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bibliophilewithbluehair's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
🔥ARC Review 🔥
The Pleasure Protocol by Darcy Romaine and Kat Alexander
Release Date: May 21, 2024
Pages: 334
⚠️Content Warning⚠️
Please check content warnings BEFORE reading.
Format: 📱
What to Expect:
🖤Age Gap
💙Anti-Sex Work Language
🖤Billionaire
💙BDSM
🖤Bisexual MMCs
💙CNC
🖤Death of Parent (Mentioned)
💙Degradation
🖤Dom/sub
💙Edging
🖤Escort Service
💙Mention of DV
🖤Objectification
💙Pet Play
🖤Role Play
💙Sir/Pet
🖤Spanking
💙Third-Person POV
Book Description:
Billionaire CEO Nikolai Zaitsev has used an escort service for years. Maybe he’s jaded, but it’s easier to pay for intimacy than worry about another partner using him for his money. His latest companion, Corinne, charms him with her stunning beauty and charisma—but when she crawls for him and calls him Sir their first night, his desire for dominance roars to life.
Corinne Ryan is a first-rate escort who knows better than to fall in love with a client. It’s the number one rule of this business, and she’s already been hurt too many times. But everything changes when Nikolai pulls her into a dark, sensual world with a different type of rules, and she finds herself collared and leashed as his pampered Pet.
Each night of pleasure brings them closer, and that most important rule gets harder to follow. As feelings blossom, they both fight to stay within the bounds of client and escort. Can they finally admit they've broken their own rules, or will they lose what’s become most important: each other?
Ratings:
FMC: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
MMC: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Plot: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
BWBH Review:
Nikolai is a billionaire with zero time for relationships and everything they entail. For more intimate matters, he relies on an escort service. When his normal escort is no longer available for an event, he hires Corrine. He is instantly mesmerized by how she carries herself and her stunning beauty.
Nikolai and Corrine agree to a weekly arrangement: She will visit him every Sunday, and he will spoil her rotten. But with regular intimacy come feelings, no matter how hard they try to look past them.
The Pleasure Protocol is perfect for readers who enjoy Russian billionaires, a strong, confident FMC, and a whole lot of “Yes, Sir”.
Thank you to Darcy Romaine, Kat Alexander, and NetGalley for the ARC.
thesoulessrider's review against another edition
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
🌶 3.5
From the moment Nikolai graced the pages of TPP, I was ensnared. As the hotshot CEO with a penchant for late-night escapades, he oozed brooding intensity. His devil-may-care attitude made him the ultimate anti-hero—the kind you secretly root for while pretending to roll your eyes. But then Corinne stormed into his life, a tempest of sharp wit and curves. She was the hotness, as you aptly put it. Her intelligence matched Nikolai's, and their banter crackled like a live wire. The nicknames they exchanged—oh, those nicknames!—were both endearing and scorching. I couldn't decide whether to fan myself or swoon.
The age gap between Nikolai and Corinne raised eyebrows, but I reveled in it. Nikolai's seasoned confidence clashed deliciously with Corinne's youthful fire. And when he asked for consent—yes, consent, because we stan healthy dynamics—I practically cheered. It's about time romance novels normalized communication and boundaries. But here's the real kicker: Darcy and Kat crafted a story with bisexual main characters. As a queer reader, I felt seen. Our stories deserve the spotlight, and TPP cranked up the heat, daring anyone to look away.
Now, let's talk spice. Buckle up, my fellow smut queens, because this book is a veritable feast. Dual POVs, third-person narration—it didn't matter. The chemistry between Nikolai and Corinne could set pages on fire. And character development? Oh, they served it. These two souls collided at the right moment, leaving me breathless and craving more. As I devoured every second of TPP, I wondered how Darcy and Kat conjured such magic. Seriously, do they have a hotline to the romance gods? IYKYK 😏. Their writing was addictive, their pacing impeccable. And that comfort anime? A nod to our shared love for all things animated and heartwarming.
So, my fellow smut queens, keep your food and drinks away but keep 😏IYKYK closer—because this book is so hot. 🔥📖
PS: Please go through the TW
Thanks Kat & Darcy for this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
From the moment Nikolai graced the pages of TPP, I was ensnared. As the hotshot CEO with a penchant for late-night escapades, he oozed brooding intensity. His devil-may-care attitude made him the ultimate anti-hero—the kind you secretly root for while pretending to roll your eyes. But then Corinne stormed into his life, a tempest of sharp wit and curves. She was the hotness, as you aptly put it. Her intelligence matched Nikolai's, and their banter crackled like a live wire. The nicknames they exchanged—oh, those nicknames!—were both endearing and scorching. I couldn't decide whether to fan myself or swoon.
The age gap between Nikolai and Corinne raised eyebrows, but I reveled in it. Nikolai's seasoned confidence clashed deliciously with Corinne's youthful fire. And when he asked for consent—yes, consent, because we stan healthy dynamics—I practically cheered. It's about time romance novels normalized communication and boundaries. But here's the real kicker: Darcy and Kat crafted a story with bisexual main characters. As a queer reader, I felt seen. Our stories deserve the spotlight, and TPP cranked up the heat, daring anyone to look away.
Now, let's talk spice. Buckle up, my fellow smut queens, because this book is a veritable feast. Dual POVs, third-person narration—it didn't matter. The chemistry between Nikolai and Corinne could set pages on fire. And character development? Oh, they served it. These two souls collided at the right moment, leaving me breathless and craving more. As I devoured every second of TPP, I wondered how Darcy and Kat conjured such magic. Seriously, do they have a hotline to the romance gods? IYKYK 😏. Their writing was addictive, their pacing impeccable. And that comfort anime? A nod to our shared love for all things animated and heartwarming.
So, my fellow smut queens, keep your food and drinks away but keep 😏IYKYK closer—because this book is so hot. 🔥📖
PS: Please go through the TW
Thanks Kat & Darcy for this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
missdaniellexo's review
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
morgan_neilson's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
informative
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Who can pass up a book with 2 bisexual MCs? Not me! Which is why I was so excited to get an ARC of this and am happy to say I loved it! The Pleasure Protocol is spicy af & full of romance with a dash of humor. Also the such 👏🏻 great 👏🏻 communication 👏🏻🙌🏻.
I didn’t know a ton about the BDSM/kink community going into it, so it was also really interesting and informative to me. Gotta love feeling like I’m learning while reading spice, right??
If you want a spicy read that will leave you feeling hot, bothered & giddy, give this one a shot!
I didn’t know a ton about the BDSM/kink community going into it, so it was also really interesting and informative to me. Gotta love feeling like I’m learning while reading spice, right??
If you want a spicy read that will leave you feeling hot, bothered & giddy, give this one a shot!
angelablueyez's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I have to say how surprised and easy this ead. I am not a fan of the third-person story, but these two authors made it so easy to read. The story follows Nikolai and Corrine. It is a billionaire and escourt story. Both cross lines in the partnership. It is supposed to be an easy way to have a relationship and date for work parties for Nikolai. It turns into something more. The spice is so good. It's done tastefully, and the world of BDSM is explored. I enjoyed the book and was glad I got a chance to read it. Check triggers and enjoy the 🌶 ride!!!
cynfulbooks's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
4 ⭐️
4.5 🌶
The Pleasure Protocol was a very spicy read! For the first time, I understood the appeal of collared pet play. 🔥🔥 Nikolai was incredibly attentive and caring, before, during, and after scenes. His possessiveness, while accepting of her lifestyle, was incredibly hot. They were honest and open-minded regarding sex and sexuality. The way they delved into the emotional aspects of dom/sub/kink play, including subdrop, was excellent.
The authors did a great job blending their voices into a cohesive story. Admittedly, I had a hard time getting into the book initially, mostly because of the third-person POV and a little repetitiveness in the beginning. However, I truly grew to love Nikolai and Corinne and their encounters/relationship. The Pleasure Protocol was a really good read that I highly recommend if you like smut!
Tropes:
Age Gap
Billionaire/Escort
Bisexual M/F couple
Dom/sub
He spoils her
Sworn off love
𝑫𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒓: Given ARC to read for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions, and ratings are my own.
4.5 🌶
The Pleasure Protocol was a very spicy read! For the first time, I understood the appeal of collared pet play. 🔥🔥 Nikolai was incredibly attentive and caring, before, during, and after scenes. His possessiveness, while accepting of her lifestyle, was incredibly hot. They were honest and open-minded regarding sex and sexuality. The way they delved into the emotional aspects of dom/sub/kink play, including subdrop, was excellent.
The authors did a great job blending their voices into a cohesive story. Admittedly, I had a hard time getting into the book initially, mostly because of the third-person POV and a little repetitiveness in the beginning. However, I truly grew to love Nikolai and Corinne and their encounters/relationship. The Pleasure Protocol was a really good read that I highly recommend if you like smut!
Tropes:
Age Gap
Billionaire/Escort
Bisexual M/F couple
Dom/sub
He spoils her
Sworn off love
𝑫𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒓: Given ARC to read for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions, and ratings are my own.
ohheyitsfaye's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
“𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘢 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘱 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”
Steamy perfection. The amount of times I put myself in Corinne’s place while reading? TOO MANY! 🫠Should I have read this book while out in public and during my work lunch hour? Nope. But it was too good to stop. Even just thinking about TPP has me squirming in my seat.
Desirable escort & artist Corinne meets cybersecurity CEO billionaire, Nikolai after Nikolai’s go to escort has fallen in love. Their “professional” relationship starts off with a hit. It’s fiery, confidence oozing, and hot. But let’s remember the first rule: do NOT fall in love.
The sir/pet dynamic had me begging for more. All of the rp, the steamy scenes, the aftercare... It was all perfection and I will be reading TPP again and again. Can I say it has become a comfort spicy read? Yes, yes it has. Mr. Zaitsev has been added to the list of book boyfriends.
alxisrae's review
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
The Pleasure Protocol introduces us to our couple Nikolai and Corinne. He is a billionaire and she is an escort - the two of them introduced due to Nikolai needing a date for an event. Right off the bat the chemistry between these two is hoooot.
Corinne is confidence and sex appeal really shines through the page. I really, really liked her. Nikolai is a kinky Dom, that goes to church on Sunday, and acts of service is his love language. There is this air about Nikolai that you can sense - he’s dominate while still being tentative…..BDE as Elijah would say! It wasn’t hard to find these two lovable and to root for them!
With good chemistry between your couple, you’re going to get hot fuck smut! And this book didn’t disappoint. I had to walk away sometimes because these two were just 🔥. The dirty talk 👏🏽👏🏽. I am a reader that goes feral for some good dirty talk. The scenes never felt forced and always made sense - ITS PORN WITH A PLOT!!!
Also the communication between these two *chefs kiss*
Even the side characters were great. Indali was my favorite!!!!!!!!
I didn’t want this book to end, I couldn’t put it down. I was mad when I had to. I woke up early this morning before work to finish it!
Corinne is confidence and sex appeal really shines through the page. I really, really liked her. Nikolai is a kinky Dom, that goes to church on Sunday, and acts of service is his love language. There is this air about Nikolai that you can sense - he’s dominate while still being tentative…..BDE as Elijah would say! It wasn’t hard to find these two lovable and to root for them!
With good chemistry between your couple, you’re going to get hot fuck smut! And this book didn’t disappoint. I had to walk away sometimes because these two were just 🔥. The dirty talk 👏🏽👏🏽. I am a reader that goes feral for some good dirty talk. The scenes never felt forced and always made sense - ITS PORN WITH A PLOT!!!
Also the communication between these two *chefs kiss*
Even the side characters were great. Indali was my favorite!!!!!!!!
I didn’t want this book to end, I couldn’t put it down. I was mad when I had to. I woke up early this morning before work to finish it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Cursing
hoisi1aj's review
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
“Tell me, pet,” he rasps. He licks his lips. “Do you want it?”
WHEW!
That feels like the only word to sum up The Pleasure Protocol: A Scorching Billionaire Romance. Written from a dual-POV, the book follows Corinne Ryan and Nikolai Zaitsev as they navigate a situation they’re both intimately familiar with, one of client and escort, until it’s suddenly Not what they previously thought. Could the two of them be about to break the one unspoken rule of their business relationship?
While neither of them are new to the escort/client scene, the sparks fly and they fly immediately between them; for my fellow readers who love a fast burn, this book is for you! From their first scene where Corinne takes Nikolai by surprise by crawling, unprompted, towards him, to their first outing as a pair at the illustrious, sexy High Protocol, the chemistry between this couple is undeniable and unstoppable. I highly enjoyed watching their relationship grow from that of being an agreed upon relationship, to one that explored the dynamics of what it means to love someone who you can’t have—or who you don’t think you can have.
“You want to be a messy little thing, don’t you? Ridden hard and put away wet, hm?”
The dialogue is SCINTILLATING! If you are a fan of dirty talk with an extra serving of sex positivity and spice, this book is the one you’ve been waiting for. Authors Darcy Romaine and Kat Alexander do not disappoint in their exploration and writing of kink, which is done in such a respectful and positive manner that I fell even more in love with the BDSM scene as I fell for the two characters. There’s communication (!!), kink discussion, check-ins; even if the two didn’t intend on this being a paragon of “Good BDSM Etiquette,” they certainly hit the nail on the head.
If you are looking for your next favorite contemporary romance novel with a hefty helping of heat, character development, and highlightable passages you’ll re-read over and over again, pick up The Pleasure Protocol (and maybe get one for all your romance lovers, too!)
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