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Club Caliber #2
Out of the Dark
Claire
I left behind my family, my friends, and everything I’ve ever known for a chance at a new life–one where I wouldn’t be under the strict, oppressive rules of the church. But now, I’m barely surviving in the harsh Chicago winter, living out of my car and saving every penny I can in hopes of making a better life for myself.
So when a stranger saves me from certain danger and offers me a place to stay, I can’t say no, even if he exemplifies everything I’ve always been told to avoid.
However, Mark isn’t what I expected him to be. Despite his tough exterior, he gently helps me navigate life as I learn what it means to live outside of religious extremity. But what starts as a kind gesture quickly becomes something more, and I find myself wanting him more than I should–even despite his rules and repeated warnings.
Mark
I’ve worked hard to build the life I have, one of independence, indulgence, and pleasure. The only “relationships” I have are short-term, kinky, and no strings attached. So, the last thing I expected to do was offer my home to a woman in need, one who’s fifteen years younger than me and who I have no intention of sleeping with.
But it’s clear that whatever she ran away from haunts her, and I hate how much it makes me want to take care of her.
Neither of us can fight the undeniable attraction between us for long, but I make it clear that while I’ll show her all the things she never got to experience–all the darker sins she’s never indulged in–our arrangement must stay strictly physical. However, as the lines begin to blur, I don’t know if either of us will get out of this unscathed.
Out of the Dark includes the following BDSM, age gap (23/38), virgin FMC, soft pleasure Dom, FMC with religious trauma, one bed, and a no-strings-attached relationship (or so they think…)
This is book 2 in the Club Caliber series, but it CAN be read as a standalone.
I left behind my family, my friends, and everything I’ve ever known for a chance at a new life–one where I wouldn’t be under the strict, oppressive rules of the church. But now, I’m barely surviving in the harsh Chicago winter, living out of my car and saving every penny I can in hopes of making a better life for myself.
So when a stranger saves me from certain danger and offers me a place to stay, I can’t say no, even if he exemplifies everything I’ve always been told to avoid.
However, Mark isn’t what I expected him to be. Despite his tough exterior, he gently helps me navigate life as I learn what it means to live outside of religious extremity. But what starts as a kind gesture quickly becomes something more, and I find myself wanting him more than I should–even despite his rules and repeated warnings.
Mark
I’ve worked hard to build the life I have, one of independence, indulgence, and pleasure. The only “relationships” I have are short-term, kinky, and no strings attached. So, the last thing I expected to do was offer my home to a woman in need, one who’s fifteen years younger than me and who I have no intention of sleeping with.
But it’s clear that whatever she ran away from haunts her, and I hate how much it makes me want to take care of her.
Neither of us can fight the undeniable attraction between us for long, but I make it clear that while I’ll show her all the things she never got to experience–all the darker sins she’s never indulged in–our arrangement must stay strictly physical. However, as the lines begin to blur, I don’t know if either of us will get out of this unscathed.
Out of the Dark includes the following BDSM, age gap (23/38), virgin FMC, soft pleasure Dom, FMC with religious trauma, one bed, and a no-strings-attached relationship (or so they think…)
This is book 2 in the Club Caliber series, but it CAN be read as a standalone.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 30, 2025
200 people are currently reading
384 people want to read
About the author
Lyla Andrews
13 books87 followersLyla is a steamy romance author and loves to write stories involving characters with realistic and complex problems, whether familial, romantic, mental health-related, or otherwise.
She is obsessed with everything cozy: rainy days, candles, blankets, watching the Twilight series on repeat (🐀), and--of course--curling up with a good book.
Raised in the semi-rural Midwest, she spent a few years hopping around after college before settling in North Carolina with her soon-to-be husband and their feisty black cat.
Lyla can be found on all social media platforms @lylaandrewsauthor.
She is obsessed with everything cozy: rainy days, candles, blankets, watching the Twilight series on repeat (🐀), and--of course--curling up with a good book.
Raised in the semi-rural Midwest, she spent a few years hopping around after college before settling in North Carolina with her soon-to-be husband and their feisty black cat.
Lyla can be found on all social media platforms @lylaandrewsauthor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
March 22, 2025
I enjoyed this book because of Claire's journey. She grew up in a religious cult that was strict and isolating. She leaves and ends up living in her car while working at a pizza place. She ends up delivering a pizza and almost gets harassed. Luckily, Mark (mmc) happened to be in the right place at the right time, preventing Claire from being assaulted. Mark is definitely book boyfriend material in this story. Mark takes on this protective role instantly. Claire adapts to the new lifestyle and starts the healing process from the family and religious trauma. While Mark begins to teach her his lifestyle (BD$M). I think both characters had wonderful chemistry, even though Mark tried to stay closed off emotionally. The development of their relationship was written very well, along with th healing process of trauma.
Tropes:
Age-gap
Forced Proximity
Spicy lessons
Protective MMC
Thank you Lyla Andrews for the opportunity to read this early! This is my honest review.
Tropes:
Age-gap
Forced Proximity
Spicy lessons
Protective MMC
Thank you Lyla Andrews for the opportunity to read this early! This is my honest review.
March 11, 2025
loved the growth of the MC🥹
March 13, 2025
This book is EVERYTHING. I was thrilled to be chosen for this ARC read and for good reason!The author does a fabulous job of addressing extremist religion (cults), mental health, and being open/nonjudgmental about things we may or may not understand. And I love that when Claire asked to be introduced to BDSM, it didn’t go from virgin to deep into the lifestyle- just an introduction to it.
Overall it seems like the author did her research and tried to depict everything accurately, while still providing good entertainment. I will definitely be reading more of her books.
Overall it seems like the author did her research and tried to depict everything accurately, while still providing good entertainment. I will definitely be reading more of her books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2025
Absolutely loved this story so much, sweet and spicy. Would love to read another book about these couples. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
March 11, 2025
Swoon! I need to find a man like Mark. Sign me up for all the pleasure doms out there ! The way he was respectful, attentive, and helpful towards Claire had me kicking my feet up smiling throughout the whole book. Since Claire is in her early 20s but has been suppressed because of the religious cult she fled from, she has lots of questions about all her new experiences. The way these two instantly magnetized towards each other is so cute. I love the way this was written that didn’t make Claire seem dumb for not knowing things, but just sheltered. I love the way Mark gave her space to learn everything and wasn’t impatient with all her questions. The growth they both went through emotionally was too cute. This book was so hard to put down. I devoured it. So beautifully written. Thank you again to the author for allowing me to ARC read this beautiful story.
4.5/5 ⭐️
🧊 Age Gap Romance
🧊 Pleasure Dom MMC
🧊 Virgin FMC
🧊 Temperature Play (Ice/Wax)
🧊 Religious Cult Trauma
4.5/5 ⭐️
🧊 Age Gap Romance
🧊 Pleasure Dom MMC
🧊 Virgin FMC
🧊 Temperature Play (Ice/Wax)
🧊 Religious Cult Trauma
March 10, 2025
ARC Review
I absolutely loooove how open and willing claire is with communicating how she’s feeling regarding her emotions towards mark but also when she’s asking questions about the club. . Especially with the Therapist and then later on with mark. I at one point thought maybe Mark’s friends Stb Wife was going to be a “mean girl” but she’s def not. she’s a girls girl and so supportive of claire in a non overstepping way.
I wasn’t sure how i was going to feel about this book but easily already one of my favorites.
I absolutely loooove how open and willing claire is with communicating how she’s feeling regarding her emotions towards mark but also when she’s asking questions about the club. . Especially with the Therapist and then later on with mark. I at one point thought maybe Mark’s friends Stb Wife was going to be a “mean girl” but she’s def not. she’s a girls girl and so supportive of claire in a non overstepping way.
I wasn’t sure how i was going to feel about this book but easily already one of my favorites.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2025
☆Arc Review☆
Wow, as someone who comes from a deeply religious background, I found myself relating to Claire. She is such a great character to read. She is strong and resilient, hilarious and overall exactly what you would want in a character who goes through some trauma but still finds happiness in life.
The topic of mental health is such an important thing to see in books, I give props to the author for taking on such a heavy topic and having a therapist introduced as well to help Claire. The overall arch of their love story is somewhat slow, as one should be in this type of situation, but once they get going, boy, do they turn on the heat. I enjoyed the introduction to the club in this novel. The MMC does multiple checks with the FMC throughout, which really outlines how healthy their relationship is while introducing some spicer things. I can't wait to see what other books may come from this series, I loved the group of friends who love and support the main characters.
Wow, as someone who comes from a deeply religious background, I found myself relating to Claire. She is such a great character to read. She is strong and resilient, hilarious and overall exactly what you would want in a character who goes through some trauma but still finds happiness in life.
The topic of mental health is such an important thing to see in books, I give props to the author for taking on such a heavy topic and having a therapist introduced as well to help Claire. The overall arch of their love story is somewhat slow, as one should be in this type of situation, but once they get going, boy, do they turn on the heat. I enjoyed the introduction to the club in this novel. The MMC does multiple checks with the FMC throughout, which really outlines how healthy their relationship is while introducing some spicer things. I can't wait to see what other books may come from this series, I loved the group of friends who love and support the main characters.
March 26, 2025
From strangers to lovers what a journey Claire and Mark take. It was nice to see the ending come together the way it did. I’m glad Claire got to stand up to her parents. Claire learns more from Mark in a few months and it helps her become stronger than she ever thought she could be. Hoping her sister gets a story of her own too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2025
I ate this up!!! The way he is with her…. I couldn’t get enough! She’s running from her past…. He’s completely guarded due to his… but he helps her… he teaches her…. She breaks down his walls… And together they have undeniable chemistry!
April 4, 2025
My tagged shelves can be spoilers. Tropes at the end.
This was a slow burn with sooooooo much tension!!! It wasn't a case of "will they, won't they?" but "omg when will they just go for it!?"
Claire is the fmc and I really loved her journey. She's in her early 20s and had run away from her family and the religious cult they were a part of. Raised in a very strict household, she's very inexperienced and has to work to undo a lot of the teachings from her childhood. Seeing her open up, discover her own desires, and learn that she's safe to speak her mind was so wonderful.
Opposite of her was Mark, the mmc. I really liked how he didn't want to immediately act on his feelings for Claire (even when she was giving him the ok to do so) because he knew how little experience she had. But when he finally gave in, oh man - so hot! Mark is about 10yrs older and definitely more experienced - he is a member of a bdsm sex club and is a pleasure dom.
I squealed when the "please, teach me" moment happened! Mark was always so sweet and attentive with Claire, and it made their love scenes have so much more chemistry.
Only wish is we would have had a bit less of a slow burn and more time with their relationship. But overall - definitely recommend!!!
Thank you to the author for the e-ARC! Review is my own, honest opinion.
Tropes/CW:
- found family
- religious trauma
- escaping religious cult
- age gap
- he helps her get on her feet
- inexperienced fmc
- pleasure dom mmc
- mental health rep
- great therapy rep
- slow burn
- "we shouldn't"
- only one bed
- "teach me"
- high tension & pinning
This was a slow burn with sooooooo much tension!!! It wasn't a case of "will they, won't they?" but "omg when will they just go for it!?"
Claire is the fmc and I really loved her journey. She's in her early 20s and had run away from her family and the religious cult they were a part of. Raised in a very strict household, she's very inexperienced and has to work to undo a lot of the teachings from her childhood. Seeing her open up, discover her own desires, and learn that she's safe to speak her mind was so wonderful.
Opposite of her was Mark, the mmc. I really liked how he didn't want to immediately act on his feelings for Claire (even when she was giving him the ok to do so) because he knew how little experience she had. But when he finally gave in, oh man - so hot! Mark is about 10yrs older and definitely more experienced - he is a member of a bdsm sex club and is a pleasure dom.
I squealed when the "please, teach me" moment happened! Mark was always so sweet and attentive with Claire, and it made their love scenes have so much more chemistry.
Only wish is we would have had a bit less of a slow burn and more time with their relationship. But overall - definitely recommend!!!
Thank you to the author for the e-ARC! Review is my own, honest opinion.
Tropes/CW:
- found family
- religious trauma
- escaping religious cult
- age gap
- he helps her get on her feet
- inexperienced fmc
- pleasure dom mmc
- mental health rep
- great therapy rep
- slow burn
- "we shouldn't"
- only one bed
- "teach me"
- high tension & pinning
March 10, 2025
4/5 stars 2/5 peppers
- Age Gap
- V!rg!n
- One Bed
- Pleasure Dom
- Teach Me
I really enjoyed this story. There is great character development. Lyla wrote such hard topics- religious trauma, mental health struggles, abandonment- so beautifully.
I love the BDSM aspect and how it wasn't the focus but it was so perfectly done. Mark was so patient with Claire, he was such a good "teacher." And I loved Claires willingness and want to explore and find new things.
This is not a dark book at all but definitely check trigger warnings
- Age Gap
- V!rg!n
- One Bed
- Pleasure Dom
- Teach Me
I really enjoyed this story. There is great character development. Lyla wrote such hard topics- religious trauma, mental health struggles, abandonment- so beautifully.
I love the BDSM aspect and how it wasn't the focus but it was so perfectly done. Mark was so patient with Claire, he was such a good "teacher." And I loved Claires willingness and want to explore and find new things.
This is not a dark book at all but definitely check trigger warnings
May 13, 2025
This was solely a character love for me. I loved both Mark and Claire. The love making was great and a focal point in the book, however it was the foundation building I spent the most time anticipating. Learning more about Claire and watching her grow, following Mark and seeing him change. Its a beautiful relationship on top of a sexy read.
March 29, 2025
Out of the Dark is an age gap BDSM book and is the story of Claire and Mark.
Claire grew up in a religious cult and had lived a very sheltered life. After she escapes, she is living in her car and working at a pizza place. While delivering a pizza, someone tries to harrass her and Mark interjects and saves her. Mark is a man who finds enjoyment in pleasure, kink and keeping things simple. However, something draws him to Claire and he feels a need to protect her and invites her to stay with him at his house.
As Claire adjusts to life outside the cult, Mark agrees to teach her the plasures her upbringing said were sinful. Mark's only reservation is that this can be a physical only experience, no feelings are to be involved.
There is great chemistry between Claire and Mark and as the story progresses, both Mark and Claire start to have feelings for the other and what started out as a purely physical experience turns into something much more.
Throughout the course of the book, the growth and depth of the characters was wonderful. The writing was beautiful and while Claire had been young and inexperienced, she did not come off as too naive or dumbed down. I highly recommend this book for those looking for a BDSM story with more of a pleasure Dom in addition to the age gap and teach me dynamic.
Claire grew up in a religious cult and had lived a very sheltered life. After she escapes, she is living in her car and working at a pizza place. While delivering a pizza, someone tries to harrass her and Mark interjects and saves her. Mark is a man who finds enjoyment in pleasure, kink and keeping things simple. However, something draws him to Claire and he feels a need to protect her and invites her to stay with him at his house.
As Claire adjusts to life outside the cult, Mark agrees to teach her the plasures her upbringing said were sinful. Mark's only reservation is that this can be a physical only experience, no feelings are to be involved.
There is great chemistry between Claire and Mark and as the story progresses, both Mark and Claire start to have feelings for the other and what started out as a purely physical experience turns into something much more.
Throughout the course of the book, the growth and depth of the characters was wonderful. The writing was beautiful and while Claire had been young and inexperienced, she did not come off as too naive or dumbed down. I highly recommend this book for those looking for a BDSM story with more of a pleasure Dom in addition to the age gap and teach me dynamic.
October 4, 2025
This is book two of the Club Caliber series. This was an interesting read.
This story is about a young woman named Claire. She has left behind her family, her friends and everything that she has ever known. She wants a chance at a new life one where she wouldn’t be underneath the strict oppressive rules of the church. She is barely surviving in the harsh Chicago winter living in her car and saving every penny she makes at the pizza parlor where she works. A stranger saves her from certain danger and offers her a place to stay.
She meets Mark. He has worked hard to build the life he has of independence, indulgence and pleasure. The only “relationship “ he has are short-time and kinky and no strings attached. So despite himself he offers a young woman in need. She is fifteen years younger than Mark and he has no intention of sleeping with her. It’s clear that whatever she ran away from haunts he. He hates that it makes him want to take care of her. They can’t fight the undeniable attraction blooming between them. He will show her all of the things that she never got to experience before in her life. Claire wants to experience all of his darker parts of him but it must remain purely physical but lines begin to blur and they fall for each other. This story was a love story between mark and Claire who is on the run from a religious cult that she was raised in. I did love Mark and how he was with Claire. This was a sweet love story.
This story is about a young woman named Claire. She has left behind her family, her friends and everything that she has ever known. She wants a chance at a new life one where she wouldn’t be underneath the strict oppressive rules of the church. She is barely surviving in the harsh Chicago winter living in her car and saving every penny she makes at the pizza parlor where she works. A stranger saves her from certain danger and offers her a place to stay.
She meets Mark. He has worked hard to build the life he has of independence, indulgence and pleasure. The only “relationship “ he has are short-time and kinky and no strings attached. So despite himself he offers a young woman in need. She is fifteen years younger than Mark and he has no intention of sleeping with her. It’s clear that whatever she ran away from haunts he. He hates that it makes him want to take care of her. They can’t fight the undeniable attraction blooming between them. He will show her all of the things that she never got to experience before in her life. Claire wants to experience all of his darker parts of him but it must remain purely physical but lines begin to blur and they fall for each other. This story was a love story between mark and Claire who is on the run from a religious cult that she was raised in. I did love Mark and how he was with Claire. This was a sweet love story.
March 17, 2025
*I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Okay, first, I want to start by saying HOLY MOLY, I LOVED MARK and I read this in one sitting.
Alright, now that that's out of the way..
This story was extremely well-written, and the plot was super interesting.
Claire grew up in a religious cult and was sheltered her entire life. She meets Mark *swoon* on the side of the road when a stranger tries to harass her, and Mark steps in to protect her.
Honestly, I'm not going to lie. I was a little nervous at first because Claire was young and had zero life experience, but she completely shocked me in a good way! Her personality wasn't bland even though she felt like she was. She was willing to be open about Mark's lifestyle and didn't judge him or his friends. Mark was amazing. He was so kind, compassionate, and patient with Claire. Also, the SPICE WAS SPICING. This is a BDSM age-gap contemporary romance with plenty of tension and a beautiful HEA. I rated this 4 stars because I loved all the characters, the development, and the story. The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars was that I felt like we knew Claire's entire background, but we only got a glimpse of Mark's past. I loved his character, I just wish we knew him better on a deeper level. Overall, I enjoyed my time with this book and I highly recommend it to all you BDSM lovers!
Okay, first, I want to start by saying HOLY MOLY, I LOVED MARK and I read this in one sitting.
Alright, now that that's out of the way..
This story was extremely well-written, and the plot was super interesting.
Claire grew up in a religious cult and was sheltered her entire life. She meets Mark *swoon* on the side of the road when a stranger tries to harass her, and Mark steps in to protect her.
Honestly, I'm not going to lie. I was a little nervous at first because Claire was young and had zero life experience, but she completely shocked me in a good way! Her personality wasn't bland even though she felt like she was. She was willing to be open about Mark's lifestyle and didn't judge him or his friends. Mark was amazing. He was so kind, compassionate, and patient with Claire. Also, the SPICE WAS SPICING. This is a BDSM age-gap contemporary romance with plenty of tension and a beautiful HEA. I rated this 4 stars because I loved all the characters, the development, and the story. The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars was that I felt like we knew Claire's entire background, but we only got a glimpse of Mark's past. I loved his character, I just wish we knew him better on a deeper level. Overall, I enjoyed my time with this book and I highly recommend it to all you BDSM lovers!
March 22, 2025
This book was seriously sooo good! I absolutely loved almost everything about it (please don’t come for me we will get to the only thing I didn’t like lol) I fell in love with Mark and honestly who wouldn’t? This man is everything! 🥰 I loved how he gave Claire the space to learn things at her own pace and treated her with the utmost respect and care. Claire was such a brave, sweet and innocent person. Her religious cult upbringing made the development of her character fun to read.
I loved how Mark and Claire had an instant pull to each other. It was fun to see the relationship between them developing. You can tell that Lyla Andrews did her research because this book is very well written! Even though Claire was inexperienced, she wasn’t made out to be dumb. Mark’s patience with giving her time and space to learn everything that interested her was so beautiful.
This book was impossible to put down! I read it in like 6/7 hours! My only problem was that I wish we got to see more of their actual relationship before the ending of the book!! Overall this book was very good and I loved it! I can’t wait to read more from this author! ❤️
March 26, 2025
I loved this book!!!
Lyla does an excellent job of narrating a realistic inner monologue of a young woman navigating her new world while dealing with religious trauma. As someone with experience in that world, I felt like the FMC was incredibly relatable, and it was so easy to cheer her on through her growth process. (The first time she said 'f***', I wanted to throw my phone and do a victory dance!) The MMC is very easily book boyfriend material, and I adore him so much. His dynamic with the FMC is a beautiful example of respect and consent, and his desire to empower the FMC above anything else is the icing on the cake.
This book is trope city- There's a one bed scene, a "Who did this to you?", and a "Fuck it" moment. There is something in Out of The Dark for everyone. If you see the BDSM tag and think 'That's not for me', I encourage you to still give it a go. The BDSM, while a recurring topic throughout the story, is not overdone, and the MCs only delve into the very beginning of that world. I would love to see a sequel to this and continue on with the journey of their lives together, and how much farther they delve into that BDSM world. Maybe even following up with her little sister's story.
Lyla does an excellent job of narrating a realistic inner monologue of a young woman navigating her new world while dealing with religious trauma. As someone with experience in that world, I felt like the FMC was incredibly relatable, and it was so easy to cheer her on through her growth process. (The first time she said 'f***', I wanted to throw my phone and do a victory dance!) The MMC is very easily book boyfriend material, and I adore him so much. His dynamic with the FMC is a beautiful example of respect and consent, and his desire to empower the FMC above anything else is the icing on the cake.
This book is trope city- There's a one bed scene, a "Who did this to you?", and a "Fuck it" moment. There is something in Out of The Dark for everyone. If you see the BDSM tag and think 'That's not for me', I encourage you to still give it a go. The BDSM, while a recurring topic throughout the story, is not overdone, and the MCs only delve into the very beginning of that world. I would love to see a sequel to this and continue on with the journey of their lives together, and how much farther they delve into that BDSM world. Maybe even following up with her little sister's story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2025
4 ⭐️ | 2 🌶️
This was a sweet BDSM novel, which I know sounds very controversial. But, we have an FMC who’s brave enough to break away from a life of strong religious values resulting in a lack of agency. This slow burn shows Claire resilient enough to make a break, fight for herself, come out of her shell, discover herself and realize she’s more worthy than she’s ever been told. That she has worth and a voice to stand up for herself and that the world is not evil or wholly sinful.
The MMC is an older dom who takes in Claire after helping her from an uncomfortable situation and shows her that the world is more than what she has known. The building tension as he gives her the space to discover things for herself without allowing his own desires to influence her choices.
It’s a beautiful story of resilience, mental health representation in validating her thoughts, feelings and childhood trauma and beliefs and how those may currently affect her situation. It was such a great way to show how great therapy can be when you have the right person that makes you feel safe enough to give you that safe space to be vulnerable. Such a great book representing the journey of evolving into someone authentically their own while also discovering love in the most unexpected places with enough spice to bring it all together.
This was a sweet BDSM novel, which I know sounds very controversial. But, we have an FMC who’s brave enough to break away from a life of strong religious values resulting in a lack of agency. This slow burn shows Claire resilient enough to make a break, fight for herself, come out of her shell, discover herself and realize she’s more worthy than she’s ever been told. That she has worth and a voice to stand up for herself and that the world is not evil or wholly sinful.
The MMC is an older dom who takes in Claire after helping her from an uncomfortable situation and shows her that the world is more than what she has known. The building tension as he gives her the space to discover things for herself without allowing his own desires to influence her choices.
It’s a beautiful story of resilience, mental health representation in validating her thoughts, feelings and childhood trauma and beliefs and how those may currently affect her situation. It was such a great way to show how great therapy can be when you have the right person that makes you feel safe enough to give you that safe space to be vulnerable. Such a great book representing the journey of evolving into someone authentically their own while also discovering love in the most unexpected places with enough spice to bring it all together.
March 11, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice : 🌶️🌶️
MFC: Claire
MMC: Mark
This is my first time reading anything by Lyla Andrews and it did not disappoint.
Claire, 23, is one of five children living in a secluded religious cult. Faced with an arranged marriage to an older man, she takes the family van and escapes to Chicago. Delivering pizzas and living in the van, she plans to save money to get her own apartment.
Mark, 38, is a successful professional, lives alone in a penthouse in downtown Chicago and is a member of the Caliber Club. Not wanting any emotional relationships, he visits the club to let off steam. His mother left him as a child and his father was an abusive alcoholic. His only family is his friend Shane and his parents.
On the way to Caliber one night he notices a man watching Claire delivering a pizza. Stepping in when the stranger approaches Claire, he realizes she's living in her van. He offers her a warm place to stay given the impending snow storm that's coming. The next day she texts him and accepts his offer.
At work, her boss, assaults her, Mark notices the marks on her arms and tells her she's not going back. Instead, he offers her a job cleaning his penthouse. Their friendship starts to grow and so does their mutual attraction. He also starts paying for her to take 2 night classes at the local community college.
Shane (& his fiance Dani) invite them to their New Years Eve party. It's the first time she's worn something that isn't way too big for her or non-religious approved. At the party Mark can't take his eyes off of her. At midnight, they share a look, but not a kiss. She brings it up to him, they share their first kiss and he learns it's her first kiss ever. Later they agree that he'll "teach" her about sex and feeling good and no feelings will be involved.
Feelings do happen and it's not until Claire's mother guilts her into returning home, while Mark is out, that he realizes he love her too and wants a relationship.
Mark, Shane and Dani find Claire, rescue her and her 17 year old sister and head back to Chicago. Shane and Dani get married and Mark proposes to Claire.
For a "BDSM Romance" there wasn't much spice. Where there was spice, it was appropriate and fit the story. Now that Claire is comfortable in her new life and outside the clutches of her family and their beliefs, I'd guess that if there's a second book the spice level will be higher.
Great read, excited for more and would definitely recommend.
Thank you Lyla Andrews!
Spice : 🌶️🌶️
MFC: Claire
MMC: Mark
This is my first time reading anything by Lyla Andrews and it did not disappoint.
Claire, 23, is one of five children living in a secluded religious cult. Faced with an arranged marriage to an older man, she takes the family van and escapes to Chicago. Delivering pizzas and living in the van, she plans to save money to get her own apartment.
Mark, 38, is a successful professional, lives alone in a penthouse in downtown Chicago and is a member of the Caliber Club. Not wanting any emotional relationships, he visits the club to let off steam. His mother left him as a child and his father was an abusive alcoholic. His only family is his friend Shane and his parents.
On the way to Caliber one night he notices a man watching Claire delivering a pizza. Stepping in when the stranger approaches Claire, he realizes she's living in her van. He offers her a warm place to stay given the impending snow storm that's coming. The next day she texts him and accepts his offer.
At work, her boss, assaults her, Mark notices the marks on her arms and tells her she's not going back. Instead, he offers her a job cleaning his penthouse. Their friendship starts to grow and so does their mutual attraction. He also starts paying for her to take 2 night classes at the local community college.
Shane (& his fiance Dani) invite them to their New Years Eve party. It's the first time she's worn something that isn't way too big for her or non-religious approved. At the party Mark can't take his eyes off of her. At midnight, they share a look, but not a kiss. She brings it up to him, they share their first kiss and he learns it's her first kiss ever. Later they agree that he'll "teach" her about sex and feeling good and no feelings will be involved.
Feelings do happen and it's not until Claire's mother guilts her into returning home, while Mark is out, that he realizes he love her too and wants a relationship.
Mark, Shane and Dani find Claire, rescue her and her 17 year old sister and head back to Chicago. Shane and Dani get married and Mark proposes to Claire.
For a "BDSM Romance" there wasn't much spice. Where there was spice, it was appropriate and fit the story. Now that Claire is comfortable in her new life and outside the clutches of her family and their beliefs, I'd guess that if there's a second book the spice level will be higher.
Great read, excited for more and would definitely recommend.
Thank you Lyla Andrews!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2025
*ARC Review*
I ate this book up and left no crumbs! Each and every page was delicious! The spice is slightly more mild than my usual tastes but that didn’t take anything away from this addicting read!
Claire was such a great main female character, she was so vulnerable yet so strong; a hard mix to convey however Lyla Andrews made it seem effortless. I enjoyed the religious background/cult trauma scenario and thought it was handled brilliantly throughout and Claire’s growth in this story was brilliant with her tackling of her mental health slowly and realistically instead of ‘snapping out of it’
her introduction to the world of BDSM with dreamy, kind, patient and annoyingly stubborn Mark was everything! And I loved how it was shown in such a healthy way! The way he checks up on her and is to attentive to her body and her needs is truly heartwarming!
Claire & Marks magnetism sparks off of the page! The longing, the tension! I felt like the book had me edging to the end awaiting the sweet release I knew was to come 😜
I throughly enjoyed the “teach me” trope & and very grateful to be introduced the the words “pleasure dom” I’m sure all this new info will come in very handy for all my future book quests!
I ate this book up and left no crumbs! Each and every page was delicious! The spice is slightly more mild than my usual tastes but that didn’t take anything away from this addicting read!
Claire was such a great main female character, she was so vulnerable yet so strong; a hard mix to convey however Lyla Andrews made it seem effortless. I enjoyed the religious background/cult trauma scenario and thought it was handled brilliantly throughout and Claire’s growth in this story was brilliant with her tackling of her mental health slowly and realistically instead of ‘snapping out of it’
her introduction to the world of BDSM with dreamy, kind, patient and annoyingly stubborn Mark was everything! And I loved how it was shown in such a healthy way! The way he checks up on her and is to attentive to her body and her needs is truly heartwarming!
Claire & Marks magnetism sparks off of the page! The longing, the tension! I felt like the book had me edging to the end awaiting the sweet release I knew was to come 😜
I throughly enjoyed the “teach me” trope & and very grateful to be introduced the the words “pleasure dom” I’m sure all this new info will come in very handy for all my future book quests!
March 16, 2025
I received this book as an arc, thank you for giving me the opportunity to read it!
Oh mannnnn this book! It really was sooo good.
Claire is the FMC who has been through so much but was sooo brave and left it all behind to start again.
Mark is much older, but when he sees Claire’s in trouble can’t helo but offer to help her.
I loved how gentle Mark was with Claire, how he picked up on her subtle clues about what she went through. There were times I wanted to hit Mark over the head with something. Claire is obviously saying one thing but he is so stubborn and thinks something different. I wanted to hit him because of it haha.
Anyway, this was a really good book. The roles everyone played in helping Claire, it was nice to see. Ohhh and everything she learns 😏🔥 I mean you can guess from the tropes but yea. Good book.
Oh mannnnn this book! It really was sooo good.
Claire is the FMC who has been through so much but was sooo brave and left it all behind to start again.
Mark is much older, but when he sees Claire’s in trouble can’t helo but offer to help her.
I loved how gentle Mark was with Claire, how he picked up on her subtle clues about what she went through. There were times I wanted to hit Mark over the head with something. Claire is obviously saying one thing but he is so stubborn and thinks something different. I wanted to hit him because of it haha.
Anyway, this was a really good book. The roles everyone played in helping Claire, it was nice to see. Ohhh and everything she learns 😏🔥 I mean you can guess from the tropes but yea. Good book.
March 20, 2025
✨ARC REVIEW✨
4.5⭐️ New to me author, I couldn’t put this book down.
Claire leaves an extremely religious community (totally a cult) and embarks on her journey to find happiness, self worth, and meaning. She has a rough start while trying to adjust, and a chance meeting with Mark spins the world as she knows it, completely around. Mark is this no strings attached, fly by night kinda guy who’s 15 years Claire’s senior. He’s got his shit together and THINKS (*air-quotes*) he understands what his past means for his future/current relationships.
We follow the friendship Claire & Mark form, and later the romantic feelings they start to explore in the most swoon-worthy ways. Both characters are so fearful of disappointment and rejection; but we start to see the vulnerability as they begin to open up and view each other as they truly are. Immensely enjoyed this story and I can only hope to see more of Claire and Mark in future books.
4.5⭐️ New to me author, I couldn’t put this book down.
Claire leaves an extremely religious community (totally a cult) and embarks on her journey to find happiness, self worth, and meaning. She has a rough start while trying to adjust, and a chance meeting with Mark spins the world as she knows it, completely around. Mark is this no strings attached, fly by night kinda guy who’s 15 years Claire’s senior. He’s got his shit together and THINKS (*air-quotes*) he understands what his past means for his future/current relationships.
We follow the friendship Claire & Mark form, and later the romantic feelings they start to explore in the most swoon-worthy ways. Both characters are so fearful of disappointment and rejection; but we start to see the vulnerability as they begin to open up and view each other as they truly are. Immensely enjoyed this story and I can only hope to see more of Claire and Mark in future books.
April 5, 2025
5
Claire, a young woman who escaped from an uber religious community/cult meets Mark, an older, protective software engineer when he saved her from being harassed in a Chicago snow storm. Mark is the stuff book boyfriends are made of: empathetic, patient, supportive, and understanding.
As Claire learns about and adapts to the "outside" world, Mark takes her in and encourages her every step of the way, whether it was answering any and all of her questions and trying wine for the first time to helping her attend college classes and finding her a therapist.
Their relationship grows to include a no-strings, "I'll teach you" sexual agreement, where he eventually reveals his Pleasure Dom side, to which Claire has an extremely positive (and sensual) reaction.
While Mark is the yummiest of boyfriends, it's Claire's journey from a meek, scared, young escapee to a strong, fierce, confident woman, who stands up for herself and takes what she wants. Her growth is captivating and the engaging relationship she forms with Mark is the ultimate example of "just one more chapter."
I absolute LOVED this book and will recommend it and reread it over and over. I feel so lucky to have received the ARC and it truly was a 3am " just one more chapter" book for me.
Claire, a young woman who escaped from an uber religious community/cult meets Mark, an older, protective software engineer when he saved her from being harassed in a Chicago snow storm. Mark is the stuff book boyfriends are made of: empathetic, patient, supportive, and understanding.
As Claire learns about and adapts to the "outside" world, Mark takes her in and encourages her every step of the way, whether it was answering any and all of her questions and trying wine for the first time to helping her attend college classes and finding her a therapist.
Their relationship grows to include a no-strings, "I'll teach you" sexual agreement, where he eventually reveals his Pleasure Dom side, to which Claire has an extremely positive (and sensual) reaction.
While Mark is the yummiest of boyfriends, it's Claire's journey from a meek, scared, young escapee to a strong, fierce, confident woman, who stands up for herself and takes what she wants. Her growth is captivating and the engaging relationship she forms with Mark is the ultimate example of "just one more chapter."
I absolute LOVED this book and will recommend it and reread it over and over. I feel so lucky to have received the ARC and it truly was a 3am " just one more chapter" book for me.
April 4, 2025
This is an Age Gap BDSM romance and a first time read by this author for me. I have to say I was hooked from the very first chapter.
Claire, our FMC, grew up in a religious cult and had to get away from it. Living in her car and working at a pizza shop, she’s wanting more for herself. When she is about to be harassed while delivering pizza, Mark was there to interfere and protect her.
I loved how their relationship progressed and how respectful, patient and attentive Mark was to Claire. She was inexperienced to many things due to the strict cult environment she grew up in and escaped from.
I enjoyed the authors writing style and how I felt connected to the characters. So much tension with this slow burn and I was all for it! I couldn’t out this book down.
Claire, our FMC, grew up in a religious cult and had to get away from it. Living in her car and working at a pizza shop, she’s wanting more for herself. When she is about to be harassed while delivering pizza, Mark was there to interfere and protect her.
I loved how their relationship progressed and how respectful, patient and attentive Mark was to Claire. She was inexperienced to many things due to the strict cult environment she grew up in and escaped from.
I enjoyed the authors writing style and how I felt connected to the characters. So much tension with this slow burn and I was all for it! I couldn’t out this book down.
March 22, 2025
Rate: 5/5 Spice: 5/5
I absolutely devoured this book! I read it in one day.This book was so interesting because I have always found cults interesting. It is important to be more aware of how they work and the thought process. Claire is from an isolated religious community and escapes. Mark finds her homeless and gives her a place to live. Claire is learning what life is like on the outside and Mark is against all relationships. They are both trying to figure out this new normal and facing their traumatic past. The tension is high in this book. You have BDSM, forced proximity, and growing together. I LOVED this story! Will Claire escape her past or will it come back to haunt her? You’ll need to read it to find out! 🖤
I absolutely devoured this book! I read it in one day.This book was so interesting because I have always found cults interesting. It is important to be more aware of how they work and the thought process. Claire is from an isolated religious community and escapes. Mark finds her homeless and gives her a place to live. Claire is learning what life is like on the outside and Mark is against all relationships. They are both trying to figure out this new normal and facing their traumatic past. The tension is high in this book. You have BDSM, forced proximity, and growing together. I LOVED this story! Will Claire escape her past or will it come back to haunt her? You’ll need to read it to find out! 🖤
March 20, 2025
✨️Arc Review✨️
*Contains Spoilers*
I loveeeed this story! once the spice hit, he definitely got spicy! I love that the book shows have tough living in a *cult* can be! I didn't grow up as strict, but I grew up southern Baptist. When I left that's when my eye opened up to the world around me.
I loved how strong Claire is! I love that she went to therapy and grew into her own person!
As much as Mark annoyed me with not speaking his feelings for basically the whole book *eyeroll* lol, I understood why he acted the way he did. Also, he is a Dom! Can I just melt ;) I couldn't get over how sweet and caring he was for Claire!!
I would love to add the BDSM touch! I'm very much in that lifestyle, so it's fun seeing part of my life put into a book! I loved that touch! I love that Mark as a Dom wasn't the painful pleasure type! I love that Lyla (Author) showed i different sides to BDSM! Not a lot of people write about pet play either! I hope she writes a book with pet play in it! have a whole series on different types of BDSM!
I can keep going on and on about this book. you guys should really read it yourself!
*Contains Spoilers*
I loveeeed this story! once the spice hit, he definitely got spicy! I love that the book shows have tough living in a *cult* can be! I didn't grow up as strict, but I grew up southern Baptist. When I left that's when my eye opened up to the world around me.
I loved how strong Claire is! I love that she went to therapy and grew into her own person!
As much as Mark annoyed me with not speaking his feelings for basically the whole book *eyeroll* lol, I understood why he acted the way he did. Also, he is a Dom! Can I just melt ;) I couldn't get over how sweet and caring he was for Claire!!
I would love to add the BDSM touch! I'm very much in that lifestyle, so it's fun seeing part of my life put into a book! I loved that touch! I love that Mark as a Dom wasn't the painful pleasure type! I love that Lyla (Author) showed i different sides to BDSM! Not a lot of people write about pet play either! I hope she writes a book with pet play in it! have a whole series on different types of BDSM!
I can keep going on and on about this book. you guys should really read it yourself!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2025
This was the first book I read by Lyla Andrews and it was a very interesting read. She explores what it is like to leave a cult-like community and the impact it has on the individuals who suffer through that. The questioning and figuring out if this is how you really feel, or if it is something you are feeling because you were brainwashed.
Mark’s appearance is intimidating but he is a marshmallow. He feels a pull towards Claire from the beginning, but denies himself because of his own past.
Claire is allowed the freedom to explore who she is and what she wants out of life in a very safe environment and with help from Mark.
The character growth is impressive and I really enjoyed Claire and Mark’s story and how Mark allowed her the freedom to grow and learn who she is and what she wants without the oppressive environment she came from.
Mark’s appearance is intimidating but he is a marshmallow. He feels a pull towards Claire from the beginning, but denies himself because of his own past.
Claire is allowed the freedom to explore who she is and what she wants out of life in a very safe environment and with help from Mark.
The character growth is impressive and I really enjoyed Claire and Mark’s story and how Mark allowed her the freedom to grow and learn who she is and what she wants without the oppressive environment she came from.
April 2, 2025
This was sooo good I loved the story and plot line because I feel like it isnt one I have personally seen explored a lot and really has you thinking while reading. Also as per usual with Lyla the smut scenes were SPICY
March 16, 2025
Such a sweet love story 💕 I loved reading this, the writing makes you want to read chapter after chapter non stop!
March 23, 2025
4.5⭐️
I am an arc reader and this is my honest review.
This was a really great story. I loved the details and emotions of our FMC escaping a cult and figuring out the world around her. How lucky for her to cross paths with Mark, who we met in book 1.
This is a very slow burn, rightfully so. This was really well done.
I am an arc reader and this is my honest review.
This was a really great story. I loved the details and emotions of our FMC escaping a cult and figuring out the world around her. How lucky for her to cross paths with Mark, who we met in book 1.
This is a very slow burn, rightfully so. This was really well done.
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