Book Review – “Charming Carmen,” by Anna Leigh Keaton and Madison Layle – Delicate Domme Meets Strong Sub

Link Posted on June 7, 2013 Updated on June 27, 2013

After reading so many books, some good, some bad, some great, about D/s relationships, I was looking for a novella that featured a Domme (Fem-Dom). I wanted to delve into the mind of a woman, who was a exploring, or discovering, her dominant nature. I was not interested in reading about a stiletto boot-wearing, riding crop-wielding, man-hater interested in cuckolding men, or a switch, or another ménage `n friends, etc. It was a short list. A very short list. I was happy to find Charming Carmen (Incognito 6).

Carmen’s friend Olivia (from Seducing Olivia [Incognito 1]) shared some of her experiences as a sub and Carmen was intrigued. Olivia (and her two husbands) invited Carmen to Incognito, their BSDM club, to see and learn more about the lifestyle. When she was introduced to some of the members, it was clear that Carmen was a Domme. She just had not learned how to express it. When Carmen saw Carl, she knew he was the sub for her. There was only one issue: Carl belonged to Kat, Domme and owner of Incognito. Oops? Awkward.

Carmen “won” a weekend with Carl (as her sub) as part of a fundraiser. They were both surprised to discover the connection they felt when the first met, was intensifying and could become deeper. Carl, an experienced sub, became her teacher. As they began to trust each other, emotions they sublimated also began to surface.

Their scenes were deeply personal and the writing really did Carmen’s character development, and growth into her Domme nature, justice. The scene where Carl finally submits fully, was beautifully constructed, and moves slowly and seductively. The sex was hot, and the connection between Carmen and Carl was palpable.

I did not read this series in order. In fact, as of writing this review, I have only read Charming Carmen (Incognito 6). The story stands alone, even though characters appear throughout the series in each other’s stories. I downloaded Collaring Kat (Incognito 5) and will likely read it next. I may work my way backwards, through the series, as most of the novellas feature more “traditional” D/s relationship with male Dom(s) and/or ménage.

Charming Carmen (Incognito 6) was such an unexpectedly, pleasant surprise and I want more books like this!!

Here is the link to my review on Amazon:  Delicate Domme Meets Strong Sub