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Wonderland #2
Claimed by Pleasure
Book 2 in the Wonderland series
Alexi O'Brien is pissed and will stop at nothing to locate her missing twin. When she's abducted into a beautiful and highly sexual world, Alexi is determined to escape and resume her search—even though the dark and dangerous man who captured her excites her in unimaginable ways.
King Darronn prefers his women submissive…his future queen is anything but. Whatever it takes, Darronn intends to convince the fiery and spirited Alexi that her body, heart, and soul belong to him.
Alexi O'Brien is pissed and will stop at nothing to locate her missing twin. When she's abducted into a beautiful and highly sexual world, Alexi is determined to escape and resume her search—even though the dark and dangerous man who captured her excites her in unimaginable ways.
King Darronn prefers his women submissive…his future queen is anything but. Whatever it takes, Darronn intends to convince the fiery and spirited Alexi that her body, heart, and soul belong to him.
227 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
43 people are currently reading
665 people want to read
About the author
Cheyenne McCray
162 books1,762 followersCheyenne McCray fell in love with reading and writing early, deciding in kindergarten that one day she would become an author. Today, she is an award-winning New York Times and USA Today bestselling fiction author who’s sold millions of books worldwide. Having published more than 100 novels and novellas in contemporary and paranormal romance, urban fantasy and romantic suspense, she is now also writing cozy mysteries as Deb Ries.
Chey grew up on a ranch in southeastern Arizona and delights in creating stories of suspense, love, and redemption with characters and worlds her readers can get lost in. Chey and her equally geeky husband live with their two dogs, six ducks (the neighborhood celebrities), and a small flock of chickens in a small Arizona town where she enjoys gardening, crazy quilting and, of course, writing.
Find out more about Chey, how to contact her, and her books at https://cheyennemccray.com.
Chey grew up on a ranch in southeastern Arizona and delights in creating stories of suspense, love, and redemption with characters and worlds her readers can get lost in. Chey and her equally geeky husband live with their two dogs, six ducks (the neighborhood celebrities), and a small flock of chickens in a small Arizona town where she enjoys gardening, crazy quilting and, of course, writing.
Find out more about Chey, how to contact her, and her books at https://cheyennemccray.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
July 22, 2008
A good edition to the Wonderland series, but for me, not as hot as the first book. There's still lots of sex in this one, but it's not as adventurous as book #1. This one is a bit more character driven.
Like the first book, this one revolves around a D/S relationship between Alexi and Darronn. Which is not easy for the heroine, Alexi. She's a take charge woman who rebels at the idea of a man having control over her. So part of theme of the book is them finding a compromise between Darronn's need to be Master, and Alexi's need to have some control.
I liked the connection to the first book in that the heroines are sisters. Alice, the heroine of book #1, has been missing from San Francisco for a year and Alexi is determined to find her. Little does she guess where she'll finally find her sister. I do wish the reunion between the sisters hadn't been squished into little more than a page. That was disappointing.
Overall, a pretty good read, though I didn't like it as much as the first book. I liked how sexually adventurous the first book was and this one seemed almost tame in comparison.
Sexual themes: D/S, bondage, graphic sex...and some minor things like toys, body jewelry, a F/F scene NOT involving the heroine.
Like the first book, this one revolves around a D/S relationship between Alexi and Darronn. Which is not easy for the heroine, Alexi. She's a take charge woman who rebels at the idea of a man having control over her. So part of theme of the book is them finding a compromise between Darronn's need to be Master, and Alexi's need to have some control.
I liked the connection to the first book in that the heroines are sisters. Alice, the heroine of book #1, has been missing from San Francisco for a year and Alexi is determined to find her. Little does she guess where she'll finally find her sister. I do wish the reunion between the sisters hadn't been squished into little more than a page. That was disappointing.
Overall, a pretty good read, though I didn't like it as much as the first book. I liked how sexually adventurous the first book was and this one seemed almost tame in comparison.
Sexual themes: D/S, bondage, graphic sex...and some minor things like toys, body jewelry, a F/F scene NOT involving the heroine.
October 26, 2011
CLAIMED BY PLEASURE by Jaymie Holland (aka Cheyenne McCray)
10/11 - St. Martin's Press - Paperback, 240 pages
Is anything ever as it seems?
Alexi O’Brien is searching for her twin sister, who mysteriously went missing a year ago. The last place Alexi would have thought to look is within an alternate universe found by stepping through the mirror and right into the arms of a man. However, the world she has found herself in apparently is the realm of a pushy, overbearing man, no wait he is a tiger now who drew her into the mirror.
King Darronn is the Rules of the Kingdom of Spades and lives in the alternate world where he rules equally with his other three brothers. When he went in search of his mate, the cards led him to Alexi. When Darronn found her, there was nothing that would stop him from bringing her to his world, alternate universe or not.
Darronn rules by command and is used to everyone following his orders, which Alexi clearly states she is not going to do. No way is he telling her what to do despite how amazing Darronn looks, or how her desire is overrunning any logical thought process. Too quickly, they both learn that you do not always have to be the masters of your passion all the time sometimes you can let your mate control the rhythm of your existence.
Can Alexi find her sister and convince Darronn that they are equal partners? Only time and love will tell.
Yikes, this book is a wonderful experience! The readers will never stop be amazed by the detailed descriptions of the location and the dynamics of the characters. Readers will be thrilled to go to a place where passion is as important as dominance.
10/11 - St. Martin's Press - Paperback, 240 pages
Is anything ever as it seems?
Alexi O’Brien is searching for her twin sister, who mysteriously went missing a year ago. The last place Alexi would have thought to look is within an alternate universe found by stepping through the mirror and right into the arms of a man. However, the world she has found herself in apparently is the realm of a pushy, overbearing man, no wait he is a tiger now who drew her into the mirror.
King Darronn is the Rules of the Kingdom of Spades and lives in the alternate world where he rules equally with his other three brothers. When he went in search of his mate, the cards led him to Alexi. When Darronn found her, there was nothing that would stop him from bringing her to his world, alternate universe or not.
Darronn rules by command and is used to everyone following his orders, which Alexi clearly states she is not going to do. No way is he telling her what to do despite how amazing Darronn looks, or how her desire is overrunning any logical thought process. Too quickly, they both learn that you do not always have to be the masters of your passion all the time sometimes you can let your mate control the rhythm of your existence.
Can Alexi find her sister and convince Darronn that they are equal partners? Only time and love will tell.
Yikes, this book is a wonderful experience! The readers will never stop be amazed by the detailed descriptions of the location and the dynamics of the characters. Readers will be thrilled to go to a place where passion is as important as dominance.
April 13, 2019
it's second in a series. i picked it up because it was free and not because i've read the first in the series.
Alexi is a strong woman and a lawyer, in search of her missing twin sister. what Alexi doesn't know is that her sister is in another dimension living as a queen to a were-tiger who dominates her. her missing sister, Alice, has connected with her inner sub and loves her life - all things that happen in the first book ... but of course Alexi does not know this.
what Alexi does know is that she's madly attracted to the shape-shifting king of another realm, who abducts her and rocks her world with bondage sex.
the best part of the entire book is the disclaimer the author writes, before the story even begins. it states that abduction and capture are neither traditional nor safe practices of typical D/S relationships.
i guess she had to throw that in in case any of the readers found themselves kidnapped by half naked man-tigers. this way we won't harbor sexy yet unrealistic expectations about what's about to do down.
Alexi is a strong woman and a lawyer, in search of her missing twin sister. what Alexi doesn't know is that her sister is in another dimension living as a queen to a were-tiger who dominates her. her missing sister, Alice, has connected with her inner sub and loves her life - all things that happen in the first book ... but of course Alexi does not know this.
what Alexi does know is that she's madly attracted to the shape-shifting king of another realm, who abducts her and rocks her world with bondage sex.
the best part of the entire book is the disclaimer the author writes, before the story even begins. it states that abduction and capture are neither traditional nor safe practices of typical D/S relationships.
i guess she had to throw that in in case any of the readers found themselves kidnapped by half naked man-tigers. this way we won't harbor sexy yet unrealistic expectations about what's about to do down.
March 22, 2017
I really didn't care for this book at all! Everything about the relationship felt forced or based on deception, and I couldn't believe that a relationship could thrive with that, even a BDSM one! The book felt like it was just repeating the events of the first one, and I was somewhat bored with it overall. I'm willing to give the series another chance though, but this one was a total miss for me.
October 5, 2025
3.5! better than the first, loved the spitfire fmc
January 21, 2012
3.5 Stars
In the second book of the Wonderland series we meet the King of Spades. Like his older brother Jarronn, Darronn is a tiger shifter and dominate. He believes his mate will be submissive like all other women he's had before but then he's never met a woman like Alexi O'Brien. It's been a year since Alexi last saw her twin sister Alice. She hasn't stopped searching for her and plans to continue looking as soon as she's able to escape the arrogant King who pulled her through a magical mirror and has a crazy notion she'll be his mate.
This book is just as sexual as book one but I thought there was actual depth to the characters and ended up liking it a bit more. Alexi and her refusal to simply submit to Darronn's demands both frustrates and excites him. Never before has a female been disobedient to him and he admires the fire inside her. Alexi has been hurt in the past by men. She loves what Darronn does to her body but is having a hard time trusting him with her heart. There's more between Alexi and Darronn than really hot sex and gaining dominance and I loved watching them work through their trust issues to become a solid couple. There's still not a lot of story but I liked that we got to see the town and townspeople of Spade and that things are different that they are in Hearts. Instead of his people being mostly naked like in his brother's Kingdom, Darronn has his subjects dressed in leather like himself. There's a similarity between a subject and their king and I'm interested in seeing what we'll find in the Diamonds and Clubs kingdoms.
-Stephanie G
Alexi O'Brian was at a loss, she had searched high and low for her twin sister Alice and came up empty; she just vanished from the park. So her aunt and cousin felt a night out on the town was in order. If nothing else just to get her laid. But Alexi couldn't care less about the men at the bar even the leather clad hotty behind the bar, no she was too distracted by thoughts of her sister. So she drunkenly stumbled home and to her room, only to find a large looking glass with a devilishly sexy man there staring at her; convinced she was just drunk she reached up only to have him grab her and drag her through.
Now she was pissed, no matter how sexy and mouthwatering he was she was not going to let him abducted her without a fight. But the more she fought him the more turned on the both of them became. But he wouldn't give her what her body so desperately needed until she bent to his will and let him dominate her. Well if he thought she was going to call him "master" he had another thing coming.
Darronn never understood his brother’s contentment to have just his queen and only his queen, till he met Alexi. She had fire like no other he'd ever met. She aroused him to painfully degrees. But if he couldn't get her to submit he would fail his people. As the king of Spades he had to lead his people and how could he do so with such a disobedient queen. He must make her submit but without breaking her he loved her fiery spirit.
