Reivew: Doms of Dark Haven

Dom de Dom Dom

Making the Grade: Overall C+

For My Thoughts

Cherise Sinclair's story get 4 1/2 stars, the other 2 stories get 3 stars.

I admit I only purchased this book because I needed another Cherise Sinclair fix. I am addicted to her Doms from Club Shadowlands and since I’m caught up on that series, I was on the hunt for a new Dom to love. I know it’s only a short story but it’s better than nothing and Ms. Sinclair knows how to write great stories.

All three stories in this anthology occur on the same night at Dark Haven during a Victorian era themed night.

It may have been third in the book (saving the best for last?) but I’m getting right to my main attraction.

Simon Says: Mine by Cherise Sinclair
While Dark Haven is no Club Shadowlands (*cries*) there were many similarities. Master Simon has all the same qualities as the Doms at Shadowlands.

I immediately liked Rona. Older, mature, recently divorced, grown kids, a nurse and looking to cross a few items off her to-do list. And like a lot of Sinclair’s heroine’s, she doesn’t think she’s young enough, thin enough or pretty enough. Thankfully Sinclair's Doms don’t seem to mind at all and in fact prefer this type of woman...like most of us.

A few quick impressions of Master Simon from Rona’s point of view (just to get you in the mood):

“Of course he’s dangerous - he has a flogger, and he knows how to use it“.
God, he was so gorgeous, like a blade, but not a bland kitchen knife - more like a medieval dagger. Elegant and deadly, but the look in his eyes was so caring. Almost loving.

Cue the shivers and chills!

Every time I read one of these books, Sinclair introduces a new aspect of this lifestyle she hasn’t used before. I feel like I’m getting an education right along with the heroine.

Suctions cups? WTF? Holy Moly...do these things really go on? I felt like the suctions cups should have come with a warning: Objects may appear larger than they actually are...only in this case - THEY grew/became/stayed larger - ohhhhhh my!

Things move fast in a short story. Simon is another seemingly perfect, understanding, caring, totally in tune Dom who’s number 1 priority is his sub. I liked that while Rona expressed an interest in the lifestyle - she wasn’t really looking to “tie” herself to one man. Simon took all her misgivings and through them right out the window. SMOKIN’ HOT! 4 ½ Starts


Met Her Match: Sierra Cartwright
How can 2 operatives work together and have to trust each other and have a Dom/S relationship?

Torin Carter didn’t want to cross the bounds with his partner Mia Araceli but she was determined to force his hand (or another male appendage) so when he’s forced to stake his claim on Mira at Dark Haven and publicly punish her - it changes the rules in their relationship.

Mira likes Torin‘s “heavy hand”. She’s been after him for awhile to show her the Dom/s ropes. Showing up nekkid on his bed with his belt in her mouth - well if that isn’t a clear message...??

I liked the dynamic between Torin/Mira and was wondering how they would be able to handle the Dom/s relationship and then transition to an equal footing on a partnership - work relationship.
Needless to say they worked things out to everyone’s satisfaction.

Another hot short story 3 stars

The final story Educating Evangeline was my least favorite of the three.

Evangeline's a lone wolf who needs the help of alpha Werewolf Dom Harte Sommers and his pack when she’s being hunted and stumbles into Dark Haven one night . She agrees to his terms and conditions and agrees to submit and learn from Harte in exchange for his protection.

This story was ok but just didn't pack the punch when compared to the "master" Sinclair.

3 Stars

From Goodreads:

Met Her Match (A Hawkeye Story) by Sierra Cartwright
Series: Hawkeye; Previous Book: Bend Me Over

Highly trained Mira Araceli can hold her own in the toughest parts of the world, but not, it seems, against her secret crush, Torin Carter. She'd fallen for her Hawkeye instructor years before, and to him, she'd been just another recruit; fresh, green, idealistic.

Torin, with his dark Irish good looks and fierce temper, doesn't want a partner, any partner, and especially not Mira. But assignments are assignments, and he takes his responsibilities seriously. So when the beautifully submissive Mira crawls into his bedroom, a leather belt between her teeth, he calls on all his resolve to send her away.

Unsatisfied, Mira ups the stakes and finds another dom to play with at Dark Haven. Beyond furious, Torin storms into Master Xavier's club and claims his rights to dominate Mira. For the first time in her life, she's met her match.


Educating Evangeline by Belinda McBride

This isn't what she came here for!

Pursued by a group of mysterious hunters, Evangeline Jones was desperate for sanctuary when she ducked into the doorway of Dark Haven. Instead of safety, she discovers a decadent, sensual world that challenges her very outlook on life.

Harte Sommers is charmed by the little wolf with the pink streak in her ebony hair. As alpha of the Napa pack, he sometimes feels that he's alone at the top. When he meets Eva, he knows he might not be able to keep his wild little wolf at his side, but his heart tells him that his lonely days might be at an end.


Simon Says: Mine by Cherise Sinclair

Related Title: Master of the Mountain

With an empty nest and divorce in hand, Rona decides it's time to explore the fantasies that nourished her through a long, tedious marriage to a man whose idea of outrageous sex was leaving the lights on. At the top of her fantasy list is touring Dark Haven, the BDSM club, but she isn't prepared for the effect of a powerful Dom. When Master Simon takes control and introduces her to toys and sensations she's never felt before, she realizes he could fulfil every fantasy on her list all by himself. But she's vowed to never get trapped in a relationship again.

One of the most popular Doms in Dark Haven, Master Simon has had his fill of eager, shallow, young subs. Rona is older, intelligent, independent...and sweetly submissive. After an evening of intense pleasure and despite her obvious attraction, she refuses to see him again. He needs a way to change her mind. She's not the first sub he's taken on a journey of exploration, but he's beginning to think she might be the last.

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Anal play/intercourse, strong BDSM theme and elements to include exhibitionism and voyeurism.

Review: Make Me, Sir

Making the Grade: A

For My Thoughts


I wasn’t going to do it. I wasn’t going to start this book but who am I kidding - I can’t resist the allure of the Masters of the Shadowlands even if it is the last book Cherise Sinclair has published in the series. Please, please, please don’t make me wait too long until the next book Ms Sinclair. Does begging work? Not at Club Shadowlands usually but I’m hoping Ms. Sinclair takes pity on me and releases another book soon.

When a good friend of Gabrielle Renard’s goes missing from a BDSM club Gabi is determined to help in the FBI investigation any way she can. Word on he street is that several more woman are to be taken from similar clubs and sold at an auction into sexual slavery. The kidnappers appear to be targeting young women who are disobedient and although Gabi isn’t into the BDSM scene since she did dabble in the lifestyle in college, she's more than willing to go undercover as a decoy if it means helping find her friend Kim. Although Gabrielle works for the FBI - she’s a victim specialist - not a trained FBI field agent. And Gabi is not a sub and the Doms at Club Shadowlands will not be aware she is working undercover for the FBI when she agrees to join the submissive training program except Shadowlands Owner Master Z.

Oh dear God Gabi - what have gotten yourself into? Being a sub + acting bratty = no deed goes unpunished at Club Shadowlands.

Marcus Atherton is the new trainer at Shadowlands and he's totally suspicious when Master Z asks him to take on a new trainee - but it’s Master Z’s club - so take on a new trainee he does. Master Marcus has no tolerance for rude, disobedient subs and working with the newest trainee Gabi is going to push his patience to the limits.

There were times I felt very sorry for poor Gabi knowing what she was going to have to endure. Every time she deliberately misbehaved I cringed wondering what “punishment” the Doms or Master Marcus would conjure up for her. And they didn’t disappoint. Let me just say ginger root - seriously? Who knew it had such burning qualities? Silly me - I thought you just used it for cooking.

Given how intuitive these Doms are, Marcus knows early on something just isn’t right with Gabi or how she’s acting. Her bratty behaviour seems to be totally out of character and Marcus instinctively knows she’s hiding something. With the help of the other Doms, Marcus conducts a little experiment on Gabi to break down her defences - conveniently when Master Z isn’t around to protect her cover.

Subspace - The final frontier. These are the sexy voyages of the subs and their Doms. You want to know what that cryptic sentence means - you gonna have to read the book.

This book was by far the longest and most involved story yet. The suspense plot involving the kidnapping and trafficking ring was interwoven throughout the book and was definitely tense and keep me on edge wondering how it was going to play out.

I say this with every book I‘ve read in this series by Ms. Sinclair, but I do think that is was the best one yet. Given the way the story arc with the sex slaver traffickers ended, I firmly believe that this storyline is not over. Someone at Club Shadowlands is not the good Dom they appear to be.

I can’t wait for the next instalment. Whose story is it going to be? How long do I have to wait? Please Ms. Sinclair answer the burning questions. Inquiring minds need to know!

From Goodreads:
Her job is to make his life miserable. His job is to make her submit. Whose heart will surrender first?

Across the country, rebellious BDSM submissives are being systematically kidnapped, one from each club. When her friend falls prey to the slavers, FBI victim specialist Gabrielle volunteers to be bait in a club not yet hit: the Shadowlands.

She finds that being a bratty sub comes naturally, especially when she gets to twit the appallingly conservative Master of the trainees. But she soon discovers he’s not as stuffy as she’d thought. Or as mean. She’d expected punishment, even humiliation, but she sure never expected to fall in love with a damned lawyer.

Courtesy of a prima donna ex-wife, Marcus loathes disobedient submissives. When the club owner insists he admit an incredibly bratty trainee, he’s furious. But as he comes to know Gabrielle and sees the alluring sweetness beneath the sass, he starts to fall for her.

Unfortunately, Marcus isn't the only one who believes the feisty redhead is a prize worth capturing. And in the world of the slaver, such treasure is worth a hefty fee.

Review: Lean On Me (Masters of the Shadowlands, #4)

Making the Grade: A-

For My Thoughts


Si, Si Senior!

So I wasn’t going to start Lean on Me (Book 4 in the Shadowlands series) by Cherise Sinclair so soon after finishing book 3. Not because I haven’t loved all the books so far - they are some of the most intensely erotic books I have ever read and seriously the Masters at Club Shadowlands are highly addictive. I just planned on taking a little break since there is only 1 more book left in the series and I wanted to delay and savour and extend my series reading experience as long as possible.

Needless to say last week after finishing Breaking Free and finding out book 4 was about the easy-going, laid-back bartender Cullen O’Keefe - I started Lean on Me right away. So much for any delayed gratification on my part. But then again, I’ve never been good at denying myself anything.

Sexy Cullen O’Keefe - Arson Investigator by day, bartender and Trainer of the subs by night at Club Shadowlands. As their trainer - he doesn’t “do” the subs...well at least he didn’t before Andrea Eriksson entered the program. Cullen was somewhat forced/blackmailed, call it what you will to accept her in the trainee program at Shadowlands, but he was going to make sure she deserved the opportunity to be a trainee.

Andrea is no shrinking violet...she’s tall and muscular from hours spent working hard at her day job at her cleaning agency...in fact her best friend Antonio (whose acquaintance with Cullen was her in at Shadowlands) calls her Rambolita. Her first night at the Club she acts and dresses more like a Domme in her leather pants and kick-ass boots. How the heck was she ever going to survive and submit to being a sub? Me thinks Andrea is going to try Master Cullen’s patience hard. Ay dios mio...holla, hot damn another winner! I was well and truly hooked with this storyline early on and any thoughts I had about putting off reading this book flew right out the window.

Andrea has a problem with men getting to close. She barely survived an attempted rape when she was younger and it’s made her wary around men...she tends to strike out first and ask questions later...not exactly a good quality to have in a Dom/s setting. Also Doms tend to frown upon that kind of behaviour and then they tend to dish out some creatively delicious forms of punishment.

Andrea pushed one such Master a little to far and I must says Master Nolan must have excelled in the Boy Scouts and earned ALL his rope tying badges - except I don’t think they teach his kind of skill with knots in the Boy Scouts - holy Muy Caliente *turns the fan on high speed*!!!

Andrea also learned a very important lesson about faking or lying about anything - another very serious offence at Club Shadowlands...saddle up Sweetie and ride’em cowboy! Add Master Cullen to the mix or maybe in this case it was Cowboy Cullen and this lesson on the perils of lying or faking it was hot, hot, hot *fans self repeatedly*!

And Master Cullen also brings new meaning to the tern “in the doghouse”...errr I mean “on the doghouse”! I told you these Doms are one creative bunch.

In Lean on me we got to see a lot relationship building between Cullen and Andrea outside the Shadowlands environment and a glimpse into their every day lives more so than the other books. Sinclair’s books just keep getting better with each one I read. I love these books and sadly I only have one left to read. How long will I last before I start it? Knowing me...not long.

From Goodreads:

Previous Book: Breaking Free
Genre: BDSM Erotic Contemporary

Andrea wants to submit, but not to just any so-called Dom. He has to be tougher than the slum-bred bullies she grew up with. She'd given up finding a true Dom when her friend finagles her a place as a trainee in an exclusive BDSM club with the powerful Shadowlands Masters. Andrea's thrilled...and terrified.

Forced to accept an unknown submissive into his carefully run trainee program, Master Cullen is furious. Not only is the young woman new to BDSM, but she's unsuited to her role--armoured in leather like a Domme, she's more liable to punch a Dom than kneel. He decides to push her right back out the door. But as he ruthlessly intimidates her, punishes her, then comforts her, his glimpses of the woman inside the emotional armour intrigue him and her utter surrender captures his heart.

Although Master Cullen is famous for his unfettered lifestyle, Andrea believes he might be interested in her, until she discovers he's not just a bartender--he's a cop. Maybe he'd overlook her past brush with the law, but when another trainee accuses her of stealing money, Andrea's sure she's lost the Master she wanted with all her heart.

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: BDSM theme and content (includes/not limited to: bondage, spanking, tethering), voyeurism.

Review: Breaking Free

Making the Grade: A

For My Thoughts


Breaking Free by Cherise Sinclair is the third book in the Masters of the Shadowlands series and if possible it was the best one yet. The storyline was more complex with the added element of suspense which as a romantic suspense junkie I really enjoyed. If possible the Dom/s scenes and sex were some of the hottest ones yet...they were off the chain...errr wait there were chains involved more than once and a whole lot more. One thing Sinclair does in her stories that I like is to not repeat the same “types” of scenes in each book - there’s always a new variation to captivate and titillate. In addition to being some of the most gorgeous, intuitive and alpha men on the planet - these Masters are very inventive when it comes to playing games and doling out punishment. Somebody turn on the fan - it’s getting hot in here!

Beth is on the run and hiding from her abusive and sadist ex-hubby who really did some nasty things to her in the role of her Dom during their marriage. She’d tried leaving him once before and that didn’t end too well for her and her body carries the scars as a constant reminder. She’s scared about being discovered by her ex but she refuses to stop living. Beth displayed an inner strength I admired while trying to make a go of it on her own with a small landscaping business and wow what a surprise that one of her clients is Club Shadowlands.

When Beth decided to dip her toes back into BDSM game I was sorta skeptical on how she would ever allow herself to let go and be dominated and trust anyone again to the level that is required in a Dom/s relationship considering what her Ex had done to her. I really feared for Beth at first and her return to the BDSM scene, but considering she was at the Shadowlands - I knew she was in “good hands” and those hands don’t come any better than attached to the oh so yummy Master Nolan. Not to sure what Sir would feel about me describing him as yummy - but he is!

I came to the realization that Beth was a sub at heart. It was a position she enjoyed and a lifestyle she was comfortable living and just because her previous relationship had been a train wreck - her desire to return to her roots was understandable. I realized it would be no different than a straight woman in an abusive relationship - she wouldn’t turn into a lesbian or a homosexual man wouldn’t turn straight. The heart wants what the heart wants and Beth wanted to be dominated.

As I stated earlier I loved the added element of the suspense. Knowing Beth’s husband was out there looking for her and it was only a matter of time before he found her kept me turning the pages...ohhhhh that and a lot of other things made me race through this book. Let me just say that Master Nolan knows how to throw an intimate house party with some pretty hot and sexy party games *fans self* *fans self* *fans self*.

Finally I was over the moon at the ending. Justice was served and if this had been a movie, then the theatre-goers would have been standing and cheering at the end. What goes around, comes around loser ex-hubby!

From Goodreads:
Series: Masters of the Shadowlands ; Previous Book: Dark Citadel
Genre: BDSM Romantic Suspense

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, menage, violence.(less

Review: Dark Citadel (Master of the Shadowlands #2)

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. Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations some readers may find objectionable: Anal play/intercourse, BDSM theme and content (including/not limited to bondage, caning, restraint, spanking, tethering) exhibitionism, voyeurism

Making the Grade: B

For My Thoughts

Master Dan, Dan he’s the man, if he can’t get you off, then no one can. Wait I take that back. I’m pretty sure ANY of the Masters at Shadowlands could do the job with a look, a quirk of their brow or merely the threat or the promise of dishing out some punishment.

Dark Citadel is book two in Ms. Sinclair’s series about some of the hottest Doms on the face of the earth at the exclusive and private club The Shadowlands and the women who capture their hearts. As in the previous book, the heroine Kari seems to be your average, everyday woman with a normal career as a school teacher and as most woman do, she has self image and body issues. Luckily so far the Masters at Shadowlands seem to have a penchant for curvy women.

Looking to spice up their sex life Kari and her current boyfriend Buck decide to try out the Shadowlands and see if the Dom/s lifestyle is for them.It’s not long before Dom wannabe Buck gets carried away by the experience (and not in a good way) and before Kari can say Yes, Master she finds herself getting a whole new education experience courtesy of Master Dan the Man.

Big bad Dom Dan has a bit of a rep for being a loner since his wife died. He partakes of the pleasures at Shadowlands, but never with the same sub twice. When he notices Kari's not really “feeling it” during a scene with Buck the Schmuck, Master Dan rises to the challenge of initiating Kari into the lifestyle available at Shadowlands and takes matters into his own hands.

Master Dan works slowly towards the goal of building a trusting relationship between him and Kari. He pushes her boundaries, delivers punishments for disobedience and rewards for good behavior. He watches, listens, interprets the meaning behind gasps and moans and twitches all in the name of learning what his little subbie needs and wants...sometimes it seems like he and all the Doms really are mind readers.

Sure this lifestyle isn’t for everyone and some of the scenes being played out at Shadowlands are not for the faint of heart (there is nothing vanilla about the sex in Ms. Sinclair’s books that I’ve discovered so far) just like reading about this lifestyle wont be for everyone. It seems to me that this lifestyle within the context of these books is a win win for everyone. Shadowlands is an upscale, safe and secure club with monitors and a save word and no one is holding a gun to these subs heads. They get the experience and payoff of their lives from some of the best Doms in the business and if it wasn’t an extremely satisfying experience - hey they don’t have to keep going back.

Trust is a two way street and in Dark Citadel Kari’s not the only one who learns to trust her feelings and open up her heart. Master Dan finds the will to smile again. Like I said win win.

Review: Club Shadowlands (Masters of the Shadowlands #1)

Series: Masters of the Shadowlands; next book: Dark Citadel.

Genre: BDSM Full-figured Heroine

Her car disabled during a tropical storm, Jessica Randall discovers the isolated house where she's sheltering is a private bondage club. At first shocked, she soon becomes aroused watching the interactions between the Doms and their subs. But she's a professional woman--an accountant--and surely isn't a submissive... is she?

Master Z hasn't been so attracted to a woman in years. But the little sub who has wandered into his club intrigues him. She's intelligent. Reserved. Conservative. After he discovers her interest in BDSM, he can't resist tying her up and unleashing the passion she hides within.

Publisher's Note: 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.

Making the Grade: A-

For My Thoughts

I kinda stumbled into this book like Jessica stumbled into Club Shadowlands and Master Z’s life - quite by accident. I’d never read anything previously by Ms. Sinclair or even heard of her before but her publisher Loose ID sends out emails about new releases and for whatever reason (I prefer to think of it as divine intervention - thank you God) I clicked on the link for Ms. Sinclair’s latest book Make Me, Sir only to discover it was #5 in a series. Being the anal (no pun intended - but after all this is a BDSM story) retentive personality that I am, I was intrigued enough about book #5 that I immediately purchased the 1st book in the series and all I can say is YOWZA. How fast can I read all the books in this series? If they are all as hot and steamy as this one is…I’mma need an industrial size fan and invest in an ice maker!

Jessica Randall...late at night, alone, stranded, a broken down car, rain, wind, soaking wet seeks refuge at the first warm location available - a mansion in the middle of no where? Club Shadowlands is a privately run BDSM club and once Jessica accepts the invitation to participate in bondage night her life will never be the same. Ohhhhhh Jessica you are in for the ride of your life.

I loved this story! Although Jessica is described as a petite Marilyn Monroe she wasn’t a perfect size 2 model and had some body issues as most women do. Finding herself in a very revealing outfit within the confines of Club Shadowlands her big boobs and jiggly thighs should have been the least of her worries.

Jessica knew nothing about this secretive lifestyle but finds herself intrigued, amazed, stunned and embarrassed by all the sights and sounds surrounding her within the club and it doesn’t hurt that the club owner Master Z had taken the innocent Jessica under his wing. Since I know nothing about this world either, I felt like I was getting an education right along with Jessica. I quite enjoyed it...thankfully from a distance. Jessica isn’t sure this lifestyle is for her, but she decides to give it a try under the careful and masterful tutelage of Master Z.

Right off the bat Jessica learns a very important lesson - NEVER sign your name to anything without reading the fine print first - the consequences can be very painful! She’s an educated, smart professional - a CPA - and she should have known better, but she was cold and wet and shaken up from having just crashed her car so cut a girl some slack if she didn’t read the small print. But there is no breaking the rules at Club Shadowlands, no quarter given for mistakes made and Master Z isn’t about to change that practice by letting Jessica get away with a major faux pas!

Ohhhhh my the men of Club Shadowlands oooooooze testosterone, confidence and a dominance that with one with one quirk of a raised eyebrow can set the body trembling (mine included!). But they are also caring and sensitive and are totally attuned to the subs, knowing their needs and wants even before the subs themselves all within the safe and monitored atmosphere that is Club Shadowlands.

Yes this is erotica and there are some pretty graphic scenes, but nothing I found too harsh or cringe-worthy (if this type of story doesn’t interest you to begin with then you aren’t going to read this series no matter what is written in a review).

I have already purchased books 2-5 and can’t wait to see what trouble has in store for Masters Dan and Cullen. I’m plugging in the...fan now!