I actually really loved this book. It took me a minute to get into it, but that was simply because I wasn't in the right mindset for it. Debra Hyde painted a picture that was vivid and beautiful in a way I didn't expect. I feel like she knows the lifestyle and what the rules are. I would recommend this novel to anyone who is curious about the BDSM world. But know that it is more than just a sex book, it is a true story of love.

Good book, would recommend to anyone interested in this type of book. Enjoyed it very much. Great author. Great story.

it was an okay story. i was not wowed by it and i do not feel the need to read it again. But it was enjoyable.

A F/F kinky romance? Sign me up! I enjoyed this, but there were areas that could be improved. Thanks to netgalley for the opportunity to review.

I didn't get to download this one before it got archived but I recently bought it, so I thought I'd leave my review here as well.
Steamy! If I had just one word to describe this book, steamy is definitely it. I went into this book thinking it would be all smut but it was a really good story. I was not a huge fan of the writing style though.

I apologize. I think I waited to long to review this copy? I’m having difficulty with my copy? I’m not able to rate and review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

My Selling Pitch:
No pitch. Don’t read this. It glorifies a toxic relationship and self-harm. There is nothing redeeming about this book, and it offers no value if you read it.

Pre-reading:
Finishing the last of the October smut.

Thick of it:
New England superiority

Calm down there, edgelord. Edgelady?

Horse girl spotted.

G spot isn’t real smh.

I find that idea so offensive. Not everyone wants that. People shouldn’t want that.

It’s very creepy that she’s in love with somebody and wants to submit to somebody who smells like her mother.

Why are all kids obsessed with the 64-pack crayons? I am too. It’s just satisfying.

You’re wearing a $30 perfume? Gross. I do like the name headstrong for it, but it’s your mom’s perfume, and this bitch isn’t headstrong. She’s just got mommy issues.

No, I’m out. I don’t like it. It’s unhealthy. Be your own person.

Except she really doesn’t know the difference between intrusive thoughts.

Don’t be a fly. Don’t let someone else consume you.

So hyperfixation.

No sorry, big disagree. It does not take toughness to debase yourself.

I don’t know if I’m selfish or too much of a genuine switch, but if I cannot get mine, I’m not interested.

I hate that whole concept. “Am I allowed hard limits”- fucking of course. It’s your choice whether or not to do things. If you don’t want to do something, don’t fucking do it.

She…she gave her an infinity tattoo. Like a basic bitch. Holy fuck this book is bad.

I don’t understand this book’s hatred for straightness. I don’t think they have any leg to stand on for judging people’s sexuality. Let people like what they like as long as it’s not harming anyone and fuck off.

That is the absolute weirdest Dickens reference.

I hope someone Lysols those car seats.

Blue leather peep toe boots? Ew.

Dude, there are so many horse references in this book.

G spot isn’t real. There’s no extra texture. Don’t be ignorant.

This is not love. This is toxic infatuation.

They definitely have it right. Your old way is toxic and unhealthy. Go to therapy.

It’s not intimacy if you don’t have a choice or say in the matter.

Rarely one to assume. Bullshit.

This bitch is in her 30s or 40s and doesn’t know what a pedicure is? Bullshit.

Being feminine and personal grooming isn’t objectifying yourself. Fuck off.

Why is she trying to fuck her mom? This is so weird and gross.

Disgusting.

Ew. So much ew.

Cassandra’s a bygone abuser.

I know we’re in New England, but why drag Johnny Appleseed into this?

So a pharaoh pose wouldn’t have legs spread no?

No clit leashes omfg. Your gyno would be appalled.

Stop shaming other women to compliment someone. It’s not an actual compliment.

Stop trying to fuck your mom omg.

Post-reading:
Don’t read this. You know how few books I give this verdict, but do not read this. It glorifies a wildly unhealthy relationship. It’s hateful of other sexualities. As an outside observer it came off transphobic, but that’s not my place to decide so it’s hard to accurately speak to that. It’s ironically full of misogyny. Nothing really happens in the book, and I wouldn’t consider the sex scenes to actually be erotica.

Who should read this:
No one

Do I want to reread this:
No

Similar books:
* The Godwicks Series by Tiffany Reisz-short story esque role play scenes with an overarching romance.
* Neon Gods by Katee Robert-exhibitionism horny book with a romance
* Best Women’s Erotica of the Year, Volume 8 by Rachel Kramer Bussel-short story collection of erotica
* Fetish by Anonymous-short story erotica collection

I have come to understand that this book was first published in 2011, but I got a copy on NetGalley so I hope it’s undergoing revisions?

Despite knowing that it’s over 10 years old, I CANNOT get past the blatant transphobia & biphobia in this book. Quinn’s pronouns change and Quinn is not characterized as fluid. Reese is described in terms that indicate that the author (and at least the narrator) believe that gender identity is a choice (“woman he had once been/man he was now”). Cassandra enjoys sex with men & women but won’t date bi girls??

I’m perplexed as to why this is marketed to LGBTQ+ people when it is so clearly written by a cishet author who has never lived the experiences they’re trying to have their characters embody - and no, I’m not talking about the BDSM.

Liv is used to being playing top at the club. Though she does have a hunger that raises its head, she is usually able to sate it by switching for the night. Her hunger, which she calls “the void”, has raised its ugly head and this time it is going to take something or someone very special to take care of it.

Enter Cassandra. Before Cassandra, no one had been able to completely fulfil Liv’s void. Yet she comes into the club a prestigious veteran of the scene and takes hold of the situation in a heartbeat. What Liv didn’t realise was, being submissive can be so satisfying. Was this what she had been waiting for her entire life? Could she have a fulfilling existence as a submissive. And was she capable of meeting all of Cassandra’s commands of her. In order to be with Cassandra she has to submit willingly and entirely.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was everything you could want or expect from a BDSM erotica novel and more. Debra managed to take the reader and make them feel fully immersed in the story. With her attention to detail she has created characters that are completely believable and you feel that through the course of the story you get to know them on a personal level. The storyline is believable and I was immersed within pages, so totally emerged that I didn’t want to put the book down. If you are looking for an erotic novel with a bite of BDSM to it then this is the book for you. Well done Ms Hyde!

Story of L by Debra Hyde.
Liv called her hunger the Void, a bottomless pit of sexual desperation. She thought she knew it, and herself. Until a night with Cassandra silenced it. And brought out something in Liv she didn’t think possible: submission.
A brilliant read. Gripping. Couldn't put it down. 5*.

Liv called her hunger the Void, a bottomless pit of sexual desperation. She thought she knew it, and herself. Until a night with Cassandra silenced it. And brought out something in Liv she didn’t think possible: submission.
One taste of that, and Liv wanted more.
But Cassandra isn’t an easy dominant, and her demands aren’t simple. She expects Liv to earn her way into her good graces, too follow her every command and whim. How many hurdles must Liv jump before she can kneel before Cassandra? Before Cassandra will lay claim to her?
A very well written book totally recommend of fans of bdsm and submission and dominant a really enjoyable read
Thank You NetGalley and Riverdale Avenue Books
I just reviewed Story of L by Debra Hyde. #NetGalley

I liked this. The kink stuff was interesting and the romance was cute. I wouldn't say its for everyone, but I liked it.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in return for my honest feedback.

Wow! What an intense book! I couldn’t stop reading. It’s definitely very sexual but I love that. Overall 4 stars. I would recommend.

I adore this book! I think this was my first lesbian erotica and it has me on the hook! I adore liv, Quinn and Tara. Oh and reece, oh he has my heart! His such a sweet character and I absolutely adore him. Cassandra should be the standard for bdsm! I loved the importance she placed on aftercare. I to often find in erotica that aftercare and consent are never mentioned (aka straight erotica) so the importance Cassandra placed on consent and aftercare warmed my heart. I loved the story and I so often found myself thinking about liv, wanting to come back to the story. It was beautifully written and I hope this isn’t the last we see of liv, Cassandra, reece. Quinn and Tara.

I'm going to be honest, I was not really a fan of this book. There are many topics in this book that I just could not get into. Before reading the book, you should look at the trigger warnings and then from there where to go.

DNF at about 46%

Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for giving me this eARC to review.

I will say that I read this a while ago but my review seemed to never go through so I am having to give this review trying to remember a lot of what happened but I do remember how I felt about the book.

I detested this book with my entire being. There was biphobia and transphobia within this book which was a huge yikes, I hated the dom/domme in this because she was trying to change everything that made Liv the person she is. I DNF'd this book because it made my skin crawl.

This book was an unusual DNF for me as I just couldn’t get into it. I finally gave up about 20% through so I am unable to comment on the entire book. I do appreciate the opportunity to have receive this book.

I've never read a book quite like Story of L. This is modern retelling of The Story of O which I haven't read or watched the movie but I have heard about. In Story of L there are same sex BDSM relationships. This book was a really fast read and offered a hard glimpse at the lifestyle of dominate/submissive world.

Unfortunately for me, there was no emotional development or clear understanding why they joined into these relationships. I fully understand more intense sexual relationships within the bounds of real healthy, emotional limits but this felt a little forced to me.

There was a plot outside of sex scenes but that was limited. This is a great book for someone wanting to read purely about BDSM relationships. It is not a great book for someone wanting character driven epic novels. I wanted to keep reading it and found the book entertaining for a snowy afternoon so solid 3.5 stars from me!

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

Liv is a lesbian with a hunger, a sexual hunger she calls the void. It is never satisfied, only put at bay. One night she meets Cassandra and the Void is completely obliterated. Now Liv wants more. But how?

Then Liv receives word that Cassandra wants Liv as much as Liv wants her. However, there are many difficult hurdles to overcome to make this happen. Is Liv willing to jump through all the hoops to make this happen?

This book took me into a world I know nothing about. It was very eye-opening.

This is my first book for this author. She wrote with great detail but not in a bad way. I was only able to get thru a few chapters. It didn’t really grab my attention. I will try to come back to it but not anytime soon.