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Docked #1
Docked
It’s not water that paralyzes Anya Banks—it’s the ocean. Tumultuous and powerful, sleek and unpredictable, it’s just like Tanner Christensen, owner of Trident Voyager, the cruise ship she’s been talked into boarding by her vivacious, foodie fanatic best friend and co-worker, Lana. Tanner exudes confidence, and his raw masculinity is hard to resist. But Anya came aboard to work, face her demons, and then get the hell back to dry land.
Until Tanner convinces her to take the plunge.
She quickly dives into a fun, carefree arrangement with him and embraces her goal to be brave, no matter how loudly her shaky knees tell her to abandon ship. For twelve days, Tanner’s all hers. For twelve days, she’s his goddess. Once the cruise is over and the ship docks, she won’t be the same. But being brave always costs something, and this time, it might cost her heart.
Until Tanner convinces her to take the plunge.
She quickly dives into a fun, carefree arrangement with him and embraces her goal to be brave, no matter how loudly her shaky knees tell her to abandon ship. For twelve days, Tanner’s all hers. For twelve days, she’s his goddess. Once the cruise is over and the ship docks, she won’t be the same. But being brave always costs something, and this time, it might cost her heart.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 20, 2014
28 people are currently reading
659 people want to read
About the author
Rachael Wade
24 books905 followersDuring the high of the magical indie author era that swept the nation in 2012, Rachael Wade wrote over a dozen romance and fantasy novels about broken characters with tattered hearts. She has since then retired this pen name, so you won't find her on the socials anymore, but she still welcomes rights inquiries and messages from readers via Goodreads. Today she writes horror and suspense under a different name, though romance subplots still make cameo appearances in all of her stories.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 25, 2014
Four Stars
Maybe it can’t hurt to play.
Maybe it’s just what I need.
If you’re looking for a fresh, light, & sexy beach read, look no further. This is a perfect read after you’ve read something angsty or dark. Don’t get me wrong, there was a bit of drama involved and this did end in a cliffhanger, but if you know that going in, you’ll know exactly what to expect.
Fresh.
Anya did not want to board the ship. She’s had an aversion to open waters since a certain incident took place. However, her best friend, Lana is hard to say “no” to and so here she is, facing her fear and getting her job done with both being employees of Four Corners Elite (Travel) Magazine. What Anya doesn’t want are additional complications. However, when Tanner saunters into his life, she’s about to step out of her comfort zone.
“Wait, like an arrangement? Does that mean no other brunettes in the hallway?”
“It means no other women while you’re on this ship. Period. Will that suffice?”
“You’re saying you’d – “
“Worship your body exclusively for the next 10 days, yes.”
Tanner Christensen is the captain/owner of the cruise ship. He’s hot, sexy as sin, but hides a ton of baggage. He’s also very tenacious and isn’t afraid to go after what he wants. When Anya stepped on board his ship, he wanted her…badly. So they come to an arrangement, of sorts. But things get complicated when the feelings they try to deny start to surface.
“A woman like you deserves a man, Anya. Don’t settle.”
A disbelieving laugh breaks free. “A woman like me? You don’t know me.”
“I know a goddess when I see one.”
Tanner and Anya provided a hefty amount of steam in this book, coupled with Tanner’s Alpha-jealous-possessive tendencies made for a very entertaining read. However, there were some issues that made this just a four star read. The one big problem I had were the over usage of Anya and Tanner calling each other “Mr. Christensen” and “Ms. Banks,” respectively. I was all for it in the beginning, especially when it heightened their flirtations, but after a while, it became too much. Another issue I had was Anya, herself. She seemed a bit cold at times, or something like that. But after the story continued, I did warm up to her. All in all, I cannot wait to read Anchored, the second and, I believe, the final book in the series because that cliffy was a doozy!
**Complimentary copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review**
-----
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Blog: www.sweetspotbookblog.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SweetSpotBookBlog
Twitter:@thessamari
Maybe it can’t hurt to play.
Maybe it’s just what I need.
If you’re looking for a fresh, light, & sexy beach read, look no further. This is a perfect read after you’ve read something angsty or dark. Don’t get me wrong, there was a bit of drama involved and this did end in a cliffhanger, but if you know that going in, you’ll know exactly what to expect.
