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The ShadowDance Club #1
Katarina's Return
[Menage Erotic Consensual BDSM Menage a Trois Romance, M/F/M, spanking, sex toys, HEA] Katarina "Kat" McKay narrowly escapes a BSDM encounter gone horribly wrong in Las Vegas and makes her way home to Climax and into the arms of the only two men she'd ever loved. Alex and Zach Lamont’s rejection of Kat as "too young" sent her running several years ago. Former Special Forces soldiers Alex and Zach Lamont now run the ShadowDance Club, a wildly successful BDSM Club in the Colorado Rockies. Having never stopped searching for Kat, they are thrilled to have her back in their lives. They have always known they would share a wife and are convinced Kat is perfect for them, but can they protect her from the wealthy, tech-savvy sadist who fully intends to make her pay for humiliating him by slipping out of the club where he was publicly whipping her? The Lamonts and their crack security team of fellow former Special Forces operatives vow to keep Kat safe, but ultimately it is the smart, sexy, and very sassy Katarina who saves herself and her men when her nemesis breaks into their home. There is no sexual relationship or touching for titillation between or among siblings. ** A Siren Erotic Romance
152 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 13, 2012
55 people are currently reading
314 people want to read
About the author
Avery Gale
55 books216 followersA big SHOUT OUT to all of the readers who have let me know how much they enjoy my books....you all are the reason I love writing! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for you support!
Writing is an escape from normal - which bores me to distraction. I'm sure my family would assure you I haven't even been in normal's neighborhood in years so I probably don't have a real solid grasp of the concept.
I like writing characters that are flawed, but lovable. And I like creating strong women who aren't afraid to speak their minds to the men in their lives.
I also love hearing from readers! Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and avery.gale@ymail.com are the best ways to get in touch with me. Let me know what you like and which characters you think should get their own stories!
- Avery Gale -
From an interview in 2017:
"I don’t share a lot of personal information simply because I live in a small town and the genre I write doesn’t appeal to everyone.
My educational background includes a combined degree – psychology-criminal justice-sociology and a teaching certificate for secondary education. Lots of various jobs, something common in rural communities because there isn’t much available, so you need to be flexible."
Writing is an escape from normal - which bores me to distraction. I'm sure my family would assure you I haven't even been in normal's neighborhood in years so I probably don't have a real solid grasp of the concept.
I like writing characters that are flawed, but lovable. And I like creating strong women who aren't afraid to speak their minds to the men in their lives.
I also love hearing from readers! Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and avery.gale@ymail.com are the best ways to get in touch with me. Let me know what you like and which characters you think should get their own stories!
- Avery Gale -
From an interview in 2017:
"I don’t share a lot of personal information simply because I live in a small town and the genre I write doesn’t appeal to everyone.
My educational background includes a combined degree – psychology-criminal justice-sociology and a teaching certificate for secondary education. Lots of various jobs, something common in rural communities because there isn’t much available, so you need to be flexible."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 12, 2013
I'm a bit torn on this one and waffling between 2 and 3 stars as well. I did like the basic story line, I am a sucker for "woman in peril" story lines, but this one was so over the top on the believability meter I just stopped enjoying it at one point and started to skim - not a good sign.
Basically everyone that was good was perfect, and everyone that was bad was pure evil. Characters were rather one dimensional and dialog often bordered on cheesy. The heroes were alpha to the extreme - ex special forces, obscenely rich, much taller and larger than average, and took their role to protect and cherish Katarina to extremes. I mean, she had disappeared for 7 years, they had no idea where she was, and yet they had a suite built especially for her which overlooked a special garden just for her viewing enjoyment.
No, it won't work for me to point out instances like that one. Each part on it's own is okay, it's the grand sum of devotion and pampering that was simply too much for my poor rolling eyes.
I will point out, however, that Katarina was petite and perfect with a personality that took self sacrificing and lack of self confidence to yet more extremes. They kept telling her she was staying, she kept saying she was leaving and my eyes kept rolling along.
The last straw was an event that made absolutely no sense whatsoever. Several other reviewers refer to continuity issues and I agree there were some head scratching lapses in logic, like that one, that yanked me right out of the story.
I suppose I'm not as undecided as I'd thought, but I really hate to criticize such a lovely premise as a BDSM menage with two hot twins who rescue the fair maiden. As long as I kept telling myself it was a fairy tale it worked for me - mostly.
Basically everyone that was good was perfect, and everyone that was bad was pure evil. Characters were rather one dimensional and dialog often bordered on cheesy. The heroes were alpha to the extreme - ex special forces, obscenely rich, much taller and larger than average, and took their role to protect and cherish Katarina to extremes. I mean, she had disappeared for 7 years, they had no idea where she was, and yet they had a suite built especially for her which overlooked a special garden just for her viewing enjoyment.
No, it won't work for me to point out instances like that one. Each part on it's own is okay, it's the grand sum of devotion and pampering that was simply too much for my poor rolling eyes.
I will point out, however, that Katarina was petite and perfect with a personality that took self sacrificing and lack of self confidence to yet more extremes. They kept telling her she was staying, she kept saying she was leaving and my eyes kept rolling along.
The last straw was an event that made absolutely no sense whatsoever. Several other reviewers refer to continuity issues and I agree there were some head scratching lapses in logic, like that one, that yanked me right out of the story.
I suppose I'm not as undecided as I'd thought, but I really hate to criticize such a lovely premise as a BDSM menage with two hot twins who rescue the fair maiden. As long as I kept telling myself it was a fairy tale it worked for me - mostly.
April 9, 2015
Kat returns bringing trouble with her. She is beat up and bruised but heals seemingly instantly from the sexual attention of the two men who vow to never let her leave them - again. Sugar spun sweet words of forever pour out on every page. The guys wrap her in their protection and she gets hurt - again. Sex, sex - all better. She is again in the magical cloak of protection - security cameras, secure grounds, blah, blah blah, and wait... what? How did that happen? More magic healing, more sex and then the HEA you knew was coming.
Mind numbingly predictable - this book is full of menage sex, six foot tall mind reader doms and subs that are bent on ignoring the rules set out to protect them because... that is what drives the story.
Great book for a rainy day when you don't want to think too much.
Mind numbingly predictable - this book is full of menage sex, six foot tall mind reader doms and subs that are bent on ignoring the rules set out to protect them because... that is what drives the story.
Great book for a rainy day when you don't want to think too much.
October 7, 2018
Years ago, I bought this book by Avery Gale and fell in love with it. Now she has gotten the rights back and has updated the cover and has had the book re-edited. I fell in love with this story back then and it still has the same magic as I remember. Avery has become an auto buy for me because I love the characters in all her stories. I can't wait to see the new covers for the other books in this series. If you haven't checked her out, pick up this book and watch the magic between Alex and Zach Lamont and the woman they both are in love with, Katarina! This is an adult story with scenes of BDSM and there is a little violence but it's nothing really bad. I HIGHLY recommend this book or anything by this author!!
September 3, 2020
Fantastic!
Katrina's Return is fun, engaging, erotic, passionate, and just a joy to read. I love that Katrina never have up, and she fought for what she believes in and loves.
Alex and Zach are the perfect doms for her. They help her to be a strong and powerful lady that can face anything with them by her side to help and guide her.
Her friendship with Jenna is fun, mischievous, and so much fun to read the kind of trouble they could get in. Margarita might had me in stitches. So much fun.
The best part of this story is the love, admiration, and respect that Alex and Zach have for Katrina. They have a fantastic steamy relationship. I love the interaction between them when she's earning punishments for being a beautiful brat.
I will always have this as one of my go-to rereads. I'm looking forward to reading more. I love this story!
Katrina's Return is fun, engaging, erotic, passionate, and just a joy to read. I love that Katrina never have up, and she fought for what she believes in and loves.
Alex and Zach are the perfect doms for her. They help her to be a strong and powerful lady that can face anything with them by her side to help and guide her.
Her friendship with Jenna is fun, mischievous, and so much fun to read the kind of trouble they could get in. Margarita might had me in stitches. So much fun.
The best part of this story is the love, admiration, and respect that Alex and Zach have for Katrina. They have a fantastic steamy relationship. I love the interaction between them when she's earning punishments for being a beautiful brat.
I will always have this as one of my go-to rereads. I'm looking forward to reading more. I love this story!
January 22, 2015
Katarina's Return has suspense, hot Alphas, BDSM, and love. Katarina left home years ago. Alex and Zach never gave up looking for her. They knew that they loved her but didn't think that she could handle both of them. Katarina shows up bruised and unconscious at their home. This time, they would not let her go. After much struggle, she tells them why she was hurt. The former Special Ops/Dom go into action to protect her from her ex.
This was a good book to read. The BDSM scenes were hot! I enjoyed their interactions as the Doms educate their new sub. I would highly recommend this book and author for anyone that wants a great BDSM book.
This was a good book to read. The BDSM scenes were hot! I enjoyed their interactions as the Doms educate their new sub. I would highly recommend this book and author for anyone that wants a great BDSM book.
July 27, 2014
Well written, but lacking in crucial details. The author informs us of why Katarina left and why she returned, but she doesn't give us details about the person chasing her or his reasons, beyond "his obsession". She skillfully evades details needed to warrant the reader to truly despise the masochist chasing Katarina. She shoots the heroine in the middle of the book, but shades over her recovery, the investigation, etc. The heroes of the books are simply supposed to be the heroes without question. The details that connect the reader to all of the protagonists are sorely lacking.
April 28, 2013
Absolutely LOVE this book. Loved how it just flowed and kept me wondering what was going to happen next. Looking forward to reading the rest of this series and everything that Avery Gale writes. She has become one of me new favorites.
January 26, 2015
Enjoyable
I was recently introduced to Avery Gale's books, with another series she writes, and has become a firm fan. This book is no exception. The story immediately snared and held my attention and I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
I was recently introduced to Avery Gale's books, with another series she writes, and has become a firm fan. This book is no exception. The story immediately snared and held my attention and I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
December 21, 2012
Wonderful book so looking forward to reading more in this new series
August 14, 2018
Like the first say 3/4 of the novel, but the winding down at the end takes to long and is rather boring.
January 11, 2019
Avery Gale's concept of submission seems to be lost in a sea of overblown waffle. There is never a limit mentioned, there is way too much saccharine with the supposedly strong female lead who turns into a jellyfish at the first ridiculous 'come now' just a few pages in. The books do not promote a true reflection of D/s and in fact border in abuse. Written an odd and pedantic manner that is straight out of a Victorian romance. The make leads are almost right except the very ethos of consensual seems to have escaped the authors attention.
I chose this rating because the books are written so oddly the phraseology is jarring. The language is overblown romantic and silly. Frankly it made me cringe in places so much I will be deleting the other four I purchased without reading. Ms Gale would do well to actually consider the psychology behind D/s and exertion of control mechanisms that would explore the traits that readers would identify with.
I chose this rating because the books are written so oddly the phraseology is jarring. The language is overblown romantic and silly. Frankly it made me cringe in places so much I will be deleting the other four I purchased without reading. Ms Gale would do well to actually consider the psychology behind D/s and exertion of control mechanisms that would explore the traits that readers would identify with.
March 22, 2020
Love Alex, Zach and their Kat\Kitten
Katrina has been in love with her best friends older twin brothers since she was kid. When she thought she was old enough, and understood their lifestyle she crashed their scene. What she saw terrified her and she ran.
Alex and Zach noticed Kat when she was to young for them. They wanted her but she needed to grow up some, experience life. They regretted what they did that made her run. Even their special forces training and contacts couldn't find her.
7 years later Kat, beaten and broken, has found her way back to them. This time she is not getting away. Rebuilding her confidence and finding the man nearly killed her, is their priority.
Fast paced, sweet and steamy,MFM BDSM romance. Rereading the series. Reading the Adler series, and seeing old favorites again had me wanting to read their stories again .
Katrina has been in love with her best friends older twin brothers since she was kid. When she thought she was old enough, and understood their lifestyle she crashed their scene. What she saw terrified her and she ran.
Alex and Zach noticed Kat when she was to young for them. They wanted her but she needed to grow up some, experience life. They regretted what they did that made her run. Even their special forces training and contacts couldn't find her.
7 years later Kat, beaten and broken, has found her way back to them. This time she is not getting away. Rebuilding her confidence and finding the man nearly killed her, is their priority.
Fast paced, sweet and steamy,MFM BDSM romance. Rereading the series. Reading the Adler series, and seeing old favorites again had me wanting to read their stories again .
October 4, 2018
Kat leaves Shadow Dance years before and Zach and Alex cannot find her, but she has kept in touch with her best friend who just happens to be their sister Jenna (boy is someone going to be in trouble), only they don’t know that until Kat shows up at the pond hurt and passed out – what will it take to make her theirs’ forever, only time will tell. Looking forward to the next book in this series and find out about Colt and Jenna.
August 6, 2020
the writing style was not for me. The sex portion wasn't a problem, i admit i do like details 😁😁 but the actual story line was lacking in my opinion. i would give examples, but i would give away secrets of the story and i don't want to ruin it for anyone. Based on review it is a popular series, just didn't work for me.
Although i did finish the book, I am not going to read the rest of series.
Although i did finish the book, I am not going to read the rest of series.
January 23, 2021
Dnf at around 20%. I agree with some of the other reviews, just felt too over the top in wording. The breaking point for me was immediately jumping into a sexual situation with someone who was just involved in terrible abuse, that you haven't seen in years. Feels rushed, insensitive to her physical state, and to Dom her without previous discussion rubs me wrong.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2018
I enjoyed this book the second time around just as much as when I read it a few years ago before I was on GOodreads. This is the introduction to the Shadowdance Club and I absolutely love all of the characters. A Good read.
November 25, 2020
for some reason there are two of these books on Goodreads.
i left my original review on the other one.
the book was okay, the sex was great, but i don't connect with the writing style. It seemed to be 'very young' in the way that it is written.
Not going to finish the series.
i left my original review on the other one.
the book was okay, the sex was great, but i don't connect with the writing style. It seemed to be 'very young' in the way that it is written.
Not going to finish the series.
February 26, 2021
Very poor rip-off of Cherise Sinclair's brilliant 'Masters of the Shadowlands' series. I don't mind bad writing, but the insistence that with her virginity, Katarina was giving her Doms "the greatest gift possible", really put me off.
January 12, 2018
3.5
Wish it would have gone into the past more
Wish it would have gone into the past more
November 21, 2018
Loved this book and the whole series. Avery Gale is one of my favorite authors.
March 9, 2020
Samantha's 📚
I love these books about different clubs and how they all blend together. They are so edge of your seat great.
I love these books about different clubs and how they all blend together. They are so edge of your seat great.
January 3, 2013
Overall, the story was good & a good, basic entry to the romantic/BDSM genre. The publisher/editor fell REALLY SHORT in their job; many misspellings, jumps in the story where I had to go back to see if I missed something, etc... Some of the sections of the story seemed really rushed - again, had to go back a page to reread to see if I had missed something... anything... (Example I'll use since it's also in the "sneak peek" of the book -- when taking her virginity, they told her they were going to make sure she was ready for them...next thing you know, he sticks a few fingers in her, figures she's good to go, and there it went. I had to go back to see if I missed something about HOW they actually GOT her "ready" LOL!)
So the good things? Avery Gale does a great job bringing her characters to the forefront of the story. I found myself purchasing the next book(s) just because she does such a great job of weaving the following story into the current one, that you find yourself wanting to then know "what happens next" with the other characters. The actual sex scenes ARE hot, and I like the fact that while the Doms profess experience with "pain" implements (whip) they state they do not like to use them & wouldn't be using them. Since the sub is being "trained" there is also information about the lifestyle, which is always interesting/educational to us vanilla girls .
So the good things? Avery Gale does a great job bringing her characters to the forefront of the story. I found myself purchasing the next book(s) just because she does such a great job of weaving the following story into the current one, that you find yourself wanting to then know "what happens next" with the other characters. The actual sex scenes ARE hot, and I like the fact that while the Doms profess experience with "pain" implements (whip) they state they do not like to use them & wouldn't be using them. Since the sub is being "trained" there is also information about the lifestyle, which is always interesting/educational to us vanilla girls .
July 19, 2022
The Kitten and Her Men
The Lamont brothers and their "kitten", Kat McKay are steamy, lusty, sensual and off the charts hot. Avery Gale has incorporated the right mix of danger, mystery and intrigue into this menage romance. I loved the characters and the promise of books to come involving members of the ShadowDance Club and the women who will tame them.
Merged review:
Katarina's Return is the first book in Avery Gale's new series The Shadowdance Club. Based in Climax, Colorado (you gotta love the name) the lives and loves of the men and women of Shadowdance play out in spicy romance with some angst, drama and danger tossed in for good measure. First up Alex and Zach Lamont, The Shadowdance Club owners, finally have the woman they've loved for years, Katarina McCoy, back in their world. While they plan on never letting her go again they must keep her protected from threats of a viciously cruel Dom. She's loved them since childhood but refuses to stay in a place where she brings danger to their doorstep. Convincing her that she is truly the only woman they've ever wanted or love may become a full time job but they are up for the challenge.
The Lamont brothers and their "kitten", Kat McKay are steamy, lusty, sensual and off the charts hot. Avery Gale has incorporated the right mix of danger, mystery and intrigue into this menage romance. I loved the characters and the promise of books to come involving members of the ShadowDance Club and the women who will tame them.
Merged review:
Katarina's Return is the first book in Avery Gale's new series The Shadowdance Club. Based in Climax, Colorado (you gotta love the name) the lives and loves of the men and women of Shadowdance play out in spicy romance with some angst, drama and danger tossed in for good measure. First up Alex and Zach Lamont, The Shadowdance Club owners, finally have the woman they've loved for years, Katarina McCoy, back in their world. While they plan on never letting her go again they must keep her protected from threats of a viciously cruel Dom. She's loved them since childhood but refuses to stay in a place where she brings danger to their doorstep. Convincing her that she is truly the only woman they've ever wanted or love may become a full time job but they are up for the challenge.
March 9, 2013
I hate book blurbs that give away plot twists!! This blurb killed it for me. I like an element of surprise in the story and there wasn't one because of the description.
Over all the story was enjoyable and the characters interesting. At times the narrative was difficult because it changed character point of view in the middle of a section. That seems to be a bothersome trait in books from this publisher at times. A change of narrative should have a clear space between sections and each section should have a single voice.
The BDSM was handles nicely, if not a bit too explanatory. I have read other books in the BDSM genre and wasn't looking to rehash the basics of the lifestyle. It just seemed to educational at times.
The steam was rather light. Only a couple scenes spread out through the book. I was hoping for way more hot and heavy! Here's hoping the next book delivers more bedroom action.
Over all the story was enjoyable and the characters interesting. At times the narrative was difficult because it changed character point of view in the middle of a section. That seems to be a bothersome trait in books from this publisher at times. A change of narrative should have a clear space between sections and each section should have a single voice.
The BDSM was handles nicely, if not a bit too explanatory. I have read other books in the BDSM genre and wasn't looking to rehash the basics of the lifestyle. It just seemed to educational at times.
The steam was rather light. Only a couple scenes spread out through the book. I was hoping for way more hot and heavy! Here's hoping the next book delivers more bedroom action.
January 27, 2013
This is the first in the ShadowDance Club series, and I like the premise. This is heroes rescues heroine from evil, the kind of story I really like. However, I find it hard to enjoy a story when the continuity is off base. Example: The heroine is a virgin, and her men promise her they're not going to make love to her "tonight," and two paragraphs later, they're taking her virginity. She says she's never had an orgasm, but then we're told she has used a vibrator to take her "pleasure."
May 11, 2013
I don't really have time to read this series...I really need to get through the ones I have already started first! Oh well, if it looks good...I drop everything and start reading! This was an excellent choice...although I would have liked a little more suspense..I felt the "demise" of the "bad guy" was VERY rushed! Ready to start on book 2!!!
September 13, 2018
Katarina's Return by Avery Gale
I had read this book several years ago and really liked it . As I go back to read this story again I find I enjoyed it more then before . Please enjoy book 1 of the series , you meet Katarina and her men and the danger she is in . Several scenes in the book are funny , I laughed out loud .
I had read this book several years ago and really liked it . As I go back to read this story again I find I enjoyed it more then before . Please enjoy book 1 of the series , you meet Katarina and her men and the danger she is in . Several scenes in the book are funny , I laughed out loud .
October 12, 2019
This book describes the D/S relationship I would love to have.
The Dom's were so loving, caring and protective of their Sub. Their whole focus was on her and her pleasure. I very much liked that her focus was on their pleasure.
The Dom's were so loving, caring and protective of their Sub. Their whole focus was on her and her pleasure. I very much liked that her focus was on their pleasure.
January 13, 2013
It was cute and pretty hot but I really would have liked to have seen more.
Also the POV changes were kind of abrupt. Some stayed true to the character where as some jumped all over the place.
Also the POV changes were kind of abrupt. Some stayed true to the character where as some jumped all over the place.
August 23, 2018
Love
This my I have no idea how many times I have re-read this book. I just totally love it, and all the other booms in the series.
This my I have no idea how many times I have re-read this book. I just totally love it, and all the other booms in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews