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Shattered Embrace #1

Hidden Mischief

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We’re total opposites—and we don’t just attract—we combust.

~Ashton~

After years alone, I’m ready to finally move on. I didn’t know moving on would begin in a billionaire’s boardroom. Fate has a wry sense of humor and she’s laughing at me—because the living embodiment of my deepest desires is none other than my new boss and my best friend’s brother. But how can I resist the temptation to unravel the mysteries hidden behind the smoldering green eyes that haunt my dreams?

~Zachary~

I can't believe it when the brilliant, sexy consultant to my newest company applies for membership at my club Shattered Embrace. She's a complex contradiction—the best possible mix of bold and innocent—and she’s not afraid to call me out on my BS. Can I convince her I’m the one to take a walk on the wild side with? Is she the one I'll finally claim as my own?


Hidden Mischief starts off this steamy romance series with an introverted widow who’s devoted to her two cats, and an arrogant CEO looking for a strong partner who knows when to stand her ground and when to kneel for him.

435 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 13, 2023

244 people are currently reading
394 people want to read

About the author

Alyndra Quinn

11 books204 followers

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5 stars
138 (39%)
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55 (15%)
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24 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
Profile Image for Maikalani.
120 reviews6 followers
March 23, 2024
I was genuinely excited to dive in the characters were spicy. And it had everything you’d want a alphadominated field that’s boss is rendered speechless when his little brothers best friend barrels in loud and in charge. However that’s not her own personality. Who she is behind closed doors is everything he’s wanted. Everything’s he’s craved and needed. And now’s his opportunity to snare her Especially considering she’s now applied to become a member to he and his brothers BDSM club.

This book is extremely promising a hot and heavy read that can tide you over when you want something fast.

The conversation does get a bit repetitive and The waters get a bit murky when it seems the two MC’s have conflict. But that quickly goes away within a few pages.

Personally could’ve been a killing swoon worthy book it just got lost in the mix with the repetition, and plateaued plot
Profile Image for Jenni.
6,616 reviews81 followers
January 31, 2024

This is the first book I have read by this author and was excited to get stuck in because of reading the blurb.
Hidden Mischief is a sexy best friend’s brother romance where opposites attract.
It is a slow burn romance but does kick in. It’s a BDSM tale that takes you a little deeper than some of the other books out there. It takes us in to the world of a D/s relationship that is captivating and complex. It takes us into a world of some of the deepest desires.
Ashton is determined to explore her sexual side further. She is a contradiction in many ways. She is shy, a bit quiet, but also a little sassy and feisty and outspoken when she feels she needs to be.
Zac is sexy, dominant and a little possessive. All the girls want him, but he only wants her. I enjoyed the banter between them and his knowing how hard to push and take care of what is his and let there be no mistake she is his.
Some things were left off, but I am sure we will get to experience that in the next book that I am now eagerly awaiting.
435 reviews11 followers
January 27, 2024
Wow. I'm all about some snuggly, hot, bondage/dominant relationship fun. And I love a good complex couple getting together.

But Sweet Baby Purple Jesus, I wasn't ready to read Every Single Word these two utter to one another over a 48-hour period. And I'm not exaggerating about that. EVERY WORD. Also, every single gesture, sigh, inhale, exhale, belly gurgle, glance, side eye, grab, caress, hug, rub, that takes place outside of the sex. It's serious overload. After a few chapters, it gets, well, boring.

And this guy does not leave her alone for more than a handful of minutes. She goes to another room? He's there within a minute or two. She's on the phone? He's on top of her and gets into the conversation. I do get that this is love, it's new, and unfamiliar to a commitment phobe. But it's smothering and a hella lot of red flags. I felt myself getting claustrophobic, and this is a fictional character! I'm only at 67%, and I want to take some deep breaths after shutting down the Kindle for a while. That doesn't bode well to me.

In the middle of this, her super overprotective best friend, also the brother of the new love, endlessly chimes in frantically. He takes every opportunity to tell her what she needs, and it's not the brother. The best friend doesn't want her, but he's convinced and on a mission to make sure she doesn't get anyone else. It's well into the Creepy Zone when someone wants to prevent a character, however misguided, from finding their own way. Just wrong.