Fresh.
Anya did not want to board the ship. She’s had an aversion to open waters since a certain incident took place. However, her best friend, Lana is hard to say “no” to and so here she is, facing her fear and getting her job done with both being employees of Four Corners Elite (Travel) Magazine. What Anya doesn’t want are additional complications. However, when Tanner saunters into his life, she’s about to step out of her comfort zone.
“Wait, like an arrangement? Does that mean no other brunettes in the hallway?”
“It means no other women while you’re on this ship. Period. Will that suffice?”
“You’re saying you’d – “
“Worship your body exclusively for the next 10 days, yes.”
Tanner Christensen is the captain/owner of the cruise ship. He’s hot, sexy as sin, but hides a ton of baggage. He’s also very tenacious and isn’t afraid to go after what he wants. When Anya stepped on board his ship, he wanted her…badly. So they come to an arrangement, of sorts. But things get complicated when the feelings they try to deny start to surface.
“A woman like you deserves a man, Anya. Don’t settle.”
A disbelieving laugh breaks free. “A woman like me? You don’t know me.”
“I know a goddess when I see one.”
Tanner and Anya provided a hefty amount of steam in this book, coupled with Tanner’s Alpha-jealous-possessive tendencies made for a very entertaining read. However, there were some issues that made this just a four star read. The one big problem I had were the over usage of Anya and Tanner calling each other “Mr. Christensen” and “Ms. Banks,” respectively. I was all for it in the beginning, especially when it heightened their flirtations, but after a while, it became too much. Another issue I had was Anya, herself. She seemed a bit cold at times, or something like that. But after the story continued, I did warm up to her. All in all, I cannot wait to read Anchored, the second and, I believe, the final book in the series because that cliffy was a doozy!
**Complimentary copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review**
-----
♥♥♥ FOLLOW ME ♥♥♥
Blog: www.sweetspotbookblog.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SweetSpotBookBlog
Twitter:@thessamari
Want to read
August 13, 2017Freebie 7/16/17
May 28, 2014
Cruise with your best friend, sipping cold drinks on the deck, enough junk food to put you in a carb coma....OH and did I mention the most delectable male specimen to grace the ocean's horizon....Tanner Christensen? Rachael hit all the elements in this one...humor, friendship, steamy romance and finding the courage to face your greatest fears. 5 Stars All The Way!
Anya and Lana are aboard the Trident Voyager to review the ship for their travel careers with Four Corners Elite Magazine. Lana is there 'mostly' for work and did some sweet talking to bring Anya along for the ride with the ulterior motive of helping her conquer her inner demons.
“It’s not water I’m afraid of, really. I like to swim. Love it, in fact.
It’s the ocean that gets me—so tumultuous and powerful, sleek and unpredictable. Being at its mercy makes every hair on my body stand on end.”
Lana is on cloud nine, finding the ship a perfect playground full of ManCandy, alcohol and all the junk food her little stomach desires. But Anya isn't so convinced. She would rather keep her feet planted firmly on solid ground and isn't the type of woman that plays casually...until she meets the charming and very convincing owner of the ship she now finds herself on for the next twelve days.
Undoubtedly, their mutual attraction grows despite An's best efforts and soon she finds herself in an arrangement beyond her normal boundaries.
“Tell me, Miss Banks. Have you been with a dominant man before?”
I feel my eyes widen. “Hhhmmm, I believe so. Just this morning. Oh, and last night. Oh, yes. And about fifteen minutes ago…”
“So fresh.” He reaches over and tugs at my chin, a grin threatening to shatter his suddenly stern demeanor. “Have you? Apart from me?”
“No. Maybe. I don’t know.”
“You’d know.”
“You really are very smug, aren’t you, Tanner Christensen?”
“Very much so.” He dips his head down to peek at me over his shades. “I work hard, play hard, I want it all, and I make no apologies for any of it.”
“In that case, no. I have not been with a dominant arse such as you.”
“Up until now, you’ve been very obedient, Anya. Do you know what that says about you?”
I swallow.
