Book Reviews

Book Blurb

A houseboy with a tender heart. A Dominant scarred by success. One month to change everything.

A submissive searching for purpose. A Dominant learning to live again. When Rowan Stanton lands his coveted role as a houseboy at The Retreat—an elite BDSM sanctuary hidden in the New Forest—he believes he’s finally found the place where his need to serve will be understood. But nothing prepares him for Lorcan Wilder, the magnetic, self-made Dominant whose four-week stay is meant to be an escape, not a seduction.

 

Lorcan has spent a decade chained to success, only to discover freedom in the last place he expected: in the quiet strength of the inexperienced submissive assigned to him. As Rowan learns what it truly means to submit, Lorcan rediscovers desire, control, and a spark of life he thought he’d lost forever.

 

But healing isn’t linear, and the shadows of Lorcan’s past refuse to stay buried. When his time at The Retreat ends, letting Rowan go seems like the only responsible choice—until the thought of life without him becomes impossible. To claim their future, Lorcan must confront his fears…and Rowan must believe he’s worthy of a forever that doesn’t end at checkout.

 

 

Includes exclusive KU bonus scenes not in the original release.

First edition published at Pride Publishing, July 2018.

Book Review

I am ecstatic that the author decided to write a crossover series based on the BDSM retreat created by Carey and Alistair, two of my favorite characters from L.M. Somerton’s ‘Tales from the Edge’ series. Since that series continues to reign as one of my all-time favorites in the Dom/sub genre, I was delighted to see some favorite characters (Olly!) plus watch as The Retreat took its very first client. The Retreat is different from The Edge in that it is designed to handle one client at a time, to fulfill all of their requirements, and provide them with efficient staff to each client’s specifications, especially in terms of submissives. I found that entire concept to be utterly fascinating so I was really looking forward to Lorcan and Rowan’s story.

I enjoyed getting to know Lorcan. The intrigue revolving around something that happened to him in his earlier years was a part of his storyline but it didn’t overtake it, in my opinion. Lorcan is young, not quite thirty, and he started his own business at nineteen, worked extremely hard, and now ten years later he has sold the company and can focus on himself. Most of that focus involves immersing himself in the Dom/sub lifestyle which he has neglected, except for random evenings here and there, so Lorcan is determined to make the most of his month stay at The Retreat. The owners have provided him with a sub, a perfect one to match his desires, and Lorcan can’t wait to experience everything with Rowan.

Rowan is beyond wonderful. He’s submissive and has known that for a long time although he doesn’t have a lot of experience. Nothing makes him happier than to serve someone, to take care of them and see to their needs. He was beyond excited when he got accepted to work at The Retreat. He had learned quite a bit at the hotel he worked at but it didn’t give him the opportunity to serve one-on-one that he craves. Not to mention the Dom/sub lifestyle he longs for. Meeting Lorcan begins Rowan’s journey and he finds it very difficult to keep his emotions from becoming involved the longer they spend time together.

This first glimpse into the world of ‘The Retreat’ was quite marvelous. As much as I liked Rowan and Lorcan, I’m far more curious about the secondary characters, in particular Luke, the house manager, and Tor, the chef. Something tells me their stories will be well worth the wait! A very good beginning that I hope the author builds on and expands.

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. The first edition of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review.

 

Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Novel, 197 pages/61566 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	13-January-2026
Price	$3.99 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.firstforromance.com/book/serving-him-special-edition