Brenda Murphy (4)

Jaya Pomroy has run a private security firm for several years. She is a powerful, imposing, dominant female who knows what she wants from a submissive partner. Jaya has checked in to Rowan House, a high-class brothel catering exclusively to Sapphic women with a taste for kink.

From a wide range of willing paid submissives, Jaya is immediately taken with Sarah, who is everything she desires in a partner. When it is time for Jaya to return to leave Rowan House, she asks Sarah to come with her. show more Sarah refuses the invitation, and they do not pass on good terms.

Years later, they meet up, and this is the story of Jaya's often frustrating pursuit of Sarah, who is happy to date her, but refuses any form of commitment.

There's a lot of sex in this story, mostly rough with heavy powerplay elements and off-the-charts chemistry between the two leads.

This is the first book in a series involving Rowan House. Each story deals with a different relationship (not all are couples) and each book can be read as a stand-alone. I'm absolutely looking forward to continuing with the series. show less

Mac and Lana meet in an airport lounge and bond over their shared enthusiasm for motor sports.

Mac is ex-military and suffering some trauma as a result of her experiences in the service. She doesn't trust easily, not herself or others, and as a result she never lets herself get close to the women she dates.

Lana designs Formula 1 vehicles. She works for her father's company and is fearful of losing her career if he learns she likes women.

The women hit it off quickly. We get the story from show more Mac's perspective and her self-doubt is agonizing at times, but ultimately worth the ordeal. The sex is hot and plentiful, with some enticing power exchange elements, and the world of fast cars and bikes is written in such a way that I (with no interest in such things in the real world) didn't feel left out.

And that cover art is gorgeous!

Very recommended.

"Dirty hands. Heavy beats. Dancing in a garage. Jeans and boots and T-shirts. Sweat and grease. If there was a heaven, Mac was sure it was like this." show less

If you like protocal based bdsm.... you might struggle with this one. The level of outright disrespect that was allowed drove me nuts and gives brats a bad name. Slut shaming someone and then claiming to love them... is absolute bullshit, esp when you are benefiting from their life choices.... I also would have prefered talking about limits and things.... as well as the chef asking about allergies or food preferences... felt like yet another instance where a character has a job... but only show more to make them not a mary sue.... but not enough to make them a person. show less

On the Square by Brenda Murphy
University Square #1

Dale Miller needs a couple cups of coffee in the morning to feel human so is not a happy camper when she encounters rather rude Mai Li at a too early meeting for a building renovation estimate. It is a rocky start to what might eventually lead to romance for the two.

What I liked:
* Mai: someone who knew what she wanted
* Dale: unlucky in love but with a great family
* That both women were capable, independent, intelligent and caring even if show more they didn’t always communicate as openly as they could have
* That both women had some life experience under their belts
* The character development of the women as the story progressed
* The security both women had in their sexuality
* Dales sons and father
* That this is a series that will develop as each book is published

What I didn’t like
* Knowing that the bigotry, discrimination and aggression more than one person experienced is not unusual and occurs all too often

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes

Thank you to Ninestar Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4 Stars show less