Black Obsidian

I'm still unsure how I feel about this book, now that I'm finished. It started off really good, and it had such potential. But something happened between the beginning and the end. I'm not sure if the author wanted to make the book longer, or what, but I had a hard time staying focused. It was so drug out, and very repetitive. But I kept going because I wanted to learn more about Calloway and Rome. There was so many hints that made me thing these characters had something important to share, but again, I was left hanging. Yes, there are a few times they each opened up, but to me it wasn't enough.Calloway is shown as this Dom who loves being a Dom. He relishes in it, but I never actually saw that. Sure he's controlling in the bedroom, but he did not live up to my expectations of a true Dom. Honestly, his inner monologue got to the point in every single chapter, that I already knew what he was thinking. He mainly wanted Rome to be his sub, yet he never once asked her. He never even told her about his lifestyle of Dom/sub. It bothers me the most about this because he claims he's a man of his word, but he was hiding who he truly is just because he wants Rome. He literally was suppressing his Dom side to be with her. I don't know about anyone else, but to me? That's not the way to go about getting someone to be their sub.Then we have Rome. Maybe I would've connected with her more if I got her POV more. This book is mainly in Calloway's POV, which is fine, but I honestly couldn't make myself like Rome. She comes off as standoffish, and a bit irritating. I get the author wanted to make her look strong, because she didn't want to depend on anyone, but it backfired. Even with all the little things I got to see about her past didn't change my mind about her. She would do certain things that really got on my nerves, and it made her seem like a brat. For someone that's supposed to be so grateful for all she has, Rome really showed me she was a very unlikable character. She constantly put herself in situations that could've turned into a really bad situation, and yet, made Calloway out to the bed bad guy because he just wanted her safe. In what world does that make sense?The chemistry between these two has me on the fence. Yes, they connected, but honestly, it was ONLY when things were sexual. And trust me, every other scene was something sexual. I don't mind reading a lot of steamy scenes, but I felt no other connection to these two outside of the bedroom. It was as if that's all they wanted from each other. Especially Calloway. That's all he thought about. I wanted to see more romance or something else besides them getting hot and heavy all the time.Like I said in the beginning, this book had a lot of potential. In the beginning, I thought I had stumbled onto a really good book series. But sadly, I doubt I'll finish this series. I just don't think I can continue reading a knock off of Fifty Shades. It was sort of shocking at how similar it was to Fifty. I hate that I didn't enjoy reading this one. It started off great, but quickly sizzled out for me.

What I didn't like:* Calloway referring to the receptions as "girls" - he's a professional - this doesn't fit.* Lack of more strong female characters - this book has one female character, the primary male character and two supporting characters - both male and both whom are "love em and leave em" on with the women. Cliche. Would have liked another female lead and wouldn't it have been great if she was a "love em and leave em" with the men.* Female lead is Rome. She states she does some family counseling, however, there is no mention of her being licensed or in anyway qualified to do so. It is unethical to provide counseling unless you are a licensed person do so... LMFT, LPC, etc..* Your next drinking game - each time Calloway discusses his enormous dick you take a shot. You will be drunk very quickly. About 87% into the book there is a paragraph where he discusses the size at 9 inches (second time), describes how enormous it is and all the women who want it - four - perhaps five times in one paragraph he brags - you'd be drunk from that paragraph alone. I began rolling my eyes each time this character mentioned his dick size. So much bragging - I began to question if it really was.* Calloway states he has never had "vanilla" sex. I find this hard to believe. I mean - his first time and later..... come on.* Rome's virginity - I did not know this was a book with a virgin main character. I find those beyond cliche and would not have bought the book knowing otherwise. (I am pretty sure it was in some reviews - my error for missing it) This was a huge disappointment. And calloway having to wait an entire four weeks for sex... oh my goodness... what a hardship (please note sarcasm). The men in the book act like this is the worst thing ever... come on - they are grown men.For why I gave it 3 stars:* Take away the continual bragging of his dick size - I did find him interesting. He tries and tries and battles his nature to be more than. Yes, he discusses breaking her but it contrasts with the admiration of her characteristics for which he is attracted. (I'm hoping the writer will delve more into this psychological aspect.) He speaks like an ass to her at times, but I do feel it is character building for how far he will grow as a person.* The pace of the book - great. I thought it was written at a great pace. I do not like for it all to be rushed and while I get the need to get to it to keep interest, I found the pace perfect for me.* The sex scenes ( minus the continual "my big dick" statements) were pretty hot and enjoyable.* Main reason - Rome. (taking out the virginity part). She was very well written and I like her. She is strong, witty and vulnerable in a way that doesn't let you feel bad for her or she comes out as a continual victim. She was wonderful. She is the primary reason for the stars.The next one comes out in a few months. I will buy it to learn what happens with Rome and Calloway as I did, with the writing, become invested in them. His over confidence masks such insecurity in my mind. She is wonderful and I would like to know.

The love affair has many secrets, and participants can’t get enough of each other. Virginity come into focus and it’s given up without a doubt. Brothers past experiences with BSM are a hush, hush secret that leaks out, destroying a love affair.

I think this could have been a great stand alone. It also could have been a series but it just isn't going anywhere. It's pretty easy to guess who's the bitch ex and she's not anything but desperate. The brother who is a total jerk and its not difficult to figure out he's done something to screw up the business. The whole business is a BDSM club but there's no BDSM in this book. Sorry it's just fizzled out ...the actual writing is good but just doesn't fit the description of the books. Unfortunately it's just a soap opera type of book...I won't be continuing with the rest of the series....

I fine this as a interesting story with love and lots of sex Cal Is played as handsome determine man and gets what he wants But then he meets a girl that could really strange his life style Although he doesn't realize it yet. One problem I have with the story is that he calls her Vanilla

I can’t finish this series. I read this book and honestly, it kinda felt like fifty shades. Except, in that series, he was honest up front about what he was into. In this book, Calloway isn’t keeping it secret. I don’t think people should reveal all their past abuses right from the start, but this is different. This is a lifestyle that is deeply rooted with the main character.I wasn’t sure if I wanted to keep reading this series, so I skipped to the reviews for the next books and I was deeply disappointed with some of them, especially the spoilers. So I am giving up on this series and honestly, the author. I read a previous series from her and wasn’t really impressed.

Didn’t realise this was a 4 book marathon, guessed about halfway through book 1. Couldn’t be bothered to finish what could have been a damnd good story.Why do authors feel the need to drag things out, pointless. At a pinch 2 books were all that was needed.

This is the first book I have read by Victoria Quinn and I enjoyed it, the story line is interesting and I need to read the next book to see where it goes. Will Rome submit to Galloway or will be be happy with Vanilla. I think there is a lot more skeletons in both there closets.

If you liked FSOG this is just a rip off and not a very good one either.I don't know where to start with how dull it was but all they did was work, cook dinner, argue, have make up sex & repeat. I ended up skipping through the last 5 chapters as I was bored rigid.I cancelled my pre orders of books 2 And 3 as I don't want to waste my time or money on probably one of the most boring books I've read.

Boy meets girl and its rolls from there. Well written with good characters and dialogue. They both have traumatic pasts and deal with it, in a different way. I was absorbed and the pages turned quickly. What I loved most was the pace of the story. Giving the characters depth, personality and emotional substance. It wasn't rushed, it took its time building which is sadly missing from most romance novels as others tend to rush straight to sex, this didn't, yes there was some but the characters were what was most important.I loved it.

Nothing special. I had high hopes for this book but it was nothing special whatsoever. Its the same story told over and over again. Dominant man and a woman who changes him. Got bored half way through, i wanted to be surprised, unfortunately i wasn't. If you like reading the same story re told in other books this is for you, if looking for something different, don't bother.