A review for The Romance Reviews.IN DEBT TO THE DOM is a quick and sexy read, featuring a hot and loving Dominant that made me want to turn to a life of white-collar crime!Maddie James is on the fast track at the investment firm run by Keaton Rivers until she gets a ransom demand for her "nothing but trouble" sister. She embezzles money from her job to pay the ransom with the intention of paying it back as soon as she sells her house. Unfortunately, Keaton finds out first and confronts a very scared Maddie. When she admits to taking the money, he tells her that he will not have her arrested if she agrees to be with him on his terms until she's able to repay the money. In order to save her job, she agrees, but she may end up losing her heart.This erotic novella was hot. There were lots of sensual and sexy love scenes between Maddie and Keaton, but there was a romance developing between them as well. The chemistry between them was palpable, as they navigate a Dominant/submissive sexual relationship together and it seemed to click for them. I really liked the main characters. Maddie had to deal with some crappy circumstances, but she was a fighter. And Keaton...well, he was just amazingly hot and dominant, and I love that. I didn't particularly like the Maddie's sister, but I think that was the whole point. There was also this central theme in the book with a key. It was symbolic but also very erotic. I don't want to give too much away, but every time the author mentioned a key, I got all tingly. Along with establishing their relationship, the book also focused on why Maddie stole the money and what ultimately happened to Maddie's sister. That subplot was interesting and gave the story more substance than just sex. Although the story was short, it was still developed well. I felt that the pacing of the story was appropriate because although their relationship moved quickly, they were basically together all the time for a month. I think it's much easier to fall in love with someone when you've been around them like that. The plot was also resolved as well.Ultimately, this was a highly enjoyable read: it moved quickly, had great characters, steamy love scenes, a good plot, and a nicely resolved happily ever after. This is my second Jan Bowles read, and both times I've been thoroughly entertained with her strong heroines and sexy alpha heroes.
Clare C’s Review The best parts were the erotic scenes where I could forget about the fact that Keaton is blackmailing Maddie into sleeping with him. I couldn’t quite get comfortable with that part. To me, D/s relationships should be based on trust and the fulfillment of mutual needs, and to base it on just blackmail seemed a lot selfish and a bit disturbing. However, Ms. Bowles’s approach to it made the issue mostly innocuous. It all turns out well, with Keaton helping Maddie address her embezzlement problems and solving her problems at work.I liked Maddie and Keaton, and I would have liked to see more development of the relationship between them, especially when he takes her to the privacy of his house in Tennessee and it’s just the two of them. In Debt to the Dom is a fun read that kept my interest. Jan Bowles’s friendly writing style and fast-paced plotting moves the reader smoothly through the story. Bowles and fans of light BDSM won’t be disappointed by this snack.3 ½ Tea Cups!
What do You think about In Debt To The Dom (2010)?
Jae’s Review:In Debt to the Dom by Jan Bowles tells the story of Maddie James and her growth to a strong and more empowered woman. She’s certainly used and abused by her family, and Keaton isn’t much better to be honest. The way in which the author redeems this character is very good, so that while he may not start out as a dream hero, he sure ends up that way. I rather enjoyed the character development in this story. You really did get lost in the pages as the story unfolded for these characters.I was very glad to see that this is the start of a series, because I can’t wait for the next installment. This is my first Jan Bowles book, but it certainly won’t be my last. She has made quite an impression with her characterizations, plot lines, dialogue that compels you to read more and overall tone of the story.Rated 4 ½ Delightful Divas by Jae!
—Dark Divas
I was expecting a little more from this one. It sounded good from the description, I was expecting an experienced dom. But the part that really turned me off was the when they went shooting. Keaton showed professionalism with a gun. Pointing it to the ground, never pointing it at something he 'didn't want to shoot'. Until he decided to use it as a toy. While it had a live round in it. The gun enthusiast in me had a huge problem with this. Granted the scene lasted but a few paragraphs, but it was enough.I said earlier I was expecting a more experienced Dom. Keaton has hidden from his dark desires until now. Which isn't a bad thing. But I'm uncomfortable with novels that don't include peace of mind. He didn't give Maddie a safe word and they both had hopes he would stop if things got to far. It wasn't full blown bdsm, mostly some elements of bondage and spanking, but it still left me feeling uncomfortable.I did, however, like the symbol of the key. I thought this was interesting and clever on the authors part. I liked what it represented.
—Aimee
***Note: This isn't going to be a real, honest to goodness review.the Plot: I was continually frustrated with the female protag, but the plot was a good idea. the sex aspect: This was the only reason I read it. It was fun. Had me squirming, but wasn't great. As a conclusion: The plot was good, I enjoyed it, but it could have been executed a lot better. This book had the feel of a Harlequin book....with sex. For a non-Harlequin book? Bad. ***Note: This is pretty much the same review for the rest of the books (below). Tamed by the DomClaimed for the Master's PleasureIf you read it, read it for the sex. Seriously.
—Kat