“It says you’re the perfect fit for a dominant man. You belong with one. You yield to the control. And it not only brings you pleasure,” he leans forward ever so slightly, until his lips rest
on the tips of mine, “it gives me an incomparable high. So, when I say you’ll thank me for wearing something with easy access—when you follow my instructions—that means we’re both in for a thorough, mind-numbingly good f***, do you understand?”
But once the cruise is over, so is the arrangement and Tanner is becoming a complicated riddle that she can't help but try to unwind. Her increasing feelings towards him are wearing away at her and the fact that once she leaves the ship, her playtime with Mr Christensen will be over. Now it's not just the fear of unknown depths of the ocean but the fear of losing her heart to one who rules it.
“I find him there, stationed in front of the living room windows, his back to me. His hands are in his pockets, feet splayed wide and body steeled as if he needs to root himself to the ground. As if anything could move him. He’s an anchor, unyielding and strong—strong as the pounding in my chest when I lay eyes on him. His blonde hair rustles as his fingers comb it, and his head shifts to the right, chin tilting down, the movement so feather light I almost miss it. All I catch is a single flash of the deep cerulean of his gaze, a glimpse of his appraisal of the ocean view before him, and the hard edge of his jaw, golden skin glinting under the late afternoon sun. It’s raining in on him, penetrating the entire room.
But that single glance is enough.
It tells me he doesn’t just love the ocean, he owns it. Tanner Christensen, Poseidon. King with his trident.
God of the sea.
“I’m glad you came,” he says quietly.
“I’m a woman of my word.”
“Yes. Yes, you are.”
Anya and Lana are aboard the Trident Voyager to review the ship for their travel careers with Four Corners Elite Magazine. Lana is there 'mostly' for work and did some sweet talking to bring Anya along for the ride with the ulterior motive of helping her conquer her inner demons.
“It’s not water I’m afraid of, really. I like to swim. Love it, in fact.
It’s the ocean that gets me—so tumultuous and powerful, sleek and unpredictable. Being at its mercy makes every hair on my body stand on end.”
Lana is on cloud nine, finding the ship a perfect playground full of ManCandy, alcohol and all the junk food her little stomach desires. But Anya isn't so convinced. She would rather keep her feet planted firmly on solid ground and isn't the type of woman that plays casually...until she meets the charming and very convincing owner of the ship she now finds herself on for the next twelve days.
Undoubtedly, their mutual attraction grows despite An's best efforts and soon she finds herself in an arrangement beyond her normal boundaries.
“Tell me, Miss Banks. Have you been with a dominant man before?”
I feel my eyes widen. “Hhhmmm, I believe so. Just this morning. Oh, and last night. Oh, yes. And about fifteen minutes ago…”
“So fresh.” He reaches over and tugs at my chin, a grin threatening to shatter his suddenly stern demeanor. “Have you? Apart from me?”
“No. Maybe. I don’t know.”
“You’d know.”
“You really are very smug, aren’t you, Tanner Christensen?”
“Very much so.” He dips his head down to peek at me over his shades. “I work hard, play hard, I want it all, and I make no apologies for any of it.”
“In that case, no. I have not been with a dominant arse such as you.”
“Up until now, you’ve been very obedient, Anya. Do you know what that says about you?”
I swallow.
“It says you’re the perfect fit for a dominant man. You belong with one. You yield to the control. And it not only brings you pleasure,” he leans forward ever so slightly, until his lips rest
on the tips of mine, “it gives me an incomparable high. So, when I say you’ll thank me for wearing something with easy access—when you follow my instructions—that means we’re both in for a thorough, mind-numbingly good f***, do you understand?”
But once the cruise is over, so is the arrangement and Tanner is becoming a complicated riddle that she can't help but try to unwind. Her increasing feelings towards him are wearing away at her and the fact that once she leaves the ship, her playtime with Mr Christensen will be over. Now it's not just the fear of unknown depths of the ocean but the fear of losing her heart to one who rules it.
“I find him there, stationed in front of the living room windows, his back to me. His hands are in his pockets, feet splayed wide and body steeled as if he needs to root himself to the ground. As if anything could move him. He’s an anchor, unyielding and strong—strong as the pounding in my chest when I lay eyes on him. His blonde hair rustles as his fingers comb it, and his head shifts to the right, chin tilting down, the movement so feather light I almost miss it. All I catch is a single flash of the deep cerulean of his gaze, a glimpse of his appraisal of the ocean view before him, and the hard edge of his jaw, golden skin glinting under the late afternoon sun. It’s raining in on him, penetrating the entire room.
