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kathydavie's review against another edition
5.0
First in the Masters of the Shadowlands romantic erotica series and revolving around a private bondage club. The couple focus is on the innocent Jessica and the very-knowing Master Z.
My Take
Lol, yep, Jessica should've known better and really read that contract, as Sinclair quickly introduces us to this BDSM world. *More laughter* Jessica is really getting an eyeful in the club as she tours the place.
Sinclair takes a unique approach to Jessica's thought processes, and I can well imagine her naive take on the [mostly] women who appear to be "victims". It's her sister's experience that fuels Jessica's protective instincts and creates such, um, interesting reactions...*more laughter*.
I understand Jessica's denial about being a sub. It's gotta be scary to consider letting go of one's control. But Sinclair writes of Jessica's fears and arousal in very realistic prose using third person dual protagonist point-of-view from Jessica's and Z's perspectives, well except for that one overdone meme that, fortunately, is quickly erased. Sure Z is too good to be true, but I like a bit of hope *more grinning* I can see why it would be handy to be able to "mosey through a woman's mind".
I love the doorman's response to Jessica's question, and it's the reaction EVERYone should have. That everyone has different tastes, so live and let live. I don't know why people "need" to have others think and want the same way they do!
Sinclair writes with care, insight, and compassion about Z's rules and ideas for the club and of Jessica's conflict. I like that education and safety is a priority. Sinclair does a good job writing of this world, very realistic with a good bit of show in this. It's all sex, sex, sex, in a very good way. Ooh...*grin*...
Jessica's confusion is fascinating, as she veers between want and fear, worried about what people must be saying about her luscious body. And it's Sir who assures her...a good read for women who feel too ripe.
The Story
It's a lousy date that ended early followed by that pesky armadillo that sends Jessica's car sliding across the road, and forcing her to seek shelter from the nearest house. A house that has rules and couples clad in leather and less.
It's an unexpected introduction for this shy woman who will discover things about herself that she had never expected.
The Characters
Jessica Randall is an accountant who volunteers at an animal shelter. Her sister had been abused in her marriage. Aunt Eunice would be delighted at Jessica's chance for, um, expanding her horizons.
Club Shadowlands is...
...a private club where your BDSM fantasies can come true for a night or a 24/7 lifestyle. Zachary is "Sir", a.k.a., Master Z, and the owner of the club; he's also former Special Ops. His day job is as a pediatric psychologist. Galahad is Z's big, ugly cat.
Ben is the brute of a doorman. Molly. Vanessa is quite snarky. Cullen is a Dom bartender who goes through a different woman every few nights. Matthew is a dungeon monitor. Joey is a sub looking for a mistress. Gabe is a dom. Master Smith is interrupted; Wendy is his sub. Daniel, a.k.a., Master D, hasn't been happy since he lost his wife three years ago; he sometimes works as a dungeon monitor. Adrienne is a sub who likes to be whipped. Cody wants to be a 24/7 slave. James, a vet tech who knows Jessica, is a Dom having trouble with his privacy-preferring sub, Brandy. Sam gives some bullwhip lessons. Vance will clear the medical room. Melissa offers up her sub. Lenora and Maxie do a little babysitting. Nathan is a not-so nice Dom.
Matt had been Jessica's last boyfriend.
The Cover and Title
The cover is in shadows, appropriately, with a black and deep, dark brown background. It's Jessica in the background in a black bit of lingerie, leather cuffs on her wrists, as she holds the straps of her garment on her arms. Master Z is in the forefront, his white buttondown shirt open to bare his muscled chest, the two sides of an undone black tie hanging down. The title is beige with a slight black shadow, a'slant from Z's elbow up and across his chest. The series information is small in white and positioned at Z's beltline. An info blurb in white is just above a gray length of chain below which is the author's name in beige.
The title is an introduction to Club Shadowlands, where Jessica discovers her true desires.
My Take
Lol, yep, Jessica should've known better and really read that contract, as Sinclair quickly introduces us to this BDSM world. *More laughter* Jessica is really getting an eyeful in the club as she tours the place.
Sinclair takes a unique approach to Jessica's thought processes, and I can well imagine her naive take on the [mostly] women who appear to be "victims". It's her sister's experience that fuels Jessica's protective instincts and creates such, um, interesting reactions...*more laughter*.
I understand Jessica's denial about being a sub. It's gotta be scary to consider letting go of one's control. But Sinclair writes of Jessica's fears and arousal in very realistic prose using third person dual protagonist point-of-view from Jessica's and Z's perspectives, well except for that one overdone meme that, fortunately, is quickly erased. Sure Z is too good to be true, but I like a bit of hope *more grinning* I can see why it would be handy to be able to "mosey through a woman's mind".
I love the doorman's response to Jessica's question, and it's the reaction EVERYone should have. That everyone has different tastes, so live and let live. I don't know why people "need" to have others think and want the same way they do!
Sinclair writes with care, insight, and compassion about Z's rules and ideas for the club and of Jessica's conflict. I like that education and safety is a priority. Sinclair does a good job writing of this world, very realistic with a good bit of show in this. It's all sex, sex, sex, in a very good way. Ooh...*grin*...
Jessica's confusion is fascinating, as she veers between want and fear, worried about what people must be saying about her luscious body. And it's Sir who assures her...a good read for women who feel too ripe.
The Story
It's a lousy date that ended early followed by that pesky armadillo that sends Jessica's car sliding across the road, and forcing her to seek shelter from the nearest house. A house that has rules and couples clad in leather and less.
It's an unexpected introduction for this shy woman who will discover things about herself that she had never expected.
The Characters
Jessica Randall is an accountant who volunteers at an animal shelter. Her sister had been abused in her marriage. Aunt Eunice would be delighted at Jessica's chance for, um, expanding her horizons.
Club Shadowlands is...
...a private club where your BDSM fantasies can come true for a night or a 24/7 lifestyle. Zachary is "Sir", a.k.a., Master Z, and the owner of the club; he's also former Special Ops. His day job is as a pediatric psychologist. Galahad is Z's big, ugly cat.
Ben is the brute of a doorman. Molly. Vanessa is quite snarky. Cullen is a Dom bartender who goes through a different woman every few nights. Matthew is a dungeon monitor. Joey is a sub looking for a mistress. Gabe is a dom. Master Smith is interrupted; Wendy is his sub. Daniel, a.k.a., Master D, hasn't been happy since he lost his wife three years ago; he sometimes works as a dungeon monitor. Adrienne is a sub who likes to be whipped. Cody wants to be a 24/7 slave. James, a vet tech who knows Jessica, is a Dom having trouble with his privacy-preferring sub, Brandy. Sam gives some bullwhip lessons. Vance will clear the medical room. Melissa offers up her sub. Lenora and Maxie do a little babysitting. Nathan is a not-so nice Dom.
Matt had been Jessica's last boyfriend.
The Cover and Title
The cover is in shadows, appropriately, with a black and deep, dark brown background. It's Jessica in the background in a black bit of lingerie, leather cuffs on her wrists, as she holds the straps of her garment on her arms. Master Z is in the forefront, his white buttondown shirt open to bare his muscled chest, the two sides of an undone black tie hanging down. The title is beige with a slight black shadow, a'slant from Z's elbow up and across his chest. The series information is small in white and positioned at Z's beltline. An info blurb in white is just above a gray length of chain below which is the author's name in beige.
The title is an introduction to Club Shadowlands, where Jessica discovers her true desires.
wri316's review against another edition
4.0
Jessica Randall's car goes off the road during a terrible store and the nearest house for her to run to is a BDSM den.
The things that you would expect happen but the difference in this book is that Ms. Sinclair describes the scenes very well. She develops the characters fully so that you understand why they are in the situation they are in.
It is a super erotic book with lots of BDSM situations. If you don't like the idea of that, this us not a book for you. If you are into reading that genre this is a good read.
The things that you would expect happen but the difference in this book is that Ms. Sinclair describes the scenes very well. She develops the characters fully so that you understand why they are in the situation they are in.
It is a super erotic book with lots of BDSM situations. If you don't like the idea of that, this us not a book for you. If you are into reading that genre this is a good read.
ladyhawke's review against another edition
4.0
Other than knowing there was a BDSM focus - I really had no idea what to expect going into this but I thoroughly enjoyed the ride (twice). This book is on the shorter side so it’s a quick read. It has a romantic bent, but it’s not real deep or emotional, and the sex kink is pretty mild (though I still had to google all the BDSM toys and terminology). I haven’t read a lot of BDSM books but this to me reads like a short, sexy intro that also manages to reiterate themes like safety and consent throughout. Even if you’re not into BDSM it’s super readable.
The female lead, Jessica, is likable and relatable as someone who lands in a BDSM club by accident and finds herself questioning everything. And Master Z is just flat out swoon-worthy and deeply seductive. He’s the quiet but dominant alpha male of alpha males with a tender side. Purrrr.
The buildup of sexual tension between these two is palpable, drawn out, and just plain hot. I went on to read many of the other books in the Shadowland series also. BDSM may not be my thing but I couldn’t help myself. Cherise Sinclair has a talent for hot hot!
The female lead, Jessica, is likable and relatable as someone who lands in a BDSM club by accident and finds herself questioning everything. And Master Z is just flat out swoon-worthy and deeply seductive. He’s the quiet but dominant alpha male of alpha males with a tender side. Purrrr.
The buildup of sexual tension between these two is palpable, drawn out, and just plain hot. I went on to read many of the other books in the Shadowland series also. BDSM may not be my thing but I couldn’t help myself. Cherise Sinclair has a talent for hot hot!
ebaca41's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
This book was pretty bad. It was so cringy, the main character was so low self esteem, the love interest was too embarrassing. The best part was that it was a short book.
origamy's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.0
Wasn't the biggest fan of the push and pull but liked the book overall.
queenoferebor's review against another edition
3.0
I really liked this book's depiction of the BDSM scene. "Sir" is a very good master that commands respect, and not fear. However, the story fell a bit flat for me. The characters are not quite three-dimensional and there is not enough background for me to actually say that I liked the characters. I think that the rest of the books in this series are about different characters so, right now, I'm not very interested in reading those. Maybe in the future.
In the end, this is basically an extended sex scene that is very funny and endearing, with a female protagonist that is not your usual barbie doll and a male protagonist that seems to have something paranormal about him, but that we do not really know much about. It's a quick read to have a good time.
In the end, this is basically an extended sex scene that is very funny and endearing, with a female protagonist that is not your usual barbie doll and a male protagonist that seems to have something paranormal about him, but that we do not really know much about. It's a quick read to have a good time.
ac223's review against another edition
4.0
While I enjoyed Club Shadowlands, I enjoyed the Mountain Masters more. Master Z is just as enticing as Jake and Logan, but I think it was the environment. Obviously most of the book takes place in the club, so I never really felt their relationship was anything more than sex until the end. I haven't looked yet, but I hope Cullen is next up. He was by far the more interesting than any other characters. Rebecca is an accountant, conservative, with a fiery temper. She wrecks her car in the middle of a storm, and is forced to walk for help. Of course the only place nearby is the BDSM club, Club Shadowlands. When she arrives freezing, and soaked to the bone, she is given two choices. She can stay in the entryway, dry off and wait for the storm to blow over. Or she can read the rules, sign the release, and join the fun. She signs without reading, and is surprised at what she walks into. Master Z has no problem giving her a tour. She knows she shouldn't enjoy it, but decides she should try it before she walks away, and never gets another opportunity.
**********************************Recap/ Spoilers*************************************
Rebecca is thoroughly immersed in the lifestyle her first night there. A week goes by, and even though she wants to, she talks herself out of going. She assumes that Master Z will have moved on to a different woman, and not even remember her. She decides to avoid the potential embarrassment, and stay home, until a package arrives. A negligee sent by Mr. Z, because of course it's negligee night at the club. His gift gives her the answer she needs, he remembers her, and she joins him again at the club. They do a sexy scene, cuddle, and go to his private home upstairs. Once she is there she can't help but think that she is falling for a guy who never wanted her for more than sex. She attempts to leave, he admits his love, and they live happily ever after. Well not quite, but almost.
**********************************Recap/ Spoilers*************************************
Rebecca is thoroughly immersed in the lifestyle her first night there. A week goes by, and even though she wants to, she talks herself out of going. She assumes that Master Z will have moved on to a different woman, and not even remember her. She decides to avoid the potential embarrassment, and stay home, until a package arrives. A negligee sent by Mr. Z, because of course it's negligee night at the club. His gift gives her the answer she needs, he remembers her, and she joins him again at the club. They do a sexy scene, cuddle, and go to his private home upstairs. Once she is there she can't help but think that she is falling for a guy who never wanted her for more than sex. She attempts to leave, he admits his love, and they live happily ever after. Well not quite, but almost.
misslover's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars.
I really liked the concept of the club. I personally, have not read anything with this kind of story-line yet. So yes, I was intrigued. I have to admit, I did not like Jessica. To insecure and held back for someone who legitimately wanted to be in a BDSM club. I get where she was coming from, but come on.
Master Z -- yeah, me likey you big time :)
That's a type of Dom I Would more than be happy with. I will continue and see how things go from here.
I really liked the concept of the club. I personally, have not read anything with this kind of story-line yet. So yes, I was intrigued. I have to admit, I did not like Jessica. To insecure and held back for someone who legitimately wanted to be in a BDSM club. I get where she was coming from, but come on.
Master Z -- yeah, me likey you big time :)
That's a type of Dom I Would more than be happy with. I will continue and see how things go from here.
iloveladybugs08's review against another edition
3.0
This book is very steamy and straight to the point. I love that it was an quick read. I will be reading book two.
lifeinthebooklane's review against another edition
4.0
Another re-read, though I hadn't reviewed this one on here before so I can narrow it down to 2016. 750+ books on my TBR and I'm doing re-reads. Procrastination seems to be my middle name at the moment.
So, onto my thoughts about the book and all I have to say is "wow" and "swoon" and "I'm just going to my room for 5 minutes". Phew - do NOT read this anywhere other than the comfort of your own home and preferably somewhere with privacy. There are occasions when this book may well elicit one-handed reading.
Oh my word the words "scorching" "hot" and "sexy" do not do this story justice. I was grabbed from the start by the great writing, interesting characters and, yes I'll admit it, amazingly hot sex scenes. In the story we have Jessica, not just a newbie to the BDSM scene but a complete innocent about it, never having even had any fantasies of that nature. A run of bad luck has her knocking on the door of Club Shadowlands and what ensues is any woman's fantasy.
Master Z owns the club, a very experienced Dom with a hidden talent. He and Jessica are drawn to each other immediately and whilst this was a little insta for my tastes, the author did draw into the story their need to date and get to know each other on more than a carnal basis. And I have to say that for both of them, and particularly for Jessica, I 100% believed their feelings for one another.
The ending is more HFN than HEA, though this couple continue to make brief appearances in future books, so we do get to see the HEA that way. I loved that the kink in this was fairly mild. Whilst it might be a little tame if you've read other books, it was still extremely hot to read AND given Jessica's complete lack of experience it was more realistic than her suddenly being tied to a St Andrew's cross and whipped.
It's also left me with a craving to re-read Dark Citadel, which I may just be indulging in as soon as I've clicked 'post' on this review.
So, onto my thoughts about the book and all I have to say is "wow" and "swoon" and "I'm just going to my room for 5 minutes". Phew - do NOT read this anywhere other than the comfort of your own home and preferably somewhere with privacy. There are occasions when this book may well elicit one-handed reading.
Oh my word the words "scorching" "hot" and "sexy" do not do this story justice. I was grabbed from the start by the great writing, interesting characters and, yes I'll admit it, amazingly hot sex scenes. In the story we have Jessica, not just a newbie to the BDSM scene but a complete innocent about it, never having even had any fantasies of that nature. A run of bad luck has her knocking on the door of Club Shadowlands and what ensues is any woman's fantasy.
Master Z owns the club, a very experienced Dom with a hidden talent. He and Jessica are drawn to each other immediately and whilst this was a little insta for my tastes, the author did draw into the story their need to date and get to know each other on more than a carnal basis. And I have to say that for both of them, and particularly for Jessica, I 100% believed their feelings for one another.
The ending is more HFN than HEA, though this couple continue to make brief appearances in future books, so we do get to see the HEA that way. I loved that the kink in this was fairly mild. Whilst it might be a little tame if you've read other books, it was still extremely hot to read AND given Jessica's complete lack of experience it was more realistic than her suddenly being tied to a St Andrew's cross and whipped.
It's also left me with a craving to re-read Dark Citadel, which I may just be indulging in as soon as I've clicked 'post' on this review.