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Rod and Cane Society #1
Unexpected Consequences
Jared belongs to the Rod and Cane Society, a secret organization of men who spank their wives to maintain domestic discipline. When Melania ignores a “request” from her husband and attempts to hide her disobedience, Jared spanks her.
While Jared believes the unpleasantness has been settled, for Melania it only has begun. Although she consented to the spanking, her fairytale notion of marriage has been shattered and she makes plans to leave Jared as soon as her parents return from vacation.
While she waits, Melania begins to see more positive aspects of domestic discipline. But just as she decides her love for Jared is paramount and she might be able to accept a domestic discipline marriage, Jared discovers she’d planned to leave him and once again her marriage is in jeopardy.
Publisher's This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find paddling, spanking.
While Jared believes the unpleasantness has been settled, for Melania it only has begun. Although she consented to the spanking, her fairytale notion of marriage has been shattered and she makes plans to leave Jared as soon as her parents return from vacation.
While she waits, Melania begins to see more positive aspects of domestic discipline. But just as she decides her love for Jared is paramount and she might be able to accept a domestic discipline marriage, Jared discovers she’d planned to leave him and once again her marriage is in jeopardy.
Publisher's This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find paddling, spanking.
105 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2011
56 people are currently reading
963 people want to read
About the author
Cara Bristol
102 books932 followersUSA Today bestselling author Cara Bristol writes science fiction romance about tough alien and cyborg heroes who fall hard for sassy heroines.
Cara is a homebody who married a wanderer. When she’s not writing or being distracted by squirrels cavorting outside her office window, she enjoys reading and traveling the world with her husband. Topping her bucket list is visiting all seven continents and petting a squirrel.
Visit her website to get a free sci-fi romance.
Cara is a homebody who married a wanderer. When she’s not writing or being distracted by squirrels cavorting outside her office window, she enjoys reading and traveling the world with her husband. Topping her bucket list is visiting all seven continents and petting a squirrel.
Visit her website to get a free sci-fi romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
April 23, 2012
I think unfortunately a lot of people who aren't into Domestic Discipline are going to read this book, be horrified, and give it one star. That's a shame.
My credentials--I'm a long time devotee of the Domestic Discipline kink, practice it with my husband, been into it for 20 years or so, lol. I usually avoid reading DD romances because so often they seem to be written by people who don't understand or express the emotion and reasoning behind it. Not so here. Cara Bristol's book demonstrated a thorough understanding of everything about DD that makes its followers tick.
From page one I was drawn into Jared and Melania's story. She was a great representative of your average DD gal...loving it at times, but really doubting her sanity at other times! Jared was great as the head-of-household husband who has the best of intentions but also experiences a few problems getting the DD program underway in their new marriage.
I was just so glad to see the subject written about with respect and integrity. You will not find a bratty, brassy DD wife here and you won't find a stiff, blowhard DD husband. They were just both really human, regular people in love who wanted the best for each other. It was sweet to see Jared's conflicts and Melania's process in discovering her place as a DD wife.
Granted, DD kink is not for everyone. This book would probably make some feminists' heads explode, but it's fantasy, it's hot, and that's good enough for me! To make DD work, you have to have two things...an alpha husband and a wife in agreement to be led. If you have a problem with either of those concepts then, no, you won't like this. You will label the woman weak, TSTL, and other such crap. This will be because you don't understand the mindset of women into DD, but whatever. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.
To me, this story is wonderful. Two people find love and connection while having their needs fulfilled in a well written, well balanced story. If you're curious about DD, this is the book to read!! And if you already love DD, then you will find a treasure here. Enjoy!
My credentials--I'm a long time devotee of the Domestic Discipline kink, practice it with my husband, been into it for 20 years or so, lol. I usually avoid reading DD romances because so often they seem to be written by people who don't understand or express the emotion and reasoning behind it. Not so here. Cara Bristol's book demonstrated a thorough understanding of everything about DD that makes its followers tick.
From page one I was drawn into Jared and Melania's story. She was a great representative of your average DD gal...loving it at times, but really doubting her sanity at other times! Jared was great as the head-of-household husband who has the best of intentions but also experiences a few problems getting the DD program underway in their new marriage.
I was just so glad to see the subject written about with respect and integrity. You will not find a bratty, brassy DD wife here and you won't find a stiff, blowhard DD husband. They were just both really human, regular people in love who wanted the best for each other. It was sweet to see Jared's conflicts and Melania's process in discovering her place as a DD wife.
Granted, DD kink is not for everyone. This book would probably make some feminists' heads explode, but it's fantasy, it's hot, and that's good enough for me! To make DD work, you have to have two things...an alpha husband and a wife in agreement to be led. If you have a problem with either of those concepts then, no, you won't like this. You will label the woman weak, TSTL, and other such crap. This will be because you don't understand the mindset of women into DD, but whatever. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.
To me, this story is wonderful. Two people find love and connection while having their needs fulfilled in a well written, well balanced story. If you're curious about DD, this is the book to read!! And if you already love DD, then you will find a treasure here. Enjoy!
August 28, 2020
I have only read Breeder series by this author which is a sci-fi erotica series that I enjoyed. This series is about Domestic Discipline and how much pleasurable this can be.
I enjoyed it a lot, but I couldn't stop smiling with the naivety of the main character.
How can a 23 years old woman not realising that her father and mother practice domestic discipline?
And how can she not realise that a society called "Rod and Cane" where her parents and husband are members is more than a charity organisation?
Rod? Cane? I mean...come on....
Anyway I thought Melania and Jared are really cute together. They both discover a new world of pleasure and pain together. Although Melania is the newbie here, Jared's feelings are also over the place and this make his character more likeable.
I enjoyed it a lot, but I couldn't stop smiling with the naivety of the main character.
How can a 23 years old woman not realising that her father and mother practice domestic discipline?
And how can she not realise that a society called "Rod and Cane" where her parents and husband are members is more than a charity organisation?
Rod? Cane? I mean...come on....
Anyway I thought Melania and Jared are really cute together. They both discover a new world of pleasure and pain together. Although Melania is the newbie here, Jared's feelings are also over the place and this make his character more likeable.
March 31, 2015
100 pages filled with real life feelings and steamy scenes between a partial and new D/s.
This story distils the belief that to have a happy and fulfilling marriage you need to have some discipline in place between husband and wife. Jared employs this disciplinary technique in spanking Melania when she does something wrong. The narrative is based on two types of spankings:
1) the pleasurable spankings in the bedroom and;
2) the painful spanking for disobeying a command.
’Spanking his wife had stirred him in a primitive, carnal way.’
This novel shows the true underlying thoughts and feelings a person in the heroines situation would be thinking. It covered all bases of what was happening, why it was happening and what it was doing to her.
We could also see what was going in Jared’s mind to the reaction of his wife to the spanking. He feels so deeply hurt because she felt hurt and feels somewhat aroused by what he had orchestrated.
‘Her pain had become his; he felt her sobs as if she’d raked her fingernails across his skin.’
However, maybe because we are raised in a different world today with feminine rights and all that, this did seem to point out that the men in a marriage have more rights than woman. Apparently, their word is ‘law’.
Overall, I loved this read. The chemistry, intense smut scenes and believable compassion and love between the two are dynamic.
The love between the two is so strong especially when he finds out she was planning to leave. You could feel the hurt and devastation as if it were your own.
The way the book is written underlies why spanking can be of use in a marriage. In reality it’s a guideline to new individuals being introduced into this area. The Rod and Cane society provides that hard spankings can be a way for a woman or man to forget completely about their day or stresses by focusing solely on the pain a spanking presents. Once you get to this underlying conception of what a spanking can do for you anyone would understand the benefits to getting a spanking. I did.
Looking forward to reading the rest in the series.
“It was the most awesome experience I’ve ever head. I was flying.” She smiled serenely. “The pain was still there, but it felt…not good, but beautiful.” She shook her head. “I can’t explain it.”
This story distils the belief that to have a happy and fulfilling marriage you need to have some discipline in place between husband and wife. Jared employs this disciplinary technique in spanking Melania when she does something wrong. The narrative is based on two types of spankings:
1) the pleasurable spankings in the bedroom and;
2) the painful spanking for disobeying a command.
’Spanking his wife had stirred him in a primitive, carnal way.’
This novel shows the true underlying thoughts and feelings a person in the heroines situation would be thinking. It covered all bases of what was happening, why it was happening and what it was doing to her.
We could also see what was going in Jared’s mind to the reaction of his wife to the spanking. He feels so deeply hurt because she felt hurt and feels somewhat aroused by what he had orchestrated.
‘Her pain had become his; he felt her sobs as if she’d raked her fingernails across his skin.’
However, maybe because we are raised in a different world today with feminine rights and all that, this did seem to point out that the men in a marriage have more rights than woman. Apparently, their word is ‘law’.
Overall, I loved this read. The chemistry, intense smut scenes and believable compassion and love between the two are dynamic.
The love between the two is so strong especially when he finds out she was planning to leave. You could feel the hurt and devastation as if it were your own.
The way the book is written underlies why spanking can be of use in a marriage. In reality it’s a guideline to new individuals being introduced into this area. The Rod and Cane society provides that hard spankings can be a way for a woman or man to forget completely about their day or stresses by focusing solely on the pain a spanking presents. Once you get to this underlying conception of what a spanking can do for you anyone would understand the benefits to getting a spanking. I did.
Looking forward to reading the rest in the series.
“It was the most awesome experience I’ve ever head. I was flying.” She smiled serenely. “The pain was still there, but it felt…not good, but beautiful.” She shook her head. “I can’t explain it.”
December 5, 2011
I swooned in sexual ecstasy reading this book. The phrase running through my mind the entire time was "Spare the rod; spoil the child!" This phrase is one of my favourites and it must be Jared's too.
Jared is newly wed to Melanie. The twelve-year age difference doesn't make him her "daddy", but due to their affiliation to the Rod and Cane Society, he does dole out punishment for her misbehaviour like a father would to a child.
I liked this book because Melanie was spanked and paddled hard for misbehaving. Perhaps I am tired of women who are "Daddy's little princesses" manipulating people and receiving no consequences. In this book, bad behaviour was treated accordingly and fully laid out prior to the punishment. What I find amusing is that Melanie's father and mother are part of the Rod and Cane Society. Yet Melanie was ignorant to its mission and vision. She knew going into the marriage, there would be punishment which was laid out in detail in the lengthy contract on obedience and correction by her husband. For her, it never connected because she fully believed it would not apply to her. She figured she'd just negotiate her way out of it. Right, basically she wanted to be in control and jerk Jared around.
I can't stand women like this which is probably why I enjoyed this book so much. I reveled in her paddling discipline. I smiled in glee at her shock. I delighted in her inability to con her way out of punishment. I found her struggle to accept her wifely discipline believable. Her question if she could still be married after this jarring to reality was well written. I would have felt empathy for her if she was married in without any warning. Instead, she went into the marriage, eyes wide shut. Because of this willful ignorance, I sided with Jared every time.
Jared is the kind of husband I like. He's the type of husband I married. Jared is stricter than my own spouse, which makes him more attractive to me. I liked how Ms. Bristol wrote from his perspective too. He is the loving caring husband and he isn't flawless. It makes me like him even better. I'm a big supporter of domestic discipline so this story is definitely on my list of recommendations. I'm actually going to pass it along to my husband and highlight the word "maintenance". I'm hoping he'll understand my message.
Since I enjoyed this book so much, one may wonder why it is only a 4 star. The reason is because I wished for more punishment and erotic sex scenes. I would have liked a bit more discipline or discussions of other women being corrected. I also would like to know what happens in the club's discipline room. I do want to commend Ms. Bristol's excellent demonstration of an independent and strong woman who also is a spanked wife. I felt this balance is key. I highly recommend this book to spanking fanatics who enjoy maledom in marriage. I look forward to more domestic discipline books from the talented Ms. Bristol.
January 2, 2013
This review was sponsored by . However, all opinions expressed here are mine alone.