I see all the super great reviews, but I can't agree. A sweet, consuming new love is one thing. A giant man-flesh blanket that covers everything every minute of the day and night is something else, and it's not good. And OMG, this is a total documentation of their first 48 hours together. Is this a series? Is the next book the tracking of them over a week? It makes my head hurt to even think about it.

The female lead is a super-strength Mary with high-speed anxiety issues. She's super gorgeous, intelligent, beautiful, sexy, corporately successful like nobody's business, physically impossible, able to smack down misogynists, and that requisite for all stories like this, TINY. She's damaged from tragedy,andd every single male that she comes jnto contact with wants to rescue her. It's at an almost nauseating level. Ooh, and she's sassy, which is also mandatory.

If all this sounds like a good time, by all means pick up this book. I'm unsure if I can finish.
Profile Image for Lindsay.
78 reviews2 followers
October 30, 2023
I really wanted to like this, but the heavy amount of dialogue was painful, along with hardly any action scenes.
Profile Image for Jessica Stone.
66 reviews3 followers
February 29, 2024
Hidden Mischief (Shattered Embrace Series) by Alyndra Quinn - Review by Jessica stone

So, just to start out I'll say if you have any BDSM triggers this is not the book for you.
With that being said, I am SO excited to see where this series goes! I'm actually going to be starting the second as soon as I'm finished writing this review.
This is a pretty fast paced book, which I enjoy alot, so buckle up and enjoy the ride.

This book focuses of Zachary and Ash, Zach a millionaire businessman and co owner of a BDSM club called Shattered Embrace. Ash is a widowed business woman, ready to explore life again after grieving and hiding away for soon long.

Ash's best friend is Derek, who happens to be younger the younger brother of Zachary, Derek and his brother have brought ash in to help on projects with their company so Ash has met Zach a few times in a business setting. But what Ash doesn't know is that the new BDSM club she's taken an interest in and even applied to become a member is owned by none other than the two brothers.

Zachary is immediately interested in Ash when he finds out she's applied for his club, it's something about her that he can't resist. And Ash knows it's a little crazy to fall into Zachary and his wants so quickly but she's keeping as much of her heart out of it as she can, and if she gets hurt? She's ok with a little pain to feel alive again.


Ohhhh man, the chemistry between these two is electric, some might say it felt rushed between them, but I think how fast they act on their attraction and give in to their desires is one of their most endearing qualities. I love that they are such different people when they are playing, and that's outside of the bedroom ash is a large and in charge woman, who doesn't taken crap from anyone. Honestly, I pretty much love everything about Zachary, he's so sweet with her and even when he's demanding in his needs he's always thinking of her first. Everything he does revolves around her safety and needs and all that. It's pretty refreshing to see to people so enamored by each other, while at the same time maintaining their boundaries in their personal and professional lives. I'm intrigued to read the second book in their story and to see if they can hold out and stay together.

Now listen the only thing that could make me happier is if there was a book or duet coming up in this series about Derek. I'm hoping he's going to get his own duet after Ash and Zach. Can't wait to see what this series has in store, definitely going to be one of my new favorites, I know that for sure.


Hidden Mischief, Shattered Embrace Series, Alyndra Quinn, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Contemporary Romance, Jessica Stone, Febuary 2024
Profile Image for Angela.
8,762 reviews122 followers
February 2, 2024
4 Stars

‘This is going to be such a long meeting. Time to pull it together. Fast. I have a job to do. And no time in my life for lusting over authoritative siblings of my friends.’

Hidden Mischief is the first book in the Shattered Embrace series by Alyndra Quinn. This also appears to be Ms. Quinn’s debut novel- so I was curious to see what lay between these covers. The blurb certainly engaged my curiosity to want to find out what lay under these covers- but as a debut novel, could Ms. Quinn deliver on the promises held in the blurb? Well, I am happy to say that she does indeed deliver a captivating story that held my attention the whole way through. There were a few minor issues that I popped up here and there- but nothing that detracted any from my overall enjoyment of the story.
We meet Ashton as she applies to join an exclusive BDSM club, Shattered Embrace, and there is definitely a bit of a mysteriousness about her. I immediately wanted to know her and find out what drew her to the club scene, and what happened in her past to make her feel she had to ‘retire’ from the scene. Add in the fact that her best friend, who is a Dom, didn’t know she was a sub- and I was pretty much hooked. Then Zachery enters the scene- and yep, he delivers all the Alpha-sexiness, so I am all-in! Chemistry sizzles and sparks ignite- which results in a slowwww-burn that gives off some intense heat. This story is made even more intriguing by the fact that Ashton doesn’t realise until it’s too late, that the CEO of the company she has just been hired to consult for, is also the head of the BDSM club she has just applied to….awkward much. And he’s also her best friend’s brother- ummmm, doubly awkward. So if you love Dom/sub stories, a little mysteriousness, sizzle, and great characters, then you will definitely want to get you hands on a copy of this book to explore.
This is a steamy, opposites attract contemporary romance with a best friend’s brother element, tension, palpable chemistry, banter, a BDSM club, Dom/sub dynamics, Alpha type male, protective MC, a strong independent yet submissive FMC, friendship, slow burn romance, spicey encounters, humour, secrets, emotion, drama, and intriguing developments- which made for an engrossing read.
I really wasn’t sure what to expect from this book to be honest, and I certainly didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did- but after reading this, I immediately added Ms. Quinn to my ‘must read’ author list - and I am excited to see what the rest of the series contains.
So, bring on Book #2!
Happy Reading…

Thank You, Alyndra Quinn!
Profile Image for Ayla Phipps.
402 reviews10 followers
February 28, 2024
Domination. Submission. Longing and need. This is the first book I have read by Alyndra Quinn, and I am honestly struggling to organize my thoughts on her amazing talent. Hidden Mischief is the first book in a new series and part one of Ashton and Zachary’s duet.
Ashton is a scientist, everything she does is well researched, thought out and planned. Zachary is the billionaire CEO, Dom that every sub dreams of, only he doesn’t commit long term. Ashton took the biggest leap in her life applying to Shattered Embrace, the local kink club. Only she was full of doubts and fears from the start. Her best friend is co-owner and after years of carefully hiding half of her soul away from him the time has come to be her whole self. Zachary has never “chased” a woman before, but the instant Graham brings her application to him for her interview he’s intrigued by her impact on the experienced Dom. By chance the Ashton in the file is her and he can’t resist the questions in his mind of how she hid under two very established Dom’s without them realizing she was a soul-deep sub. A chance day full of important meetings start their interview early and the immediate electricity, intrigue, rightness, is combustible. She landed in his lap; he wasn’t looking for her and never realized he needed her but now he needs her to be his and no one else’s.
Can Ashton finally be whole? Will Zachary be able to heal her twice rejected soul? How can they work when one is a serial casual and the other plays for keeps? While the overall world isn’t made up the shear intrigue of their world and how they move within it is perfect. Ashton isn’t a doe eyed woman ignoring red flags and chasing fantasies from a book she wants acceptance, to be wanted, and desired. I cannot wait to start book two, Managing Mischief here I come. I just hope they find their HEA because lord they deserve it, and my soul needs it at this point.
Profile Image for ASBookDragon33.
14 reviews
January 4, 2024
“She’s mine. Only mine. Nothing temporary about it.”

After hiding who she is for so long, Ashton is finally taking steps to find her happiness and fulfill her desires. She didn’t know she would jump directly into her new Boss’s arms.

Zachary is overworked and terrible at long-term relationships. Until his brother’s best friend and new employee stumbles through Shattered Embrace’s doors. On unfamiliar ground, he is determined to make her his, for good.

This took me a little longer to get through. Ashton almost felt like two separate characters with her dominance and strong presence in her work, but a submissive puddle at Zach’s feet. After getting halfway through the book, it felt like the plot stopped progressing. It became repetitive in the sense that it felt like they were having the same conversations, only in a different setting. The pet name ‘Beautiful’ was repeated in what felt like every other sentence towards the end. There was one moment when it felt there would be tension between the two MCs, but it was resolved within a couple of pages. I am not sure if it was foreshadowing for the next book, and I hope we circle back around to it.

Unfortunately, I did not make many highlights in this book. No swoon-worthy moments or thigh-clenching experiences. I do not think it will be a book I read again, but it was a decent read.

This had a lot of potential, and I am hoping that the next installment will give more progression.
Profile Image for Angela Shirley.
944 reviews6 followers
February 9, 2024
Ashton is a strong, Independent woman when she is in her job is formidable but there is a secret which is buried deep down and she is nervous to let lose, her submissive side. Ashton believed she had "retired" from the scene but when she decides to give Shattered Embrace a chance but will see get what she wants and who she wants??

Zach in his day to day job is the CEO of a major company, but he has a secret where he and his brother co-own BDSM Club. Memberships are hard to come by and have a vigorous process until one application peaks his interest, so when he discovers its the new consultant they have hired he decides to give into the obvious chemistry they have but is she really the submissive he wants and requires?

This is the first book I have read by this author and lets say it won't be the last. I loved the character of Ashton, all strong and determined in her day job but knows what she wants and is ready to take it if needs be. When you add into the mix of Zach's character the chemistry just explodes off the page.

The way the story weaves and slowly opens up Ashton's story is brilliant and the at time soft approach of Zach is beautiful to read. The secondary characters also add another layer to the story and hoping that some of them get there stories in the future.

Thank you for adding another book boyfriend to my list and hope to read more of the wonderful group of people in the futre.
588 reviews12 followers
February 25, 2024
I absolutely loved this book. Everything Hidden Mischief had to offer was exactly the type of book I was looking for this weekend. There’s passion, strength, independence, loyalty, love, and even laugh out loud moments. The author was able to pull the reader in immediately. It was just an exciting story I never wanted to end.
Ashton finds herself attending a “munch.” There’s things she’s trying to understand and discover about herself, while not letting those closest to her know. She didn’t expect that her best friend's brother would be the one who helps her along that path. But it’s more than just the BDSM lifestyle between them. Not that they believe it.
Zachary is known for his tough exterior, but that is not all he is. Ashton finds out easily how true that is. When business outside of the club ends up on a collision course with pleasure Zachary is at a loss how to handle it. He’s respected and sought after as club owner and member but now to Ashton. Does he want her, yes. Does she want him, absolutely. But she’s throwing him off his access and he doesn’t know how to handle those feelings. It’s something he understands or has ever experienced.
Does it work out for them?
I didn’t want to stop turning the page. And I was rather depressed when there were no more pages to turn. With some twists and turns the author keeps the reader on their seat, during Ashton’s path of self discovery. And I can’t wait for more!
Profile Image for Stephanie Runyon.
416 reviews11 followers
December 14, 2024
Ashton received an invitation to attend a munch for Shattered Embrace. Graham, who was standing in for the bartender, recognizes how nervous she is and starts conversing with Ashton and then introduces her to a group of friends. Later in the evening, he converts to using his dom persona on her; to his surprise, Ashton seems to have more experience than she originally claimed.

Graham approaches Zachary and asks him to do the interview with Ashton. She had told him that she was a “retired sub.” Intrigued, Zachary looks at her application and discovers she is neighbors with Derek. She is also a consultant for Derek’s new project. While Ashton makes a project presentation, Zachary watches how she handles Richard, a colleague that is insanely jealous of her. Zachary invites Ashton to lunch. Believing they were going to talk about her presentation, Zachary immediately addresses her application for Shattered Embrace. He intends to make an offer that will alter both of them.

The first book in the series, Hidden Mischief, is full of intrigue and sets the foundation for domination/submissive relationships. Trust is reinforced through the character interactions as well. Looking through the alternating views of Zachary and Ashton provides an inner look at what drives their actions. The plot is unpredictable as boundaries are tested throughout the story. Obviously, this book is best suited for mature fans of BDSM romance novels. I rate this book four stars.
Profile Image for Chaos.
3,650 reviews117 followers
October 20, 2023
3.5/5

I am 100% in love with the characters of the story. I love how strong Ashton is as a woman and as a fiercely independent career woman. But along with that, she has true vulnerabilities. Her fear of herself and what she wants is real and understandable. We all have our insecurities that we want to hide behind a facade. I hate that she felt she had to hide from her husband. A husband is supposed to accept all of you. I hate what he did to her. It sucks that he died, but she deserved better. I just hate that she lost her daughter too 😔 her story is heartbreaking! And Zachary? Whew!!! He's drool worthy, swoon worthy!! All of it! He's yummy! I love how patient he was with Ashton and recognized her needs and put her above else!! A plus on the BDSM lifestyle and explaining it in detail.

Now, as much as I loved the characters, this book had serious pacing issues. I loved the first half of the book and continued because of Ashton, Zach, and the other side characters. But, the last half was miserable, to say the least. I hated how slow it was. It felt so stagnant. I didn't feel that there was any progression with both the main characters and even the side characters. It ended up being way too much saying and not enough doing. The characters made the book bearable and made me finish it. I'm not sure how the pacing was so slow with such great characters.
Profile Image for Kerry  carr.
1,973 reviews26 followers
February 8, 2024
This is the first book in the Shattered Embrace series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. What I loved about this book is how deep the author goes with her characters and setting the scene instead of it being a few words and then action. The build up of the characters attraction and witnessing their interactions really brought them to life for me.
This is a dom/sub relationship and the author does a great job of giving the reader a complete and full understanding of what exactly that entail in an open and honest way.
Zachery is a strong Dom. He runs a club and well as other businesses. He is successful and has never wanted to settle down until he meets Ashton.

Ashton is a sub. She wants to joined Shattered Embrace to rediscover herself. What she doesn't expect is that the man she is employed by as a consultant is the same man who holds the key to the door of the club she wanted to join.

The attraction is immediate but can they mix business and pleasure? What I love about Aston is that she isn't a typical shy, meek sub. Even with her Dom she is sassy and says what she thinks which only intrigues Zachery even more?
Could Ashton be the one the finally make Zachery settle down? Will the chemistry between them be too much to handle? As the story progresses we learn much about the characters and just how perfectly matched they are.
I can't wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for Melancholy Rose.
43 reviews
February 29, 2024
Doctor Ashton Evans, has a past. She has worked quietly, with her head down for years as a scientist. She decides to apply to Shatter embrace a highly recommended sex club, that her best friend Derek just happens to be a part of. Her past haunts her as she has been trying to move forward. SE seems to her to be the best way to explore her once desires again. Ashton gets invited to a meet and greet for SE, shy and afraid she meets Graham who take her under her wing. As the cast of colorful characters meet her they fall in love with her, the group believes she has what it takes to join their club.
Since the interview process is the next step Zachary, (Derek's brother) the Head of SE reaches out to her. They decided on a time and date but little did they know, they would end up meeting sooner than expected. Zachary happens to also be the CEO of the company Derek works for and is part of the presentation Ashton is leading. When the meeting is over they go to lunch together to talk business, but it becomes the spark to something that combusts.
This book is spicy, but not as spicy as I expected, it being about a sex club. The story is endearing and powerful to see Ashton come out of her shell and start enjoying her life once more. I have Managing Mischief the second book in the Shattered Embrace series, and I'm betting it's 100x spicier. I can't wait to dig into it.
1,022 reviews15 followers
March 25, 2025
Ashton is a woman with a career in science, she is logical and thinks things through to the extreme, she has not had the best experiences in life and so the careful consideration she gives to her next life choice is something she doesn't take lightly. Zachary is the owner of Shattered Embrace, a BDSM club which also doubles as a place for like-minded individuals to meet and discuss their fantasies and dreams that come with the lifestyle they have chosen and he has thrown himself into his work which he thoroughly enjoys.

One thing about Zachary is that he is always wanting to increase his opportunities and so when he gets the chance to expand into a different arena with his brother, he leaps on the chance and that is where pleasure and science combine and where he meets Ashton for the first time. Ashton is about to have a big meeting where he expertise is being called upon to solve a problem, however, she is slightly thrown by the hot as hell director of the company she is consulting for, but she does what she was hired for with no issues.

It also turns out that as well as a business meeting, the two also have a meeting about more enjoyable past times the same day and this is where Ashton and Zachary realise that there is a lot more to them and it is hot as hell, but will she open up enough to trust him, or will his dominating ways scare her away?
Profile Image for Beejai Bohls.
329 reviews9 followers
February 10, 2024
This is the beginning of a series and the first book that I have read from this author. The way the book is described had me ready to sit down with a blanket and coffee to enjoy it. I was able to get into the story right away. The characters were amazingly written and had the growth that I love in stories. The author was able to descriptively write about the scenes and the characters to where I felt like I really understood them and was able to fully picture their surroundings. The spice level in this book I thought was decent. However, with the inclusion of BDSM, I really thought that the spice would be page melting and way more intense. This would be a great starting place for someone who is dipping their toes into reading BDSM. It shows some great things but doesn't overwhelm the reader. I love the rediscovering that the main female character is doing. It really shows that no matter what you go through or where life takes you, you can alway go back to your roots. If you are looking for a book to take your mind off of things and it was a quick read. This book would be for you. If you are looking to get into the darker side of romance this would be a great way to dip your toes into the BDSM world. I can't wait to read more from this author and continue this series.
9 reviews1 follower
June 14, 2023
I started reading this book thinking, “Here we go, ANOTHER Dom/sub sex club book. (eyeroll).” I was pleasantly surprised and surprisingly hooked. These characters are real, complex and interesting. Also, I learned a lot more about the BDSM lifestyle than I’ve read in other books. (I haven't read a lot, though.) The author explained things by intertwining the lifestyle with the plot, rather than boring the reader with long explanations.

Zachary is a rich character who stayed with me for a few days and had me wondering, "Are there men like that in the world? Men who care so much about their partner's wants and needs that they spend that much time and put forth that much effort to see that they're met?" I like him, and I'm super interested to see what he does in book two.

Ashton is a fascinating character. One of the things that turns me off about books in this genre are the female subs who will “do whatever you want.” (just my personal opinion) Not so with Ashton, and I love her for it! She's strong, smart and has the courage to overcome her fears.

If you’re looking for a fresh perspective on the Dom/sub relationship, read this book!
Profile Image for Sara.Hopeful.
85 reviews8 followers
November 1, 2023
Author Alyndra Quinn captivates her audience with Hidden Mischief, a Brother's Best Friend/Off Limits/BDSM romance. MFC Ashton has faced many struggles in her life, not only losing her daughter and husband, but having to hide a huge part of who she is due to it not being accepted. She's decided it's time to stop hiding, but is Shattered Embrace the right place for her and will she be able to finally be who she's meant to be? MMC Zachary is all work and no play, well unless he's doing a scene at Shattered Embrace. Even then Zachary, much like Ashton has been running on autopilot for so long he's completely knocked off course when Ashton falls into his life. Can Ashton trust the comfort she feels in Zachary and build trust to finally be the person she's meant to be? Can Zachary step back and see the real gift and opportunity fate has put in his path and not only help Ashton, but accept that this could be good for him too? Hidden Mischief is full of amazing characters, storyline and all the feels on so many levels. Don't even ask me about spice because....man is it warm in here (🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶) or is it just me? Don't miss out on this great read!
2,088 reviews20 followers
February 28, 2024
4 Stars
Hidden Mischief (Shattered Embrace Series) by Alyndra Quinn

Hidden Mischief is the first book in the Shattered Embrace Series. This is a Contemporary Romance/ Best Friends Brother Romance that once I started reading I had a hard time putting it down. I actually devoured this book in one afternoon because I simply couldn’t put it down. This is a new t author to me and I’m definitely a fan now. The characters are developed, fun, semi relatable and complex. They have a mysterious side to them but bring the story to life. The d/s is something I’ve always been curious about learning more about its intriguing and exciting . I want that. Ashton and Zac oh my. He’s a sexy dom who can be a little possessive. He’s wanted by all the ladies but he only has eyes for one . Ashton is a bit shy but can be feisty and outspoken when she’s needed to be. These have the chemistry between them and it’s the slow burning kind.The buildup is totally worth it. I don’t want to give to much away. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I’m looking forward to reading more from this Author.
272 reviews2 followers
January 11, 2025
If you haven't read any of this series yet, you are missing out! This series (Shattered Embrace) follows Ashton along her self-acceptance journey with lots of romance, fantasies, tension, steamy scenes, and much much more. Ashton has had a hard start to finding out about her Submissive side. Now she needs to find out once and for all if she is a Sub or not. And then she can leave the past behind her and move on with her life. Weather that be as a Sub or just a plain old cat mom. So Ash joins a meet and greet for Club Shattered Embrace. The meeting doesn't go as planned, but within a day she has flipped her world. Enter in Zachary. The owner of the Club, a CEO, and a dominant in both business and of course pleasure. He likes rope play and much much much more. Can Ash and Zach come together and not only help Ash heal, but reveal what she really needs? Or will they burn each other alive with their opposites attract and inner demons. So so good!! I can't wait to read the next few in the series! If you love steamy romances with bossy billionaires this one is for you!! Get the WHOLE series!
Profile Image for Lorralei Hoerner.
932 reviews25 followers
February 1, 2024
3.5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Hidden Mischief is the first book in the Shattered Embrace series and this is also a new author to me. I was looking forward to the story-line after reading the snyposis with BDSM/Best Friends Brother romance. While I did like the story and characters, I felt it was a bit drawn out more in the dialogue piece between Ashton and Zachary and parts a bit slow. I am intrigued to continue this series to see how Ashton and Zachary's story does play out.....

Ashton is career oriented and driven, strong woman who has no problem with handing anything that comes her way when it comes to work. What is in the shadows is Ashton's personal life. She longs to desire her submissive side that she has always kept at bay. When Ashton meets Zachary for the first time, the sparks are undeniable.....but Zachary is the owner of Shattered Embrace, his club. When Ashton applies for membership, Zachary is intrigue by Ashton as she is not very open to showing her vulnerable side that is more passive. Will Zachary bring out Ashton out of her shell and will he also see what fate has in store?
Profile Image for Rosanna Ingram.
669 reviews5 followers
February 20, 2024
When Ashton's new boss turns out to be her best friend's brother, the sparks sizzle from the get-go. However, as strong as Ashton is in her day-to-day job, there is a side of her that she is ready to explore further, and that begins with an application to join Shattered Embrace. Zach is impressed with Ashton's work as a consultant with his company. He is surprised, and intrigues, when an application for his BDSM club comes across his desk from said consultant. He thought he was stepping away from club life...but he may be just what this submissive needs.

This was a great story that introduced some aspects of the BDSM culture without being shocking for those who may not know what to expect. Both Ashton and Zach have a chemistry that sizzles...and it was entertaining to read how he helped Ashton find the side of herself that needed to explore. They worked well together in the boardroom and in the bedroom. The secondary characters were also quite enjoyable and I'm hoping they will get books of their own as the series continues.
5 reviews1 follower
September 7, 2023
Highly recommend, this was a great read.
It was sexy, the chemistry between the two main characters just wow.
It wasn't your traditional D/s story either, it very tentatively explored the beginnings of one.
I loved the flawed characters growing together. I love how they both jumped into the relationship, rather than traditional 'Dom trying to hold back because he isn't the relationship type'.
The writing was just enjoyable to read, light and funny at times, with intense sexy chemistry at others.

There was also no drama just for the sake of drama. No intense moments that seem more like fiction, it felt realistic which was a nice change for these type of books.
The spice was a little on the vanilla side but the relationship between the main characters wasn't.
I think the next book will have more club scenes so likely be spicier.
Cannot wait to continue Zachary and Ashton's story in the next book.
1,956 reviews25 followers
February 20, 2024
Hidden Mischief (Shattered Embrace Series) by Alyndra Quinn. This is a great opposites attract story. Its the story of Ashton who is a very independent woman in all aspects of her life especially work but when she feels like she's ready to explore the other side of her life she joins Shattered Embrace. Zach is a very successful CEO but he and his brother own and run a BDSM club. When a application for his club comes across his desk for the club and its the new hire at his company he thinks he may be just what she needs. Ashton has some trauma from a relationship previously so she's going to need kit gloves. When she realizes Zach is her boss she is scared that will mess up the chemistry they have. Zach has never wanted to settle down but with Ashton he can see a future with her. Will she be able to let her walls down enough to start a relationship with Zach? Read this fun romance to find out!
317 reviews8 followers
February 28, 2024
Ashton is a widow, missing her husband and daughter while she pours herself into her cats as she heals. She would likely heal faster if she were able to be public about who she is and her desires, but as it's not something publicly accepted she hides until she is ready to discover exactly what it is she wants.

Zachary is an insufferably demanding but competent boss, the owner and showman at his BDSM Club, Shattered Embrace, and the absolute hottest man Ashton has ever seen. While he seems strictly in control, what people don't see is how boring and expected his life has become. He's incredibly interested in Ashton as his consultant who will gladly call him out, he's even more interested in her when she applies for membership at his club. Will this stunning, introverted and competent woman find the joy of submitting to him? Will she bring about excitement in his routine? What will they find within one another?
Profile Image for Brandy Jo Rymer.
304 reviews3 followers
February 29, 2024
Hidden Mischief is a contemporary romance, that has a lot of adult content. The first book in the Shattered Embrace series introduces several characters that have very dynamic personalities that you will find very intriguing. This series introduces opposite main characters who you would not normally see as fitting together, but after getting background information on our quiet, introverted main character, Ashton, Zachary may be exactly who she needs to help her come out of her comfort zone. This story kept me on the edge of my seat, excited to see how the outcome would turn out between Ashton and Zachary, and how their friends would react to their relationship with each other. Will this introvert be able to overcome her shyness and find the answers to who she wants to be, or will it all be too much for her to be able to interact with groups of people in a club setting? This is a great romance that is very steamy and is not for younger readers.
@Brandy Rymer
02/2024
Profile Image for Jess Michalski.
512 reviews17 followers
September 19, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
3🌶️
I finally got the chance to read this and was happily engrossed in this book from start to finish! Zachary and Ashton met at a business meeting where Ashton was kicking a$$ and taking names. Hard to believe that it was that same woman who lacked all self-confidence in herself outside of the workplace. Zachary does an amazing job throughout the entire book trying to let her lead the pace and work with her through her “stuff”. Alyndra does a fabulous job with this book, keeping the characters real and the plot focused with just the right amount of steamy. While there was definitely a focus on the BD$M community in this book, it wasn't a super heavy read but I want to warn you with this, it wasn't a vanilla book either, so take that as you will ;).

I was SO disappointed to see this book end! So glad there's a second one right around the corner!
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,072 reviews
October 31, 2023
Hidden Mischief you get....
♡Best Friend's Brother
♡Billionaire/Sex Club Owner
♡Opposites Attract
♡She's Smart and Sassy
♡Later in Life Romance
♡Some Spice
♡Dom/Sub
♡Brat

I devoured Zachary & Ashton’s story! I loved reading about their HFN but can't wait for their HEA!! Zach and Ashton have great chemistry, and it was an instant connection for them. Ashton has self-esteem issues. She doesn't see herself as desirable or someone Zach would want long term. But she is confident and sassy outside of being in a romantic relationship. Zach has never been in a long-term relationship before. These feelings are all new to him, and it's has his friends thinking he was abducted by aliens lol 😆 😂 🤣
I can't wait for the next book, and I hope all of the new friends I have made get their own books!!
Profile Image for Valerie Gadd.
43 reviews
December 8, 2023
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

This is my first book by this particular author and I have to say I’m very impressed!! I honestly did not know how I was going to like the whole Bdsm/sex club aspect of this book but I have to say this author was able to grab and hold my attention!!! I have read many books that have bdsm and or sex clubs in them but a lot end up with the same ole things over and over again. This book however was different for me. Ashton is a bratty sub. In my opinion she is different than most. She is also a very strong and driven Fmc! Zachary is a sweet and possessive but not overwhelming controlling Dom. This is something you don’t see often in books. The chemistry between Ashton and Zachary is unmatched in my opinion!! Which makes the spice that much better!! I can’t wait to dive into the next book to see how the story unfolds!!
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