But that single glance is enough.
It tells me he doesn’t just love the ocean, he owns it. Tanner Christensen, Poseidon. King with his trident.
God of the sea.
“I’m glad you came,” he says quietly.
“I’m a woman of my word.”
“Yes. Yes, you are.”
May 30, 2014
OMG Rachael Wade! Your writing gets even more amazing each time you write a book! That ending....i'm sitting here just after I read that last line and all I want to do is punch Tanner in his face and maybe cry in the corner for a little while. Let me be honest though. Nowadays it's hard for me to find a book where I adore the female lead. Sure I tolerate most of them but Anya is seriously my book gf. I adored her! Sure Tanner was something but this book is all Anya and I love that.
I loved the dynamic between Anya and Lana especially. People are only so lucky to have friends like that. While yes this is a love story, the friendship aspect added to it. I'm looking forward to what's next in this series. Yes I'm not a fan of cliffhanger but I have a feeling the next book will be worth the wait.
I loved the dynamic between Anya and Lana especially. People are only so lucky to have friends like that. While yes this is a love story, the friendship aspect added to it. I'm looking forward to what's next in this series. Yes I'm not a fan of cliffhanger but I have a feeling the next book will be worth the wait.
February 22, 2015
I abhor reading a novel to find out there is no ending. I believe that cliff hanger endings that attempt to force you to buy a second book to get an ending are not acceptable. That is the reason - two travel magazine writers go on an assignment on a cruise ship-along with a not very original story and underdeveloped characters that have resulted in the one star rating.
I will not buy the next book, nor any others by this author.
I will not buy the next book, nor any others by this author.
August 23, 2015
Every once in awhile, a lady wants to read a good, racy romance novel. According to Goodreads, this should have been one. *sigh* I absolutely, positively cannot wait for this 50 Shades trend to end. CANNOT WAIT.
Those are the only words this book gets.
Those are the only words this book gets.
August 8, 2025
A Great Read!!
I enjoyed reading Docked(Docked, #1)!!! All about Anya banks a travel junior editor for Elite Travel Magazine & Tanner Christensen the owner of The Trident Voyager cruise ship that goes to the Bahamas & docks in a small town with its own island for two days making it a 12 day cruise. Read about Tanner & Anya as they have a 12 day exclusive fling. Lots of emotion, plenty of toe curling does occur. Definite Read!!! Can’t wait to read book #2!!!!
I enjoyed reading Docked(Docked, #1)!!! All about Anya banks a travel junior editor for Elite Travel Magazine & Tanner Christensen the owner of The Trident Voyager cruise ship that goes to the Bahamas & docks in a small town with its own island for two days making it a 12 day cruise. Read about Tanner & Anya as they have a 12 day exclusive fling. Lots of emotion, plenty of toe curling does occur. Definite Read!!! Can’t wait to read book #2!!!!
March 13, 2017
Typical romance story set on a cruise ship.
February 2, 2015
4.5 stars - Note: I received this book for free through Goodreads Firstreads.
Once I started reading this book I just couldn't stop! It was awesome! The story starts with the female lead and her best friend go on a cruise in the Caribbean to do a feature for the travel magazine they work for. While on the cruise (which is primarily a cruise for young people, singles and couples) the female lead meets the male lead who is the owner of the cruise ship line. He immediately takes a shine to the female lead and they set up an arrangement where for the twelve days of the cruise they have an exclusive sexual agreement. They won't see other people and will pay ways amicably au the end of the cruise where they will be free to see other people. There is to be no emotions or commitment being the twelve days. (This is a romance though, so you know something about this has to change, right?) The story goes on with amazing sex and the female and male leads gradually start to share more personal information with each other. I won't share the rest of the storyline with you because I would have to give away some secrets that it's best to find out as you read the story, but I will definitely mention that the book ends on a cliffhanger and that you will immediately want to go and buy the second book after finishing. It is just that good. I only have two "problems" with this book that kept it from getting a five star review from me. The first thing is that you as the reader are kind of confused sometimes about the passing of time and how all of a sudden days will have passed and you had no idea. The only other thing that bothers me is that the story is a little bit like some other popular romance books that feature this same type of arrangement. The story is different enough though that it isn't like deja'vu. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for their next romance fix!
Once I started reading this book I just couldn't stop! It was awesome! The story starts with the female lead and her best friend go on a cruise in the Caribbean to do a feature for the travel magazine they work for. While on the cruise (which is primarily a cruise for young people, singles and couples) the female lead meets the male lead who is the owner of the cruise ship line. He immediately takes a shine to the female lead and they set up an arrangement where for the twelve days of the cruise they have an exclusive sexual agreement. They won't see other people and will pay ways amicably au the end of the cruise where they will be free to see other people. There is to be no emotions or commitment being the twelve days. (This is a romance though, so you know something about this has to change, right?) The story goes on with amazing sex and the female and male leads gradually start to share more personal information with each other. I won't share the rest of the storyline with you because I would have to give away some secrets that it's best to find out as you read the story, but I will definitely mention that the book ends on a cliffhanger and that you will immediately want to go and buy the second book after finishing. It is just that good. I only have two "problems" with this book that kept it from getting a five star review from me. The first thing is that you as the reader are kind of confused sometimes about the passing of time and how all of a sudden days will have passed and you had no idea. The only other thing that bothers me is that the story is a little bit like some other popular romance books that feature this same type of arrangement. The story is different enough though that it isn't like deja'vu. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for their next romance fix!
April 4, 2016
Anya goes on a cruise with her bestie and they also happen to work for a travel magazine. On board, she meets the owner of the cruise ship and begins a 10-day fling with him.
He's alpha and dominant and there's something going on beneath the surface, which creates the drama in this book.
Anya's also got a fear of water after an incident and this cruise is her first step in recovering and getting past that fear.
This was pretty good. Lots of steamy scenes, requisite spoiling of the female lead character by the ultra wealthy male character. She's discovering what she wants of herself and of a man she's with. But she's also learning that she's not a plaything and realizes that this fling could break her heart.
I will not spoil what's coming in the last two chapters, where you think it's coming to an end, but it's a CLIFFHANGER.
This is 3.5 stars but I rounded it hoping that the next book keeps up the drama.
He's alpha and dominant and there's something going on beneath the surface, which creates the drama in this book.
Anya's also got a fear of water after an incident and this cruise is her first step in recovering and getting past that fear.
This was pretty good. Lots of steamy scenes, requisite spoiling of the female lead character by the ultra wealthy male character. She's discovering what she wants of herself and of a man she's with. But she's also learning that she's not a plaything and realizes that this fling could break her heart.
I will not spoil what's coming in the last two chapters, where you think it's coming to an end, but it's a CLIFFHANGER.
This is 3.5 stars but I rounded it hoping that the next book keeps up the drama.
May 29, 2014
I have yet to read a book by Wade that leaves me disappointed! Her female characters are always independent and strong-willed, regardless of what obstacles they're facing. Her men are always hot and best of all...Wade can write some pretty steamy sex scenes! I really enjoyed Docked. Lana and Anya's friendship made me smile more than once. I love the whole cruise ship scenario and the banter between Tanner and Anya. Can't wait to read the next book!
April 26, 2016
3.5 This was good. Nothing new really. Billionaire and an arrangement. This does end with a cliffy. But I saw it coming. Somehow I just knew that it was going to go down that way. But what an jerk. Wont be in a hurry to read the next book but I will be reading it in the future.
May 29, 2014
Mixed feelings here. I kinda expexted more and got something else entirely.
May 5, 2015
Woman of many talents! This may be my favorite book from you!! I can't wait for the next!
July 11, 2015
Wonderful
You really must read this book. I had a hard time putting this book down. Wow it was absolutely one of the best books I hAve read in awhile.
You really must read this book. I had a hard time putting this book down. Wow it was absolutely one of the best books I hAve read in awhile.
March 6, 2016
Good read
It was a decent read. Flowed nicely with its easy yet fairly dramatic edge. I enjoyed the dynamic characters and will read book 2
It was a decent read. Flowed nicely with its easy yet fairly dramatic edge. I enjoyed the dynamic characters and will read book 2
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews