What do you think?
Rate this book
Crescent City Kings #1
Lone Survivor
She needed a fresh start…
ICU Nurse Sadie Montgomery moved to New Orleans after her entire world fell apart. The idea was borne of desperation as she sank deeper into a depression so deep and dark, she had stopped feeling. But it wasn’t until she crossed paths with Ram that she finally felt a spark of life return. The only problem is, she doesn’t want to be dependent upon anyone. The pain of losing it all is still too fresh. Not to mention, in Ram’s world, the women submit themselves body and soul.
He wasn’t looking for love…
Former Army Ranger, Ramsey O’Malley, is not looking for a long-term commitment from a woman beyond a scene or two at Club Underworld. He doesn’t have the time nor the inclination to begin something he cannot finish, not as a single dad with a thriving psychology practice. Except, he is drawn to his newest patient. She’s forbidden, like the apple in the garden of Eden, and all he wants to do it take a bite.
But they could not deny their desire…
When Sadie makes a surprise appearance at Club Underworld looking to take a walk on the wild side, Ram knows he cannot let another man have her. He wants to be the one to introduce her to submission. But can he convince her to submit? And will just one night be enough?
Publisher’s Note: This steamy contemporary romance contains elements of power exchange.
ICU Nurse Sadie Montgomery moved to New Orleans after her entire world fell apart. The idea was borne of desperation as she sank deeper into a depression so deep and dark, she had stopped feeling. But it wasn’t until she crossed paths with Ram that she finally felt a spark of life return. The only problem is, she doesn’t want to be dependent upon anyone. The pain of losing it all is still too fresh. Not to mention, in Ram’s world, the women submit themselves body and soul.
He wasn’t looking for love…
Former Army Ranger, Ramsey O’Malley, is not looking for a long-term commitment from a woman beyond a scene or two at Club Underworld. He doesn’t have the time nor the inclination to begin something he cannot finish, not as a single dad with a thriving psychology practice. Except, he is drawn to his newest patient. She’s forbidden, like the apple in the garden of Eden, and all he wants to do it take a bite.
But they could not deny their desire…
When Sadie makes a surprise appearance at Club Underworld looking to take a walk on the wild side, Ram knows he cannot let another man have her. He wants to be the one to introduce her to submission. But can he convince her to submit? And will just one night be enough?
Publisher’s Note: This steamy contemporary romance contains elements of power exchange.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2019
452 people are currently reading
388 people want to read
About the author
Anya Summers
93 books1,307 followersBorn in St. Louis, Missouri, Anya grew up listening to Cardinals baseball and reading anything she could get her hands on. She remembers her mother saying if only she would read the right type of books instead binging her way through the romance aisles at the bookstore, she’d have been a doctor. While Anya never did get that doctorate, she graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with a M.A. in History.
Anya is a Bestselling and Award-Winning Author published in multiple fiction genres. She also writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance under the name, Maggie Mae Gallagher. A total geek at her core, when she is not writing, she adores attending the latest comic con or spending time with her family. She currently lives in the midwest with her two furry felines.
Anya is a Bestselling and Award-Winning Author published in multiple fiction genres. She also writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance under the name, Maggie Mae Gallagher. A total geek at her core, when she is not writing, she adores attending the latest comic con or spending time with her family. She currently lives in the midwest with her two furry felines.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
Want to read
April 25, 2025🎁FREE on Amazon & on Apple Books today (10/30/2020)!🎁
November 2, 2019
Lone Survivor (Crescent City Kings Book 1) By: Anya SummersShe's NOT The Only "Lone Survivor" Who Needs An Anchor!
Once Upon A Time... She was a "Lone Survivor,"
Which gave Her PTSD & flashbacks!
Especially IN the Environment She works... As an ICU Nurse!
Thus, after Her most recent bout,
Where there's Another "Lone Survivor,"
She's giv'n leave... That's NOT Sooo Voluntary!
And wouldn't you know IT...
