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Masters of Paradise #6
Dirty Dancing
Dirty Dancing is book 6 in the Masters of Paradise series. This volume contains the bonus prequel, Dangerous Liaisons.
Dangerous Liaisons
One night. One mistake. Life-changing consequences.
Nothing in life ever turns out the way you expect.
That’s Krista’s experience, anyway, after the car accident that killed her mother and crippled her father, left her with an ankle injury which forced her to give up her dream.
Now instead of being a ballerina in the one of Chicago’s leading ballet companies, she’s forced to work as a stripper just to put food on the table and keep a roof over her head.
That’s where she met Ace.
Okay, so he was a heavy for the mob—or so she thought - but after a rocky start they’d found more happiness than she’d ever dared hope for.
Until they find themselves on a deadly rollercoaster ride of deception, danger, and suspense as they battle drug cartels, dodge bullets, and fight for their lives.
A web of secrets and lies catches up with them, and not all the bullets miss their target.
What would a man do to save the woman he loves? Krista is about to find out.
Dirty Dancing
You can escape the past – but can you survive it?
Shelly’s come a long way—almost 1500 miles, to be exact — to outrun her past and the dangers it held.
But what is it they say? The more things change, the more they remain the same.
She’s still a pole dancer, since her gymnastic career crashed and burned, she just keeps her clothes on while she does it these days. She still meets with the same stereotypical discrimination after being forced to work as a stripper, even though that’s years in the past. But why does it have to be from the one man who sets her pulse racing?
And now she’s about to find out she still has a target painted on her back.
Cree Smith hates what Shelly stands for. It’s nothing personal, it simply brings back too many horrific memories. Memories of how his mother, who also worked in the industry, tried to pimp out her young son to sustain her drug habit. Memories of how his stripper ex turned tricks, even though he begged her not to.
Cree’s come a long way since those dark days. He’s now a renowned chef. But he hates the unwanted attraction he feels toward Shelly, so he uses his acerbic tongue to keep her at arms length.
Except when Shelly gets sick, he can’t help stepping in to help. But trust is hard won, and when Shelly disappears, will Cree realize in time to save her?
Or will his past come back to haunt him, causing him to believe she’s betrayed him, just like every other woman in his life?
Dangerous Liaisons
One night. One mistake. Life-changing consequences.
Nothing in life ever turns out the way you expect.
That’s Krista’s experience, anyway, after the car accident that killed her mother and crippled her father, left her with an ankle injury which forced her to give up her dream.
Now instead of being a ballerina in the one of Chicago’s leading ballet companies, she’s forced to work as a stripper just to put food on the table and keep a roof over her head.
That’s where she met Ace.
Okay, so he was a heavy for the mob—or so she thought - but after a rocky start they’d found more happiness than she’d ever dared hope for.
Until they find themselves on a deadly rollercoaster ride of deception, danger, and suspense as they battle drug cartels, dodge bullets, and fight for their lives.
A web of secrets and lies catches up with them, and not all the bullets miss their target.
What would a man do to save the woman he loves? Krista is about to find out.
Dirty Dancing
You can escape the past – but can you survive it?
Shelly’s come a long way—almost 1500 miles, to be exact — to outrun her past and the dangers it held.
But what is it they say? The more things change, the more they remain the same.
She’s still a pole dancer, since her gymnastic career crashed and burned, she just keeps her clothes on while she does it these days. She still meets with the same stereotypical discrimination after being forced to work as a stripper, even though that’s years in the past. But why does it have to be from the one man who sets her pulse racing?
And now she’s about to find out she still has a target painted on her back.
Cree Smith hates what Shelly stands for. It’s nothing personal, it simply brings back too many horrific memories. Memories of how his mother, who also worked in the industry, tried to pimp out her young son to sustain her drug habit. Memories of how his stripper ex turned tricks, even though he begged her not to.
Cree’s come a long way since those dark days. He’s now a renowned chef. But he hates the unwanted attraction he feels toward Shelly, so he uses his acerbic tongue to keep her at arms length.
Except when Shelly gets sick, he can’t help stepping in to help. But trust is hard won, and when Shelly disappears, will Cree realize in time to save her?
Or will his past come back to haunt him, causing him to believe she’s betrayed him, just like every other woman in his life?
- GenresBDSM
395 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 18, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 3, 2023
This was such a wicked, emotional, chemistry-filled ride. Just outstanding!!
1. Dangerous Liaisons
Krista, aka Sugar Crystal, worked at Sinsations as an exotic dancer. What was once a brilliant career of being a ballerina has turned into fancy pole dancing for a strip club. It's been a tragic state of events that brought her to her new profession but it's paid the bills, kept her fed, and she's all but finished the schooling she's been taking. Adam, aka Ace, had been undercover for two years working for the mob. They had things tied up and were plotting how to get him out of the situation so he and his family could continue living in peace. Circumstances brought them together and Fate played out the hand with angst, drama, and sizzling chemistry, just not like Krista thought it would. My heart was racing as this storyline came to a head and my heart broke for Krista. This was indeed an emotional rollercoaster ride and I can't wait to start on 'Dirty Dancing' next.
2. Dirty Dancing
Michelle, aka Shelly, spent her entire life training and devoting her entire being to gymnastics. When she overheard her coach say she would never make the Olympic team and would always be a runner-up, she quickly found herself needing a job. Since she had no formal education to fall back on she had worked as an "exotic dancer" at Sinsations with Krista. Not only was she known for her exceptional talent on the pole but for her eye-catching pink hair. When everything was brought to a head, Shelly was able to escape with Krista. Where Krista went in one direction, Shelly went in another. She had been offered and excepted a job at Club Iniquity. Relieved to be over one-thousand miles from everything that had happened lessened the fear but didn't completely eliminate it and she wasn't sharing that part of her life with anyone. Then there's Cree, the hot, sexy, chef at the club's restaurant. They seemingly mixed like oil and water but yet there was something that neither one would completely walk away from. Two people with broken, unresolved pasts and they seemed to feed each other's insecurities. They're relatable, frustrating, and combustible with their attraction toward each other. Nothing stays hidden forever and both will have to face their past but will they emotionally and physically survive? It was a wild ride that left me like a wet noodle. Great job Poppy!!
1. Dangerous Liaisons
Krista, aka Sugar Crystal, worked at Sinsations as an exotic dancer. What was once a brilliant career of being a ballerina has turned into fancy pole dancing for a strip club. It's been a tragic state of events that brought her to her new profession but it's paid the bills, kept her fed, and she's all but finished the schooling she's been taking. Adam, aka Ace, had been undercover for two years working for the mob. They had things tied up and were plotting how to get him out of the situation so he and his family could continue living in peace. Circumstances brought them together and Fate played out the hand with angst, drama, and sizzling chemistry, just not like Krista thought it would. My heart was racing as this storyline came to a head and my heart broke for Krista. This was indeed an emotional rollercoaster ride and I can't wait to start on 'Dirty Dancing' next.
2. Dirty Dancing
Michelle, aka Shelly, spent her entire life training and devoting her entire being to gymnastics. When she overheard her coach say she would never make the Olympic team and would always be a runner-up, she quickly found herself needing a job. Since she had no formal education to fall back on she had worked as an "exotic dancer" at Sinsations with Krista. Not only was she known for her exceptional talent on the pole but for her eye-catching pink hair. When everything was brought to a head, Shelly was able to escape with Krista. Where Krista went in one direction, Shelly went in another. She had been offered and excepted a job at Club Iniquity. Relieved to be over one-thousand miles from everything that had happened lessened the fear but didn't completely eliminate it and she wasn't sharing that part of her life with anyone. Then there's Cree, the hot, sexy, chef at the club's restaurant. They seemingly mixed like oil and water but yet there was something that neither one would completely walk away from. Two people with broken, unresolved pasts and they seemed to feed each other's insecurities. They're relatable, frustrating, and combustible with their attraction toward each other. Nothing stays hidden forever and both will have to face their past but will they emotionally and physically survive? It was a wild ride that left me like a wet noodle. Great job Poppy!!
April 21, 2023
Dangerous Liasons is a bonus prequel to Dirty Dancing. It is Krista and Adam's story, and also tells the story of why and how Shelly came to be at Club Iniquity.
In Dirty Dancing, Shelly and Cree have been antagonistic toward each other since they arrived at the Caribbean paradise they call home. He doesn't trust strippers, and she doesn't trust men who treat her like trash. When she collapses, he steps in to take care of her. They become friends, and then lovers. Only time will tell if they can both overcome their fears and take their relationship to the next level.
This is another incredible installment in the Masters of Paradise series. Dangerous Liasons is a treat. It gives Shelly's back story, which offers an explanation that would be impossible otherwise. It's also an HEA for her best friend Krista and her boyfriend Adam. The main dish, however, is definitely Dirty Dancing. Shelly is relatable and likable, if very vulnerable. Cree is antagonistic, yes, but also caring. Why else would he prepare food for her late every night after she is finished dancing? Their story is beautifully written, spicy, of course, and has a touching HEA of their own. While this is the sixth in the series, it may be read as a stand alone. That being said, the other books are just as one clickable. I thoroughly enjoyed this, and cannot recommend Shelly and Cree's story highly enough.
I received a free advance review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
In Dirty Dancing, Shelly and Cree have been antagonistic toward each other since they arrived at the Caribbean paradise they call home. He doesn't trust strippers, and she doesn't trust men who treat her like trash. When she collapses, he steps in to take care of her. They become friends, and then lovers. Only time will tell if they can both overcome their fears and take their relationship to the next level.
This is another incredible installment in the Masters of Paradise series. Dangerous Liasons is a treat. It gives Shelly's back story, which offers an explanation that would be impossible otherwise. It's also an HEA for her best friend Krista and her boyfriend Adam. The main dish, however, is definitely Dirty Dancing. Shelly is relatable and likable, if very vulnerable. Cree is antagonistic, yes, but also caring. Why else would he prepare food for her late every night after she is finished dancing? Their story is beautifully written, spicy, of course, and has a touching HEA of their own. While this is the sixth in the series, it may be read as a stand alone. That being said, the other books are just as one clickable. I thoroughly enjoyed this, and cannot recommend Shelly and Cree's story highly enough.
I received a free advance review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
April 13, 2023
Dirty Dancing is another fantastic story in the Masters of Paradise series featuring the pole dancer Shelly and Cree, the resort's chef. As an added bonus, this volume includes the romantic suspense story Dangerous Liaisons, which introduces Shelly along with her friend Krista, both working as exotic dancers when circumstances out of their control bring them into the focus of dangerous criminals. While Krista finds her HEA at the end of the shortish novella, Shelly's life is changed by the offer to work and life in paradise - where Dirty Dancing picks up the tale. Both her and Cree have secrets to keep, scars to hide and so they fight their attraction and growing feelings tooth and nail, until a health scare shakes them up and makes them realise what they could have. If only they could be honest and open with each other! I loved and hated the one-step-forward-two-steps-back of their budding relationship, so full of emotions and misunderstandings and was thrilled to have them find their HEA, complete with an epic scene at the resort's club. There were wonderful peeks at both past and future characters as well and I can't wait for the next Master to tumble into love!
I was fortunate to have received an advance copy from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.
I was fortunate to have received an advance copy from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.
April 14, 2023
Received as an ARC and leaving my honest review voluntarily. There are 2 interconnected stories in this 1 book but each completes separate of the other. Trigger warning that there is mention of death of loved one to car accident in one story and in the other story there is drug use mentioned and feelings of abandonment. The stories were fast paced and had some action and suspense thrown in with some light BDSM. In Dangerous Liaison which focuses on Krista and Ace (Adam) there is more insta attraction which develops into a something more amidst the danger. Whilst Dirty Dancing which is on Shelly and Cree, had more of an enemies to lovers vibe. But the main plot was more about her trying to find her normal again on the island after going through a traumatic experience whilst still having so much emotional baggage. Cree has his own demons so their journey to HEA is not an easy one. But both stories had a sweet HEA and kept me engaged and turning the pages throughout. Would have loved to see an epilogue where the 2 friends meet up or check in with each other after all the crazy is over just so it ties up nicely but the ending for each story is still a sweet and happy one.
April 15, 2023
Wow! I love the Masters of Paradise series and Cree and Shelly have made enough cameo appearances in earlier books to make readers long to know more. Therefore getting to their book was exciting but little did I know how much. This is a double whammy. Two amazing stories all rolled into one. Dangerous Liaisons is action packed and Shelly is along for the ride. It’s really interesting to see the lives of characters before Elysium and it forms a wonderful link between two of the author’s book series.
Dirty Dancing takes us back to the familiar, kink friendly Elysium and readers beware it is hot, hot, hot. The chemistry is off the scales at times and the island setting is still beautiful. What makes this series so great is how each book feels familiar and totally unique all at the same time. I’m already excited for the next book.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of the book from the author and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Dirty Dancing takes us back to the familiar, kink friendly Elysium and readers beware it is hot, hot, hot. The chemistry is off the scales at times and the island setting is still beautiful. What makes this series so great is how each book feels familiar and totally unique all at the same time. I’m already excited for the next book.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of the book from the author and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 2, 2023
Two Exciting Stories With A Pole Dancing Spin
In ‘Dangerous Liasons’, Krista and Adam start a romance at the worst possible time - he’s undercover as a mob enforcer, she’s a ex-ballerina stripper. Their start is rocky (he kidnaps her) but their happily ever after is oh so sweet. Plus, we meet Shelly before she heads to Elysium.
In ‘Dirty Dancing’, Shelly and Cree both have their issues stemming from their pasts, so they circle around each other, bickering to cover their mutual attraction. When they do come together, it takes some difficult conversation and a threat from her past to break through their barriers to happily ever after. I really enjoyed how their road to happiness wasn’t straight forward, but when they get there, they bring the heat! A great story with plenty of cameos from other characters at Elysium.
May 15, 2023
Firstly, each of the 2 stories included in this book are standalone and HEA, although you will recognise some of the characters from book 1 in book 2.
In Dirty Dancing, I loved the attention that was paid to Krista and her backstory. There was a wealth of emotion in her circumstances and her relationships and I was right alongside of her in her struggles. I loved this book until it ended quite suddenly. I would have liked it to continue a bit more.
Dangerous Liaisons reintroduced me to Cree, who I was familiar with from other Masters of Paradise books and I loved reading his relationship with Shelley grow. I loved that the insecurity that many people experience was there in their story and loved being with them when they overcame it.
This is a great duet that provides a wonderful thread of drama and suspense to spice up already spicy stories.
In Dirty Dancing, I loved the attention that was paid to Krista and her backstory. There was a wealth of emotion in her circumstances and her relationships and I was right alongside of her in her struggles. I loved this book until it ended quite suddenly. I would have liked it to continue a bit more.
Dangerous Liaisons reintroduced me to Cree, who I was familiar with from other Masters of Paradise books and I loved reading his relationship with Shelley grow. I loved that the insecurity that many people experience was there in their story and loved being with them when they overcame it.
This is a great duet that provides a wonderful thread of drama and suspense to spice up already spicy stories.
April 16, 2023
Two good stories in one book.
Dangerous Liaosons tells the preliminary story of Krista and her friend Shelly. After a tragic accident that changed her life, Krista finds herself working as a dancer at a strip club. She and her best friend Shelly, do their best to survive the grim reality of their life. One night they witness a large drug deal between two crime families and their lives goes up in flame. Following the dramatic events that happened at the strip club Shelly is given a new life at the Island of Elysiom as a poll dancer. Life would have been perfect if it weren't for the bane of her existence, Chef Cree. If only the infuriating man would stop making her motor run! Both stories are fun and well written. I enjoyed them both.
Dangerous Liaosons tells the preliminary story of Krista and her friend Shelly. After a tragic accident that changed her life, Krista finds herself working as a dancer at a strip club. She and her best friend Shelly, do their best to survive the grim reality of their life. One night they witness a large drug deal between two crime families and their lives goes up in flame. Following the dramatic events that happened at the strip club Shelly is given a new life at the Island of Elysiom as a poll dancer. Life would have been perfect if it weren't for the bane of her existence, Chef Cree. If only the infuriating man would stop making her motor run! Both stories are fun and well written. I enjoyed them both.
May 14, 2023
I was very confused when I started out reading this story. I thought it was going to be Shelly and Cree's story, but then it was about Adam and Krista. Shelly was a side character, so I was baffled. Then I went back and reread the blurb, twice, before realizing that the beginning of this book was a bonus read and that the second story was what I wanted to read. Once I got to the main story, then it was exactly what I was hoping for and wanted. The bonus story was also good, but I'm thinking that it should perhaps have been at the end of the book, rather than first, although it did explain some items for Shelly's story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 12, 2023
There are actually two different stories within this book. The first is more a short prequel that introduces the characters of Club Sinsation. The second, is a novella length story between Cree and Shelly. While you don't have to read the prequel first, I think it sets everything up for the Dirty Dancing story. There is a lot of back story involved, but that made the club scene even better in my opinion. The only thing that drove me crazy was Shelly's use of "Judas Priest" as a way to try and stop swearing. She just said it way too much in my opinion. It got to be old for me. I received an ARC copy.
April 18, 2023
With that book, you get 2 stories : Dangerous Liaisons which is the prequel novella and Dirty Dancing it self.
Dangerous Liaisons is an action-pack story which gives intel about things happening before Shelly gets in the Paradise Island.
With Dirty Dancing, we finally get to know more about Shelly the dancer and Cree the broody chef.
As often in Poppy Flynn's stories, the main characters need to overcome their past wounds and many misunderstandings before getting their most rewarding HEA. And I loved every step of their journey.
I was very happy to have glimpses of past characters and can't wait for some others to get their own HEA.
Dangerous Liaisons is an action-pack story which gives intel about things happening before Shelly gets in the Paradise Island.
With Dirty Dancing, we finally get to know more about Shelly the dancer and Cree the broody chef.
As often in Poppy Flynn's stories, the main characters need to overcome their past wounds and many misunderstandings before getting their most rewarding HEA. And I loved every step of their journey.
I was very happy to have glimpses of past characters and can't wait for some others to get their own HEA.
April 19, 2023
Totally unexpected read. Dancing is only one very small part of this story. I was engaged with the stories that have very interesting backgrounds. This book included family drama, dysfunction, underworld elements, and hope. The characters are realistic, those that are kind and those that are unsavory. Shelly and Krista have been best friends initially due to circumstances but became more. The plot, pace and storylines are a good read. The way prejudices and preconceived ideas influence how people act is evident in these stories.
I received this book from Bookfunnel as an ARC for my honest review.
I received this book from Bookfunnel as an ARC for my honest review.
April 15, 2023
Part One
An accident from her past change Krista’s life completely causing her to lose trust with almost everyone. Ace was living a life of lies ….. not the best person to be attracted to, but it’s no like you can pick or choose this. Despite this mutually increasing attraction, danger tries to push them apart.
Part two
It’s so obvious that the two main characters are made for each other, but neither are able to let go of their troublesome past. Secrets. They both had secrets. Secrets that would tear them apart. If that’s not bad enough, danger is not far behind.
An accident from her past change Krista’s life completely causing her to lose trust with almost everyone. Ace was living a life of lies ….. not the best person to be attracted to, but it’s no like you can pick or choose this. Despite this mutually increasing attraction, danger tries to push them apart.
Part two
It’s so obvious that the two main characters are made for each other, but neither are able to let go of their troublesome past. Secrets. They both had secrets. Secrets that would tear them apart. If that’s not bad enough, danger is not far behind.
April 20, 2023
This is book 6 of the Masters of Paradise series. First, the novella Dangerous Liaisons sets up the book, Dirty Dancing. I liked the novella with Shelly and Krista. It explained what happened to the two of them that they were strippers. Krista and Ace get their HEA and then we move on to Shelly and Cree. They both are damaged by their past, but they eventually work up the courage to talk to one another and work for their HEA. I enjoyed this story. Poppy Flynn is one of my favorite authors.
I received an advance copy and this is my honest review.
I received an advance copy and this is my honest review.
April 15, 2023
Two separate stories of best friends and their new lovers. Krista and Ace find happiness and getting away from criminals and Cree and Shelly who meet at the Paradise Island. Shelly has also got away from the criminals. They both have pasts and neither of them really know how to face things without losing each other. Fast flowing stories. The characters are great. Love abounds and so do the criminals but there are HEA's for all of them. Loved it!!
May 4, 2023
This book contains two complete stories with overlapping characters. Krista and Shelly work as exotic dancers due to life circumstances and the need to have ends meet. In these two stories, they both find their happy endings. Poppy creates great characters, and her stories have a mix of romance, suspense, and a little spicy. They are easy to read without spelling or grammar issues.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 7, 2023
I loved this story by Poppy Flynn! I can't get enough of this series. This book has two stories in it and both are amazing. The women work as exotic dancers who had their dreams taken away from them due to injuries. The men tried to stay away from them but they can't deny the chemistry. Will the men be able to overcome their hesitation to find their happily ever after with the women that they love?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 5, 2023
I've read several books written by Poppy Flynn; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
This is part of the Masters of Paradise Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Shelly & Cree.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
This is part of the Masters of Paradise Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Shelly & Cree.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
April 14, 2023
I received this book as an ARC, Advanced Readers Copy. And found 2 stories in this 1st book. The first one was a short story introducing the characters in the story and it was so good. The main story had such depth and interplay among characters that is was good read.
May 3, 2023
A duo of stories that intertwined. First we have Ace and Kristas story. Sweet love story with loads of angst and drama
Second we have Shelly and Cree’s story. Fabulous friendmy to lover story. Loads of stuff they both have to work through.
Second we have Shelly and Cree’s story. Fabulous friendmy to lover story. Loads of stuff they both have to work through.
April 24, 2023
Now this was a romance book that grabbed me and I never wanted the story to let me go! I was consumed by this book and loved every second of it. Definitely a must read if you love romance!
April 7, 2024
Dangerous liaisons and dirty dancing are intriguing stories that touches on some tough topics but draws you in and have connecting with the characters. They also center around BDSM which gives the stories a spicy edge. They are well written stories that kept me glued to the pages.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews