This is a bold and sensual exploration of empowerment, self-discovery, and liberation. The writing is raw, captivating, and unapologetically authentic. This was a quick steamy read.

I don't typically read erotica, but the premise of the book spoke to me; an overweight woman who doesn't feel comfortable in her own skin. Shelbi has struggled with her weight as long as she can remember. She's tried everything to lose weight but has had zero success. Her self-image is becoming a detriment to her relationship with her husband, so she decides to take extreme measures to find her inner confidence.

This book began in the most creative way I've ever seen; with a "contract". I was excited to jump in and get started. I waited, and waited, and waited for the "spice" to start. Unfortunately, that never occurred. The author had many missed opportunities to go into detail about Shelbi's sexual encounters.

I'm not sure I would classify this book as "erotica". It left me disappointed.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion/review

In a world obsessed with size, Becoming Mistress Maye is an empowering tale of self-discovery. 

Not only is Becoming Mistress Maye an empowering tale, it's a refreshingly deep and thoughtful one. C.J. Love-Jones refuses to rush things, and while that makes for a slower pace than some readers may be anticipating, it's nothing you'll begrudge. We get a chance to know and love Shelbi Mae, to understand not just issues with body image, but the deeper issues underlying that.

Bold, daring, and transformative—this novel celebrates confidence beyond appearances.

Neither Shelbi nor the reader see it at first, but if this is a story of body image on the surface, it's one of confidence underneath. We see it in her relationships with coworkers, her husband, her sister, and the coach she seeks out to help her. She's tried diets, drugs, surgeries, fitness routines, and all the rest, but none of them tackle what's really eating her up inside. It's only once she finds the confidence to take chances, to take risks, to take the initiative that her journey becomes something bold and decisive.

For readers who love bold, provocative stories of self-discovery, empowerment, and transformation. 

It's heartbreaking to see all the ways in which Shelbi's journey stalls, confronted by challenges she can't control, and that makes it even more satisfying to watch her transform from a timid, insecure, apologetic woman into a bold, powerful, assertive Mistress. Love-Jones does a wonderful job of allowing her to explore that world, to educate herself about it, and to practice the role before risking a human engagement. She also doesn't shy away from the challenges of a husband who is so very much not submissive, and who has a hard time dealing with what his wife wants . . . needs . . . demands.

Becoming Mistress Maye tackles body image and sensuality with unflinching honesty.

In many ways, Becoming Mistress Maye can be separated into three clear acts. It's in the first that we empathize with her body image issues and understand how much she's done to 'fix' herself. The second is all about that unflinching honesty, as she starts to admit to herself who she is and what she wants out of life. And then it's the third where the sensuality kicks in, as we see a woman who was always beautiful finally come to see that in herself.

There were a few times when I found myself uncomfortable with things being said or done, but that's part and parcel of what Shelbi Mae endures to thrive - and, looking back, I know we're all better for that honest attention to detail.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing an advance review copy of this book. This was a thought provoking study into the life of a woman who found herself immersed in the lifestyle of a domme after experiencing several crises. Overall the story was interesting but I felt like I was being preached to more than once whether about Shelbi’s toxic boss or low self esteem or body issues. Some may find this quite inspirational.

I see what the author was going for here, but the character just wasn't too well developed. This could've really benefitted from some stronger editing to help awaken the plot.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. I couldn’t put it down and thoroughly enjoyed the storyline - the main character was relatable for me.

All. About. The. Body. Positivity. YASSS. As a new mom who has gone through a lot of physical and mental changes over the last year, I appreciate a book that can focus on positive body image and still being sexy is so good for me!

This book was a solid 4 stars for me. A good little dip into the BDSM lifestyle from a non-erotic novel. The interview at the end with the person who inspired the novel was a nice little touch as well. It was an enjoyable story and a relatively quick read for me. It never stopped moving.

The switch from first to third person that happened a few times was really jarring to me and didn’t flow well. There were also a few kink/BDSM terms that the author never defined that could be confusing to readers who don’t know about the lifestyle.

I really appreciated the way the author handled the FMCs weight. I thought it was going to be too heavy handed on the sale hatred but it was enough to get the point across and make you feel for the main character without being too much.

I enjoyed reading this book. The plot was entertaining. It wasn’t over the top either. Great characters.

I loved this book! The beginning of the story had me highlighting so many sentences because they struck a chord with me. The way the main character thinks about herself and her body was authentic and relatable. Introducing spice and kink factors in the book intrigued me as I read further. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.