The Reluctant Dom

By: Tymber Dalton

Narrated by: Pepper Laramie

Length: 12 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's Summary

Love hurts...if you're lucky.

Kaden's dying, but before he goes he has one problem to solve - he must ask his oldest and dearest friend, Seth, to take over as Dom and Master to his beloved wife, Leah.

Seth has always seen himself as the perpetual screwup and Kaden as the strong and steady one, so his friend's request rocks his world. He also knows there's no way he can refuse Kaden this.

Now Seth finds himself immersed in a role he's far from comfortable with - inflicting physical pain to provide emotional comfort to the woman he's secretly loved for years.

Can he deal with his crushing grief over the impending loss of his oldest friend and still learn the skills he must master in time to become The Reluctant Dom?

Note: This book was previously published with another publisher.

This book is part of the "Suncoast Society" series, which also includes the following books:

• Domme by Default
• The Denim Dom
• Safe Harbor
• Cardinal's Rule
• Pinch Me
• Broken Toy
• A Clean Sweep

©2012 Siren-BookStrand (P)2014 Tymber Dalton

MY #1 FAVORITE EROTICA BOOK

This book is so much more than the title or cover makes it seem! I have read & listened to it about 5 times and I "UGLY CRY" every time. The characters are real, the subject is real and the way they handle what life has dealt is amazing! I love that this is erotica with all the fun sexy scenes but also it has such an incredible story too. This book was written so well, I honestly can not think of one thing I would have like to have been any different than it was. You can not improve on perfection! I was a little worried when I got the audiobook, I thought the wrong narrator would break my heart but that was not ever a thought once I started it, Pepper Laramie gave this story just a little extra edge that I didn't know was possible! 10 stars as far as I'm concerned!

5 Teary Stars

I can’t even this book, it will break your heart and put it back together just in a different way.
I am no stranger to Tymber’s work and this is probably my second favorite book I have ever read/ listened by her. This was the first Audio book by her and I loved it.
You will need tissue this story between Kaden, Seth, and Leah is powerful and heartbreaking.

What would you do if your best friend in the entire world told you he was dying and he need you to fill his shoes so to speak for his wife because her needs are unique?
Not only do you fall in love with Kaden, Leah but you fall in love with Kaden, Seth and Seth, Leah but you also fall in love with the 3 of them as a couple. It’s a beautiful story of love and loss and finding love again.
Usually I say quotes I love but I am going to say quotes I loved to hated because they were just too powerful.

“Kaden’s dying.”

“After”

“Hope”

Feeling the struggle Seth goes through in this book breaks my heart. I know Leah and Kaden are going through a tough time too. But Seth for me it was more so that he had to come to terms with the end game, and change his life and way of thinking all at the same time.

Ok quotes I loved yes I have some!

“I’m still not doing you .” - Seth

“Still not doing you buddy.” – Kaden

“Basic Carpentry in the afternoon, and Sadomasochism 101 in the evening.” - Seth

And this one even if it makes me teary
“It’s going to rip half my soul out. If you weren't here for me, I would fucking give up and die the minute he quit breathing.” -Leah


Also I loved the narration. It was perfect makes you feel apart of the book. I wouldn't chance a thing.

Reluctant to Amazing

What made the experience of listening to The Reluctant Dom the most enjoyable?

I can't read as fast as I would like and love books so audio seemed like the best way to go. I knew this book was a box of tissues so I wanted to get the full affect by hearing the words instead of reading them.

What other book might you compare The Reluctant Dom to and why?

I don't think I come across a book that would be a good comparison but I would put the Rescue Me series by Kallypso Masters with similarities but I haven't come across a story that put a character into a position that he didn't want and deal with losing a dear friend.

Which character – as performed by Pepper Laramie – was your favorite?

I loved all the characters. I think she did a wonderful job. I notice with some narrators have trouble doing male and female voices. Pepper did a fabulous job. If I had to choose, I would go with Kaden.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I don't have the time to listen to any book at one sitting due to life but I listened to the book going to and from work and I didn't want to get out of the car when I arrived at my destination.

Any additional comments?

Run out and get your copy. Hearing the words written by Tymber is 10 times better and more emotional. I didn't get to have my ugly cry cause I was driving but I definitely would try to listen to this again. Such a beautiful story.

AMAZING, MADE ME CRY!

Would you listen to The Reluctant Dom again? Why?

Since chapter 1, the story was about a married couple adding a best friend in the mix. then you get into the story about why and the last few chapters, I cried and was so overwhelmed with how the story let me to a sad path it took at one point, I loved every minute of it [the story had me up and down the whole time]. I knew the sad part was coming [Did I mention I cried?]. I dont think if I read it that it would be so....just wow. Well worth the credit I paid.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Reluctant Dom?

How Emotional the charaters felt and made me feel.

Have you listened to any of Pepper Laramie’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Unsure. but what a great job on this one !

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes, Usually I work at home and listen while I work. This one I had to stop and wait [I could not see my computer screen when working, I was tearing up so much].

Hokey Title, Surprisingly Good!

Yeah the title put me off, but I listened to excerpt and was intrigued. I'm really surprised how good the writing and the narration was. There were parts where I rolled my eyes, but likewise there were parts that almost brought a tear to my eye. Yeah there is sex and a lot of it, but again considering that it is erotica, it is tastefully done, that being said, if the idea of a menage makes you squimish move on. Thumbs up on using your credit on this one!

BDSM isn't even a genre I like but THIS BOOK...

Any additional comments?

BDSM isn't even a genre I like but THIS BOOK...

I came across a passionate discussion of Tymber Dalton's "The Reluctant Dom" -- where several listeners shared that they weren't big fans of BDSM, but this book was the golden exception. It even made them all - ALL OF THEM - cry.
Now. I love a book that can wring all the emotions from me.
That's a rare thing.
I was still wary. I sort of hate books featuring dominance/submission. No doubt just like in real life I'm sure this can be done well, but most the depictions in most books just aren't to my personal tastes. And some depictions are downright off-putting for me. But after the glowing reviews from others that sounded a lot like my kind of reader-style, I listened to the Audible Audio Sample.
And then I freaking bought the book.
WOW! WOW.
There were parts that had me laughing. Cheering. Cringing. And yes. Crying. Like, ugly tears crying. And worse, it wasn't just at the climax of the story; just like in life, when you are watching someone go through this, it's a hard, sad road. Frick's sake, I haven't cried like that in awhile. This book should come with a trigger warning; I lost my friend to pancreas cancer and I had to stop listening in parts and (impatiently!) wait until I was alone to get back to it because I Could. Not. Stop. Tears. You wouldn't think a "smutty book" as one person dubbed this, would have that effect. You'd be so wrong.
I wish all books were this good. I'm not sure if my heart could take it, but it was actually kind of therapeutic as much as it was distressing. And we haven't even gotten to the romance! This IS a romance book. This is an erotic romance book. THAT'S GREAT TOO - Tymber Dalton is one heck of a storyteller. I find myself thinking sometimes that if you cut out the meat of the story, could this and this scene still be an interesting read? In the case of the Reluctant Dom, that's a big heck yes.

Narration: Pepper Laramie did a WONDERFUL job - her voice carried the emotion so well. I am not sure how she got through some of these scenes --- I was sniffling and wiping at my eyes (while trying to work and maintain a professional appearance, mind you) and thinking, "If I had to read this out loud it'd sound like one of the muppets with a plugged nose about now..." I love to look through a narrator's other books to see if I can find new stories and I wish you could look at a book and, well, judge it by its cover. It doesn't look like her other narrations would suit me although this one surprised me so?? Now I need an award system that goes something like "Good book, Great book, and I'd-Listen-To-This-Again & I-balled-my-eyes-out". Guess which two I'd award to Reluctant Dom?

I went looking to see if a secondary character, Tony, had his own story, because I wanted to keep going. I couldn't find that he did; maybe he'll get his own book someday. I'd listen to it!

Wow. Get your tissues!

Soooo not what I expected! But this was surely one of the best books I've ever read/listened to. Im extremely impressed with the depth and truth portrayed by Dalton. This must have taken a lot of research. Most DS books are not true pictures of the lifestyle, but this one had it all. Just... WOW.

TRUE LOVE IN A BDSM WORLD!!!

Where does The Reluctant Dom rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

When it comes to BDSM books...this one was good..a very good peek into this world...I liked the authenticity..

Who was your favorite character and why?

Seth...because he was scared to death when he entered this relationship, but he persevered...he was very reluctant...but he loved Kayden...and had great affection for Leah...I feel Seth made an ultimate sacrifice..this wasn't easy for any of them...

Which character – as performed by Pepper Laramie – was your favorite?

Seth...I didn't really care for the voice for Kayden...it was kind of creepy...I settled into it..but it through me off..

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Oh man...the last 2 hours....made me ugly cry...I mean all out boohoo...my heart still aches!

Any additional comments?

Ohhhh goodness....I have many mixed feelings on this book...Overall,it is a really beautiful story, of friendship, love, need, caring, safety and sacrifice...I think it was way longer than it needed to be...and I admit to being bored during the 1st half...the 2nd half of the book was way better...I love the relationship that Kayden and Leah had...and I love that they were open enough with each other to welcome in a 3rd person so honestly....I am so sorry that it happened because Kayden was dying...I completely get why Leah needed this relationship, and why she was a submissive...people freak out over BDSM....but true...DOM/SUB relationships are all about the submissive's needs...yes a Master may enjoy this...but he has the slaves ultimate safety and happiness in mind at all times... Kayden loved Leah so much, he knew he had to do this for her!

I think springing it on Seth the way they did could have been a bit better if he would have had more insight into their relationship beforehand...but it all came out OK...I cried most of the last 2hrs because the love that these people shared and the ultimate sacrifice and understanding that it took to make this work was so amazing....we can only hope to find someone to love us this truly...and to have more than 1 person do it is a true gift....

No this was not my fave book in the world...but I get it....I had an open mind...and I recommend that if you choose to listen to this book, go in with an open heart and mind, and you may even love it... It is a heart wrenching good story!

What a fantastic story...

I bought this audio book after a friend told me how fantastic it is. I am so happy I finally got around to reading it!

This book will make you laugh and will make you cry a lot! I bawled like a baby! Yes this is an erotic book about Doms and a menage, but it is so much more than that. It is hot, sensual, erotica, romantic and even like a fairy tale.

Kaden and Leah have been together for 20 years and now Kaden is dying. Kaden has always loved his best friend and so has his wife Leah. Now Kaden has to match them together before he dies or Leah will end up killing herself too! So much thought went into writing this book! This is one of the best books I have ever read in the erotica department. Yes there is sex and it is really hot too, but more than that, it is written in a very classy way. On top of that, this book makes for a fantastic ugly cry!

The author, Tymber Dalton is genius in her writing of this book. So much talent and raw emotion in it and so much planning to make it perfect! The narrator, Pepper Laramie does a fabulous delivery of this book including the raw emotions. The delivery sounded like it was her that lived it! This audio book is freaking fantastic! I very highly recommend it!!!

To Tymber Dalton... Thank you for making me feel so much! I love ugly cries!

Stepford Wife Cult of Horror

This book made me understand how the Nazis brainwashed a nation of average people into participating in mass murder. The Reluctant Dom, with elaborate lies and twisted propaganda, attempted to justify sadistic physical abuse by making it seem normal, rational, therapeutic, and romantic. What bullshit...

Kaden was presented as a loving, devoted husband who just happens to beat, whip and torture his wife/slave Leah for her own good. Gag, gag! Leah was physically & sexually abused as a child, which caused her to hurt herself as a teen. Instead of getting her mental and medical treatment to help her recover, Kadan contrived a selfish plan to "help" Leah heal by beating the shit out of her on a regular basis.

When Kaden was diagnosed with cancer, he asked his best friend Seth to take over the torture, convincing Seth that Leah would kill herself without his brutal therapy. At first, Seth was disgusted and horrified by the idea, but Kaden played on his grief and loyalty. It was disgusting how easily Seth - a good hearted man studying to be a nurse - was brainwashed into the violent cult known as BDSM.

Besides condoning sexual slavery and domestic abuse, The Reluctant Dom trivialized the very real horror of childhood sexual abuse and incest, It also promoted the myth that adult victims of sexual assault can never live healthy, happy and normal lives. Leah (40) was portrayed as a helpless, spineless girl who lived to serve the whims of her Master.

I quit listening about half way through, when I started hoping that Kaden would die a fast, painful death, that Seth would drown in the pool and Leah would take refuge in a nunnery. Although Ms. Dalton is a talented writer, the story line of this book made my skin crawl.

The Reluctant Dom An amazing heartfelt story

I love this story and have it on both Kindle and Audible,, but get the tissues ready.