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Fun start to the Salacious Players Club series with Emerson and Charlie in an age-gap, sex club setting. I wasn't sure if I was going to attach to either character at first, but the excellent writing pulled me in and I really did enjoy this slightly spicy, romancy read.
I am looking forward to reading the other books in the series and hope to get a bit more from these two as well.
4 stars
I am looking forward to reading the other books in the series and hope to get a bit more from these two as well.
4 stars
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I rarely give books 5 stars, so the fact I gave this 5 stars honestly shocked me! I was not expecting to like it SO much!!! But let me tell you what! It WAS SO GOOD! As of August 2025, this is even one of the best, most enjoyable books I've read this year.
How could this book not pull you in from the start when it begins with 21 year old Charlotte going to her ex-boyfriend's dad's house (Emerson) to pick up her half of the security deposit from the apartment they were renting together. When a woman answers his door, she states how she wasn't expecting her, which confused Charlotte considering Emerson has never even met Charlotte, let alone would ever expect her at any time. Charlotte very shortly finds out that she's being mistaken for a hired submissive, and she realizes this when she's asked to get on her knees for Emerson. Although shocked and confused by the ordeal, Charlotte is willing to hear Emerson out about his lifestyle, partly because she needs the money, and partly because she's intrigued.
When Emerson finds out who Charlotte is, he also doesn't want them to part ways, because he sees her as an opportunity to help salvage the relationship between him and his son, so he offers Charlotte a position as his actual assistant - the help is extremely needed at the moment, as he's part owner of a member's only sex club in the process of construction and opening. She accepts, and they discuss how their dynamic will be a very strict, professional, working relationship, but the more time they inevitably spend together, it leads to temptation that they are unable to resist.
Sometimes I just want to read erotica - because it's mindless, hot, and easy to read and follow (even if you're reading other books at the same time). I expected this to be like a lot of other erotica books, where there's no real plot or character building - a book you just read for the spicy scenes and escape from the super deep stuff. But this completely blew me away how much more it had to offer. Yes, the book was super hot with the age-gap romance and forbidden love, but this book brought so much more to the table.
I learned quite a bit about the Praise kink; this kink isn't exactly new to me, but I hadn't read a book that focused on it as a kink specifically. I loved the characters, starting with Charlotte and Emerson, and even began my love for Hunter and Drake (I was beyond pleasantly surprised when I saw the next books in the series are from their perspective). The drama between Beau, Charlotte, and Emerson was so well written and really had me invested to see how it would play out.
My favorite part aside from Charlotte & Emerson's story - I loved the relationship between Charlotte and her sister, Sophie. It was a beautiful bond and a nice addition to the story. I also loved Charlotte and Sophie's mom, Gwen, and how supportive and relevant she was in the story. Charlotte's family's side stories were perfectly included to make the book feel super well rounded and complete.
This book had me hooked from the very first page. I knew I was going to give it 5 stars the second I finished the last page. In fact, I couldn't download the second one soon enough and began on it right away! Such a good read, and I'm so glad my eyes are now opened to Sara Cate's books!
How could this book not pull you in from the start when it begins with 21 year old Charlotte going to her ex-boyfriend's dad's house (Emerson) to pick up her half of the security deposit from the apartment they were renting together. When a woman answers his door, she states how she wasn't expecting her, which confused Charlotte considering Emerson has never even met Charlotte, let alone would ever expect her at any time. Charlotte very shortly finds out that she's being mistaken for a hired submissive, and she realizes this when she's asked to get on her knees for Emerson. Although shocked and confused by the ordeal, Charlotte is willing to hear Emerson out about his lifestyle, partly because she needs the money, and partly because she's intrigued.
When Emerson finds out who Charlotte is, he also doesn't want them to part ways, because he sees her as an opportunity to help salvage the relationship between him and his son, so he offers Charlotte a position as his actual assistant - the help is extremely needed at the moment, as he's part owner of a member's only sex club in the process of construction and opening. She accepts, and they discuss how their dynamic will be a very strict, professional, working relationship, but the more time they inevitably spend together, it leads to temptation that they are unable to resist.
Sometimes I just want to read erotica - because it's mindless, hot, and easy to read and follow (even if you're reading other books at the same time). I expected this to be like a lot of other erotica books, where there's no real plot or character building - a book you just read for the spicy scenes and escape from the super deep stuff. But this completely blew me away how much more it had to offer. Yes, the book was super hot with the age-gap romance and forbidden love, but this book brought so much more to the table.
I learned quite a bit about the Praise kink; this kink isn't exactly new to me, but I hadn't read a book that focused on it as a kink specifically. I loved the characters, starting with Charlotte and Emerson, and even began my love for Hunter and Drake (I was beyond pleasantly surprised when I saw the next books in the series are from their perspective). The drama between Beau, Charlotte, and Emerson was so well written and really had me invested to see how it would play out.
My favorite part aside from Charlotte & Emerson's story - I loved the relationship between Charlotte and her sister, Sophie. It was a beautiful bond and a nice addition to the story. I also loved Charlotte and Sophie's mom, Gwen, and how supportive and relevant she was in the story. Charlotte's family's side stories were perfectly included to make the book feel super well rounded and complete.
This book had me hooked from the very first page. I knew I was going to give it 5 stars the second I finished the last page. In fact, I couldn't download the second one soon enough and began on it right away! Such a good read, and I'm so glad my eyes are now opened to Sara Cate's books!
The audiobook was fantastic! This is my first time reading a book by Sara Cate, and I’m really impressed with her way of telling stories. I enjoy spice, and the more intense and risqué, the better. This story makes BDSM look appealing. Plus, the tropes are just perfect for me. You’ve got me, Sara, I’m totally HOOKED!
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Loved the story up until the last 20% of the book. After that it got fucking stupid. We really all glossed over the fact that beau was verbally abusive, mooched off her income from TWO jobs, cheated on her for THREE MONTHS, and still was an asshole to her after the breakup. He comes around and suddenly they’re still friends? She can’t say no to him? She babies him? She “loves him and always will”? Why though. “We’re still friends” there has been two times of contact since she took the job - the day at the mall and the phone call, both times he was a douche to her. Yall are not friends babe. Did cate forget that? Also, weird Emerson shows up to a teens bday party.
How is Emerson gonna text her ‘we can work it out i miss you pls come back’ etc after he’s just told beau he won’t see her if he doesn’t want him to and he says no don’t see her. Like what.
“He’ll never commit, never marry me” MARRY YOU?! You’ve known him TWO MONTHS! WHY would he choose you over his son you’re so right WHY. WHY are you thinking ab marriage WHY.
The dad showing up out of nowhere? 🙄 Sophie for some weird reason having Emerson’s number? Double eye roll. She’s met you ONCE why does she have your number and even more why would she call YOU of all people she doesn’t know you and you just broke up with her sister is there NOBODY ELSE she could call? Like sorry if you’re scared cal someone you actually know. “Don’t talk about my DAD that way” “son…” what is this a hallmark movie? Jesus why is this ending so corny and stupid?
The weird pep talk Charlie gives beau on her porch what are you trying to be the new step mommy now? Stop being weird. But also how are you gonna leave mid movie lol. If that man wants you let him come to you.
Okay so now you’ve known each other FOUR MONTHS and you’re moving in?! What lol
Who invites the shitty ex boyfriend to FAMILY taco Tuesday when Emerson and Charlie have been dating all of five seconds and it’s still uncomfortable for him to see them together? WHO DOES THAT ‘bc it’s family night’ WHAT
How is Emerson gonna text her ‘we can work it out i miss you pls come back’ etc after he’s just told beau he won’t see her if he doesn’t want him to and he says no don’t see her. Like what.
“He’ll never commit, never marry me” MARRY YOU?! You’ve known him TWO MONTHS! WHY would he choose you over his son you’re so right WHY. WHY are you thinking ab marriage WHY.
The dad showing up out of nowhere? 🙄 Sophie for some weird reason having Emerson’s number? Double eye roll. She’s met you ONCE why does she have your number and even more why would she call YOU of all people she doesn’t know you and you just broke up with her sister is there NOBODY ELSE she could call? Like sorry if you’re scared cal someone you actually know. “Don’t talk about my DAD that way” “son…” what is this a hallmark movie? Jesus why is this ending so corny and stupid?
The weird pep talk Charlie gives beau on her porch what are you trying to be the new step mommy now? Stop being weird. But also how are you gonna leave mid movie lol. If that man wants you let him come to you.
Okay so now you’ve known each other FOUR MONTHS and you’re moving in?! What lol
Who invites the shitty ex boyfriend to FAMILY taco Tuesday when Emerson and Charlie have been dating all of five seconds and it’s still uncomfortable for him to see them together? WHO DOES THAT ‘bc it’s family night’ WHAT
And nobody even warned her? And her mom is /hugging beau/? Does nobody remember that he was really fucking mean to her? Cheated on her? Berated and mistreated her? Used her for her income? Like what??? Gag me with a spoon did the author just want a they all lived happily ever after and run out of pages?
Like i said. The ending is HORRIBLE.
Like i said. The ending is HORRIBLE.