The amount of dominatrix in the novel was far less than the first. I feel I enjoyed it more than the because of that reason. Darronn was able to allow Alexi to be on a bit more even footing with him. But Of course in the bedroom he dominated her as her master and wielded all the control.
Almost every page was filled with a sexy steamy scene that left you breathless at times. Darronn and Alexi have a dynamic relationship, they learn to trust each other and work it out how it would work best for both parties. But a warning the sex is page melting hot, you may need a fan.
-Athenna G
In the second book of the Wonderland series we meet the King of Spades. Like his older brother Jarronn, Darronn is a tiger shifter and dominate. He believes his mate will be submissive like all other women he's had before but then he's never met a woman like Alexi O'Brien. It's been a year since Alexi last saw her twin sister Alice. She hasn't stopped searching for her and plans to continue looking as soon as she's able to escape the arrogant King who pulled her through a magical mirror and has a crazy notion she'll be his mate.
This book is just as sexual as book one but I thought there was actual depth to the characters and ended up liking it a bit more. Alexi and her refusal to simply submit to Darronn's demands both frustrates and excites him. Never before has a female been disobedient to him and he admires the fire inside her. Alexi has been hurt in the past by men. She loves what Darronn does to her body but is having a hard time trusting him with her heart. There's more between Alexi and Darronn than really hot sex and gaining dominance and I loved watching them work through their trust issues to become a solid couple. There's still not a lot of story but I liked that we got to see the town and townspeople of Spade and that things are different that they are in Hearts. Instead of his people being mostly naked like in his brother's Kingdom, Darronn has his subjects dressed in leather like himself. There's a similarity between a subject and their king and I'm interested in seeing what we'll find in the Diamonds and Clubs kingdoms.
-Stephanie G
Alexi O'Brian was at a loss, she had searched high and low for her twin sister Alice and came up empty; she just vanished from the park. So her aunt and cousin felt a night out on the town was in order. If nothing else just to get her laid. But Alexi couldn't care less about the men at the bar even the leather clad hotty behind the bar, no she was too distracted by thoughts of her sister. So she drunkenly stumbled home and to her room, only to find a large looking glass with a devilishly sexy man there staring at her; convinced she was just drunk she reached up only to have him grab her and drag her through.
Now she was pissed, no matter how sexy and mouthwatering he was she was not going to let him abducted her without a fight. But the more she fought him the more turned on the both of them became. But he wouldn't give her what her body so desperately needed until she bent to his will and let him dominate her. Well if he thought she was going to call him "master" he had another thing coming.
Darronn never understood his brother’s contentment to have just his queen and only his queen, till he met Alexi. She had fire like no other he'd ever met. She aroused him to painfully degrees. But if he couldn't get her to submit he would fail his people. As the king of Spades he had to lead his people and how could he do so with such a disobedient queen. He must make her submit but without breaking her he loved her fiery spirit.
The amount of dominatrix in the novel was far less than the first. I feel I enjoyed it more than the because of that reason. Darronn was able to allow Alexi to be on a bit more even footing with him. But Of course in the bedroom he dominated her as her master and wielded all the control.
Almost every page was filled with a sexy steamy scene that left you breathless at times. Darronn and Alexi have a dynamic relationship, they learn to trust each other and work it out how it would work best for both parties. But a warning the sex is page melting hot, you may need a fan.
-Athenna G
August 13, 2009
I have mixed feelings about this entire series. One the one hand, the sex is hot and the heroes are strong, manly men. But, on the other hand, most of the heroines are too weak for my taste and the scenarios are a little too forced. I just wish the women had put up more of a fight or at least had a little more dramatic tension.
Its a quick read and I'd probably give it 2.5 stars if I could.
Its a quick read and I'd probably give it 2.5 stars if I could.
February 3, 2025
This was my first "finish in one day" book of the year. This one was definitely more spicy than the first one (4 🌶️) but it's not really comparable to the first one. Just like any sisters, Alice and Alexi are two very different people, so of course how they are in relationships is very different. I feel I can relate to both of these women. This tells you that the person you are in a relationship with can bring out different sides of your personality.
My only critique of this one is that it felt much more rushed than the first one. It was very much a whirlwind of plot points and spice points.
Time for number 3!
My only critique of this one is that it felt much more rushed than the first one. It was very much a whirlwind of plot points and spice points.
Time for number 3!
May 18, 2017
Not much of a story lol be didn't really care how this story ended
November 23, 2017
Pitiful plot, worse characterizations. Don't bother.
Read
December 11, 2019Zero stars from me.
August 26, 2014
Alexi O’Brien has never gotten over the loss of losing her twin. Over a year ago Alexi’s twin Alice vanished without a trace. Alexi has spent countless hours looking for her sister, and to no avail.
Alexi is a sex crazed manic, she loves sex and can not get enough of it. Alexi has even fantasized about being tied up and having a man completely dominate her in the bedroom. However, that is as far as Alexi will go. Alexi had her hear broken by a man that she thought was “Mr. Right” only to be used and made to feel like a fool for trusting him. Alexi swore that no man will ever capture her heart again even though she urns for a dominant man.
While out for a drinks with her cousin Annie, Alexi has a little too much to drink and starts to feel a little tipsy. When Alexi enters her house, she immediately knows that something is not right. The smells of her house smell different for some reason. Alexi also sees light emanating from her bedroom, and wonders why their would be light in her bedroom when she always turns off the bedroom light. When Alexi enters her room she sees a huge mirror with the image of a meadow, waterfall, and a gorgeous dark haired guy staring back at her. Alexi starts to wonder if someone put something in her drink and starts thinking that she is hallucinating. Just as Alexi starts to lean forward and touch the mirror the dark hared by grabs her and pulls her through the mirror, and tells her that she is his mate and is to be Queen of his kingdom, the Kingdom of Spades.
Alexi O’Brian is going to learn what amazing sex and domination is all about. Alexi has no idea that the man who pulled her through the mirror has plans for her, and is determined to capture her heart and make her his Queen. Alexi wants no part of this and wants to return home to find her sister, but will Alexi be able to give up the fantastic sex and her fantasy of being dominated by a man? Will Alexi also be able to submit her full heart and soul to this man? Will Alexi ever find her lost twin? Find out what happens in “Claimed By Pleasure” by Jaymie Holland.
If you want a book that sizzles with hot sex and mind blowing domination, then “Claimed By Pleasure” is sure to satisfy your every need. “Claimed By Pleasure” is one hot read, and Jaymie Holland knows how to light the pages of her book on fire with every word. This book will have you taking a cold shower before you’ve finished!
Alexi is a sex crazed manic, she loves sex and can not get enough of it. Alexi has even fantasized about being tied up and having a man completely dominate her in the bedroom. However, that is as far as Alexi will go. Alexi had her hear broken by a man that she thought was “Mr. Right” only to be used and made to feel like a fool for trusting him. Alexi swore that no man will ever capture her heart again even though she urns for a dominant man.
While out for a drinks with her cousin Annie, Alexi has a little too much to drink and starts to feel a little tipsy. When Alexi enters her house, she immediately knows that something is not right. The smells of her house smell different for some reason. Alexi also sees light emanating from her bedroom, and wonders why their would be light in her bedroom when she always turns off the bedroom light. When Alexi enters her room she sees a huge mirror with the image of a meadow, waterfall, and a gorgeous dark haired guy staring back at her. Alexi starts to wonder if someone put something in her drink and starts thinking that she is hallucinating. Just as Alexi starts to lean forward and touch the mirror the dark hared by grabs her and pulls her through the mirror, and tells her that she is his mate and is to be Queen of his kingdom, the Kingdom of Spades.
Alexi O’Brian is going to learn what amazing sex and domination is all about. Alexi has no idea that the man who pulled her through the mirror has plans for her, and is determined to capture her heart and make her his Queen. Alexi wants no part of this and wants to return home to find her sister, but will Alexi be able to give up the fantastic sex and her fantasy of being dominated by a man? Will Alexi also be able to submit her full heart and soul to this man? Will Alexi ever find her lost twin? Find out what happens in “Claimed By Pleasure” by Jaymie Holland.
If you want a book that sizzles with hot sex and mind blowing domination, then “Claimed By Pleasure” is sure to satisfy your every need. “Claimed By Pleasure” is one hot read, and Jaymie Holland knows how to light the pages of her book on fire with every word. This book will have you taking a cold shower before you’ve finished!
September 24, 2018
It’s been a year since Alexi O’Brien’s twin, Alice, disappeared, but Alexi isn’t giving up hope of finding her sister. Even being pulled through a looking glass and finding herself in a magical world doesn’t faze Alexi for long. Nothing will take her focus off finding Alice…except perhaps the handsome, dominant King Darronn.
Darronn, King of Spades, is used to women submitting to him. Getting Alexi’s submission, however, will be a challenge; one Darronn revels in accepting. A battle of wills begins between the two, but it’s not long before Darronn finds himself falling for the woman who will be his mate. The question is, will he be able to convince Alexi to stay with him when she finds out he’s been keeping a very important secret from her?
Watch out for the sparks that fly in Claimed by Pleasure – they’re wickedly hot! Jaymie Holland knows how to make both her characters and readers sweat, and it shows. Passion and emotion run extremely high in Claimed by Pleasure, which makes the book feel like it’s moving at lightning pace (which isn’t a bad thing).
Alexi is a strong, stubborn woman, one many readers will be able to relate to. She doesn’t feel that she fits in the world of Tarok, though she clearly does. The skirmishes between her and Darronn give Claimed by Pleasure a different feel from the first Wonderland book, Taken by Passion. What I loved most about Claimed by Pleasure was that both Alexi and Darronn had a lot to learn about relationships. Compromise is a word neither likes, but once both of them are on the same page, their relationship is electric!
Claimed by Pleasure is the second book in the Wonderland series but it can be read as a standalone. But both Alexi and readers of Taken by Passion are sure to be delighted that Alice, the heroine of Taken by Passion, appears in Claimed by Pleasure.
I absolutely adore the Wonderland series and I cannot wait for Annie and Awai, Alexi’s cousin and aunt, to meet their matches in Darronn’s brothers in Bound by Desire and Kept by Seduction. If you’re looking for great erotic fantasy, the Wonderland series is not to be missed!
Note: Claimed by Pleasure by Jaymie Holland is a reissue of Wonderland: King of Spades by Cheyenne McCray.
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed.
Darronn, King of Spades, is used to women submitting to him. Getting Alexi’s submission, however, will be a challenge; one Darronn revels in accepting. A battle of wills begins between the two, but it’s not long before Darronn finds himself falling for the woman who will be his mate. The question is, will he be able to convince Alexi to stay with him when she finds out he’s been keeping a very important secret from her?
Watch out for the sparks that fly in Claimed by Pleasure – they’re wickedly hot! Jaymie Holland knows how to make both her characters and readers sweat, and it shows. Passion and emotion run extremely high in Claimed by Pleasure, which makes the book feel like it’s moving at lightning pace (which isn’t a bad thing).
Alexi is a strong, stubborn woman, one many readers will be able to relate to. She doesn’t feel that she fits in the world of Tarok, though she clearly does. The skirmishes between her and Darronn give Claimed by Pleasure a different feel from the first Wonderland book, Taken by Passion. What I loved most about Claimed by Pleasure was that both Alexi and Darronn had a lot to learn about relationships. Compromise is a word neither likes, but once both of them are on the same page, their relationship is electric!
Claimed by Pleasure is the second book in the Wonderland series but it can be read as a standalone. But both Alexi and readers of Taken by Passion are sure to be delighted that Alice, the heroine of Taken by Passion, appears in Claimed by Pleasure.
I absolutely adore the Wonderland series and I cannot wait for Annie and Awai, Alexi’s cousin and aunt, to meet their matches in Darronn’s brothers in Bound by Desire and Kept by Seduction. If you’re looking for great erotic fantasy, the Wonderland series is not to be missed!
Note: Claimed by Pleasure by Jaymie Holland is a reissue of Wonderland: King of Spades by Cheyenne McCray.
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed.
September 7, 2013
3*
Alexi is searching for her sister who mysteriously disappeared a year ago... In much the same way, Alexis also gets abducted into a parallel world and meets the handsome King Darronn...
I liked this one much better than the first book. I liked the hero and the heroine! Alexi wasn't nearly as big of a pushover as her sister (in book 1) and actually had a spine to tell the hero what she wanted and what she didn't want done to her. It seemed more realistic than usual bdsm erotica where the heroine just accepts and embraces the hero's dominance - here we see a heroine that finds it difficult to just give in and let go... While clearly alpha, the hero was much less ruthless and dominant than in the last book... He agreed to treat the heroine as his equal! Fine by me...
Things that annoyed me:
-Why has Alice (her sister) never contacted her (Alexi)???? I mean, when they reunite, there are tears and "I missed you"s but at no point is it addressed - "how come you never contacted me to tell me you are alive, well, and married with kids?!?!" or "sorry that I let you believe I was dead!" I mean, with all the magic in this kingdom and them shuffling between the two worlds, someone could have sent Alexi a message that her sister was alive!
-I thought I mixed something up when thinking that Alice had sex with all the brothers! But - no! It DID happen in the first book! Sooo, Alexi brushes it off (even though your husband sleeping with your sister is incredibly nasty), by blaming the bonding ritual. Well Alexi, too, was bonded - she didn't sleep with any of the brothers - she chose to say no to that particular ritual...
-I was reminded why I hated the last book - interaction between Alice and her husband is disguising - her walking behind him, not allowed to look him in the eye or speak to him unless addressed first... I completely understand why Alexi was shocked at seeing her sister humiliated like that... (I am one of those that believe that there is a very solid line that should not be crossed - bdsm in bedroom = great!, bdsm in public = wife abuse!)... Also, Alice and husband fondling in front of her sister - gross and grossly inappropriate...
Alexi is searching for her sister who mysteriously disappeared a year ago... In much the same way, Alexis also gets abducted into a parallel world and meets the handsome King Darronn...
I liked this one much better than the first book. I liked the hero and the heroine! Alexi wasn't nearly as big of a pushover as her sister (in book 1) and actually had a spine to tell the hero what she wanted and what she didn't want done to her. It seemed more realistic than usual bdsm erotica where the heroine just accepts and embraces the hero's dominance - here we see a heroine that finds it difficult to just give in and let go... While clearly alpha, the hero was much less ruthless and dominant than in the last book... He agreed to treat the heroine as his equal! Fine by me...
Things that annoyed me:
-Why has Alice (her sister) never contacted her (Alexi)???? I mean, when they reunite, there are tears and "I missed you"s but at no point is it addressed - "how come you never contacted me to tell me you are alive, well, and married with kids?!?!" or "sorry that I let you believe I was dead!" I mean, with all the magic in this kingdom and them shuffling between the two worlds, someone could have sent Alexi a message that her sister was alive!
-I thought I mixed something up when thinking that Alice had sex with all the brothers! But - no! It DID happen in the first book! Sooo, Alexi brushes it off (even though your husband sleeping with your sister is incredibly nasty), by blaming the bonding ritual. Well Alexi, too, was bonded - she didn't sleep with any of the brothers - she chose to say no to that particular ritual...
-I was reminded why I hated the last book - interaction between Alice and her husband is disguising - her walking behind him, not allowed to look him in the eye or speak to him unless addressed first... I completely understand why Alexi was shocked at seeing her sister humiliated like that... (I am one of those that believe that there is a very solid line that should not be crossed - bdsm in bedroom = great!, bdsm in public = wife abuse!)... Also, Alice and husband fondling in front of her sister - gross and grossly inappropriate...
April 25, 2011
Ok, I want to say that I wasn't as totally keen on this story as I was with Kir and Jarron's books.
