The Shaded Parlor

by Nanisi Barrett D'Arnuk

Mistress JuliAnn Clayton owns one of the most renowned bars and alternative restaurants in the area. But when she allows her staff to talk her into listing herself in the “Flog-a-Dom” auction to benefit the LGBTQ Pride Clinic, she's sure something will go wrong. With an audience watching and the Dungeon Monitor officiating, how bad could it get? And Dr. Shelley is always ready to alleviate any injury, real or imagined.

With a starting bid at five thousand dollars, it will definitely raise money for the Clinic. But when the bidding gets out of hand, will it open all those doors JuliAnn has spent fifteen years trying the lock closed? Will the memories sink her back into those dreaded days that even millions of dollars haven't erased?

When the mystery bidder turns out to be the Mistress who abandoned her fifteen years earlier; the one JuliAnn swore she'd never go back to, her memories come crashing down. Can she fulfill her promise to help the Clinic, or will the past throw her bar, her restaurant, and her reputation into chaos?

Genres: BDSM

173 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 21, 2021

About the author

Mainly known as a conductor and pianist, Nanisi holds the distinction of being the first open lesbian to conduct on the stage of D.A.R. Constitution Hall in Washinton D.C. When M.S. stopped her performing and travel, she returned to her second love: Writing.

The Cameron Andrews Mystery Series was her first endeavour. Originally planned as three books, it has grown into eight books and counting.

A second series, the String Series about cellist
Chris Anthony is also in the works. In addition to many short stories, she has just completed Shaymana, set in the twenty-fourth century.

Reviews

[Bárbara Sousa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for a good cover and this one was just too good to resist. It’s very beautiful. Regarding the content of the book, I have to say that I was somewhat disappointed. I loved the synopsis and, at first, I was enjoying the story, but after a while some things just felt off and others just felt a little all over the place. But anyways, it was a nice way to spend Sunday afternoon.

[Ameliah Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Love Love
Mistress JuliAnn owns a very successful bar and dungeon. She often gives back to the community, particularly a local clinic run by a friend. As part of a fundraiser, she has agreed to be flogged by the highest bidder in the auction. It was supposed to be easy and fast yet when a young woman bids thousands and thousands of dollars on behalf of her Mistress, for a weekend with the Domme being a total sub. JuliAnn doesn’t see a way out without losing face. Imagine her surprise when her former Mistress and the woman whom she both loves and hates is the bidder. Can the couple find a way past all of the pain and misunderstandings to allow their hearts to heal or is it just too late to make things right?

Oh my gosh!! This is the BEST book by this author yet! It has so much going on. A tight friendship with her business partner, Allen, her relationships with her sub and Dr Shelley, unresolved feelings, a wonderful backstory, business ventures, lovely BDSM scenes and a lost love returned, so much to adore! You can’t help but feel for JuliAnn, she has had such a rough go of things and has such unhealed pain. Even though she is successful, she is still lost. Vivienne, hasn’t exactly had it easy either. She had her reasons for letting her “Pretty Girl” go. She was trying to be noble, even when she needed Juli with her most. I fell a little for then both and wanted so much for them to be able to move past the past, hopefully together…. I cried with joy at certain parts!! My heart was so full of warm fuzzies!!! Even now thinking about it makes me grin...contented sighs.... I was sad to see the book end but JuliAnn and Vivienne will live in my heart and memory for quite some time to come.

[MissAlice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man. This book? Oil your leathers and pour yourself some wine because this book is going to take you to all the places you want to be. I loved the leading ladies. Dear god they were hot together and an age-gap romance with BDSM as a spotlight? Delicious. It's so well written. From the dialogue, the plot, to the ending- you'll find yourself wanting more before it's over and when you read the last page you are gonna wish it was a trilogy. Awesome book and believable BDSM play and relations.

[Veronica Shay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not what I expected

I have never read anything by this author before but the cover and the title peaked my interest. I am not really a fan of BSDM genre but the story intrigued me. Some of the DOM/SUB references were cringe worthy for but the story was so strong I had to finish. Vivienne had such a strong presence and Juli was the perfect personality to balance her out. After all whips and chains, it still came down to two ppl that loved each other.

[Nyki Mancera · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want this life…

This book took me by surprise. The story that was told here was not what I was expecting. It turned into a wonderful love story. Of having loved, then lost, and love again.

I loved and was vested in JuliAnn’s life right from the beginning. She was a very passionate and brilliant woman. I love how her and Allen came together and lasted over a decade of friendship and business. I know it had to be shocking to be booted from your Mistresses life without much of an explanation and then to check your bank account after six years to read the balance.

What JuliAnn and Allen created sounded do amazing and unique from how it was described. JuliAnn was quite impressive.

Who knew a fundraiser could happen and it would turn her life upside down and hold revelations to questions that plagued her for more than a decade. She was successful in life and business, but as far as matters of the heart…it remained untapped. The two women in her life were incomparable to the one woman of the past.

Here comes Ms Monti and Mistress Vivienne and a whole host of new choices a d decisions to make. What would happen with Shelly, her lover and Cindy, her part time sub?

I love the way this story is written. I liked the pace of it. I like the dual timelines. It helped explain quite a bit and made understanding how decisions were made of the heart and the mind. It helps you understand how the future would possibly unfold if given the right time and nourishment. I was so pleased with this story. I had to give it 5 stars. Who wouldn’t want a Mistress JuliAnn or Mistress Vivienne in their lives?

[ARR62 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Food, BDSM, and an HEA. What more could you want?

I love this author's bdsm romances. They are erotic, realistic, wholly visual, and extremely sexy. Julianne's journey from sub to domme to love is relatable and engaging. Look, the story is great, the food descriptions had me ordering in and the sex is fantastic. Read it and enjoy.

[Rachel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointing

I really thought it'd be better since the plot seemed very promising, but the characters were one dimensional and emotionless. I also hated how there seemed to be some aversion to safe words, and how the author kept distinguishing between "classic" and "modern" submission.
Very disappointing.

[L A Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love story

I have never been a part of the BDSM lifestyle. But I enjoy well written books. This author always delivers. The blend of the past and the present are well done. To me it is a classic love story. I look foward to hopefully more books from Ms. Nanisi. Enjoy.

[SunshineReads23 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
🌶🌶🌶.5

My first read from D'Arnuk and I definitely want to read more, some parts were a little too rushed but overall it was a sweet erotic tale that I enjoyed after reading some heavier books before it. I look forward to reading her again.

[Carole Damoci · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good book

As always, this author delivered. I’m not much for BDSM but this author almost makes me want to try. Never read a book by her that I haven’t enjoyed.