Title: Dark Dominance
Author: Annabel Joseph
Genre: Erotica/BDSM
POV: First person – Dual
Released on September 25, 2017
4 Stars!!
Juliet Pope is a business manager for an eccentric artist. While she is proficient in her career, personal relationships have been a challenge based on Juliet’s choices. Wearing her emotions on the surface, Juliet’s vulnerabilities are ever present and when her final Dominant/submissive relationship fails, she crashes.
“I belonged here in this colorful, comfortable place. The marble penthouse was a fantasy…and so was Fort St. Clair.”
Forsyth “Fort” St. Clair is a wealthy businessman and sadist who has been unlucky in his past relationships. Since then, he’s chosen non-emotional connections with his submissives. While out with his friends, Fort notices drunk woman outside a BDSM club in need of help and despite the warnings, he offers assistance. Feeling a mutual attraction, they bond in an honest way but Fort isn’t looking for a relationship.
“I’m into tears and power trips. I’m into capriciously hurting you because it’s unfair, and because you’ll let me do it anyway.”
Knowing Juliet is vulnerable and that his instinct says to stay away, Fort finds a way to reconnect with Jewels. Experiencing her openness actually makes Juliet more appealing as a person and a submissive, and while Fort has his doubts, he is content with his decision to contact her but is unsure if she can withstand what he needs as a Dominant.
“I want to do all kinds of perverse, painful, lustful things to you, but it will be a pure power exchange.”
From the outset, Fort and Juliet agree to view their arrangement as strictly physical. Fort’s brand of sadism involves consensual non-consensual play and pushing the pain threshold. For Juliet, she isn’t sure about her propensity for masochism, but after their first scene, it’s clear she is a maso-slut.
“He pinched and worked my clit, pressing fingers against the sensitive nub to the point of pain. I bucked my hips, trying to escape his rough caresses, but he only fucked me harder and faster.”
As they continue to test the waters, the goal is for Fort to bring Juliet to his exclusive BDSM club. When it’s time, the intensity and connection they share is apparent to all, but with each successive scene, Fort begins to worry about emotionally harming Juliet and protecting himself from something real.
Told in dual POV, the plot moves at a steady pace while each character is peeling back the layers. Juliet recognizes her feelings for Fort are more than just physical and while she tries to hold back, it’s a futile effort. Considering her past, Juliet is still willing to take another chance on love. However, Fort’s nickname proves to be telling because he isn’t about to lower his defenses
Throughout their sessions, the intensity of Fort’s sadism is palpable and there were moments when I squirmed for Juliet, but she needed to receive the pain as much as Fort needed to administer it. While not everyone may not understand that dynamic, it was right for them and the transition felt authentic.
In Dark Dominance, vulnerabilities and chances are explored which ultimately lead to honesty and trust. For those who enjoy some sado-maso activities, I recommend!
Dark Dominance series (standalones within a series):
