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Vegas Top Guns #3
Hold 'Em
"The writing duo that is Katie Porter knows erotica. From the first sentence, you'll be drawn into the glamour of Las Vegas and the wonderful, yet sensitive, world of Ryan and Cassandra." ~ RT BookReviews 4½ Stars Top Pick
"Readers who are looking for handsome pilots and long, fun-filled nights will love this descriptive e-book. It is fun and sassy hotness--a quick read sure to get your jets off!" ~ Library Journal
A man with handcuffs. A woman with a paddle. Both fly F-16s.
Vegas Top Guns, Book 3
Daughter of a world-famous motocross champion, and head-on competitor with three brothers, Captain Leah "Princess" Girardi was born with a need for speed. No one tells her what to do, especially not men with chauvinistic "girls can't be fighter pilots" attitudes.
That's what ended her brief relationship with Captain Mike "Strap Happy" Templeton. Now, six years later, he's been assigned to her squadron, and whoa damn , he's filled out nicely. Plus he's cultivated a Zen-like chill factor that pulls at her hormones.
Even after four tours, Mike's the new kid in the 64th Aggressor Squadron. That's not the only thing new. Since he last saw Leah, he's learned a few things about himself. A female who outranks him still makes his teeth grind, but in the bedroom he craves the rush of pain inflicted by an adoring, powerful woman.
Their reunion is an explosive revelation. Leah is the beautiful mistress he's been searching for, and she takes to her new role like a natural. But Leah's aware one thing hasn't changed. Loving him is still an all-or-nothing proposition. She's not sure her reckless streak is wide enough to risk her career--and her heart.
This book contains a hot stud on his knees, a woman wielding a paddle, and filthy-gorgeous femdom sex. dangerous rock climbing, two amazing motorcycles and some bad tequila.
"Readers who are looking for handsome pilots and long, fun-filled nights will love this descriptive e-book. It is fun and sassy hotness--a quick read sure to get your jets off!" ~ Library Journal
A man with handcuffs. A woman with a paddle. Both fly F-16s.
Vegas Top Guns, Book 3
Daughter of a world-famous motocross champion, and head-on competitor with three brothers, Captain Leah "Princess" Girardi was born with a need for speed. No one tells her what to do, especially not men with chauvinistic "girls can't be fighter pilots" attitudes.
That's what ended her brief relationship with Captain Mike "Strap Happy" Templeton. Now, six years later, he's been assigned to her squadron, and whoa damn , he's filled out nicely. Plus he's cultivated a Zen-like chill factor that pulls at her hormones.
Even after four tours, Mike's the new kid in the 64th Aggressor Squadron. That's not the only thing new. Since he last saw Leah, he's learned a few things about himself. A female who outranks him still makes his teeth grind, but in the bedroom he craves the rush of pain inflicted by an adoring, powerful woman.
Their reunion is an explosive revelation. Leah is the beautiful mistress he's been searching for, and she takes to her new role like a natural. But Leah's aware one thing hasn't changed. Loving him is still an all-or-nothing proposition. She's not sure her reckless streak is wide enough to risk her career--and her heart.
This book contains a hot stud on his knees, a woman wielding a paddle, and filthy-gorgeous femdom sex. dangerous rock climbing, two amazing motorcycles and some bad tequila.
320 pages, ebook
First published September 25, 2012
About the author
Katie Porter
25 books208 followersKatie Porter is the award-winning writing team of longtime friends
Lorelie Brown
and
Carrie Lofty
. Both are multi-published in several romance genres, and both are RITA-nominated. Carrie holds an MA in history, loves movies, and has no fear of gross things like formaldehyde sharks. Her daughters aren't appreciative. Lorelie is a US Army veteran and true-crime devotee, whose three boys love when she screams like a little girl around spiders. After years of wishing and planning, they finally share an office in the Chicago area.
All five of Katie Porter’s "Vegas Top Guns" erotic romances received 4½ Stars from RT BookReviews. These books are "impressive and incredibly well done," and will "move Fifty Shades of Grey to the children’s section." The third title, HOLD 'EM , won a Reviewers' Choice award for Best Erotic Romance, and the m/m Christmas-themed CAME UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR was the first LGBTQ romance nominated for RT's Book of the Year.
All five of Katie Porter's " Vegas Top Guns " contemporary erotic romances received 4½ Stars from RT BookReviews. These books are "impressive and incredibly well done," and will "move Fifty Shades of Grey to the children’s section." The third title, HOLD 'EM , won a Reviewers' Choice award for Best Erotic Romance, and the m/m Christmas-themed CAME UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR was the first LGBTQ romance nominated for RT's Book of the Year.
All five of Katie Porter’s "Vegas Top Guns" erotic romances received 4½ Stars from RT BookReviews. These books are "impressive and incredibly well done," and will "move Fifty Shades of Grey to the children’s section." The third title, HOLD 'EM , won a Reviewers' Choice award for Best Erotic Romance, and the m/m Christmas-themed CAME UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR was the first LGBTQ romance nominated for RT's Book of the Year.
All five of Katie Porter's " Vegas Top Guns " contemporary erotic romances received 4½ Stars from RT BookReviews. These books are "impressive and incredibly well done," and will "move Fifty Shades of Grey to the children’s section." The third title, HOLD 'EM , won a Reviewers' Choice award for Best Erotic Romance, and the m/m Christmas-themed CAME UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR was the first LGBTQ romance nominated for RT's Book of the Year.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
November 18, 2012
Sigh. I liked the first in this series. I LOVED the second, but there was something that felt off to me with this one. It's still a good book, and if you've read the first two, you'll want to read this one as well.
Maybe it was because this one focused on Leah? I'm not sure but I didn't feel that connection with her that I felt with Fang or TinTin. But Mike? Bless his heart, he's such a sweet (and hot) guy. I think maybe my deal is with BDSM. It's not that I don't like it, it's just that you normally see the roles reversed. Guy is the dom, girl is the sub. I have to say, I think that's what I liked about this story. Leah was the dom while Mike submitted to her. It was interesting to see a female's emotions play out in that role. The natural instincts we have, the nourishing traits we as women carry. With the men, sometimes that doesn't extend over. Leah was alert, and aware- at times felt bad- if she hurt Mike. I really liked that. It wasn't this strict dom/sub play. They truly loved one another and that emotion was well recieved.
But TinTin, he'll always be my favorite.
Maybe it was because this one focused on Leah? I'm not sure but I didn't feel that connection with her that I felt with Fang or TinTin. But Mike? Bless his heart, he's such a sweet (and hot) guy. I think maybe my deal is with BDSM. It's not that I don't like it, it's just that you normally see the roles reversed. Guy is the dom, girl is the sub. I have to say, I think that's what I liked about this story. Leah was the dom while Mike submitted to her. It was interesting to see a female's emotions play out in that role. The natural instincts we have, the nourishing traits we as women carry. With the men, sometimes that doesn't extend over. Leah was alert, and aware- at times felt bad- if she hurt Mike. I really liked that. It wasn't this strict dom/sub play. They truly loved one another and that emotion was well recieved.
But TinTin, he'll always be my favorite.
October 2, 2012
Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
Blog rating: 3.5/5
Leah is trying to clean her act up. She drinks a little too much and it wouldn’t be any surprise to her friends to find her starting a bar fight somewhere. She takes her job as a fighter pilot very seriously and wants to start showing people that she’s taking things seriously so she can rise in the ranks like she should have been doing had she gotten herself together. Mike’s the new guy on the team based just outside of Las Vegas. He and Leah hooked up years ago for some very vanilla, very unfulfilling sex. A spark was missing, but a lot can change over the years and for Mike, he realized what he needs in the bedroom and it blows Leah away when she finds out.
I really didn’t know what to expect going into this story, and didn’t expect to read about big, bad alpha Mike being a sub in the bedroom. It was an interesting flip because it’s just not normally how it goes in the erotic books I’ve read. In and out of the bedroom, I really liked Mike. He’s a tough alpha who is low man on the totem pole, having to work his way up with Leah as his superior. I liked seeing that side of him at work and then the flip side of him, finding his pleasure in a submissive role. Pain is his biggest turn on and he trusts Leah to give that to him. There were moments though that I kept waiting for Mike to just go all control-freak during sex and take over, even knowing that wasn’t what he was about, there’s just something about his character that it wouldn’t have surprised me to see it happen, and I kind of wanted it to.
I had a little bit of a harder time buying the ease with which Leah fell into her Dom role with Mike. Mike’s had three years of this lifestyle to know what he likes and what he needs from it and when he tells Leah about it at the beginning of their first night together, Leah took to it like she had been the one in this role for three years and not three minutes. They have some bumps along the way when it comes to learning boundaries and Leah learning how far she can and needs to push Michael. I liked seeing the progression they go through, it just felt a little too easy at the start for Leah.
Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to pull back. Her tongue slicked over her bottom lip, drawing in his taste – sweetness from the sodas, plus a salty bite that was only him.
“Michael,” she purred, intentionally grazing her nipples over his bare chest. “You do realize I’m going to do very bad things to you?”
Sex dominates this story, BDSM plays a huge part as Mike and Leah both try to find their way in this new relationship. There is a storyline that follows their careers as pilots and I had the Top Gun theme rolling through my head during a few of the scenes with them in the air. I really enjoyed this part of the story, seeing both Leah and Mike doing what they love to do and would have loved for this to have had a bit bigger role overall in the book. It’s heavily focused on their relationship and to a lessor extent, the relationship with the other men on the squadron. I haven’t read books in the series prior to this, so I can only assume that the relationship between Leah and her best friends is expanded on more in earlier books. It did feel like a little of Leah’s past was missing. We know that she’s pulling back on her drinking, out of control ways, but I’m not really sure what lead her to act like that to begin with. Maybe it’s brought up in earlier books, maybe it’s just who she is. It just felt like a little something was missing with Leah’s story that might have helped me connect to her a bit more.
If you want to see a sexy alpha man submit to a woman in bed and be her wingman in the sky, look no further. The story focuses heavily on Mike and Leah’s relationship, and them learning what each other needs to find intense pleasure. The rest of the story surrounding their jobs really takes a backseat and I’d have liked more just to balance out all the sex scenes. But when you have Mike restrained, ready and willing, it’s hard to not enjoy that! An overall sexy, fun read.
