Praise by Sara Cate Summary: Ex-Boyfriend’s Dad Romance
Introduction
Twenty-one-year-old Charlie Underwood only wants one thing from her ex-boyfriend’s estranged father: a check.
What she gets instead, inside Emerson Grant’s oceanfront office, is a mistaken identity, a command to kneel, and the first taste of a kind of approval she never knew she needed.
Praise by Sara Cate is the first book in the Salacious Players’ Club series.
It follows Charlie and forty-year-old Emerson as a professional arrangement turns into a consensual Dominant/submissive dynamic, complicated by the fact that Emerson is both her new boss and the father of the ex she just dumped.
TL;DR: The Quick Version
- What it is: A contemporary erotic romance built on an age-gap, boss/secretary, ex-boyfriend’s-dad premise.
- The setup: A mix-up at Emerson’s mansion introduces Charlie to D/s dynamics before she even knows what they are.
- The central tension: Charlie wants Emerson. Emerson wants Charlie. Beau, his estranged son and her ex, stands between them.
- The key theme: Verbal praise and approval function as the emotional core of the relationship, not just a bedroom preference.
- The structure: 1 prologue, 39 chapters framed as “Rules,” and 1 epilogue.
- Heat level: Explicit, with club settings, consent checklists, voyeurism, and negotiated scenes.
Characters In This Book
| Character | Role |
|---|---|
| Charlotte “Charlie” Underwood | Twenty-one-year-old protagonist who becomes Emerson’s secretary and submissive partner. |
| Emerson Grant | Forty-year-old co-founder and CEO of Salacious Players’ Club; Beau’s father and Charlie’s employer and Dominant. |
| Beau Grant | Charlie’s twenty-one-year-old ex-boyfriend and Emerson’s estranged son. |
| Sophie Underwood | Charlie’s fifteen-year-old younger sister. |
| Gwen Underwood | Charlie and Sophie’s mother, an ER nurse. |
| Jimmy Underwood | Charlie and Sophie’s estranged father, who left the family. |
| Garrett Porter | SPC co-founder who handles client matching and identifies as a voyeur. |
| Hunter | SPC co-founder who manages development and operations; Isabel’s husband. |
| Maggie | SPC co-founder and general manager. |
| Drake Nielsen | General contractor overseeing the SPC renovation; a persistent flirt. |
| Madame Kink / Eden St. Claire | Dominatrix, blogger, and SPC member who mentors Charlie. |
| Isabel | Hunter’s wife and owner of a local yoga studio. |
| Monica Taylor | Emerson’s former submissive secretary, now an adult toy supplier. |
| Ronan Kade | Wealthy SPC member who bids on Charlie at the club auction. |
| Shelley | Owner of the roller-skating rink and a friend of Gwen. |
| Travis | Comic shop clerk who reserves a rare manga for Charlie. |
| Ella | A woman Beau briefly dates after breaking up with Charlie. |
Praise Summary: The Full Story
Spoilers ahead. This section covers the main events of the book, including its ending.
Seven years before the main story, Emerson Grant works in the entertainment industry alongside Garrett Porter, Hunter, and Maggie.
After a bedroom encounter goes wrong because he used praise and degradation without establishing limits first, the group starts talking about a service that would match people by their sexual preferences. When their employer goes bankrupt, the four of them found Salacious Players’ Club instead.
In the present, Charlie Underwood breaks up with Beau Grant after fifteen months of infidelity and emotional neglect. She wants her $1,000 share of their apartment deposit back, but the landlord mailed the full check to Beau’s father, who co-signed the lease.
Beau refuses to contact his estranged father and hands Charlie the address instead. Charlie drives to the Oceanview district to collect the money herself.
At Emerson’s seaside mansion, his assistant mistakes Charlie for a submissive candidate Garrett sent for an appointment. When Emerson walks in, he orders her to kneel and call him “Sir.” Charlie obeys, surprised by her own reaction.
Emerson quickly realizes the mix-up. He apologizes, writes her a $1,000 check, and adds a second $5,000 check with his phone number and the letters “SPC” in the memo line.
Charlie researches him online and finds Madame Kink’s blog, which explains praise kink and the club. Days later, Emerson tracks her to the roller-skating rink where she works and offers her a high-paying secretary position.
Charlie accepts. She begins working from his home office while the flagship club is built downtown, and her confidence grows as she learns about D/s dynamics and consent.
Emerson fights his attraction to her because of her age and her history with his son. Charlie fills out a full D/s consent and limits checklist and asks him to guide her as her Dominant.
Emerson takes Charlie to the club’s grand opening. In the voyeur corridor outside the throne room, he holds her while she touches herself and reaches an intense public climax.
After that night, the professional boundary collapses. They begin a sexual relationship, and Charlie tells Beau firmly that she is not taking him back.
Beau later arrives at Emerson’s house and accidentally triggers a remote-controlled vibrator Charlie is wearing. He understands immediately what is happening between his father and his ex-girlfriend.
Emerson tries to defuse the moment by calling the relationship “nothing.” Charlie gathers her things and walks out. She spends eight days grieving and ignoring Emerson’s apology texts.
Meanwhile, Beau confronts Emerson and asks him to stop seeing Charlie. Emerson agrees for his son’s sake, then goes to the club in frustration.
Beau then tells Charlie that Emerson admitted to loving her. Charlie dresses up and goes to the club, where Eden helps her stage a scene to make Emerson jealous.
Emerson storms into the room, sends Eden away, and performs oral sex on Charlie at the velvet throne. Charlie still walks out, telling him the gesture is not enough.
The next morning, Charlie’s estranged father Jimmy shows up at her pool house after a legal colleague spots her on stage at the club’s charity auction. He berates Charlie and her mother and shoves Gwen.
Emerson arrives and pins Jimmy against the wall. Beau arrives right after and defends both Charlie and Emerson.
Jimmy is forced off the property. Beau speaks with Emerson privately, acknowledges that his father genuinely loves Charlie, and gives them his blessing.
Emerson claims Charlie publicly as his partner. Four months later, she lives with him, continues working as his secretary and submissive, keeps up Taco Tuesdays with her family, and celebrates a united future with him.
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Summary by Chapter
Spoilers warning. This section offers a brief summary of each chapter for readers who want to see what is inside. The book contains 41 sections: 1 prologue, 39 numbered “Rule” chapters, and 1 epilogue.
Prologue: Seven years earlier, Emerson is punched after using praise language with a partner without discussing limits. He and his colleagues Garrett, Hunter, and Maggie float the idea of a kink-matching service, and the next day their company goes bankrupt, prompting them to found Salacious Players’ Club.
Rule #1 — Never put up with a douchebag boyfriend—dump that loser: Charlie asks Beau for her half of the rental deposit. He reveals the landlord sent the whole check to his estranged father and refuses to retrieve it, so Charlie takes his address.
Rule #2 — No pouting: Emerson dismisses a pouty submissive candidate named Rita and vents to Garrett about club stress and his four-month estrangement from Beau. He then finds the $2,000 deposit check in his mail and texts Beau to pick it up.
Rule #3 — Always do as you’re told—especially when it involves getting on your knees for a hot millionaire daddy: Charlie is mistaken for a submissive and told to kneel before Mr. Grant enters. Emerson commands her to kneel and say “Sir,” and she obeys, arousing herself unexpectedly before he realizes who she is and writes her two checks.
Rule #4 — After a humiliating day with your ex’s dad, tacos and margaritas are always the answer: Charlie takes Gwen and Sophie out for Mexican food to celebrate the breakup. She later researches Emerson online, discovers SPC, and reads Madame Kink’s blog on praise kink before falling asleep dreaming of him.
Rule #5 — When the hot millionaire daddy walks into the skating rink to offer you a better paying job, you take it: Emerson finds Charlie at the roller rink and clarifies that he hires women for consensual D/s roles, not paid sex. He tells her she looked exquisite on her knees and offers her a secretary job with benefits, which she accepts.
Rule #6 — Avoid malls for the risk of running into your ex while holding bags of lingerie you fantasize wearing for his dad: Charlie shops for work clothes and provocative lingerie. She runs into Beau and his new girlfriend Ella, refuses his demand for half the deposit, and walks away feeling free of him.
Rule #7 — Don’t stare too long at your new secretary’s cleavage: Charlie arrives early for her first day in a transparent blouse over a lace bra. Emerson explains D/s relationships and Garrett’s client-matching role, and privately recognizes that Charlie has a strong praise kink.
Rule #8 — It is possible to be dressed too provocatively even when you work for a sex club: On a construction tour, contractor Drake flirts with Charlie until Emerson reprimands him. After an argument and a mock scene with Garrett at the velvet throne, Emerson corners Charlie and insists on protecting her, then introduces her to Maggie.
Rule #9 — Dressing like a hooker comes in handy: Emerson apologizes on the drive home and angrily defends Charlie when she repeats Beau’s insults. Later, her outfit and flirty banter with clerk Travis help her secure a sold-out manga for Sophie.
Rule #10 — When your friends get nosey, tell them nothing: At the group’s weekly happy hour, Garrett and Drake tease Emerson about his secretary, and Emerson orders Drake to keep his hands off her. The group toasts to the club opening in six weeks.
Rule #11 — Don’t compare your hot boss to your dad moments before touching his heart line: Charlie asks Emerson for suit advice and he invites her to the grand opening as his date. She reads his palm, they share a soft kiss interrupted by a phone call, and Emerson reassures her that they will pretend it never happened.
Rule #12 — Foot rubs are sexual: Emerson leaves Beau a voicemail about missing him. He warms Charlie’s cold hands and gives her a foot rub, during which she deliberately brushes her foot against his erection; Beau then calls Charlie and curses at his father before hanging up.
Rule #13 — Accept change. Change is good: Emerson gives Charlie a no-limit credit card for a new car battery and a gown. She shops with Sophie, who observes that Charlie has become more confident and sensual.
Rule #14 — When in doubt, dance: Emerson arrives in a blue satin suit and introduces Charlie as his date at the grand opening. They slow dance while she observes the D/s dynamics in the room, and he tells her none of his past submissive secretaries were as good as her.
Rule #15 — In a sex club, it’s okay to stare: Charlie explores the voyeur hallway and watches a demonstration in the throne room. Emerson joins her, guides her hand under her dress, and she climaxes publicly; afterward she meets Madame Kink, who reassures her about Emerson’s devotion.
Rule #16 — Always come prepared: Charlie brings a printed 200-item limits sheet and kneels in Emerson’s office. He agrees to teach her on selected days, and she kneels hidden beside his chair during a video conference while he strokes her hair.
Rule #17 — Get her out of your system: Emerson masturbates in the shower while wrestling with guilt over Beau. Charlie texts him questions about D/s and sex, and he admits he had sex with most of his past submissive secretaries while affirming that she is enough.
Rule #18 — Wear a remote-controlled vibrator at your own risk: Charlie grows jealous of Emerson’s former secretary Monica and gives her a cold greeting. Drake dares Charlie to insert a remote vibrator, and Drake triggers it in front of Hunter just as Emerson walks in and confiscates the remote.
Rule #19 — Not all punishments are bad: At a golf course restaurant, Emerson explains he wanted Charlie to claim him publicly and confirms he never slept with Monica. He uses the remote as a punishment during the meal, and Charlie decides afterward that she is falling in love with him.
Rule #20 — Establish your limits…and wishes: Emerson insists Charlie fill out the unanswered sex section of her limits form. He admits he wants her completely but holds back because of Beau; she marks fives across nearly every category, and then Beau arrives at the door.
Rule #21 — When possible, remove the temptation: Beau arrives to collect his share of the deposit and catches up with Charlie. Emerson overhears Beau asking for another chance, writes him a $10,000 check, and pushes Beau to take Charlie to dinner.
Rule #22 — If you want it, take it: Charlie rejects Beau’s request for another chance and defends Emerson when Beau insults him. She admits to herself that she wishes she were sleeping with Emerson, then drives to his house to demand what she wants.
Rule #23 — If all else fails, ask nicely: Charlie confronts Emerson about pushing her toward Beau and tells him she wants him. After a desperate kiss, he makes her kneel and ask politely before oral sex, then has intercourse with her on his desk.
Rule #24 — Work is so much more enjoyable when you’re fucking your hot boss: They continue in Emerson’s bedroom, and Charlie wakes at midnight before driving home in his shirt. The next morning he undresses her in the office and fingers her to orgasm while she reads a tax document on his lap.
Rule #25 — Give him the opportunity to surprise you, and he will: At Sophie’s fifteenth birthday party at the rink, Emerson surprises Charlie by showing up and meeting Gwen. He gives Sophie VIP Anime Fest tickets, and Charlie realizes how deeply she loves him.
Rule #26 — Don’t be afraid of a little dirty talk: Gwen invites Emerson to stay for the family movie night, and he accepts. Later, in Charlie’s pool house, he looks at childhood photos, listens to her family history, and they are intimate before sleeping in her bed.
Rule #27 — There’s always time for a quickie: Short on auction participants, Garrett suggests putting Charlie on stage, which makes Emerson jealous and protective. He signs her up himself intending to outbid everyone, then has sex with her in a private room before the event.
Rule #28 — When he tells you you’re worth it, believe it: Ronan Kade opens the bidding at $10,000 and Emerson wins an hour with Charlie for $75,000. He binds and blindfolds her, uses clamps and candle wax, and after she admits her fear of not being good enough, he reassures her and they make love.
Rule #29 — Aftercare is the best: Emerson showers with Charlie and cares for her afterward. The next day Garrett confronts him with photos of Charlie and Beau online, forcing him to admit he loves her, and Charlie urges him to tell Beau the truth.
Rule #30 — Give it all to her—she can take it: Emerson takes Charlie to lunch with the remote vibrator inside her. Back home, Beau is waiting on the porch, drops his keys on the entryway table, and accidentally triggers the device, realizing what is happening; when Emerson calls the relationship “nothing,” Charlie leaves.
Rule #31 — Nothing good lasts forever: Charlie grieves for eight days while ignoring Emerson’s apology texts. Sophie reminds her of her own advice that other people’s opinions are “a them problem,” and Garrett sends a photo from opening night showing Emerson gazing at her with adoration.
Rule #32 — During a hard breakup, refer to Rule #4—tacos and margaritas are always the answer: Emerson refuses to replace Charlie and misses her. Beau confronts him about the relationship, and Emerson admits he loves Charlie but agrees to stop seeing her for his son’s sake, then drives to the club.
Rule #33 — The truth hurts like a bitch: Beau visits Charlie at the rink and she defends how Emerson treated her compared to Beau. Beau tells her that Emerson confessed to loving her, and Charlie later takes an Uber to the club, where Eden offers to help make Emerson jealous.
Rule #34 — When you’re a member of an exclusive sex club, there’s really no reason to stay home alone on a Friday night: Emerson learns Charlie has rented voyeur Room 12 with Eden and watches them through the glass. He storms in, sends Eden away, performs oral sex on Charlie at the throne, but she tells him it is not enough and leaves.
Rule #35 — The best place to beg is on your knees: Charlie’s father Jimmy arrives screaming after a colleague saw her at the auction. When he shoves Gwen, Emerson pins him against the wall, and Beau arrives and defends Charlie and Emerson against him.
Rule #36 — Don’t let them shame you: Jimmy is rejected by Gwen and his daughters and leaves. Beau acknowledges that Emerson truly loves Charlie and gives them his blessing, and father and son reconcile and go for a drink.
Rule #37 — Don’t apologize for shit you’re not sorry for: Gwen and Sophie offer full support for the relationship, and Beau apologizes to Charlie for his past behavior. Charlie walks to Emerson’s house, and they declare their love on the stairs.
Rule #38 — Sometimes, there are no words needed: Charlie and Emerson settle into an open, loving relationship without secrets.
Rule #39 — Good girls get happy endings: Four months later, Charlie performs oral sex on Emerson under his desk during an investor call, and he carries her onto the desk afterward. The extended family keeps Taco Tuesday together, and on the drive home Emerson promises to fulfill all her fantasies.
Epilogue: Charlie reflects on how complete her life has become with Emerson, her family, and the club, confirming that good girls get happy endings.
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Story Snapshot
- Genre & Subgenre: Contemporary erotic romance; BDSM, age-gap, boss/secretary, taboo romance.
- Core Narrative Tropes: Ex-boyfriend’s dad, boss/secretary, age gap (21 and 40), praise kink, mistaken identity, forbidden romance.
- Tone & Atmosphere: Sensual, protective, intense, emotionally candid, and introspective.
- Primary Conflict: Navigating a D/s attraction while managing the repercussions of Emerson being both Charlie’s boss and Beau’s father.
- Pacing Style: Chronologically structured through numbered D/s “Rules,” moving from mistaken identity to workplace tension, sexual escalation, family confrontation, and resolution.
- Book Structure: 41 sections — 1 prologue, 39 “Rule” chapters, and 1 epilogue.
- Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca.
- Publication Date: February 14, 2023.
- ISBN-10: 1728282136
- ISBN-13: 978-1728282138
- Pages: 336
- Series: Salacious Players’ Club, Book 1.
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Memorable Quotes from Praise
“Suck my cock like a good little girl.” — Emerson in the Prologue, recounting a past bedroom interaction.
“On your knees.” — Emerson issuing a command to Charlie during her first visit to his office.
“Ms. Underwood, you looked exquisite on your knees.” — Emerson praising Charlie in the roller-rink booth.
“You are such a good girl, Charlotte.” — Emerson reassuring Charlie in his living room after their first kiss.
“We’re opening a fucking sex club.” — Hunter celebrating with Emerson, Garrett, and Maggie during happy hour.
“You make me feel worthy in a way I didn’t know I needed—didn’t know I deserved.” — Charlie reflecting on Emerson during their drive home from the club.
“I would have paid a million dollars for this hour with you. Do you hear me?” — Emerson reassuring Charlie during their D/s scene at the club.
“I’m not going to stop seeing her. I should have told you before, and I never should have acted like it was nothing, but I was really afraid of losing you again.” — Emerson standing up to Beau for his relationship with Charlie.
Is Praise Right for You?
Praise suits readers who look for explicit erotic romance with a strong emotional throughline rather than heat alone.
The story centers on consent negotiation, aftercare, and a submissive dynamic built around verbal approval, so readers who prefer closed-door romance or minimal sexual content will find it a poor fit.
The age gap and the ex-boyfriend’s-father premise are the driving conflicts, and the narrative does not soften them.
Readers who want family drama woven into the romance, alternating first-person perspectives, and a chapter structure built around numbered rules will find that structure consistent throughout.
The pacing moves from an initial mix-up to workplace tension, then to sexual escalation, family confrontation, and resolution.
Readers who prefer slow-burn romance without explicit scenes, or who avoid taboo relationship setups, are unlikely to connect with the premise.
