She thought she was securing her future. He's turning the page on her past. To save her legacy, she'll say 'I do.'
To expose the truth, so will he.
Cora
Inheriting my late father’s publishing empire is all I’ve ever wanted, except there’s a catch—marry a husband within the year to secure my claim.
Enter Sterling Montgomery—a charming new employee offering the perfect solution: a marriage of convenience. But the more time I spend with him, the harder it is to remember this isn’t real.
Can I secure my future without losing my heart?
Sterling
Blackwell Publishing is my target. Vengeance for my mother, served ice-cold. One fake marriage proposal later, I'm in. But with every touch my plan unravels.
Cora is my temptation, my impossible choice—gorgeous with fierce mind and intoxicating vulnerability. I came to burn her world to the ground. Instead I’m the one in flames.
If there's anything Lasairiona can do, it's the perfect blend of hot spice, real emotions, and vulnerability. Cora and Sterling are fantastic, and I couldn't stop reading. I also loved the roles each character played. Cora was a domme while Sterling was a switch, and I enjoyed those dynamics. Another thing about Lasairiona's books is the fierce friendships. Not only do all the female characters go to bat for one another, but the male ones do as well. I've been reading this series since day one and it's so great to see the world expand into something so lovely. I wish the third-act conflict didn't have to happen, but I also know it made sense in this context. That's why I loved both epilogues so much; they helped both characters feel finished and developed. Overall, I can't wait for the next book and I'm in for whatever Lasairiona writes! Thank you to her for providing the ARC!
So here’s honest review ( as an arc reader) Honestly this book was enjoyable but gave me wattpad book vibes - not in a bad way at all. I feel honoured to have been chosen to read this book ( thank you to love notes pr and the author for choosing me .
I absolutely love cora! Cora a hot fmc who is a domme too ( a hot dominant woman who is also a ceo I need more of those . ). Then we have stirling a switch ( who in Cora and stirling’s relationship is the submissive . Now this book is one where I could see what the 3rd act conflict would be from that start . I knew there would be a 3rd act breakup but when I saw it was relatively resolved quickly without a huge amount of pettiness involve it wasn’t so bad .
This book has lgbtqia+ rep - STIRLING IS BI AND PHOENIX THE FMCS BEST FRIEND IS A LEsbian.
This book does actually have a 3 some in and it’s kinda hot ( it’s not an mfm book though.
This is a BDSM book - there’s BDSM - Theres a BDSM club there’s a sub/domme relationship.
This is also a marriage of convenience in this book!! The mmc for some reason has a revenge plan ( idk why he didn’t just ask the fmc if she was aware that her dad raped his mom . Like why didn’t he tell her about it . It would have avoided the 3rd act conflict ( since when she did know about it and did realise that what her dad did was true - she did everything to help the victims etc like she made sure to NOT ASSOICATE WITH HER DAD ANymore. Like so idk why he didn’t just tell her .
The Marriage of convenience tbh didn’t really feel like one but yeahb!!!
Also like the secret identity plot line of this book is cus she intiallh lies about her name to him .
For most of this book it gave 3.5 star vibes but the end made me have to give it 4 stars
I was so grateful to be sent an arc for Resist and even through initially I was drawn to the tropes and the blurb while reading I just discovered it wasn’t for me.
This is absolutely nothing on the author and just came down to my personal preferences. The characters were amazing I loved the plot and the chemistry between the MC’s was off the charts and can’t forget the spice also their first meeting has to be one of my favourites!
Cora has been trained to take over her father’s publishing empire. Now the time has come, and Cora hasn’t ever more than ready. However, what she didn’t count on, is that her father put a stipulation in his will. So now Cora must figure out how to find a husband in just a few months, or lose what is her right. Under slight pressure, she decides to join her best friends to a night out, in Protocol. Even if she isn’t in the right mood to participate what Protocol is known for, to please her friends, she just goes. There she meets Sterling, the Dungeon Master of the night. And despite her initial thoughts, something just ignites. But what Cora doesn’t know, is that Sterling just secured a job at Blackwell Publishing, part of his mission to avenge what happened to his mother. He wants to bring down the people that hurt his mother. When he realizes that the woman he just met, is the daughter of the man he despises the most, can he go on with his plan? And one fake proposal later, does he still want to burn the place down, even if it’s him in flames for the woman who won’t let him in?
The Protocol Series is a special kind of series. You are into it, or you are not. It can be that it’s not your cup of tea, and that’s okay. For me, it was clear from the first book that I was in for it, even if some things weren’t my thing. But not completely liking every little bit in a book doesn’t mean that you cannot enjoy the bigger picture and the journey the characters are going through.