She has to be assigned a Therapist to Fires Her libido~
For the FIRST Time since She became a "Lone Survivor!"
And through Him She discovers a Club...
A place where She can let GO~ SomeWhere She can be FREE!
But She only wants HIM... Even though it's WRONG,
Unless He's NO longer Be therapist!
Sooo, the "Lone Survivor" discovers an outlet...
To BAD it's Temporary, or IS IT!?!
I absolutely LOVE the Anya's Writing & the way Her series' are oftentimes interwoven together... She brings Her characters together & allows their Lives & Worlds to overlap so seamlessly... it's truly amazing! Each book in each series truly STANDS ALONE, & yet SomeHow, many will also interconnect, & even overlap to keep adding new dimensions & layers providing more & MORE fabulous details about wonderful characters that just engage our greedy reader minds!!
Take a chance, One-Click "Lone Survivor" by Anya Summers; it offers not only that forbidden peek inside an exclusive lifestyle, where Power is Exchanged... It also provides a bit of a Getaway from Reality, where ANYTHING GOES, & I do mean Anything!!
Plus, Anya Summers is one of those Rare, Coveted 5 STAR Authors; the one's I SAVE that Coveted Rating for, because they're Books/Items Outshine, Outclass, & Outperform their competition... They're one's who've given me something MORE! Anya Summers has won that Distinction for "Lone Survivor!" Kudos once again, Ms. Summers, for your Stellar work!!
This book contains BDSM elements & is intended for readers over 18; NOW, if that's not your type of Reading Genre, please don't dip your toes into this book, as you won't enjoy IT. Plus, leaving an unfavorable review, because it's not your cup of tea, is unfair to an author. That said, you know what to Expect... Sooo, if this is your JAM, GO Ahead & One-Click!
I was gifted an ARC of Anya Summers' "Lone Survivor (Crescent City Kings Book 1)" via B00|{$P®0UT; As usual, this is an emotional book. Anya's a talented author with a GREAT ability to write passionate stories that delve into sensitive subjects. Therefore, I gladly recommend this Book, & Her others as well, based upon its own merits. Anya's books definitely provide wonderful Reading Rabbit holes full of spectacular reading!! Anya's books are definitely books you'll read, Reread, & READ again several times & NEVER tire of... I know I have. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given.
Until next time... Happy Reading!
November 7, 2019
I couldn't get enough of Ram & Sadie's story. This was such an emotional journey. Wow. I received a free copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
July 11, 2020
Actually 4.5 stars
After years of writing BDSM romances (which ranged from OK to really good), Anya Summers has finally taken her writing to the next level and it's amazing. Wounded veteran turned therapist Ram hides his heartbreaking insecurity (about his prosthetic foot) through his dominance and his clinical detachment, but when he meets Sadie, his walls start coming down. Sadie, an ICU nurse sent to see Dr. Ram when her PTSD starts to affect her job, has her own heartbreaking struggles -- having to move on as the only survivor of a car accident that killed her parents and estranged husband. Together, they work through their pain and a way that's sensitive, beautiful, and real. Summers even handles Ram's ethical dilemma correctly, where he resigns as her therapist before becoming her Dom and lover. Lone Survivor is a deep, thoughtful, wonderful book.
After years of writing BDSM romances (which ranged from OK to really good), Anya Summers has finally taken her writing to the next level and it's amazing. Wounded veteran turned therapist Ram hides his heartbreaking insecurity (about his prosthetic foot) through his dominance and his clinical detachment, but when he meets Sadie, his walls start coming down. Sadie, an ICU nurse sent to see Dr. Ram when her PTSD starts to affect her job, has her own heartbreaking struggles -- having to move on as the only survivor of a car accident that killed her parents and estranged husband. Together, they work through their pain and a way that's sensitive, beautiful, and real. Summers even handles Ram's ethical dilemma correctly, where he resigns as her therapist before becoming her Dom and lover. Lone Survivor is a deep, thoughtful, wonderful book.
November 4, 2019
I received this book with the understanding that I could leave a voluntary and honest review.
In this book we meet Sadie Montgomery and Ramsey O'Malley. While at work on night at Saint Mary's Hospital in the ICU ward Sadie has a patient come in. The woman on the table doesn't make it and that isn't uncommon for her profession it is what one of the other nurses says that sends her into a tail spin. She makes the comment that the 3 year old little girl is now the lone survivor that just took her entire family. Sadie knows she has PTSD from her own incident with being the sole survivor in a car wreck. That is is just part of her issues though and most days she has no problem, this night was different though. So the doctor on duty sends her to a friend to help her and tells her she must take 2 weeks off and as soon as he signs off she is able to return to full duties. Ramsey doesn't typically take patients during the summer but for a friend he agrees to meet this person. One look at Sadie and the dom in him stands up a little straighter. He knows where the line must be drawn between patient and submissive, but what is that is what is needed? The more they get to know one another the more they want to. Will these two find a true HEA or will the past cloud the future for both of them and ruin everything?
This is another amazing story by this author. It will send you through and emotional ringer that I want to tell you all about. However I don't want to ruin the story for any other reader. I will say everyone has dealt with one form of grief over losing someone or another. This book will give you an outlet to maybe let a few of those residual feelings out that you didn't know needed to come. I would highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone.
In this book we meet Sadie Montgomery and Ramsey O'Malley. While at work on night at Saint Mary's Hospital in the ICU ward Sadie has a patient come in. The woman on the table doesn't make it and that isn't uncommon for her profession it is what one of the other nurses says that sends her into a tail spin. She makes the comment that the 3 year old little girl is now the lone survivor that just took her entire family. Sadie knows she has PTSD from her own incident with being the sole survivor in a car wreck. That is is just part of her issues though and most days she has no problem, this night was different though. So the doctor on duty sends her to a friend to help her and tells her she must take 2 weeks off and as soon as he signs off she is able to return to full duties. Ramsey doesn't typically take patients during the summer but for a friend he agrees to meet this person. One look at Sadie and the dom in him stands up a little straighter. He knows where the line must be drawn between patient and submissive, but what is that is what is needed? The more they get to know one another the more they want to. Will these two find a true HEA or will the past cloud the future for both of them and ruin everything?
This is another amazing story by this author. It will send you through and emotional ringer that I want to tell you all about. However I don't want to ruin the story for any other reader. I will say everyone has dealt with one form of grief over losing someone or another. This book will give you an outlet to maybe let a few of those residual feelings out that you didn't know needed to come. I would highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone.
September 21, 2023
First, anyone who reads Anya Summers would know immediately that this book was written some time ago. It lacks what appears in later stories to be a better understanding of BDSM and how participants engage.
The leads were interesting. I found the female lead to be complex. She had suffered a good deal and was making important progress on herself when she met the male lead. Her interest in submission was realistic.
However, the male lead, despite having some encouraging qualities, appeared on numerous occasions to be self-centered, arrogant, and belligerent at best. His insistence on "training" the female lead doesn't stand in the BDSM world. "Training" isn't needed. Dominance and submission are things to explore. A person who is interested in submission will explore potential pleasure. They don't need to be "trained" to respond to a dominant.
There also seemed to be a lot of pain that served as pleasure. A newly interested sub doesn't typically start out to perform sex acts as a contest of endurance. I felt the sex was written by someone with very limited knowledge of the BDSM world. I'm not dismissing anyone's interest in pain. I'm just pointing out that most people new to BDSM want to explore this new world. I can't say I've known people who leaped right into sadism or were specifically pushed into that by a remotely responsible Dom. There was a good bit of this in the story. I would have better enjoyed a more realistic intro for the female character. Lastly, this made the male lead appear in an unsympathetic light, and pretty much like an a$$hole.
Because of the unrealistic sex and emphasis on "training," the relationship felt cold. It was hard to determine connections between the leads as anything except lust. Lust is fine, but this was supposed to be a romance.
Overall I had a hard time getting on board with the male lead. I've enjoyed a few of Anya Summers books more. She does need to learn more about BDSM even in her more current stories to be more realistic.
The leads were interesting. I found the female lead to be complex. She had suffered a good deal and was making important progress on herself when she met the male lead. Her interest in submission was realistic.
However, the male lead, despite having some encouraging qualities, appeared on numerous occasions to be self-centered, arrogant, and belligerent at best. His insistence on "training" the female lead doesn't stand in the BDSM world. "Training" isn't needed. Dominance and submission are things to explore. A person who is interested in submission will explore potential pleasure. They don't need to be "trained" to respond to a dominant.
There also seemed to be a lot of pain that served as pleasure. A newly interested sub doesn't typically start out to perform sex acts as a contest of endurance. I felt the sex was written by someone with very limited knowledge of the BDSM world. I'm not dismissing anyone's interest in pain. I'm just pointing out that most people new to BDSM want to explore this new world. I can't say I've known people who leaped right into sadism or were specifically pushed into that by a remotely responsible Dom. There was a good bit of this in the story. I would have better enjoyed a more realistic intro for the female character. Lastly, this made the male lead appear in an unsympathetic light, and pretty much like an a$$hole.
Because of the unrealistic sex and emphasis on "training," the relationship felt cold. It was hard to determine connections between the leads as anything except lust. Lust is fine, but this was supposed to be a romance.
Overall I had a hard time getting on board with the male lead. I've enjoyed a few of Anya Summers books more. She does need to learn more about BDSM even in her more current stories to be more realistic.
January 23, 2020
Loved it..
When I realized there would be a new series by Anya Summers, I literally jumped for joy...this book will definitely hit all the bases from A great love story and meeting new people from their club...I cannot wait for book 2...a must read...
When I realized there would be a new series by Anya Summers, I literally jumped for joy...this book will definitely hit all the bases from A great love story and meeting new people from their club...I cannot wait for book 2...a must read...
November 27, 2019
Excellent read
Hot, sweet, poignant - hot. Did I say that?
PTSD comes in all ways; loss, the same way. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and I think you will as well.
Hot, sweet, poignant - hot. Did I say that?
PTSD comes in all ways; loss, the same way. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and I think you will as well.
October 3, 2019
Boy did this book make you break out with all the feels. Sadie is a broken woman when she moved to the Crescent City, working as an ICU nurse. After an episode of PTSD, she begins seeing psychologist, Ramsey, who she finds she has feelings for that she thought died the night of her trauma. A mix of professional ethics but unrelenting desire hits both Sadie and Ram when Sadie goes to Club Underworld to see if BDSM might be exactly what she's looking for. Ram happens to be a Dom and part owner of the club and they meet again, but under very different circumstances. Ram decides Sadie is going to be his submissive and Sadie wouldn't have it any other way. Ram introduces Sadie to her submissive side and takes on her training. The trauma Sadie survived is what she needed to work on, but she and Ram have so much more going for them. There are many more complications and other people involved in their lives that just keep coming into the mix. There is plenty of love and warm, caring people surrounding the couple who have many barriers that need to be worked on, but all are very interesting and I see potential for many more books involving quite a few of the other characters we meet in Lone Survivor. I loved this first book of the Crescent City Kings!
October 6, 2019
Just from the title and teaser, I wasn't sure exactly what to expect. OMG!!! This is probably one of the most heartbreaking, heartwarming stories I've read, and I've read thousands of books. Having lived over half my life in the south, close to New Orleans, automatically gave me a feeling of affinity with the world Anya Summers created. Then when you get to know Sadie and Ram, well, they both have enough of a flawed personality they become totally relatable. Add in the side characters and the entire cast just brings the story to life. I'm REALLY, REALLY hoping we get to read about the other founders of the BDSM club. Are you reading this Anya?? Congratulations I was given a copy of this book and am proud to give my honest and voluntary five star review.
October 6, 2019
Lone Survivor is an amazing story that took me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions from start to finish. The storyline deals with deep subjects such as PTSD and survivor's guilt, while adding in an intense chemistry with BDSM. The characters are developed and each touches the heart as they deal with real life problems. However, when Ram and Sadie connect their passion is captivating. Sadie discovers her sexual desires while learning to surrender and heal from personal demons. At the same time Ram learns to move forward and trust by helping others. For each character they are on a journey of personal growth. I highly recommend you reading this 5 star book to see how love heals. I voluntarily received an arc copy of this book.
November 3, 2019
I absolutely loved this book and was honored to have been able to read and review. It was such a phenomenal read and had amazing characters as well as an amazing story line. I just could not get enough of it and once I started reading it I could not put it down. I recommend that you read it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 2, 2019
This is a very emotional read. I loved Sadie and Ram. They had scorching chemistry and I enjoyed witnessing the evolution of their relationship as the story unfolded. Sadie was a character I felt strongly connected to. The losses she had suffered, the grief, the depression and the guilt made her incredibly relatable to me. The book does feature plenty of steam and BDSM elements. So if you like your reads on the tame and vanilla side, this book probably isn't for you. I thought that this was a very good read and a promising start to this new series. This is my frank, freely posted review.
October 6, 2019
This book gave me all the feels, and pretty much got me out of a really bad reading funk. I absolutely loved the story of Sadie and Ramsey and their journey toward their own HEA. There is some heartache involved, but it all works out in the end. Throw in the BDSM aspect and I was madly in love with this story. I'm really excited for this whole series!
Please note that I did receive an ARC of this book, and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Please note that I did receive an ARC of this book, and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 27, 2019
Very basic writing, so many mistakes
As an author myself, I absolutely detest giving a bad review. So that’s not what I’m going to do. All I will say, is that Miss Summers and Blushing Books need to take a little extra time in the editing department, in addition to plot development, and proper BDSM etiquette, rules and regulations.
As a BDSM genre book, it is highly disappointing to read all the big no-no’s that are written into this book. I would recommend utilizing a beta reader such as Bianca Sommerland or Cherise Sinclair. They can give you some wonderful pointers.
As an author myself, I absolutely detest giving a bad review. So that’s not what I’m going to do. All I will say, is that Miss Summers and Blushing Books need to take a little extra time in the editing department, in addition to plot development, and proper BDSM etiquette, rules and regulations.
As a BDSM genre book, it is highly disappointing to read all the big no-no’s that are written into this book. I would recommend utilizing a beta reader such as Bianca Sommerland or Cherise Sinclair. They can give you some wonderful pointers.
October 4, 2019
Sadie moves to New Orleans to start fresh after an accident left her the lone survivor, her husband and parents now gone. Sadie is a nurse and experience PTSD from the accident. She is ordered to go see Ram a psychiatrist. Sparks fly but what will happen when Sadie learns of the BDSM club the Underworld and Ram’s involvement. Fast-paced read with loads of drama, lots of emotion and steam. The characters are amazing and the chemistry is sizzling. I loved it!
October 4, 2019
I found this book to be interesting. The characters are well developed. The storyline captured my attention and kept it throughout.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 18, 2023
Kindle / Nook / Kobo / Apple
After having a blackout while working in the ER, nurse Sadie is directed to a therapist before she can come back to work. Luckily for her, that therapist happens to be Dom Ram, who is immediately attracted to her. Though they don't start crossing that line immediately, the spark is there. But once crossed, Ram knows the innate sub in her needs "training." So an arrangement is born. Will either survive this arrangement? What happens when one (both) catches feelings?
I've read quite a few of this author's books, and have downright disliked some, loved some, and been meh on others. This one is probably meh. I don't hate it, but I didn't like Ram at all. He's not only the therapist in this arrangement, he's the experienced Dom, so he really should have behaved much better than he did. He was rude, quite mean at times, and didn't take Sadie's well being, her inexperience in the lifestyle, or even the fact that she's an adult with her own mind, into consideration. Sadie is the main reason I can give this 3 stars, her character is interesting, complex, and really likable. Too bad she wasn't paired with someone of equal character.
ARC provided by Booksprout for an honest review.
Blog | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Bookbub
November 28, 2020
After Sadie suffers an attack of PTSD while dealing with patients in the ICU, she is put on leave from her job until she gets her ducks in a row...she is referred to a counselor that makes her heart race and her mind have all sorts of fantasies...when her new doctor hands her a packet of information - a card to his private club slips off his desk and she spies "Club Underworld" on it...she has never heard of it and does some investigating...Sadie feels deep down that BDSM may be what helps her heal...
Ram's instincts to protect Sadie are strong...but he would be crossing a line being involved with a patient, so he pushes those instincts down...until she shows up at the private club where he is part owner...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ram's instincts to protect Sadie are strong...but he would be crossing a line being involved with a patient, so he pushes those instincts down...until she shows up at the private club where he is part owner...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 13, 2022
Sadie's life was turned upside down when she was the lone survivor of a crash that took her parents and husband. Moving away to a new city was her way of starting over again but when an incident in ICU triggered a PTSD episode, she was sent again to therapy which sent her on a healing journey that she never would have imagined. Ram has had his own problems and taking Sadie in as a favor should have been simple until he met her, and her mannerism pulled at the DOM in him. This story will draw you in and have you cheering Sadie on to get a fresh start with a happily ever after.
February 7, 2021
Amazing
I really loved reading this story. Ram and Sadie.
She has PTSD, she survived the car accident that killed her husband and her parents.
This book was so good, you can find yourself relating to the characters in the book. Crying one minute, laughing the next.
This book was definitely a steamy read!
Hot, Hot. At the Club Underworld and the Masters!
Wow. What a way to deal with your PTSD.
I really loved reading this story. Ram and Sadie.
She has PTSD, she survived the car accident that killed her husband and her parents.
This book was so good, you can find yourself relating to the characters in the book. Crying one minute, laughing the next.
This book was definitely a steamy read!
Hot, Hot. At the Club Underworld and the Masters!
Wow. What a way to deal with your PTSD.
May 3, 2022
Heartwarming Story!
This story was beautifully written. It made you smile, gasp and cry. The loss of three loved ones in a matter of seconds, Sadie was the only survivor. Suffering from PTSD made her a lost broken soul. Dr. Ram O'Malley also suffered from PTSD, but he didn't realize how it effected his personal life. But fate took over and conquered their fears. A must read.
This story was beautifully written. It made you smile, gasp and cry. The loss of three loved ones in a matter of seconds, Sadie was the only survivor. Suffering from PTSD made her a lost broken soul. Dr. Ram O'Malley also suffered from PTSD, but he didn't realize how it effected his personal life. But fate took over and conquered their fears. A must read.
January 27, 2020
What a great book. This book was entertaining from start to finish. Another great book by Anya. I loved the characters - Anya did a great job building the characters into people you love. Only negative thought and it's slight is I like a lot more BDSM in my books - but this book is really worth the read. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
May 7, 2020
First in series
This book is hot steamy and full out Love Story.
I Love the characters Ram the Dom and Saddie the Submissive. It brought up about PSTD and that it not only affects military but also accident victims both adult and children. Really enjoy this book and can't wait to read the 2nd book.
This book is hot steamy and full out Love Story.
I Love the characters Ram the Dom and Saddie the Submissive. It brought up about PSTD and that it not only affects military but also accident victims both adult and children. Really enjoy this book and can't wait to read the 2nd book.
May 19, 2020
I found this book to be just OK. This is Ram and Sadie's story. I found Ram (the male lead) to be mean especially since he was supposed to be a doctor of psychology. Sadie is brand new to BDSM and also suffers from PTSD. I much prefer Cherise Sinclair's books--BDSM romance with heart!
June 5, 2022
Not well written…
The story plot and characters were not too bad, but sometimes there is repetition. I’d like to know what color buttery gray is or why all kitchens are described somewhat alike. Ivory cabinets and dark gray granite?
The story plot and characters were not too bad, but sometimes there is repetition. I’d like to know what color buttery gray is or why all kitchens are described somewhat alike. Ivory cabinets and dark gray granite?
January 21, 2020
Steamy must read
Just loved this, so intense & amazing chemistry between Sadie & Ram! I really enjoyed this book, very spicy, a must read
Just loved this, so intense & amazing chemistry between Sadie & Ram! I really enjoyed this book, very spicy, a must read
May 28, 2020
Samantha's 📚
This is my first book I have read from this author. I was so satisfied with the whole story it was so good. Not just a D\s story.
This is my first book I have read from this author. I was so satisfied with the whole story it was so good. Not just a D\s story.
February 11, 2025
⛔️(in notes)
October 28, 2019
I've read most of Ms. Summers books. They usually take place in reputable, respectable BDSM clubs -- formerly Scotland, Nassau, and Wyoming, and with this book, New Orleans (the author really gets around) -- featuring dominants who own the clubs and their various submissives (Loved by the Beast and Claimed by the Beast are exceptions). Each story represents one dominant and one submissive (though she has done MFM). And she emphasizes safe, sane, consensual (if you're going to set your books in well-regarded BDSM clubs, you better pay more than lip service to the basic tenets of the lifestyle).
I also appreciate that by-and-large her characters are real people with real problems: while they are as young (or youngish), thin, and beautiful as the usual characters in these books, their problems tend to be more believable; in this story's case, for example, Ram has children from a previous marriage and Sadie decides to . I especially appreciate that it's clear that the H and h are equal partners in the relationship and the traditional gender roles prevalent in far too many of these books are less apparent here: though the H's are men, they aren't domineering, nor do they think their submissives are less than by virtue of gender; though all the submissives are women, they have their own careers, aspirations, and dreams, and they aren't doormats. When the doms make a mistake (and they usually make at least one big one in Ms. Summers' books), they, refreshingly, apologize.
All the above is apparent in this particular book. Both Sadie and Ram were very likeable characters who you grew to care about and root for as a couple. Sadie's scenes with Grace were particularly strong and I rooted for them, too (Grace was so vulnerable and depicted with such tenderness that I rooted for her and Sophie more, actually, than I rooted for Sophie and Ram). I also appreciated that although Ram helped Sadie deal with her PTSD, she also helps herself by making changes in her life that only she can make. While I'm not in any position to judge, it appears that Ms. Summers had done her homework regarding PTSD and its treatments as she lays them out in length here. Finally, in terms of character, it was nice to see a character with disability (in this case, Ram) who was affected by it, but not defined by it. This added some diversity to what is a very non-diverse genre.
In terms of style, Ms. Summers is a decent writer who writes believable dialogue, memorable prose ("They all worked like a chaotic symphony, playing discordant tones that worked together seamlessly"), detailed erotic scenes, and full descriptions of her characters and settings. The problem is is that her prose has too much detail (did we really need to hear about all the flavors of ice cream at the beginning) and many of the characters' thoughts are repeated (Ram and Sadie told us over and over again about the obstacles to their relationship). Tip to authors: if we're not learning any new information or information in a new way, then take it out. Because of the information-overload and repetitious thoughts, I found myself skipping parts of the book; I urge the author to do more judicious pruning. Finally, in terms of this particular book, I found Sadie's relationship to her dead husband incoherent as Ms. Summers characterized their marriage inconsistently (plus it left us with a lot of unanswered questions as Henry's rather puzzling behavior was never explained).
Based on the number of doms we were introduced to in this book, I imagine that we will get at least seven other stories. At this point, I have to confess that the doms blend together in my mind; hopefully, the future books will highlight their differences.
4 stars.
Note: I adhere to the ratings system as laid out by Goodreads: 2 stars = it was okay; 3 stars = liked it; 4 stars = really liked it; 5 stars = it was amazing. I gave this book 4 stars because I liked both MCs and I really felt for them, even though I thought the writing was repetitious. I do not think that every book I read is "amazing;" further, I think that it cheapens the rating system to always assign 4 or 5 stars. If a book really earns the 4 or 5 stars (and I realize that this is, to some degree, subjective), I'll give them -- but it certainly shouldn't apply to every book. YMMV, and everyone should enjoy/rate these books as they wish.
Additional Note: I did not receive this book as an ARC; I'm not another author who hosts or is hosted by other authors in this genre on our websites; and I'm not friends with the authors IRL, "friends" on this site, or friends on any social media site.
I also appreciate that by-and-large her characters are real people with real problems: while they are as young (or youngish), thin, and beautiful as the usual characters in these books, their problems tend to be more believable; in this story's case, for example, Ram has children from a previous marriage and Sadie decides to . I especially appreciate that it's clear that the H and h are equal partners in the relationship and the traditional gender roles prevalent in far too many of these books are less apparent here: though the H's are men, they aren't domineering, nor do they think their submissives are less than by virtue of gender; though all the submissives are women, they have their own careers, aspirations, and dreams, and they aren't doormats. When the doms make a mistake (and they usually make at least one big one in Ms. Summers' books), they, refreshingly, apologize.
All the above is apparent in this particular book. Both Sadie and Ram were very likeable characters who you grew to care about and root for as a couple. Sadie's scenes with Grace were particularly strong and I rooted for them, too (Grace was so vulnerable and depicted with such tenderness that I rooted for her and Sophie more, actually, than I rooted for Sophie and Ram). I also appreciated that although Ram helped Sadie deal with her PTSD, she also helps herself by making changes in her life that only she can make. While I'm not in any position to judge, it appears that Ms. Summers had done her homework regarding PTSD and its treatments as she lays them out in length here. Finally, in terms of character, it was nice to see a character with disability (in this case, Ram) who was affected by it, but not defined by it. This added some diversity to what is a very non-diverse genre.
In terms of style, Ms. Summers is a decent writer who writes believable dialogue, memorable prose ("They all worked like a chaotic symphony, playing discordant tones that worked together seamlessly"), detailed erotic scenes, and full descriptions of her characters and settings. The problem is is that her prose has too much detail (did we really need to hear about all the flavors of ice cream at the beginning) and many of the characters' thoughts are repeated (Ram and Sadie told us over and over again about the obstacles to their relationship). Tip to authors: if we're not learning any new information or information in a new way, then take it out. Because of the information-overload and repetitious thoughts, I found myself skipping parts of the book; I urge the author to do more judicious pruning. Finally, in terms of this particular book, I found Sadie's relationship to her dead husband incoherent as Ms. Summers characterized their marriage inconsistently (plus it left us with a lot of unanswered questions as Henry's rather puzzling behavior was never explained).
Based on the number of doms we were introduced to in this book, I imagine that we will get at least seven other stories. At this point, I have to confess that the doms blend together in my mind; hopefully, the future books will highlight their differences.
4 stars.
Note: I adhere to the ratings system as laid out by Goodreads: 2 stars = it was okay; 3 stars = liked it; 4 stars = really liked it; 5 stars = it was amazing. I gave this book 4 stars because I liked both MCs and I really felt for them, even though I thought the writing was repetitious. I do not think that every book I read is "amazing;" further, I think that it cheapens the rating system to always assign 4 or 5 stars. If a book really earns the 4 or 5 stars (and I realize that this is, to some degree, subjective), I'll give them -- but it certainly shouldn't apply to every book. YMMV, and everyone should enjoy/rate these books as they wish.
Additional Note: I did not receive this book as an ARC; I'm not another author who hosts or is hosted by other authors in this genre on our websites; and I'm not friends with the authors IRL, "friends" on this site, or friends on any social media site.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews