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Mastering Rose
Rose thought she could leverage a secret to her advantage, but when her attempt to blackmail her boss backfires, she finds herself ensnared in a dark web of control and submission.
The money she accepted wasn't for her silence, but had her trapped in an agreement in which she became a sexual plaything for Mr. Smith and his clients in a quiet town where everyone knows her name. Rose must navigate a twisted world of power and pain. As she endures the relentless torment of men who love the way she responds to punishment and domination. And the man who can't get enough of her happens to be the hot leader of a motorcycle gang of outlaws. Can she find a way to escape the clutches of her captors and reclaim her freedom, or will she be forever shackled by the chains of her own making?
Mastering Rose is a dark erotic horror that includes coercion, domination, bondage, punishment, submission, humiliation, age-gap, sexual enslavement, and captivity.
The money she accepted wasn't for her silence, but had her trapped in an agreement in which she became a sexual plaything for Mr. Smith and his clients in a quiet town where everyone knows her name. Rose must navigate a twisted world of power and pain. As she endures the relentless torment of men who love the way she responds to punishment and domination. And the man who can't get enough of her happens to be the hot leader of a motorcycle gang of outlaws. Can she find a way to escape the clutches of her captors and reclaim her freedom, or will she be forever shackled by the chains of her own making?
Mastering Rose is a dark erotic horror that includes coercion, domination, bondage, punishment, submission, humiliation, age-gap, sexual enslavement, and captivity.
69 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 20, 2024
2 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 30, 2024
My first experience with this writer was through the book 'Mastered Holiday'. I really liked that book, so when I saw this one I just had to read it.
I'm not sure what to think about this one. I'm strongly debating between 3 or 4 stars. For the moment I will give it 4.
The writing was very good. That's something that has to be said. The way it's written is fast but still detailed, fast-paced yet pleasantly fluid. Definitely nothing wrong with that.
I think the plot just wasn't really the vibe I expected it to be? I think I thought the ✨vibes✨ to be a little different because of the vibe the cover had. This book is way more dark and twisted than the cover makes it look like. It's a dark erotic horror novella, and the cover kind of looks like it's just "(dark) erotic".
I don't mind dark erotic horror at all, I like to spend my time in the dark pits of the earth, but since I wasn't totally expecting this kind of twisted I'm not sure what to think about this story ended. I have to think a while on it, then reread it and come back to it.
But don't let that stop you at all. Like I said, the writing is very good and I think there are definitely people who are going to love this book so so much. If you like erotic content to be very dark and very twisted, don't care that it might not be all flowers and consent, maybe you will find your new favorite book in this. Besides my notes about the cover and the vibe feeling a bit different, it was still a fun read. I'm glad I had the chance!
I read this book as an arc, and I'm hereby leaving my thoughts completely voluntarily.
I'm not sure what to think about this one. I'm strongly debating between 3 or 4 stars. For the moment I will give it 4.
The writing was very good. That's something that has to be said. The way it's written is fast but still detailed, fast-paced yet pleasantly fluid. Definitely nothing wrong with that.
I think the plot just wasn't really the vibe I expected it to be? I think I thought the ✨vibes✨ to be a little different because of the vibe the cover had. This book is way more dark and twisted than the cover makes it look like. It's a dark erotic horror novella, and the cover kind of looks like it's just "(dark) erotic".
I don't mind dark erotic horror at all, I like to spend my time in the dark pits of the earth, but since I wasn't totally expecting this kind of twisted I'm not sure what to think about this story ended. I have to think a while on it, then reread it and come back to it.
But don't let that stop you at all. Like I said, the writing is very good and I think there are definitely people who are going to love this book so so much. If you like erotic content to be very dark and very twisted, don't care that it might not be all flowers and consent, maybe you will find your new favorite book in this. Besides my notes about the cover and the vibe feeling a bit different, it was still a fun read. I'm glad I had the chance!
I read this book as an arc, and I'm hereby leaving my thoughts completely voluntarily.
January 22, 2025
This book was a rollercoaster, and I mean that in the best way possible. Mastering Rose is not for the faint of heart; it dives headfirst into the complex and often uncomfortable territory of power dynamics, submission, and the raw edges of desire. Zaira Dumal crafts a narrative that is both captivating and disturbing, never shying away from the darkness that envelops Rose.