Luckily for me, there wasn’t one bit I didn’t like in this book. On the contrary, I loved every bit of it! Well, whenever it concerned the sparks between Cora and Sterling, and their journey. Because the story of Cora’s father and Sterling’s mother made my blood boil…
What I absolutely liked, was the power and strength that emanates from Cora. Not only is she a strong woman careerwise. She knows that she wants to run Blackwell Publishing, and she knows how she wants to run it. Even if the stipulation in her father’s will may jeopardize her plans, she isn’t someone that gives up easily.
Yet we also see a vulnerability in Cora. Because losing her father, her hero, hit harder than she would have thought. And beside this strong woman, we see a young woman mourning, trying to find her strength back.
I was happy for her that she has a few friends. Her friends may not count a lot in number, but even in friendship it is a fact that quality matters over quantity. And her friends may be different in character, yet there is a bond that nothing can break. Only the best kind of friends can bring you out of the dark with some gently and not so gently persuading.
Despite Protocol being what is it, even for me, the rather not so experimental kind of girl, Protocol feels like a safe haven. No matter what you are into, or what you aren’t into, Protocol is the place that accepts you, doesn’t judge you for who you are. The place is exactly what Cora needs right now, even if she doesn’t want to participate, and she just want to ‘be’.
It’s often that when there are very strong main characters, when the ‘action’ takes place, they are more submissive, wanting to let go of the control. And that is what I loved about Cora, because who she is on the outside, is who she also is on the inside. She never gives control out of hand, she needs to be in control all the time. She is the domme in this book, and I was curious, eager even, to read who would be able to satisfy Cora.
Sterling initially didn’t seem to me to be the right man. But that is all my fault, as I am not so known in this specific world, and it seemed strange to me that a Dungeon Master like Sterling could be the sub that Cora is seeking.
But Sterling is not just a normal sub. It felt to me that he takes the role that is needed. He feels what is needed and he adapts to it. He is the kind of person that gives. However at the same time, he is also very protective… He wants to avenge his mother, who has been hurt in the past and is still carrying that burden. I could understand his mission, and I admired him for it. But when he meets Cora, we see a change in him. He still wants to pursue his plans, but Cora makes him question it. Because he knows that going for revenge, will be hurting Cora in the end.
It was easy to devour this book, and that is not only because of the spice. But because we see how two characters find each other, while they shouldn’t. We see a Cora forced to going along with a fake proposal, to gain what should be rightfully hers. But we also see a Cora that has closed off her heart for too long, and slowly is letting Sterling in. We see how sometimes no matter how short of a time you know someone, how they can impact your life, and that no matter how scary it can be in such a short time, that person may be what you need. We see also a Cora devastated learning some truths. But also a Cora wanting to do the right thing. While by her side is a loyal Sterling, with struggles and dilemmas of his own.
This book captures reality perfectly, at least that is what I think about it. Because it’s not easy to open up your heart to someone new. It’s difficult to let someone in when you have to be this strong, independent person. But the right person can come and will not only be able to bring down those high walls, but will also be able to bring joy in your life. And even succeed in things that you normally achieve only on your own by showing patience and determination to get the wished outcome (wink – wink 😊) .
Las had extremely high, almost impossibly expectations to reach. But once again she achieved them so easily! And for that, she has my unconditional love and appreciation, as she is able to write sexy stories, strong characters, journeys that touch you and yes, even teach me a few things 😊.
Resist, the third book in the Protocol series by Lasairiona Lewis, is a thrilling, emotional rollercoaster that balances steamy romance, raw emotions, and strong character dynamics. As with other books in this series, the world Lewis creates is layered with vulnerability, respect, and deep connections between characters, making it a standout among contemporary romances.
Cora, the fierce and unapologetically dominant FMC, was an absolute joy to read. As a CEO and a Domme, she breaks stereotypes, proving that powerful women can own their strength both in the boardroom and the bedroom. Her counterpart, Sterling, a switch who takes on the submissive role in their dynamic, brings a refreshing twist to traditional romance tropes. Their chemistry is electrifying, and their relationship feels authentic, even as they navigate a marriage of convenience and the secrets that threaten to destroy their trust.
The third-act conflict was predictable but handled with maturity. Sterling's revenge-driven motivation felt a bit frustrating, especially since an honest conversation could have prevented the fallout. However, the resolution was satisfying, and the dual epilogues gave a sense of closure that left me smiling.
Lewis doesn't shy away from tackling heavy themes, weaving them seamlessly into the narrative without overshadowing the romance. The friendships in this series, particularly among the female characters, are a highlight, adding depth and warmth to the story. And as always, the spice level is off the charts, with well-written kink dynamics that feel both respectful and sizzling.
If you're a fan of strong heroines, unique power dynamics, and a touch of angst, Resist will not disappoint. Lasairiona Lewis continues to deliver compelling, one-of-a-kind stories that leave readers eager for more. This is a must-read for fans of the series and a great incentive to start from the beginning if you're new to this world.
This is book 3 in the Protocol Series by Laisairiona Lewis (I mean, I could argue that it's really book 4 if we include Two For Boarding in the mix since that book is where we were first introduced to the club and characters.)
This book tells the story of Sterling - Protocol's lead Dungeon Master, and Cora, heiress to a publishing legacy and BFFs with our favourite club mistress Phoenix.
When we meet them both, neither is in the best space, Cora recently lost her father and has an interesting requirement to meet if she is to step into her father's position at the publishing house. Sterling has just learned some news that had rocked his world.
Their journey together isn't an easy one, and there are secrets and insecurities that don't exactly make it smooth sailing, but we root for them to figure it out anyway. How could we not when they are such a hot couple. Cora as a badass Domme is what I never knew I needed in a book, and the spice is spicy.....
I love seeing the development of Cora as the book progresses, even when it comes because of some devastating hurt, and Sterling's journey is just as relatable and understandable as he is frustrating at times.
I really love this world that Laisairiona Lewis has created, there's a comfort in how loving, respectful and fiercely protective of each other these characters are as well as the safety and shelter they create for each other. I simultaneously cannot wait for Slade and Paige's story but also almost never want to see it come to fruition as I suspect that will be the end of the series and I'm almost selfish enough to wish for the author to just keep churning the stories in this world out forever
Resist has to be my top fave of this series. Cora and Sterling story was absolutely brilliant. The chemistry between them was outstanding. I just couldn’t get enough of them.
Cora is to inherit her family legacy but to do so she needs to wed to get full control. Let’s just say when Sterling learns this he offers his services. He does have personal motives behind this decision. But once their relationships turns into more of marriage of convenience everything is put into the line. Not just for Cora but for Sterling as well. I don’t want to give anything away but this story is worth reading. Secrets and lies are revealed and nothing will be the same.
Resist had everything, banter between her girls friends and Sterling. The kink, and the steam was off the charts. It was good to see a women in control not just in a work place but also in the bedroom. I truly enjoyed this book so much, this world just keeps getting better with each couple.
Lasairiona always write relatable characters. I big loved Cora in this one. The strength and determination she has to go after what she wants is admirable, and then you add in the vulnerability as her entire world crumbles and how she learns to rely on others and pick herself back up with a little help from her friends and you have yourself a story you cannot put down. I loved her character development throughout the book as she picks herself up and dusts herself off only to fall apart at the seams and be stitched together again with the help of her new family. I also love Sterling in this. When his motive for marrying Cora is first revealed, I was stunned. I appreciate him owning up to his actions both to Cora and his family, and how they both come together to heal and move forward.
This book has some harsh topics that it covers, and the way it is written really brings those emotions surrounding these topics to life. I felt all those emotions along with the characters because of how well it is written. There is some serious steam between the pages as well. I always love how other characters make an appearance- they are like hidden Easter eggs within the pages so if you hadn’t already read Thor and Adi (control) or Jagger and Talia (Obey) or even Austin and Kenzie’s (Two for Boarding) stories, now you have another book to read! Looking forward to the next in the series.
This book was gripping, I lost sleep, I was late for work, I just couldn’t put it down. There was extra drama. There was delicious spice, sexual tension, we should but we can’t help ourselves. It was a delicious book that I will happily read again and again. This series is Amazon. The way that the kink is approached and handled. It’s raw, it’s true. Everyone makes mistakes, sometimes emotions overwhelm and you forget responsibility. The drama though! The fake marriage. The everything! Chefs kiss, truly! Cora and Sterling might be my favorites from the series… at least until the next book 👀
It’s 23:31 in the evening and I have to be up in 4 and a half hours but I could not put down this book after 50%!
I had to know how they were going to deal with *the secret* what would happen to our couple who were very clearly not fake from the get go!!
Add to that absolute hook of a premise, the pitch perfect amount of spice and Lasairona’s ability to weave heart, vulnerability and filth together and you get a great book, and a very sleepy Aj who has to go to work soon 😫.
I can’t wait to go back and read the rest of the series now.
This was my first book by this author, but I’m definitely going to read the first two in the series. I loved Sterling and Cora's dynamic and how she was the Dom and he was the sub. The spicy scenes were GOOD too.
🖤Hidden Identity 🖤BDSM 🖤Workplace Romance 🖤He falls first 🖤FMC Dom/ MMC Sub 🖤Marriage of Convenience 🖤Opposites Attract
Lasairiona McMaster I fucking love Cora! Thank you once again for allowing me to read for you! Let me tell you if you LOVE a badass FMC that's confident enough to take on a business and cocky ass men GET INTO THIS!.. Now unlike the other books in the protocol series I welcome a non dominant man too! It's good to see the switch in this world! Oh and fake marriage I love that shit bc we all know it's never fake in the end! 🤭
As you can probably tell from the Blurb this story is all about Cora and Sterling, and they are the third book in Lasairiona’s ‘Protocol’ series. Which if I’m honest this reader has been truly loving and this instalment was no different. Now Cora and Sterling’s story is told over the course of 40 Chapters as well as an Epilogue. The tropes that can be found in this book are secret identity, marriage of convenience, workplace romance, BDSM/Kink and opposites attract. Now whether you like all these tropes or only a couple, I would suggest giving this book a go. I was addicted to this story and these characters from the moment I opened it up. At to be completely honest with you guys I was entering a bit of a reading slump but this book reminded me exactly why I love to read. Let’s take a look at the characters, first up is our female lead Cora, now she is a boss b**** and knows exactly what she wants. She is a strong female character who goes after what she wants. Cora is a Dominate and I loved to see this. I know books will describe their female characters as strong leads but I feel like Lasairiona broke the mould with Cora. When I tell you she is exactly the kind of character I will always think of when people say they want a boss a** b****. Sterling is very much the opposite from Cora, hence the opposites attract trope. Although he is the man of his family, you do not often see that side in his everyday life. He is sensitive and not afraid to own his feelings. In the BDSM world he is a switch, which means he can be either a dominant or subordinate. I will admit I haven’t read a lot of books that have that feature in their male lead. Which means this book is refreshing and makes me love this story even more. Now the plot for the story itself will have readers routing for both sides. As I said previously Starling is the man of his family and in this book he wants to right an injustice that was done to his mum. Cora on the other hand is trying to come back from grief of her last remaining family member. As readers watch this story unfold, and secrets become uncovered they will find themselves not knowing whose side to be on but also just hoping that this pair can figure things out to find their Happy Ever After. Now I can’t write this review without mentioning that this book does have a trigger warning page. Please I beg all readers to take note of what is written here and do not read the book if it will affect you in a negative way. The author does write with sensitivity about the mentioned subjects but please be careful. Overall I fell in love with not only this story but also Cora and Sterling. I am always stunned and appreciative whenever Lasairiona releases a new book and somehow out does herself every time. This book is certainly no exception in my eyes. You can tell the research is there in the topics mentioned but also the well developed characters. One thing I will always mention with this series and others that Lasairiona writes is that we also get an update on our past couples, possible future couples. All of which I love seeing and hearing about. Though do not let that stop you if you haven’t touched this series yet. Just be prepared that if this is the first book you read, it probably won’t be your last.
Wow! This book was sublime reading.Hot, Hot….I’m undone with this great book as I read in my favourite nook. Speaking of nook ,the bounce about up and down , under the covers and lovers kind , sublime , I was hooked I especially loved it when they hooked up. Fake ?is it heck! But who comes to whose beck and holler? It matters not ,I sure was under the collar ,cuff too 😉 the threesome woohoo, only a little glance but all the same ,not to mention would be a shame as it’s an awesome dance. Anyway…the plot , oh yes it’s got heat but it is an awesome love story too. A marriage of convenience ,it may be but the more time together it’s hard to remember it’s not a permanent tether. It’s a shame because with him she’s slain without refrain she wants, no needs him again and again! She has to marry within a year to lay claim to her father’s publishing empire . Enter Sterling Montgomery and of course he does ahem again and again and filled with lust but can she trust him as he thrusts in it’s hard to believe ,this isn’t real. SHE sure has all the feels.He’s out for vengeance and best served cold . It’s for his mother so he must be bold. He’s there to burn but it was supposed to be her business , not his flames torched . And lit ,never to be doused out with all of it… There’s a bit of an hiccup that could have been dealt ,if they’d only been honest I felt . Would resolution be found …to make it all sound? He’s undone at her beauty and tight sweet ass, her sweet vulnerability and more. He fancies the pants off her literally because on the floor he’d rather they stay . phwoar! Mercy me I’m having another flush . I’m gonna blush especially down below at my core. I’m not complaining keep it up you pair I mean you three oh bugger me…..🫠🥵 Needless to say , I enjoyed this hard hitting and vulnerable romance , loved all the angst and the dance,the romance and the heat. I sure love Lasairiona Lewis’s writing it’s always complete and her characters compete to take charge. And at each other they’re fully charged. Love the writing style ,makes me smile . The storytelling is off the chart and sure has heart. Taking such complex characters , laying them bare ,so many a layer to delve in and find . This is why her stories blow my mind . Neat and has heat my favourite kind.
Trigger Warnings include: sexual violence, rape, and assault referred to throughout but acts are not on page; grief and depression; mentions of a parent dying from cancer; a Dom/sub dynamic that involves: a sub-leaning-switch, other people, voyeurism, exhibitionism, toys, wax play, rope play, pegging, edging/teasing, and some scenes occurring in a sex/kink club
Sterling and Cora are YUMMY and have my bi-flag violently blowing in the wind! Cora is everything I love in a FMC, and Sterling is the perfect “other half” for her! They’re the perfect mix, and the right fit that they both need! Sterling was instantly a goner, and it was precious! Cora wasn’t so easy to win over. Mostly because her heart is broken and she’s not doing all that great. But even through that pain, she is SO strong. And it was beautiful experiencing Sterling not just acknowledge that, but appreciate it! (There’s that bi-flag violently blowing in the wind!) Their connection was SO good (and again delicious), that I kept forgetting about what was really going on and how fragile their relationship actually was. So the damage HURT! And just when I thought I couldn’t melt more for this man, he started using “wife”. Sterling Montgomery is top tier book boyfriend candy! Plus another bonus!! I got the lovely bonus of spending time with my favorite characters again! Cherry on top of this delicious dessert!
wife: 5
My Favorite Quotes: • “Get on your knees.” • ‘Consent is my favorite kind of foreplay. Nothing gets me harder than a person wilfully submitting to whatever we’re about to do.’ • “If you’re gonna sl!t shame yourself about riding my face we’re going to have problems.” • “I live to serve beautiful, dominant women.” • “If you’re a good boy I might paint your c!ck with my c!m.” • “You look like a goddess. Beautiful, flawless, and so f!cking strong.” • “Face down on the bed. And spread those cheeks for me.” • “Do you need help getting out of your dress?” “I’m f!cking you while wearing my dress.” • “Show me how much of a good boy you can be, and come all over these fancy sheets.” • “Stop trying to find reasons for me to leave you and just let me love you.” • “It’s so pretty. You’re just so f!cking beautiful.” • “I’m feeling kind of hungry this morning. And I’d like to have my delicious wife for breakfast.”
8/10 Dirty Birdy 5/10 Fake Relationship 5/10 Forced Proximity 6/10 Friends to Lovers 6/10 Marriage of Convenience 4/10 The CEO Type 6/10 Workplace Romance 8/10 Series
But before reading the book, remember this is a 18+ book. And please read the trigger Warnings before you start reading the book. Don't spread hate just because it's suit your taste.
♥︎Cora is depressed and stopped connecting with people. She is a person who is afraid of love, scared of losing the people she love. ♥︎Sterling is lovely and so considerate towards Cora , always thinks about her situation, her feelings also which is rare to find in reality. Yea, I don’t know what to think of Sterling at first, bit slowly started falling for him🙈🎀
At the starring chapters, I don’t know whether I am gonna continue read it or not.But after some while, the plot was too good to resist and made me continue 🙈
Cora meets Sterling as Cecelia instead of Cora Blackwell, heiress to Blackwell publishing. She wanted to be another girl.
But Fuck, their hookup was so hot 🔥 But for readers, please read the Warnings at the starting and don't spread hate bcoz of it. If you read the book, you will understand why I said that.
I love the friendship between Cora, Phoenix and Maddie. How they are be for each other. Like how they stand for each other. I really loved this trio a lot in this book😘✨️ I also love sterling, kenzie, Addison, talia friendship. They are the most supportive and bestfriends any could ever ask for .
I love how the author thought to write this book. Yeap , you might see similarities as dark romance reader. But she let us know about the things very well. And I loved her for it. It’s different and unique style to write a story and I loved it.
The story was great and interesting but you need to have patience to read the story. I said this because I had felt to give up few twice... But yeah, but I have been patience and the reason for it was best. I really loved the story and the plot a lot.🥰
Every character in this book is detailed but short. Giving the main leads the importance while also saying a lot about the side characters. Really loved it😩💘
Resist is the 3rd book in Lasairiona Lewis' Protocol Series. It is not required that you read the previous two books before reading this book but it is recommended so you will have a better understanding of the side characters and their lives both inside and outside Club Protocol. This book has excellent characters and a unique storyline. It is more than just a book involving kink and its lifestyle. It is book about true loving friendships, being there for each other and most of all a true love story.
Cora is the heiress of a Publishing House Dynasty. She expected to take over the family business when her father passed away, even though it was far sooner than she expected. She was truly a "Daddy's Little Girl", she worshipped him and believed he could do no wrong until he set up these rules that required she be married withing 3 months of his death in order to take over the company. She is in a depression, and funk, that is worrying her BFF's. Her BFF, Phoenix, shows up at her door and forces her to go to Protocol with her. It has been well over a year since Cora was there and she kind of missed it.
Sterling is the Dungeon Master at Protocol. He, and his team, ensures the rules of the club are followed and the safety of all its patrons. He has been with Protocol for about a year but that was after Cora stopped going so they had never met. He is immediately attracted to Cora and wants to get to know her. He will be whatever she wants if it means he gets to be near her.
Cora, wanting to remain anonymous, gives Sterling a fake name when they are introduced. She is wearing a Red Armband, meaning not wanting to be hit upon but Sterling just wants to spend time with her. Cora is a Domme, but that is fine with Sterling as he is a sub leaning Switch. They can't seem to stay away from each other.
Their story is anything but smooth. They have more ups and downs and angst than most but they end up with a HEA that neither of them expected at first but he really wanted.
Another fantastic book in this series. I really adore Lasairiona for her writing style and her originality in her stories. In many books nowadays you find similarities, but I never feel that with Lasairiona her books are always a one of a kind story. Which I LOVE!!
Cora is in a bad place when this book starts because she has just lost her father and with that comes a publishing company. But her friend phoenix drags her out to protocol(the best k!nk club in my opinion;)). When she sits at the club she meets Sterling. Sterling works at the club as a dungeon master. And let me say this lightly the have one hell of a meeting;) But what happens when Coras true identity is reveled for Sterling and he now realizes that she is the daughter of the person he hates the most for a thing he did to his mom. And what does Cora do when she realizes that Sterling is one of her new employes…
As I said earlier Lasarionas writing is one of a kind and I love her stories. And this book was really a masterpiece. Cora was such a strong female lead and I love to read about women that leads and take no shit, but the books also highlights that even a strong women can be depressed and feel down which I think is a very important part. Sterling o how I adore that man. He was such a good boy;)) No but his character is maybe not the typical man I read about in books but he was what this book needed. I really liked that she was the dominant and he was a switch which was a breeze from so many other books. Their chemistry was palpable and I really loved them together and how real their relationship felt!🩷
Overall an amazing book and yes the spice was also top tier!!🥰
Resist, the third book in Lasairiona Lewis’ Protocol Series, is an exceptional addition to the series and an absolute must-read for fans of romance with a bold, edgy twist. While it can be enjoyed as a standalone, reading the previous books enhances the experience by providing deeper insight into the vibrant community surrounding Club Protocol.
This marriage-of-convenience romance is filled with steamy moments, raw emotions, and a powerful exploration of love and identity. Cora, the heiress to a publishing dynasty, finds herself reeling from the unexpected terms of her late father’s will, which demand she marry within three months to claim her inheritance. Depressed and at a crossroads, her best friend Phoenix drags her back to Protocol, where she meets Sterling, the charismatic Dungeon Master.
Sterling, drawn to Cora from their first meeting, is patient and devoted, willing to be whatever she needs as they navigate their undeniable chemistry. Cora, a Domme, and Sterling, a sub-leaning Switch, share a connection that transcends the boundaries of kink, offering a beautiful love story layered with secrets, drama, and moments of vulnerability. Their journey is filled with twists, angst, and undeniable passion, culminating in a heartfelt happily-ever-after.
With complex characters, an engaging storyline, and a celebration of true friendships and love, Resist delivers on every level. This book is a perfect blend of spice, emotion, and community, leaving readers eagerly awaiting more from the series. Highly recommended for romance fans looking for something daring and deeply moving.
Resist is the third book in the Protocol series, and it just keeps getting better and better. Lasairiona, you have a way with words, and you are a master at putting them together into enticing, exciting, sexy stories. The characters in this book had a hold of me from the very start and had me tied up until the end.
One of the amazing talents of this author is writing strong female characters, and Corabelle is a beast. She has been through hell and back and is in a depression, but her friends have her back, enforcing Girl Code #3 right off the start. Just sayin', their Girl Code is something we can all strive for with our own friends. It was nice seeing a female domme as a lead in a book. I felt empowered as I read her stroy. She is fierce and a little bit broken, but we get to watch her fill in those cracks little by little. Ugh, I love Cora!
Sterling may not be an alpha, but hot damn that man is scrumptious. Yes, his story starts out looking for vengeance, and he's bound and determined to get justice, but his heart makes that journey take a turn pretty quickly. He has a heart of gold and loves with all of his soul. He gives everything he can to those he cares about and doesn't ask for anything in return. He is just a fantastic human being. And when you put Cora and Sterling together, you get magic. Steamy, sexy, phenomenal magic.
This story was the perfect addition to the Protocol series. We got to see characters from the previous books, and some we have been following along with, drooling as we wait for their explosive stories. If I could give this more than 5 ⭐'s if would. It was so much more than I had hoped for. This is a must-read for sure.
Coral Sterling has inherited her father's publishing company, but it's still a fairly male dominated place. Her father's will stipulated to inherit she'll need to get married in 90 days. She meets Sterling at Club Protocol, and he attempts to shoot his shot with her, even in the simplest form sincest she's not there to play that evening. Less than 2 days later, she calls him over to be her s€x toy because he's a switch for her domme side. They have an egg-cellent night, not realizing that by Monday, she will meet him on his first day at work for her. He overhears she has this clause and proposes to help. It becomes proximity and a fake marriage that spurs them further.
These two definitely share some spicy scenes with even a strapped assistant 🍆 on their wedding night, which their friends bought as a suprise. They play at home and at the club once getting past these so-called "friend zone rules." I really loved that Cora's character was a strong female lead that wasn't so girly, and in fact, some inner dialogue is 🤌 for the night she meets him with all the zippers. Sterling just fits with her like the last puzzle piece to make them whole together. I love this series and can't wait for more to fall hard for each other.
⚠️Please read all content warnings ⚠️
Thank you, author, for the ARC! Release Date: December 5, 2024
Tropes: Marriage of convenience Golden retriever X black cat He falls first Secret identities
This book blew me away. I love Lasairiona’s books, & marriage of convenience is my fave trope so it’s really no surprise, but truly this book beat all expectations for me.
Lasairiona took a hard topic to discuss & made a book that treats it with respect, makes your emotions come out full force & gives survivors the validation they deserve. There were scenes in this book that I can only describe as beautiful, & I hope the people who need to hear the words get to from this book. My eyes watered up a lot & my heart & stomach were tugged at constantly.
I love the dynamic between Sterling & Cora. This was my first female domme book & so honestly I didn’t know what to expect but I LOVED it. I am an alpha man lover all the way but my gosh Lasairiona wrote these characters so fantastically you couldn’t not love them. So take it from me, even the alpha men lovers will love this book.
I saw myself in parts of Cora, something Lasairiona manages to do a lot in her books. She was fierce & in control but she was not “cold hearted” as so many boss ass females are made to be portrayed as - mostly by insecure men. And Sterling SUPPORTED her. He truly was just fantastic, & he straight up said “don’t change for me, you’re perfect as you are”.
And then the MY WIFE moments 🙌🏼🙌🏼🥵🥵😍😍 Lasairiona did me proud 😉
And listen, it’s a Protocol series book, and it’s a Lasairiona book so of course you know the spice was PERFECTION.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Range & Rep: BIPOC Rep LGBTQ* Rep Positive knk Rep Plus size rep
Spoiler Free Review: BDSM and LGBTQIA+ Representation, marriage of convenience. I would rate this 4.5/5 stars This book was unlike anything I’ve ever read before. Sterling and Cora pulled at my heartstrings and even days after finishing this book, I cannot stop thinking about this book. Cora is one of my favorite FMCs I have ever seen. She is strong and independent in a way that I was not expecting. She was the one in charge and Sterling was the switch in the BDSM relationship, and there is a slight maybe threesome, but not really and it was well written. It was empowering to read in and she’s my hero honestly. I really enjoyed this book and the nuances of dealing with such sensitive topics, and I think everything works out really well. Everything about this book makes me incredibly happy, and I will definitely be reading it again. If I could, I would rate this book 100/10, the spice was woven in expertly and everything flowed really well and did not overshadow the plot as it was unfolding. Lasairiona has a gift with words and skillfully crafted a world that was so vivid and made you feel exactly what she wanted you to feel. I have nothing but good things to say about this book. This has a chokehold on me in the best way possible and I’ll definitely be thinking about it for a long time. I received this book for free as an ARC reader in exchange for an honest review
Thank you so much to the author and Love Notes PR for sending through a copy of this book for me to read and review 🩷
The third book in this series, and this made me want to go back and read all the others!
Cora, the heiress to a publishing legacy is determined to use this opportunity to exact her revenge for her late mother. With T&C’s and obstacles to overcome before she can take her inheritance, this will not be easy…after all she needs a husband?! Sterling, a saucy clubs ‘DM’ has recently heard news that shook his core…open to distraction and intrigued by the clubs patron, Cora, he can’t seem to deny the sparks between them…what can possibly go wrong?
Sterling and Cora with their undeniable chemistry, their witty banter and entertaining relationship never left a single page lacking. I devoured this book within a day and would have happily lived in their world for eternity.
Both characters have their darkness that haunts their past, and will stop at nothing to get what they believed the enemy deserves. When push comes to shove and truths are revealed, I was living and breathing the drama that ensued.
At the least, this book is entertaining, and at the most, this book is a unique, brilliant and sizzling book you wish would never end.
Adult readers only, and please check trigger warnings!
This was my first novel by this author, and I will be back for more.
Resist is the 3rd novel in the Protocol series and can be read as a complete standalone, as I have not yet read the first 2 but have plans to go back and do so.
This is Sterling and Cora's story, and it is wonderfully told.
Sterling has just received a job working for a big publishing company, but when new information about his mother comes to light, he is now going to use this opportunity to bring down the big publishing house in an act of revenge. The weekend before he starts, he meets an intriguing woman at Club Protocol, where he is a dungeon master, and he cannot resist her. After one night spent in her presences, he is hooked and wants more of her (in every way). Little does he know he is about to get a big surprise.
Cora is dealing with the recent passing of her father and now her new role as owner of her family's own publishing company, with the knowledge that in order for her to keep this company, she needs to be married ( because that is what dad put in the will) Very lovingly forced to go to Club Protocol by her very loving BFF, she meets a man who she cannot seem to resist. She says only one night, but will that be enough, especially when she gets to work on Monday?
The journey these two take is full of secrets, plans, and insecurities that shake the foundation of their emerging relationship. While reading, I was their cheerleader, but I was also yelling at them to get their act together. It is clear that they were meant for each other; they were the calms to each other's storm.
I really loved everything about this book. The writing was engaging; the characters jumped off the page. I love that. the characters from their respective books or books yet to. come play such a large role in helping develop the MCs.
🖤Hidden Identity 🖤BDSM 🖤Workplace Romance 🖤He falls first 🖤FMC Dom/ MMC Sub 🖤Marriage of Convenience 🖤Opposites Attract
Thank you Lasairiona Lewis and Love Notes PR for the ARC in return for an Honest review and for the chance to step out of my reading comfort zone!
Resist- Lasairiona Lewis Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice: 🌶🌶 Tropes: kinks, sex club, female Domme, male switch, cinnamon roll
I couldn't resist this book even if I tried. This book was beautifully written. It was engaging and informative. I loved how it explained kink culture and detailed demonstrations. The demonstrations were so good 🥵 ( rope play, wax play). The friendships the characters fostered were beautiful, supportive, and protective.
Cora, the fmc, is a strong, independent, and beautiful domme who loses her father and discovers some painful truths. When her father dies, she is forced to marry to inherit her fathers company. Sterling the MMC is switch, bi, cinnamon roll. He is sweet, understanding, attractive, and sexually adventurous. He is a dungeon master and is intrigued by Cora upon meeting her only to find out she is the daughter of a man who hurt his mom. Once he finds out who she is, there are many twists and turns filled with deception, hurt, forgiveness, and lots of spice.
I want to thank Love Notes PR and the author for a copy of this book.
I very much enjoyed the story and characters. Cora and Sterling are strong-willed characters. With Cora not only being an actual Domme in the BDSM community, she also portrays authority in her everyday life. Sterling, being the switch that he is, has that balance. When the two come together, they balance each other out, giving what the other needs. Though they do have their ups and downs, they eventually find ways to get past it.
I loved the pace of the story and the build-up it was giving; the BDSM wasn't overwhelming at all. It mostly focused on the storyline and not the spice. Though there is spice throughout the book, it is placed at very important moments in the story.
Now, the one thing I was not too keen on was the way the book was formatted. I found myself rereading sentences throughout the book. Other than that, it's worth the read.
Resist is the third book and another fantastic addition to the series!
Cora has just recently lost her father and in his will it says that she has to marry someone to inherit his company. She meets Sterling at Protocol and there is instant chemistry, but what secret is Sterling hiding?
Cora is a domme and Sterling is a switch. They both compliment each other so well. I love Sterling and his golden retriever energy, always wanting to make Cora happy. They make such a good couple and Cora didn't even realise that she needed someone like Sterling until he turned up in her life. Their chemistry together is HOT!! The steamy scenes are certainly steaming! *fans self*
This book has good representation, I can't wait to read the next book in the series! Please check the trigger warnings before reading.
This book is part of the Protocol Series. I’ve read books 1 and 2. Cora and Sterling, the main characters, are really well written. Cora really frustrated me at times but in the end she became the character I knew she could be. Cora is a successful businesswoman who is also a Domme at the club, Protocol. She has been going through some very tough times, mainly the death of her father. Sterling is a gem of a guy who any girl would be lucky to have. These two meet and sparks fly. However, Sterling has a dark secret which will affect Cora. There are some heavy issues discussed in the novel and it deepens the tone of the story. But Resist is not always a serious. There are some very funny moments and Cora has two wonderful friends who are there for her, which is really refreshing. Once I started the book, I couldn’t put it down.
This book was a great follow up in the series and was very interesting as it is different to the previous books in this series. There are different dynamics, relationships and kinks introduced in this book which made it an intriguing read. I liked both Cora and Sterling together and their chemistry was great! We have another strong female lead and I absolutely loved her girl code rules with her friends! Their friendship is super fun and relatable and I love that they are always there for one another. Cora and Sterling's dynamic in the kink world is different than the previous couples we've seen which was interesting and allowed me to learn some new things in the kink world. I usually don't read romances with a lot of kink, but I do enjoy this series. This book was super spicy and sexy and mAde for an entertaining read.
I received an ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.