Member Reviews
DNF @ 38%
I want to start by saying I DNF for personal reasons – I’ve read this author before and I love her writing and how she handles kink in general. It’s so sensitively and carefully done, with effort taken to show it realistically, and I found that here in the part of the book I did read. I really liked the plot and I thought the dynamic between Sam and Collette was very sweet. He, in particular, was an adorable character, and I loved their relationship as it was presented.
However, I personally did not enjoy some of the kinks that featured in this book, which is not the book or the author’s fault. I should have read the content advisory more clearly. For that reason I stopped reading the book. I want to say, though, that what I did read was a perfectly lovely romance and I thought their relationship was lovely. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book.
Content Notes: On-page sex, Domme/sub dynamic, needle play, use of restraints / bondage, anal play, use of sex toys, foot play.
Spicy mf contemporary romance domme with male sub third person perspective. This was a surprisingly tedious read for me considering the subject matter and explicit sex scenes. The writing just didn't pull me in and I didn't fully connect with any characters. I did enjoy the subs having a social group and several of the sexual scenes were fun/titillating. I learned needle play isn't for me (not reducing stars for that - reviewers please don't lower stars when you don't like a kink please). It was a quick read but I don't think this author's writing style is for me.
3.5 stars.
Thanks for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Whilst well written, it wasn't really for me as I hadn't read any of the other books from the series and thought it was a bit too hard ore and graphic for me.
This story offered a short and steamy exploration of a mature/ older couple who are exploring changing their relationship dynamic by having children. The book shows how this is impacted by their D/S dynamic and the kinks they enjoy exploring together. The end of this one felt abrupt to me and I didn't feel that the main conflicts of the story were effectively resolved. the pacing at the end felt rushed considering the slow development during the first 80% of the story.
Thank you netgalley for this arc!
I was very intrigued at the idea of a dominant women and submissive man, and this story did not disappoint! I love the connection between all of the characters, so much insight on a new relationship dynamic. I wish there would have been more pregnancy throughout the book but it was still enjoyable either way! Will definitely be looking forward to see how this series progresses and who’s next on the baby train!
It’s been a minute since I’ve read a Domme/sub dynamic and I didn’t know what I was missing. The world that Hannah Murray writes is so lovely where everyone is kink positive with strong found family vibes. It’s so well done. Add on a plot involving marriage and babies took it to another level.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
Being fairly new to reading this type of BDSM story, and having never read about a male sub or a service sub, I wasn't sure what to expect. I'm grateful for the warnings, but I didn't heed them when they mentioned needles. My brain went acupuncture, but the story did not. Now I have learned a limit in what I like to read.
The summary piqued my interest at how the relationship dynamic was going to change with the domme wanting a baby, but I didn't feel I saw enough of their relationship, both in and out of scenes, to really be invested in the outcome. There was more focus on the smut than on the real feelings behind the characters which made it difficult to care about them. Maybe it's because I'm not in a BDSM relationship, but I kept wanting and waiting for more emotions and feelings. This was certainly spicy, but not a book I'll revisit.
In Her Service, written by Hannah Murray, is the latest title in the Oh, Baby series. This is a BDSM lifestyle title.
Format: NetGalley ebook
Genre: Romance
Spice level:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Sam (MMC)⭐️⭐️⭐️
Service submissive, Nurse
Collette (FMC)⭐️⭐️⭐️
Domme, Professor
This is a short story that features the characters of Sam and Collette. They have been in a committed relationship for many years now, living very happily with each other and their lifestyle.
Now that Collette is nearing the age of 40 she has decided that she wants to have a baby. When she tells Sam about her decision he immediately tells her that they need to get married for legality reasons. 😬
Together they have to figure what works best for them individually, while still maintaining a healthy and happy marriage.
Overall, the story was cute, just not for me. Since I have not read any of the other titles in this series I was a little lost with all of the other characters. I did enjoy the submissive meetups that were held a couple of times throughout the book!
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.
In Her Service
Oh, Baby! Collection
Rating: 3.5/5
Release Date: 9 July 2024
Sam and Collette enjoy a fulfilling and adventurous relationship, especially in their intimate life, where Sam takes joy in fulfilling Collette's desires as her submissive. When Collette expresses her wish to have a baby, Sam eagerly agrees but insists on marrying first. Collette, though not opposed to marriage, feels conflicted about the timing and the practical reasons behind Sam's proposal. They strike a deal: if Collette becomes pregnant, they will marry.
As they focus on trying to conceive, Collette introduces kinkiness into their efforts to alleviate the pressure. However, despite their fun approach, uncertainty about their future together looms large.
"In Her Service," the concluding volume of the Perfect Taboo series, reintroduces readers to beloved characters, with a particular focus on Collette and Sam, a couple firmly entrenched in their commitment to one another. Together, they embark on a journey towards a future brimming with aspirations of starting a family. Moving beyond traditional romance, the narrative provides an intimate and heartfelt portrayal of their daily lives.
The story intricately navigates the evolution of Collette and Sam's relationship, blending moments of deep intimacy with the practical challenges they face in balancing their dominant/submissive roles amidst their hectic schedules. As they navigate these complexities, including uncertainties about their future and the decisions ahead, their bond grows stronger and more mature.
Throughout the narrative, readers witness the development of their emotional connection, rooted in mutual respect and unwavering support. Each hurdle they encounter serves to deepen their understanding of one another and reaffirm their commitment to their shared path. The portrayal is authentic and compelling, offering a nuanced exploration of love, desire, and the intricate dynamics of modern relationships.
"In Her Service" captivates not only with its engaging storyline and emotional depth but also with its ability to prompt reflection on themes of identity, partnership, and the pursuit of personal fulfilment. By deftly capturing the complexities of human emotion and the evolving nature of intimacy, it serves as a poignant conclusion to the series, resonating deeply with readers.
Thank you so much to NetGalley,Totally Entwined Publishing | Totally Bound, and the author, Hannah Murray, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.
Not totally sure what to make of this story. I don't think it was for me. The writing was fine, but the topic was too much for my liking. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. Three stars.
What a great read! It was so good! And look at that cover, it’s fabulous! Don’t forget to read this one!
I am 100% not the intended audience for this book, but I still found it entertaining. I wasn't invested in the characters to be honest because I felt like I did not know them. If you're a fan of erotica and/or have read the rest of this series this is for you. The spice was great though! Like omg.
This book was a quick read and enjoyable enough. I wanted more of the breeding/pregnancy though. I enjoyed their relationship and how much they showed their love for one another. I haven’t read any of the author’s other books so that may be the reason, but I didn’t feel invested in any of the supporting characters.