Blog rating: 3.5/5
Leah is trying to clean her act up. She drinks a little too much and it wouldn’t be any surprise to her friends to find her starting a bar fight somewhere. She takes her job as a fighter pilot very seriously and wants to start showing people that she’s taking things seriously so she can rise in the ranks like she should have been doing had she gotten herself together. Mike’s the new guy on the team based just outside of Las Vegas. He and Leah hooked up years ago for some very vanilla, very unfulfilling sex. A spark was missing, but a lot can change over the years and for Mike, he realized what he needs in the bedroom and it blows Leah away when she finds out.
I really didn’t know what to expect going into this story, and didn’t expect to read about big, bad alpha Mike being a sub in the bedroom. It was an interesting flip because it’s just not normally how it goes in the erotic books I’ve read. In and out of the bedroom, I really liked Mike. He’s a tough alpha who is low man on the totem pole, having to work his way up with Leah as his superior. I liked seeing that side of him at work and then the flip side of him, finding his pleasure in a submissive role. Pain is his biggest turn on and he trusts Leah to give that to him. There were moments though that I kept waiting for Mike to just go all control-freak during sex and take over, even knowing that wasn’t what he was about, there’s just something about his character that it wouldn’t have surprised me to see it happen, and I kind of wanted it to.
I had a little bit of a harder time buying the ease with which Leah fell into her Dom role with Mike. Mike’s had three years of this lifestyle to know what he likes and what he needs from it and when he tells Leah about it at the beginning of their first night together, Leah took to it like she had been the one in this role for three years and not three minutes. They have some bumps along the way when it comes to learning boundaries and Leah learning how far she can and needs to push Michael. I liked seeing the progression they go through, it just felt a little too easy at the start for Leah.
Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to pull back. Her tongue slicked over her bottom lip, drawing in his taste – sweetness from the sodas, plus a salty bite that was only him.
“Michael,” she purred, intentionally grazing her nipples over his bare chest. “You do realize I’m going to do very bad things to you?”
Sex dominates this story, BDSM plays a huge part as Mike and Leah both try to find their way in this new relationship. There is a storyline that follows their careers as pilots and I had the Top Gun theme rolling through my head during a few of the scenes with them in the air. I really enjoyed this part of the story, seeing both Leah and Mike doing what they love to do and would have loved for this to have had a bit bigger role overall in the book. It’s heavily focused on their relationship and to a lessor extent, the relationship with the other men on the squadron. I haven’t read books in the series prior to this, so I can only assume that the relationship between Leah and her best friends is expanded on more in earlier books. It did feel like a little of Leah’s past was missing. We know that she’s pulling back on her drinking, out of control ways, but I’m not really sure what lead her to act like that to begin with. Maybe it’s brought up in earlier books, maybe it’s just who she is. It just felt like a little something was missing with Leah’s story that might have helped me connect to her a bit more.
If you want to see a sexy alpha man submit to a woman in bed and be her wingman in the sky, look no further. The story focuses heavily on Mike and Leah’s relationship, and them learning what each other needs to find intense pleasure. The rest of the story surrounding their jobs really takes a backseat and I’d have liked more just to balance out all the sex scenes. But when you have Mike restrained, ready and willing, it’s hard to not enjoy that! An overall sexy, fun read.
September 25, 2012
4.5 Stars
This review was posted at Under the Covers
This is the one series I've been recommending to everyone this year when they want something good and hot to read, or even the one I keep reminding people to hurry up and get on to the next one. I don't think I can say it enough, both ladies that make up Katie Porter are extremely talented and they have certainly turned up the heat on erotic romance masterfully. It's classy, not overdone, extremely sensual and never lacking. Blows me away everytime and HOLD 'EM will leave you
Throughout the series we've been reading about Leah "The Princess". She's a tough chick in a man's world. A woman pilot and very successful at her job, who has let the pressures of what her life entail take her on a self destructive path. It was nice to see that in this book she was able to face her alcohol abuse head on and do what's right for herself. Just one more thing that shows how strong she is.
And speaking of strong, I'll be honest here. I was not expecting Leah to end up being the dominant in this relationship and where I normally can take or leave these types of scenarios, Leah and Michael blew me away.
Lets not leave Michael "Strap Happy". He is totally adorable, funny and cute. He is a take charge, alpha male with a little secret. And if you thought by Strap Happy that meant he likes to tie women up, then you're wrong. Nothing turns this guy on more than to submit to a a strong woman. One that can raise her voice just so to issue a command he can't refuse.
I've come to expect Katie Porter's books to push my comfort limits on what I would normally find that I enjoy reading about. And not only push them, but make me like them. They truly submit my likes to their whims. I enjoyed every single moment of the relationship between Leah and Michael, in and out of the bedroom. They are both very strong characters and they compliment each other so well.
Their love story was different than the previous ones. I feel that there was a deeper connection between the characters, more romantic even. There's the second chance at love for these two since they had a short fling when they were still very young. Love those types of stories. Still there was plenty of humor and great banter between the hero and heroine, as well as with the rest of the cast who makes an appearance.
I don't think these two were able to top the awesomesauce that is Jon Carlisle for me, because that man is a sex god, but it was a very close attempt! I can't wait to see what else Katie Porter has to offer.
PS: Have an extra pair of underwear handy, you will need it ;)
Favorite quotes:
"Give me permission to move so I can fuck you the way you want. The way your body needs. Hard and fast."
"Harpy-hood is one of my many talents."
"As long as you’re there, I always know where I am. Safe."
*ARC provided by author
This review was posted at Under the Covers
This is the one series I've been recommending to everyone this year when they want something good and hot to read, or even the one I keep reminding people to hurry up and get on to the next one. I don't think I can say it enough, both ladies that make up Katie Porter are extremely talented and they have certainly turned up the heat on erotic romance masterfully. It's classy, not overdone, extremely sensual and never lacking. Blows me away everytime and HOLD 'EM will leave you
Throughout the series we've been reading about Leah "The Princess". She's a tough chick in a man's world. A woman pilot and very successful at her job, who has let the pressures of what her life entail take her on a self destructive path. It was nice to see that in this book she was able to face her alcohol abuse head on and do what's right for herself. Just one more thing that shows how strong she is.
And speaking of strong, I'll be honest here. I was not expecting Leah to end up being the dominant in this relationship and where I normally can take or leave these types of scenarios, Leah and Michael blew me away.
Lets not leave Michael "Strap Happy". He is totally adorable, funny and cute. He is a take charge, alpha male with a little secret. And if you thought by Strap Happy that meant he likes to tie women up, then you're wrong. Nothing turns this guy on more than to submit to a a strong woman. One that can raise her voice just so to issue a command he can't refuse.
I've come to expect Katie Porter's books to push my comfort limits on what I would normally find that I enjoy reading about. And not only push them, but make me like them. They truly submit my likes to their whims. I enjoyed every single moment of the relationship between Leah and Michael, in and out of the bedroom. They are both very strong characters and they compliment each other so well.
Their love story was different than the previous ones. I feel that there was a deeper connection between the characters, more romantic even. There's the second chance at love for these two since they had a short fling when they were still very young. Love those types of stories. Still there was plenty of humor and great banter between the hero and heroine, as well as with the rest of the cast who makes an appearance.
I don't think these two were able to top the awesomesauce that is Jon Carlisle for me, because that man is a sex god, but it was a very close attempt! I can't wait to see what else Katie Porter has to offer.
PS: Have an extra pair of underwear handy, you will need it ;)
Favorite quotes:
"Give me permission to move so I can fuck you the way you want. The way your body needs. Hard and fast."
"Harpy-hood is one of my many talents."
"As long as you’re there, I always know where I am. Safe."
*ARC provided by author
February 14, 2017
Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2012/10/05/...
Publisher: Samhain
Publish Date: Out now
How I got this book: ARC from the author
Daughter of a world-famous motocross champion, and head-on competitor with three brothers, Captain Leah “Princess” Girardi was born with a need for speed. No one tells her what to do, especially not men with chauvinistic “girls can’t be fighter pilots” attitudes.
That’s what ended her brief relationship with Captain Mike “Strap Happy” Templeton. Now, six years later, he’s been assigned to her squadron, and whoa damn, he’s filled out nicely. Plus he’s cultivated a Zen-like chill factor that pulls at her hormones.
Even after four tours, Mike’s the new kid in the 64th Aggressor Squadron. That’s not the only thing new. Since he last saw Leah, he’s learned a few things about himself. A female who outranks him still makes his teeth grind, but in the bedroom he craves the rush of pain inflicted by an adoring, powerful woman.
Their reunion is an explosive revelation. Leah is the beautiful mistress he’s been searching for, and she takes to her new role like a natural. But Leah’s aware one thing hasn’t changed. Loving him is still an all-or-nothing proposition. She’s not sure her reckless streak is wide enough to risk her career—and her heart.
Warning: This book contains a hot stud on his knees, a woman wielding a paddle, and filthy-gorgeous femdom sex. Also: dangerous rock climbing, two amazing motorcycles and some bad tequila.
This blurb came from the author’s website here.
I have been enjoying the journey provided by Katie Porter with their first two books in their Vegas Top Guns series. Each book provided a little more insight not only into the main characters for that book but the supporting cast as well. Leah and her behavior have been a definite presence throughout the series so far but it seemed as if she was getting more self-destructive. I was glad to see Leah working on straightening out her life outside of work towards the end of Inside Bet but I wasn’t sure how she was going to deal with the changes in her group of friends. Her best guy buddies have each found themselves a special person in their lives so now Leah is more of the third or fifth wheel. When I read the blurb for Hold “Em I wasn’t quite sure what I was going to think because it is rather hard to find BDSM stories featuring a Female Dom that don’t have a pushover for the hero. I was very glad to see when I came up for air after finishing Hold ‘Em that Michael didn’t have any familiarity with the words “pushover.” In addition to the growing relationship between Leah and Michael, Porter took a very careful balancing act between work, private life, and some of the dangers of a BDSM relationship while keeping the characters realistic in their thoughts, hopes and fears.
Porter took one of the tropes that I enjoy with the second chance at love. Leah and Michael had been involved before but neither was mature enough to make the relationship work. Leah needed something more in their sex life and respect for her goals to become a fighter pilot. Michael didn’t think much of women fighter pilots, not that they couldn’t do the job but that they shouldn’t. Women should be protected. He also didn’t know what he was missing in his sexual life. Their unfinished business was evident in their very first meeting when Leah was assigned as Michael’s sponsor. I think one of my favorite parts of this book was their very first date that wasn’t a date. The running commentary in Michael’s mind as he debated what to tell Leah, what to show her, and where to take their mutual sexual attraction complete with a flowchart based on her actions and responses was a hoot. I could almost see that chart or a variation on it popping up as they continued their relationship.
