Dark Citadel: Masters of the Shadowlands 2

By Cherise Sinclair

Tightly written, beautifully crafted, and something meant to be read more than once. Cherise Sinclair has gained a fan for life with this one. ~ Whipped Cream Reviews

After Kari breaks up with her date during Beginner's Night at Club Shadowlands, she's given the option to continue with an experienced dominant. Despite her steamy fantasies about BDSM, the inexperienced schoolteacher plans to simply observe. Yet under the unyielding hands of Master Dan, she not only participates, but gives him everything he asks for. There is nothing she can hide from him. Not her passion...or her love.

Still mourning the death of his wife, Master Dan avoids getting involved with women and he never takes a sub twice. But this modest little beginner is such a sweetie, one night is far from enough. As he plumbs her responses, taking her ever deeper into the world of BDSM, the gentle submissive begins to show him how barren his life has become and what a dark citadel he's made of his heart.

During their three nights together, the teacher will learn to submit...can she teach the master to love?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cherise Sinclair
• Release date: Apr 7, 2013
• ISBN: 9780983706366

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

Masters of the Shadowlands 2:

DARK CITADEL

Cherise Sinclair

VanScoy Publishing Group

Copyright 2009 Cherise Sinclair

Smashwords Edition

Masters of the Shadowlands 2

Dark Citadel

After Kari breaks up with her date during Beginner’s Night at Club Shadowlands, she’s given the option to continue with an experienced dominant. Despite her steamy fantasies about BDSM, the inexperienced schoolteacher plans to simply observe. Yet under the unyielding hands of Master Dan, she not only participates, but gives him everything he asks for. There is nothing she can hide from him. Not her passion.or her love.

Still mourning the death of his wife, Master Dan avoids getting involved with women and he never takes a sub twice. But this modest little beginner is such a sweetie, one night is far from enough. As he plumbs her responses, taking her ever deeper into the world of BDSM, the gentle submissive begins to show him how barren his life has become and what a dark citadel he’s made of his heart.

During their three nights together, the teacher will learn to submit…can she teach the master to love?

* * * * *

What reviewers are saying about Cherise Sinclair…

Ms Sinclair sets the bar for the BDSM erotica genre, especially with her hot dominant alpha males. ~ The Romance Reviews

Cherise Sinclair has written a highly erotic, emotional rollercoaster story that drew me in and held me captive throughout the story. 5 Angels ~ Fallen Angel Reviews

About Dark Citadel: This story is a must read if you enjoy the BDSM genre, especially if you’re attuned to works that are less about the sexual acts themselves and more about the tension that comes just before… Tightly written, beautifully crafted, and something meant to be read more than once. Cherise Sinclair has gained a fan for life with this one. ~ Whipped Cream Book Reviews

Masters of the Shadowlands 2: Dark Citadel

Copyright © 2009 by Cherise Sinclair

ISBN 978-0-9837063-6-6

Published by VanScoy Publishing Group

Cover Artist: Christine M. Griffin

This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales, business establishments, or organizations is entirely coincidental.

All rights reserved. This copy is intended for the original purchaser of this eBook only. No part of this eBook may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any manner whatsoever without prior written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Warning: This book contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language and may be considered offensive to some readers. This book is for sale to adults only, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase.

Disclaimer: Please do not try any new sexual practice, without the guidance of an experienced practitioner. Neither the publisher nor the author will be responsible for any loss, harm, injury, or death resulting from use of the information contained in this book.

Table of Contents

Title Page

Praise for Cherise Sinclair

Copyright

Author’s Note

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Book List by Cherise Sinclair

About the Author

Preview of Masters of the Shadowlands 3: Breaking Free

Preview of A Dom Is Forever

Author’s Note

To my readers,

This book is fiction, not reality and, as in most romantic fiction, the romance is compressed into a very, very short time period.

You, my darlings, live in the real world and I want you to take a little more time than the heroines you read about. Good Doms don’t grow on trees and there’s some strange people out there. So while you’re looking for that special Dom, please, be careful.

When you find him, realize he can’t read your mind. Yes, frightening as it might be, you’re going to have to open up and talk to him. And you listen to him, in return. Share your hopes and fears, what you want from him, what scares you spitless. Okay, he may try to push your boundaries a little—he’s a Dom, after all—but you have your safeword. You will have a safeword, am I clear? Use protection. Have a back-up person. Communicate.

Remember: safe, sane and consensual.

Know that I’m hoping you find that special, loving person who will understand your needs and hold you close. Let me know how you’re doing. I worry, you know.

Meantime, come and hang out with the Masters of the Shadowlands.

~ Cherise

[e-mail]

Chapter One

The massive stone building loomed over the extensive grounds like a forbidding castle in some gothic novel. Club Shadowlands. Kari Wagner shook her head at the intimidating sight, at the thought of what the evening might hold.

Beginners lessons at a private BDSM club. She’d gone insane. Really. Her mind had rotted completely away. Teaching high school, that’s what had caused her lapse in sanity. All those teenagers…

Her date, Brian—or Buck, as he liked to be called—grabbed Kari’s arm and pulled her through the front door. She slipped a little, and his grip hardened. Damn, you’re slow.

In the small entry room, a huge security guard stood behind a table, looking so ogrelike he was almost cute. Good evening, sir, miss.

Good evening. Kari closed her mouth before she called him Shrek.

He held out his hand. Papers, please?

As Buck handed over the doctor’s certificates and money, Kari eased her arm away. She’d been attracted to his authoritative personality—so different from the usual men she dated—but he’d never been rough before. Then again, he didn’t know how to do this domination stuff any more than she did.

The guard finished looking at the papers and handed them off to another man before saying, I’ll take your jacket, sir. And miss? Please leave your shoes with me now.

My shoes? After a glance at the guy to see if he was serious—he was—Kari slipped off her orange sneakers.

The guard patiently kept his hand outstretched until she handed over her Tigger-decorated socks also. A little snort of laughter escaped him. Thank you, miss.

Buck’s pale brows drew together at the sight of the socks. What the hell are you wearing?

Kari glanced down at her ankle-length denim dress. Sorry. It was parent-teacher day, and my last set of parents arrived a half hour late. I didn’t have time to go home and change.

Honestly, Kari, you dress like a five-year-old. He straightened the lapels of his black suit.

Well, I used to teach kindergarten after all. She laughed. But my high-school students like my clothes too. And some thought she was terminally strange. But even if she’d had time to change, what would she have worn to a BDSM club? Some weird lacy corset thing? Surely they’d dated long enough for him to know her better than that.

Well, folks, have a pleasant evening. Smiling, the guard pointed them toward a door on the right wall.

Wait a minute. Kari frowned at her bare feet, then looked at the man. Excuse me, but why is Buck allowed to keep his shoes on?

The guard blinked. Did I make a mistake? Which one of you is the Dom or Domme?

I am. Buck gave her a disgusted look. Just be quiet, Kari. Don’t talk at all.

She bit back her first response—and the second—and settled for a nod. Buck might look like Prince Charming—tall, slim, blond—but his manners needed a little work. Still, she should give him a break. If he wasn’t Mr. Perfect Dominating Man, she wasn’t exactly a ten on the Gorgeous Submissive Woman scale, right? In fact, considering her conservative upbringing, this whole evening was probably doomed to failure.

Before they reached the door, Buck yanked her to his side, his fingers digging into her skin. There will be other Doms here and other beginners. Remember you’re with me. Don’t talk to anyone else. Don’t look at anyone else.

Got it. Now let go of me. With an exasperated sigh, she pried his hand from her arm, then followed him into a large office with lush dark brown carpeting and creamy white walls. An antique desk and office equipment took up the far side of the room. In the right corner, several big men and two women, all dressed in gold-trimmed leather clothing, eyed her and Buck before returning to quiet conversation.

The center of the room held a sitting area occupied by two men. One was a tall, broad-shouldered man with silvering dark hair wearing European-tailored black slacks and a black silk shirt. His dark gray eyes had focused on her and Buck the minute they walked through the door. Now, he tilted his head toward the couch across from him.

That’s got to be Master Z, Buck hissed as they crossed the room. All this is his. You watch your mouth and don’t speak unless I give you permission.

She did exactly that, closing her mouth over her impulse to tell him where to go. He meant well, and she wasn’t going to leave before she found out more about this bondage stuff and why it excited her so much.

In black leathers, the other man looked downright dangerous: hard-faced with an equally hard body, open vest stretching over broad shoulders. Black hair slightly curling to the nape of his neck, potent brown eyes, the shadow of a beard along a stern jaw. If Buck was the golden prince, this man was the dark one.

When the men rose, Kari froze, feeling like a mouse confronted by lions. Mouth dry, she managed to move forward and smile.

Buck, the gray-eyed one said in a smooth, deep voice. Welcome to the Shadowlands. I am Master Z. He shook hands with Buck and then Kari. His warm hand engulfed her cold fingers as he studied her for a moment. Welcome, Kari.

She opened her mouth, remembered not to speak, and smiled instead.

Master Z nodded to the other man. This is Master Dan.

The man nodded, shook hands with Buck, and then took Kari’s hand, his grip much gentler than she’d expected. When she looked up, his dark brown eyes trapped hers. He didn’t leer or do anything other than look at her, yet she felt a flush rise into her face. She pulled her hand back and looked down. She could still feel his penetrating gaze.

Please be seated, Master Z said. He waited for everyone to sit, then resumed his seat. He tapped the coffee table where their medical records and questionnaires were spread. Your papers are in order. You’re both free of any disease.

He glanced at her and Buck. The rules of the Shadowlands are simple. Don’t touch anything or anyone that doesn’t belong to you without permission. Do not interfere in someone else’s scene. The equipment is here for your use, and after your introductory class tonight, there are private rooms upstairs, also for your use. He nodded to the men in the corner. Dungeon monitors—DMs—supervise activities and are available to answer questions or even to help as needed. Watch for the gold trim or an orange badge.

