FROM POPULAR ROMANCE AUTHORS DEANA BIRCH & AMELIA FOSTERAn Italian Dom guides a Swiss banker through the world of BDSM and she threatens his most important rule.Sparked by curiosity and drawn by need, Swiss banker Claire asks Italian businessman Luca to introduce her to the D/s lifestyle. He agrees, as long as she abides by his number one rule of not falling in love. The two then embark on a … love. The two then embark on a slow, complete and realistic path of liberating Claire’s true submissive nature.
But as their lessons progress, blurred lines morph into a child’s scribbled drawing when feelings creep into their playtime. And with new emotions bubbling under the surface, Luca questions Claire’s hard no. She calls “red” and walks away, leaving the Dom sure he’s lost the one sub who finally saw his true desire to be cared for.
Now, certain she’s broken his only rule and torn by thoughts of betraying her dead husband, Claire must decide between exploring the love she’s found or locking away her heart with the ghosts of her past.
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I wish I could give LUCA’S LESSONS more than five stars! Readers… If you are looking for a sexy story centered around a responsibly-written BDSM setting, that has emotionally-developed and hot AF characters but also manages to be a heartfelt, sweet read, pick up a copy of LUCA’S LESSONS by Deana Birch and Amelia Foster.
Luca Bernardi is a yummy, ridiculously handsome Italian Dom with a love of wine, his family, sex, and his club, a safe place where patrons can live out their BDSM desires. When he enlists Claire Favre, a beautiful, smart, driven banker for help with his business and she shows an interest in his lifestyle, he agrees to train her to become a sub—for someone else.
Luca and Claire do all the sexy things in the name of training, but really, it’s the emotion driving these characters as they move from sex to love that kept me invested in the book. They both have baggage they are dealing with, especially Claire, and Ms. Birch and Ms. Foster perfectly portray the subtle changes in them as the story progresses. I loved witnessing Luca and Claire as they delicately broke down their walls and learned to trust each other with not only their bodies, but their hearts and souls.
The secondary characters are a joy: Julien, Claire’s assistant and best friend, steals the show during some of their scenes and adds a bit of levity to the story, and Bruno, the fatherly influence on Luca, is genuine and sympathetic. Luca’s family is wonderful, in their own busy-body way, and reminds me of my own family.
LUCA’S LESSONS was just… wow. I wasn’t sure going in if it would be something I’d love, as I don’t usually read books about Dom/sub lifestyles and know nothing about what would make a good BDSM story (although I’ll admit to reading that very popular series-which-shall-not-be-named that has a number in the titles but that I’m told is a poor example…). As a fan of both Deana Birch (FASTER, SLOWER) and Amelia Foster (MEANT TO BE KEPT, LOVE DONE WRITE), I knew I had to try Luca. I’m so glad I did.
Now, I know that LUCA’S LESSONS was everything that those books were not. It’s a classy, polished, responsibly written and entertaining tale of love, trust, and fulfillment, letting go and of holding on, friendship, family, and of course, a happily ever after. Highly recommended for steamy romance fans. (Also, while I’m here I’ll put in my official request for Julien’s book, please and thank you!)
5 Stars
Review by Elizabeth
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog
Absolutely. Amazing.
I have been a huge fan of Deana Birch for a long while now and having the added bonus of reading a new to me author, Amelia Foster, right along with her was awesome. Luca’s Lessons is different from what I have read by her in the past but I was blown away with how much I loved it.
Luca’s Lessons is very different from other books about the BDSM lifestyle. It is not focused on the sex or the scenes as much as it is their relationship with one another. While their sexy times are hot as heck they do not make this book. It is their actions, chemistry, values, their past and so much more. They each have baggage to overcome in order to fully explore their relationship and These authors have such an amazing way of bringing all of it together.
Luca’s Lessons was so much better and different from what I thought it was going to be. I am glad I put aside my book boundaries, so to speak, and dove right in. I really did not want this gem to end and I look forward to the wordy creation these two come out with next.
This is romance with BDSM. The two main characters are so right for each other and yet they have so much personal baggage and fears that they have to work through. This is a lovely romance that is wonderfully told by these two authors. This is a book that drew me in to the pages as the story unfolded in such an amazing way. If you enjoy some kink with your love stories then please grab this book, kick your shoes off and get comfy as you shall be in for a real treat!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When I first started reading this story, I thought it was going to be another bdsm story. How wrong was I! It was so much more than that. It was a beautiful love story. The characters were so well described that they were implanted in my minds eye. The immaculate Luca who was always well turned out but a little suspicious of everything coming in threes. A very proper Dom who always wanted to do everything right and always had concern for his submissive. Claire was described as intelligent and beautiful but vulnerable. This was the story of two people coming to an understanding of their individual needs and recognizing it as love. Luca loved his family and his friend Bruno who sold him the club. Claire had lost her husband and did not want to betray his memory but she recognized she had a need and Luca would fill that need. Claire was captivating and Luca was beguiled by her seeing to her wellbeing. A very emotional story of these two people. I loved the wit and repartee from Claire’s friend Julian who greatly added to the story. I recommend this book and they are new authors to me but I will read more of their stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Claire and Luca are fire. Here is what you need to know. This is a D/s book and some of the story takes you into a D/s club. If you are okay with that you will love this story. It is well written, well plotted, and totally hot. Plus, something that is important to me is that Luca didn’t want to hurt Claire but elevate her. He didn’t seem to get off on pain. In real life I might have huge issues with a controlling person like Luca and punishments or a strong incredibly smart person like Claire needing a man, but this is not real life and the story is awesome and hot. It is not hard for me to find myself outside of my comfort zone but in actuality its probably tame to dark romance readers. Finally, it delivers an HEA that I was good with.
Claire’s finally ready to emerge from the sadness she’d been in since her husband passed. Will Luca be just the Dom to instruct her in the lifestyle? More importantly, will he be the one to capture her heart?
I was surprised while reading Luca’s Lessons. Usually BDSM stories are really OTT kinky and erotic, with not a ton of story, but this one is the opposite. Luca for one is not the typical blustering, controlling alphahole. Oh sure, he’s most definitely a Dom, but he’s patient and kind, rather than hard and bossy. And this is most definitely a love story, for all that both Claire and Luca are determined to never fall in love with each other. I really ended up liking this story. It’s far from the BDSM norm and I appreciate that, A LOT!
ARC via Booksprout.
I was astounded by this story. It is not the typical BSDM story that is all just sexual in nature. This story takes you through what BDSM is supposed to be, a Dom who is caring for their Sub, the Sub is to be nurtured and cared for, not a whipping post for a fake dom’s pleasure. You have real characters with real feelings that you experience. You get to take a vacation through beautiful Switzerland without a passport or packing.
Claire Favre is a banker who is to work with Luca for his club. She has some baggage, just like everyone, and becomes interested in the lifestyle. She becomes Luca’s sub, with the number one rule to not fall in love. They go through some ups and downs, and before it gets too emotional intense, she leaves.
Luca Bernardi is a hot Italian Dom who has good values, oh, and has a BSDM club. He needs some help from his bank and gets Claire to help. When she becomes interested in the lifestyle, they make a deal. He will be her Dom, she his sub, but no falling in love. They each have issues and problems in the past and have a time of it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*fans self* Holy hot Hades, y’all. This story is an absolute must-read for any BDSM/erotic romance lovers out there. These two authors absolutely nailed this story. It is the perfect combination of sexy, romantic, and honest. The characters are so very, very real, and their relationship falls together so beautifully.
I had the pleasure of reading this book as a beta reader, as both the authors are dear friends. However, as I’ve mentioned before, don’t let that fact sway you into believing this review is anything but accurate and true. I’ve been fortunate enough to surround myself with writers of an unbelievable caliber. Together, we’ve all grown and built one another up into what I truly believe is an unstoppable force. Luca’s Lessons, by Deana Birch and Amelia Foster, is just one example of the awesome power of a strong writing group.
Reading the polished, finished product of this story was such a jaw-dropping and heartwarming experience. I had the good fortune of witnessing the entire life and this project, from its start as a niggling seed of an idea to the exciting moment where Ms. Birch and Ms. Foster had to decide between a horde of competing presses all clamoring for the rights to publish this gem. Right from the get-go, when Luca and Claire were nothing more than a set of inspiration pictures and a swirling of ideas in these two lovely ladies heads, I fell hard for their story. It’s a genuine dive into the world of BDSM that proves love really does trump all.
But beyond the characters, whom I loved and adored, I’d be remiss to not mention the rich, gorgeous contemporary world these two brilliant writers created. As an American who has never ventured abroad—but who has always wished to—this intricate view into Switzerland’s wonderful landscape was awe-inspiring and delightful. And the sneak-peek into a members-only BDSM club was just as enjoyable.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who loves love and appreciates the true beauty of BDSM. Because, yes, there are stories out there that bastardize that world and give the members of that community an unfair and inaccurate portrayal. This aims at undoing some of the harm those stories might have caused and will leave you flushed and inexplicably happy.
The power of three little words
—>>> Beautiful, successful and business savvy, Claire does not mince words when she lets Luca know exactly what she wants to explore under his personal tutelage. This banker had already bewitched him, only he did not realize it yet. All he knows is that three specific little words bring him much joy and satisfaction, followed by the door which is opened to the pleasure which follows once Claire utters them to him with her submission. A lovely slow-burn romance, to include a little business drama, leading to a perfect HEA for this couple.
She wants to learn about the dom and sub lifestyle. He agrees to help but has one rule no falling in love. They explore together and she finds herself breaking that ruie. She runs away. What happens for them now? Will she explore this new love? Will she let her dead husband ruin it all? See how they get on
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
These aren’t your usual type of lessons
Luca’s Lessons by Deana Birch has an interesting premise which I thought might be a fun and naughty read. It did deliver on some things but it disappointed on others.
Claire is a young Widow who is a financial whiz and runs an investment bank in Switzerland. She lost her husband who was the love of her life and still grieves him intensely.
Luca owns a private BDSM club and is a full time Dom. He does not take a sub for himself fully but instead trains subs. He is very regimented in that he does not open up about himself and holds his personal life away from everyone. Yet when he takes Claire as his sub to train he requires her to be open and honest with him in all ways, until she calls RED on him when he hits too close to the bone about her grief.
This is an interesting story in that even though a D/s relationship requires open communication there is miscommunication and misunderstanding between Claire and Luca on a personal level. Each thinks about the possibility of turning their arrangement into something more personal but each also has misunderstandings about the other and what they want.
Luca’s Lessons is an intricately woven story of two people on a deeply emotional journey which may or may not end in the way they expect or envision. The story is well written with good character development, and the supporting characters are also interesting and each add’s to the story-line.
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
I read a lot of romance it’s my thing. And I have a type. Even if I’m reading a ‘dark’ romance I’m not keen on the ‘alpha-hole’ lead and that is something you see a lot in books that are labeled as BDSM books. The ‘Dom’ has to show his control by being a borderline abusive asshole. I could rattle off a few books, but I’m not gonna because this isn’t about being negative. It’s to highlight how Luca’s Lesson is different in that regard.
From the moment he steps onto the page, his dominance and control is there, but not by force. It’s in how he carries himself, how he interacts with Claire, always keeping the upper hand even in their professional business setting which sets them on the journey.
If you’re looking for a book full of steamy sex and kink, this isn’t it. And that’s not an insult. This story goes deeper. Claire is discovering a new side to herself and healing from the death of her husband in the process. This is an emotional journey as she grapples with conflicting emotions of having growing feelings for Luca and feeling like she’s being unfaithful to her husband’s memory.
Luca is respectful of this and while he is the Dom the D/s relationship is about respect and trust, something these two ladies showcase at every turn. But Claire isn’t the only one undergoing a change. He had three rules he gave Claire when they started her training. One of them, no falling in love. But rules smules. LOL This is a romance and there will be all the love. Which is something that scares the crap out of our Dom. It’s kinda cute when you think about it.
Luca’s Lessons is about more than BDSM and sex. It’s about healing, growing, and finding love unexpectedly. It’s what is all about. And, if that wasn’t enough, these ladies added in a little bit of mystery and intrigue. This book made me smile, and swoon, and cuss LOL, and fall in love.
If you haven’t guessed, I recommend Luca’s Lessons.
I really enjoyed this book, so much feeling from two people who have been let down and hurt their whole lives!
Luca is a Dom who wants to buy a club from his dying friend. Claire is the owner of a bank, who invests money and Luca wants her to help him!
The attraction between the two in noticeable from the start, but Claire is nursing a broken heart from the death of her husband. Luca knows what he wants and is going to teach Claire trust and how to be the perfect submissive.
The first thing Luca tells her is that falling in love with him is a hard limit! He will train her for another Dom but there can be no feelings! Easy, well not for either of them, and when things go from bad to worse they both think they have lost the other.
Claire refuses to have anything to do with Luca, until her best friend steps in and gives her a few home truths. Will Luca forgive Claire, or has she left it too late.
What a sizzling hot read about learning BDSM……..This was a free ARC copy from the author and Booksprout for my honest voluntary review of this book, and the first time reading this authors work.I really enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down once I started reading it.I look forward to reading more this author in the future. It has a great storyline about a woman who wants to learn about BDSM, and finds out she really likes it and the Dom that teaches her all about BDSM.Plus it has some great characters to read about.And its really sizzling hot to boot.So I hope you all enjoy it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Luca is a business man and Dominant at a BDSM club. Claire is a banker with curiosity about the lifestyle. The two are damaged but trying to move on with their lives. The one rule they make is not to fall in love only for sex. A slow build up but magnificent moment when the couple break all the rules. A lovely story about mutual respect, feelings and how the right person can change your life.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving a review.
This was a good read. I enjoyed the storyline and the sex scenes. The one thing that could have made it better is a more alpha Dom. Luca in this case was a little too soft, not alpha dominant enough for me. It’s a personal taste, that’s all.
The book blurb grabbed my attention on this one. However, as soon as I started to read the book I found myself pulled right into the story. The relationship between Claire and Luca is like a business relationship, the number one rule of no feelings. I think getting involved someone and getting into the BDSM lifestyle it is impossible not to have feelings or some sort involved. Claire calls ‘red’ as she feels she has broken rule number one. It’s best to just cut ties right? The feelings will go away……eventually, right? This book is so much more then Claire’s adventure into the D/s relationship with Luca. It is also a realistic feeling of how two people can fall in love. Great book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
Luca’s Lessons is a sexy tale of exploration and growth. Luca is a superb training Dom by has no room for love in his life. Claire is a widow and a high powered Swiss banker. When Claire asks Luca to train her his only hard limit is love. But as they train they find themselves growing closer. Can Claire breach his hard limit and can Luca teach her that it is okay to love again? This is a well paced sexy BDSM romance that didn’t push any hard limits for me.
Luca’s Lessons was my first experience with this duo of authors.
I loved the cover. That’s what drew my attention to this book in the first place.
I liked the story. It was everything the blurb promised it’d be. I liked the build-up, the way Claire and Luca gradually came closer and closer. Both of them were likeable, life-like characters.
I would have liked Luca to open up a little more about himself but his attention and dedication to Claire more than made up for this little shortage. He guided her with the utmost care on her sensual exploration while he too learned a few new things about his own needs. They definitely deserved their HEA. As a secondary character, Julien, was hilarious.
I liked the writing very much, the characters were well developed. I liked the emotional journey, the building of trust, the self-respect, the presentation of the BDSM world.
It was a delightfully kinky read.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.