I really liked how Michael made it clear that he was only submissive and into pain when it involved sex nothing else. That kept him out of the complete “pushover” category for me. But at the same time that raised a concern of mine. Leah out-ranks Michael and she is his trainer for his new assignment. This meant professionally Michael was subordinate to her and she would be telling him what to do. I wasn’t sure they were going to be able to separate the fact that Leah was in charge between work and their private relationship. Without giving away any spoilers I really liked how they managed to work that out after a rocky beginning.
When I looked at both Leah and Michael from their original relationship to the maturity and growth of the characters at the end of Hold ‘Em it was amazing the changes that occurred. Most of Michael’s growth was off-screen prior to his assignment to the 64th Aggressor Squadron. In contrast Leah did most of her growing on-screen and I enjoyed watching her work and struggle at it. The one thing I found disconcerting is how initially Leah had mentally thought that she enjoyed being dominated yet she was able to hit all of the right notes when dominating Michael. While she did show moments of uncertainty it almost worked too well. I am glad that Porter included one of the dangers of BDSM relationships because it helped solidify that Leah wasn’t an experienced Dom and also showed just how much she had invested in her relationship with Michael. That event completely destroyed her foundation and the old Leah resurfaced. Luckily I did get a groveling scene but I think she should have groveled to her friends as well.
Despite the fact that I had a few quibbles I thoroughly enjoyed reading Hold ‘Em. The combination of the character growth, Michael’s self-awareness and patience, and the extremely smokin’ sex scenes made this my favorite of the series so far.
I give Hold ‘Em an A.
Publisher: Samhain
Publish Date: Out now
How I got this book: ARC from the author
Daughter of a world-famous motocross champion, and head-on competitor with three brothers, Captain Leah “Princess” Girardi was born with a need for speed. No one tells her what to do, especially not men with chauvinistic “girls can’t be fighter pilots” attitudes.
That’s what ended her brief relationship with Captain Mike “Strap Happy” Templeton. Now, six years later, he’s been assigned to her squadron, and whoa damn, he’s filled out nicely. Plus he’s cultivated a Zen-like chill factor that pulls at her hormones.
Even after four tours, Mike’s the new kid in the 64th Aggressor Squadron. That’s not the only thing new. Since he last saw Leah, he’s learned a few things about himself. A female who outranks him still makes his teeth grind, but in the bedroom he craves the rush of pain inflicted by an adoring, powerful woman.
Their reunion is an explosive revelation. Leah is the beautiful mistress he’s been searching for, and she takes to her new role like a natural. But Leah’s aware one thing hasn’t changed. Loving him is still an all-or-nothing proposition. She’s not sure her reckless streak is wide enough to risk her career—and her heart.
Warning: This book contains a hot stud on his knees, a woman wielding a paddle, and filthy-gorgeous femdom sex. Also: dangerous rock climbing, two amazing motorcycles and some bad tequila.
This blurb came from the author’s website here.
I have been enjoying the journey provided by Katie Porter with their first two books in their Vegas Top Guns series. Each book provided a little more insight not only into the main characters for that book but the supporting cast as well. Leah and her behavior have been a definite presence throughout the series so far but it seemed as if she was getting more self-destructive. I was glad to see Leah working on straightening out her life outside of work towards the end of Inside Bet but I wasn’t sure how she was going to deal with the changes in her group of friends. Her best guy buddies have each found themselves a special person in their lives so now Leah is more of the third or fifth wheel. When I read the blurb for Hold “Em I wasn’t quite sure what I was going to think because it is rather hard to find BDSM stories featuring a Female Dom that don’t have a pushover for the hero. I was very glad to see when I came up for air after finishing Hold ‘Em that Michael didn’t have any familiarity with the words “pushover.” In addition to the growing relationship between Leah and Michael, Porter took a very careful balancing act between work, private life, and some of the dangers of a BDSM relationship while keeping the characters realistic in their thoughts, hopes and fears.
Porter took one of the tropes that I enjoy with the second chance at love. Leah and Michael had been involved before but neither was mature enough to make the relationship work. Leah needed something more in their sex life and respect for her goals to become a fighter pilot. Michael didn’t think much of women fighter pilots, not that they couldn’t do the job but that they shouldn’t. Women should be protected. He also didn’t know what he was missing in his sexual life. Their unfinished business was evident in their very first meeting when Leah was assigned as Michael’s sponsor. I think one of my favorite parts of this book was their very first date that wasn’t a date. The running commentary in Michael’s mind as he debated what to tell Leah, what to show her, and where to take their mutual sexual attraction complete with a flowchart based on her actions and responses was a hoot. I could almost see that chart or a variation on it popping up as they continued their relationship.
I really liked how Michael made it clear that he was only submissive and into pain when it involved sex nothing else. That kept him out of the complete “pushover” category for me. But at the same time that raised a concern of mine. Leah out-ranks Michael and she is his trainer for his new assignment. This meant professionally Michael was subordinate to her and she would be telling him what to do. I wasn’t sure they were going to be able to separate the fact that Leah was in charge between work and their private relationship. Without giving away any spoilers I really liked how they managed to work that out after a rocky beginning.
When I looked at both Leah and Michael from their original relationship to the maturity and growth of the characters at the end of Hold ‘Em it was amazing the changes that occurred. Most of Michael’s growth was off-screen prior to his assignment to the 64th Aggressor Squadron. In contrast Leah did most of her growing on-screen and I enjoyed watching her work and struggle at it. The one thing I found disconcerting is how initially Leah had mentally thought that she enjoyed being dominated yet she was able to hit all of the right notes when dominating Michael. While she did show moments of uncertainty it almost worked too well. I am glad that Porter included one of the dangers of BDSM relationships because it helped solidify that Leah wasn’t an experienced Dom and also showed just how much she had invested in her relationship with Michael. That event completely destroyed her foundation and the old Leah resurfaced. Luckily I did get a groveling scene but I think she should have groveled to her friends as well.
Despite the fact that I had a few quibbles I thoroughly enjoyed reading Hold ‘Em. The combination of the character growth, Michael’s self-awareness and patience, and the extremely smokin’ sex scenes made this my favorite of the series so far.
I give Hold ‘Em an A.
September 26, 2012
Slick's review posted on Guilty Pleasures
4.5 Stars
The writing duo that makes up the pen name Katie Porter has done it again. In their third book in the Vegas Top Gun series they’ve blown me away by presenting me with a very alpha male who just happens to be a submissive in the bedroom. Can you say, HOT? Wow, I was not expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did but I did and I’ll admit it’s got me thinking there might be some heavy duty experimenting going on soon. Hold ‘Em is the story of Captain Leah “Princess” Girardi who we’ve met in the previous two books and the newest member of 64th Squadron Mike “Strap Happy” Templeton.
I’ve been intrigued by Leah’s character from the first book. It was obvious something was missing in her life by her drunken actions and while we saw her start to come around in the second book, I always wondered if she’d fall again. It amazed me that she’d party like that then turn around and be the upstanding officer and pilot who amazed her co-workers with her strength and tenacity. From the minute the new guy walks in and we sense Leah’s discomfort, I had a feeling this book was going to be unlike any other.
Mike Templeton is the new guy to the squadron when he finds out his liaison is Leah Girardi it’s hard for him to not remember their past together. It’s been six years and while he enjoyed their time, he’s a different man now and he’s not sure if he’s willing to risk his career, his reputation, or his heart.
This is the first book I’ve read with a male sub, I’ve read some with switches but never one when the man submits fully in the bedroom. I found it to be captivating, pleasurable, stimulating, and I’ll admit I enjoyed the scenes very much. I’m such a lover of alpha men that I wasn’t sure how I’d accept this but I think that’s what makes this book so good. Mike is a total alpha out of the bedroom but he discovered that he doesn’t like to make the decisions in the bedroom and he enjoys pain with his pleasure. He had a femdom who taught him the ropes but he wanted more and she released him. He still wears the cuff she gave him because it represents who he is and what he needs. When he explains his needs and wants to Leah, she takes it very well and she had no problem grasping the role. It makes me think this was just part of the something missing from her life. The more time they spend together Michael is sure that Leah is perfect for him. Even Leah is starting to admit (to herself) what they have is nice even though she refuses to acknowledge their relationship publicly. However a mishap changes things and she retreats.
There is so much going on with this couple and they both have such conflicting feelings and views on life, love, and marriage and it makes for some very interesting reading. I love when people have an idea in their head of what a “perfect” marriage is and then realizing that their view was really messed up. It’s like that have that “ah-ha” moment and it shakes them to the core.
Leah and Michael have a lot of obstacles to overcome as they struggle towards their happily ever after. They work together, she outranks him, they have a non-traditional relationship, he struggles with women in power in their job (which fascinates me), she runs from complications in her personal life, and they both take things to extremes. It takes a wedding and a life threatening incident for them both to realize what they have is special.
This is an intriguing story that I guarantee will leave you thinking about BDSM in a new light. Hold ‘Em has it all; amazing characters, an interesting story line, melt your panties BDSM/sex scenes, and some adrenaline inducing action. I makes me want a “pet” of my very own, yes Ma’am!
***I feel it would be remiss to not mention that I do have an issue with Leah using “equipment” on Michael without any formal training. I don’t care how much you practice at home; responsible Doms should always seek out training before experimenting on their sub.
4.5 Stars
The writing duo that makes up the pen name Katie Porter has done it again. In their third book in the Vegas Top Gun series they’ve blown me away by presenting me with a very alpha male who just happens to be a submissive in the bedroom. Can you say, HOT? Wow, I was not expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did but I did and I’ll admit it’s got me thinking there might be some heavy duty experimenting going on soon. Hold ‘Em is the story of Captain Leah “Princess” Girardi who we’ve met in the previous two books and the newest member of 64th Squadron Mike “Strap Happy” Templeton.
I’ve been intrigued by Leah’s character from the first book. It was obvious something was missing in her life by her drunken actions and while we saw her start to come around in the second book, I always wondered if she’d fall again. It amazed me that she’d party like that then turn around and be the upstanding officer and pilot who amazed her co-workers with her strength and tenacity. From the minute the new guy walks in and we sense Leah’s discomfort, I had a feeling this book was going to be unlike any other.
Mike Templeton is the new guy to the squadron when he finds out his liaison is Leah Girardi it’s hard for him to not remember their past together. It’s been six years and while he enjoyed their time, he’s a different man now and he’s not sure if he’s willing to risk his career, his reputation, or his heart.