The reason being, is that the whole Dom/sub deal was nearly omitted. I am reading these in the hopes of some hot tie me up hot steam. However, this book is centered around the ball busting sexual harrassment attorney Alexi O' Brien, Alice's sister. It starts a year after Alice as disappeared and she is still making an attempt to find her sister. Little does she know she's on her way that night with the hunky and totally devilish Darronn, the King of Spades.
He is the reason I liked this book! Alexi just bothered me, she was almost 'too hard ass' and I'm shocked Darronn bended to her will so easily. It starts out with such potential. Darronn grabs her from her apartment through the magical looking glass and instantly ties her up in the middle of a field, naked except for thigh highs and red high heels, and leaves her there over night because she's punched him in the face and kneed him in the groin.
I was so totally looking forward to him taming her!
Did it happen?
Nadda people! She just kept on flying her mouth off and he just let her do it. She liked being tied up in private and having her be her DOM then. But outside of that is was like business as usual! She has a funny mouth when she says stuff but other than that, she pretty much bothered me.
I guess the point was to be like Oh, not every woman is a sub, and if you really love someone you will compromise. Then why am I getting warnings about it being a bondage book at the beginning of the book if you are going to have NO good scenes in it! LOL
Was there sex, well, yes.
Did I want to see him tame her a bit more? YES!
The reason being, is that the whole Dom/sub deal was nearly omitted. I am reading these in the hopes of some hot tie me up hot steam. However, this book is centered around the ball busting sexual harrassment attorney Alexi O' Brien, Alice's sister. It starts a year after Alice as disappeared and she is still making an attempt to find her sister. Little does she know she's on her way that night with the hunky and totally devilish Darronn, the King of Spades.
He is the reason I liked this book! Alexi just bothered me, she was almost 'too hard ass' and I'm shocked Darronn bended to her will so easily. It starts out with such potential. Darronn grabs her from her apartment through the magical looking glass and instantly ties her up in the middle of a field, naked except for thigh highs and red high heels, and leaves her there over night because she's punched him in the face and kneed him in the groin.
I was so totally looking forward to him taming her!
Did it happen?
Nadda people! She just kept on flying her mouth off and he just let her do it. She liked being tied up in private and having her be her DOM then. But outside of that is was like business as usual! She has a funny mouth when she says stuff but other than that, she pretty much bothered me.
I guess the point was to be like Oh, not every woman is a sub, and if you really love someone you will compromise. Then why am I getting warnings about it being a bondage book at the beginning of the book if you are going to have NO good scenes in it! LOL
Was there sex, well, yes.
Did I want to see him tame her a bit more? YES!
April 6, 2015
***A gifted copy was provided by the author for an honest review***
It has been several years since I has read the original wonderland King of Spade book but I went back and re-read the book . This revised book is great, love the extra pages and it is just as good as the oginal, if not a little better,
In this book, we get to meet the King of Spades , Darronn and his love interest, Alexi O’Brien. Alexi is Alice’s twin. Alice is the heroine from book 1. Alexi has been looking for her sister for over a year and she hasn’t yet given up hope- Suddenly she is pulled thru the looking glass and she is in this weird world and with this sexy, gorgeous as sin man, Darronn.
Darronn is used to his women giving everything, including submission but Alexi refuses to do that. It is a battle of wills , where only one comes out on top. Sparks and the chemistry fly. Before lomg. Darronn finds himself enchanted with Alexi and falling for her and seeing her as his mate but he has to convince Alexi she needs to be his mate.
Alexi refuses to give her heart to Darronn who won’t or cannot acknowledge her as his equal but as the story goes on, they both find out, together they must acknowledge their vulnerabilities to each another , otherwise they will not make it and everything will be for not They ended up compromising to make their relationship work..
The sex is hot, wicked and delicious and I can’t wait for book three. These are such wonderful stories and they are just as good as they were then , I am glad they are being released now.
My Rating: 4.5 stars ****
It has been several years since I has read the original wonderland King of Spade book but I went back and re-read the book . This revised book is great, love the extra pages and it is just as good as the oginal, if not a little better,
In this book, we get to meet the King of Spades , Darronn and his love interest, Alexi O’Brien. Alexi is Alice’s twin. Alice is the heroine from book 1. Alexi has been looking for her sister for over a year and she hasn’t yet given up hope- Suddenly she is pulled thru the looking glass and she is in this weird world and with this sexy, gorgeous as sin man, Darronn.
Darronn is used to his women giving everything, including submission but Alexi refuses to do that. It is a battle of wills , where only one comes out on top. Sparks and the chemistry fly. Before lomg. Darronn finds himself enchanted with Alexi and falling for her and seeing her as his mate but he has to convince Alexi she needs to be his mate.
Alexi refuses to give her heart to Darronn who won’t or cannot acknowledge her as his equal but as the story goes on, they both find out, together they must acknowledge their vulnerabilities to each another , otherwise they will not make it and everything will be for not They ended up compromising to make their relationship work..
The sex is hot, wicked and delicious and I can’t wait for book three. These are such wonderful stories and they are just as good as they were then , I am glad they are being released now.
My Rating: 4.5 stars ****
March 23, 2015
Book 2 is here!! I'm so excited that these are being re-released closer together!! This book takes place some time after the first one.
Alexi O'Brien is down in the dumps, it's the one year anniversary of her twin, Alice, disappearance. So she and her cousin go out and hit the town. What is supposed to be a way to help forget the pain of losing Alice turns into Alexi's own grand adventure through a magical mirror in her room.
