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Double Six

(Rowan House #5)

Brenda Murphy

4.35 · Rating details · 40 ratings · 23 reviews

Elaine MacLeod, the most feared and revered Mistress of Rowan House, is frustrated. Overworked, still hurt and angry over the departure of her long-term lover, she refuses to admit Rowan House needs another Mistress to accommodate their guests. Unconvinced anyone will be able to meet her high standards, Elaine grudgingly agrees to audition the sole applicant, Petra Grendha ...more

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Published November 18th 2019 by NineStar Press

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Nov 17, 2019 Bugs rated it really liked it

Finally! Finally I got to explore Elaine's story in Book 5 of Brenda Murphy's Rowan House series! I had been intrigued and curious about Elaine's character since Book 1. If you've read the Rowan House series, you would know that Elaine was Martha's sister, co-owner of the exclusive Rowan House, who used to be the Cook before she delegated it to someone else. In the previous installments of the series, Murphy's depiction of Elaine was one of mystique, equipped with a cold, hard exterior, brash a ...more

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Nov 18, 2019 Jude in the Stars rated it really liked it

If she had her way (like she’s used to), Elaine MacLeod wouldn’t be the one interviewing the woman applying to become Rowan House’s new Mistress. She doesn’t even really want to hire anyone. But it’s not like she can get out of it, and Petra Grendhal turns out to be rather different from what she expected, and not only because her name doesn’t quite fit her appearance.

Most of all, Elaine hadn’t planned on being attracted to her nor on fighting for dominance, especially not when she’s already try If she had her way (like she’s used to), Elaine MacLeod wouldn’t be the one interviewing the woman applying to become Rowan House’s new Mistress. She doesn’t even really want to hire anyone. But it’s not like she can get out of it, and Petra Grendhal turns out to be rather different from what she expected, and not only because her name doesn’t quite fit her appearance.

Most of all, Elaine hadn’t planned on being attracted to her nor on fighting for dominance, especially not when she’s already trying to come to terms both with the aftermath of Roxy’s departure and her feelings for Robin. When Robin volunteers to sub for Petra for the audition, Elaine has no other choice but to admit that she cares a lot more for Robin than she lets on, and is definitely not ready to let her go. Faced with Robin’s love for her and her attraction to Petra as well as her own attraction to (and maybe love for) both of them, Elaine is not as much in control as she’d like to believe.

This is the fifth book in the Rowan House series and the second one I read (my first was Complex Dimensions). It can be read as a standalone, though if I had had the time, I would have begun at the beginning of the series. I’m glad I had read at least one of the previous novels first.

A poly erotic romance, Double Six is much heavier on BDSM and power play than I’m used to. It’s also extremely well written, impressively so. I need to read more of Brenda Murphy’s books, but from what I’ve seen in the two I’ve read so far, she can be counted on to create compelling atmospheres and fantastic characters. Elaine, Robin and Petra are multi-layered, complex and believable. The story is told from Elaine’s POV, with some of her inner dialogue, so we know more about her motivations and thoughts than the others’. I sometimes wished I could be in Robin’s head or, more frequently, Petra’s, but I enjoyed being surprised by them, which couldn’t have happened the same way if I’d been privy to their thoughts.

It stands to reason that in a place like Rowan House, chemistry would be the foundation on which most, if not all, relationships are built, so of course the chemistry between the three women is out of this world. I’m also a bit impressed by their stamina, I have to admit… Regardless, if you’re into intricate, detailed, and above all steamy sex scenes, you’re in for a real treat. Seriously. However, what I love most is that the story is not an excuse for all the sex (which can be good too, don’t get me wrong), there’s a real convincing plot too. All three characters are full of surprises, but Elaine is probably the one whose growth is the most obvious by the end of the story. She’s the perfect ice queen, haughty and imperious, which goes well with her Mistress persona. She’s also scared of rejection, terrified Robin might decide to leave her once she’s free to go (I’m trying not to spoil here, read the book), not used to trusting anyone, let alone her own feelings. Between Robin and Petra, she’ll learn a lot about trust, communication (she’s good at it in sex play, not so much when it comes to matters of the heart), letting go. This novel is the proof that a story can be both extremely hot and absolutely lovely.

I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. ...more

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Mar 01, 2020 Joc rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: bdsm, deception, erotic, exotic-location, explicit-content, ice-queen, lesbian, ethnic-diversity, workplace, violence

The previous story in this series was quite gentle and much more of a romance where this is a return to some serious BDSM. Elaine, co-owner of Rowan House, is feared for her coldness but it stems from past hurt. Robin, has been working in the kitchen and although she’s in love with Elaine, Elaine won’t entertain the thought of being with her until Robin’s abductors have been captured. Robin can’t leave for fear of recapture. Elaine’s sister, Martha, is off on her honeymoon and tells Elaine to in ...more

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Dec 19, 2019 Bob/Sally rated it it was amazing

Shelves: female-author, female-fronted-other, female-dominant, thriller, erotica, female-led-flr

Wow. Double Six was, in a word, exquisite. As a newcomer to Rowan House, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this is an erotic lesbian romance that is full of emotional depth, not to mention one of the best explorations of the psychology of the power exchange that I have ever read. It’s a story of strong women, a story of dominant women, but what’s really interesting is the way it explores the strength of submission.

Brenda Murphy has a flair for characters, personalities, and relationships that is Wow. Double Six was, in a word, exquisite. As a newcomer to Rowan House, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this is an erotic lesbian romance that is full of emotional depth, not to mention one of the best explorations of the psychology of the power exchange that I have ever read. It’s a story of strong women, a story of dominant women, but what’s really interesting is the way it explores the strength of submission.

Brenda Murphy has a flair for characters, personalities, and relationships that is just brilliant. I have always been someone who struggles with emotional conflict in others, who finds observing that tension to be very uncomfortable. So, with the powerful emotions laid bare here, I had an early fear that this would this wouldn’t be the book for me. Much to my surprise, however, in making the emotional relationships so understandable, so relatable, and so compelling, Murphy empowered me to empathize with those conflicts, and that made this a better, stronger, deeper book.

This is the story of a relationship triangle between three women, two of whom are dominant, and one of whom is submissive. There is so much history between Elaine and Robin, a backstory that has both brought them together and kept them apart. Entangled between them are questions of love versus duty, of professional domination versus personal submission, as well as the seeming dichotomy of needing the freedom to be collared. It is the pain of past betrayals by lost lovers that looms heaviest between them, particularly for Mistress Elaine, and it is her emotional conflict that weighs heaviest on the story.

It is Petra’s introduction as a potential new Mistress of Rowan House that provides the catalyst for the Elaine and Robin to confront their feelings, and it is through her that the most interesting issues of dominance and submission are explored. As an equal to Elaine, she can really challenge the other woman, force her to admit to and confront her feelings, and to demand answers that Robin never could. At the same time, in exploring a bratty sort of submission to her, she begins a conversation of fluid, dynamic relationships, one that ultimately leads Elaine to a self-awareness that is as emotionally powerful as it is powerfully erotic.

As for the power exchange aspect itself, there is so much passion and intensity in the scenes of bondage and domination, of punishment and pleasure, that the read threatens to become blissfully exhausting at times. Murphy has a way with words that matches her talent for staging a scene, allowing her to explore the exchange from all angles. She interweaves emotion, thought, and feeling in a way that is seemingly effortless, making the kiss of a crop as meaningful and appreciated as kisses of a more intimate nature.

The one and only concern I have about Double Six is that I am now compelled to read the first four Rowan House books . . . but that’s hardly a complaint.

https://femledfantasy.home.blog/2019/... ...more

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Nov 30, 2019 Karin A rated it really liked it

Shelves: bdsm, crime, erotic

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Nov 16, 2019 Ameliah Faith rated it it was amazing

Elaine’s Story
The most stern and strict Mistress at Rowan House, Elaine, is at a loss. There is just too much to do especially since Martha and Lucia have stopped seeing clients. They of course have gone on vacation with their sub leaving Elaine to audition a potential new Mistress, Petra, by herself. As if that’s not enough, she’s still smarting from the loss of Roxy and as much as she adores (or is it more?) Robin, she’s not convinced the girl will stay with her if given the chance to leave…. ...more

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Nov 19, 2019 Karen rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc, 2019-published, bdsm

This is the 4th Rowan House romance, but the 3rd one I have read. For this romance, I would recommend that you at least read book 3 to get an idea of who some of the characters are and their background story.

When I started reading this, I remember seeing a disclaiming saying it had explicit content. I shrugged it off and kept it moving. Ummm, this romance has a TON of explicit content. I must admit that I was almost overwhelmed by the amount of explicit content HAHAHAHA, I said almost. Anyway, i ...more

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Nov 16, 2019 Aj Smith rated it really liked it

Double Six

I freely admit to being a total nerd and part of the appeal of the Rowan House series has been the combination of mathematical concepts with soul searching and searing hot sex. While the double six of the title nominally refers to starting off a game of dominoes, as ever with Brenda Murphy and Rowan House there are layers of meaning.

Elaine McLeod, co-owner of Rowan House has softened a touch since she was the ‘cook’ Bridget feared (and worshiped) in the backstory of “Both Ends of the Double Six

I freely admit to being a total nerd and part of the appeal of the Rowan House series has been the combination of mathematical concepts with soul searching and searing hot sex. While the double six of the title nominally refers to starting off a game of dominoes, as ever with Brenda Murphy and Rowan House there are layers of meaning.

Elaine McLeod, co-owner of Rowan House has softened a touch since she was the ‘cook’ Bridget feared (and worshiped) in the backstory of “Both Ends of the Whip”. Her on-going liaison with her replacement in the kitchen, Robin sees her being on the receiving end of genuine affection as well as devotion and subservience. Elaine is still very much the Mistress of the house and sees clients regularly (fulfilling a key role in the business as well as allowing her to dominate a variety of women without any need for commitment.) Despite this, she misses the departed Roxy and might be prepared to admit that Martha’s partnered bliss with Lucia and Myfanwy has made her think that she might just be missing out on something. Adding to poor Elaine’s emotional trauma, Martha’s off on her honeymoon leaving Elaine in charge of the house and with the added responsibility of interviewing an applicant for the post of mistress in the house.

Petra Grendhal, causes a stir upon her arrival for her interview. She and Elaine clash from the off, in terms of their personalities and the fact that Robin is clearly attracted to them both. Elaine has never been prepared to commit to Robin being her ‘one and only’ but is she willing to give her up? At the same time Elaine is shocked by how attracted she is to Petra, despite the fact that she is another mistress and a domme.

I’ve loved all the Rowan House books and this is no exception. Unearthing greater depths of characters who’ve had smaller roles in other novels is really satisfying. As always the characters are incredibly well drawn and the sex scenes are spectacular. Like all of Brenda Murphy’s books I’d highly recommend this! ...more

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Feb 27, 2020 Patricia Foort rated it it was amazing

Shelves: amongst-the-best-ever-books, can-read-again-after-just-read-it, favorites, erotica, more-than-5-stars, to-re-read, hot-sex-scenes-for-me, kinky-sex-and-or-girl-with-penis

Wauw!! This is the first book of Brenda Murphy that I read. And now I want to know Martha’s story. But this was... emotional. The pull between the three MC’s. And the chemistry. And the sex was damn hot 🔥🔥🔥🔥 but also intimate. Wow! More than 5 stars for me.

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Nov 24, 2019 Emma rated it it was amazing

5 stars
Amazing story! This author is new to me but I'm completely impressed with this book and gotta read the whole series asap. This was one hell of a story worthy of every single minute spent reading it. Hot, edgy, intriguing, fascinating, nail biting, and then some.
eARC via NetGalley ...more

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Dec 04, 2019 Em Lewis rated it it was amazing

5 big smoken hot stars

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Feb 25, 2021 Kougyr rated it it was amazing

Hot, hot, effing HOT! And with action, too? YES.

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Mar 23, 2020 Crystal rated it it was ok

Shelves: erotic, lgbtqia-gender, kink, romance, diversity

I'm always on the lookout for books that expand my reading horizons. So while an erotic BDSM lesbian menage romance is not my normal type of book, the cover of Double Six was pretty and featured a woman of color, and the story sounded interesting, and I decided to request it from NetGalley. The publisher was kind enough to share a copy with me, and it even met some reading prompts for my 2020 reading challenges. Score!

And then I started reading, and I was so disappointed. I hadn't realized from I'm always on the lookout for books that expand my reading horizons. So while an erotic BDSM lesbian menage romance is not my normal type of book, the cover of Double Six was pretty and featured a woman of color, and the story sounded interesting, and I decided to request it from NetGalley. The publisher was kind enough to share a copy with me, and it even met some reading prompts for my 2020 reading challenges. Score!

And then I started reading, and I was so disappointed. I hadn't realized from the description that this was book 5 in a series, so I had to do a little catching up to understand what was going on. I eventually understood enough to follow the story, but it wasn't thanks to the awkward writing. From what I can gather, Elaine is part of a very rich found family/ BDSM house? I'm very confused by all this, but it didn't play into the story too much. Except that a lot of time was wasted talking about the horses that the house owned, which Elaine loved, and which had nothing to do with the plot otherwise. Also, there were submissives to do all the work around the enormous property. And money for travelling whenever/ wherever the characters wanted seemed to be no problem, as was money for hiring mercenaries and fixers to protect characters from violence apparently related to drama that occurred in previous books. But for all the talk about how the house existed to serve clients, which is why they wanted to hire Petra, there was never any mention of that actually happening. Elaine was too busy having angst to do the work that they supposedly did. So how they maintained that wealth remained unclear.

There was just so much telling instead of showing. So. much. awkward. exposition. in. Elaine's. head. Not only did we have to listen to her think everything through (especially so much emotional angst. so much. over and over and over), but she did so in bizarrely short, staccato phrasing. For example, "Can I do it? Will my pride get in the way? What will Petra do? What does she want? Besides a dead woman. Shouldn't speak ill of the dead." etc etc etc. Maybe this is how some of us think. But it is torturous to read, and since 95% of the story was the angsty romance, with Elaine back and forth in her own head, we got to hear that awful inner narrative. A lot.

There were also strange inconsistencies throughout the story. At first I was sure Robin was described as blonde. But then about halfway through the story, Elaine mentioned Robin's dark hair. so I assumed I had misread, and just adjusted my mental image accordingly. THEN, right before the end of the book, another character describes Robin as highly desirable because she's blonde. WHICH IS IT? Then there's the sex scene where one minute Elaine is performing oral sex on Robin, yet somehow managed to "bury her head in the curve of Robin's neck" at the same time. Maybe I'm reading it wrong, but that doesn't seem physically possible.

This applies to character development as well. I was VERY confused by the roles that these characters had among themselves. It seemed like the characters just did what the story demanded, whether or not it was consistent with what we'd been told about them thus far. Being angry at each other was apparently code for sexual tension, for example. (It wasn't sexy. at least not for me. just angry and mean.) Also, the romance is among 3 women, 2 fierce dommes and a submissive, and it was very confusing to me how two women who both said very firmly that they weren't switches ended up with one of them routinely submitting. It almost felt like a violation of consent, forcing someone to submit against spoken wishes. The submissive could be pretty bossy/ insistent too. It was all just so confusing. This story badly needs an editor.

Also, just be aware. This book is about 95% angsty romance, with some off-handed mentions of outside menace that I assumed were about as relevant as all the time spent talking about horses. And then, about 95% through the book, the story suddenly morphs into romantic suspense/ action, with Elaine killing people with her bare hands (in disturbing detail). After all that time being repetitive sex and romantic will they/ won't, it suddenly became a different book for about $% of the book, before subsiding into the ending. It was a surprising shift in tone, and one I feel like readers should know to expect.

What was good about Double Six? Well, the sex scenes, aside from the interminable minutes inside Elaine's head, were smoking hot, and frankly were also pretty creative. I had not read about that use of clothes pins before, for instance. And also, I'll give the author credit for including some diversity. Every significant character is female, and all seem to be LGBTQ. Petra is a beautiful Vietnamese domme. Early in the book it's mentioned that she's looking for a house where she'll be accepted as a person, not just an exotic caricature or Asian stereotype. Later in the book, an African American character very pointedly tells Elaine "You know I'm not your magical negro, right?" and I cheered a little. I appreciate the author including these moments of diversity as more than just tokens. It wasn't enough to save the book, but it was still noteworthy.

So, bottom line, I did not enjoy Double Six at all. I found the writing bad enough to be distracting, and had to read the book in tiny snippets, before I'd get frustrated or annoyed again. I only finished it because it was an advanced readers copy and because it fulfilled reading challenges for me (This book was MOST DEFINITELY the binary opposite of an Amish romance I read earlier in the year, for example.). I won't be picking up anything else by this author, and am a bit nervous to read the other two advanced copies granted to me by this publisher. If you want to expand your reading horizons, or fancy books like this, save yourself some disappointment and go find a different f/f/f BDSM erotic romance instead.

Thank you to #NetGalley and NineStar Press for letting me read this advanced copy of #DoubleSix. I'm sorry I can't give it a better review. This is my honest opinion. ...more

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Dec 31, 2020 Mari Stark rated it it was amazing

This series only gets better with each book and this one is the best. Ms Murphy surpasses herself with every new addition to the Rowan House series.

What was the book about?
After losing her long-time partner Elaine MacLeod the most demanding and respected Mistress of Rowan House is extremely distressed. To sum at her troubled mind, her sister takes some time off, leaving her to deal by herself with the audition of the only Mistress candidate Petra Grendhal. She isn’t happy about it because she d ...more

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Nov 16, 2019 Andi rated it liked it

Shelves: arc

3.25 stars with a major caveat... This is my first in this series, so those who started at the beginning may feel differently than I do. (And after reading this I WILL be going back to read the earlier books). But all that said...

I was totally intrigued by the premise of this book - and had seen earlier ones in this world by Murphy pop up before. So when this book showed up, I jumped on it. I was not disappointed. Ever thought that BDSM-based f/f/f throuples are missing from your life, well pro ...more

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Nov 26, 2019 AC rated it it was amazing

Shelves: own-it

I cannot say enough about Murphy’s ability to create such strong and compelling women. If you have followed her Rowan series as I have, you already know her stories are so well written that your emotions and senses are heightened in every scene. To say that her writing is erotic is just not adequate. That’s like saying that Guinness Extra Stout is just a dark beer. It’s something to relish and enjoy every taste, just as is Double Six. Diverse characters, superb dialogue, and ultimately a story o ...more

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Nov 18, 2019 terry rated it it was amazing

Double Six is an awesome story. I’m so happy that Elaine gets her own story and finally comes to realize that not everyone will leave her and that she deserves love as well. Petra is a great addition to the series and presents Elaine will a challenge that she ( Elaine) never thought she’d give to another. Robin is wonderful as well and I love that she stands up to Elaine for what she wants from her. There are some very hot scenes in this story. While I’m sad to see the series end I truly enjoyed ...more

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Nov 19, 2019 KarenC rated it really liked it

I read and enjoyed the second and third books in this series, but somehow missed the fourth (which I will remedy). These books are so different than the traditional romance I normally read - the settings have almost a mythical feel even though they are set in current day, and the cast of characters are certainly not your typical heroines. What astonishes me about Brenda Murphy's writing is how she can write a book so fast but it never feels rushed to press - the details and backstories are fasci ...more

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Nov 15, 2019 Miss R rated it really liked it

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is my first experience of reading a novel by this author but it certainly will not be the last. ‘Double Six’ is well plotted with some excellent characterisation and the story kept my interest until the last page. A lovely way to spend a lazy afternoon with a nice cup of tea.

I will certainly be downloading more books in this series.

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Nov 28, 2020 Jen Farrens rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

So good

I jumped into The Rowan House series with Double Six and now I can’t wait to go back and start at the beginning of the series. Thoroughly enjoyed this novel and really found myself invested in the relationship between Elaine, Robin, and Petra. Well written with interesting characters and delicious chemistry between the three leads. Highly recommend.

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Nov 23, 2019 Kim Williams rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

love elaine

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Dec 22, 2019 Kat rated it it was amazing

Eye opening, hot as hell, and I have to say it puts light on uneven relationship.

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Nov 16, 2019 LesReview rated it really liked it

This was a delightful book, that had all the ingredients for a great tale; intrigue, plot twists, character building, and a happy ending.

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Donna M Chambers rated it it was amazing
Jul 05, 2020

Jean Tiposah rated it liked it
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Lee Schmidt rated it it was amazing
Sep 28, 2020

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Apr 15, 2020

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Jan 05, 2021

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Jan 15, 2021

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About Brenda Murphy

Brenda Murphy

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Brenda Murphy writes short fiction and novels. She loves tattoos and sideshows and yes, those are her monkeys. When she is not swilling gallons of hot tea and writing, she wrangles two kids, two dogs, and one unrepentant parrot. She reviews books, blogs about life as a writer with ADHD and publishes photographs on her blog Writing While Distracted.

Librarian note: There is more than one author in t ...more