This is the first book I’ve read with a male sub, I’ve read some with switches but never one when the man submits fully in the bedroom. I found it to be captivating, pleasurable, stimulating, and I’ll admit I enjoyed the scenes very much. I’m such a lover of alpha men that I wasn’t sure how I’d accept this but I think that’s what makes this book so good. Mike is a total alpha out of the bedroom but he discovered that he doesn’t like to make the decisions in the bedroom and he enjoys pain with his pleasure. He had a femdom who taught him the ropes but he wanted more and she released him. He still wears the cuff she gave him because it represents who he is and what he needs. When he explains his needs and wants to Leah, she takes it very well and she had no problem grasping the role. It makes me think this was just part of the something missing from her life. The more time they spend together Michael is sure that Leah is perfect for him. Even Leah is starting to admit (to herself) what they have is nice even though she refuses to acknowledge their relationship publicly. However a mishap changes things and she retreats.
There is so much going on with this couple and they both have such conflicting feelings and views on life, love, and marriage and it makes for some very interesting reading. I love when people have an idea in their head of what a “perfect” marriage is and then realizing that their view was really messed up. It’s like that have that “ah-ha” moment and it shakes them to the core.
Leah and Michael have a lot of obstacles to overcome as they struggle towards their happily ever after. They work together, she outranks him, they have a non-traditional relationship, he struggles with women in power in their job (which fascinates me), she runs from complications in her personal life, and they both take things to extremes. It takes a wedding and a life threatening incident for them both to realize what they have is special.
This is an intriguing story that I guarantee will leave you thinking about BDSM in a new light. Hold ‘Em has it all; amazing characters, an interesting story line, melt your panties BDSM/sex scenes, and some adrenaline inducing action. I makes me want a “pet” of my very own, yes Ma’am!
***I feel it would be remiss to not mention that I do have an issue with Leah using “equipment” on Michael without any formal training. I don’t care how much you practice at home; responsible Doms should always seek out training before experimenting on their sub.
September 3, 2019
Leah was a hot mess in the previous two books so I was curious how she would be here. She’s a really striking character but I wish she’d been further developed. “I’m bored so I go out and get blindingly drunk” doesn’t strike me as a good enough rationale for her behavior. We never really learn what’s at the root of her boredom and restlessness. What was really interesting is how Mike’s desire to be a sub led to her realization that she likes to dominate. But he knows much more about BDSM than she does so the power balance doesn’t completely play out as a D/s relationship typically does.
I was rather nervous when Leah would use toys on Mike that she’d never practiced with or received training. That did not strike me as safe and it’s further contrasted when she takes a couple months to learn how to use a cane. (Although apparently not by someone teaching her. Surely the sex toy shop she bought it from offers demonstrations and could have been a resource to her.)
I really liked Leah and Mike together, even if they spent far too long resisting what their relationship was. But I struggled with Mike’s continued sexism throughout the story. I couldn’t understand how Leah could have stood to hook up with him all those years ago, much less get together with him now when he has such outdated views. I couldn’t understand how he could have flown and trained alongside women and still be such a Neanderthal this far into his career, regardless of his parents’ marital dynamics. We’re somehow supposed to think Mike’s okay, just because his sexism isn’t as overt as, say, Kisser. But Mike’s beliefs are more insidious and I was not okay with it. Leah deserved better and much sooner than Mike finally getting with the program.
In any case, this was an enjoyable read overall. Just not quite as good as the first two books, which is unfortunate because Domme Leah is something to behold.
CW: workplace sexism, misogyny
I was rather nervous when Leah would use toys on Mike that she’d never practiced with or received training. That did not strike me as safe and it’s further contrasted when she takes a couple months to learn how to use a cane. (Although apparently not by someone teaching her. Surely the sex toy shop she bought it from offers demonstrations and could have been a resource to her.)
I really liked Leah and Mike together, even if they spent far too long resisting what their relationship was. But I struggled with Mike’s continued sexism throughout the story. I couldn’t understand how Leah could have stood to hook up with him all those years ago, much less get together with him now when he has such outdated views. I couldn’t understand how he could have flown and trained alongside women and still be such a Neanderthal this far into his career, regardless of his parents’ marital dynamics. We’re somehow supposed to think Mike’s okay, just because his sexism isn’t as overt as, say, Kisser. But Mike’s beliefs are more insidious and I was not okay with it. Leah deserved better and much sooner than Mike finally getting with the program.
In any case, this was an enjoyable read overall. Just not quite as good as the first two books, which is unfortunate because Domme Leah is something to behold.
CW: workplace sexism, misogyny
November 4, 2017
I just finished reading this, and I was nearly in tears. Katie Porter (aka Carrie Lofty and Lorelie Brown) did an amazing job in Hold 'Em of revealing what one couple's living the BDSM lifestyle might look like, and Leah and Michael were just mind-blowing together.
"Princess" Leah Girardi is one smart, tough pilot--she comes from a family of racers and speed-demons and was determined from the start to make her own way in a field dominated by men. She's earned her wings by being one of the best of the best, no matter what any detractors might believe. Years ago, she and Mike "Strap Happy" Templeton had a brief fling that ended because neither was really what the other needed. Mike's come from a very conventional family and background, and while he acknowledges that Leah and other women are just as competent as men, there's a part of him that's bothered by that not fitting into his mental model of what life ought to look like--men do the fighting; women need to be protected.
When Mike gets transferred to Nellis to join the Aggressors, Leah's assigned to bring him up to speed. They both discover that in the intervening years, they've each grown in ways that really make them not only compatible, but combustible, in the best possible way.
In general, I haven't read many femdom stories, but this one completely rocked. I can see how this relationship really met both Leah and Michael's needs--they are clearly both really strong individuals, and the story really melted my heart in how it worked for them both so beautifully. Naturally the course of true love cannot run entirely smooth, and I was rooting for these two all the way.
More please, Ms. Porter!!
"Princess" Leah Girardi is one smart, tough pilot--she comes from a family of racers and speed-demons and was determined from the start to make her own way in a field dominated by men. She's earned her wings by being one of the best of the best, no matter what any detractors might believe. Years ago, she and Mike "Strap Happy" Templeton had a brief fling that ended because neither was really what the other needed. Mike's come from a very conventional family and background, and while he acknowledges that Leah and other women are just as competent as men, there's a part of him that's bothered by that not fitting into his mental model of what life ought to look like--men do the fighting; women need to be protected.
When Mike gets transferred to Nellis to join the Aggressors, Leah's assigned to bring him up to speed. They both discover that in the intervening years, they've each grown in ways that really make them not only compatible, but combustible, in the best possible way.
In general, I haven't read many femdom stories, but this one completely rocked. I can see how this relationship really met both Leah and Michael's needs--they are clearly both really strong individuals, and the story really melted my heart in how it worked for them both so beautifully. Naturally the course of true love cannot run entirely smooth, and I was rooting for these two all the way.
More please, Ms. Porter!!
May 31, 2014
This book really wasn't for me. I just don't do contemporary romances. I thought one with a femdom trope would be different, but yeah, though that was promised, it didn't quite work. There were bits that didn't fit or make sense, and even though she was 'on top' in the bedroom, he still needed to be 'a man.'
The whole entire misunderstanding at the end and the reason they get back together struck me as absolutely ridiculous as well.
Yeah, the ending dropped this rating to 2 stars when I was gonna rate it 3.
The whole entire misunderstanding at the end and the reason they get back together struck me as absolutely ridiculous as well.
Yeah, the ending dropped this rating to 2 stars when I was gonna rate it 3.
October 5, 2012
I am usually not a fan of Femdom, but holy hell... Great book!
June 21, 2018
First, I have to say that I read this book as a standalone. I did not want to read all the books in this series because they did not seem as interesting to me. Unfortunately, this ended up not being as good as I hoped. The fact that she was a woman in a mostly male environment could have been exploited way more and it would have probably helped with the fact that she was supposed to be scared to come out with their relationship. This way, it just felt like she was scared for no reason and it made me not like the heroine. Mike was so much better as a character. He was invested and he made it clear. I also felt like the BDSM part of the book wasn't very well made. I was definitely glad, that it was mild BDSM but I think Leah should have been introduced into it some other way. It just sounded like the sex before was boring between Leah and Mike and now when you add some pain into it all is good for her. Obviously, the submission is very hot but it did not feel very real and good in general.
June 25, 2023
I have nothing against straight couples but this one is so so so disgustingly heterosexual-male-female-bordeline-trad-straight that I just cant stomach.
One of this mmmc's personality trait is that he thinks women cant be in leading positions unless it personally benefits him in a sexual way. He is so annoying, petty and childish! And the way he speaks about women makes me uncomfortable...
The fmc is a pick me, not like other girls, cool-girl-monologue coded, annoying pest. Never had any experience with being a dominant but she just dosent care about studying and practicing, she's just gonna act like she has things under control for the appearance of it. She forgets about communicating with her sub. And to top it all off she SA's him...
The writing also is so corny and cringy in an unbearable way.
One of this mmmc's personality trait is that he thinks women cant be in leading positions unless it personally benefits him in a sexual way. He is so annoying, petty and childish! And the way he speaks about women makes me uncomfortable...
The fmc is a pick me, not like other girls, cool-girl-monologue coded, annoying pest. Never had any experience with being a dominant but she just dosent care about studying and practicing, she's just gonna act like she has things under control for the appearance of it. She forgets about communicating with her sub. And to top it all off she SA's him...
The writing also is so corny and cringy in an unbearable way.
April 11, 2023
Started so good but it went downhill fast. Leah was not prepared to be a Domme at all; it's not just topping and spanking your sub, it's meeting his emotional needs as well, and for such a strong woman, she was just a coward that annoyed the hell out of me. And all those misogynistic comments that came out throughout the story really rubbed me the wrong way, so I'm sorry, but this was just a disappointment.
August 22, 2017
Great contemporary kinky romance.
Read
July 25, 2021
Trigger & Content Warnings
Misogyny
Workplace sexual harassment
Misogyny
Workplace sexual harassment
February 27, 2023
Didn't live the Drama, but the talking and the Power Dynamic was very good
April 6, 2023
Mike, Michael, Strap Happy and Leah, Princess, ma’am. Hot, second chance, work place romance with female Dom, male submissive.
October 1, 2012
When I read my first Katie Porter story, I was blown away. But I was cautious as I started this book as I don't really like dominant women in a BDSM relationship. This one blew me away with how artfully it was written. It was sexy without being over the top. And I will tell you exactly why this worked for me in the review.
Captain "Princess" Leah Girardi has a need for speed, being an air force pilot fulfills that need. After drinking herself out of a welcome, she is now coming clean and drinking only Dr. Pepper. Gunning for a promotion, she doesn't need a man derailing her from her priorities. Now assigned to help a new recruit, she feels like her world is caving in.
Captain Mike "Strap Happy" Templeton and Leah had a relationship six years ago, but Mike has some pretty chauvinistic tendencies that forced Leah to move on with her career and her heart. Like his name, Strap Happy, Mike loves the strap, but not to use on a woman, but to be used on him. He has come to terms with his need for submission in the bedroom. But outside of it he is total Alpha male with a capital A! After six years, Mike has found his balance in knowing who he is and carries a calm demeanor.
The two come together in a steamy clash. Mike is still attracted to Leah, but still has mentality that woman have no place in battle, nor as a pilot fighter. The sparks fly as the two test each other out. While Mike would love to allow Leah to dominate him, he becomes aware she doesn't have any experience, but he is willing to guide her.
Mike trusts Leah and that is elemental to any BDSM relationship. He guides her without topping from the bottom. I was highly impressed that one of his limits was humiliation, which is what most Domme stories tend to lead the men into. You don't see Leah beat Mike to death. Everything is sensual and made for what he needed and pleasure. There was absolutely no humiliation in this relationship. While Leah dominates, she uses pain, teasing and rewards to bring about the submission that Mike needs. It helps that Leah finds being dominant in the bed room really turns her on and she recognizes Mike's submission as the gift it is.
The true conflict of the story is Leah not being prepared to give her heart and Mike coming to the realization that his parents marriage isn't what he wants or needs. He needs a partner in life and a Domme in the bedroom. For a long time Leah holds out on what she is feeling causing Mike a lot of pain. Mike holds onto his calm zen like personality, but you can feel his pain come through the pages.
Why does this FemDom work? Well Mike isn't always submissive. He is totally dominant outside of the bedroom. No one pushes him around and he takes what he wants. While he doesn't want to out that he is a submissive he wants to own the relationship he has with Leah, when Leah doesn't. The story works because Mike guides Leah into being the Dominant without topping from the bottom. He just blew my world! He is a masochist and comfortable in that knowledge. He just came in a total package of hotness that I wish more authors could write like. Most submissive men are written as weak and flamboyant. Not Mike, he is strong, resilient and comfortable in his own skin.
But I can't say I like Leah a lot. She just had a huge chip on her shoulder. I wanted more of a kick-ass female that didn't care what others thought. She is fighting alcoholism alone and doing a pretty good job. But it seems like she is just alone and felt that was all she deserved. I wanted to slap her and say look at Mike, he is everything you want and need, but if she had, would there have been a conflict in the story? Probably not.
Also, Leah's friends make several appearances. Tin Tin (Jon) is as ornery as ever, but also there to catch Leah when she needs it. Ryan throws in a surprise in the book that had me wanting to grab his story next! Now I can't wait to see who gets the next story and what woman/man will take these pilots down! Let's not forget there is flying, karaoke, rock climbing, gambling, and motorcycle racing down the strip.
This is a delightfully scorching hot book with an alpha male comfortable in his own skin and unwilling to just settle. A Domme in training learning that life doesn't always throw curve balls, but also sends the right man. Sexy, aggravating, sadistic, emotional, but best of all, Hold 'Em rocked my world!
Captain "Princess" Leah Girardi has a need for speed, being an air force pilot fulfills that need. After drinking herself out of a welcome, she is now coming clean and drinking only Dr. Pepper. Gunning for a promotion, she doesn't need a man derailing her from her priorities. Now assigned to help a new recruit, she feels like her world is caving in.
Captain Mike "Strap Happy" Templeton and Leah had a relationship six years ago, but Mike has some pretty chauvinistic tendencies that forced Leah to move on with her career and her heart. Like his name, Strap Happy, Mike loves the strap, but not to use on a woman, but to be used on him. He has come to terms with his need for submission in the bedroom. But outside of it he is total Alpha male with a capital A! After six years, Mike has found his balance in knowing who he is and carries a calm demeanor.
The two come together in a steamy clash. Mike is still attracted to Leah, but still has mentality that woman have no place in battle, nor as a pilot fighter. The sparks fly as the two test each other out. While Mike would love to allow Leah to dominate him, he becomes aware she doesn't have any experience, but he is willing to guide her.
Mike trusts Leah and that is elemental to any BDSM relationship. He guides her without topping from the bottom. I was highly impressed that one of his limits was humiliation, which is what most Domme stories tend to lead the men into. You don't see Leah beat Mike to death. Everything is sensual and made for what he needed and pleasure. There was absolutely no humiliation in this relationship. While Leah dominates, she uses pain, teasing and rewards to bring about the submission that Mike needs. It helps that Leah finds being dominant in the bed room really turns her on and she recognizes Mike's submission as the gift it is.
The true conflict of the story is Leah not being prepared to give her heart and Mike coming to the realization that his parents marriage isn't what he wants or needs. He needs a partner in life and a Domme in the bedroom. For a long time Leah holds out on what she is feeling causing Mike a lot of pain. Mike holds onto his calm zen like personality, but you can feel his pain come through the pages.
Why does this FemDom work? Well Mike isn't always submissive. He is totally dominant outside of the bedroom. No one pushes him around and he takes what he wants. While he doesn't want to out that he is a submissive he wants to own the relationship he has with Leah, when Leah doesn't. The story works because Mike guides Leah into being the Dominant without topping from the bottom. He just blew my world! He is a masochist and comfortable in that knowledge. He just came in a total package of hotness that I wish more authors could write like. Most submissive men are written as weak and flamboyant. Not Mike, he is strong, resilient and comfortable in his own skin.
But I can't say I like Leah a lot. She just had a huge chip on her shoulder. I wanted more of a kick-ass female that didn't care what others thought. She is fighting alcoholism alone and doing a pretty good job. But it seems like she is just alone and felt that was all she deserved. I wanted to slap her and say look at Mike, he is everything you want and need, but if she had, would there have been a conflict in the story? Probably not.
Also, Leah's friends make several appearances. Tin Tin (Jon) is as ornery as ever, but also there to catch Leah when she needs it. Ryan throws in a surprise in the book that had me wanting to grab his story next! Now I can't wait to see who gets the next story and what woman/man will take these pilots down! Let's not forget there is flying, karaoke, rock climbing, gambling, and motorcycle racing down the strip.
This is a delightfully scorching hot book with an alpha male comfortable in his own skin and unwilling to just settle. A Domme in training learning that life doesn't always throw curve balls, but also sends the right man. Sexy, aggravating, sadistic, emotional, but best of all, Hold 'Em rocked my world!
September 26, 2012
Reviewed on http://scorchingbookreviews.blogspot....
It’s time for Leah “Princess” Girardi’s book folks and it’s certainly a wild ride! After months of drinking hard, playing hard and fighting hard, Leah knows it’s time to focus on the job at hand. Now she’s on the wagon, she’s focused on a promotion in the flight squadron and her life is getting back on track. That is until the new recruit put under her care turns out to be Mike, an ex-boyfriend who had gotten under her skin.
Mike had followed Leah’s career and fully expected her to be there on his first day. He didn’t expect the Major to dump him in her care or under her tutelage. The sparks fly from the second they see each other again but a lot has changed for Mike since the last time they met. Mike has since discovered his true sexual desires, specifically the desire to submit to a woman he trusts. Leah is a woman that could be everything that he wants, if only she could be the one thing he needs. All the signals that he sends her way show that she has no experience in the field of BDSM, the only way to find out if she can Dominate him is to simply show her what that is. But when he comes to her wrists out, asking to be cuffed, what will she say?
Once they start their liaison, it seems that Leah has a taste for being in charge in the bedroom. But she is untrained and nervous about her role; can she really imagine this as a lifestyle role forever? Mike is looking for a permanent relationship and isn’t going to short-change himself this time; can he really convince Leah that they are worth a shot? And will he be able to trust his body into her care forever?
This book was a revelation for me. I loved the second one, but this one was far better. It dealt with something that I adore but rarely find done well; Fem-Dom. There are many books that portray the Domme as a ball-busting bitch and the male sub as a nervous man, as submissive in life as he is in the bedroom. This is not one of those books. These two were definitely bedroom BDSM practitioners only; outside Mike was definitely Alpha and Leah was a hot mess.
Leah was a liability in all the previous books. In this one she is trying to not be a hot-mess. When Mike turns up, she sees him as her downfall, a temptation that will undo all her months of hard work. I was over-joyed when he actually starts to cement the fragile foundations she has started to lay. You see, she isn’t allowed to play whilst under the influence which, with a man as hot as Mike, is motive enough to stay sober. She likes the idea of being of control of Mike in the bedroom, seems to be a natural, but she lacks the experience that is required. This book sees Mike effectively training her and I loved that she embraced the sparks between them with enough gusto to try.
Mike was AMAZING. A sub who is Alpha outside of the bedroom? Sign. Me. Up. The fact that he had enough respect for himself to want more than a part-time Dom, enough respect for his own body to call his safe-word when he feels he is danger and enough respect for his safety that he is able to advise his Domme without topping from the bottom? I LOVE THIS MAN. He was a strong man who chose to give up control in this one aspect of his life because he enjoyed it; it was as simple as that. I will warn you that the man has a masochistic streak a mile wide but most of the action takes place "off-page".
The whole gang were present in this book again and I loved seeing them (especially Tin Tin :D) It is a nice addition to a series and I can’t wait to see if the other men get a book too! I love the feel of this series, the complete abandonment of inhibitions as shown by the characters. It is one that I will continue to read and reread; I whole heartedly recommend this book and the one before it.
This is a scorching hot book with very sweet undertones. With a Domme in training who wants to get her life back on track and a submissive man who is unwilling to short-change himself, this is a story that amused me, upset me, infuriated me and turned me on. Can I have a Mike? I’d be willing to hone my caning skills :D
It’s time for Leah “Princess” Girardi’s book folks and it’s certainly a wild ride! After months of drinking hard, playing hard and fighting hard, Leah knows it’s time to focus on the job at hand. Now she’s on the wagon, she’s focused on a promotion in the flight squadron and her life is getting back on track. That is until the new recruit put under her care turns out to be Mike, an ex-boyfriend who had gotten under her skin.
Mike had followed Leah’s career and fully expected her to be there on his first day. He didn’t expect the Major to dump him in her care or under her tutelage. The sparks fly from the second they see each other again but a lot has changed for Mike since the last time they met. Mike has since discovered his true sexual desires, specifically the desire to submit to a woman he trusts. Leah is a woman that could be everything that he wants, if only she could be the one thing he needs. All the signals that he sends her way show that she has no experience in the field of BDSM, the only way to find out if she can Dominate him is to simply show her what that is. But when he comes to her wrists out, asking to be cuffed, what will she say?
Once they start their liaison, it seems that Leah has a taste for being in charge in the bedroom. But she is untrained and nervous about her role; can she really imagine this as a lifestyle role forever? Mike is looking for a permanent relationship and isn’t going to short-change himself this time; can he really convince Leah that they are worth a shot? And will he be able to trust his body into her care forever?
This book was a revelation for me. I loved the second one, but this one was far better. It dealt with something that I adore but rarely find done well; Fem-Dom. There are many books that portray the Domme as a ball-busting bitch and the male sub as a nervous man, as submissive in life as he is in the bedroom. This is not one of those books. These two were definitely bedroom BDSM practitioners only; outside Mike was definitely Alpha and Leah was a hot mess.
Leah was a liability in all the previous books. In this one she is trying to not be a hot-mess. When Mike turns up, she sees him as her downfall, a temptation that will undo all her months of hard work. I was over-joyed when he actually starts to cement the fragile foundations she has started to lay. You see, she isn’t allowed to play whilst under the influence which, with a man as hot as Mike, is motive enough to stay sober. She likes the idea of being of control of Mike in the bedroom, seems to be a natural, but she lacks the experience that is required. This book sees Mike effectively training her and I loved that she embraced the sparks between them with enough gusto to try.
Mike was AMAZING. A sub who is Alpha outside of the bedroom? Sign. Me. Up. The fact that he had enough respect for himself to want more than a part-time Dom, enough respect for his own body to call his safe-word when he feels he is danger and enough respect for his safety that he is able to advise his Domme without topping from the bottom? I LOVE THIS MAN. He was a strong man who chose to give up control in this one aspect of his life because he enjoyed it; it was as simple as that. I will warn you that the man has a masochistic streak a mile wide but most of the action takes place "off-page".
The whole gang were present in this book again and I loved seeing them (especially Tin Tin :D) It is a nice addition to a series and I can’t wait to see if the other men get a book too! I love the feel of this series, the complete abandonment of inhibitions as shown by the characters. It is one that I will continue to read and reread; I whole heartedly recommend this book and the one before it.
This is a scorching hot book with very sweet undertones. With a Domme in training who wants to get her life back on track and a submissive man who is unwilling to short-change himself, this is a story that amused me, upset me, infuriated me and turned me on. Can I have a Mike? I’d be willing to hone my caning skills :D
October 6, 2012
I'm writing this review for a reason. Hold 'Em is different in a big way to the erotica I have read before.
The Vegas Top Guns is a series set around the Air Force base outside Las Vegas. Specifically the 64th Aggressor Squadron, who train to fly like enemy combatant to teach other pilots from around the world how to fly better. The couple all have a different kind of kink. Double Down, has Cassie and Ryan who like to role-play, Inside Bet, has Heather and Jon, who are just into the kink - there's nothing specific and the kink part of it is mostly about Heather realising that her desires are okay.
Which brings me to Hold 'Em. The kink between Mike and Leah in Hold 'Em is BDSM. Now I'm sure you're thinking that I exaggerated when I said this way different, I wasn't. I've read enough BDSM books to know that the lighter stuff is kind of hot, but this is something different, the dominant in Hold 'Em is Leah. The only time I've gotten close to this has been books where the heroine acts like a domme, but really just needs the alphaness of the hero to help her realise she needs to submit and, Taming the Fire which has Ulrika actually being the dominant. But while I love the ACRO series, Taming the Fire included it's not a BDSM book and that's just how Ulrika deals with her beast (she's a werewolf) need for inflicting pain.
Mike is alpha. He's all alpha and he's completely at ease with his need to submit to a dominant woman. The sex is hot and I got the connection between them as well as just the excitement of finding a like-minded person. Leah is totally conscious of the responsibility of being the dom and during their "scenes" how much trust Mike is putting in her hands. Mike is in no way belittled outside the bedroom and he is still absolutely a hard-ass. With an eight-pack since Leah and Mike broke up.
We see the resolution of Leah's partying self-destruction, aided but not caused by Mike which I liked, I hate when characters change because someone else wants them too and not because they realised they needed to. Mike comes to grips in a nice way with his issues to do with gender roles and his parents marriage, aided by the view of his brother's happy marriage, where his sister-in-law works and they both do house work when they get home.
Seriously this is a good book and the aspect of Leah being the dom and Mike the submissive has only one issue for me, that is Leah is totally inexperienced with being a dom and Mike trusts her to spank him and use toys almost straight of the bat, it doesn't seem very safety conscious. Also they don't really seem to have a line because Leah uses her dom-ness to boss Mike around outside of sexual situations in a way that makes me want Mike to say no not here and would absolutely annoy the crap out of me in a male dom/female sub BDSM book. The other thing is that there's absolutely no issues between them due to their past relationship, no baggage brought into the relationship and that doesn't feel realistic.
The next book Hard Way, will be out sometime next April according to the author's website, about Dash and Sunny, who are married. I'll be reading it.
The Vegas Top Guns is a series set around the Air Force base outside Las Vegas. Specifically the 64th Aggressor Squadron, who train to fly like enemy combatant to teach other pilots from around the world how to fly better. The couple all have a different kind of kink. Double Down, has Cassie and Ryan who like to role-play, Inside Bet, has Heather and Jon, who are just into the kink - there's nothing specific and the kink part of it is mostly about Heather realising that her desires are okay.
Which brings me to Hold 'Em. The kink between Mike and Leah in Hold 'Em is BDSM. Now I'm sure you're thinking that I exaggerated when I said this way different, I wasn't. I've read enough BDSM books to know that the lighter stuff is kind of hot, but this is something different, the dominant in Hold 'Em is Leah. The only time I've gotten close to this has been books where the heroine acts like a domme, but really just needs the alphaness of the hero to help her realise she needs to submit and, Taming the Fire which has Ulrika actually being the dominant. But while I love the ACRO series, Taming the Fire included it's not a BDSM book and that's just how Ulrika deals with her beast (she's a werewolf) need for inflicting pain.
Mike is alpha. He's all alpha and he's completely at ease with his need to submit to a dominant woman. The sex is hot and I got the connection between them as well as just the excitement of finding a like-minded person. Leah is totally conscious of the responsibility of being the dom and during their "scenes" how much trust Mike is putting in her hands. Mike is in no way belittled outside the bedroom and he is still absolutely a hard-ass. With an eight-pack since Leah and Mike broke up.
We see the resolution of Leah's partying self-destruction, aided but not caused by Mike which I liked, I hate when characters change because someone else wants them too and not because they realised they needed to. Mike comes to grips in a nice way with his issues to do with gender roles and his parents marriage, aided by the view of his brother's happy marriage, where his sister-in-law works and they both do house work when they get home.
Seriously this is a good book and the aspect of Leah being the dom and Mike the submissive has only one issue for me, that is Leah is totally inexperienced with being a dom and Mike trusts her to spank him and use toys almost straight of the bat, it doesn't seem very safety conscious. Also they don't really seem to have a line because Leah uses her dom-ness to boss Mike around outside of sexual situations in a way that makes me want Mike to say no not here and would absolutely annoy the crap out of me in a male dom/female sub BDSM book. The other thing is that there's absolutely no issues between them due to their past relationship, no baggage brought into the relationship and that doesn't feel realistic.
The next book Hard Way, will be out sometime next April according to the author's website, about Dash and Sunny, who are married. I'll be reading it.
October 4, 2012
Recently someone asked me who I’d recommend in the erotic romance category and the name Katie Porter instantly came to mind. It’s funny that a few weeks ago I was unaware of the awesomeness that is the writing team of Carrie Lofty and Lorelie Brown. Now that I have read books 2 and 3 of their Vegas Top Gun Series, I can fully gush and recommend them to everyone who asks. Book 2, Inside Bet gave readers a high stakes game of dares that resulted in some of the most erotic and kinky scenes I’d read. Now we have Hold Em where the heroine is a Dom and the hero…he’s the sub. A gorgeous, cocky sub in the bedroom and a full on alpha out of it. There are few books I’ve read where a female Dom has captured my interest as much as “Princess” Leah. Her craving for power in the bedroom rivaled her ambitious nature in the air. As one of very few female fighter pilots, Leah learned early on that she had to be the best at what she does or the men would eat her alive. She has prided herself on her rise through the ranks but her tightly leashed work persona craves release which comes at the bottle of a bottle. On off nights she goes just a bit crazy, starts fights and gets stinking drunk, which results in her best friends, Ryan and Jon (also fighter pilots) coming to her rescue quite often.
Mike, a blast from Leah’s past, shows up as the new guy in their elite pilot squadron. Though they briefly had a fling awhile back it fizzled quickly because while the sex was decent, it wasn’t what either of them wanted. Later Mike learned what he really craved…submission. At this point in the book I may have whimpered a little. Cuz, well….he’s so big and bad…and he wants Leah to flog him. Holy Hell, I knew I was done for. Leah of course steps up to the challenge and in doing so learns what she craves as well. Dominance. Being what Mike needs requires Leah to give up her vice of drinking in order to hide the pain of her past. Which for a while works until she makes a mistake in the bedroom that sends her scrambling back to the safety of drunk oblivion. Having to also mentor him in his training at work makes more some uncomfortable boundaries for both of them.
So if you know me you know I’m a total uniform whore, which meant I instantly loved Mike. Even if his thought process on female fighter pilots pissed me off. Mike’s cocky attitude and quirky personality meshed well with his alter ego submissive to make one hot hunk of a man. But most of all the story line kept me coming back for more. There was a deep emotional attachment for these two characters that I understood. To often I find myself dismayed at the lack of a story line in a full length erotic novel but this entire series has heartfelt story line mixed expertly with smexy scenes that will stoke your fire. Past characters all make appearances in this one and their involvement in Leah’s life was one of brotherly love. Jon and Ryan obviously care for her deeply, something that can only come after years of working together in the air and on the ground. Along with their girlfriend that made up the only family Leah has and Matt’s slight jealousy at that was endearing.
Great book, wonderful writing and hot goodness all around…you need to read Hold Em!
I give Hold Em by Katie Porter 4.50 stars!
