
As we get to know Gia we find that she had a horrific childhood and was hurt by the one person who should have been her protector. The memories that we get to see are so heartbreaking and explains why Gia has to have total control.
Xavier convinces Gia to work a retreat with him, not knowing that he is tricking her into more therapy for herself. And boy oh boy things get very steamy and hot. Will Xavier be able to help Gia? Will Gia be able to give up control to Xavier?
“I always get what I want, so don’t count me out,” he said with a wink and a smile so sexy that my panties would probably melt off if they weren't frozen to my a$$.
There is so much more to this great read. More secrets and intense scenes. Carnal Recovery is book #3 in the Curvy Assignments series and can be read as a stand-alone. There is no cliff hanger and we do get to see a HEA although it was not easily obtained. You will experience several emotions while reading. There are some very heavy scenes that contain rape and abuse that may be a trigger for some. If you enjoy BDSM with and without slaves this is your type of book. 1-Click and get started today. Thank you Victoria for a great read!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club
Title: Carnal Recovery (Curvy Assignments # 3) Series: Curvy Assignments Series Author: Victoria Bright Genre: BDSM Romance Stars: 5/5 Stars Reviewer: Annamaria Published: March 9, 2016 Pages: 281
Five Fantastic Stars! Gia is a sexy therapist by day and a dominate in the bedroom at night. She craves control in her life because this helps her control the demons. One time while being with her sub she goes too far and ends up having to see a mental health therapist. Xavier is the handsome mental health therapist who tries to help Gia. Xavier invites her to a retreat but little does she knows what she's getting into. This book will have you flipping pages wanting to know more of what is happening. Ms Bright does a fantastic job with the writing and characters in this book. This book is a BDSM Romance, so if you like those kinds of book this is perfect for you! I highly recommend you go get it! This is the third book in the Curvy Assignments Series but can be read as a stand-alone novel.
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. This book was read and reviewed by Annamaria for Alpha Book Club.
This book is amazing. I haven't ever read anything like this before, and I don't think I ever will. Victoria Bright caught and held my attention with these amazing characters, the fabulous story line, and the NEED to see who came out on top.
If heavy BDSM is not your thing, then this read is not for you, if it is proceed!
Gia is a strong, beautiful sassy woman with a sense of humor that can be a bit dry but yet at times vulnerable. She has had a damaging past and has made every stride to have ultimate control. Her 9-5 is a sex therapist to an array of clients. Her 5-midnight is a Domme who has a sadistic flavor. Her past led her to her BDSM lifestyle to have need control and have a safe outlet.
One out of control moment, a trigger that is something from her past and Mr. Hot (my nickname for him) is now her therapist. Quite the role reversal.
Ah, Xavier, epitome of tall, dark and handsome and swoon worthy. He seems to have an immense amount of patience. So smart and genuinely wants to help his patients and especially Gia. Without Gia knowing it he really is a rock for her.
3.5 Stars
A week long trip that Xavier takes to Gia to help her, turns out to be more than each expected.
Each learn things that they did not know of each other or really within themselves. There has always been an underlying attraction with these two and we get the pleasure of seeing that unfold.
Can she overcome her past? Can she love? Can she have a relationship that is true?
The author painted quite the picture. You could easily imagine each scene and scenario with ease. The heartache was felt for what Gia went through in her past and how she proved herself. Knowledge of the BDSM was key to the story as well, we are exposed to some many reads that get this one, thankfully this one was right. There are no lagging moments and the plot line was smooth. A great first time read from Ms. Bright.
Gia. Sex therapist. Sadist. Power. Slaves. Domme. Broken.
Her professional life as a sex therapist makes everything about her seem normal, but it's not. She seems to have a strong command on couples sexual behavior, but she doesn't. She seems so in control, but she isn't. Her control is exercised with her slaves, but even that has been known to go awry. One thing she knows is love and relationships, like her friends have, isn't for her.
Xavier. Marriage therapist. Loving. Slaves. Dom. Broken.
Xavier is assigned Gia as a court-appointed client, but Gia can't stand Xavier. Her friends and co-workers all see how he looks at her, but she refuse to acknowledge it. She loathes him. And the last thing she wants to do is reveal or discuss her personal demons with a colleague.
Then he comes up with the idea of a marriage retreat and invites Gia to spend the week with him in the cabin in exchange for a letter to the court stating she has completed her therapy. It seems like a perfect solution for her since she's trying to find a way to get away from Dr. Bennett. Or is it?
The revealing week in the cabin brings to light that Xavier is a Dom and he, too, has sexual slaves. Let the power struggle begin.
Many more secrets come out during that week. It's a week that neither of them will soon forget.
Who wins? Time to 1-click! This is a must read book if you enjoy BDSM romance!
If you like BDSM themes or something a little edgier, then this would be the perfect book for you! This is definitely not a typical romance, nor is it "another 50SOG."
Gia is a sex therapist by day and a sadistic dominatrix by night. Xavier is a mental health therapist with infinite patience. Gia has been assigned court-ordered therapy with Xavier because she lost control and severely injured one of her submissives. Will Xavier be able to help closed-off Gia? Will Gia ever be able to be intimate with anyone who is not a "slave"?
The writing itself is good, very vivid, and the plot kept moving forward at a steady pace. The characters were interesting, but I found it difficult to relate to them, especially Gia. She was just too extreme and sadistic for me. One quote in the book has stuck with me, even days later: "Sometimes the right time is too late."
This is the first book by Victoria Bright that I have read. While sadism is not my cup of tea, I do think others would like this book and style of writing.
I reviewed this book on behalf of A Book Lover's Emporium book blog.
Gia is a strong woman with a past. She is a sex therapist with a darker side. During one of her after work side sessions, she makes a mistake and now has been court ordered to see a mental health therapist. Xavier is a built, tall, blue eyed, dark hair hottie. He just so happens to work on the same floor as Gia as well. Although she is supposed to see him, she skips out to go with her best friend. Adrianna notices how he stares at Gia with a title spark. Gia thinks she is imagining it. Finally when Gia goes to her appointment, Xavier manages to get her open up. He invites her on a week long retreat as part work for her as well as part session. Little does she know what she is getting into. I loved that it had humor in it along the way as well. My emotions were all over the place. This for me makes this book definitely a great read.
I was very impressed with Carnal Recovery. I was a little lost- because I haven’t read the previous books- but that in no way took away from Gia and Xavier’s story. Gia thinks she has it under control- that she is happy being alone- and just having her slaves to attend to her needs. When she loses control- and has to go to counseling- the façade begins to crack. Xavier is there chipping at the cracks and healing her at the same time. I cried at a couple of points in the book. My heart broke when Gia described her childhood. I felt a swirl of emotions when she described what she had been through. Xavier had his own secrets- but he isn’t dark. He is charming and smitten with Gia. I loved this book- I am going to go back and read previous titles. I think Victoria Bright did a fabulous job- and she will go on my list of authors to read.
I received this book fr a fair and honest review.... Of the 3 books in this series.... I have to say I felt this one was the best by far. We had met Gia in the previous 2 books as Ariannas best friend...She helped Arianna jump a few hurdles and win the man of her dreams... In this 3rd book Gia has hurdles to jump as well... Even though it looks like Gia has it together...smart...sexy...independent....she is still overcome by childhood memories that invade her dreams and flow into her personal life. With the help of Xavier and court ordered therapy, she tries to work through them... It has been a while since a book had me so emotional. I HIGHLY recommend this book. You couldread this as a stand alone....but to be honest...I say read them all...they are worth it!
This book is not a book I would normally choose for myself. But I received it as an ARC and was willing to give it a try. Boy I am sure glad that I did. I fell in love with both Gia and Xavier and struggles as a couple. Gia is both a strong and independent woman who through the ups and downs in this book learns that she can still be those things and have a loving and caring relationship, she does't have to give up who she is in order to get what she never thought was possible. This book was a wonderful read and gave me exactly what I didn't know I was expecting from it. Pleas give this book a chance just like I did and I'm sure won't be sorry. Because I sure wasn't.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is the third book in the Curvy Assignments Series, and damn this one was intense. This was the book I had been looking forward to since book 1 and I was not disappointed. This book is taken entirely from Gia's point of view and gave a deep insight into her life. Despite having some demons and baggage to work through, Gia finds someone that matched her sexually. I also loved that Arianna and Zane were brought back to keep the characters from the first two books still involved in the story. The only problem I had with the book was the occassional insert of random words or miss-typed words.
Awesome book!! I love this book! Gia is a strong, brave woman. To overcome her past isn't easy. I connected with her on some of her past. I wanted cry at times when she was remembering that past. Gia gave up on love because of it. Xavier was there to support her anytime she needs him. Xavier is determined to help her overcome the past. He will show Gia that there r people out there for everyone. Victoria Bright did an awesome job!
I really enjoyed this book. I thought Gia was a terrific character dark past and perfectly flawed. I love the BDSM and it was different than others I have read it kept me engaged through the whole book. I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future!
"I avoided love, not to be stubborn, but to protect myself."
☆☆Complimentary copy provided to me☆☆ ●●Reviewed by #MinxR for #HashTagMinxes Reviews●●
I liked this book. I liked how it was not like a lot of the books that are out right now. I am also thankful that it can be read as a standalone. I believe that this should be added to your TBR list.
Out of the three books in this series, I like this one the most. Gia has survived a horrific childhood and carried the painful memories with her into adulthood. Her character evolved throughout the story from being a closed off, almost hostile woman to a loving and trusting one. She used the BDSM as her coping mechanism and feared any type of emotional relationship. Xavier was drawn to her the first time he met her. He used his skills in and out of the bedroom to get Gia to the point in her life where she could trust again. I enjoyed reading the additional short stories at the end about Arianna and Zane having a baby. Excellent read!
This was a great read and I highly recommend it if you like some romantic and BDSM erotic books. Basic concept is the main lead in the story is a female with a rough past and turns to BDSM at night and is a sex therapist by date. She must remain in control at all times and during the book you learn why that is, which keeps it interesting. The male lead in the book brings down her walls and adds a little bit of romantic element to the book. This is not a hard core BDSM book, so it is light and enjoyable for my taste. It has a mixture of great sex, story and overall well written.
This was a great read and I highly recommend it if you like some romantic and BDSM erotic books. Basic concept is the main lead in the story is a female with a rough past and turns to BDSM at night and is a sex therapist by date. She must remain in control at all times and during the book you learn why that is, which keeps it interesting. The male lead in the book brings down her walls and adds a little bit of romantic element to the book. This is not a hard core BDSM book, so it is light and enjoyable for my taste. It has a mixture of great sex, story and overall well written.
I had read both books in this series prior to reading this one and loved them so, so much. The way the author describes her characters and their settings is top notch, and the *ahem* scenes are very well detailed without being too raunchy. This book is full of sass and emotion topped with some kink for the wilder crowd.
Carnal Recovery was not what I expected it to be. I thought it would be filled with sex and lots of BDSM scenes seeing as how Gia is total sadist, but this went so much deeper and I loved it. Victoria Bright is simply brilliant.
Gia is sex therapist. She helps couples embrace their sexuality. She is also a mistress that enjoys being a sadist. Gia has lost control of her life in the past and as an adult she craves it, but one night she lost control and now has court ordered therapy. Gia always thought she could cope with her issues, but she quickly realized that her coping mechanisms were wrong. She needed to learn how to truly forgive and how to give up control to fully enjoy life and really embrace love. As much as Gia was bold, sarcastic and a straight up nympho -- she used as a way to mask her true pain and emotions. I loved seeing her grow and embrace all that life had to offer.
Xavier is mental therapist. He helps people who are mental "damaged" by helping them heal. His dedication to his work is absolutely flawless. After losing a loved one he found a way to try and help others from such dire situations. Xavier is also a master which is something one would never imagine by looking at him. He isn't your typical master that likes to inflict pain. He prefers to be in charge of a woman's orgasms and pleasures without causing pain as a sadist would. I enjoyed his character because he never gave up. He worked hard for what he wanted without shame.
The romance was hot! Two dominant masters seeking control, but also both giving up the roll to play submissive was awesome! I loved how much Xavier cared for Gia no matter how hard she pushed him away or clammed up. The bond between them was real and I respected it. Gia needed Xavier to be able to move forward in life. He was her perfect guy.
I am so happy that Arianna and Zane made appearances in this story was a sort of instrumental characters. It was amazing to have both these couples blended. I also love that Arianna and her mother made up in time for the wedding!
* I received an ebook in exchange for an honest review. *
This is the third book in the Curvy Assignments series, but you could read this as a stand alone and understand what is going on. The author does a brief recap of the previous books and the characters are in each book, however, this one focuses primarily on Gia Valencia, Arianna's best friend. The previous two books focused on Arianna and her life.
The author opens up the book with Gia in some trouble and with no one to turn too. Gia has always been down on love, however, she hasn't 100% given up on it - she just doesn't think that it will ever happen for her. She has "slaves" and she is the mistress and she has NO plans on ever giving up control. We then meet one of her associates, Xavier Bennett, a man who is also always in control and a man who always gets what he wants. The 2 reach an impasse that the author has the reader thinking they will never get past...until the week at the cabin.
The author touches on several very difficult subjects, including murder, rape, incest, BDSM and most importantly forgiveness. She takes the reader through every emotion impossible and often times bach through the emotions a few times. You will laugh, cry, scream and at times want to strangle the author for the ugly cry that she causes the readers. It is not just the sniffle cry, it is the big sobbing ugly cry that no reader wants but can't help but admire the author for causing.
The author touches on these subjects and she does it with respect, with knowledge and without making the reader feel as if she didn't care about the subjects. You could tell that the author wanted to both have a story but to also inform the reader of what ugliness is out there and how they can help others or themselves cope with it. There is plenty of sex, BDSM and domination but there is also a plot. It isn't for naught. The book has a purpose and the plot is well written and flows quickly.
Make sure you start this one with an open mind and schedule, because once you start reading you won't want to stop! It is one wild read! Enjoy (but not too much)!!
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
I got this book from net gallery for an honest review.
I absolutely loved this book: it was funny, sexy, and hot.
Gia has quite a unique personality: she's sassy, funny and witty but she hides behind a mask.
I loved Xavier, he's an interesting character, and had his ways to get what he wanted. The trip to the cabin was hilarious - but I liked the fact that Xavier was patient yet persistent.
These two have hot explosive chemistry and the sex scenes were definitely scorching, steamy hot.
Fantastic narrative, with lots of funny yet deeply touching moments. This book shows Gia's journey from being alone and haunted by her past, to someone who breaks free from her demons and allows someone close enough to love her. Absolutely brilliant book, written in Gia's perspective and I thoroughly enjoyed it: wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.
I really enjoyed this book overall. I love how Gia always said what was on her mind. I thought she was pretty honest with herself about her wants most of the time. With that said, I didn't like her as a Domme by herself. I loved her scenes with Xaiver in and out of the bedroom. Xaiver....what to say. He is HOT HOT HOT!! He is dominating while still being gentle, and his patience...my goodness. The only problem I would say I have with this is the ending. For how upset he was he came back to soon. One phone call from her friend is all it took?? I felt that the ending was rushed. Still I would recommend this book definitely.
Wow! Wow! Wow! My head is still spinning from the very intense and highly emotional ride this story took me on. This one seriously had everything that makes a book so good. Who would have guessed that one week in a cabin with a stranger would change the course of two lives? I'm certain that Gia had no idea that she and Xavier would end up where they did.
(I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review)
Carnal Recovery by Victoria Bright. I'm not sure why this, the 3rd book in the series just didnt do it for me, probably because it was written from the female dominatrix pov instead of the mans, but I didn't finish reading this book, so I don't think I can give a full review except to say that it was very well written and could be a great read for someone else. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.
This is the 3rd book in the Curvy Assignments Book and can be read as a stand-alone. While is a play session with one of her submissives he is badly hurt and Gia is required to go to court-ordered therapy. Xavier her colleague and now court appointed therapist is a dominant himself and has plans for Gia. This read is so many things, emotional, funny and steamy. I was hooked from beginning to end. Great Read.
I enjoyed this book. I didn't read the first two in the series but the author put enough information in this one that I wasn't fumbling or lost in the story line. Xavier was good for Gia he helped her overcome her issues and loved her despite her flaws. I was glad that everything worked out in the end and that Gia realized the error of her ways and worked on her communication.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I had the ability to draw me in right from the beginning and kept me interested for more throughout. I couldnt put it down! I look forward to reading more from this author.