Forbidden Mistress

Filthy Billionaires #4

by Evelyn Austin

Cassie Fitzgerald has long been my secret obsession, one I never meant to act on. She’s a broke college student who just lost her job, so I devise a solution for us both—a lucrative job at the elite sex club, Obscura. There, my real identity is hidden behind a mask. There, I’m a Dom called Hart. There, in the darkness, I command her body, fulfill her darkest desires…and make her mine in every way. But if she ever discovers the truth about me, I’ll lose her forever. Because beneath the mask, I’m the man she hates most... I’m her stepbrother.

Genres: BDSM, Romance

321 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 2, 2023

About the author

Evelyn has been telling stories in her head for as long as she can remember. She lives on the west coast with her family, and a menagerie of pets. She loves lattes, all things Disney, gaming, and writing dark, wildly sexy stories that give readers all the feels.

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Reviews

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick Summary: A forbidden masquerade romance

My Review: Forbidden Mistress by Evelyn Austin was entirely HOT! I won't even wax poetic with superfluous words about this book. It was mindblowingly good.

What I Liked/Loved About This Book: (written in code a bit to avoid spoilers)

- The whole premise of the book enticed me. As soon as I became aware of it, I knew I had to read this story. I was convinced, with 100% assurance, that it would be a guilty pleasure read. I was not wrong.

- The chapter titles were spot on. They lured me in with captivating words that almost perfectly hinted at what was to come.

- The immediate sense of tension, stress, and struggle that Cassie was dealing with made me want to know her story all the more.

- The hungry desire that was evident when Cassie crossed paths with the stranger at the bar was palpable. The fact that his presence remained throughout the story added to the allure and mystery in the romance.

- The obvious angst that existed between Cassie and Liam. Oh my word!

- The circle of friends that were introduced was goals. To have friends that stand by like that... It reminded me of the women from that movie about Lucinda Lace. All of that to say that they shared a special connection, as well as real confidences.

- The ongoing conflicts that kept happening. It was like hit-boom over and over again. (I want so desperately to say the ones that especially stood out to me, but I won't spoil things for other readers.)

- The final confrontation/moment of realization was like the ending scene from The Mirror Has Two Faces. (Okay, not exactly but sorta kinda almost. It had that vibe.)

- The preview from Haley's story was BOMB!!! Bring it on, Ms. Austin, please. I will be your Beta reader anytime, thank you very much.

My Final Say: This book was so good that it makes me want to read all of the stories in this series. And I shall. Readers, all I can say is hold on to your wigs.

Rating: 4.5/5
Recommend Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Status/Level: ⚡💣💥💓
Warning: BDSM, Off story reference to domestic abuse
Other: Minor editing issues

Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Silver Griffon Associates), and to NetGalley, who provided access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review. The words I have shared are, indeed, my own.

[SGetch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forbidden Mistress by Evelyn Austin is a sinful tale of passion and romance. The electrifying chemistry between Liam and Cassie is sure to keep you hooked throughout the entire book.

Liam Force and Cassie Fitzgerald have been step-siblings since their adolescence and have always shared a unique bond. However, their relationship takes a turn for the worse after Cassie's father passes away, and Liam takes over the family business. Liam's actions leave Cassie feeling betrayed, and she rejects any attempt at reconciliation. Despite their misunderstandings, Liam devises a plan that he believes could benefit them both. A daring arrangement that involves pushing boundaries and relinquishing control.

This steamy and seductive story had me completely engrossed! Author Evelyn Austin made me fall in love with Liam and Cassie's forbidden love affair, and when they finally give in to their desires, their passion explodes off the page. Their interactions are intense, over-the-top, and taboo.

Liam and Cassie's love story is a guilty pleasure that you won't be able to put down!

Dual POV
Can be read as a standalone with the Filthy Billionaires series

Safety Spoilers / Content Warning: profanity, on-page sex (no virgins). No OM drama. OW drama/on-page sex with OW - Liam is a Dom and invites Cassie to be a voyeur while he engages with his current Sub. I would not recommend this novel to readers who are sensitive to cheating/sharing.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Fedythereader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author for sharing a copy of this book with me on NetGalley!!!

Trigger Warnings: bdsm, bondage, blöod

"I can already tell you will be my undoing,"

This book was unexpected !!!! Let me put it in a better way. It was spicy and as “filthy” as they come in this series … but it was also soooo interesting !!!!! And all of that was because of the fake identity trope that came with the forbidden romance the author decided to develop in this story!!!
A step-brother romance … quite unheard and not as common as the other books’ tropes but still … really entertaining !!!
And while Cassie was way more of a good girl than the other girls in the three first books … Hart … he definitely was something else !!!!!
Wow !!! Wow !!! Wow !!!! I don’t even know how to explain the effect that man had on me !!!
You’ll possibly find out when you read it !!! Because you definitely have to !!!

[Micky Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a dark and delightfully dirty read that will get your heart pumping and your temperature rising! This is definitely a book for those that like it spicey and steamy, but you'll still get your happily ever after. A dark forbidden love between step-siblings and a club that lets you live out your fantasy life! It was a fun read with a decent amount of plot to string the steam together to make a cohesive story while not depriving you of any hot reading activity! If you like good quality steam, then this author definitely delivers!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a steamy book! I loved the characters and the plot. Cassie has just had some bad luck lately but it seems like fate is now on her side. She is finally going to be able to pay off her loans and afford groceries thanks to this amazing job she was offered. While working there she starts to develop feelings for a person she is working for. Liam has loved someone out of his reach so long he is at his breaking point. Having her near him again might be a bad idea after all. Will he be able to get what he wants and not destroy their lives in the process? I received an ARC rough NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Evelyn Austin]

[Katelynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forbidden Mistress did not disappoint with the spice or emotion in this book! Told in the point of view of young college student Cassie, she's looking for answers from stepbrother Liam. Liam took over her dad's business after his death, and she believes he betrayed her and took money that could change her current life. She tries to seek an attorney to help sort out this mess but starts receiving gifts from the mysterious L. He offers her a job at an adult club that she accepts. She can't keep her hands to herself, and neither can her mysterious masked suitor. As their relationship progresses, so do the secrets until everything hits the fan.

Cassie was pretty determined and resolute in her inability to forgive Liam for what he took from her. She's tired of fighting to make ends meat and can be quite stubborn when accepting help. It makes sense why she'd accept this mystery job. Liam deserves a medal for being equally fierce in his attempt to patch things up with his stepsister and move past his betrayals. He did bring the emotional parts, sharing his secrets and trying to find a way with Cassie. Together, this pair had combustible chemistry that translated into plenty of hot scenes. This was my first book by this author, but given the last chapter and sneak peek at another characters story, I can say with certainty this won't be my last!

🦌 forbidden romance
🦌 stepbrother
🦌 bdsm adult club steamy
🦌single character pov

[Aղցela W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was book 4 in the "Filthy Billionaires" series. Liam Force and Cassie Fitzgerald have been step-siblings since their adolescence and have always shared a unique bond. Their relationship takes a turn for the worse after Cassie's father passes away and Liam takes over the family business. Liam's actions leave Cassie feeling betrayed and she rejects any attempt at reconciliation. Liam devises a plan that he believes could benefit them both. An arrangement that involves pushing boundaries and giving up control. Liam's alter ego is Hart she becomes his assistant but the only thing she does is watch him have sex with his sub Willow and Cassie is jealous she wishes it was her. This was a very good hot steamy read Cassie is learning a lot about herself and what she likes when it comes to sex these two had some hot chemistry. I really liked both of these characters and the secondary characters also Cassie's roommates where very supportive. When her stepmother gets sick Cassie and Liam have to play nice and when she comes home Cassie finds out who her mystery man really is after she talks to his ex sub Willow and she is hurt although he tries to talk to her she doesn't want to hear it. These two get a little surprise. I live reading this authors work she writes some really hot scenes. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading about Hayley and Logan.

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

My lord I gobbled this up and I have to say I'm enjoying this series. It's like comfort food to me, the style of writing so easy to read and yet with oodles of steam.

There are some serious triggers here though so be warned.

This is a stepbrother/stepsister hate relationship or so we think. When Cassandra is completely shut out of her late father's will and Liam, the stepbrother, inherits all the riches, student Cassie is not only hurt as hell but broke.

Then an incredible job offer pops up from seemingly nowhere and she is introduced to a man called Hart and the steam begins…

No spoilers here but this is a page turning read and like others in this series we are introduced to characters - a group of female students many living together and settings - particularly a very private club called Obscura - we are familiar with.

There were moments I wanted to scream though and shout out to Liam 'just tell the truth NOW' but hey it wouldn't be a good read without angst.

The next in the series is another of the young students, Hayley. Sign me up.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[bookgirl1021 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The steam factor gives this book five stars, the story line gives three stars. This is the fourth book in this series which focuses on a group of roommates that each fall for a wealthy man with secrets. Cassie is a woman who grew up wealthy, but following the death of her father she finds herself living almost in poverty. Her tuition needs to be paid and she just lost her job. Her nemesis is her stepbrother whom she believes took all of her father's wealth for himself. She's offered a job at an adult only sex club as an assistant hostess. The money is too good to pass up. Little does she know that she will be working for her stepbrother. She doesn't recognize him as he wears a mask and goes by the name of Hart. Thru a series of circumstances she learns that Hart is actually Liam and he has been in love with her for years. There is a happily ever after ending along with a peek into the next episode of this roommate story line. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[FD · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book because the blurb appealed to me, and although it’s part of a series, it can very well be read as a standalone. It did make me curious about the other parts.

Very smooth writing style, easy to read, steamy content, a tormented vulnerable hero and a feisty heroine.

Since the death of her father, Cassandra has been struggling financially, hating het stepbrother Liam, because she feels he has wronged her. Working alongside her studies, she tries to make ends meet, but is let go from her job. Then she receives a mysterious offer to work in the luxurious private club Obscura, as an assistant to Dom Hart.

Both the dom and herself are required to wear masks in the club, and Cassandra can only guess who this mysterious dom is to whom she is beginning to feel an attraction.

Meanwhile, her stepbrother tries to restore the family bond, although the feelings he has for Cassandra are not brotherly at all.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Silke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Forbidden Mistress is the 4th book in the Filthy Billionaires series but can be read as a stand-alone, even though characters and events from previous books are referred to. Because of the ages of the characters, I would call this a new adult romance. I was a bit surprised that while the blurb is written from the hero's POV and basically gives away the big secret before I even started to read, the story is told exclusively from Cassie's POV. And since she refuses to listen or even communicate, the H comes across as the biggest a*hole alive. The sexy times are very graphic, yet IMO too emotionless and while set in a club with rules regarding privacy, there seem to be none enforced with regard to safety - which is a big NO for me. The HEA is reached when they finally talk and are honest with each other.
I received a free copy of this book and am leaving my review voluntarily and honestly.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a hot one! I'm not giving anything away by saying it's a stepbrother romance because it says so right in the book blurb. Liam is secretly in love with his stepsister, Cassie. And Cassie hates Liam (or does she?) Liam thinks he has found a way to deal with his obsession by acting as her masked Dom at the sex club Obscura, but it's just a matter of time before Cassie finds out and he loses her forever.

I really enjoyed this story - stepbrother romance is one of my favorite tropes. I liked the characters too. The only thing I am missing is the MMC POV. I love knowing what is going on in the MMC's head. It's not a big deal though and I thoroughly enjoyed this steamy romance. The writing is great and Cassie and Liam are on fire🔥 I can't wait for the next story because it's another of my favorite tropes - best friend's father 😃

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lyndi (mibookobsession) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassie grew up rich but with the death of her father a year ago she's lost everything–sharing student housing, living off ramen noodles, and behind on her tuition payments. Her inheritance was stolen when her stepbrother took over the family business and she's refused to speak to him since. When she gets offered a position at an exclusive nightclub out of the blue, it seems too good to be true. And who is this mysterious man in the mask, her boss, who she's strangely drawn to?
This book is super spicy but it actually has a pretty good story too, with Cassie trying to fight for her inheritance and Liam fighting to keep too many secrets. When he's finally forced to reveal the truth, there's a really sweet HEA too.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Angela Farley · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! This book defines the meaning theirs a fine line between love and hate.

First you have Cassie a struggling student and her very wealthy step brother Liam whom she hates for keeping her part of her father's company from her after he died.

She loses her job, struggling to eat and pay tuition and rent when she gets a mysterious job offer at a BDSM club making a huge amount of money being a hostess for Hart a man behind a mask that she can't deny her attraction to.

This book is steamy hot and I did not put it down for one single second! I just loved it!!!

I SO SO highly recommend this one!!

I received an Advanced readers copy for free and am leaving a honest voluntary review.

[Ade · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rarely read the step sibling trope but I have to admit that of the few I have read this is one of the best. It was fun, captivating and interesting all the way.

I love the build up, tension, angst and how the author managed to keep the suspense going throughout the book. I love how each chapter was titled.

The chemistry between these two was off the charts and the author knew exactly the type and amount of spice to use to blow up the whole book.

Although this was written entirely from Cass’ POV which was not bad but it wouldn’t have hurt to read a couple of chapters from Liam’s POV.

If you love the step sibling trope with BDSM and blood/knife play then you will enjoy this. I received an advanced copy and the review is mine and voluntary.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not recovered from this book. I laughed, I kicked my feet and giggled but when I tell you that I gasped the gaspiest gasp at the things Hart did to her… I'm not envious, you're envious 😅 seriously though, the spice was Ev.er.y.th.ing 👏 the plot and the suspense (wondering when she was going to figure *it* out) had me on the edge of my seat. If you're into suspense, dark and steamy smex clubs, d/s dynamic then this one is for you! Thoroughly enjoyed this book and will be reading more from this author.

I was very kindly given an advanced copy of this book and am leaving my honest thoughts.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first of the series that I read and now I need to read them all. I love that this is part of a series and still a standalone.

The heroine of our story is slightly frustrating, but I think that is on point. Traumatic event, college, slightly spoiled, and can’t see past tomorrow. I found it to be very believable.

Our hero, wow. Just hot and sexy. There is compassion and passion and just…can I give 5 fires (🔥) instead of 5 stars. He’s the kind of guy you wish was real.

Quick read, scorching hot. Definitely recommend.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Filthy Billionaire’s series and could be read as a standalone although the previous books are just as fabulous.
Liam and Cassie’s love story was enthralling and addictive.
The storyline kept me captivated as well as frustrated at times and there was drama with some smokin chemistry weaved throughout too.
It was a story I thoroughly enjoyed.
At the end there’s a sneak peek of the next book and I’m beyond intrigued!
I can’t wait!
This is definitely a series I highly recommend.

[Bookthief · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg!! My first book by this author and I absolutely, hands down loved this book. It had the emotional feels, family angst, and tough as nails friends! Cassie hates her step brother for reasons related to her dad. Liam needs to talk with her. So what does he do, gets her a job at a sex club being an assistant to a dom. As Cassie’s sexual awakening happens, she becomes closer to dom; and her step brother further away. Well until she can’t stop thinking about him. When secrets come to light will these two be able to let go of their insecurities and go after what they want; each other.

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

The blurb spoils it so we all knew who Hart was. I’m usually not into BDSM but I enjoyed this. I do wish we got to see a bit more of Cassie and Liam outside of the bedroom to see what their relationship is like. I couldn’t imagine them being best friends before he left for college. I wish we got to see the origin of how it began instead of it being talked about. I wish we got to live it and maybe have a few chapters in Liam’s POV.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Kathy Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of Evelyn Austin’s Filthy Billionaires series, this one centers on Cass and Liam is hot! Cass left out of her fathers will, or at least will confirm that once she gets her hands on a copy, now hates her step-brother. But it seems Liam has other plans. Cass is left with confusion and desires that she doesn’t think will be fulfilled. Cass proves to this reader that again the difference between love and hate is a fine line that can cross over each other.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing a quite unexpected book. Liam and Cassandra take the readers on a vey interestingly intense journey. Without revealing any spoilers, I can only state that I was flabbergasted at the poignant twists and turns this novel divulged. Part of me wanted to hate the H for his deception and depravity, but the other part of me was secretly cheering for him. In the end there is a beautiful HEA which I always enjoy.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassie Fitzgerald (another roommate to Maddy, Lexi, Gwen) Cal Tech grad student. She is trying to figure out how to pay her next semester tuition. Even though she came from money there are family problems keeping her from her fortune.

Liam Force ( step brother to Cassie) has been the protector of Cassie. He has a secret life Cassie doesn't know about.

BDSM, blood play, bandage
Lots of twist in this story but great story.

[Michelle McCarver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my!!  This book was sexy and hot from the start. 

Cassie is a poor college student who is angry at her step-brother for swooping in and stealing her father's billion dollar business when he passed.  After meeting a masked man at her cousins engagement party mysterious packages began to arrive along with a job offer at an adult club. 

Intrigue, domination and a twist that kept me guessing.

I took a star off because the "no communication" troupe irritates me.

[Sammye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book #4 of the Filthy Billionaires series was definitely worth the wait. Liam’s and Cassie’s story is awesome. It’s intriguing and spicy. I loved the mystery, suspense and their incredible chemistry. A truly engaging, entertaining read. *this was a complimentary copy via BookSirens and this is my honest review*

[Themis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4+ stars

Love this series
Stag and Fawn their pseudonyms for Obscura was a pleasure to read hot and steamy with a bit of taboo and an accidental pregnancy. My fav
Liam and Cassandra.

We get to glimpse Haley’s story and can’t wait to read about her! 3 episodes are available in Kindle Vella (first time I heard about it. Interesting hmm)

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book deserves more than five stars. I have enjoyed this whole series. Love the characters and plot with a twist. A book you will want to read (the whole series) . It will take you by surprise.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Brina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an emotionally charged book. Cassie has such a wild and chaotic ride the entire time. You wouldn't expect the curve ball she's thrown to make her journey more unbelievable.
I am voluntarily leaving a review after receiving an ARC.

[ies · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ada part yg membuatku "eeeww" ahahahahahaha