Controlled Response

Knights of the Board Room #2

by Joey W. Hill

Bestselling author Joey W. Hill presents a tale of two strangers united by an unbound passion from their dreams. But what will hold them together once the fantasy ends?

Lucas Adler has recently realized he wants more from a relationship than just fantastic sex. But while on a cycling trip through the Berkshires, he encounters a beautiful blonde in the woods. Dressed in only white silk panties and a matching corset, she's stretched out on the back of a motorcycle and revving her engine--just not the one on the bike. Although he wonders if he can have the fantasy and the reality, Lucas is certain of one thing. He wants her...

Cassandra Moira wants to relax. Things are crazy back home, and the deal she just tied down has unraveled. So when an opportunity comes along to hop on a motorcycle and take in some scenery, Cass takes it. Stopping to rest and reflect, she remembers the weak men she's dealt with in her life. So she closes her eyes and imagines a man who can take charge. A man, who with the blink of an eye, is right in front of her...

After their encounter, Cass enters Lucas's life again. This time, she's part of a negotiating team on a three-day business deal. She's also not about to let any man control her. Now Lucas must use every strategy he knows to prove his love before she's gone from his life again.

Includes a preview of the next novel in the bestselling Vampire Queen series, "Taken By a Vampire"

"Controlled Response" previously appeared in "Unlaced."

Genres: BDSM, Romance, Erotica, Erotic Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Adult

152 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 5, 2013

About the author

"BDSM Romance for the Heart & Soul"

A submissive herself, Hill brings authenticity to her intensely emotional BDSM love stories. With over fifty titles and seven series, her contemporary and paranormal romances feature everything from billionaires, bikers, SEALs, firefighters, cops and housemaids, to vampires, mermaids, witches and angels.

"Joey translates the world of BDSM with such intense power and exquisite beauty. LOVE is the most powerful element entwined through the Dominance and submission.” –Goodreads, Pink Lady

Joey is the recipient of the RT Book Reviews Career Achievement Award for Erotic Romance, and she loves to hear from her readers!

If you're on Bookbub, she'd love for you to follow her:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/joey-...

You can also find her here:
Website: storywitch.com
Facebook: @JoeyWHillAuthor
MeWe: mewe.com/i/joeywhill
Twitter: @JoeyWHill

Reviews

[Baba · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 controlled stars.****Review completed April 5, 2013



Lucas can do very naughty and devilish things with his mouth. Lucas, you may eat me too. Pretty please. <3 <3 <3

"Now, let me give you a real climax."(…)
"If you thought what I did before was good, there've been too many losers in your life who didn't appreciate how they could make you sing."

Lucas Adler, a successful businessman and CFO of Kensington & Associates, as well as a passionate cyclist is "stumbling" upon a very attractive and tall blonde stretched out on a Harley in nothing but a corset and panties in the Berkshires. After a breathlessly erotic interlude she is rushing away, even though Lucas would've loved to see her again. Lucas can't get her out of his head, but soon fate strikes again when the mysterious woman is showing up in Kensington & Associates' conference room a month later. It's time to get acquainted with Cassandra Moira, a negotiations specialist from Packard Consulting.

This was beyond hunger. This was evisceration, begun when he heard the first note of her voice as she came down the hall. Then, put this outfit on top of it…Jesus, she was trying to kill him.

"Don't write a good deal off before it even hits the table, because you're afraid of how it might change things in your life."

Lucas challenges Cass, she accepts and their little game begins. Pretty soon, however, Cassandra realizes that she is in for more than she bargained for. And her precious control is slowly yet steadily slipping away.

"You like the challenge of me, Cass, but you're afraid to enjoy it. You don't want there to be anything in your life you can't control."

"I don't let go of control to anyone."
"You will to me."

"That's a sexy little wriggle you've got there. If this business thing doesn't work out, lap dancing might be in your future."
"Now that's just the type of obnoxious remark I expect from manufacturing moguls."
"I figured. Wanted to put you back in your comfort zone."

"Let me deal with that. Don't let it be about consequences, worries, or how the world can suck and things go bad. For once, just take it." He gave her a fierce look. "Take the moment and see if it can lead to a lifetime."

I really liked Cass. Very much so. As it is, I don't get acquainted with a strong and confident woman in every book I'm reading and she was definitely a pleasant surprise. When Cass goes to work she wears a corset all the time to remind herself how important it is to hold the reins, to remain calm and controlled. Besides, I appreciated the story behind the corset fetish. It's sad yet amazing at the same time. Cass, you rock!



"The night after that happened, I couldn't sleep. I caught one of those black-and-white movies based on a Jane Austen novel. Looking at the women in corsets, I realized how constrained and elegant they had to be, and figured the outfit helped them maintain that composure. During that time period, everything had a required behavior, so they probably felt like screaming, too." Humor flickered over her soft mouth, then she glanced at the corset. "The first time I bought one secondhand, I felt silly, but when I put it on, I didn't. Controlled by the garment, I was in control of myself. People don't challenge people who approach things calmly, prepared to answer hard questions without making it personal. But you're right." Her gaze moved to his face, his strong neck, the breadth of his shoulders, feeling the controlling power of his arm around her. "It can become about something else."

"Somewhere along the line the corset became about something more than your need to control your life. The binding of the corset was the substitute for a lover's restraint, holding you, gripping you. The way it pushes your breasts up so high, like hands cupping them. You're waiting for release from the one man who can also release you from the corset, who will replace its restraint with his own. Your Master. Your lover."

"Very few men would know that the avenue to your heart is, in fact, through your body, Cass. Through your submission. So the irony of it is, by taking your body exactly where it needs to go, I'm going to convince you that my heart and soul are never going to be bored with you."

Lucas is a wonderful hero. Persistent and determined yet very caring, tender, and gentle. He really found the right words and convinced Cass that she deserved to be loved, that she should let go of her personal restraints and share her immense responsibilities. Everyone needs a strong shoulder to lean on, to take a breather now and then, and Lucas provided everything and then some.

"I want you so much, but I'm afraid." Cass looked away. "People change, Lucas. You think you'll always have them, always love them, and then they change. Every time you open your heart, it happens. And this time, I'm not risking just my heart."
(…)
"You never want to lose control. You never want to have the unexpected happen to you, Cass." He tightened his grip until he was sure he had her attention. "I swear to you, on everything that I am, everything that I value, I will not fail you. I'm here, feel me." He pressed against her, effectively riveting her. "I'm not going to stop there. I want to be all the way in you. In your heart and soul, so you never doubt me."
"I want you so much I feel like I'm going to break. And I can't believe I'm saying these things to you."

At a certain point Lucas acknowledged that it was time to forego more negotiations, it was past time for talk. He just needed to show Cass how much he wanted to take care of her and her siblings and he wanted to make a statement. Let her know that she shouldn't be afraid of her feelings and fantasies.

Pressing his lips to the top of her head, he kept his arms wrapped around her back and thrust home, deep.

What did not work for me
My only complaint is the beginning and the way these two met. Truth be told, I've had a hard time to wrap my mind around the fact that two individuals are meeting accidentally in the Berkshires and she is getting herself off while a strange guy is watching before he's going to "lend" her a hand…er…mouth. I think it's too far-fetched and kind of creepy.

Still, if you like a steamy, wonderful, heart-warming yet short BDSM story then give Controlled Response a try. The outcome is 152 pages of great storytelling. The chemistry and sexual tension between Lucas and Cass are palpable, and the sex scenes are incredibly hot and well-written. In fact, the erotic interludes at K&A left me breathless and there's no getting round it to admit that Lucas has a very talented and enticing mouth. I guess I don't need to explain it any further. All I can say is "Holy smokes!", the man has a way with words, voice, and mouth. *shiver* In any event, the author does a great job at developing the emotional and psychological aspects of the main characters in such a short timespan. And after I got over the somewhat bumpy beginning, I felt immediately drawn to the main protagonists. Overall Controlled Response is a very enjoyable and riveting story and definitely worth a shot.

Finally I'd like to say that I'm very happy that I gave this series another go, because after the failure of Hostile Takeover and Afterlife, this series turned out to be a real winner for me. <3

"The strongest women in the world have the hardest time surrendering. They don't realize when they do it with the right man, the one who cherishes them, it's the most beautiful gift she could ever give him. Her trust. Trust me, Cass, and do as I say."

"I need you. I accept you."

Warning
Controlled Response contains explicit sex (including oral, yeah, who'd've guessed?), toys and some intriguing bondage techniques magnetic bracelets

[Jx PinkLady Reviews ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Controlled Response is when fantasy becomes reality in a delicious, beautifully erotic, pushing-the-boundaries way.

Lucas Adler, and his very special mouth skills, totally captured my attention in previous Knights of the Board Room stories and made me more than ready to experience him in Controlled Response.

“God, he loved eating pussy. Second best thing to fucking it.”

Lucas has immense charismatic presence, as do all the knights. I always feel their aura. I love his sense of humour, his personality & his sexy skills. His specialty is something I love to read about. I had a feeling he was going to melt me, and I wasn't wrong. His words and actions are sublime in equal measure.

Cassandra Moira has heavy responsibilities in her life, so when the opportunity arrives to escape on her motorbike for a few hours to think and fantasize, she takes it. That escape leads to all kinds of erotic, sensual loveliness.

Joey W. Hill creates characters that’re ready for love, whether they know it or not.

She wants intimacy in her life but finds she is unable to risk all that it entails; she has a need to stay in supreme control. Will Lucas be able to convince her to let go and submit to fate and her inner most desires?



Joey W. Hill sets up incredible sexual tension between the main protagonists from very early on. I felt romantic excitement at how Lucas and Cassandra met. They’d had a sexual encounter in the realm of fantasy and it was sexilicious.

The more this author pushes the boundaries, the more I seem to love her books and, hand on heart, I would have enjoyed a tad more shenanigans in the boardroom, but this in no way takes away from my love for Knights.

This series has captured my book heart.
I love how strong the women are in this series and how they use their own power, even though they totally submit when the time suits them.

I love how sexually giving the men are; totally selfless and ready for an everlasting, meaningful relationship. They're completely in tune with the wants and needs of their ladies.

The relationship between the men is so special. Four books in and the way the male characters interact and respond to each other is as important, and has as much power as the relationship between the leading characters. I Love their affectionate banter, and the way they poke fun at each other as only true friends can.

Each story in the knights of the Board Room series focuses on one, gorgeous Knight, and their journey to discovering the love of their life. All the knights have a part to play in any given story, and we often get further glimpses into their life. They each have, “…very individual specialties.” The male characters are firmly set out and developed, ready with their facets and preferences. All ready to be explored for the readers pleasure. They crave total submission from their lovers and are the most giving of men in the sexual area. They represent, as a group, the best sexually giving and expert qualities to be found in a man.

If you have an open mind and an open heart I would highly recommend this erotic BDSM series of LOVE. My journey of devouring the knights began with book 5 Hostile Takeover. A perfect place to start.

BR with Deanna, TeriLyn and lots of discussion with Irene <3

The order I read & enjoyed the Knights, along with my thoughts
Hostile Takeover https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Willing Sacrifice https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Board Resolution https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Deanna❤Pink Lady❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Sleeping Beauty Stars



With the help from the wonderful Irene, I have fallen in love with a group of men- The Knights of the Board Room. I am going on the incredible journey of meeting them one by one. I have met Ben, Max, Matt and now Lucas.....



Lucas Adler is the CFO of Kensington & Assoc., he’s a cyclist, he’s dominant and he is a Master. He has started to think that maybe he wants something more after seeing his best friend Matt and Savannah happily married for a year now. Cassandra Moira is a cut throat negotiations specialist, a guardian to her siblings, and a woman who needs to stay in control and wears a corset to remind her of that. So is it a chance meeting in a deserted place or did fate have a hand in the union of Lucas and Cassandra? As a believer and a romantic, it was definitely fate for these two. After that brief encounter, Lucas and Cassandra would meet again and this time there would be no escaping the charms and desires of Lucas Adler.

He wasn’t entirely skeptical of kismet, but the idea of a stranger he’d met entirely by chance, halfway across the country-in the middle of a fucking forest, for Chrissakes-waltzing into this business meeting, was more than fate. It was smacked of burning-bush, freaking miracles.

“Don’t be afraid of me, Cassie, For God’s sake, I knew you for twenty minutes, and missed you for a month. This can’t be a coincidence.”

I can't tell you how sexy it is to have a man go after what he wants. He is so determined, confident and charming. Cassie lights a fire within him and he knows that he wants to be with her forever. He will do whatever it takes- Cassie has a lot of armor protecting herself. She has many responsibilities and having a man in her life would distract her from those responsibilities. As much as she desires Lucas and he lights that same fire within her, she can't go there. It can only be temporary, it could never be permanent. No man would ever want to take on her burdens, or so she thinks.



So Lucas goes about, with the help of his K&A brothers, to convince Cassie that they belong together. The board room is extremely erotic, emotional, and sensual. Lucas opens Cassie's eye to....




Lucas's demonstrates to Cassie that he is all in. He takes her good and her bad. He takes her and her family. I love his fierceness, his protectiveness, his love, his desire, his dominance over Cassie. Cassie is so strong and responsible. She is always doing for others, the idea of someone doing for her, of freeing herself to someone, is something she thought she could never do. Their story is powerful, loving, and desirable. It's encompassing in a way that grips your heart and makes you a believer that Sleeping Beauty was awaken by her prince with that one incredible kiss.

Joey W Hill writes with passion and love. Reading her words, feeling them and believing them are the gifts she gives to her readers. I am able to feel the intensity of all the Knights. I love how they all participate in each other's lives. They are truly one big family that cares and loves one another. I loved seeing young Marcie and her intuition about Ben. I loved how Ben is quite the jokester with the guys. I can't tell you enough how much I love all the Knights of the Board Room.

Joey, you are awesome......


BR with my BA peeps Jxxx and TeriLyn.....we are so looking forward to Peter's story!!

[JaHy☝Hold the Fairy Dust · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can confirm Lucas is indeed the "O"ral master.........Cass is one lucky bitch !

[TeriLyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Every Woman's Fantasy Stars


Lucas Adler makes fantasies come true. Cassandra Moira invites those fantasies. Together they're a fierce couple. Again, I want MORE. Knowing what I know about the Moira family and about Lucas from the books following this I want the finer details of their courtship. There was disappointment here for me with the boardroom ritual and other points I'd like to understand better but overall Controlled Response is another Joey W. Hill story I couldn't put down. The control in her D/s stories, the unequivocal alpha male dominants who so easily fall in love and do anything within their means to see that love through connect the reader to the story full stop. The beginning of this book is a fantasy I can't imagine many erotica reading women haven't had. The fantasy is furthered by the love, care, support with which Lucas guides Cassandra forward.

I've read these books out of order, starting with book five and six before going back to book one and now two. In my opinion, reading books 5 & 6 first gave such a good glimpse into Matt & Lucas that reading their own books enhanced my perception of them. Without knowing where they went I'm not sure I'd of been as engaged in where they came from. Joey W. Hill writes amazing love stories regardless and the Knights of the Boardroom will take your breath away.

[Mo · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good. Of all the glades in all the woods in all the States in all the countries he had to walk into the one she was in.... and then meet up again in a Board room - ok, it is fiction and that is why I read fiction to get into another world. Not sure if I believe in love at first sight, lust maybe but just felt their getting together all came together far too quickly. And with her commitments, he was still willing to give it a go. He is a bigger man them me. Still, it was an enjoyable read. I did not find it overly erotic either .... Will probably read the next one as I already have it but might wait for a price drop for the others as they seem to be quite short books and definitely not worth eight bucks for them.

[Pam Godwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a comprehensive review of the series as a whole.

Good lord, does JH know how to do BDSM in the corporate world. Her creativity with toys shines in this series. Not only is her writing mature, but the deep and complicated interrelationships she draws between her characters suck you in, make you believe there are business men out there, dreaming up suspension systems that retract from the ceiling above their board room tables, all in the name of love. She takes a perverse idea and transforms it into heart-warming passion only she could limn with words.

[Mariana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Lucas, Lucas, Lucas....



Super sexy and interesting. Both of them. I loved Cassie's corset fetish and getting to know more about the guys's relationship with each other.

They are like a pack of wolves, I like that idea very much. Wouldn't mind join the female pack at all :D

[~IreneOust~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

To quote Tina Turner: "Simply THE BEST!"

[Laz the Sailor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noticeably longer than the first book, it includes a bit more back-story and depth for the characters. It's still mostly one long seduction, but there is support for the emotional aspects as well.

I like her Mistresses and Naughty Wishes series better, but these are intense and sexy shorts.

[Taralinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars
I wasn't very excited about this book. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either. It was somewhat repetitive and slow. I didn't feel much of a connection to either Cassandra or Lucas. I actually ended up getting their names confused with other characters. Part of that is due to so many new characters being introduced at once when Cassandra shows up at K&A, but also, the two main characters just weren't that memorable.

Cassandra


Lucas


Cassandra's character wasn't very likable; she came off as cold and suppressed much of the time. I didn't really understand her obsession with corsets either, it was kind of random. I empathized with her reluctance to get into a relationship because of her responsibilities, but it got kind of tiresome after a while, especially considering how selfish she was with Lucas.

Lucas was a very unrealistic character to me. He was just too perfect; patient, understanding, gorgeous, and very sexually skilled. Speaking of sexual, the sex scenes were quite disappointing they were mostly centered around Cassandra and were way too burdened by her emotional conflicts. There was also one scene towards the middle of the book that takes place in the conference room that I did not like at all. I prefer the men in my Erotica to be more possessive and alpha than Lucas was.

My biggest problems were this book were the lack of suspense there was nothing else going on other than the "suspense" of their relationship, Cassandra and Lucas's less than great chemistry, the disappointing sex scenes, and most of all, the insta-love between them. *Sigh*



Yes, they do get their HEA, but it's extremely abrupt. You don't really get the chance to enjoy it.
That being said, this book wasn't a disaster. It was a quick, light basic romance with a little kink.

Just a disclaimer : there are some light Christian undertones. I don't know if this was supposed to be a Christian romance, or if it has something to do with the "Knights of the Boardroom." I really didn't get it.

[☾ Dαɴιyα ☽ · Rating 4 out of 5]

August, 2021

It was lovely getting reacquainted with Lucas and Cassandra's story.


February, 2014

In Controlled Response, another Knight was hit by Cupid's arrow: Lucas Adler, CFO of Kensington & Associates, and, as we learned from Board Resolution, the Knight of the Board Room with a mouth well-versed in giving women pleasure.

Lucas was ready for more. Seeing how Savannah and Matt were happy in their marriage, had made Lucas want something more serious and meaningful for himself.

And sure enough, he found it in a most unusual place. In a most unusual position. One thing's for sure - I will never listen to Hot Blooded the same way again.

Even a month after that brief encounter, Lucas couldn't get that mysterious woman out of his head, so when she walked in their board room, it was time to make sure she became his.
It was time for the Knights to join their forces again, and work their magic on yet another woman.

„The strongest women in the world have the hardest time surrendering. They don't realize when they do it with the right man, the one who cherishes them, it's the most beautiful gift she could ever give him. Her trust. Trust me, Cass, and do as I say.“

Yes, Cass, do as he says!

Besides the romance, it was nice reading about the men together in a more relaxed situation and about them teasing each other. You gotta love the banter between them. But most of all, to see the loyalty and friendship they share. After all, they aren't known as Knights of the Board Room for nothing.

Lucas really did remind me a lot of a knight in shining armor coming to the rescue of the damsel in distress, whether she wanted him to or not. Cassandra, the damsel, was a strong, smart, successful woman, who had dedicated her life to her family, but still she seemed in a need of rescuing.

„Life sucks sometimes, and you need someone who can stand with you. Everyone needs that.“

Now, I'm not a big fan of these couples that after only a few days together start professing their undying love, because I just find it unrealistic, but Lucas made me believe him. Well, he didn't profess his undying love, but he was very determined to make Cassandra his in only two days, and make her make him a part of her life. Even with that previous encounter, everything seemed to be happening very fast, but I guess when you know, you know. Isn't that right, Lucas?

[zoegrl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great sex scenes but i HATE the Manipulation!!!! It's absolutely Unacceptable!!! It's not even attractive! i felt the same way reading the first book. Thought i'd try & see if Maybe this one would be more appropriate. And it wasn't. i'd rather read a slave / kidnapping story where there's a Reason she doesn't have a choice. Non-Con books at least have warnings that tell you when you're about to read that theme!! This is NOT SSC (Safe, Sane & Consensual)

What really bothers me is that a woman somewhere might think any part of this behavior would be acceptable! Only scene he listened to her in was the first one when they met! She said NO & he actually Listened!! Otherwise, She Said NO!! Multiple Times! i don't care for that. Pushing a person you know & love's boundaries are not the same as knowing a person for 2 days & using insecurity & confusion against them!! That Is NOT LOVE!!! i live this lifestyle, if i saw this happening to someone, i'd do my best to protect her/him. Teach them about SSC, bring them to classes to teach them how people treat each other. About how we negotiate a scene! So everyone is on the same page.

Didn't Enjoy!!! Won't read another of this Series. :-(

[Ashin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucas and Cassandra were amazing, with Cassandra being the guardian of her other siblings, and Lucas and stepping up that she can have him and as well keep looking after the kids as well.

Of course he calls the other Knights of the Boardroom, and he has the full supports of their leader Matt as well. This was a nice a read as well.

[BJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The H has a fantasy hookup with h in a forest. They part but dream about each other. They meet again through business and while she is not free to have a relationship, the men work with H to seduce her into admitting her needs. OTT, fun that flirts with non-consensual because the men know more about what women need that the women. The h is definitely eager to proceed.

[Rachael*Caribbean*girl*bibliophile]

This particular shelf of mine is getting a little too big, but I've confirmed that this author's style of writing(at least in this particular series)just isn't for me

[Rachele · Rating 4 out of 5]

that board room scene though

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 4 out of 5]

When it comes to erotic BDSM, Ms. Hill is always on the top of my list. This is an older book that I see I never wrote a review and that is being remedied right now. This book is sexy and shows the power of submissive female. Ms. Hill is one of the earliest authors I read who provided a sex positive BDSM romance. I cannot get enough of her writing.

To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website on

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucas is the next Knight in line to meet his destiny, in this book.
A chance meeting in the wild leaves him reeling with feelings for the blonde woman in her corset and wild eyes.
When she enters their board room as a consultant he gets a second chance to keep her, a chance he won´t waste away.
Cassandra´s got a lot of responsibilities, and her one chance to get away for a break had a surprise ending. Meeting the hot, sweaty cyclist was a fantasy come true, seeing him again, this time in her line of work, a total surprise. But nothing can come of it, even if she´d want more. Or could it?
Smutty fluff and a woman finding the man who can handle her, and her life.

[Veronica · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

Compared to the first book in the Knights of the Board Room series, this book has a lot more plot. While the character development for Savannah was there, but just barely, it was a lot more pronounced for Cass. She's given a history that's traumatic and she's risen through it. It gives everything she's done and doing a purpose.

This book was more about fighting emotions and personal perceptions than sex, compared to book one. It was probably because Cass was in denial and denial can do a lot of things to a person.

I don't really have much to say about the book because neither did I out-and-out love it, but I didn't hate it either.

[Carla ☺Did I Say That☺ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 *Hott Ass* Stars!!!

Yeap... Lucas is that good!!!
*Review to Come*

[Charity · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars for this short erotically romantic story. Again, Joey Hill has managed to create a male character that makes all others out there mere imitations in the alpha male, sexy beast variety. I want THAT guy. Where does he live?!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read #5 first and loved seeing the glimpse of Marcie in this one: "But where does Matt Kensington find you guys? Vegas strip shows?"

Strong female lead who has met her perfect match to partner with.

"You're meant to be appreciated and cherished everyday, just like that sky"

[Gwaxa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know it's a novella, but the lack of an epilogue is seriously bothering me. That in itself is already an indication of an incurable addiction. :)

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soooooo hot!!!

[Gabriela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soooo damn good ! A bit of a hasty finish but good none the less.

[Oleta Blaylock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this story back when it was first published with Ellora's Cave. I didn't realize that there was a reference to Marcus and Thomas, from the Nature of Desire series, in this story. I really enjoyed this story. Lucas and the other members of the Kensington & Associates are the males we seem to want and to love. These men are all alpha male and love women, but they all seem to fall for a woman that really needs something from the male that is attracted to her. I enjoyed the earlier story very much. I also love how they work together to make sure there is a happy ending.

Lucas is so patient with Cassandra (Cassie) Moira. Cassie is so alone. She is trying to raise her six younger siblings, She has also earned her degrees and works for a firm consults on mergers much like Kensington and Associates. I don't think that Cassie really understands how much she needs a person to help with the kids and all that goes into taking care of six kids.

I wouldn't have thought Lucas would be so good with the children. But he wins over each one. He is patient and careful. I also loved that he was willing to take on six children that really need the love of another adult.

This story was sad and intense and heart warming. I love how these men seem to find that one woman that will complete them. Each of them are tough and dominant but they can also be caring and loving. The perfect combination.

Best Quote of the series so far "Where does Matt Kensington find you guys? Vegas strip shows" said to Lucas by Marcie

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a bdsm romance with insta love but reluctantly. Hero chasing heroine basically.

This is the 2nd book from the series and my second read (I read the 5th book first) and it was surprisingly shorter than I expected actually but I did enjoy it. One thing I noticed is that is that this book had passive consent, rather than active consent which is what I'm used to, so it did jolt me little. The romance was sweet but I think it was too short for me to truly fall in love with the characters and their story. The smut was as good as ever though it was leaning more towards vanilla at the end which I didn't expect from a bdsm one. But it worked well enough. Not something I would reread though, and this series is pretty intense so I wouldn't recommend it to those that aren't used to BDSM Romances😅

[MH · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really disappointed with this book.

Lucas doesn’t listen to Cassandra at all, so he breaks the “consent” rule in the D/s world. Ms. Hill builds a mental telepathy kind of consent, and through our view of Cassandra’s thoughts we know she isn’t hard against him not listening, but I was unhappy with it. Also, even though we get to a happy ending, it was really less than even a HFN, because we only get Cass’s formal, verbal surrender to Lucas and the book ends. Cut off nearly mid thought.

I have read almost all Ms. Hill’s non-fantasy (not vampires and mermaids and such) books, and this is the only one I’ve rated less than 5 stars. I hate that it worked out this way. I’ll still continue to read her books.

YMMV.

[RoyalPlaty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Average Read

Trope: Dom/submissive

Slow burn level: oral 9%, 88%. A moment of group involvement, such as another guy sucking her breasts. Another guy nearly kisses her until hero stops them

Hero is a CFO of a company, dominant. He stumbles upon heroine in the woods pleasuring herself and joins her. She is on his thoughts for a month until she shows up in his boardroom.

Heroine is a strong independent woman, parent to her 5 siblings. Wears corsets under her clothing.

Location: Baton Rouge

HEA (no pregnancy). Somewhat abrupt end though

Trigger warnings: difficult childhood, parent with alcoholism.