My Preferential Treatment Book Review - No Spoilers
Plot Summary
I picked up Preferential Treatment by Heather Guerre when I craved a fresh spin on power dynamics and contemporary romance. The story centers on Mikhail Volkov, a tech billionaire who clawed his way up from poverty and now wields power in every part of his life—except for an urge he's never admitted out loud. Kate Pasternak, struggling with bills and barely keeping her balance above the poverty line, is snagged in her boss’s orbit after a run-in at work. He makes her an offer: companionship for a price, but with a twist—he wants to serve, not command, and he wants her to dominate.
Kate’s need for cash is real, and the arrangement seems transactional at first, but nothing is simple. As their relationship unfolds, both wrestle with vulnerability and their own hang-ups. The setup leads to surprising layers—office power games, negotiation, charity, even caretaking when one of them falls sick. Mikhail's fortune can solve a lot, but real connection proves trickier. This isn’t just a billionaires-and-assistants cliché—the book digs into class, control, and what it means to want (and deserve) more.
Why I Love This Book
I love how this book upends expectations. Instead of the classic alpha billionaire, Mikhail wants to be conquered, and that reversal is handled with honesty and heat. Kate is sharp and practical—her worries about money, her reluctance, and her care for not taking things too far make her feel grounded and authentic. Their chemistry is off the charts, delivering both playful banter and real emotional stakes.
What stands out to me is the emotional depth—it’s not just steamy; it’s about two people growing past their scars. I love the ways Kate pushes Mikhail without cruelty, sometimes even turning his requests into charity or caretaking, and the way both characters navigate what they want with surprising vulnerability. There are hilarious moments (especially with Kate’s “punishments”) and some of the best aftercare and communication I’ve seen in a romance. The writing brings sharpness and sincerity; nothing about these characters rings false.
Who Will Like This Book
If you love femdom romance, caretaking dynamics, or stories where the heroine gets real power and heart, you’ll like this book. It’s for anyone looking for explicit scenes balanced by strong character work and humor. Fans of billionaire romance who crave something trope-in-reverse or who are tired of alpha clichés will find something new here. The story doesn’t shy away from class or money issues, and it flips the dominant narrative in a way that’s both fun and thought-provoking.
⚠️ Trigger warning: The book features explicit sexual content with BDSM/femdom dynamics, financial power imbalance, and scenes discussing trauma and vulnerability. There’s open-door steam and frank negotiation of boundaries, so it’s for mature readers.
Tagged As
contemporary romance, billionaire romance, femdom romance, power reversal, caretaking, boss & employee, financial imbalance, open-door romance, explicit romance, kink, class conflict, aftercare, strong heroine, submissive hero, dual pov, indie romance, series, kindle unlimited
Steam Level
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️Insanely Hot