His gaze turned to Kari. Here at the Shadowlands, use the term ‘Master’ for those in authority over you: me, the DMs, and possibly, your Dom. When in doubt, address any Dom as Sir or Ma’am.

I understand. Thank you, she said without thinking and winced at Buck’s glare.

Dan Sawyer half listened to Master Z while he sized up the two people who would be in his charge. The bland-faced man with pale blond hair and blue eyes. About five-eleven and a lanky one-seventy in a black suit. He had a narrow mouth with more frown lines than laugh lines and checked his date frequently as if afraid she’d disappear.

The woman wasn’t beautiful, but compellingly pretty. Midtwenties. Wide blue eyes and hair the rich brown color of Guinness. A soft pink mouth bracketed by faint lines, showing she knew how to laugh and did it often. She was little, about five-four, and definitely not slender. Her long dress couldn’t conceal her very lush curves despite being buttoned right up to the top.

Interesting choice of attire for the club. Was she modest? Probably. He studied the way she’d pulled her hair into a tight French braid. Modest and conservative. Huh.

He rubbed his chin and studied her further. Had she wanted to be in a BDSM club, or had her date dragged her? Maybe he had, considering the way she was rubbing her arm.

Shaking his head, Dan leaned back in his chair. Looked like this couple would bear watching.

She’d be a pleasure to watch. To see tremble. To see helpless need in those big eyes. To see… He set his imagination aside. Wherever those thoughts had come from, they were out of place. He was a teacher tonight.

A roar of laughter from the corner caught his attention, and he glanced at the other DMs for beginners’ nights. All had been Dominants for years, all trustworthy men and women. Some with their own submissives, some, like Dan, without. A few were looking for a new sub to train. Dan wasn’t.

There were plenty of subs begging for his use, and he frequently enjoyed one for an evening, but his interest in long-term commitments had died with his wife three years ago. No one could replace his Marion.

Then you’re ready to start. Master Z’s voice broke into Dan’s thoughts.

Lecture was over; time to get the puppies moving. Dan rose. Come with me. I’ll show you around the club and answer questions until your class begins.

And like puppies, they followed him across the room, obediently at first. Then Dan heard the man whispering and turned. He caught a few words: …stay right beside…guys trying to grab themselves a woman…saw how he looked at you. You belong to me…I’m in charge.

Uh-huh. The woman rolled her eyes and tried to move away.

Buck grabbed her arm hard enough that she winced. His voice rose. Are you listening to me?

Having once been married, Dan could have told him those were fighting words.

And yes, Kari’s face turned pink with anger. She yanked her arm away and stepped back. Yes, I’m listening, and I don’t like what I hear. I’m going home.

Buck’s face darkened. Don’t be childish. You knew this was going to—

She spun on her heel, headed for the door.

He grabbed her wrist. Look, honey, I’m sorry. Maybe I—

Let me go! She tried to pry his hand off and failed.

Oh, hell, Dan thought. The guy apparently didn’t understand the basic fuck off! she’d put so politely.

Let her go. Dan set his hand on the wannabe Dom’s shoulder, tightening his fingers until the man flinched and released her.

If she doesn’t want to continue, you can’t force her, Dan said. He glanced at the girl. Kari, do you want to leave?

Yes. I do, she said. From the pissed-off look in her big blue eyes, she’d crossed the dude off her date list. Smart move, sweetie. Did she have a ride home? Did you come together or—

Separately, she said.

Then I’ll walk you to your car. And prevent any altercations in the parking lot. Buck, if you want to continue, go on in.

The man stood there for a minute, then scowled at his date. Fine. I’m going to take the class, since I already put out the money. I’ll call you later, and we’ll talk. I would have taken good care of you. You’re not being reasonable at all. Straightening his suit coat, he headed for the door to the main club room.

Well, then. Dan looked down at his charge. She was rubbing her arm again. Are you all right, sweetheart?

Startled, she looked up and he caught his breath at the hint of pain in her eyes, at the vulnerability. The need. His body responded as if she’d been stripped and tied to his bed. Damn.

Um. Yes, thank you very much. I’m sorry about this, she said, her voice was melodic, a little husky. And so very polite. What would it take to break through the politeness to the woman beneath?

No problem. He nodded toward the front door.

But as they passed the sitting area, Z lifted a hand, stopping them. Kari, sit down, please.

She took a seat and folded her hands in her lap, all prim and proper except

Reviews for Dark Citadel

[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!

[hanneri_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Club Shadowlands was a great short story erotica that kept me entertained for a couple of hours. It was well written with charming characters that you can’t help but be enthralled with. It had the familiar plot point of an innocent, sheltered female who is exposed to the BDSM lifestyle by an alluring Dom of a man, but Cherise Sinclair made it enjoyable by having characters that just enthralled you. Jessica and especially Master Z were charismatic and what really made the book enjoyable.

[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.

[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!!

[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!

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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

[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.

[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

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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!

[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!!!

[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.