Full review posted at Reader's Edyn http://bit.ly/2wG4uBG
Rebecca Morales is sure about a lot of things in her life. She’s sure she’ll never get swindled by a man. She’s sure she’ll never be abused by a man. She’s sure she will be successful and maker own way in life – and so far has. She’s pretty sure she wants a softer guy in her life – despite the obvious lack of chemistry with anyone so far. And she is absolutely unsure about the life at Luminous. Her best friend and neighbor has a marriage which thrives around a BDSM lifestyle. Rebecca sees is as a form of abuse. She even tried to convince her friend to run away when she accidentally stumbled into their playroom at home. But try as she might, she has never seen an ounce of abuse from her friend’s husband. After years of trying, and answering thousands of her questions, Miranda finally convinces Rebecca to take a peek into the lifestyle they embrace. She is repulsed … and maybe a little fearful. But hell, it’s New Years and she’s down for some new resolutions. Don’t judge until you know the facts. When she stumbles onto a scene starring her sinfully sensuous boss, she’s rocked completely off balance. He sees tendencies she never thought he was capable of. Tenderness for one. She’s seen nothing but anger and rudeness from him. She has no idea that it is all a façade with Bennett trying to disguise the raging lust she inspires in him. But preconceived notions and a violent past are difficult to escape when venturing tentatively into a world of BDSM which she doesn’t fully grasp or understand. And her own insecurities might be stronger enough to end what delicate relationship she has with Bennett.
Bennett Ashby is floored when he sees Rebecca at the club. A million questions and no answers. She’s been the object of his desire for years. Is only outlet, to bark orders and cover his lust with rudeness. Now that he’s seen her there and her blatant reaction to his show, he’s going to make damn sure he finds a way to seduce Rebecca into his world – at least for one night. That is all it should take to purge her from his system, right? Wrong! Before long, he is devising any scheme he can to keep her with him as his Sub for as long as he can. Except forever might not be long enough. convincing her of his sincerity is going to be the biggest challenge of his life and her tumultuous past might be something he can’t break though. But he’ll damned sure try.
First, if you do not care for explicit sex scenes or scenes involving BDSM – fair warning – do not read this book. However, if you like it rather spicy and books that titillate are your thing, then my friend, you have come to the right place. At first, as I read, I was intrigued. For me, it’s almost the forbidden, and reading about it is quite extraordinary. I didn’t realize the book would be a full-length novel, or that the characters would have depth. Many times when I read stories like these, it’s pretty basic. Maybe I just haven’t read the right books. But I am pleased to say that I enjoyed my time with this book. I was further pleased to discover that this book is the 3rd in the series and I never knew until afterward. Great for myself and any other reader who is unaware, that as a stand-alone, this book does not have to be read in sequence. Probably my only complaint is that at times Rebecca seemed a contradiction. I suppose that could go hand in hand with the fact that she is basically jumping into a lifestyle that wars with the convictions that make her who she is. Not that the relationship wasn’t bumpy, but I almost felt like she acquiesced a bit to easily. Bennett was true to who I would believe an Alpha male – Dominate would be in all his splendid, masculine glory. I enjoyed the other couples we were introduced to, whom I would assume are part of the first two books in the series, but felt a better connection to Miranda and Shawn – likely because they play a bigger role. I wouldn’t mind reading their stories to be able to get to know them better. That would likely be the advantage to reading the books in order; knowing the secondary characters on a more personal level, and so enjoying their “cameos” more. I am no expert by any means, but Ms. Lynn wrote in a way that made me believe she possesses some knowledge within this world – or at least did a bit of homework prior to writing the book. All in all, I would recommend this read for anyone who likes explicit HEAs – particularly those with the strong male presence and a female nearly his match, but with inner torment that only a beast can soothe … even if it takes a bit of necessary roughness. 😉
Kindle version provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ( )