Mike, a blast from Leah’s past, shows up as the new guy in their elite pilot squadron. Though they briefly had a fling awhile back it fizzled quickly because while the sex was decent, it wasn’t what either of them wanted. Later Mike learned what he really craved…submission. At this point in the book I may have whimpered a little. Cuz, well….he’s so big and bad…and he wants Leah to flog him. Holy Hell, I knew I was done for. Leah of course steps up to the challenge and in doing so learns what she craves as well. Dominance. Being what Mike needs requires Leah to give up her vice of drinking in order to hide the pain of her past. Which for a while works until she makes a mistake in the bedroom that sends her scrambling back to the safety of drunk oblivion. Having to also mentor him in his training at work makes more some uncomfortable boundaries for both of them.
So if you know me you know I’m a total uniform whore, which meant I instantly loved Mike. Even if his thought process on female fighter pilots pissed me off. Mike’s cocky attitude and quirky personality meshed well with his alter ego submissive to make one hot hunk of a man. But most of all the story line kept me coming back for more. There was a deep emotional attachment for these two characters that I understood. To often I find myself dismayed at the lack of a story line in a full length erotic novel but this entire series has heartfelt story line mixed expertly with smexy scenes that will stoke your fire. Past characters all make appearances in this one and their involvement in Leah’s life was one of brotherly love. Jon and Ryan obviously care for her deeply, something that can only come after years of working together in the air and on the ground. Along with their girlfriend that made up the only family Leah has and Matt’s slight jealousy at that was endearing.
Great book, wonderful writing and hot goodness all around…you need to read Hold Em!
I give Hold Em by Katie Porter 4.50 stars!
September 4, 2018
LOL nope. Shenanigans, shenanigans, shenanigans.
Our heroine sure doesn’t act like a military officer driven by sheer excellence and determination to the heights of a casually misogynistic boys’-club profession. Meanwhile, Hero sure doesn’t act like a grown adult. He comes off more like a smirking 14-year old-with a boner, a whole bunch of insecurities, and possibly a verybright dark future on r/MRA. Needless to say, it’s not cute.
At page 11 I noted I would “grimly slog onward.”
I only made it 20 more pages:
Oh yeah, for whatever reason this is blurbed as F/m, but of course H is the worst kind of “sub”— ie, deliberately tries to goad heroine because “haughty” and angry from a female authority figure makes his thingy tingle; also, is a chauvinist.
Of course our intelligent and self-assured heroine stupidly and stubbornly won’t hear it— no way is he a sub or into the kinki, nope no way, because a) this tripe apparently has to be stretched at all costs, from the get go, and b) back when they dated he never fucked her hard enough. Yeah. It’s one of those. Aha ha ha no.
DNF at 10%.
Zero stars.
Our heroine sure doesn’t act like a military officer driven by sheer excellence and determination to the heights of a casually misogynistic boys’-club profession. Meanwhile, Hero sure doesn’t act like a grown adult. He comes off more like a smirking 14-year old-with a boner, a whole bunch of insecurities, and possibly a very
At page 11 I noted I would “grimly slog onward.”
I only made it 20 more pages:
Holy fuckin shit, this book is SO BAD. These characters act like horny middle-schoolers who think their crude pull-your-pigtails flirting is subtle and mature. They're military but have no self control whatsoever, and despite the narration h doesn't seem to give much of a shit about her means-everything-to-me career, since she's apparently willing to shine it for a why-not fuck with a guy she already dumped once, and who disrespected her skills, experience, and hard-earned rank just hours earlier— and she's doing such a thing literally minutes after reflecting that doing any such thing could well kill said career, simply because… cockteasing is fun? Or something? SOUNDS LEGIT.
Oh yeah, for whatever reason this is blurbed as F/m, but of course H is the worst kind of “sub”— ie, deliberately tries to goad heroine because “haughty” and angry from a female authority figure makes his thingy tingle; also, is a chauvinist.
Of course our intelligent and self-assured heroine stupidly and stubbornly won’t hear it— no way is he a sub or into the kinki, nope no way, because a) this tripe apparently has to be stretched at all costs, from the get go, and b) back when they dated he never fucked her hard enough. Yeah. It’s one of those. Aha ha ha no.
DNF at 10%.
Zero stars.
February 25, 2013
The best of the series, exceptionally well written and hot! 6 stars!
I have to thank the authors for many things about this book, first of course is that although this book is connected to the two other books (Double Down, Inside Bet) which built up this story, these are STANDALONE stories, no need to buy a bunch of other books or wait for some concluding book to come out after 12 months because the last book ended in a cliffhanger. Thank you, thank you and did I mention....thank you! To me this is a mark of a thoughtful writer, in this case two, and someone who is writing for the same pleasure that I will read the book with, no commercial tricks to hinder the process of enjoying a story. Getting off the soap-box now. A few other things to thank these authors for....although the book explores the idea of BDSM with a male sub, the story rings true, as opposed to some other writers in the BDSM romance genre who create these godawful female characters who really haven't developed into their own character, we as readers are just supposed to believe that they came out of the womb waving canes and floggers and such, inflicting pain on every man they come across for some kind of dom-space endorphins, gag! I haven't finished reading this book but am so absolutely pleased to read a good book, finally, that I have stopped to write this review and add to the other good reviews for this book. Also, thank you for making this a book about romance, not the forced-action-packed-suspense-driven-overworked-theme a lot of romance writers settle for (thus forcing us, the readers to settle too). Now the most important thank you...thank you for Michael, a male lead that will remain with me for long after I have read this book. What an amazing hero to read about...he made everyone else in the book look good ( including characters from the previous books) especially Leah! Now she is a bad-ass woman (without the filthy mouth and bloodthirst of other badass heroines) but her struggle is apparent from the beginning of the book, but you know while you read that she's gotta be one hell of a well balanced person to be in the military as a fighter pilot who trains other fighter pilots. I cannot express more emphatically how much I like this book and would recommend it to anyone who loves romance!
I have to thank the authors for many things about this book, first of course is that although this book is connected to the two other books (Double Down, Inside Bet) which built up this story, these are STANDALONE stories, no need to buy a bunch of other books or wait for some concluding book to come out after 12 months because the last book ended in a cliffhanger. Thank you, thank you and did I mention....thank you! To me this is a mark of a thoughtful writer, in this case two, and someone who is writing for the same pleasure that I will read the book with, no commercial tricks to hinder the process of enjoying a story. Getting off the soap-box now. A few other things to thank these authors for....although the book explores the idea of BDSM with a male sub, the story rings true, as opposed to some other writers in the BDSM romance genre who create these godawful female characters who really haven't developed into their own character, we as readers are just supposed to believe that they came out of the womb waving canes and floggers and such, inflicting pain on every man they come across for some kind of dom-space endorphins, gag! I haven't finished reading this book but am so absolutely pleased to read a good book, finally, that I have stopped to write this review and add to the other good reviews for this book. Also, thank you for making this a book about romance, not the forced-action-packed-suspense-driven-overworked-theme a lot of romance writers settle for (thus forcing us, the readers to settle too). Now the most important thank you...thank you for Michael, a male lead that will remain with me for long after I have read this book. What an amazing hero to read about...he made everyone else in the book look good ( including characters from the previous books) especially Leah! Now she is a bad-ass woman (without the filthy mouth and bloodthirst of other badass heroines) but her struggle is apparent from the beginning of the book, but you know while you read that she's gotta be one hell of a well balanced person to be in the military as a fighter pilot who trains other fighter pilots. I cannot express more emphatically how much I like this book and would recommend it to anyone who loves romance!
September 22, 2012
Katie Porter succeeds again in giving us a hot, hot, hot read. Instead of featuring a flyboy though, we read about our favorite fly girl Leah. Leah's had serious problems lately. She's been out of control with some serious drinking, bar fights, and behavior that could easily get her cute butt charged with conduct unbecoming. After a come-to-Jesus fight with her two best buds Ryan and Jon, she cleans up her act. Instead of devouring alcoholic drinks, she's pounding soda. That's the good news. The bad news is that because Ryan and Jon are busy with their two lovely ladies, she is bored, bored, bored! And a bored Leah is like a ticking time bomb.
Next thing Leah knows, a past lover shows up as the newest edition to the squadron. Captain Michael Templeton. What starts out as a friendly out on the strip between two former lovers ends up in Leah's discovery of Michael's secret. He's submissive, and he would very much like Leah to be in charge of tying him up, spanking his nicely toned ass, and riding him like a cowgirl on a mission.
After a couple of months their relationship ends up being Leah's dirty secret around work, when Michael would very much like it to be an open relationship with the potential of lasting for a very long time. And if that wasn't enough strain between the two lovers, an accident happens during their play that makes Leah's head spin and scares her in the wrong direction.
Although I've never read a book featuring a D/s relationship where the man is submissive (because I did not think it would be my cup of tea) I enjoyed this book. Leah may have problems, but she's a kickass chick. Michael is a giant teddy bear with some very tempting muscles to pet. The first book in this series is still my fav, but I'm looking forward to seeing book four! Four wine glass salute to Leah and Ryan. Enjoy you naughty readers!
Read this review and more at Reading Between the Wines Book Club.
http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub...
Next thing Leah knows, a past lover shows up as the newest edition to the squadron. Captain Michael Templeton. What starts out as a friendly out on the strip between two former lovers ends up in Leah's discovery of Michael's secret. He's submissive, and he would very much like Leah to be in charge of tying him up, spanking his nicely toned ass, and riding him like a cowgirl on a mission.
After a couple of months their relationship ends up being Leah's dirty secret around work, when Michael would very much like it to be an open relationship with the potential of lasting for a very long time. And if that wasn't enough strain between the two lovers, an accident happens during their play that makes Leah's head spin and scares her in the wrong direction.
Although I've never read a book featuring a D/s relationship where the man is submissive (because I did not think it would be my cup of tea) I enjoyed this book. Leah may have problems, but she's a kickass chick. Michael is a giant teddy bear with some very tempting muscles to pet. The first book in this series is still my fav, but I'm looking forward to seeing book four! Four wine glass salute to Leah and Ryan. Enjoy you naughty readers!
Read this review and more at Reading Between the Wines Book Club.
http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub...
August 16, 2013
This was a refreshing break from the gazillionaire-exec-hooks-up-with-an-intern storyline that has flooded the BDSM erotic romance market since FSOG. I enjoyed getting to know characters in a more believable scenario.
Mike and Leah are both seasoned Air Force fighter pilots. Six years ago, they had a three-month fling that fizzled out. They liked each other, but they just didn't mesh well in the bedroom. Since going their separate ways, ambitious Leah has risen to the rank of captain. Every day is a fight to prove herself in the testosterone-drenched world of the 64th Aggressor Squadron. When Mike, fresh off of four tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, is assigned to the 64th, Leah dreads meeting him again. He's even hotter than he was six years ago, but memories of their lackluster sexual chemistry make her hesitant to rekindle the romance.
But Mike hasn't spent the last six years gaining proficiency only in the cockpit. He's come into his own sexually, having discovered and embraced his submissive preferences. Finally, he goads Leah into giving dominance a try, and she uncovers a part of herself she never knew existed.
Hold 'Em is the third novel of the Vegas Topguns series. This is the first of these books that I've read, and it works well as a stand alone. The overall plot didn't dazzle (It was fine, but there aren't any blindsiding plot twists, either), but the characters are so well developed, they made up for any deficiency in the story. It was honestly so nice to read about two fully functional adults with solid careers and lives of their own coming together as partners because they CHOOSE to be together, not because they have to. The romance developed at a believable pace. The obstacles they have to overcome are their own hangups, not gross disparities in wealth and position. I enjoyed this one very much, and will definitely be reading the rest of the series.
Mike and Leah are both seasoned Air Force fighter pilots. Six years ago, they had a three-month fling that fizzled out. They liked each other, but they just didn't mesh well in the bedroom. Since going their separate ways, ambitious Leah has risen to the rank of captain. Every day is a fight to prove herself in the testosterone-drenched world of the 64th Aggressor Squadron. When Mike, fresh off of four tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, is assigned to the 64th, Leah dreads meeting him again. He's even hotter than he was six years ago, but memories of their lackluster sexual chemistry make her hesitant to rekindle the romance.
But Mike hasn't spent the last six years gaining proficiency only in the cockpit. He's come into his own sexually, having discovered and embraced his submissive preferences. Finally, he goads Leah into giving dominance a try, and she uncovers a part of herself she never knew existed.
Hold 'Em is the third novel of the Vegas Topguns series. This is the first of these books that I've read, and it works well as a stand alone. The overall plot didn't dazzle (It was fine, but there aren't any blindsiding plot twists, either), but the characters are so well developed, they made up for any deficiency in the story. It was honestly so nice to read about two fully functional adults with solid careers and lives of their own coming together as partners because they CHOOSE to be together, not because they have to. The romance developed at a believable pace. The obstacles they have to overcome are their own hangups, not gross disparities in wealth and position. I enjoyed this one very much, and will definitely be reading the rest of the series.
June 23, 2017
The h was a self absorbed coward ,that is constantly wanted to smack ...
I loved Micheal, but Leah was a self absorbed coward, I constantly wanted to smack,made me sick,Micheal deserved a better Domme and a better woman than her...
Leah should have been an Olympic runner more than a pilot,if running for herself,her feelings and others was honestly what she was best at...
If your going to that emotionally unavailable,you don't need to be a Domme , it's a symbiotic relationship,both are to serve each other in different ways, but in order to do that you have to have ,clear, open and Honest communication,and hiding your feelings as you constantly from yourself and your sub. Will only hurt you both....
I get she had issues, ok, we ALL do but hers and her selfish stubborn cowardice were drug out to the very very end of the book ! The last part of the LAST chapter to be exact ... BS!!!
Being there for your sub., mentally and emotionally is just as important as swinging that cane or flogger or paddle safely , if you want to play run and hide games like lil miss precious pants here , you don't need to be a domme and if you are ? Then maybe,just maybe a professional one where distance is more expected ... but I'm sick and tired or being told a woman is strong only to watch her be an emotional coward thinking strong means to keep most everyone at a distance and lean only in herself..
That's BOT STRONG, that's foolish we all need others , no one is an island...
No, Leah was a stupid idiot , who needed some sense spanked into her, and even though I don't like books with female sub.s mid have loved to see it...
I woul have like it a 100% if her getting a clue wasn't dragged out to the last possible moment almost ,50-50% maybe then the rest letting us see them work of the dynamic's of being a proper D/s couple...
As it is ,I can't wait to go delete this ...
I loved Micheal, but Leah was a self absorbed coward, I constantly wanted to smack,made me sick,Micheal deserved a better Domme and a better woman than her...
Leah should have been an Olympic runner more than a pilot,if running for herself,her feelings and others was honestly what she was best at...
If your going to that emotionally unavailable,you don't need to be a Domme , it's a symbiotic relationship,both are to serve each other in different ways, but in order to do that you have to have ,clear, open and Honest communication,and hiding your feelings as you constantly from yourself and your sub. Will only hurt you both....
I get she had issues, ok, we ALL do but hers and her selfish stubborn cowardice were drug out to the very very end of the book ! The last part of the LAST chapter to be exact ... BS!!!
Being there for your sub., mentally and emotionally is just as important as swinging that cane or flogger or paddle safely , if you want to play run and hide games like lil miss precious pants here , you don't need to be a domme and if you are ? Then maybe,just maybe a professional one where distance is more expected ... but I'm sick and tired or being told a woman is strong only to watch her be an emotional coward thinking strong means to keep most everyone at a distance and lean only in herself..
That's BOT STRONG, that's foolish we all need others , no one is an island...
No, Leah was a stupid idiot , who needed some sense spanked into her, and even though I don't like books with female sub.s mid have loved to see it...
I woul have like it a 100% if her getting a clue wasn't dragged out to the last possible moment almost ,50-50% maybe then the rest letting us see them work of the dynamic's of being a proper D/s couple...
As it is ,I can't wait to go delete this ...
September 26, 2012
I really liked this book. The connection between Leah and Mike was intense and made for a great read! I loved Leah's character in the previous books and was really looking forward to this one. I wasn't disappointed. Though this isn't my particular brand of kink, it was particularly well-written. Mike and Leah's story explains the femdom relationship dynamic in an easy but not overly simplified way. It was not my favorite book in the series, but not really through any flaws in the book itself, just my preference as a reader.
I was slightly disappointed in the "break up" scene, likely because it seemed to real- not quite as dramatic - as I was hoping for. I wanted that to be the moment they broke through and realized what each other really needed. In fact, that was my biggest frustration with the entire story: Mike was interested in finding out what made Leah tick and what see needed from him, but they never really seemed to get there, even in the end. One final but minor complaint, I didn't understand why there wasn't more communication between them regarding the BDSM aspect. Mike seemed all about safe play, and Leah researched online, but neither really seemed to communicate their knowledge, expectations, etc. regarding the kink. Of course, that would have written out the break up, requiring some other dramatic come-to-Jesus moment, but it also seems the more responsible and true-to-the-lifestyle plot line. That said, this version is probably more realistic, with a couple engaging in BDSM without really following the rules and engaging the community but rather trying to figure it out on their own. Still, with Mike's character at least familiar with the BDSM community, I expected a bit more engagement from him in teaching Leah how to be a dom.
I was slightly disappointed in the "break up" scene, likely because it seemed to real- not quite as dramatic - as I was hoping for. I wanted that to be the moment they broke through and realized what each other really needed. In fact, that was my biggest frustration with the entire story: Mike was interested in finding out what made Leah tick and what see needed from him, but they never really seemed to get there, even in the end. One final but minor complaint, I didn't understand why there wasn't more communication between them regarding the BDSM aspect. Mike seemed all about safe play, and Leah researched online, but neither really seemed to communicate their knowledge, expectations, etc. regarding the kink. Of course, that would have written out the break up, requiring some other dramatic come-to-Jesus moment, but it also seems the more responsible and true-to-the-lifestyle plot line. That said, this version is probably more realistic, with a couple engaging in BDSM without really following the rules and engaging the community but rather trying to figure it out on their own. Still, with Mike's character at least familiar with the BDSM community, I expected a bit more engagement from him in teaching Leah how to be a dom.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2012
I've enjoyed all the heroes and heroines in this series, but my absolute favorite has to be Leah and Mike. The teasing banter, the hotter-than-hell looks, the sexual innuendos all mounted up to an explosive union. Though Mike has three years of experience in kink over Leah, she doesn't let that deter her from what she wants. Her determined personality shows through in the sex, yet even as a top, Leah wasn't intimidating. The best part of the book for me was Mike. His sense of humor and gentle guidance, even as he played the bottom, showed just how perfect he and Leah work as a couple. The romance in this one really shined through.
HOLD 'EM is the best of the series! Exploring femdom sex, Katie Porter leashes reader's by the neck and keeps them riveted from page one. A must- read if you're an erotic romance fan!
Read this review in its entirety at Fresh Fiction
HOLD 'EM is the best of the series! Exploring femdom sex, Katie Porter leashes reader's by the neck and keeps them riveted from page one. A must- read if you're an erotic romance fan!
Read this review in its entirety at Fresh Fiction
October 21, 2013
Hold 'Em is Katie Porter's third book in her Vegas Top Guns series. Each book can be read as a stand alone book.
In Hold 'Em, Captain Leah Girardi reunites with an ex-boyfriend when he is assigned to her squadron. Mike and Leah had a brief relationship six years ago but he couldn't deal with her professional drive. Six years later they have both changed a lot, with her now being a Captain and him being a submissive in the bedroom.
This is the first book I have ever read with a male submissive and I must say I absolutely loved it. I enjoyed Katie Porter's writing style and thought the story line was extremely interesting. I enjoyed that even though they had a past relationship, their new relationship developed at a normal slow pace. Definitely recommend.
I received a copy through Goodreads First Reads.
In Hold 'Em, Captain Leah Girardi reunites with an ex-boyfriend when he is assigned to her squadron. Mike and Leah had a brief relationship six years ago but he couldn't deal with her professional drive. Six years later they have both changed a lot, with her now being a Captain and him being a submissive in the bedroom.
This is the first book I have ever read with a male submissive and I must say I absolutely loved it. I enjoyed Katie Porter's writing style and thought the story line was extremely interesting. I enjoyed that even though they had a past relationship, their new relationship developed at a normal slow pace. Definitely recommend.
I received a copy through Goodreads First Reads.
March 28, 2013
3.5 stars - I needed to read this book because of Ryan and Jon's stories, you needed to know what happens with Leah, the problem is, Leah isn't all that likeable. Now, Mike, he is very nice guy and it is easy to get inside his head and why he act and does what he does. He is only a sub in sexual situations, and even then, he performs oh so well. He fits with Leah, but I never did quite get why Leah was the way she was or her reasons behind all her actions. The break-up didn't make any sense to me, too much was skipped, so while I liked the book, I didn't feel a connection to the characters - I was upset in the previous two books when the couples ran into trouble but not here
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