Being pulled through the mirror and staked down into a beautiful garden was not part of Alexi's plan but, King Darron has other plans for her. Alexi is going to be Darron's queen and he wants her to submit to him in all things what he doesn't realize it that Alexi is no pushover and won't submit without a fight!
The battle of wills in the books is awesome! I love Alexi and Darron's chemistry right from the start and how Darron eventually starts to unbend in the grand scheme of things. Because they are both willing to make this work, it becomes a true partnership! I loved how the evil sorceress made another appearance right when you least expected it- sheesh I can't wait to find out what happens to her. You also got to see how Alice & Jarron are faring with each other and the reunion between the sisters. I can't wait for the next one, thank goodness it's only a month away!
WARNING: This book contains BDSM elements that not everyone will find enjoyable. There is NO cliffhanger as each book can be read as a standalone.
Alexi O'Brien is down in the dumps, it's the one year anniversary of her twin, Alice, disappearance. So she and her cousin go out and hit the town. What is supposed to be a way to help forget the pain of losing Alice turns into Alexi's own grand adventure through a magical mirror in her room.
Being pulled through the mirror and staked down into a beautiful garden was not part of Alexi's plan but, King Darron has other plans for her. Alexi is going to be Darron's queen and he wants her to submit to him in all things what he doesn't realize it that Alexi is no pushover and won't submit without a fight!
The battle of wills in the books is awesome! I love Alexi and Darron's chemistry right from the start and how Darron eventually starts to unbend in the grand scheme of things. Because they are both willing to make this work, it becomes a true partnership! I loved how the evil sorceress made another appearance right when you least expected it- sheesh I can't wait to find out what happens to her. You also got to see how Alice & Jarron are faring with each other and the reunion between the sisters. I can't wait for the next one, thank goodness it's only a month away!
WARNING: This book contains BDSM elements that not everyone will find enjoyable. There is NO cliffhanger as each book can be read as a standalone.
August 2, 2015
Contemporary Paranormal Romance
San Francisco, CA & Tarok
Alexi O’Brien will not let anything stop her from finding her missing twin especially as she is pissed. Then she is abducted into a world that is both beautiful and highly sexual. She is also determined to escape and resume her search for her sister. Even if she is excited in unimaginable ways by the dangerous and dark man that has captured her.
King Darronn prefers submissive women especially when they are his. His future queen is anything but. Darronn plans to convince spirited and fiery Alexi that she belongs to him body, heart and soul no matter what it takes.
This story picks up a little after the first book ended. It is just as hot and sexy as the first book was and will have readers wanting to read the next book to see what is going to happen in this series. While the books are linked together they can be read somewhat as standalone books though the reader will find it a lot more helpful in understanding the overall story line if they read the books in order. This is proving to be a fun series that will have readers never looking at fairy tales the same again. It is also a good idea to have a glass of ice cold water nearby while reading this one.
San Francisco, CA & Tarok
Alexi O’Brien will not let anything stop her from finding her missing twin especially as she is pissed. Then she is abducted into a world that is both beautiful and highly sexual. She is also determined to escape and resume her search for her sister. Even if she is excited in unimaginable ways by the dangerous and dark man that has captured her.
King Darronn prefers submissive women especially when they are his. His future queen is anything but. Darronn plans to convince spirited and fiery Alexi that she belongs to him body, heart and soul no matter what it takes.
This story picks up a little after the first book ended. It is just as hot and sexy as the first book was and will have readers wanting to read the next book to see what is going to happen in this series. While the books are linked together they can be read somewhat as standalone books though the reader will find it a lot more helpful in understanding the overall story line if they read the books in order. This is proving to be a fun series that will have readers never looking at fairy tales the same again. It is also a good idea to have a glass of ice cold water nearby while reading this one.
March 24, 2015
I must say I'm really liking the new versions of these stories, a lot of the questions and what felt like small gaps are answered. If you haven't read this series before I have to wonder what is seriously wrong with you, but I will let you off easy as long as you read the new version. Alexi is a ball buster, she takes no crap from any man, and seeing as how her twin sister has been gone for a year she's starting to feel helpless and she doesn't like it one bit so when she's pulled through the looking glass by some gorgeous ass well let's just say she's ready to handle herself...Darron is captivated by his future queen, and her fire, but can he give her the truth to her questions without having her heart.... I really enjoyed this one way more than the first edition of it. And considering this is my favorite series of hers that should say a lot!!! I honestly can't wait to see how she improved on the third book(in all honesty my favorite in the series)...onto the next
February 5, 2017
This book started off very interestingly, but I didn't think it was as good as the first one. I really liked that Alexi maintained her spirited nature throughout, but I had a hard time with the (essentially) play acting in the bedroom... and there was just a little more bedroom than I really wanted in this book, particularly since it was always the same thing, no spice. Because this was the case for me, I actually ended up rapidly skimming the last couple of chapters and completely skipped the bed (or lack of bed) scenes. This one also, oddly, seemed way more cheesy than the first one and it had me laughing most times, not because it was funny, but because I was generally incredulous over the silliness of various moments. I'm mildly curious about the next two books, but I'm not even close to being in a rush to get to them. Ultimately, I thought that the first book in this series was surprisingly entertaining and interesting, but that this one just didn't live up to it.
July 22, 2011
Alexi lost her sister a year ago, when she disappeared after finding her fiance cheating on her with their landlord and another man. Her friends have encouraged her to give up looking for her twin, Alice, but Alexi refuses to give up. On the anniversary of Alice's disappearance, Alexi and her cousin go out drinking.
When Alexi returns home, she finds a mysterious looking glass in her bedroom. Curious, she touches the looking glass, and is startled when Darronn, King of Spades pulls her through into Wonderland. Darronn is the twin brother of Jarronn, High King of Wonderland and husband to Alice, Alexi's twin sister.
King of Spades is the erotic story of Alexi's acceptance of the world of Wonderland and ultimate bonding with Darronn as Queen of Spades.
When Alexi returns home, she finds a mysterious looking glass in her bedroom. Curious, she touches the looking glass, and is startled when Darronn, King of Spades pulls her through into Wonderland. Darronn is the twin brother of Jarronn, High King of Wonderland and husband to Alice, Alexi's twin sister.
King of Spades is the erotic story of Alexi's acceptance of the world of Wonderland and ultimate bonding with Darronn as Queen of Spades.
March 17, 2012
I am not really sure what to think about this book. I have not read the complete series and as a matter of fact this is the only book I read from the series. So I can only review what I have read and well frankly the book seemed to have no plot, no real drama, very little action by way of battles and fights but all action by way of sex. I honestly would not even be able to describe any of the characters in the book. I may be able to remember a hair color and maybe eye colors but the physical descriptions of all the characters were pretty generic and they had no real personalities. The sex is the only reason I gave this book 3 stars instead of maybe 2. To be a little more fair I may need to read at least the next book in the series just to be certain but we will have to see.
Want to read
January 21, 2012Alexi O'Brien is pissed and will stop at nothing to locate her missing twin. When she's abducted into a beautiful and highly sexual world, Alexi is determined to escape and resume her search-even though the dark and dangerous man who captured her excites her in unimaginable ways.
King Darronn prefers his women submissive.his future queen is anything but. Whatever it takes, Darronn intends to convince the fiery and spirited Alexi that her body, heart, and soul belong to him.
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This book is about Alice's sister. Alice is the character from book one, and she is bounded/mated with king jarronn...haven't read it yet but im planning to!: DDD
King Darronn prefers his women submissive.his future queen is anything but. Whatever it takes, Darronn intends to convince the fiery and spirited Alexi that her body, heart, and soul belong to him.
_____________________________
This book is about Alice's sister. Alice is the character from book one, and she is bounded/mated with king jarronn...haven't read it yet but im planning to!: DDD
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2016
This is a quick read from a genre that I ship a lot (particularly to the east coast) on Paper Back Swap. Lots of graphic sex, fairly mild and unimaginative BDSM (more like 50 Shades of Gray BS than actual sex within the lifestyle), and a little lesbian play are all in this book. The magic use was not particularly imaginative and rather trite uses of magic (only used to restrain his victim, rather than actually doing it by hand). The book is full of the usual tropes assigned to such books in this genre, but if one is not searching for enlightenment but a little escapist literature, there are worse things to read.
June 11, 2013
Alexi O'Brien is pissed and will stop at nothing to locate her missing twin. Even when Alexi is abducted into a beautiful and highly sensual world, Alexi is determined to escape and resume her search for her sister-even though the dark and dangerous man who captured her excites her in unimaginable ways.
King Darronn prefers his women submissive. His future queen is anything but. Whatever it takes, Darronn intends to convince the fiery and spirited Alexi that her body, heart, and soul belong to him.
King Darronn prefers his women submissive. His future queen is anything but. Whatever it takes, Darronn intends to convince the fiery and spirited Alexi that her body, heart, and soul belong to him.
July 14, 2015
So I liked the 2nd book considerably more than the first in the series "King of Hearts". The lead character is much more headstrong and really stand toe to toe with the her King. I really liked that Alexi was Alice's twin. (Leading lady from the first book.)It felt like the author was really acknowledging the bond that would be there and tying up the loose ends nicely.
This book succeeded in having a few comical scenes and yes the sex was still steamy. Of the series, I can comfortably say this was my favorite of the 4.
This book succeeded in having a few comical scenes and yes the sex was still steamy. Of the series, I can comfortably say this was my favorite of the 4.
February 19, 2012
Still love this series. There were times I was furious with both characters, times when I wanted to cry, laugh and then go back to murder. I was glad to Darronn saw that making Alexi a complete sub would have broken her spirit. I liked the compromise they came to with her being in his "control" in the bedroom but outside she was more his equal. I am looking forward to reading the next issue with the cousin and brother #3.
August 19, 2014
I almost didn't read this one because I didn't care much for the first one. However, aside from minor issues, I really enjoyed this. There was more plot and conflict, and the characters were much more likable and relatable. Alexi is a fantastic heroine and it was an absolute joy reading her reactions to, well, everything. She was realistic and true to herself. And Darronn is all alpha, totally dominant, but respectful.
December 20, 2015
Overall, I enjoyed this more than the first in the series, mostly due to Dharron's treatment of Lexi than anything else. His style of kink just suits me more than Jharron's and Alice's. Disliked the beginning where though admittedly he hasn't met her, he has chosen his mate and holds her card in his hand while asking another woman to suck him off, but this is the only part which I truly disliked about it. Everything else, particularly Alexi's spunk makes for a fun read.
November 15, 2011
Could not get over the hero getting head in the prologue while he chose his mate. It didn't magically make the selection more relevant, just gave him pleasure. I'm not sure that I'm a fan of erotic romances with heavy bondage themes. Erotica with bondage, fine. Love which could have been confused with lust...not so much. I won't be reading more. :(
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