What do you think?
Rate this book
Masters Club #1
At His Mercy
Intense. Exclusive. Invitation only. Do you have what it takes to be a pleasure sub?
Masters Club, a private BDSM venue for serious players, is perfect for Dom Cameron Lord, who gives the kink lifestyle everything he’s got—except his heart… When he witnesses a lovely sub girl enduring a botched scene at a NYC public club, he sees her potential. She’ll make an excellent addition to the Masters Club. But as he steps closer, he recognizes her…and all bets should have been off.
Aspiring young attorney Jess Cooper gets her release at the BDSM clubs around town, where she enjoys letting her inner sub fly. There’s nothing better than to be naked and bound, a stranger in black leather behind her wielding a whip. It’s the perfect anonymous relief from a stressful workweek. Until her worlds collide when Mr. Lord, the super sexy partner at her firm, watches her from the sidelines.
Any hope that he hadn’t recognized her with her clothes off vanishes the very next day at the office. No, he doesn’t say a word about what he saw. His invitation says it all…
At His Mercy is the first book in Claire Thompson’s new BDSM Romance series—Masters Club. If you enjoy powerful alpha men who aren’t afraid to take what they want, but give so much in return to the women they fall for, then this series is for yo
Masters Club, a private BDSM venue for serious players, is perfect for Dom Cameron Lord, who gives the kink lifestyle everything he’s got—except his heart… When he witnesses a lovely sub girl enduring a botched scene at a NYC public club, he sees her potential. She’ll make an excellent addition to the Masters Club. But as he steps closer, he recognizes her…and all bets should have been off.
Aspiring young attorney Jess Cooper gets her release at the BDSM clubs around town, where she enjoys letting her inner sub fly. There’s nothing better than to be naked and bound, a stranger in black leather behind her wielding a whip. It’s the perfect anonymous relief from a stressful workweek. Until her worlds collide when Mr. Lord, the super sexy partner at her firm, watches her from the sidelines.
Any hope that he hadn’t recognized her with her clothes off vanishes the very next day at the office. No, he doesn’t say a word about what he saw. His invitation says it all…
At His Mercy is the first book in Claire Thompson’s new BDSM Romance series—Masters Club. If you enjoy powerful alpha men who aren’t afraid to take what they want, but give so much in return to the women they fall for, then this series is for yo
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2021
214 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
Claire Thompson
195 books1,162 followersClaire has been writing for nearly two decades, and has published over 85 novels. She writes BDSM romance and abduction tales, spanning both m/f and m/m genres. She has received numerous awards for her bestselling work, including the NLA-Int’l Pauline Réage Award and the Golden Flogger Award for best BDSM fiction.. Her darker works press the envelope of what is erotic and what can be a sometimes dangerous slide into the world of sadomasochism. Ultimately her work deals with the human condition, and our constant search for love and intensity of experience.
Connect with Claire and get a FREE starter library!
https://clairethompson.net
Connect with Claire and get a FREE starter library!
https://clairethompson.net
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
September 10, 2021
its been a day and i forgot that i read this soooo....
super fun and steamy. did i read it in a day? yes. will i read it again? probably not.
this is the type of book that gets me out of a reading slump and then i forget about it immediately after.
super fun and steamy. did i read it in a day? yes. will i read it again? probably not.
this is the type of book that gets me out of a reading slump and then i forget about it immediately after.
August 3, 2021
Short Version: After seeing Jess at a public BDSM club, Cameron invites her to join his private one. When she passes the audition, he becomes her mentor. While they're compatible as dominant and submissive, will the fact that he's her boss at their law firm complicate things?
This is the first in a series set in one of those über-exclusive BDSM clubs common to this genre (and in this case, I mean a money-is-no-object kind of club). While this wasn't ultimately for me, I will say that if you're looking for a consensual BDSM book with well-described, unusual kink scenes featuring two likable people, you may enjoy this.
Long Version: I particularly appreciated four aspects:
1) Jess was only submissive at the club; outside of it, she was professional and very good at her job. It was also nice to see an experienced, eager submissive who uses BDSM for stress release since so many of these books feature terrified newbies with melodramatic backstories.
2) Cameron and Jess discussed the potential conflict of interest between their professional and kink lives, and never let the latter interfere with the former.
3) While sharing isn't my thing (and may not be yours), I did like the club's acknowledgment that BDSM isn't always (really often) about sex -- that you can scene with someone you have no attachment to and still get what you need.
4) The prose was grammatically correct, with no errors that I caught.
That said, I had four problems with the book that seriously affected my enjoyment:
1) Repetition: Rehashings of the same plot point or conflict were extraordinarily tedious. We read of Cameron's encouraging Jess during her "audition" four separate times: when it unfolds; when Jess thinks about it; when Cameron thinks about it; and when Cameron discusses it with the other dominants. The internal monologues surrounding the characters' angst were similarly repetitious. Tip to authors: If a section isn't providing your reader with new information or information in a different way, then cut it; readers really can retain more than you think they can. I skipped whole pages and didn't miss anything.
2) Misplaced Priorities: Too much time is spent on irrelevant details (such as Jess' morning routine) and too little on the relevant ones. For example, Jess and Cameron don't have a single conversation in this book until the end -- and even then it was only a few lines. While the narrative tells us several times about Cameron's commitment issues, not once does he tell her. Because of this, I didn't believe in their feelings for each other: the book tells us they have them, but I didn't see it with the possible exception of the audition scene (see above).
3) Lack of Warmth: This was an extraordinarily cold book. While the kink scenes were varied and well-described, there was little passion or warmth to any of them. Even when people who aren't in a relationship scene, there should be some some basic human connection. The fact that the doms simply handed subs off to someone else for aftercare without even acknowledging them really bothered me -- it's as though they didn't view submissives as living, breathing beings. I spent the whole time thinking: "Wow, just get a blow-up sex doll; you'll never know the difference."
4) Abelism: I've now read three books in the last month that include some version of this: "If you can't hold some extraordinarily difficult position used almost exclusively by yogis or ballerinas, then you're a failure as a sub and not good enough for us." Really, authors, just don't.
2 1/2 stars. YMMV. It's possible that Cleo will get the next story.
This is the first in a series set in one of those über-exclusive BDSM clubs common to this genre (and in this case, I mean a money-is-no-object kind of club). While this wasn't ultimately for me, I will say that if you're looking for a consensual BDSM book with well-described, unusual kink scenes featuring two likable people, you may enjoy this.
Long Version: I particularly appreciated four aspects:
1) Jess was only submissive at the club; outside of it, she was professional and very good at her job. It was also nice to see an experienced, eager submissive who uses BDSM for stress release since so many of these books feature terrified newbies with melodramatic backstories.
2) Cameron and Jess discussed the potential conflict of interest between their professional and kink lives, and never let the latter interfere with the former.
3) While sharing isn't my thing (and may not be yours), I did like the club's acknowledgment that BDSM isn't always (really often) about sex -- that you can scene with someone you have no attachment to and still get what you need.
4) The prose was grammatically correct, with no errors that I caught.
That said, I had four problems with the book that seriously affected my enjoyment:
1) Repetition: Rehashings of the same plot point or conflict were extraordinarily tedious. We read of Cameron's encouraging Jess during her "audition" four separate times: when it unfolds; when Jess thinks about it; when Cameron thinks about it; and when Cameron discusses it with the other dominants. The internal monologues surrounding the characters' angst were similarly repetitious. Tip to authors: If a section isn't providing your reader with new information or information in a different way, then cut it; readers really can retain more than you think they can. I skipped whole pages and didn't miss anything.
2) Misplaced Priorities: Too much time is spent on irrelevant details (such as Jess' morning routine) and too little on the relevant ones. For example, Jess and Cameron don't have a single conversation in this book until the end -- and even then it was only a few lines. While the narrative tells us several times about Cameron's commitment issues, not once does he tell her. Because of this, I didn't believe in their feelings for each other: the book tells us they have them, but I didn't see it with the possible exception of the audition scene (see above).
3) Lack of Warmth: This was an extraordinarily cold book. While the kink scenes were varied and well-described, there was little passion or warmth to any of them. Even when people who aren't in a relationship scene, there should be some some basic human connection. The fact that the doms simply handed subs off to someone else for aftercare without even acknowledging them really bothered me -- it's as though they didn't view submissives as living, breathing beings. I spent the whole time thinking: "Wow, just get a blow-up sex doll; you'll never know the difference."
4) Abelism: I've now read three books in the last month that include some version of this: "If you can't hold some extraordinarily difficult position used almost exclusively by yogis or ballerinas, then you're a failure as a sub and not good enough for us." Really, authors, just don't.
2 1/2 stars. YMMV. It's possible that Cleo will get the next story.
August 29, 2022
I've never read a BDSM book that dismisses both aftercare and a submissive's pleasure so thoroughly. And I've read a lot of D/s novels.
The cornerstone - the very heart - of why I enjoy these relationships so much is that the power ultimately lies with the submissive. The Dom makes all of the decisions, but the final say always goes to their sub because they're the ones submitting their whole entire body to another person. Kind of adds up, right?
This book completely bulldozed over that. Jess' first official scene inside the club is introduced with Cameron hoisting her off to the first Dom that shows interest. He doesn't seem to care that she's still in training and that scenes can easily become too much for her. And then the bastard doesn't even perform aftercare for her.
This is the beating heart of a BDSM for both dominants and submissives. Trust is what keeps a submissive active in any scene. It's what makes these relationships so addictive, even though I know I could never let anyone tie me up like a Christmas ham. Trust comes from aftercare. It comes from doms asking where their subs are at in scenes. It comes from doms actually giving a shit about whether the people they're playing with are comfortable or not.
I've never read a book that twists the center of D/s and makes it into something that's so abusive and gross. For instance, Cameron tells Jess that her pleasure doesn't matter. That the pleasure of the dominants is more important than her own and that "a true submissive" would find all the contentment within that fact. Give me a fucking break, CAMERON. This guy doesn't get a blowie and decides to throw a temper tantrum and not perform aftercare and he has the fucking GAUL-
Another thing is that these doms are fucking out of control. They're handling these subs like disposable objects. When Jess is still in training, Stephen - FUCKING STEPHEN WHAT A STUPID FUCKING DOM NAME - beats her to the point where even the other doms call him out on going too far. His excuse? Ooohhh she's too hot. I couldn't help myself.
That's fucking disgusting. That's a mediocre males response to whatever shitty, trash behavior they've had in their horrible, worthless life.
I'm about to burst into flames so I'll end this little candy cane ride with this:
Don't read this book if you want a good BDSM story. It's filled with trash doms. 🗑
The cornerstone - the very heart - of why I enjoy these relationships so much is that the power ultimately lies with the submissive. The Dom makes all of the decisions, but the final say always goes to their sub because they're the ones submitting their whole entire body to another person. Kind of adds up, right?
This book completely bulldozed over that. Jess' first official scene inside the club is introduced with Cameron hoisting her off to the first Dom that shows interest. He doesn't seem to care that she's still in training and that scenes can easily become too much for her. And then the bastard doesn't even perform aftercare for her.
This is the beating heart of a BDSM for both dominants and submissives. Trust is what keeps a submissive active in any scene. It's what makes these relationships so addictive, even though I know I could never let anyone tie me up like a Christmas ham. Trust comes from aftercare. It comes from doms asking where their subs are at in scenes. It comes from doms actually giving a shit about whether the people they're playing with are comfortable or not.
I've never read a book that twists the center of D/s and makes it into something that's so abusive and gross. For instance, Cameron tells Jess that her pleasure doesn't matter. That the pleasure of the dominants is more important than her own and that "a true submissive" would find all the contentment within that fact. Give me a fucking break, CAMERON. This guy doesn't get a blowie and decides to throw a temper tantrum and not perform aftercare and he has the fucking GAUL-
Another thing is that these doms are fucking out of control. They're handling these subs like disposable objects. When Jess is still in training, Stephen - FUCKING STEPHEN WHAT A STUPID FUCKING DOM NAME - beats her to the point where even the other doms call him out on going too far. His excuse? Ooohhh she's too hot. I couldn't help myself.
That's fucking disgusting. That's a mediocre males response to whatever shitty, trash behavior they've had in their horrible, worthless life.
I'm about to burst into flames so I'll end this little candy cane ride with this:
Don't read this book if you want a good BDSM story. It's filled with trash doms. 🗑
April 20, 2021
Claire Thompson is back with another story in the BDSM world,called At His Mercy.
Guess who the lucky girl was to get an ARC of this delicious story....
Writing an honest review is easy,i loved it!
The professional lives of Jessica and Cameron are about to meet outside of work when he sees her in a club,safewording at a scene with a Dom that went too far.
When he’s recovered from the shock,he decides to arrange an invitation to the Masters Club. Because he recognizes a beautiful sub,one he wants to see more of....
He likes the compartments of his life neat and orderly,with work in one and play in another.
With her in both,there’s no way he will allow himself lose control.
Sure,he’ll be her mentor,but that’s it.
Until it isn’t...and now he needs to figure out how to get her out of his system.
Because he doesn’t do commitment....
Jess knows how hot her boss is,but seeing him after her latest scene,threw her for a loop.
Getting that invitation made her wonder,though....was he interested in her?
Or was it merely a courtesy,showing her a world with Masters that knew what they were doing? The mixed vibes he’s sending her don’t help,and before long,she has to admit to herself what she really longs for.
Even though it’s something she never thought she’d want.....
The pull they both feel towards eachother is strong,and their feelings are well described.
The way they both try to fight the,in their eyes,forbidden attraction.
Trying to come up with solutions,but failing.
It was a wonderful story,one i enjoyed véry much!
Guess who the lucky girl was to get an ARC of this delicious story....
Writing an honest review is easy,i loved it!
The professional lives of Jessica and Cameron are about to meet outside of work when he sees her in a club,safewording at a scene with a Dom that went too far.
When he’s recovered from the shock,he decides to arrange an invitation to the Masters Club. Because he recognizes a beautiful sub,one he wants to see more of....
He likes the compartments of his life neat and orderly,with work in one and play in another.
With her in both,there’s no way he will allow himself lose control.
Sure,he’ll be her mentor,but that’s it.
Until it isn’t...and now he needs to figure out how to get her out of his system.
Because he doesn’t do commitment....
Jess knows how hot her boss is,but seeing him after her latest scene,threw her for a loop.
Getting that invitation made her wonder,though....was he interested in her?
Or was it merely a courtesy,showing her a world with Masters that knew what they were doing? The mixed vibes he’s sending her don’t help,and before long,she has to admit to herself what she really longs for.
Even though it’s something she never thought she’d want.....
The pull they both feel towards eachother is strong,and their feelings are well described.
The way they both try to fight the,in their eyes,forbidden attraction.
Trying to come up with solutions,but failing.
It was a wonderful story,one i enjoyed véry much!
September 18, 2021
When did they fall in love?
I read the entire book. I failed to see at which point the two MCs had any interactions that would have led to them falling in love. By 48% of the book they'd yet to even have a private moment together. They seemed to find each other physically attractive and... well, that's it.
Jess and Cameron never really spoke except about "erotic pain", the Master's Club, and her training until the last few pages. There was no sense of actual connection. Jess spent more time with Cleo, the Club slave, than Cameron. The book spent more time describing BDSM positions, elements, and tools, than on the character development and intimacy of a relationship between the MCs.
You get a little bit about Cameron and his motivations in the last 1/8th of the book, but he is stiff and very flat as a character. I'm still not quite sure why he was so against taking a permanent sub. Or what the catalyst was for changing his mind and why Jess was the special one to evoke this change.
Jess is a much more fleshed out but none of who she is is shown to him so how does he even know enough of her to know he's in love with her? They worked together for years and he never even noticed her until he saw her at a BDSM play club. I'd hardly call this a romance.
The writing was sort of stiff. Words and thoughts of the characters were... odd. The excessive use of "erotic" and "erotic pain", was weird. It was if the writer was trying to stress to readers who had clearly picked up a book about BDSM, that the pain given was "erotic". We get it. The characters even used this term in their heads. "Erotic high", "Erotic pain", "Erotic submissive", etc. The term was just over used. It was off-putting and put me out of the book because it was clearly the writer's voice and not the character's voice.
The scenes felt stilted, almost as if I were reading a manual. The one sex scene at the end was even strange in it's description, lots of swiveling together and the like. All this put together made this relatively quick read drag on, a bit boring, and feeling dissatisfied at the end.
At His Mercy: Master's Club Series Book 1
Cameron Lord is a young attractive partner at his law firm who chances to see one of their female associates at a BDSM club. As a Dom and Head Master of an exclusive club, he likes what he sees and feels she'll be a good fit for his club. Of course, he hates to mix business and pleasure and has no intention of taking a permanent sub for his own.
However, he barely knows the associate and rarely sees her at their firm. So, Cameron feels he can keep his life firmly separate when he invites her to become a pleasure sub at the Master's Club, where she'll be at the use of all of the Dom's there. Even though he has to be her mentor and finds himself extremely attracted to her.
He can maintain his distance, right?
Jessica is embarrassed to see the firm partner and every female peer's not so secret crush, Mr. Hunk, er Lord, at her local BDSM club when her scene goes wrong. But he apparently sees something he likes because he invites her to join his exclusive club where she'll have access to more experienced Doms. She's not looking for anything permanent, trying to work her way up in the ranks of the law firm takes most of her time, but she's happy to play with a few new, more experienced faces.
Or is she? Because now she can't decide if she joined the club for Master Cameron or herself. He's hot and cold. Jess is getting desperate. He seems to be into her sometimes. Or is she just reading into it? Because Master Cameron has a reputation for being one and done and it looks like he's done with her.
Right?
Scores are 1-10
Heat factor: 4
Character Development: 4
Romance: 1
Settings/ Descriptions: 6
Dialogue: 2
No Typos/ Mistakes: 9
Writing Flow/ Style: 3
I read the blurb and picked up both this and the next book at the same time, but after reading this one, I'll probably skip the next book. I'm just not enamoured of the writer's style. Maybe it'll be better for you?
I read the entire book. I failed to see at which point the two MCs had any interactions that would have led to them falling in love. By 48% of the book they'd yet to even have a private moment together. They seemed to find each other physically attractive and... well, that's it.
Jess and Cameron never really spoke except about "erotic pain", the Master's Club, and her training until the last few pages. There was no sense of actual connection. Jess spent more time with Cleo, the Club slave, than Cameron. The book spent more time describing BDSM positions, elements, and tools, than on the character development and intimacy of a relationship between the MCs.
You get a little bit about Cameron and his motivations in the last 1/8th of the book, but he is stiff and very flat as a character. I'm still not quite sure why he was so against taking a permanent sub. Or what the catalyst was for changing his mind and why Jess was the special one to evoke this change.
Jess is a much more fleshed out but none of who she is is shown to him so how does he even know enough of her to know he's in love with her? They worked together for years and he never even noticed her until he saw her at a BDSM play club. I'd hardly call this a romance.
The writing was sort of stiff. Words and thoughts of the characters were... odd. The excessive use of "erotic" and "erotic pain", was weird. It was if the writer was trying to stress to readers who had clearly picked up a book about BDSM, that the pain given was "erotic". We get it. The characters even used this term in their heads. "Erotic high", "Erotic pain", "Erotic submissive", etc. The term was just over used. It was off-putting and put me out of the book because it was clearly the writer's voice and not the character's voice.
The scenes felt stilted, almost as if I were reading a manual. The one sex scene at the end was even strange in it's description, lots of swiveling together and the like. All this put together made this relatively quick read drag on, a bit boring, and feeling dissatisfied at the end.
At His Mercy: Master's Club Series Book 1
Cameron Lord is a young attractive partner at his law firm who chances to see one of their female associates at a BDSM club. As a Dom and Head Master of an exclusive club, he likes what he sees and feels she'll be a good fit for his club. Of course, he hates to mix business and pleasure and has no intention of taking a permanent sub for his own.
However, he barely knows the associate and rarely sees her at their firm. So, Cameron feels he can keep his life firmly separate when he invites her to become a pleasure sub at the Master's Club, where she'll be at the use of all of the Dom's there. Even though he has to be her mentor and finds himself extremely attracted to her.
He can maintain his distance, right?
Jessica is embarrassed to see the firm partner and every female peer's not so secret crush, Mr. Hunk, er Lord, at her local BDSM club when her scene goes wrong. But he apparently sees something he likes because he invites her to join his exclusive club where she'll have access to more experienced Doms. She's not looking for anything permanent, trying to work her way up in the ranks of the law firm takes most of her time, but she's happy to play with a few new, more experienced faces.
Or is she? Because now she can't decide if she joined the club for Master Cameron or herself. He's hot and cold. Jess is getting desperate. He seems to be into her sometimes. Or is she just reading into it? Because Master Cameron has a reputation for being one and done and it looks like he's done with her.
Right?
Scores are 1-10
Heat factor: 4
Character Development: 4
Romance: 1
Settings/ Descriptions: 6
Dialogue: 2
No Typos/ Mistakes: 9
Writing Flow/ Style: 3
I read the blurb and picked up both this and the next book at the same time, but after reading this one, I'll probably skip the next book. I'm just not enamoured of the writer's style. Maybe it'll be better for you?
July 17, 2021
At the exclusive Masters Club, BDSM Dominants are served by a group of "pleasure slaves," expertly trained submissives who find their pleasure in pleasing their Doms. And agree to participate in BDSM and sexual activities with anyone who requests the pleasure of their company. Which, I guess would be okay, if that was what you were into, but as a setting for a romance novel, it sucks. That is sort of the point, since the main characters fall in love when they're not supposed to, but the fact that the subs have no say (aside from their safeword) in who they play with leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Not to mention the conflicts that should happen since she is his subordinate at work.
July 24, 2022
Disappointed
It is obvious to me that the author is not in the lifestyle. The guys masquerading as Dominants are scum. Particularly Stephen. His comment of 'I couldn't resist' (beating Jess further than he should AND being called on it) is clear evidence that he is NOT a dominant. As the story went on, it was clear none of them were. No dominant would leave aftercare after an intense impact scene to a sub. No dominant should lose control of himself like master Steven did. But first and foremost, a subs safety and well-being MUST come first to any real dom. These guys were no better than Christian Grey. This might have been a decent story as a billionaire love story, but with the BDSM element written by someone who has no knowledge of the lifestyle, it is truly awful. Jess is an abused sub, heavily coerced. It is not SSC. Pass on this one.
It is obvious to me that the author is not in the lifestyle. The guys masquerading as Dominants are scum. Particularly Stephen. His comment of 'I couldn't resist' (beating Jess further than he should AND being called on it) is clear evidence that he is NOT a dominant. As the story went on, it was clear none of them were. No dominant would leave aftercare after an intense impact scene to a sub. No dominant should lose control of himself like master Steven did. But first and foremost, a subs safety and well-being MUST come first to any real dom. These guys were no better than Christian Grey. This might have been a decent story as a billionaire love story, but with the BDSM element written by someone who has no knowledge of the lifestyle, it is truly awful. Jess is an abused sub, heavily coerced. It is not SSC. Pass on this one.
May 1, 2021
A very powerful lawyer, a younger subordinate and lots of chemistry. Cameron is the hunk of the office that everyone lusts after but his hard and fast rule is no messing around where you work. Jess is the second year lawyer that works way too hard. When Cameron “finds” Jess at a BDSM club all bets are off. An invitation, an audition and then a misunderstanding but can Jess survive the broken heart that follows? WOW what heat and playfulness. Claire Thompson has hit it out of the park yet again. More Please!
December 8, 2021
I had several problems with this story... 1 being that the subs in this story are often referred to as slaves.. and are treated/trained as slaves... to my understanding that is
2 different things.. another is that the subs in this story are told their safewords would be honored... but it was strongly advised that they didn't use it and would be punished if they did so and the Dominate decided that they didn't really need to use it...
3 they couldn't chose who they could scene with... if a Dominate decided they wanted to scene with that sub they had no choice but to do so.
4 and this was a really big one for me... there was no negotiations between the sub and dom before they did a scene... The Dominate just walked up to the sub and said I chose you and this is what we are going to do... There is nothing safe, sane and consensual in any of this.
5 passing off the aftercare to some other person in the club... to me that is just wrong... If a dominate is going to put a sub through an intense scene the least he can do is provide the care they will need afterwards instead of just coldly calling the house slave to do it and walking away as if the sub means less then the trash to be taking out.
The other problem I had with this story is that the 2 MC's in this book had very little conversation between themselves, Maybe a total of 20 sentences to each other and none of it anything personal. It was basically the MC telling the FMC what to expect at the club, what the rules were. Talking to her during training as in giving her instructions on what to do. And a single conversation about the possible conflict of interest that might arise because they both worked at the same company. Till the very end of the book where they were professing undying love to each other *facepalm* that is so not believable.
2 different things.. another is that the subs in this story are told their safewords would be honored... but it was strongly advised that they didn't use it and would be punished if they did so and the Dominate decided that they didn't really need to use it...
3 they couldn't chose who they could scene with... if a Dominate decided they wanted to scene with that sub they had no choice but to do so.
4 and this was a really big one for me... there was no negotiations between the sub and dom before they did a scene... The Dominate just walked up to the sub and said I chose you and this is what we are going to do... There is nothing safe, sane and consensual in any of this.
5 passing off the aftercare to some other person in the club... to me that is just wrong... If a dominate is going to put a sub through an intense scene the least he can do is provide the care they will need afterwards instead of just coldly calling the house slave to do it and walking away as if the sub means less then the trash to be taking out.
The other problem I had with this story is that the 2 MC's in this book had very little conversation between themselves, Maybe a total of 20 sentences to each other and none of it anything personal. It was basically the MC telling the FMC what to expect at the club, what the rules were. Talking to her during training as in giving her instructions on what to do. And a single conversation about the possible conflict of interest that might arise because they both worked at the same company. Till the very end of the book where they were professing undying love to each other *facepalm* that is so not believable.
June 18, 2022
hummm something is not right
I’ve read a lot of D/s books and I mean a lot. How can this book dismiss the concept of aftercare? In all the books I’ve read that is like the hallmark of a Dom. It’s a necessity it’s just as important as the scene. It’s the Dom taking care of the sub to make sure she feels and is okay after the scene. The Doms in this club just pass it on to someone else like the sub and the scene mean nothing to them. I’m I misunderstanding? I have never read a book about Doms being so arrogant about their pleasure they disregard the sub. Then have another sub do the aftercare?
This seems like totally against everything I’ve read about D/s relationships. It belittles the trust the sub gives to the Dom to ensure all her needs are met. The sub gives that as a gift that the Dom in all his Domness has to uphold. Don’t think I’m going to read on.
I’ve read a lot of D/s books and I mean a lot. How can this book dismiss the concept of aftercare? In all the books I’ve read that is like the hallmark of a Dom. It’s a necessity it’s just as important as the scene. It’s the Dom taking care of the sub to make sure she feels and is okay after the scene. The Doms in this club just pass it on to someone else like the sub and the scene mean nothing to them. I’m I misunderstanding? I have never read a book about Doms being so arrogant about their pleasure they disregard the sub. Then have another sub do the aftercare?
This seems like totally against everything I’ve read about D/s relationships. It belittles the trust the sub gives to the Dom to ensure all her needs are met. The sub gives that as a gift that the Dom in all his Domness has to uphold. Don’t think I’m going to read on.
June 19, 2022
It’s hot yes it is but not right. Something is wrong with these Doms to me. The use and treat submissives like they are nothing. They just use them and move on to the next. In the books I have read that is what a bad Dom does and the good ones take care of their subs. Not to my liking.
October 31, 2023
I like it!
I will read more books by this author, I like her!
It’s BDSM club, really spicy sub and dom.
10 years age gap, respectful and caring man✨
I will read more books by this author, I like her!
It’s BDSM club, really spicy sub and dom.
10 years age gap, respectful and caring man✨
May 18, 2021
Claire Thompson
sure does know how to write a scorching hot tale and At His Mercy didn't disappoint! Not only do the BDSM scenes in this have enough heat to warm a small city, they are also powerful, intense and boundary pushing. The author clearly knows one end of a flogger from another and writes with authority on this subject, always ensuring a well rounded read.
The prose flows smoothly, and given that some of the scenes involve intense bondage the logistics of limb placement always worked well. It is a masterpiece of consensual BDSM play, well written with nicely rounded characters. I did struggle with Cameron's weathervane behaviour, changing direction depending on which way the wind blew, though the author did account for this later in the story. I would have liked to have seen him have to work a little harder at earning Jess' trust back, because his treatment of her was very hot and cold. He felt almost
For me there were times when the story lacked the depth I wanted, in terms of emotional depth and passion. However this didn't prevent me from enjoying what is overall a great read.
The prose flows smoothly, and given that some of the scenes involve intense bondage the logistics of limb placement always worked well. It is a masterpiece of consensual BDSM play, well written with nicely rounded characters. I did struggle with Cameron's weathervane behaviour, changing direction depending on which way the wind blew, though the author did account for this later in the story. I would have liked to have seen him have to work a little harder at earning Jess' trust back, because his treatment of her was very hot and cold. He felt almost
For me there were times when the story lacked the depth I wanted, in terms of emotional depth and passion. However this didn't prevent me from enjoying what is overall a great read.
April 20, 2021
Jess took a big chance and dove down the rabbit hole and landed in her own personal version of Wonderland! What a great first book in a new series. Jess is a 2nd year lawyer in a big firm and is driven to succeed. She works 80 hour weeks and BDSM is her one and only outlet. She is spotted doing a scene at a run of the mill BDSM club by Cameron, who is one of the highest up members of a private BDSM club. He is intrigued by her and feels she would be a good candidate for membership in his club. An invitation is sent to her to interview for this club. She wants to go so badly, but it turns out they actually know each other a bit, as in he is a senior partner in her law firm! Determined that she could keep her worlds apart, she accepts. They rest is the story of her journey into real BDSM with real true Dom's. And I just have to say, no one can write BDSM in the way Claire does. She can lead you through the entire journey and as you go you come to understand the why's of it all. Why do people do those things? Do they really enjoy this? No one really likes to hurt or be hurt, do they? You get into their heads and understand and that takes some of it from OMG to yes, please!
June 30, 2022
Argh. So frustrating. It's not bad per se but this Dom is weak in every sense. His words, repeated multiple times: "What is wrong with me?"
Well, I'm currently at chapter 17 and I'm asking myself the same question! If there is a problem, in order to sympathize, the writer should have given me the information a long time ago. Also, "She's so complex..." How can you know that when you had so far like 3 pedestrian convos. I don't even know if both of you share an edge kink or a life experience... 3 stars so far, waiting for the end to see if that can improve.
Well, I'm currently at chapter 17 and I'm asking myself the same question! If there is a problem, in order to sympathize, the writer should have given me the information a long time ago. Also, "She's so complex..." How can you know that when you had so far like 3 pedestrian convos. I don't even know if both of you share an edge kink or a life experience... 3 stars so far, waiting for the end to see if that can improve.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2021
I read another review on this one that just hit all the points. Its well written but the story is very cold. Repetitive internal dialogue. Although it is a fantastical book the realism is not written in for balance and that is where I think I found myself feeling disconnected. SUMMED UP, cold, disconnect from characters and repetitive.
z-did-not-finish
November 3, 2021It’s been a while since I’ve DNF’ed a book but this one was NOT romance. It was training a smart girl to be a courtesan who could be used by ANYONE in this ‘BDSM’ bordello. I just couldn’t get past those aspects of the book.
May 29, 2021
There was no chemistry between these two. The relationship just seemed forced. It was lust only.
February 28, 2023
Sooo close to being really great 😵💫
Cameron was such a huge coward the entire book!!! He extends an invitation to Jess to join the club, and then he spends the entire book (no exaggeration) trying to convince himself to leave her alone - when she gives every indication that she wants ! to be with him and only him!!!
I liked Jess a lot, I liked the kink scenes a lot (i loved that the author wasn’t shy about putting Jess in scenes with other people/men), and I think this book could have been 5 stars if:
-cameron had made up his mind MUCH sooner (they don’t get together until the last chapter… yeah no)
-the aftercare had been handled better. for a club with such experienced members, it seemed strange to me that very little regard was held for aftercare.
-jess hadn’t felt obligated to leave her job. just once i’d like to read a book where the so-important-male-boss-ceo-lawyer sacrifices his job for the relationship and not the heroine.
I’m feeling a light ⭐️ 4 ⭐️
I’ll definitely read the next book!!
Cameron was such a huge coward the entire book!!! He extends an invitation to Jess to join the club, and then he spends the entire book (no exaggeration) trying to convince himself to leave her alone - when she gives every indication that she wants ! to be with him and only him!!!
I liked Jess a lot, I liked the kink scenes a lot (i loved that the author wasn’t shy about putting Jess in scenes with other people/men), and I think this book could have been 5 stars if:
-cameron had made up his mind MUCH sooner (they don’t get together until the last chapter… yeah no)
-the aftercare had been handled better. for a club with such experienced members, it seemed strange to me that very little regard was held for aftercare.
-jess hadn’t felt obligated to leave her job. just once i’d like to read a book where the so-important-male-boss-ceo-lawyer sacrifices his job for the relationship and not the heroine.
I’m feeling a light ⭐️ 4 ⭐️
I’ll definitely read the next book!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2022
I loved it
It was just what i needed, a gritty BDSM story, I haven't had my itch scratched with such a good book in a while
It was just what i needed, a gritty BDSM story, I haven't had my itch scratched with such a good book in a while
July 19, 2021
HEA and I liked the storyline but falls short.
Sweet and charming story of love and passion mixed with some basic BDSM. Not a lot of dungeon scenes to really call this a BDSM book. Also didn’t contain any real mentoring of her or real teaching going on other than how to position her body so I dropped my rating for that reason. I did like the storyline idea and them as a couple but no background on why he’s never taken a relationship. It seemed like the auction was going somewhere so why keep mentioning it. This one just misses the mark for me.
Sweet and charming story of love and passion mixed with some basic BDSM. Not a lot of dungeon scenes to really call this a BDSM book. Also didn’t contain any real mentoring of her or real teaching going on other than how to position her body so I dropped my rating for that reason. I did like the storyline idea and them as a couple but no background on why he’s never taken a relationship. It seemed like the auction was going somewhere so why keep mentioning it. This one just misses the mark for me.
January 27, 2023
Disappointing. I had hoped to get a great BDSM novel. What I got was an attempt to make a sub-plot, shallow characters, and Insta-love making this story and these characters have little to no depth. So disappointing.
December 23, 2022
Bad representation of an accurate D/s relationship and poor BDSM etiquette.
Warnings:
- Doms didn’t do any aftercare and passed it on to someone else. (Neglect)
- The subs aren’t allowed to use their safe word until it was an extreme case. If it wasn’t, then they would be punished for using it. (This is intimidation and abuse)
- The subs were discarded after each scene. Kind of like they’re only sex toys instead of actual human beings.
- For “trained” and “expert” Doms, they were always exceeding limits. (Again, abuse)
- The list of hard and soft limits wasn’t discussed among the members of the club. They just had to assume everyone was into the same things or assume everyone read and memorized the profiles from an app. (Where’s the consent?)
- The Doms never checked the status of the subs during a scene. Since they didn’t believe their pleasure mattered and they were there only for the Master’s pleasure and benefit, and “that ought to be enough”.
- Lack of consent overall.
Warnings:
- Doms didn’t do any aftercare and passed it on to someone else. (Neglect)
- The subs aren’t allowed to use their safe word until it was an extreme case. If it wasn’t, then they would be punished for using it. (This is intimidation and abuse)
- The subs were discarded after each scene. Kind of like they’re only sex toys instead of actual human beings.
- For “trained” and “expert” Doms, they were always exceeding limits. (Again, abuse)
- The list of hard and soft limits wasn’t discussed among the members of the club. They just had to assume everyone was into the same things or assume everyone read and memorized the profiles from an app. (Where’s the consent?)
- The Doms never checked the status of the subs during a scene. Since they didn’t believe their pleasure mattered and they were there only for the Master’s pleasure and benefit, and “that ought to be enough”.
- Lack of consent overall.
September 24, 2022
I DNF@ 50% for three mains reasons. One, the relationship was really cold. There was no chemistry or warmth to any part of the relationship it was oh he is physically attractive and that was it. Second was there was no aftercare, the idea of the club was that they could pass on the sub to another person to do the aftercare and from what I know of BDSM that's not how healthy practice goes. Additionally, there was a suspicious amount of talk about how the subs shouldn't really use their safeword because then they could be punished. WHAT! That is not how safewords work and people shouldn't be afraid to use them for fear of repercussions. Finally there was a ton of ableism in this book. If the sub could't hold these crazy yogi style positions then they weren't true submissives. That's not how submission works and while it can be for some people it doesn't determine a subs worthiness. Ugh after writing this I am realizing how much I disliked this book and how poorly it represents BDSM.
March 21, 2023
Ugg, so not what I was looking for in a BDSM book. I was really hoping for more interaction between the 2 main characters. I typically do not mind instant love stories, but this was ridiculous. The 2 characters barely spoke with each other and they are already falling in love. Instant lust maybe, but if you know nothing about the other person or had any meaningful conversation with them, how could you truly be in love. Also there were only a handful of scenes between them before they were professing their love for each other. I will add that the writing was decent even though the plot was too shallow. My review may also be a bit biased, because I am searching for a certain type of audio BDSM book, but have not been able to find the right balance. They are either too BDSM lite or too far into the club scene. This fell into the latter. It also has been difficult to find one that has good narration. This narrator was tolerable but not great. The search continues.
April 20, 2021
OMG, what a story! This book was the BEST! Jess an up and coming 2nd year lawyer working her way up, finds her stress relief at local BDSM clubs. Cameron a partner at the firm Jess works at just so happens to be a Master at an exclusive club and is "visiting" the local club Jess is at and decides to give her a ticket to a new stress relief. UGH..........I cant write too much without giving away the whole story, it is so good..... I loved it, this couple has so much chemistry, the writing is off the chart good, your kindle will melt........I cant wait for the second book! Another home run for this author, Claire Thompson just can not write a bad book!
I am voluntarily leaving my honest review after reading and advanced copy of this book.
I am voluntarily leaving my honest review after reading and advanced copy of this book.
April 20, 2021
Best laid plans ...!?
After a scene in a walk-in dungeon goes pear shaped, a high-end lawyer/part-owner of a private club approaches the unfortunate participant with an offer she can't refuse. Free membership in an exclusive BDSM club.
There's just one tiny problem, they both work at the same law firm. But, both are determined to keep their professional and private lives well apart.
You have three guesses how that works out!
So we get to watch two compartmentalists lives being rearranged in such a decadent, sumptuously furious fashion that steam begins to rise from the pages!
In short, another great, first-in-series from the Grand Dame of BDSM!
After a scene in a walk-in dungeon goes pear shaped, a high-end lawyer/part-owner of a private club approaches the unfortunate participant with an offer she can't refuse. Free membership in an exclusive BDSM club.
There's just one tiny problem, they both work at the same law firm. But, both are determined to keep their professional and private lives well apart.
You have three guesses how that works out!
So we get to watch two compartmentalists lives being rearranged in such a decadent, sumptuously furious fashion that steam begins to rise from the pages!
In short, another great, first-in-series from the Grand Dame of BDSM!
January 12, 2022
DNF at 40%
(potential spoiler? perhaps. read at your own risk)
Dont get me wrong, the writing was exceptionally good. I was pulled it by the plot and the whole "bdsm club" vibe bc that's my favorite storyline, but i couldn't get past the idea that the MC would be required to serve any dom who asks. This is personal as others might see it differently. My views on submission are that it is sacred and is built off trust between the participants, you don't just give it to any man or women with a membership card. Simply my opinion. Besides that, I enjoyed the authors writing, very descriptive and pulled me in. Would definitely love to check out more of their stuff.
(potential spoiler? perhaps. read at your own risk)
Dont get me wrong, the writing was exceptionally good. I was pulled it by the plot and the whole "bdsm club" vibe bc that's my favorite storyline, but i couldn't get past the idea that the MC would be required to serve any dom who asks. This is personal as others might see it differently. My views on submission are that it is sacred and is built off trust between the participants, you don't just give it to any man or women with a membership card. Simply my opinion. Besides that, I enjoyed the authors writing, very descriptive and pulled me in. Would definitely love to check out more of their stuff.
April 19, 2021
I've read several of Claire's books, but this one was definitely the most intense. The audition and other BDSM scenes were very powerful. In the end, you have to feel kind of sorry for poor Cameron Lord and his renowned control, though -- he didn't know what hit him!! There were great characters throughout the book and I'm looking forward to seeing them again in future books from this brand new series. I would give this book more stars if I could!!
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
July 5, 2023
What do you do when your heart tells you one thing and your head another? Well, duh, you listen to neither and make a complete mess of everything. While Cameron is so business smart when it comes to falling in love, he is a newbie and needs someone to help sort him out. Jess is the perfect someone to show him the way. I like the stories when the Dom isn't all-knowing and learns from his mistakes.
I read and reviewed a copy of this book.
I read and reviewed a copy of this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews