Club Shadowlands: Masters of the Shadowlands 1

By Cherise Sinclair

One dark ‘n’ stormy night. One short curvy accountant. One very exclusive club.

Jessica can’t believe her luck. After her car slides into a water-filled ditch, she asks to shelter in an isolated mansion only to learns it’s a private bondage club. Given the choice, she decides to enter. She hadn’t realized when signing the “Rules of the Shadowlands” that she’d get much more than she bargained for.

Her next mistake is attracting the attention of Master Z, the intimidatingly, confident owner of the Shadowlands. The most powerful dominant in the club, Master Z can have anyone he wants—and he wants Jessica.

It’s time to enter the darkly seductive world of the Shadowlands...

This is not just the best in its genre, I think it might be put in my ultimate favorite category. The only problem in reading a book this great is that you tend to use it to gauge everything else you read. I may not be able to give out a top rating again for awhile. ~ Guilty Indulgence

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cherise Sinclair
• Release date: Jan 14, 2013
• ISBN: 9780983706342

Cherise Sinclair

Whenever I ask for BDSM recommendations, I am told the same two words all the time: Cherise Sinclair. ~ Under the Covers Reviews New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, Cherise Sinclair is renowned for writing heart-wrenching stories with laugh-out-loud dialogue, devastating Dominants, and absolutely sizzling sex. And did I mention the BDSM? Her awards range from a National Leather Award to a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice nomination to a Goodreads BDSM group’s Best Author of the Year. Cherise currently lives in the Pacific Northwest with her beloved husband and writes full-time under the supervision of a merciless feline.

Book preview

Chapter One

Jessica Randall scrambled out of the water-filled ditch, her heart hammering. Frigid rain slashed through the dark night, drenching her face and clothing. Gasping for breath, she knelt in the mud, surprised to have made it to the bank in one piece. She glanced over her shoulder and shuddered. Alligators loved to hang out in Florida ditches. A few moments more and she could have been… She stifled the thought with a shudder.

Hands shaking, she scrubbed the water off her face and pushed to her feet.

As her fear diminished, she peered through the darkness and could barely see her car. Poor little Taurus, nose down with water roiling around the hood.

I’ll be back for you. Don’t worry, she promised, feeling as if she were abandoning her baby.

Once on the narrow country road, she pushed her tangled hair out of her face and looked each way. Darkness and darkness. Dammit, why couldn’t she have an accident right in someone’s front yard? But no, the nearest house was probably the one she’d passed about a mile back. She headed that way, stopping to glare at the pool of water where her car had aquaplaned right off the road. The armadillo, of course, was long gone. At least she hadn’t hit it.

Head lowered, she trudged down the blacktop toward the house, getting wetter and wetter. Hopefully she wouldn’t trip on something in the darkness. Breaking her leg would be the final straw in a day that had been a disaster from start to finish.

Number one mistake: meeting at a halfway point for their first date when the man lived miles and miles outside of Tampa.

He sure hadn’t been worth the trip. She’d have found more excitement auditing business accounts. Then again, he hadn’t appeared all that impressed with her either. She grimaced. She’d recognized the look in his eyes, the one that said he really wanted tall and slim, an Angelina Jolie type woman, no matter that her posted picture portrayed her quite accurately: a pint-size Marilyn Monroe.

So far, she’d have to say finding a guy through the Internet rated right up there with back-country shortcuts, her second mistake of the day.

Aunt Eunice always swore things happened in threes. So would braking for an armadillo be considered her third mistake, or was there another disaster lurking in her near future?

She shivered as the wind howled through the palmettos and plastered her drenched clothing against her chilled body. Couldn’t stop now. Doggedly, she set one foot in front of the other, her waterlogged shoes squishing with every step.

An eternity later, she spotted a glimmer of light. Relief rushed through her when she reached a driveway studded with hanging lights. Surely whoever lived here would let her wait out the storm. She walked through the ornate iron gates, up the palm-lined drive past landscaped lawns, until finally she reached a three-story stone mansion. Black wrought iron lanterns illumined the entry.

Nice place, she muttered. And a little intimidating. She glanced down at herself to check the damage. Mud and rain streaked her tailored slacks and white button-down shirt, hardly a suitable image for a conservative accountant. She looked more like something even a cat would refuse to drag in.

Shivering hard, she brushed at the dirt and grimaced as it only streaked worse. She stared up at the huge oak doors guarding the entrance. A small doorbell in the shape of a dragon glowed on the side panel, and she pushed it.

Seconds later, the doors opened. A man, oversized and ugly as a battle-scarred Rottweiler, looked down at her. I’m sorry, miss, you’re too late. The doors are locked.

What the heck did that mean?

P-please, she said, stuttering with the cold. My car’s in a ditch, and I’m soaked, and I need a place to dry out and call for help. But did she really want to go inside with this scary-looking guy? Then she shivered so hard her teeth clattered together, and her mind was made up. Can I come in? Please?

He scowled at her, his big-boned face brutish in the yellow entry light. I’ll have to ask Master Z. Wait here. And the bastard shut the door, leaving her in the cold and dark.

Jessica wrapped her arms around herself, standing miserably, and finally the door opened again. Again the brute. Okay, come on in.

Relief brought tears to her eyes. Thank you, oh, thank you. Stepping around him before he could change his mind, she barreled into a small entry room and slammed into a solid body. Oomph, she huffed.

Firm hands gripped her shoulders. She shook her wet hair out of her eyes and looked up. And up. The guy was big, a good six feet, his shoulders wide enough to block the room beyond.

He chuckled, his hands gentling their grasp on her arms. She’s freezing, Ben. Molly left some clothing in the blue room; send one of the subs.

Okay, boss. The brute—Ben—disappeared.

What is your name? Her new host’s voice was deep, dark as the night outside.

Jessica. She stepped back from his grip to get a better look at her savior. Smooth black hair, silvering at the temples, just touching his collar. Dark gray eyes with laugh lines at the corners. A lean, hard face with the shadow of a beard adding a hint of roughness. He wore tailored black slacks and a black silk shirt that outlined hard muscles underneath. If Ben was a Rottweiler, this guy was a jaguar, sleek and deadly.

I’m sorry to have bothered— she started.

Ben reappeared with a handful of golden clothing that he thrust at her. Here you go.

She took the garments, holding them out to keep from getting the fabric wet. Thank you.

A faint smile creased the manager’s cheek. Your gratitude is premature, I fear. This is a private club.

Oh. I’m sorry. Now what was she going to do?

You have two choices. You may sit out here in the entryway with Ben until the storm passes. The forecast stated the winds and rain would die down around six or so in the morning, and you won’t get a tow truck out on these country roads until then. Or you may sign papers and join the party for the night.

She looked around. The entry was a tiny room with a desk and one chair. Not heated. Ben gave her a dour look.

Sign something? She frowned. Then again, in this lawsuit-happy world, every place made a person sign releases, even to visit a fitness center. So she could sit here all night. Or…be with happy people and be warm. No-brainer. I’d love to join the party.

So impetuous, the manager murmured. Ben, give her the paperwork. Once she signs—or not—she may use the dressing room to dry off and change.

Yes, sir. Ben rummaged in a file box on the desk, pulled out some papers.

The manager tilted his head at Jessica. I will see you later then.

Ben shoved three pages of papers at her and a pen. Read the rules. Sign at the bottom. He scowled at her. I’ll get you a towel and clothes.

She started reading. Rules of the Shadowlands.

Shadowlands. That’s an unusual na— she said, looking up. Both men had disappeared. Huh. She returned to reading, trying to focus her eyes. Such tiny print. Still, she never signed anything without reading it.

Doors will open at…

Water pooled around her feet, and her teeth chattered so hard she had to clench her jaw. There was a dress code. Something about cleaning the equipment after use. Halfway down the second page, her eyes blurred. Her brain felt like icy slush. Too cold—I can’t do this. This was just a club, after all; it wasn’t like she was signing mortgage papers.

Turning to the last page, she scrawled her name and wrapped her arms around herself. Can’t get warm.

Ben returned with some clothing and towels, then showed her into an opulent restroom off the entry. Glass-doored stalls along one side faced a mirrored wall with sinks and counters.

After dropping the borrowed clothing on the marble counter, she kicked her shoes off and tried to unbutton her shirt. Something moved on the wall. Startled, Jessica looked up and saw a short, pudgy woman with straggly blonde hair and a pale complexion blue with cold. After a second, she recognized herself. Ew. Surprising they’d even let her in the door.

In a horrible contrast with Jessica’s appearance, a tall, slender, absolutely gorgeous woman walked into the restroom and gave her a scowl. I’m supposed to help you with a shower.

Get naked in front of Miss Perfection? Not going to happen. Thanks, b-b-b-but I’m all right. She forced the words past her chattering teeth. I don’t need help.

Well! With an annoyed huff, the woman left.

I was rude. Shouldn’t have been rude. If only her brain would kick back into gear, she’d do better. She’d have to apologize. Later. If she ever got dried off and warm. She needed dry clothes. But, her hands were numb, shaking uncontrollably, and time after time, the buttons slipped from her stiff fingers. She couldn’t even get her slacks off, and she was shuddering so hard her bones hurt.

Dammit, she muttered and tried again.

The door opened. Jessica, are you all right? Vanessa said— The manager. No, you are obviously not all right. He stepped inside, a dark figure wavering in her blurry vision.

Go away.

And find you dead on the floor in an hour? I think not. Without waiting for her answer, he stripped her out of her clothes as one would a two-year-old, even peeling off her sodden bra and panties. His hands were hot, almost burning, against her chilled skin.

She was naked. As the thought percolated through her numb brain, she jerked away and grabbed at the dry clothing. His hand intercepted hers.

No, pet. He plucked something from her hair, opening his hand to show muddy leaves. You need to warm up and clean up. Shower.

He wrapped a hard arm around her waist and moved her into one of the glass-fronted stalls behind where she’d been standing. With his free hand, he turned on the water, and heavenly warm steam billowed up. He adjusted the temperature.

In you go, he ordered. A hand on her bottom, he nudged her into the shower.

The water felt scalding hot against her frigid skin, and she gasped, then shivered, over and over, until her bones hurt. Finally, the heat began to penetrate, and the relief was so intense, she almost cried.

Some time after the last shuddering spasm, she realized the door of the stall was open. Arms crossed, the man leaned against the door frame, watching her with a slight smile on his lean face.

I’m fine, she muttered, turning so her back was to him. I can manage by myself.

No, you obviously cannot, he said evenly. Wash the mud out of your hair. The left dispenser has shampoo.

Mud in her hair. She’d totally forgotten; maybe she did need a keeper. After using the vanilla-scented shampoo, she let the water sluice through her hair. Brown water and twigs swirled down the drain. The water finally ran clear.

Very good. The water shut off. Blocking the door, he rolled up his sleeves, displaying corded, muscular arms. She had the unhappy feeling he was going to keep helping her, and any protest would be ignored. He’d taken charge as easily as if she’d been one of the puppies at the shelter where she volunteered.

Out with you now. When her legs wobbled, he tucked a hand around her upper arm, holding her up with disconcerting ease. The cooler air hit her body, and her shivering started again.

After blotting her hair, he grasped her chin and tipped her face up to the light. She gazed up at his darkly tanned face, trying to summon up enough energy to pull her face away.

No bruises. I think you were lucky. Taking the towel, he dried off her arms and hands, rubbing briskly until he appeared satisfied with the pink color. Then he did her back and shoulders. When he reached her breasts, she pushed at his hand. I can do that. She stepped back so quickly that the room spun for a second.

Jessica, be still. Then he ignored her sputters like she would a buzzing fly, his attentions gentle but thorough, even to lifting each breast and drying underneath.

When he toweled off her butt, she wanted to hide. If there was any part of her that should be covered, it was her hips. Overweight. Jiggly. He didn’t seem to notice.

Then he knelt and ordered, Spread your legs.

No way. She flushed, didn’t move.

He looked up, lifted an eyebrow. And waited. Her resolve faltered beneath the steady, authoritative regard.

She slid one leg over. His towel-covered hand dried between her legs, sending a flush of embarrassment through her. The full enormity of her position swept through her: she was naked in front of a complete stranger, letting him touch her…there. Her breath stopped even as disconcerting pleasure moved through her. But she didn’t know him. A tinge of fear made her stiffen.

His gaze lifted, and his eyes narrowed. Relax, pet. Almost done. He dried then chafed the skin on her legs until she could feel the heat. There, that should do it.

Ignoring her attempt to take the clothing, he helped her step into a long, slinky skirt that reached midcalf—at least it covered her hips—then pulled a gold-colored, stretchy tank top over her head. His muscular fingers brushed her breasts as he adjusted the fit. He studied her for a moment before smiling slowly. The clothes suit you, Jessica, far more than your own. A shame to hide such a lovely figure.

Lovely? She knew better, but the words still gave her a glowy feeling inside. She glanced down to check for herself and frowned at the way the

Reviews for Club Shadowlands

[mlsimmons-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This story was not bad. I think it started slow as it introduced the reader and Jessica into the world of Club Shadowlands. Zachary is a psychologist who has almost an empathic ability to read peoples emotions. This story was not written as well as I thought it would be, but it has caught my attention. I will definitely read the next book and see if the world progresses at a better pace.

[praj05_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I wouldn’t change a thing in this volume come what may. Being completely besotted by Master Z, my heart flutters even when I pen down words about him. Jessica’s fated admission to Club Shadowlands, her apprehensive foray into the BDSMers clique and enticing tutelage of Zachary flawlessly entwines a burgeoning Dom/Sub relation. Step by step revelation of a lifestyle of more than just hot kinky sex, liberating the stringent prude embedded within the cores of sexual explorations is greatly pleasing. Gosh! I am so enamored by the narrative that I can’t even be bitchy with the libretto. Sinclair observantly constructs a naively susceptible Jessica being captivated by the audaciously intricate Zachary. The modus operandi of molding a ravenous yet timorous obedient pursued by Zachary over Jessica is unthinkable and incredibly sexy. It is an all out goose bump fest culminating sinister eagerness into an addictive sexual outburst. How I fancied the prospect of Cullen joining the duo in their repressive exhibitionism. Ohhh! Silly me! I overlooked an entire manuscript chronicling Master Cullen’s fetishes. Can’t wait to get my dirty hands on it. More joy to my world!!!

[nubian_princesa · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I had high expectations for this book and even though It fell short at first it did not disappoint overall.A good read indeed.

[ladyisis_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I am loving this author's writing. Ms. Sinclair has once again written a wonderful story about Domination and submission. I have a weakness as many know for Alpha males that are dominat and have a little darkness in their souls. Master Z fits the bill to a T. I also loved the way she handled Jessica. I am sure she tlked to a number of submissives to get all the questioning and uncertainity so right. I can't wait to read the other books in this series and any other book Ms. Sinclair writes. I can see a lot of ebooks in my future.

[azurestrawberry · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A short novel that brings you sweetly (it seems strange to say so but it's true) in the BDSM world. Nice first installement for the series, I'll surely try the next story.
The male MC, Master Z, is the owner of the club where Jessica ends after her car broke along an isolated road. She is walking under heavy rain when she spots a villa with lights on. When Jessica asks for shelter, Z is all too eager to give her access to his home and to an entirely new level of passion. To Jessica he seems too good to be true but sometimes appearances... are true.

[mzserena · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book, seriously. Normally, I don't read erotica, as you will, but I saw this and thought it sounded good. I love the setting and scenario of it, love the BDSM aspect of it, especially having a novice submissive. I inhaled this book over the course of two reading sessions while reading other things as well and have already moved on to the second book and am close to half done with that one. I love the writing, it's not pure porn, but it has a plot to it as well. If you're looking for good BDSM/Erotica book/series, this might just be the series for you.

[rtb_3 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Reviewed by EmmaRaeReview copy recieved via book giveaway on All Romance Ebooks Cover notes / Warnings: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Anal play/intercourse, strong BDSM theme and content (including/not limited to bondage, caning, restraints, spanking, etc), exhibitionism, voyeurism. Review: Book giveaways! Don't we just love them? Click-click-click and you have new books for free! Does anyone read the descriptions (or look at the covers)? Well, I don't...didn't. By now I have thousands of ebooks and am more selective. So imagine my surprise when I found myself reading a BDSM book. I'd never finished any of the other little fictions that include anything fetish-y, because they were just boring. In this book, I was drawn to Jessica from the beginning. She was stranded, freezing, and exhausted; and she stumbled into what she thought was just a huge stone mansion. Master Z is just a regular bossy, protective man who wants to take care of her--not always a bad thing. But then she walked into another world. I would be like her--in shock, horrified at some of the things I saw going on. This book is the perfect thing to read if you're curious or want something different. Cherise Sinclair is talented and weaves a fantastic story while making sure you know what BDSM is and what BDSM isn't. All the doms/masters in the club are perfectly loveable characters. Master Z, terminal bachelor, naturally finds himself smitten and takes Jessica under his wing. Jessica knows nothing about BDSM, so Master Z teaches her. I'm not part of that world, so I don't know if it's like this in real life, but it's a nice little fantasy vacation--which is what books are for! This is a strong storyline with deep characters set in a very taboo world. I'm still not sure about the psychology in this book. The romance, erotica and chemistry is there, you won't be disappointed. But it has another level. In another romance, the couple falls in love, has a falling out/misunderstanding, and gets back together. Well, Master Z doesn't let Jessica get away with running away or hiding from feelings. But I also still worry about submission. Is wanting to be collared and handcuffed healthy? Or does it just reflect low self-image and the D/s relationship just make it worse? I don't know. That's the thing--it's thought provoking. This book won't make you feel uneasy. The doms are perfect guardians, and the submissives all have their own personalities and friendships and love their doms and what they do together completely. So I recommend everyone try this book. Then you'll be hooked because the series just gets better. This novel isn't about men making slaves out of women. These men care strongly about people, and take everything seriously. There's a lot of laughter, love, friendship, emotional growth…oh and we can't forget the sex. It's always good to broaden your horizons, and never judge anything by a stereotype out of ignorance. And I left this as Lovely Rose just because it's the beginner book focused on Z and Jessica's relationship. The rest of the series has to have room for more stars because they build on each other and get deeper with more plot.

[guiltypleasures_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I am not that into BDSM stories, but I started this series based on rave reviews by a fellow book club member. I AM SO GLAD I LISTENED TO HER!!These books are written so well that you feel like the characters are your friends and I don't feel the "ick" factor that some BDSM books give me. I actually read all 4 books in one weekend and can't wait until Master Marcus' story comes out. I love how Jess continues to get into trouble in the books following her own, and how Kari tends to fall right in with her. I would LOVE a Master Z or Master Dan of my own of course I wouldn't turn down Master Cullen or Master Nolan either.

[niandra-2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Nice writing style. I liked the characters and the story. A nice introduction into bdsm without extreme and unnatural characters or reactions. Gentle, authentic and sexy. Best bdsm romance I've read so far. Will definitely read more of Sinclair's novels!

[grapeapril75-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is one of the first BDSM books I ever read. It is very well written and a nice introduction to a lifestyle that was unknown to me.

I imagine that I would be rather like Jessica and try to jump in and save people from being abused. Having read more on the topic I know that is not needed but in the beginning I am sure I would be just like her!

Loved Master Z and seeing him find his match was wonderful!!

I am very excited to read the rest of this series!!

[claudiamortane69 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed reading this novel but I can't find the following books of the "Club Shadowlands'' on Everand ... They do not exist ???? A pity C M

[Nic Graham · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I liked it. Quick, straightforward story. No overdone drama and I'm so glad it didn't end in an instalove engagement.

[Angela Larimer · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent story and characters. BDSM with heart and feelings as well as heat. Good for both newbies and experienced readers. Great start to a series but good on it’s own.

[Meagan Williams · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I actually enjoyed this quite a lot. the romance grew as the trust did and it wasn't just instant. liked a woman character who actually thinks for herself.

[msromanticreads · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

What a time for her car to break down, right in the middle of a tropical storm out in the middle of nowhere. Muddy and wet, Jessica tries to find help, and she eventually ends up on the doorstep of a mansion (I heard the Rocky Horror Picture Show theme running through my head, lol). When she realizes that her shelter is actually a private BDSM club, it's too late. She's in the middle of it, and Master Z has set his sights on her.

Master Z is intrigued by the little newcomer. Her wide-eyed innocence, her intelligence, and her nurturing nature all call to him on a primal level.

She reminded him of a kitten freed from the kennel, faring forth on a new adventure, ears forward, tail held high. She was definitely a brave little ball of fluff.

When he notices that she's not adverse to knowing a little bit more about the lifestyle, he wants to be the one to show her everything.

Um, wow. This is definitely more intense than the Mountain Masters series. Ms Sinclair's characters are always infused with so much passion and carnality that they make your toes curl. I love the fact that the author writes about "real" women. By that I mean that they aren't stick figured size 2s. They're luscious, beautiful inside and out with a vulnerability that make them easy to identify with. But with the right man at their side, not only does their repressed passion bloom, but they also learn a lot about trust and love.

Jessica was really sweet woman. She may have been a little bit ignorant about what some people might find a turn on, but she took everything in in stride; clearly thinking things through before agreeing or protesting. I also loved how she stood up for the subs when she thought they were in danger. Clearly in a strange environment with strangers, she could have easily been outnumbered.

Master Z .... damn! The way he talked, the way he moved .... double damn. They way he talked ...

As if he could see into her head, he smiled slowly and whispered, "The trust that lets a woman be tied down and spread open for her master's use."
...
He cupped her cheek, leaned forward, his breath warm against her ear as he murmured, "And your reaction to that shows you are a submissive."

The way he saw Jessica, the way he thought of her, as a woman, he made my heart melt.

He shook his head. From a submissive to a spitfire in five easy minutes. The contrast was startling. Compelling. Her concern spilled through him like warmth from the sun.
Until now, he hadn't realized he'd been cold.

Thank you Ms Sinclair :)

[booklovre6 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Loved it! Very well done, good writing, good editing! And hottttt

[channellingcloretta · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It was a good book, but so short. I really would love to know more about the characters. I really like both of the main characters and I learned a lot more, I think, about the lifestyle that is not described and other books that I read recently.

[sarahlou2709 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

i havent been reading erotic books for long and before i started i didnt really know much about the bdsm scene,sure i have seen it in porno movies but in them it always looks so fake and badly displayed its a right turn off. so i assumed it wouldnt arouse me.Then i read masters of the shadowlands and became aroused and hooked, the growing relationship between sexy master z and quiet shocked jessica drew me in, this has a good story line which is well written, its very descriptive (i could imagine myself there) it is erotic in many ways,and gave me shivers i found it exciting and fun to read. definately a series for reading again and again.loved it x

[thewalkinggirl · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Sweet story with a fairly believable romance given the compressed nature of the timeline. BDSM elements were presented frankly, but more with an educational, exploratory tone than with an intent to shock. The BBW elements were nicely handled; Master Z finds Jessica's Rubenesque figure attractive and helps her to see it that way also, without including negative comments about the bodies of other women. Also includes possibly the best author's note ever.

[heelgirl77-1 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Could not finish. Storyline? What storyline? Nothing else to say!

[akaria-2 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

What a sweet little story! Ok, sweet and BDSM don't sound like they go together but it really worked here. Master Z, Dom and owner of Shadowlands was gentle and kind yet firm and unrelenting as Jessica's guide into the world of pleasure and pain. I liked that for once the enjoyment of BDSM didn't end up being related to some childhood trauma. Also refreshing was a heroine with some meat on her bones. She had ample curves and felt self conscious about her body but through Master Z's strong and tender hand she slowly came to accept herself. Her struggle to accept the part of herself that enjoyed being a sub seemed really authentic. Too bad the story was so short. I could've stayed at Shadowlands a lot longer. Oh and seriously...I need a Master Z in my life. Cullen will do nicely also.

[selinalynn69 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

bad storms rolling through Florida. An accountant hydroplanes her car into a ditch. Rain still pours down on one of the worst ever days for Jessica. The only way out of this mess is to hike back about a mile where she last saw lights on in a house. Just a phone call and a wait is all she would need. She approaches the door and knocks. A large burly man opens it a crack and says, "Sorry doors are locked.". Jessica begged him to let her in out of the storm and he did...What she wasn't expecting at all was having to sign a 3 page document to enter. And especially read the fine print. And why does anyone sign something just to gain access to a place. It can't be that bad can it...
I have fallen in love with Cherise Sinclair's books. They are sweet, sensual, and REAL. I didn't feel like the characters were anything but normal people with normal problems and an normal amount of kink and fun! I love how the books go back to Safe, Sane, Concentual.
I think this is a great book for those wanting to broaden your interests and want to learn what BDSM is about.Or even if the bedroom has gotten a big laggy lately..spice it up!
I look forward to draining my book money in your direction for more steamy hot books! Thanks!

[mom2lnb · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Club Shadowlands has been on my TBR pile for quite some time. I’m so glad I finally got around to reading it, because it ended up being a great story. It’s an ultra-steamy, erotic, contemporary romance that begins with our heroine, Jessica, returning home from a bad date in a rainstorm. Her car hydroplanes off the road into a water-filled ditch in a rural area, leaving her hiking through the downpour in search of help. She comes upon a well-lit, inviting mansion, but the moment she arrives, she’s told that it’s a private club. When she’s finally allowed inside, Jessica is met at the door by a man who calls himself Master Z, and he sees to her every comfort including helping her warm up in a shower and getting her clean clothes. Then he shows her around the place, which she quickly realizes is a sex club. Despite having no experience with such a place, many of the things she sees oddly turn her on, making her wonder what’s wrong with her. However, Master Z proves to be a deliciously alluring host, who pushes her boundaries and gives her the most erotic pleasures she’s ever experienced in her life. But when morning comes, she still isn’t certain if she can be fully comfortable in his world and isn’t convinced that he’d ever want her for anything more than one night of mind-blowing sex.Jessica is a straight-laced accountant who loves volunteering at an animal shelter in her spare time. She’s been out with a variety of guys and is somewhat sexually experienced, but most of those experiences have been underwhelming, leaving her feeling like sex is overrated. It doesn’t help that she’s petite, but plus-sized, and she’s very self-conscious of her curvy body after some unkind comments from men she’s dated in the past. When she arrives at Club Shadowlands, she’s instantly attracted to Master Z, but certain that a hunky guy like him would never truly want someone like her. When he surprises her by giving her plenty of attention, she’s drawn to his alluring charm, and turned on by many of the things happening around her, she can’t resist becoming more intimate with him. He leaves her more pleasured and satisfied than she’s ever felt in her life, but she’s still very uncertain about a lot of things. When he invites her back the next weekend, she simply can’t say no, but she also can’t help wondering if there can ever be anything more between them than these stolen moments of incredible sex. Jessica is a very relatable heroine who is equal parts innocent when in comes to the types of activities going on in the club and curious adventurer who can’t resist exploring her body’s passionate side. She’s a little bit feisty, unwilling to just stand by when she thinks someone is in distress, a very admirable quality, but one which gets her into a bit of trouble with Master Z.;-) She’s also a woman whose self-esteem has been damaged, leaving her with a lot of doubts, but Master Z helps to put her totally at ease and makes her feel more like a desirable woman than she ever has before.Although his age isn’t mentioned, I got the feeling that Zachary aka Master Z is a little more on the mature side. He’s described as having a bit of gray at the temples and is divorced with two college-aged children and is also ex-military. There are other tantalizing tidbits of character development revealed throughout the story, but since it was so much fun discovering those things for myself, I won’t give them away and spoil it for other readers. All I’ll say is that the more I found out about him, the more I fell for him. He started Club Shadowlands because he saw abuses going on in other sex clubs and wanted to see if he could do better. Master Z monitors everything very closely and if any dom gets out of hand, he kicks butt and takes names, while if any sub misbehaves, he doesn’t hesitate to dole out appropriate punishment. Others seem to think he’s a mind-reader, but in reality he’s an empath who can almost unerringly read people’s emotions, giving the story a touch of the paranormal. As someone who’s fascinated by the complexities of the human mind and psychic phenomena, I found this aspect of his character extremely appealing. When Jessica shows up at his door, looking like a drowned rat, his protective instincts kick in. He soon discovers that he hasn’t been this physically attracted to a woman in a long time, while he’s deeply intrigued by her mixture of innocence and adventurousness, as well as her surprising courage. It all makes him want to be the one to introduce her to his lifestyle and he quickly lays claim to her. I can’t even begin to say just how drop-dead-sexy and yummilicious Master Z is. Practically everything he did made me melt into a puddle. He’s completely calm, confident, and controlled, always even-tempered and never doing anything in anger, engendering almost instant trust in Jessica (and me as the reader). He can take a woman to the heights of sexual bliss, but then also hold her with the utmost tenderness, building her self-esteem with kind, caring words. I never thought I would call a dom sweet, but that’s exactly what Master Z is.Club Shadowlands is the first book in the Masters of Shadowlands, which is a fairly long-running series. As such, readers are introduced to a few characters who will become heroes and heroines of future books. We get a couple of glimpses of the widowed Master Dan who will be the hero of the next book, Dark Citadel. Although she isn’t seen in this story, I’m pretty sure that Jessica’s sister, who was severely abused by her husband, becomes the heroine of the third book, Breaking Free, as well as Book #11, Protecting His Own. Master Cullen, who is the bartender at the club and one of the few other people Jessica connects with becomes the hero of the fourth book, Lean on Me. The doorman and security guard, Ben, becomes the hero of the tenth book, Servicing the Target. Then Master Z and Jessica get an additional story in Defiance, Book #13.5, which I think may be the final novella of the series.BDSM romances can be hit and miss with me, but if you couldn’t already tell, Club Shadowlands was a huge hit. Once I got past the strangeness of a heroine trusting a man she’s barely met, I was fully invested, and Master Z proved himself more than worthy of that trust. He’s also not too hard-core, and everything he did made sense, so I didn’t get weirded out at any point. This is a novella-length story, albeit a longer one, so admittedly there isn’t a ton of character and plot development. However, there was just enough to keep it interesting. A part of me wished it could have been longer, to flesh out the characters and story a bit more. There are no unrealistic declarations of love, only a tacit agreement that they would begin dating. I wouldn’t have minded seeing Jessica and Master Z interacting outside the club environment, but it wasn’t a deal-breaker. I ended up giving it a perfect rating because the story gave me all the feels that I’ve come to expect in a romance and more, and it was also surprisingly well-written for an erotic romance. Not to mention, Master Z alone is worth giving the book five stars, and I loved Jessica, too. I just wasn’t quite ready to let them go so soon, so I’m definitely going to be looking forward to hopefully seeing more of them in future books of the series as well as in their wrap-up novella. With such a stellar read, I’ll definitely be putting Cherise Sinclair on my watch list and will make every effort to get to the next book very soon.Note: This book contains explicit language and sexual situations including BDSM elements, voyeurism/exhibitionism, sex toys, anal play, and a light M/F/M menage scene, all of which could be objectionable to sensitive readers.

[allandanybooks · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I certainly enjoyed this book. It was hot, passionate and still there was other things too. It wasn't just sex and fucking. I personally enjoyed the characters the most because the relationships between them were beautiful and fascinating. My favorite were of course Master Z and I just hope I will someday find my own Master Z. He's just too perfect.
I cannot wait to read the next parts in the series and I really recommend this book to everyone. Especially all the ladies. I enjoyed!

[scorchingrevs · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I have completely read this series out of order! When I got to this one I dont know what I was expecting from the delectable Master Z. Whether Im becoming immune to the steamy stuff I dont know but this book didnt push any boundaries with me. Dont get me wrong I enjoyed the hell out if it and it certainly checked the steam factor button! I liked Jessica and Z together, they were nice. It just lacked the wow factor I expected from the owner of the club

[morana.mora · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

***3.5***
I don't know much about this world and I don't know much about this particular topic. As a first book in this series, this is a very good start. I am very interested in other characters.
I don't have any idea if the depiction of this way of life is any good, but I liked the things I've read here if that makes any sense.

[decadent.kane · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is the first book I've read by Ms. Sinclair and I have to say I found myself quite delighted with Jessica being stranded and a Dom named Master Z enthralled with the new intruder he saved coming in out of a storm.

I haven't read many BDSM books, and many I read are on the verge of disappointment. Not Club Shadowlands.

Ms. Sinclair wove a sinfully erotic tale of a new sub learning she is a sub and a Dom willing to not only show her she is a sub, but that he wants her utter trust. Oh the things he does to pull the sub out of her are delicious, tantalizing, erotic, there are not enough wonderfully sexual words to describe it. The man stole my breath and the author kept me reading into all hours of the night- Is there much more I could ask for in the weaving of an erotic tale?

For someone new to BDSM wanting to try a good read- this would be an amazing start to find out if it's something you will enjoy. The author touches base on several parts of BDSM including public scenes, tied up, restrained, etc...this is not hardcore as i see in many books.

If you are looking for something to keep you awake at night end enjoy the sexual side...grab this book up quick.

Looking forward to reading more from this author.