The premise alone is enough to hook you. Rose's misguided attempt at blackmail unravels spectacularly, leading her down a path she never could have imagined. The ensuing web of control is expertly woven, leaving the reader feeling as trapped and desperate as Rose herself. The author doesn't shy away from the visceral reality of her situation, making the reader experience both her horror and the undeniable pull of the power dynamics at play.
What makes this book truly exceptional is the way Dumal explores the nuances of dominance and submission. It's not a simple black-and-white portrayal; there are layers of complexity in Rose's reactions, and the motivations of the men who hold her captive. The introduction of the motorcycle gang leader adds another layer of intrigue and heat to the already charged atmosphere. Their dynamic is explosive, filled with both pain and a strange, twisted kind of passion that keeps you turning the pages.
The writing is sharp and evocative, creating a vivid landscape of both the idyllic small town and the dark underbelly it conceals. The pacing is relentless, perfectly mirroring Rose's own feelings of being trapped and overwhelmed. Despite the often brutal subject matter, the story is surprisingly compelling, keeping you invested in Rose's journey and her fight for freedom.
Mastering Rose is a darkly seductive tale that explores the complex interplay of power, desire, and survival. It's a story that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page, prompting reflection on the boundaries we push and the choices we make. If you're a fan of dark romance and are looking for a book that pushes the limits, this is an absolute must-read. 5 out of 5 stars.
Important Considerations for Readers:
This book contains mature themes and content, including non-consensual situations, graphic sexual encounters, and violence. It is not for readers who are sensitive to these topics.
The power dynamics are central to the story and may be triggering for some readers.
While the book delves into the darker aspects of desire, it's important to remember that this is fiction and does not endorse or glorify these behaviors in real life.
In Conclusion:
This review attempts to capture the book's strengths while being upfront about its challenging themes. It is a book that will evoke strong emotions and is not for everyone, but for those who enjoy the genre, it has the potential to be a compelling and unforgettable read.
The premise alone is enough to hook you. Rose's misguided attempt at blackmail unravels spectacularly, leading her down a path she never could have imagined. The ensuing web of control is expertly woven, leaving the reader feeling as trapped and desperate as Rose herself. The author doesn't shy away from the visceral reality of her situation, making the reader experience both her horror and the undeniable pull of the power dynamics at play.
What makes this book truly exceptional is the way Dumal explores the nuances of dominance and submission. It's not a simple black-and-white portrayal; there are layers of complexity in Rose's reactions, and the motivations of the men who hold her captive. The introduction of the motorcycle gang leader adds another layer of intrigue and heat to the already charged atmosphere. Their dynamic is explosive, filled with both pain and a strange, twisted kind of passion that keeps you turning the pages.
The writing is sharp and evocative, creating a vivid landscape of both the idyllic small town and the dark underbelly it conceals. The pacing is relentless, perfectly mirroring Rose's own feelings of being trapped and overwhelmed. Despite the often brutal subject matter, the story is surprisingly compelling, keeping you invested in Rose's journey and her fight for freedom.
Mastering Rose is a darkly seductive tale that explores the complex interplay of power, desire, and survival. It's a story that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page, prompting reflection on the boundaries we push and the choices we make. If you're a fan of dark romance and are looking for a book that pushes the limits, this is an absolute must-read. 5 out of 5 stars.
Important Considerations for Readers:
This book contains mature themes and content, including non-consensual situations, graphic sexual encounters, and violence. It is not for readers who are sensitive to these topics.
The power dynamics are central to the story and may be triggering for some readers.
While the book delves into the darker aspects of desire, it's important to remember that this is fiction and does not endorse or glorify these behaviors in real life.
In Conclusion:
This review attempts to capture the book's strengths while being upfront about its challenging themes. It is a book that will evoke strong emotions and is not for everyone, but for those who enjoy the genre, it has the potential to be a compelling and unforgettable read.
November 30, 2024
ARC Review:
Oh my those triggers should be checked and often. This book in the short page turning was very dark with no reprieve insight. Our FMC is in a very dark place after trying to blackmail her boss. Don’t think that her knight in shining armor will come to save her, that man rides on a black horse straight from hell.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Oh my those triggers should be checked and often. This book in the short page turning was very dark with no reprieve insight. Our FMC is in a very dark place after trying to blackmail her boss. Don’t think that her knight in shining armor will come to save her, that man rides on a black horse straight from hell.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 6, 2025
I don't even know but I couldn't stop reading and then it was over before I was ready for it to be! Its very dark and twisted and half the time I had my jaw open like "am I reading this right" it went from what I thought was gonna be a hot office boss romance to something real sinister, REAL FAST! I'm giving 5 stars because it was really good writing but I would never willing read anything like it again hahah sorry.
December 23, 2024
What can I say? You can read about dragons all day or you can read some smut on your kindle. This book is probably quite tame compared to what i know some of y'all are reading but at 69 pages, this was about enough. I'm going to save the rest of my novellas for the new year when I can cheat to get my reading goal. If you like your smut a little bit rough, a little non-consenual, this is for you.
March 22, 2025
Erotic horror is one of my very favorite genres to read. So when I seen this novella come across as a potential arc read I of course had to do it.
This novella was honestly really good and absolutely heartbreaking! I wasn’t sure what I was expecting, but I can definitely say I was surprised.
Rose is the main character and the story is told from her perspective. I really felt for her, but I do wish we got more background into what her life was like. Even just some brief information about why she needed money or about her family would have added just a little extra complexity to her character which I think would add to the impact of her situation.
From the first chapter I was yelling go to the police! But that was immediately shot down and from there I was generally so worried for her every single second! The entire town is apparently run by the most disgusting men you could imagine. It was honestly very hard to get through some of it, but I also couldn’t put it down.
This was a very fast paced book full of absolute atrocious from start to finish.
There was some minor grammatical errors but nothing too noticeable.
This novella was honestly really good and absolutely heartbreaking! I wasn’t sure what I was expecting, but I can definitely say I was surprised.
Rose is the main character and the story is told from her perspective. I really felt for her, but I do wish we got more background into what her life was like. Even just some brief information about why she needed money or about her family would have added just a little extra complexity to her character which I think would add to the impact of her situation.
From the first chapter I was yelling go to the police! But that was immediately shot down and from there I was generally so worried for her every single second! The entire town is apparently run by the most disgusting men you could imagine. It was honestly very hard to get through some of it, but I also couldn’t put it down.
This was a very fast paced book full of absolute atrocious from start to finish.
There was some minor grammatical errors but nothing too noticeable.
December 24, 2024
Once again, Zaira delivers a powerhouse of erotic horror that doesn’t just flirt with the genre—it fully embraces it. Underscore the horror. Don’t let that deceptive cover fool you; it’s gives you a false promise of security, a thin veneer over a story that grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go. I thought I was prepared after reading the brutal, unflinching ride of Mastered Holiday, but this? This is another level of horrifying. Perhaps it’s the absence of vampires or any supernatural escapism. Instead, the monsters in this tale are the fine upstanding citizens of Rose’s small hometown, making the story disturbingly real. At first, you might think Rose brought it on herself. Trying to blackmail her boss was certainly a risky move. But as the story unfolds, the question lingers: does anyone deserve the fate she suffers? Stripped of her freedom, turned into a sexual slave—it’s a punishment so absolute, so harrowing, it leaves you absolutely speechless. But what truly sets Zaira’s work apart is the suffocating sense of inescapability she weaves. There’s no light at the end of this tunnel, no glimmer of hope for the heroine to cling to. In my usual diet of dark romances, no matter how bleak, there’s usually a faint promise of redemption or escape. Here, that absence feels like a punch to the gut. It’s raw, relentless, and leaves you with a sick sense of finality. Zaira is a master at making you question your own limits. If you dare to enter her world, prepare to be shaken to your core.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 22, 2025
2.5 stars rounded up to 3
I’m not a huge reader of sadistic erotic horror, but I decided to venture out of my comfort zone and give Mastering Rose a try. Zaira DuMal does an excellent job crafting a fast-paced, tension-filled story with a dark, oppressive atmosphere. The horror here feels disturbingly real. There are no supernatural monsters, only the terrifying cruelty of everyday people. That realism definitely adds to the intensity.
That said, I quickly realized this genre isn’t my normal cup of tea. While the book is well-written for what it aims to be, the content was far more extreme than I expected. The trigger warnings mention BDSM, but I feel this book should have included clear warnings for non-consensual sexual abuse and psychological manipulation. Rose never gives consent; instead, she complies out of fear and lack of options, which made the story feel more abusive than erotic.
I think Mastering Rose will absolutely appeal to readers who seek out dark, boundary-pushing erotic horror without redemption or escape. No shade to the author, Zaira clearly knows how to create intensity and tension, but I’ve learned that this type of story simply isn’t for me.
For anyone with SA-related triggers or sensitivities, I would strongly advise caution.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I’m not a huge reader of sadistic erotic horror, but I decided to venture out of my comfort zone and give Mastering Rose a try. Zaira DuMal does an excellent job crafting a fast-paced, tension-filled story with a dark, oppressive atmosphere. The horror here feels disturbingly real. There are no supernatural monsters, only the terrifying cruelty of everyday people. That realism definitely adds to the intensity.
That said, I quickly realized this genre isn’t my normal cup of tea. While the book is well-written for what it aims to be, the content was far more extreme than I expected. The trigger warnings mention BDSM, but I feel this book should have included clear warnings for non-consensual sexual abuse and psychological manipulation. Rose never gives consent; instead, she complies out of fear and lack of options, which made the story feel more abusive than erotic.
I think Mastering Rose will absolutely appeal to readers who seek out dark, boundary-pushing erotic horror without redemption or escape. No shade to the author, Zaira clearly knows how to create intensity and tension, but I’ve learned that this type of story simply isn’t for me.
For anyone with SA-related triggers or sensitivities, I would strongly advise caution.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 25, 2024
Mastering Rose is certainly an intense and provocative read. A short, smut-filled story that delves deep into themes of domination, bondage, punishment and submission, among other themes, making it a highly taboo and niche read. While I typically enjoy exploring darker or spicier stories, this one didn't quite resonate with me. It’s undeniably well-written for what it sets out to be, but it’s not something I’d revisit. That said, it’s a story best suited for readers who enjoy unapologetically edgy and boundary-pushing narratives.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 9, 2025
DID HE SAVE HER
Rose and men especially Todd. She needed money and though to blackmail her boss..sort of. Before backing out her boss had her captive and servicing the men of their little town. One man, Todd wanted to buy her but he was worse. He sort of saves her , well kinda for himself. But he still punishes her. There is a sort of an ending whether its happy or not is up to you. This is a dark sadistic read with little to no plot. Be warned. Read it like its only meant to be, just a story as it should be.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Rose and men especially Todd. She needed money and though to blackmail her boss..sort of. Before backing out her boss had her captive and servicing the men of their little town. One man, Todd wanted to buy her but he was worse. He sort of saves her , well kinda for himself. But he still punishes her. There is a sort of an ending whether its happy or not is up to you. This is a dark sadistic read with little to no plot. Be warned. Read it like its only meant to be, just a story as it should be.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 7, 2024
Mastering Rose by Zaira Dumal
The story starts with Rose and her co-worker, Lauren talking about the boss where they both work. Lauren does not want to say much, Rose just guesses what's going on, but she gets it wrong. Rose heads into the boss's office to blackmail him. Things start to go wrong really wrong. I didn't know where the story was going at first but I caught on very fast. I liked the story and if you like a high heat steamy book this one is for you. This book is a page-turner and a fast read. received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story starts with Rose and her co-worker, Lauren talking about the boss where they both work. Lauren does not want to say much, Rose just guesses what's going on, but she gets it wrong. Rose heads into the boss's office to blackmail him. Things start to go wrong really wrong. I didn't know where the story was going at first but I caught on very fast. I liked the story and if you like a high heat steamy book this one is for you. This book is a page-turner and a fast read. received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 1, 2025
MASTERING ROSE BY ZAIRA DUMAL.
I thought this book was a very dark short story. More dark than I thought it was going to be from the cover of the book.
I don't really know what to say about this book as it was totally unexpected.
Triggers are in place clearly to see for whoever needs them.
This is NOT your knight in shining armour kind of book.
I felt so sorry for the main female character I was heartbroken for her. I'd say this book was more abusive than anything else.
Very well written and is a quick read
I thought this book was a very dark short story. More dark than I thought it was going to be from the cover of the book.
I don't really know what to say about this book as it was totally unexpected.
Triggers are in place clearly to see for whoever needs them.
This is NOT your knight in shining armour kind of book.
I felt so sorry for the main female character I was heartbroken for her. I'd say this book was more abusive than anything else.
Very well written and is a quick read
December 12, 2024
This was interesting in the beginning - and I enjoyed most of the book, but toward the end it almost seemed like abuse rather than BDSM. The plot seemed to weaken toward the end as the "abuse" grew. That said - I really think this is a book to choose to read. It is well written, the plot moves very quickly and the discipline is hot. I will certainly be reading another book by this author (this was my first).
January 1, 2025
I accepted a free copy of this book, when it was offered to me.
The book was well written, and if you are a fan of this content, then I would recommend it. For me, however, this book was… too much… I do not understand the mentality of someone who could only be aroused by inflicted pain upon another person. Clearly, I am not that type of person, and I think that I will avoid this author in the future.
The book was well written, and if you are a fan of this content, then I would recommend it. For me, however, this book was… too much… I do not understand the mentality of someone who could only be aroused by inflicted pain upon another person. Clearly, I am not that type of person, and I think that I will avoid this author in the future.
February 6, 2025
The story is a dark erotic horror story. Check the trigger warnings as there are some twisted things in the book. Rose got played in a blackmail gone wrong. Instead of gaining the upper hand with her boss, she becomes the object of his twisted desires. It is all about control and submission. Now it's not just her boss but she's under the thumbs of others as well. It was well written. I liked the characters. I received an ARC copy and this is my honest review.
March 15, 2025
Dark and disturbing. It skirted depraved. While I occasionally enjoy a dark twisted story, this one teetered on the line of wtf did I just read. Morally grey does even start to describe the H, if that's what he was. Again, I'm not really sure what i read. If you like truly dark and twisted stories, you're going to love this one. If you have triggers, you're going to want to skip it. I received an ARC of this book which in no way influenced my thoughts or opinions of it.
December 29, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up.
Definitely check the trigger warnings as always but this one just continued to get worse for the FMC. This is a super fast read and if you are looking for something fucked up (and I mean that in the best way with this type of genre) then this may be for you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Definitely check the trigger warnings as always but this one just continued to get worse for the FMC. This is a super fast read and if you are looking for something fucked up (and I mean that in the best way with this type of genre) then this may be for you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 1, 2025
Please check your TW and CW. This is a very intense non HEA erotic horror story. It is insanely intense. The scenes are not for the faint of heart. It is disturbing hot in some very interesting ways. Not every book is for every reader so please check yourself before you proceed the author weaves a very complex compelling story.
November 28, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This book was crazy and not at all what I was expecting. It felt rushed and the ending left you wanting more to the story.
December 3, 2024
Oehhhh damn!
So hot this Book almost burned a hole in my kindle!
Very fast paced, high spice, but with still an interesting ammount of plot.
Really enjoyed this!
I can very much recommend this book to anyone that enjoys their spice quick and hot!
So hot this Book almost burned a hole in my kindle!
Very fast paced, high spice, but with still an interesting ammount of plot.
Really enjoyed this!
I can very much recommend this book to anyone that enjoys their spice quick and hot!
January 28, 2025
I honestly don't know who's worse the person that wrote this book or me for enjoying it as much as I did. This is definitely sick twisted and dark. All the things I love.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 1, 2025
A lot of human trafficking. It gets real deep into how it might be too be some one who had been captured and trafficked. Lots of triggers. Took me through all kinds of feelings and emotions. This book is not for the weak at heart.
February 14, 2025
Good premise, poor execution. It is not really a complete story, the arch is kind of non existent. Adverb extravaganza, stilted dialogue, text in dialogue tag that are clearly intended to be description and not dialogue.
November 26, 2024
Not my usual book choice but really enjoyed reading this. It’s extremely fast paced and doesn’t have much plot but keeps you gripped in. Would definitely read more from this author.
December 5, 2024
*I received this ARC Kindle from BookSirens. Thank You!
Well…this book has all the secret wishes most do not want to admit to and it is HOT!
Fast read too!
Well…this book has all the secret wishes most do not want to admit to and it is HOT!
Fast read too!
December 7, 2024
Finished ARC reading last night and it was unexpected it left more questions at the end with how it ended and it was just a messed up story. It was good but I wanted more. Rose had no idea what she was signing up for
December 11, 2024
This is 90% smut, 10% plot.
It's a very short book, less than 100 pages, so it's a quick read.
There is a content warning page at the front of the book, make sure to read it as it's a dark read.
It's a very short book, less than 100 pages, so it's a quick read.
There is a content warning page at the front of the book, make sure to read it as it's a dark read.
December 11, 2024
This book was insane! Super spicy! Know your triggers.
December 18, 2024
Was everything it was described to be. It was dark, and totally crazy. It was a great short read to enjoy if you have no triggers. Definitely read the TW before because it gets wild.
December 28, 2024
This was a great short read. Rose learns the hard way you should never try and blackmail your boss.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews