A NIGHT OWL REVIEWS BOOK REVIEW | Reviewed by: Terri
Elizabeth was on the run. She had been badly abused by her last Dom. So badly abused that she move across the country to escape him. She opened up a landscaping business which was doing well. One of her contracts was with Shadowlands, an exclusive BDSM club. One of her perks was membership in the club which Elizabeth was grateful to have as the dues are high and Shadowlands gave her a safe place to try to enjoy her sexual preferences.
Nolan King is a contractor and a member if Shadowlands. He’s a well respected Dom and generally well liked. Currently, he doesn’t have a sub, nor is he looking for a permanent one. He’s enjoying just picking one up for an evening of fun. When Master Z, owner of Shadowlands, comes to him asking a favor concerning a sub, he’s a bit leery but agrees to take a look.
The sub, Elizabeth, is not having a good time. She has long lists of things she won’t allow and doesn’t seem to be able to relax. This is frustrating the Doms that she is with giving Master Z a problem. Master Z thinks Nolan can help Elizabeth. Nolan agrees and Elizabeth is given no choice but to accept Nolan as her Dom or leave Shadowlands.
As they work on meeting each others needs and forming a relationship, they get to know each other. Nolan finds he’d like to see more of Elizabeth outside of Shadowlands. Elizabeth begins to trust Nolan but with his issues of trust can she trust him with one last secret which may destroy what they have. When she does, his reactions puts her life in his hands.
I found this book interesting from several different aspects. This is part of a series of books based around the Shadowlands. You do not need to read any of the previous books to enjoy this one.
The characters were very well done and had enough depth to make them interesting. You got glimpses of Nolan and Elizabeth’s past but you were firmly based in the present. Their strengths and weakness were expressed to give them a real feel.
I liked that the subculture of DBSM was explored, the good and the bad. Not all Doms are the same and that was starkly clear with this story. Elizabeth was abused by a Dom who didn’t care about his sub. He cared only about his needs and wants. Nolan portrayed an good Dom. He put his subs needs before his and took care of her. Elizabeth admits that she couldn’t tell that her ex was abusive until they were well into their relationship. Nolan also mentioned moving to FL from TX in part due to his sexual desires and admits that his family doesn’t approve.
One of the best things that I liked was safety was stressed. This was true not only in the story but the author wrote a note to her readers before the story started. In the story, a safe word was emphasized. Shadowlands had monitors at all their scene stations to ensure that no one got carried away. At no point was safety ignored.
The ending was perfect…..and that’s about all you’re getting.
This story is heavy on graphic sex. However, while sex is prevalent, there is a story being told. The story is a sweet romance between a very abused, scared woman and a patient, warm man. As with every romance, there are ups and downs but the bonds that are formed become strong.
Overall, I liked this story and its characters. I enjoyed reading about Elizabeth becoming whole. I like the way Nolan evolves
Jul 15, 2009 | 978-1-59632-965-2
5 = Rare - Top Pick | 4.5 = I Loved It - Top Pick | 4 = Good Solid Read
3.5 = Enjoyable | 3 Stars = OK - Needs a few changes | 2 Stars = It just didn't click / DNF
Book Blurb for Masters of the Shadowlands 3: Breaking Free
Series: Masters of the Shadowlands ; Previous Book: Dark Citadel
Genre: BDSM Romantic Suspense
Length: Novel
A sadistic husband left Beth scarred, inside and out. Only at the Shadowlands BDSM club does she feel like a woman. But her fears limit her to Doms who won't overwhelm her--the very ones who cannot arouse her. The Master of the Shadowlands gives her an ultimatum: accept the Dom he assigns or lose her membership. The last thing Beth wants is a ruthless, powerful Dom, but that's just what she gets.
Asked to take on a problem sub, Nolan sees the issue immediately--although truly submissive, the little redhead is too scared to relinquish control and her Doms have let her get away with it. That will change right now.
As Master Nolan takes Beth under command, compelling her submission, she's terrified, but the experienced Dom brings her pleasure, not pain. His only demand is that she never lie to him. Under his capable hands, her body comes alive, and she begins to heal. As he pushes her limits, she learns to trust…and then to love. And she realizes he is beginning to care for her in return.
But now her cruel husband has found her, and Master Nolan discovers she's been lying and lying and lying.
Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Anal play/intercourse, BDSM theme and content (including/not limited to bondage, caning, domination, restraint, paddling, spanking, submission, tethering); exhibitionism, ménage, violence.
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