I think "Unheld Conversations" would have been a better title for this book.
Jared is a member of an organisation called the Rod and Cane Society. Personally, I prefer to refer to it by its original name when it was founded back in 1937: . Therefore, throughout the rest of this review, I am going to call it He-Man for short.
So, anyway, the guys in He-Man are all into Domestic Discipline. DD, if you aren't aware, is a form of relationship where one partner gets to decide if the other partner has done something bad and, if they have, punish them for it – usually with a spanking. It can actually function either way (the Wife can spank the Husband) but that isn't a He-Man idea. Oh, no. And when I say ‘guys’, I mean ‘guys’; ladies don’t actually get to join He-Man. They have to join the He-Man Ladies Auxiliary. More on that aspect a little later.
He-Man even has a really cool clubhouse. It has two sections: a public section (just like you would expect a ‘Prestigious Fraternal Organization’ to have) but also a way more interesting part the public don’t get to see. All the social functions occur in this private section, and it’s just chock-full of art consisting of freshly spanked, red-bottomed women (tastefully modeled by Ladies Auxiliary Members). Oh, and I should mention the ‘Disciplinary Chamber’. I would tell you more about what happens in there, but I don’t want to give anything away.
Jared meets Melania at a He-Man event. Not held at the clubhouse, obviously, because, well, that would have been a problem. You see, even though Melania knows her father is a member of He-Man and her mother is a member of the Auxiliary, she doesn't know anything about Domestic Discipline or what He-Man is really about. The first rule of He-Man is that you don’t talk about He-Man. So even though her parents play matchmaker for these two lovebirds they neglect to mention to Melania just what she is getting into.
Now I know what you are thinking: Jared surely wouldn't enter into a DD relationship without making sure that Melania understood what he wanted? Well, actually … They talk about him being in charge and he does kind of mention that he wants to spank her if she does something really, really naughty, but she doesn't really think he’s serious.
Of course, eventually she does something that he decides she should be spanked for and … What’s that? He gives her a good old-fashioned brisk hand spanking over his knee? Well, no, actually. He fastens her bottom upwards over his fancy spanking bench with fleece-lined straps and uses his shiny new paddle on her. Perhaps not surprisingly, things kind of go downhill for a while after that.
I am not entirely sure what the Society’s existence was supposed to add to the story. The whole Code of Silence was disturbing. The nametags were condescending. The whole argument that Melania would just come to accept her place over time? I double-checked to make sure I wasn’t reading .
Jared was totally ruled by his emotions, spending the entire story either feeling sorry for himself or being angry at Melania. I did think his hunter/gatherer argument had the potential to be compelling – if it were still 25,000 BC. Before he took responsibility for someone else, he really needed to take responsibility for himself first.
I kept waiting for Jared and Melania to actually have a conversation about Domestic Discipline and what they both wanted out of it. I still can’t believe that no such conversation actually occurred. I thought the ending was a case of doing the wrong thing for the wrong reasons.
There are a lot of people outside of the BDSM and spanking communities who would consider Domestic Discipline abuse. I just don’t feel like Unexpected Consequences provides any arguments against that but could actually provide some in favour.
I think "Unheld Conversations" would have been a better title for this book.
Jared is a member of an organisation called the Rod and Cane Society. Personally, I prefer to refer to it by its original name when it was founded back in 1937: . Therefore, throughout the rest of this review, I am going to call it He-Man for short.
So, anyway, the guys in He-Man are all into Domestic Discipline. DD, if you aren't aware, is a form of relationship where one partner gets to decide if the other partner has done something bad and, if they have, punish them for it – usually with a spanking. It can actually function either way (the Wife can spank the Husband) but that isn't a He-Man idea. Oh, no. And when I say ‘guys’, I mean ‘guys’; ladies don’t actually get to join He-Man. They have to join the He-Man Ladies Auxiliary. More on that aspect a little later.
He-Man even has a really cool clubhouse. It has two sections: a public section (just like you would expect a ‘Prestigious Fraternal Organization’ to have) but also a way more interesting part the public don’t get to see. All the social functions occur in this private section, and it’s just chock-full of art consisting of freshly spanked, red-bottomed women (tastefully modeled by Ladies Auxiliary Members). Oh, and I should mention the ‘Disciplinary Chamber’. I would tell you more about what happens in there, but I don’t want to give anything away.
Jared meets Melania at a He-Man event. Not held at the clubhouse, obviously, because, well, that would have been a problem. You see, even though Melania knows her father is a member of He-Man and her mother is a member of the Auxiliary, she doesn't know anything about Domestic Discipline or what He-Man is really about. The first rule of He-Man is that you don’t talk about He-Man. So even though her parents play matchmaker for these two lovebirds they neglect to mention to Melania just what she is getting into.
Now I know what you are thinking: Jared surely wouldn't enter into a DD relationship without making sure that Melania understood what he wanted? Well, actually … They talk about him being in charge and he does kind of mention that he wants to spank her if she does something really, really naughty, but she doesn't really think he’s serious.
Of course, eventually she does something that he decides she should be spanked for and … What’s that? He gives her a good old-fashioned brisk hand spanking over his knee? Well, no, actually. He fastens her bottom upwards over his fancy spanking bench with fleece-lined straps and uses his shiny new paddle on her. Perhaps not surprisingly, things kind of go downhill for a while after that.
I am not entirely sure what the Society’s existence was supposed to add to the story. The whole Code of Silence was disturbing. The nametags were condescending. The whole argument that Melania would just come to accept her place over time? I double-checked to make sure I wasn’t reading .
Jared was totally ruled by his emotions, spending the entire story either feeling sorry for himself or being angry at Melania. I did think his hunter/gatherer argument had the potential to be compelling – if it were still 25,000 BC. Before he took responsibility for someone else, he really needed to take responsibility for himself first.
I kept waiting for Jared and Melania to actually have a conversation about Domestic Discipline and what they both wanted out of it. I still can’t believe that no such conversation actually occurred. I thought the ending was a case of doing the wrong thing for the wrong reasons.
There are a lot of people outside of the BDSM and spanking communities who would consider Domestic Discipline abuse. I just don’t feel like Unexpected Consequences provides any arguments against that but could actually provide some in favour.
July 15, 2019
EYEOPENING
First read for me by this author, and this particular subject. This is a story about a young woman who is very naive, her parents had spoilt her her entire life. They belong to a society called "The Rod and Cane" but she was unaware of the function of this club despite it's very revealing name. She meets her future husband at one of the clubs social events. Not long after they are married she deceives her husband, in a minor way, and he disciplines her. Devastated she plans to leave him.
While this isn't normally the type of story I go for. I thought that Jared seemed a bit too old and way more experienced than Melania. Once she discovers the true function of the club she's shocked. She talks her concerns and fears over with some of the other wives, it's this that bothered me the most, it just came across to me like the author was trying to justify their husbands spanking them. Melania did ask good questions like what happens when the husbands mess up but those were never answered. The cover shows a mans hand presumably spanking a woman’s bottom, but in this Jarrod used a half inch thick by four inches wide and over a foot long chunk of wood. That’s not a spanking that’s a beating. Plus there’s no safe word.
First read for me by this author, and this particular subject. This is a story about a young woman who is very naive, her parents had spoilt her her entire life. They belong to a society called "The Rod and Cane" but she was unaware of the function of this club despite it's very revealing name. She meets her future husband at one of the clubs social events. Not long after they are married she deceives her husband, in a minor way, and he disciplines her. Devastated she plans to leave him.
While this isn't normally the type of story I go for. I thought that Jared seemed a bit too old and way more experienced than Melania. Once she discovers the true function of the club she's shocked. She talks her concerns and fears over with some of the other wives, it's this that bothered me the most, it just came across to me like the author was trying to justify their husbands spanking them. Melania did ask good questions like what happens when the husbands mess up but those were never answered. The cover shows a mans hand presumably spanking a woman’s bottom, but in this Jarrod used a half inch thick by four inches wide and over a foot long chunk of wood. That’s not a spanking that’s a beating. Plus there’s no safe word.
May 8, 2012
That is what Cara Bristol has created here in Unexpected Consequences. Melania loves husband Jared's dominant ways, and accepts his warnings before their marriage of physical retribution for misbehavior with half an ear--and half a heart. But when she makes a mistake and he spanks her, Melania is shocked and hurt. She prepares to leave him, and it is during a dinner party that same night that she meets two other women, part of the Rod and Cane Society, and they give their take--pros and cons--of a not so usual lifestyle. Will Melania come around, or will she run home to daddy?
I like DD stories where the H 'earns' this very unique gift he is given, to spank and discipline his wife, or SO. This rings true here. Cara Bristol does a great job of showing Melania's reticence, and we are really not sure if she is going to come around to accepting this lifestyle, and her husband's heavy hand, despite how much she loves him. The writing is good, and the relationship between Jared and Melania (aside from the DD/club aspect) is real. The idea that a club or society like this exists is a fun, fantastical concept. I understand this is, or will be a series, and I'm looking forward to more from this author.
I like DD stories where the H 'earns' this very unique gift he is given, to spank and discipline his wife, or SO. This rings true here. Cara Bristol does a great job of showing Melania's reticence, and we are really not sure if she is going to come around to accepting this lifestyle, and her husband's heavy hand, despite how much she loves him. The writing is good, and the relationship between Jared and Melania (aside from the DD/club aspect) is real. The idea that a club or society like this exists is a fun, fantastical concept. I understand this is, or will be a series, and I'm looking forward to more from this author.
August 11, 2014
DNF
This felt like a "spanking" version of The Stepford Wives. Characters are shallow, no chemistry, no communication. I made it to where the hero initiates his "domestic disciplinary" role and spanks his wife with a paddle because she went against his wishes and bought a pair of shoes. I could not take anymore.
I'm thankful to the friend that loaned me the book to see if I would be interested in the series. The price of $5.09 for 109pgs is ridiculous.
February 23, 2013
Way to un-romanticized a good spanking. This is almost dubious consent. Cavemen brought to the 21st century.
August 12, 2016
I hate giving books one star. The one star is how I feel personally.
Overall, I expected this story to have more romance in it, and deeper character interactions. This just felt like a huge brainwashing session. This girl doesn't like what is happening and everyone keeps telling her how awesome it is until finally she convinces herself she likes it. I'm all for BDSM stuff, but this book feels like the safe word was taken away. It borders on emotional abuse. If you don't agree you lose your husband, is that really a choice? Why couldn't they find a compromise or at least talk about it? In my opinion, he left no room for her to feel safe. I felt super uncomfortable reading it.
Everyone has their own opinion, this is mine. I guess this particular kink isn't my thing.
Overall, I expected this story to have more romance in it, and deeper character interactions. This just felt like a huge brainwashing session. This girl doesn't like what is happening and everyone keeps telling her how awesome it is until finally she convinces herself she likes it. I'm all for BDSM stuff, but this book feels like the safe word was taken away. It borders on emotional abuse. If you don't agree you lose your husband, is that really a choice? Why couldn't they find a compromise or at least talk about it? In my opinion, he left no room for her to feel safe. I felt super uncomfortable reading it.
Everyone has their own opinion, this is mine. I guess this particular kink isn't my thing.
November 7, 2011
I've read many books with domestic discipline themes over the years, so I thought I'd give this one a try since I've never read this author before. I was not disappointed. This book was well-written and engaging the whole way through. The spanking was consensual and the sex was hot. The book also didn't suffer from any shortage of conflict. Melania and Jared love each other very much, but Melania is uncertain if she can be happy in a marriage that involves disciplinary spanking. When she finally realizes she can . . . Jared has already discovered her plans to leave. It's an emotionally charged story, that's for sure! I definitely plan to read more books by this author in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2019
I agree with the reviewers who say that Jared is a bully. While it isn't credible that Melania does not understand what she signed up for (a major problem with the book), Jared should NOT have punished her so harshly the first time he ever punishes her: he has no idea how she'll react and she has no idea how she'll react. In addition, given her reaction, he should have done more to talk to her about it; it shouldn't have been up to other people to make her feel better (particularly since their version of making her feel better was "you'll get used to it"). I was really hoping she would actually leave him at the end. He should have realized that her fear was a huge red flag in their relationship, not, as another reviewer said, have a "pity party."
Note to other reviewers: Just because a book comes with dd/bdsm disclaimers, does not mean reviewers have to automatically give it 5 stars. DD, for example, can mean a few slaps on the backside or switching someone until blood is drawn. What reviewers here are responding to, by and large, is the severity of the punishments and to the way they are handled, not to the fact that there are punishments.
2nd note to other reviewers: Many of you who have given this book 5 stars are writers in this industry. Now, I get that you're fans of the genre you write in and I also get that you want to support fellow writers, but you owe it to readers to self-identify. The fact that many of you consistently leave 5 star reviews on each other's books is a huge conflict of interest since you often host each other on your blogs (free advertising) and these 5 stars simply add to the book's average. Your reviews encourage potential readers to spend money and, quite frankly, no reader can be sure your reviews aren't biased.
Note to other reviewers: Just because a book comes with dd/bdsm disclaimers, does not mean reviewers have to automatically give it 5 stars. DD, for example, can mean a few slaps on the backside or switching someone until blood is drawn. What reviewers here are responding to, by and large, is the severity of the punishments and to the way they are handled, not to the fact that there are punishments.
2nd note to other reviewers: Many of you who have given this book 5 stars are writers in this industry. Now, I get that you're fans of the genre you write in and I also get that you want to support fellow writers, but you owe it to readers to self-identify. The fact that many of you consistently leave 5 star reviews on each other's books is a huge conflict of interest since you often host each other on your blogs (free advertising) and these 5 stars simply add to the book's average. Your reviews encourage potential readers to spend money and, quite frankly, no reader can be sure your reviews aren't biased.
stay-away-from-this-one
July 18, 2019They say don't judge a book by its cover, but that's pretty hard to do with a cover like this one 🤐
March 16, 2014
I don't get it... this "spanking as discipline" in marriage thing?, it felt like when the Jeovah witnesses come to your house and try to sell you their ideology, or like Tom Cruise and his rants about scientology.
I understand you believe in that, good for you, but it's just not my cup of tea and this ad (that's what it felt like) of 105 pages didn't make me even the littlest bit interested.
I kept rolling my eyes every time these women talked about how the spanking was making their marriage so much better and balanced, the whole club and manly-man theme with the red bottoms as art...bleh!, it was just crap... for me anyway.
Could have not-liked it a little bit less if the female lead wasn't soooo annoying, she behaved like a child, so immature and moronic... I wanted to slap her myself, how can you enter a marriage with a guy who is in a club about something, your father is a big thing in the something-club, your husband-to-be tells you your marriage will be based on that same something, even makes you sign a prenup about said something and you don't know/ask/wonder about what the hell that something is???
I understand you believe in that, good for you, but it's just not my cup of tea and this ad (that's what it felt like) of 105 pages didn't make me even the littlest bit interested.
I kept rolling my eyes every time these women talked about how the spanking was making their marriage so much better and balanced, the whole club and manly-man theme with the red bottoms as art...bleh!, it was just crap... for me anyway.
Could have not-liked it a little bit less if the female lead wasn't soooo annoying, she behaved like a child, so immature and moronic... I wanted to slap her myself, how can you enter a marriage with a guy who is in a club about something, your father is a big thing in the something-club, your husband-to-be tells you your marriage will be based on that same something, even makes you sign a prenup about said something and you don't know/ask/wonder about what the hell that something is???
June 9, 2014
If you are interested in the ins/outs, philosophy of DD, then you'd probably like this book. It's like a brochure for it in a way. I didn't have a problem with the writing, I think my cool reaction was a matter of taste. I was looking for more fantasy than reality. I am also not a contemporary romance fan. I like a historical. For some reason the woman consenting to the lifestyle is not as titilating as the typical historical - woman is given to man/captured by man and tamed. Don't get me wrong, the only way I'd put up with this in real life is if I consented. I don't expect/want romance to be at all realistic. That's just me.
June 3, 2012
This was my first Cara Bristol read, and I confess I got it simply to have a "U" title for an A-Z challenge. Though I wasn't expecting to be impressed - I was! I really enjoyed this well-written story on domestic discipline and feel like I learned a thing or two in the process. The story really made me think. Well worth a read for BDSM fans.
January 23, 2013
Light BDSM. In this story, the Rod and the Cane is an organization (hush, hush) that spank their wifes. The hero and heroine are very believable. The story was fun to read.
February 27, 2013
I read #3 in this series so I had to go back and begin at the beginning, not because it didn't stand alone...but because I wanted to. I wasn't disappointed!
May 15, 2012
Great read! Looking forward to the next book.
July 23, 2019
2.5 stars
December 17, 2013
This is the first book by Cara Bristol that I have read and wow, I'm glad I did. I didn't know much about domestic discipline as a practice until I read this book. I've read other books that slant towards domestic discipline and spanking, but I always looked at that as another element of kink and as long as the male was Alpha enough, I didn't really care whether he was spanking the heroine or tying her up or just bossing her around... it's not the activity, but the feel of the characters and their interactions that gets and keeps my interest.
Unexpected Consequences is just such a beautiful depiction of what domestic discipline is, how it is practiced, the motivation behind the practice for both parties and how it can solidify and enhance the marriage (or any romantic relationship). Melania and Jared are newlyweds. Jared is the disciplinarian and a spankophile. Melania is an innocent; though she grew up in a domestic discipline household, she chose to be somewhat ignorant about it and when Jared spanks her for the first time, she is shocked. It wrenches her from her "fairyland" into the harsh reality of what being in a spanking relationship really means. It means that when she does something against her husband's wishes, he has the right and responsibility to spank her in order to rein her in. And it hurts. A lot.
Cara Bristol really delved into the emotional rollercoaster that Melania went through to reconcile her love for Jared and her dislike of pain and discipline, yet a longing for it as well. I followed Melania through her journey of self discovery as she tried to figure out whether she loved spanking or hated it and whether it was going to ruin her marriage or add an amazing new layer that brought her closer to Jared. Jared had his own journey as he settled into his role as head of household and loving disciplinarian. There were some hiccups, some self doubt, and some self discovery on his part as well. Ultimately, their love for each other really shone through everything they did and even when they made mistakes, they never lost sight of that love.
This book may be for a niche audience. The gender roles are very traditional here. The husband is head of household and the wife obeys. That may turn some folks off. It's taking D/s to a different level. Or maybe it's different from D/s. I'm not sure, honestly. What I can say is that I really enjoyed the book. The characters were likeable and seemed very real, the spankings were so well written and we got to peek into both Jared's and Melania's head and lived the experience with them. The whole spanking community (The Rod and Cane Society) came to life, with a support system for both the husband and the wife. It was refreshing.. Neither Jared, nor Melania had to deal with everything by themselves. They sought support and advice from others who lived this lifestyle as well.
I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys spanking, traditional gender role relationships, and domestic discipline. Two thumbs up.
February 16, 2012
This is a well written story by Cara Bristol; well edited too, which made it a pleasurable read. It covers the role of physical discipline through spanking or caning of a wife by the man or husband who has taken on the role of Master of the house and all it's relative decisions being his, within marriage,that has been signed and agreed in a prenuptial agreement. The Master of his home and marriage and disciplinarian is husband Jared, a wealthy businessman, who's also a member of the secret The Rod & Cane Society and twelve years senior to his new young wife Melania. Melania has been brought up in a middle class family, overindulged by parents, and used to getting out of trouble by her manipulative behaviour, despite her parents being Society members and living this lifestyle themselves, which they kept secret from their daughter. Her marriage is facilitated and agreed between Jared and her parents & to be in line with the discipline of the Societies rules. Melania agreed but didn't read her prenup contract carefully, neither listen nor ask for clarification all of the pre marital pointers re discipline, obeying etc that had occurred. The indulged manipulative child thought she could continue. Her first experience of disciplinary spanking with a paddle calls into question, the serious miscalculation Melania may have made regards her ignorance, or acceptance of these actions of corporal punishment to her derriere, within her newly married life. Though with hindsight and thought she agrees with her bad behavior being wrong also that Jared is warranted with being angry; however, she rejects the spanking, pain and humiliation and her knee jerk reaction is to flee the marriage. Immediate opportunity to do this is denied by circumstances. Time, meeting with other female members who live happily with their corporal punishment in this male dominated spanking society, plus a renewed and lovingly lusty sexuality that ensues and which is beautifully described, changes her mind. A visit to the Society's headquarters, to see other women, many professional or high ranking figures in society who accept, even enjoy this type of marriage & lifestyle reinforces her inclination and acceptance towards it. As she visited and was shown the disciplinarian room I thought a scene would link in but sadly it didn't...I wonder if there will be a follow up story of this Society, I hope so! The scenes were uncomfortable to me personally, yet also enticing and arousing erotically...giving me mixed emotions whether I would or wouldn't like to live that life myself. Remaining difficulties & outcomes I leave to the reader to find out for themselves. Four stars plus.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2012
Cara Bristol isn’t an author – she’s an artist. The page is her canvas; the words are her paint. The descriptive language used in “Unexpected Consequences” took my breath away. For instance, when I read the following line, I literally had to stop reading to fully appreciate the eloquent way Cara describes common restlessness:
“Her thoughts were like the shuttlecock in a badminton game: constantly in play, never at rest, always being batted about.”
“Unexpected Consequences” was full of poetic prose such as this. Combine that with a great plot line, multidimensional characters, hot and heavy sex, and mind-blowing (or bottom busting) spanking scenes and you get one outstanding spanking novel! Well done, Cara!!
This book largely focuses on the serious side of domestic discipline. Melania, a young virgin bride, overlooks the warnings provided by her groom and enters a DD marriage not fully understanding what she signed up for. The passion and love shared by Melania and Jared blossoms during their first few weeks as newlyweds. When Melania does something that warrants punishment, she is conflicted with her love for her husband and the horror of a lifetime of punishment spankings at his hands. Melania consults other spanked wives, does a lot of soul searching, and finds a way to embrace her husband’s ways.
The disciplinary spankings meted out by Jared are severe and could never been confused with fun spanky-play. Luckily, Cara Bristol treats the reader to a few fun spankings in addition to the seriously severe ones.
The only part of the book that I wrinkled my nose at had to do with Melania’s ignorance. Jared as well as Melania’s parents belong to the Rod and Cane Society, which Melania innocently believes is a prestigious fraternal organization. While I understand that Melania was young, naive, and a bit immature when she marries Jared, it’s hard to believe that she had no idea what the Rod and Cane Society stood for considering it is stated right there in the name.
Cara Bristol did an amazing job with “Unexpected Consequences!” I whole heartedly recommend this to anyone interested in domestic discipline.
Katerina of BottomsUpBookReview
“Her thoughts were like the shuttlecock in a badminton game: constantly in play, never at rest, always being batted about.”
“Unexpected Consequences” was full of poetic prose such as this. Combine that with a great plot line, multidimensional characters, hot and heavy sex, and mind-blowing (or bottom busting) spanking scenes and you get one outstanding spanking novel! Well done, Cara!!
This book largely focuses on the serious side of domestic discipline. Melania, a young virgin bride, overlooks the warnings provided by her groom and enters a DD marriage not fully understanding what she signed up for. The passion and love shared by Melania and Jared blossoms during their first few weeks as newlyweds. When Melania does something that warrants punishment, she is conflicted with her love for her husband and the horror of a lifetime of punishment spankings at his hands. Melania consults other spanked wives, does a lot of soul searching, and finds a way to embrace her husband’s ways.
The disciplinary spankings meted out by Jared are severe and could never been confused with fun spanky-play. Luckily, Cara Bristol treats the reader to a few fun spankings in addition to the seriously severe ones.
The only part of the book that I wrinkled my nose at had to do with Melania’s ignorance. Jared as well as Melania’s parents belong to the Rod and Cane Society, which Melania innocently believes is a prestigious fraternal organization. While I understand that Melania was young, naive, and a bit immature when she marries Jared, it’s hard to believe that she had no idea what the Rod and Cane Society stood for considering it is stated right there in the name.
Cara Bristol did an amazing job with “Unexpected Consequences!” I whole heartedly recommend this to anyone interested in domestic discipline.
Katerina of BottomsUpBookReview
February 13, 2013
I would classify this as a niche market novella. If you're interested in domestic discipline, you'll probably enjoy this otherwise keep on keepin' on. Yes, its a romance but it's unconventional & it does read a little clinical in its explanation of the lifestyle.
Part of what I found refreshing is Melania struggles to embrace DD as anything but degrading & humiliating, denying its erotic nature despite evidence to the contrary. She's torn between her love for Jared & uncertainty in sustaining a marriage that involves her ceding control & submitting to discipline regularly. The story is told from both perspectives & I must say Jared's inner turmoil over his role in their marriage was compelling.
Melania is a naive & sheltered 23 yr old who thinks she understands the concept of DD until she runs smack dab into her first punishment which is a core shaker causing her to doubt her decision to marry Jared. What we find later is she neglected to read the discipline contract & believes discipline will be an action of last resort rather than an integral part of their marriage. Even afterwards she believes she can manipulate their relationship much like she did her father who also practices a DD lifestyle.
Jared, on the other hand, has been a member of Rod and Cane Society for quite some time; DD is thoroughly ensconced in his concept of marriage. He is somewhat trepidatious & insecure in his role. He's uncomfortable with the notion of causing her pain but does so because he believes it makes for a healthy & happy marriage. This is his first marriage so I suppose it's just as much an acclimation process for him as it is for Melania. I gotta be honest it was a wee bit cheesy at the end & these two need to seriously work on their communication.
Ms. Bristol expresses herself clearly. The writing is strong with thoughtful & thought provoking dialogue. Although, I will confess I've been interested in learning more about DD so I might not be completely objective.
Part of what I found refreshing is Melania struggles to embrace DD as anything but degrading & humiliating, denying its erotic nature despite evidence to the contrary. She's torn between her love for Jared & uncertainty in sustaining a marriage that involves her ceding control & submitting to discipline regularly. The story is told from both perspectives & I must say Jared's inner turmoil over his role in their marriage was compelling.
Melania is a naive & sheltered 23 yr old who thinks she understands the concept of DD until she runs smack dab into her first punishment which is a core shaker causing her to doubt her decision to marry Jared. What we find later is she neglected to read the discipline contract & believes discipline will be an action of last resort rather than an integral part of their marriage. Even afterwards she believes she can manipulate their relationship much like she did her father who also practices a DD lifestyle.
Jared, on the other hand, has been a member of Rod and Cane Society for quite some time; DD is thoroughly ensconced in his concept of marriage. He is somewhat trepidatious & insecure in his role. He's uncomfortable with the notion of causing her pain but does so because he believes it makes for a healthy & happy marriage. This is his first marriage so I suppose it's just as much an acclimation process for him as it is for Melania. I gotta be honest it was a wee bit cheesy at the end & these two need to seriously work on their communication.
Ms. Bristol expresses herself clearly. The writing is strong with thoughtful & thought provoking dialogue. Although, I will confess I've been interested in learning more about DD so I might not be completely objective.
December 3, 2017
I typically enjoy BDSM stories, particularly when they involve spanking.
The problem with this book is that Jared's behavior detracts from what otherwise is a highly enjoyable story.
He makes a major miscalculation, as Melania's dom, during her first punishment spanking. It's his job to be able to read her. Spanking her into a state of terror, where she is ready to flee their home for her safety, is upsetting. Jared's reaction to discovering the evidence of his grievous error is to have a pity party rather than finally acknowledge his own mistake. Never apologizing nor considering he has any fault in the matter, he demonstrates self-centered immaturity to the nth degree. Jared does not behave like a dom, but consistently like a sub who needs to be taken in hand, himself.
Jared's version of working through their issues is to tell Melania to run back to her Daddy, where she belongs. He puts her in the position of having to ask for a punishment to save their marriage, despite the fact she knows he's terrible at reading her limits. She is brave as f**k, and quite foolish to submit to a man who has already decided their marriage is not going to work. Just because she enters subspace does not mean the punishment at the end of the story was anything other than a beating.
Jared agrees to spank Melania, while offering no forgiveness nor even a concession that he might possibly consider keeping her as his wife. He's just going to hit her, telling himself he may allow her to stay in what he considers a broken marriage. Narcissistic, immature, unloving man. Melania deserves better. The wisest, safest course of action would have been to extricate herself from a man with a volatile temper, who childishly refuses to admit aloud that his own behavior has contributed to their issues.
The reader is left thinking Melania is in an abusive relationship, and that she should, in fact, flee when she can safely do so.
The problem with this book is that Jared's behavior detracts from what otherwise is a highly enjoyable story.
He makes a major miscalculation, as Melania's dom, during her first punishment spanking. It's his job to be able to read her. Spanking her into a state of terror, where she is ready to flee their home for her safety, is upsetting. Jared's reaction to discovering the evidence of his grievous error is to have a pity party rather than finally acknowledge his own mistake. Never apologizing nor considering he has any fault in the matter, he demonstrates self-centered immaturity to the nth degree. Jared does not behave like a dom, but consistently like a sub who needs to be taken in hand, himself.
Jared's version of working through their issues is to tell Melania to run back to her Daddy, where she belongs. He puts her in the position of having to ask for a punishment to save their marriage, despite the fact she knows he's terrible at reading her limits. She is brave as f**k, and quite foolish to submit to a man who has already decided their marriage is not going to work. Just because she enters subspace does not mean the punishment at the end of the story was anything other than a beating.
Jared agrees to spank Melania, while offering no forgiveness nor even a concession that he might possibly consider keeping her as his wife. He's just going to hit her, telling himself he may allow her to stay in what he considers a broken marriage. Narcissistic, immature, unloving man. Melania deserves better. The wisest, safest course of action would have been to extricate herself from a man with a volatile temper, who childishly refuses to admit aloud that his own behavior has contributed to their issues.
The reader is left thinking Melania is in an abusive relationship, and that she should, in fact, flee when she can safely do so.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2012
Before I Read The Novel:
The description sounds awful kinky, however some of it is about divorce and blah, blah, blah. I can only hope it's a hot read!
In The Novel:
I'm 23 pages in and I can totally feel Melania's thoughts, emotions and actions. The novel was definitely well written. I want to take the paddle and spank her husband!
Side comments: (as I'm reading the novel)
- A society for spankings! WOW!
- Subspace, yummy!
In The Novel:
At the end I grinned. It was cleverly written and I liked it quite a bit. This was an easy novel to read, if I am being truthful and so well written that I flowed with the emotions and enjoy each and every aspect of the characters.
SUCKAGE!:
People who think novels like this deal in abuse. It's not abusive, some of us have different needs in a relationship that can only be sorted out with spankings or other erotic methods. There is a difference between what happened in this novel and the physical abuse that happens in relationships. The difference is love, trust and control. If you feel someone is being abused, report it and make sure the victim gets help.
The description sounds awful kinky, however some of it is about divorce and blah, blah, blah. I can only hope it's a hot read!
In The Novel:
I'm 23 pages in and I can totally feel Melania's thoughts, emotions and actions. The novel was definitely well written. I want to take the paddle and spank her husband!
Side comments: (as I'm reading the novel)
- A society for spankings! WOW!
- Subspace, yummy!
In The Novel:
At the end I grinned. It was cleverly written and I liked it quite a bit. This was an easy novel to read, if I am being truthful and so well written that I flowed with the emotions and enjoy each and every aspect of the characters.
SUCKAGE!:
People who think novels like this deal in abuse. It's not abusive, some of us have different needs in a relationship that can only be sorted out with spankings or other erotic methods. There is a difference between what happened in this novel and the physical abuse that happens in relationships. The difference is love, trust and control. If you feel someone is being abused, report it and make sure the victim gets help.
August 16, 2012
At some point you have to accept who you are and what you enjoy. If you enjoy discipline spankings with your romance then you will love this book. The characters are complex and compelling. The story is well-written and rounded.
Melania is a young naive newlywed and Jared is her somewhat older husband who is also a member a fraternity of men who believe in spanking their wives. Jared and Melania both consent to this from the beginning, and although Melania understands what's in store, she doesn't fully appreciate it until the paddle hits the butt.
The characters were fleshed out and the plot was engaging. And the best part--the steamy sex and rear-end tingling discipline. If that's your thing, this is your book!
This is one of the best spanking romance stories I've read. It's top quality in the genre and highly recommended.
Melania is a young naive newlywed and Jared is her somewhat older husband who is also a member a fraternity of men who believe in spanking their wives. Jared and Melania both consent to this from the beginning, and although Melania understands what's in store, she doesn't fully appreciate it until the paddle hits the butt.
The characters were fleshed out and the plot was engaging. And the best part--the steamy sex and rear-end tingling discipline. If that's your thing, this is your book!
This is one of the best spanking romance stories I've read. It's top quality in the genre and highly recommended.
March 26, 2013
Suppose the Rod and Cane Society is one of my new favorites. Presentation of thoughts and feelings seemed realistic. Some questions pondered by Melinda mirrored my own. Melinda, however, was a spoiled Daddy's girl, who twisted and finagled what she wanted without consequence. Guess I would too if the opportunity presented itself.
She thought her new husband would provide the same lack of restrictions/consequences as her father. Much to her surprise, Jared's commitment to domestic discipline was very different than Melinda's. Still, I wonder how true the picture really is? Is there actually a society like Rod and Cane that promote caring, loving unconditionally, unselfishly? Trust, honor, love of this type is as elusive as Santa Claus... Although, I have a totally new perspective on reddened cheeks. 243 spanking incidents or thoughts created an eventful adventure into this lifestyle.
She thought her new husband would provide the same lack of restrictions/consequences as her father. Much to her surprise, Jared's commitment to domestic discipline was very different than Melinda's. Still, I wonder how true the picture really is? Is there actually a society like Rod and Cane that promote caring, loving unconditionally, unselfishly? Trust, honor, love of this type is as elusive as Santa Claus... Although, I have a totally new perspective on reddened cheeks. 243 spanking incidents or thoughts created an eventful adventure into this lifestyle.
November 23, 2014
Wow! I have to say I had never read a book about domestic discipline before Unexpected Consequences. While the lifestyle is not for me, I really enjoyed this book. The writing and use of imagery was superb.
Torn between wanting to look away and not being able to turn the page fast enough, I blazed through this read. The sex is hot, hot, hot!
Not only did I enjoy the setup and the way the story played out, I was so intrigued, I immediately bought the next two in the Rod & Cane series as soon as I finished.
This topic is compelling and left me wanting more.
Cara Bristol's book are my reward for walking on my treadmill.
Torn between wanting to look away and not being able to turn the page fast enough, I blazed through this read. The sex is hot, hot, hot!
Not only did I enjoy the setup and the way the story played out, I was so intrigued, I immediately bought the next two in the Rod & Cane series as soon as I finished.
This topic is compelling and left me wanting more.
Cara Bristol's book are my reward for walking on my treadmill.
November 27, 2014
Yum
Loved the story. I had read before but just wanted a quick spanking tale and re-read. Newly married Melania and Jared have settling and growing pains which include introductions to the Rod and Cane club for Melania and spankings, not the erotic kind.
Loved the journey and Melania wasn't the only one who felt a little tingle.
If you like spanking you'll love this believable tale and maybe bring back your own first growing pains of new dd life.
Loved the story. I had read before but just wanted a quick spanking tale and re-read. Newly married Melania and Jared have settling and growing pains which include introductions to the Rod and Cane club for Melania and spankings, not the erotic kind.
Loved the journey and Melania wasn't the only one who felt a little tingle.
If you like spanking you'll love this believable tale and maybe bring back your own first growing pains of new dd life.
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