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The Master Files #1
Master
It is 1995, four years after Ukraine has declared independence.
Lena Petrenko cares little about her country or her miserable life. As the daughter of a racketeer, she has seen enough violence and has shut the whole world out. She lives in her bedroom with her baby doll and immerses herself in fairy tales, creating her own happy endings.
When her father forces her to attend his cage fights, Lena finds herself caught up in the brutality when she is claimed as the winner's trophy. Her terrifying champion is nothing like the prince of her stories. He is every bit the beast and she is hardly a beauty.
Lena soon learns that there is more to this stranger than his hard exterior. He has a dark history and an agenda that somehow involves her, but behind all the muscle beats a tender heart. As she begins to face her own terrible past, she finds him to be an unlikely ally, evoking everything she has buried deep inside, including her passion.
As her feelings for him deepen, Lena finds herself contending once again with a violent world. Now her captor must become her saviour, at the risk of losing each other, or losing their lives.
Strictly Adults only. Contains graphic language and violence, explicit sexual scenes including BDSM elements and anal play.
Lena Petrenko cares little about her country or her miserable life. As the daughter of a racketeer, she has seen enough violence and has shut the whole world out. She lives in her bedroom with her baby doll and immerses herself in fairy tales, creating her own happy endings.
When her father forces her to attend his cage fights, Lena finds herself caught up in the brutality when she is claimed as the winner's trophy. Her terrifying champion is nothing like the prince of her stories. He is every bit the beast and she is hardly a beauty.
Lena soon learns that there is more to this stranger than his hard exterior. He has a dark history and an agenda that somehow involves her, but behind all the muscle beats a tender heart. As she begins to face her own terrible past, she finds him to be an unlikely ally, evoking everything she has buried deep inside, including her passion.
As her feelings for him deepen, Lena finds herself contending once again with a violent world. Now her captor must become her saviour, at the risk of losing each other, or losing their lives.
Strictly Adults only. Contains graphic language and violence, explicit sexual scenes including BDSM elements and anal play.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 8, 2014
104 people are currently reading
579 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Taylor
8 books125 followersCatherine Taylor is an erotic thriller/romance author, actor, poet and script writer from New Zealand.
Her first three books from The Line Trilogy, have been in Amazon’s Top 100 bestselling erotica lists, with her first book The Finest Line going number one in Free Kindle erotica in the US, UK and France.
Catherine is an enthusiastic supporter of Indie authors, and believes that those with a true passion for writing should have every opportunity to present their work to the world.
Her first three books from The Line Trilogy, have been in Amazon’s Top 100 bestselling erotica lists, with her first book The Finest Line going number one in Free Kindle erotica in the US, UK and France.
Catherine is an enthusiastic supporter of Indie authors, and believes that those with a true passion for writing should have every opportunity to present their work to the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
April 24, 2015
I had this originally marked as a one star but no review??? After reading several positive reviews from friends I thought maybe I marked it wrong so I reread it and gave it another chance...
I can see where my initial annoyance was. It has a warning in the blurb about BDSM and graphic sex but the book was extremely light on both. With a title like Master and the clear warning, I did expect something different going in. After a second read (and knowing I wasn't going to get it), I did enjoy the story a bit more. The plot was fast paced and well done but it was ruined for me by the heroine. Lena had a hard life, as did Jahn and pretty much every other character introduced in the book. Still, despite her youth and the hardships she endured, I found I couldn't excuse her whiny behavior, nor could I understand Jahn's attraction to her petulance. She was a woman at times and a little girl at times and her choice didn't seem to be based on any logic I could follow. It was frustrating to read and I found it difficult to believe that a man's of Jahn's obvious intellect, who has never succumbed to love before, would suddenly fall under its spell with a woman/girl like Lena.
I can see where my initial annoyance was. It has a warning in the blurb about BDSM and graphic sex but the book was extremely light on both. With a title like Master and the clear warning, I did expect something different going in. After a second read (and knowing I wasn't going to get it), I did enjoy the story a bit more. The plot was fast paced and well done but it was ruined for me by the heroine. Lena had a hard life, as did Jahn and pretty much every other character introduced in the book. Still, despite her youth and the hardships she endured, I found I couldn't excuse her whiny behavior, nor could I understand Jahn's attraction to her petulance. She was a woman at times and a little girl at times and her choice didn't seem to be based on any logic I could follow. It was frustrating to read and I found it difficult to believe that a man's of Jahn's obvious intellect, who has never succumbed to love before, would suddenly fall under its spell with a woman/girl like Lena.
January 28, 2015
I enjoyed this story a great deal. It felt a lot longer than 347 pages, but maybe that was because I took my time reading it. Not wanting to miss any vital details.
The plot had a lot going on and kept me engaged throughout. I would call this BDSM light, and it almost had a Daddy Dom feel to it. The heroine was very young, nineteen, and the hero close to thirty. When she misbehaved, disobeyed instructions given to keep her safe, she was punished by having her 'bottom' spanked.
My one dislike was 'Greta'. I get why she was in the story but her presence made the heroine even more child like. And when Jahn pampered to her as well, it felt a little icky. I realise this is my issue, so don't let that sway you from reading a very well written story.
I totally intend to check out more stories by this author.
347 pages, BDSM, Dark - Free on Amazon at the time of posting my review.
The plot had a lot going on and kept me engaged throughout. I would call this BDSM light, and it almost had a Daddy Dom feel to it. The heroine was very young, nineteen, and the hero close to thirty. When she misbehaved, disobeyed instructions given to keep her safe, she was punished by having her 'bottom' spanked.
My one dislike was 'Greta'. I get why she was in the story but her presence made the heroine even more child like. And when Jahn pampered to her as well, it felt a little icky. I realise this is my issue, so don't let that sway you from reading a very well written story.
I totally intend to check out more stories by this author.
347 pages, BDSM, Dark - Free on Amazon at the time of posting my review.
October 25, 2014
When you start this story you will think WTF am I reading and that sentiment continued (at times) throughout?
Lena Petrenko is the daughter of a racketeer. She has greasy flat, lifeless hair and she also carries a doll around with her and she stinks - she has head lice, body odour and a urinary tract infection due to not washing. You see that’s not important to her - why bother with mundane things when violence is all she’s s known - racial pride, money, greed and corruption. Lena has seen it all but she believes in fairy tales and is waiting on her prince. He would be handsome, masculine with a stern nature. He would be her lover, and teacher taking charge of her life, making all the wrongs right. She would obey him and if she wasn’t……
Forced to attend a cage fight where any woman married single or whatever, risks being made the champions whore. Lena finds herself the trophy and it handed over to Jahn Zaleski the winner of the fight. Not as man to be trifled with and she soon finds out that he is no prince.
As the story unfolds we find that there is more to Jahn’s hard exterior. He has a dark side and an agenda that involves Lena.
Lena soon develops feeling for Jahn and realizes that behind that tough exterior lies a tender heart but before she finds her happy ending she must face the demons from her past.
The story was quite a surprise - it wasn’t what I anticipated. It had a bit of everything, violence, some BDSM elements, spanking, twists and turns and lies, lots of lies BUT don’t let the title lead you into thinking this is something else - its not and I thought the title was a bit of a misnomer.
Lena Petrenko is the daughter of a racketeer. She has greasy flat, lifeless hair and she also carries a doll around with her and she stinks - she has head lice, body odour and a urinary tract infection due to not washing. You see that’s not important to her - why bother with mundane things when violence is all she’s s known - racial pride, money, greed and corruption. Lena has seen it all but she believes in fairy tales and is waiting on her prince. He would be handsome, masculine with a stern nature. He would be her lover, and teacher taking charge of her life, making all the wrongs right. She would obey him and if she wasn’t……
Forced to attend a cage fight where any woman married single or whatever, risks being made the champions whore. Lena finds herself the trophy and it handed over to Jahn Zaleski the winner of the fight. Not as man to be trifled with and she soon finds out that he is no prince.
As the story unfolds we find that there is more to Jahn’s hard exterior. He has a dark side and an agenda that involves Lena.
Lena soon develops feeling for Jahn and realizes that behind that tough exterior lies a tender heart but before she finds her happy ending she must face the demons from her past.
The story was quite a surprise - it wasn’t what I anticipated. It had a bit of everything, violence, some BDSM elements, spanking, twists and turns and lies, lots of lies BUT don’t let the title lead you into thinking this is something else - its not and I thought the title was a bit of a misnomer.
October 30, 2014
So much more than I expected 4.5 stars.
When I started this book I'd no idea what to expect, I was out and only had my kindle, I was looking for something short and easy so I figured a book called 'Master' would be an easy 50 or so pages and a hot read. Was I mistaken, my first clue came on the first page when Lena was described 'an imbecile, lazy bitch, lice in her hair, fat, doesn't wash, nineteen and still plays with dolls' if Lena was the main character then this was either going to be a much longer book than I first imagined or the least sexy short book ever.
Once I'd started reading I couldn't stop, I didn't even like it at first but I had to find out what on earth was going on and to say this book was a surprise is putting it mildly.
It's set in the Ukraine in 1995 and Lena is living with her father and bitch of a step-mother Vera, all is not well as you can tell from the condition of Lena. Despite her attitude and outward appearance Lena accompanies her racketeering father Dmitri to the weekly cage fights.
Jahn has been working as miner and for the last three months he's attended the fights, staying in the shadows and mixing with the crowd but tonight is different, tonight he's not only stepping out of the shadows but right in to the spotlight and the middle of the cage and when he wins he not only gets the money but he gets the pick of any woman attending but no one, absolutely no one expects him to pick Lena especially Lena herself and this is when the book becomes something more, I mean why would he pick Lena?
This wasn't the short hot read I expected, it was difficult and emotional story with loads of twists and turns, we get a glimpse of what life in the Ukraine was like after independence and for the majority of working people it wasn't good while the ruthless and rich few took everything they could get their hands on, it's hard to explain exactly what you get with this book, it certainly took me by surprise I'll just say you get much more than you'd expect.
Why not 5 stars, Lena annoyed me, I know, I know, I feel mean especially with everything she's been through but what can I say also the ending, I just....as soon as I'd finished I checked to see if there's 'next' book, I couldn't find one and don't get me wrong the endings not bad or a cliffhanger but.....maybe the author finishes all her books this way I don't know it's a first time read for me but I didn't like it and since this is my review and my opinion I'm deducting a star, ok make that half a star.
When I started this book I'd no idea what to expect, I was out and only had my kindle, I was looking for something short and easy so I figured a book called 'Master' would be an easy 50 or so pages and a hot read. Was I mistaken, my first clue came on the first page when Lena was described 'an imbecile, lazy bitch, lice in her hair, fat, doesn't wash, nineteen and still plays with dolls' if Lena was the main character then this was either going to be a much longer book than I first imagined or the least sexy short book ever.
Once I'd started reading I couldn't stop, I didn't even like it at first but I had to find out what on earth was going on and to say this book was a surprise is putting it mildly.
It's set in the Ukraine in 1995 and Lena is living with her father and bitch of a step-mother Vera, all is not well as you can tell from the condition of Lena. Despite her attitude and outward appearance Lena accompanies her racketeering father Dmitri to the weekly cage fights.
Jahn has been working as miner and for the last three months he's attended the fights, staying in the shadows and mixing with the crowd but tonight is different, tonight he's not only stepping out of the shadows but right in to the spotlight and the middle of the cage and when he wins he not only gets the money but he gets the pick of any woman attending but no one, absolutely no one expects him to pick Lena especially Lena herself and this is when the book becomes something more, I mean why would he pick Lena?
This wasn't the short hot read I expected, it was difficult and emotional story with loads of twists and turns, we get a glimpse of what life in the Ukraine was like after independence and for the majority of working people it wasn't good while the ruthless and rich few took everything they could get their hands on, it's hard to explain exactly what you get with this book, it certainly took me by surprise I'll just say you get much more than you'd expect.
Why not 5 stars, Lena annoyed me, I know, I know, I feel mean especially with everything she's been through but what can I say also the ending, I just....as soon as I'd finished I checked to see if there's 'next' book, I couldn't find one and don't get me wrong the endings not bad or a cliffhanger but.....maybe the author finishes all her books this way I don't know it's a first time read for me but I didn't like it and since this is my review and my opinion I'm deducting a star, ok make that half a star.
January 9, 2015
Well written, well edited stand-alone story with no cliffhanger. The author is from New Zealand, so there’s some non-American English slang, but nothing that wouldn’t be understood by the average reader. 4.5 stars, rounded up.
The book description barely touches the surface of this complex romantic suspense. Jason Bourne meets Cherise Sinclair doesn’t begin to describe the complex alpha-male/renaissance man who plucks the female lead from her miserable life, only to discover he’s not sure who rescues whom. The female lead is simultaneously simple and complicated, her story unfolding throughout the book and epitomizes the phrase “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” These two are accompanied by a large cast of multi-faceted characters who lend a tremendous amount of depth to the story.
Complex characters combined with commentary on the fall of the Soviet Union, racial and sexual preference prejudices, ostracization of AIDS victims, human trafficking, domestic discipline and the rise of the oligarchies, all wrapped inside a quest for vengeance, makes for one of the most engaging romantic suspense stories I’ve read.
Recommended to fans of Jason Bourne, MMA, spanking and romantic suspense.
The book description barely touches the surface of this complex romantic suspense. Jason Bourne meets Cherise Sinclair doesn’t begin to describe the complex alpha-male/renaissance man who plucks the female lead from her miserable life, only to discover he’s not sure who rescues whom. The female lead is simultaneously simple and complicated, her story unfolding throughout the book and epitomizes the phrase “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” These two are accompanied by a large cast of multi-faceted characters who lend a tremendous amount of depth to the story.
Complex characters combined with commentary on the fall of the Soviet Union, racial and sexual preference prejudices, ostracization of AIDS victims, human trafficking, domestic discipline and the rise of the oligarchies, all wrapped inside a quest for vengeance, makes for one of the most engaging romantic suspense stories I’ve read.
Recommended to fans of Jason Bourne, MMA, spanking and romantic suspense.
March 5, 2015
Such a captivating book..pulled me in from the get go
and didn't want this one to end.
Jahn and Lena's story is like Cinderella somewhat..there were
fairy tale parts here for me..goofy and silly with the Anal Play
or the Master and Slave; Lena was topping from the bottom.
Love story unfolded beautifully. This reads like a spy novel
delving into the past KGB, assassins,spies, kidnappings.
Jahn was a humanitarian, helping Dylan, the miners, Natasha..gonna miss her.
A lot was going on here, excellent writing.
Jahn and Lena outside her restaurant Lena's Palace..his return.
This is one of the Best books I have read this year..Surprise!!
and didn't want this one to end.
Jahn and Lena's story is like Cinderella somewhat..there were
fairy tale parts here for me..goofy and silly with the Anal Play
or the Master and Slave; Lena was topping from the bottom.
Love story unfolded beautifully. This reads like a spy novel
delving into the past KGB, assassins,spies, kidnappings.
Jahn was a humanitarian, helping Dylan, the miners, Natasha..gonna miss her.
A lot was going on here, excellent writing.
Jahn and Lena outside her restaurant Lena's Palace..his return.
This is one of the Best books I have read this year..Surprise!!
Want to read
February 29, 2024🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/21/2020)! 🎁
April 5, 2018
This book was a complete surprise. A good one! Going into it, with the title "Master", it was not what I expected. At a little over 300 pages, things took a turn pretty much from the very start.
There is a lot going on in this book. Gritty, dark moments, quite a lot of action (the fighting kind), kidnappings, post KGB political corruption, the poverty stricken and oligarchs colliding, sinister shit and more. Then there is the kinky, compassionate Dominant hero and the mistreated, sad, abused girl whom he collects as a "prize" after winning a death match fight. She's no dummy though. Their interactions woven in throughout the story makes for a great page turner.
Definitely intend to check out this author's other books.
There is a lot going on in this book. Gritty, dark moments, quite a lot of action (the fighting kind), kidnappings, post KGB political corruption, the poverty stricken and oligarchs colliding, sinister shit and more. Then there is the kinky, compassionate Dominant hero and the mistreated, sad, abused girl whom he collects as a "prize" after winning a death match fight. She's no dummy though. Their interactions woven in throughout the story makes for a great page turner.
Definitely intend to check out this author's other books.
September 25, 2017
Attention keeping
Moving, interesting and kept me on my toes the entire time. The love scenes were believable and passionate. The suspense made it impossible to put the book down! I enjoyed the scenery clearly described and each character was their own. The twists and turns left me guessing what would happen next and hoping for more of the naughty play!
Moving, interesting and kept me on my toes the entire time. The love scenes were believable and passionate. The suspense made it impossible to put the book down! I enjoyed the scenery clearly described and each character was their own. The twists and turns left me guessing what would happen next and hoping for more of the naughty play!
December 13, 2020
Definitely different from my normal reads although I don’t normally read daddy type books , this piqued my interest, it’s definitely a good read and jahn is delicious and sinister, it’s set in 95 Russia this is definitely dark with plenty of guts and gore with some steamy sex with twists and turns, deceit and manipulation.
Definitely different but I thoroughly enjoyed
Definitely different but I thoroughly enjoyed
October 27, 2014
OMG what a brilliant book the story was so good i cant believe I have Only just read this when ages ago I read the finest line books and now it all fulls into place, I am going to reread them again brilliant books Catherine is such a brilliant writer.
February 2, 2015
Tengo tanto que decir pero seria contarle la historia. Solo dire que es una historia rusa y ya sabemos como terminan esas historias pero fue un buen libro. Bastante obscuro pero para el que le guste tiene una buena historia.
February 15, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. For me...the length was perfect & the ending was decent....unlike a lot I've read here lately. What was refreshing to me....it wasn't another billionaire dom with mommy issues.
August 9, 2015
Good book but disappointed
The book had a good story line and I am sure many people loved it but I am a sucker for an HEA... I hated the ending, I don't consider this a HEA it was a sad end
The book had a good story line and I am sure many people loved it but I am a sucker for an HEA... I hated the ending, I don't consider this a HEA it was a sad end
March 18, 2015
Nop. Not a book I enjoyed. The way it was written was awful ! But the story line was good. Lena drove me crazy and Jahn was ok / ish... lol
June 7, 2021
I honestly couldn’t could this book down. Action, suspense, steam, fight scenes muscles. Oh, and the writing was good too. If I could pull Jahn right out of this book I would but alas fantasising over fictional characters gets you nowhere in life.
At first, I was a little annoyed. Damsel in distress, man comes to save her, erotic scenes to tease the pallet. All well written but typical fare for this type of genre. But as the plot thickens you start to realise the wonder that is Master. Everything fell into place just at the right moments. The motives that drove the characters were relatable. The characters themselves lovable and the writing excellent.
The story never quite went down the path you assumed and this kept the momentum going. I got invested in the story as much as the characters and wanted to see how they fit together as a whole. Lena was much more well rounded than I expected, Jahn was what I expected with a touch more and the side characters gave the book that extra lift into awesomeness.
I especially liked that the book was dark but still managed to be fun. Which more often than not came through in the erotic scenes which were a delight to read. I smiled more than a bit.
The twist and turns of the plot kept you on edge and never left you feeling trapped in your usual erotic novel. And just when you thought it was all figured out another twist lands in your lap. It takes you into those dark places and makes you feel perfectly okay to go there, without shying away from the emotional pain such darkness can entail. You feel reading this book when bad things happened because it gets you that invested in it.
It hit all the points, and executed well what I would expect from a good suspense thriller and blended that seamlessly with the erotic tones of the novel making Master beautiful. I would definitely recommend this and look forward to the following books in the series. Especially if they hold the tattooed awesomeness that is Jahn.
review written for www.readingismydrug.com
At first, I was a little annoyed. Damsel in distress, man comes to save her, erotic scenes to tease the pallet. All well written but typical fare for this type of genre. But as the plot thickens you start to realise the wonder that is Master. Everything fell into place just at the right moments. The motives that drove the characters were relatable. The characters themselves lovable and the writing excellent.
The story never quite went down the path you assumed and this kept the momentum going. I got invested in the story as much as the characters and wanted to see how they fit together as a whole. Lena was much more well rounded than I expected, Jahn was what I expected with a touch more and the side characters gave the book that extra lift into awesomeness.
I especially liked that the book was dark but still managed to be fun. Which more often than not came through in the erotic scenes which were a delight to read. I smiled more than a bit.
The twist and turns of the plot kept you on edge and never left you feeling trapped in your usual erotic novel. And just when you thought it was all figured out another twist lands in your lap. It takes you into those dark places and makes you feel perfectly okay to go there, without shying away from the emotional pain such darkness can entail. You feel reading this book when bad things happened because it gets you that invested in it.
It hit all the points, and executed well what I would expect from a good suspense thriller and blended that seamlessly with the erotic tones of the novel making Master beautiful. I would definitely recommend this and look forward to the following books in the series. Especially if they hold the tattooed awesomeness that is Jahn.
review written for www.readingismydrug.com
July 7, 2017
Master is the fourth book of this series and it's absolutely amazing!
I got the impression that Mrs. Taylor invested a lot of work and research into this book.
And she did well. - Mrs. Taylor you`re an amazing author! Thank you so much for this wonderfull
book.
In "Master" you get the back story of a certain blue eyed person you already met in the Line Series.
I don`t want to spoil something, so I'll not reveal to much of the story line.
Instead I'll give you my POV of this book:
This book is different than the Line Series. It contains much more violence, complicated political enmeshments and a network of intrigues. It gives us a good insight how certain events in our past could shape a person.
But it also showed us how important it is to share/create a good few memories (How else can you survice the hell?). Jahn and Lena did just that. They grounded each other and cared for each other. Sadly the here and now was not on their side. Jahn had to submerse without leaving traces and left the country permanently.
Honestly, I shed a few tears as I finished this book (I`m hopelessly romantic). Now I'm hoping that these two lovers will find each other again. ... - And in choosing the land of his new home country... I`m certain that Jahn hopes this too (Also he would probably never admit it.).
I got the impression that Mrs. Taylor invested a lot of work and research into this book.
And she did well. - Mrs. Taylor you`re an amazing author! Thank you so much for this wonderfull
book.
In "Master" you get the back story of a certain blue eyed person you already met in the Line Series.
I don`t want to spoil something, so I'll not reveal to much of the story line.
Instead I'll give you my POV of this book:
This book is different than the Line Series. It contains much more violence, complicated political enmeshments and a network of intrigues. It gives us a good insight how certain events in our past could shape a person.
But it also showed us how important it is to share/create a good few memories (How else can you survice the hell?). Jahn and Lena did just that. They grounded each other and cared for each other. Sadly the here and now was not on their side. Jahn had to submerse without leaving traces and left the country permanently.
Honestly, I shed a few tears as I finished this book (I`m hopelessly romantic). Now I'm hoping that these two lovers will find each other again. ... - And in choosing the land of his new home country... I`m certain that Jahn hopes this too (Also he would probably never admit it.).
May 11, 2017
This book contains sex and violence. It has the ability to transport one out of comfort zones. On the whole, it is well-written and moves along at a steady pace. The characters are weird and unusual, so much so, that they are not entirely believable, but their acts are. The story is unpredictable and has the ability to hold one's attention until the end. There is a hook in the final chapter, despite that, it can easily be read as a stand-alone story.
August 26, 2020
Gripping
Not what I had expected from the write up. Good characters, although I felt Lena could have done with a good shaking at times. The ending was not as predictable as most, making it hard to put down. Would recommend.
Not what I had expected from the write up. Good characters, although I felt Lena could have done with a good shaking at times. The ending was not as predictable as most, making it hard to put down. Would recommend.
June 28, 2019
The story started good but I could not finish it at 12%
February 20, 2014
This is a PS Naughty Review request:
I have to say this might be the first book I’ve wanted to give a higher rating than a 5. I was little put off as I read in the beginning that it wasn’t the first of the series and surprised that the author would ask me to read this one first.
So the book, I was a little confused initially, but the story quickly came into view. You learn quite a lot and I was almost scolding the author- “you gave too much away” haha Much to my surprise, the tables would turn by the end, but I am getting far ahead of myself.
I fell in love with Jahn immediately, and how could you not. I think everyone would love to find a man that has his protective qualities that are never crossing the line of condescension. And Lena breaks down his exterior, shattering what he thought he was.
There are a boatload of characters, but each has its place and sometimes I thought, this was expected and others I was surprised. So the twists and turns will lead you around to new and intriguing characters.
This is an author that makes you fall in love with some the characters and want to read more about them. As much as I hated the ending, it’s not one that will make you toss your Kindle against the wall.
There is POV/head hopping, but she has a knack of doing it exquisitely. My only crit if you could call it that, is that it is set in Ukraine and the author is from England. So the dialog slips into “English words”; for example: ‘arse’, ‘boot’ – for a car, and other slang. It’s not enough to make me rate the book less, but perhaps something to think about when writing dialog for other countries.
I really hope people pick up this book. I will certainly be recommending it to a group that I know would enjoy it. I promise you will be happy reading this one my friends!
I have to say this might be the first book I’ve wanted to give a higher rating than a 5. I was little put off as I read in the beginning that it wasn’t the first of the series and surprised that the author would ask me to read this one first.
So the book, I was a little confused initially, but the story quickly came into view. You learn quite a lot and I was almost scolding the author- “you gave too much away” haha Much to my surprise, the tables would turn by the end, but I am getting far ahead of myself.
I fell in love with Jahn immediately, and how could you not. I think everyone would love to find a man that has his protective qualities that are never crossing the line of condescension. And Lena breaks down his exterior, shattering what he thought he was.
There are a boatload of characters, but each has its place and sometimes I thought, this was expected and others I was surprised. So the twists and turns will lead you around to new and intriguing characters.
This is an author that makes you fall in love with some the characters and want to read more about them. As much as I hated the ending, it’s not one that will make you toss your Kindle against the wall.
There is POV/head hopping, but she has a knack of doing it exquisitely. My only crit if you could call it that, is that it is set in Ukraine and the author is from England. So the dialog slips into “English words”; for example: ‘arse’, ‘boot’ – for a car, and other slang. It’s not enough to make me rate the book less, but perhaps something to think about when writing dialog for other countries.
I really hope people pick up this book. I will certainly be recommending it to a group that I know would enjoy it. I promise you will be happy reading this one my friends!
October 16, 2015
****Possible Spoilers****Stop if you have not read the Line Crossed Series.
Ok so I finished this book and am a bit confused by the end. I thought that when we met Dylan in A Line Crossed and again in A Line Drawn that Lena was with him. I remember Mairead making comments about a girl who seem childlike and that if Dylan could love it would be her. I also remember so reference to a young black girl, which would make sense after reading about Greta. I could have swoon that was Lena. (granted it has been awhile since I read the Line Crossed series) So the end to this book left me a bit confused. However I did see when I pulled up the authors page that a new book has been added, Sins of the Master, which takes place 19 years after this book, which is after the Line Crossed series ends. I am hoping that book will explain what is missing.
Other then that, I really enjoyed the book. It was interesting to see who Jahn was before he made his appearance in the other books. It cleared up some questions about him from the those books. I also liked Lena. I am not sure what it was about her but when she was with Jahn she seemed to gain strength and courage. I liked them together.
Ok so I finished this book and am a bit confused by the end. I thought that when we met Dylan in A Line Crossed and again in A Line Drawn that Lena was with him. I remember Mairead making comments about a girl who seem childlike and that if Dylan could love it would be her. I also remember so reference to a young black girl, which would make sense after reading about Greta. I could have swoon that was Lena. (granted it has been awhile since I read the Line Crossed series) So the end to this book left me a bit confused. However I did see when I pulled up the authors page that a new book has been added, Sins of the Master, which takes place 19 years after this book, which is after the Line Crossed series ends. I am hoping that book will explain what is missing.
Other then that, I really enjoyed the book. It was interesting to see who Jahn was before he made his appearance in the other books. It cleared up some questions about him from the those books. I also liked Lena. I am not sure what it was about her but when she was with Jahn she seemed to gain strength and courage. I liked them together.
October 25, 2014
Powerful, compelling, shocking!
Intense riveting story about a boy's survival after his family is savagely murdered by the KGB.
As the pages unfold I am shocked at the atrocities committed in order to survive yet couldn't stop reading it.
Not my usual carefree romance but I couldn't put down until I read the last word. That being said it was not the ending I would have wished for but none the less the novel was wonderfully written and kept me glued to the text until the very end. It had all the elements of a good read with me crying and laughing.
Could be made into a James Bond movie with all the action.
Would I read another novel by the author and I can honestly say I don't know. To me it was written more, towards what my husband likes to read and watch with harsh realities.
I will tell you this that this book is something I will never forget.
If you like thrillers, suspense, intrigue and sabotage then this is a novel for you.
Intense riveting story about a boy's survival after his family is savagely murdered by the KGB.
As the pages unfold I am shocked at the atrocities committed in order to survive yet couldn't stop reading it.
Not my usual carefree romance but I couldn't put down until I read the last word. That being said it was not the ending I would have wished for but none the less the novel was wonderfully written and kept me glued to the text until the very end. It had all the elements of a good read with me crying and laughing.
Could be made into a James Bond movie with all the action.
Would I read another novel by the author and I can honestly say I don't know. To me it was written more, towards what my husband likes to read and watch with harsh realities.
I will tell you this that this book is something I will never forget.
If you like thrillers, suspense, intrigue and sabotage then this is a novel for you.
January 9, 2015
I think starting this out, I was cringing to the high heavens. The first few pages spells it out clearly enough. Well done to the author, because even with the grittier moments, I didn't put the book down for the 2 and a half hours it took me to read. The hotness didn't do a whole hell of a lot for me, but that was more the fact I'm not into a heroine with daddy issues, I suppose. That's not to say the sex scenes weren't well written, because they were. It's just not my thing. I didn't read it for the sex, anyway. The plot held the story all on its own.
Seriously ... great job. I knocked it down a star because formatting issues. No breaks between chapters. Some messes here and there with punctuation. It was a bit distracting, but easily fixed.
I'm officially calling this one of my top five mind fuck reads of this year.
Seriously ... great job. I knocked it down a star because formatting issues. No breaks between chapters. Some messes here and there with punctuation. It was a bit distracting, but easily fixed.
I'm officially calling this one of my top five mind fuck reads of this year.
May 19, 2015
Not sure why this is mainly shelved as BDSM/Erotica. It deals with a lot of politics, suspense, with a side of romance (very light BDSM/erotica with rushed sex scenes). The book seemed so long (due to my extreme disinterest in reading about politics) and I wasn't very satisfied at the end. It seemed like things were left up in the air, was an abrupt ending, main characters did not end up together, and as if there should be more. I don't think there's another book to continue on with the story, but if there is, I probably won't read it unless it's a SHORT epilogue wrapping everything up.
Overall, it's not a bad book per se, but I did not choose this book just to read about politics with a little side of erotica.
Overall, it's not a bad book per se, but I did not choose this book just to read about politics with a little side of erotica.
December 21, 2014
Oh Yes MASTER! 5 enjoyed the hell out this stars.
I think from reading other reviews this is a love it or hate it read - well I am firmly in the former category, I'm not saying it's perfect but I just couldn't get enough.
Set in the underbelly of Ukraine in 1995, I get the impression the writer researched this topic well, a dark D/s romance with a tonne of political intrigue and a race paced narrative. The ending...., I suppose I can't complain even though I want to.
Just one more thing - Please MASTER may I have another????!!!!!
I think from reading other reviews this is a love it or hate it read - well I am firmly in the former category, I'm not saying it's perfect but I just couldn't get enough.
Set in the underbelly of Ukraine in 1995, I get the impression the writer researched this topic well, a dark D/s romance with a tonne of political intrigue and a race paced narrative. The ending...., I suppose I can't complain even though I want to.
Just one more thing - Please MASTER may I have another????!!!!!
January 17, 2015
Intriguing tale
A New Zealand writer, writing a story about Russian love. I wasn't sure to start with, but once I got into the story I really enjoyed it.
It focuses on Lena, the daughter of a small time crook, and Jahn, a man on a mission.
Lena is the granddaughter of a Russian mobster, and Kahn knows just how to get what he wants. What he doesn't anticipate is the relationship that develops between him and Lena.
This story delves into the BDSM lifestyle with interesting characters along the way, like Natasha, Kahn's best friend.
A New Zealand writer, writing a story about Russian love. I wasn't sure to start with, but once I got into the story I really enjoyed it.
It focuses on Lena, the daughter of a small time crook, and Jahn, a man on a mission.
Lena is the granddaughter of a Russian mobster, and Kahn knows just how to get what he wants. What he doesn't anticipate is the relationship that develops between him and Lena.
This story delves into the BDSM lifestyle with interesting characters along the way, like Natasha, Kahn's best friend.
February 21, 2015
5 stars because this is the first adult novel I've read that doesn't get sidetracked by the sex. I loved how the events unfolded and how real the society they lived in seemed. I loved the characters and how they all interconnected one way or the other. I can't pinpoint which part was my favorite because I loved the whole story! The ending wasn't what I expected but, com'mon, it was reasonable and something that no doubt would happen in real life (in my opinion at least). Sometimes you have to let things be when there is no other possibility.
October 11, 2015
Well, that was more than I expected
This book is INTENSE.
Sure, there's some pretty epic sex, & some very detailed punishments.
There's also a lot of emotional upheaval, violence, death, & hard choices.
I wish Lena & Jahn got to spend more time together.
Two issues:
1 - most Māori aren't all that dark; fitzherbert scale 3-4, usually.
2 - NZ is GREENER than the UK. Less inhabited, less cleared, more bush. Lots & lots of green.
I want more of Jahn, & more of Lena. They're both crazily strong people. I'd love to see her find him.
This book is INTENSE.
Sure, there's some pretty epic sex, & some very detailed punishments.
There's also a lot of emotional upheaval, violence, death, & hard choices.
I wish Lena & Jahn got to spend more time together.
Two issues:
1 - most Māori aren't all that dark; fitzherbert scale 3-4, usually.
2 - NZ is GREENER than the UK. Less inhabited, less cleared, more bush. Lots & lots of green.
I want more of Jahn, & more of Lena. They're both crazily strong people. I'd love to see her find him.
November 24, 2014
Absolutely loved this book and got quite emotional towards the end of reading it.
It made me think of a chrysalis evolving into a butterfly, as one of the main protagonist's Lena, flowers. I won't give anymore spoilers than this.
A very well deserved 5 * review from myself, I look forward to reading more books by this author
It made me think of a chrysalis evolving into a butterfly, as one of the main protagonist's Lena, flowers. I won't give anymore spoilers than this.
A very well deserved 5 * review from myself, I look forward to reading more books by this author
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