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Serve #2
Exposed by Fate
A sexy category romance from Entangled's Brazen imprint...
He’ll train her to lure another man. She’ll lure him instead.
When interior designer Eliza Ballas accompanies a friend to New York’s premier BDSM club, she’s taken aback by the sheer want that overruns her body—especially when a sexy Brit assumes Eliza is adept at dark, sensual arts. If she’s going to play, she’ll need an erotic education, and she knows just the man to teach her how to submit…
Oliver Preston isn’t one to turn down pleasure, but Eliza’s his sister’s best friend, and he’s torn between a sense of duty and his rock-hard need to find out if she tastes as delicious as he’s dreamed. Unable to handle thought of another man owning her body, he draws Eliza deep into his world of exquisite pain and pleasure. He has three lessons to instruct her. Three lessons to drive them both to the brink of ecstasy. And three lessons before he must give her to another man...if he doesn’t lose himself first.
He’ll train her to lure another man. She’ll lure him instead.
When interior designer Eliza Ballas accompanies a friend to New York’s premier BDSM club, she’s taken aback by the sheer want that overruns her body—especially when a sexy Brit assumes Eliza is adept at dark, sensual arts. If she’s going to play, she’ll need an erotic education, and she knows just the man to teach her how to submit…
Oliver Preston isn’t one to turn down pleasure, but Eliza’s his sister’s best friend, and he’s torn between a sense of duty and his rock-hard need to find out if she tastes as delicious as he’s dreamed. Unable to handle thought of another man owning her body, he draws Eliza deep into his world of exquisite pain and pleasure. He has three lessons to instruct her. Three lessons to drive them both to the brink of ecstasy. And three lessons before he must give her to another man...if he doesn’t lose himself first.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 12, 2014
155 people are currently reading
3923 people want to read
About the author
Tessa Bailey
101 books68.4k followersNew York Times Bestselling author Tessa Bailey can solve all problems except for her own, so she focuses those efforts on stubborn, fictional blue collar men and loyal, lovable heroines. She lives on Long Island avoiding the sun and social interactions, then wonders why no one has called. Dubbed the “Michelangelo of dirty talk,” by Entertainment Weekly, Tessa writes with spice, spirit, swoon and a guaranteed happily ever after. Catch her on TikTok at @authortessabailey or check out tessabailey.com for a complete list of books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 322 reviews
July 15, 2015
3.5 Stars
Ever since Oliver was first introduced in Owned by Fate as Caroline's fun loving with a side of kink brother, I have been absolutely dying to get my hands on the book. Add into that the chemistry that he seemed to have with Caroline's best friend, Eliza, and I may have squeed a little when this little beauty landed on my kindle. I happen to absolutely LOVE the older brother falls for sister's best friend trope, and Miss Bailey definitely delivered with this book.
Oliver Preston is successful in his own right, running the newly revamped magazine with his sister. He also tends to like his woman on the short term variety. Relationships? Forget about it. They have a 2 week expiration.
He's been lusting after Eliza for years, but he knows that he can't have her. She's a good girl, and he's...not such a good boy. He likes his sex rough, dirty, and of the kinky variety. Eliza definitely can't handle that, she's the flowers and candy and long term sort of deal...until she gives him a proposition that he simply can't pass up.
Eliza wants to be trained in the art of BDSM, so she doesn't come off as a kinky virgin to a sexy Brit she met at the club that she's hoping to hit it off with. And who better to train her than her best friend's older brother that she's been crushing on for years and conveniently happens to be a Dom? So they reach an agreement. Three lessons. Just three incredibly sexy, passionate lessons that she will then use to lure another man. But until that time, she's all his...
Now I have to say I didn't find Oliver quite as intense or dominant as Jonah from book one. He was more demanding than dominant, at least to me. Though he was deliciously sexy in his own right...
Yeah. I think you get what I'm saying here. While I didn't like this book as much as the first, it was still a fun and sexy addition to the series. Oliver and Eliza together burned up the pages. They were scorching hot.
So why not 5 stars? I got a little frustrated with how long everything in their "relationship" stretched out for. There was this constant lack of communication on both their parts and assumptions that led to even more miscommunication. It was just a little too long for my tastes. Neither of them see the light until almost 95% into the book. But the way that everything wrapped up was EXTREMELY satisfying, so I really can't complain much.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews visit
It would be the enactment of a fantasy, something they would wink-wink-nudge each other about next time they were in the same room. That's what he'd thought. Expected. He hadn't anticipated her to reach inside his chest and rearrange everything.
Ever since Oliver was first introduced in Owned by Fate as Caroline's fun loving with a side of kink brother, I have been absolutely dying to get my hands on the book. Add into that the chemistry that he seemed to have with Caroline's best friend, Eliza, and I may have squeed a little when this little beauty landed on my kindle. I happen to absolutely LOVE the older brother falls for sister's best friend trope, and Miss Bailey definitely delivered with this book.
Oliver Preston is successful in his own right, running the newly revamped magazine with his sister. He also tends to like his woman on the short term variety. Relationships? Forget about it. They have a 2 week expiration.
He's been lusting after Eliza for years, but he knows that he can't have her. She's a good girl, and he's...not such a good boy. He likes his sex rough, dirty, and of the kinky variety. Eliza definitely can't handle that, she's the flowers and candy and long term sort of deal...until she gives him a proposition that he simply can't pass up.
Eliza wants to be trained in the art of BDSM, so she doesn't come off as a kinky virgin to a sexy Brit she met at the club that she's hoping to hit it off with. And who better to train her than her best friend's older brother that she's been crushing on for years and conveniently happens to be a Dom? So they reach an agreement. Three lessons. Just three incredibly sexy, passionate lessons that she will then use to lure another man. But until that time, she's all his...
Now I have to say I didn't find Oliver quite as intense or dominant as Jonah from book one. He was more demanding than dominant, at least to me. Though he was deliciously sexy in his own right...
"You can do better than that." He licked her ear. "Say, fuck me, Mister Preston."
Eliza moaned, her head falling back to hit the tile wall. "Yes. Fuck me, Mister Preston."
Yeah. I think you get what I'm saying here. While I didn't like this book as much as the first, it was still a fun and sexy addition to the series. Oliver and Eliza together burned up the pages. They were scorching hot.
So why not 5 stars? I got a little frustrated with how long everything in their "relationship" stretched out for. There was this constant lack of communication on both their parts and assumptions that led to even more miscommunication. It was just a little too long for my tastes. Neither of them see the light until almost 95% into the book. But the way that everything wrapped up was EXTREMELY satisfying, so I really can't complain much.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews visit
December 26, 2014
3.5--It's Called a Conversation--Stars!!
This one could have been a lot better....if the whole plot hadn't been centered around a lack of communication!
Oliver and Eliza are old friends.....Oliver is king of the one night stands and Eliza is two encounters shy of being a virgin. They run in to each other at BDSM club Serve.
Eliza is interested in exploring the BDSM world and Oliver wants to be the one to introduce her. So they agree to 3 lessons. No getting attached. No falling in love. Just sex.
As if that ever works!
The rest of the book they spend in their heads both wanting more and thinking the other doesn't want it!
Oliver and Eliza were hot together, I'll give them that. But I didn't like this one near as much as the first. It wasn't terrible, it was an easy read....and the BDSM element was light, which was a plus for me. Better than 3 stars but really not quite worthy of 4.
This one could have been a lot better....if the whole plot hadn't been centered around a lack of communication!
Oliver and Eliza are old friends.....Oliver is king of the one night stands and Eliza is two encounters shy of being a virgin. They run in to each other at BDSM club Serve.
Eliza is interested in exploring the BDSM world and Oliver wants to be the one to introduce her. So they agree to 3 lessons. No getting attached. No falling in love. Just sex.
As if that ever works!
The rest of the book they spend in their heads both wanting more and thinking the other doesn't want it!
Oliver and Eliza were hot together, I'll give them that. But I didn't like this one near as much as the first. It wasn't terrible, it was an easy read....and the BDSM element was light, which was a plus for me. Better than 3 stars but really not quite worthy of 4.
March 7, 2015
3 - "We'll ditch the uniform and keep the handcuffs." Stars!
We were initially introduced to Oliver Preston and Eliza Ballas in the first book in the Serve series Owned by Fate Oliver being Caroline’s happy-go-lucky, commitment-phobe brother and Eliza as her best friend.
He was friends with everyone and committed to no one.
The best friend’s brother love angle is always a trope that I massively enjoy, and the chemistry between Oliver and Eliza, makes their story a pretty sexy hot read. Tessa always manages to give her readers a charming but dirty mouthed guy that you can’t help but fall in love with, and a kick-ass heroine that you can’t help but like.
Something existed inside her, curiosity that needed to be explored.
After bumping into each other at Serve, Oliver isn’t particularly impressed to learn that Eliza is planning on sampling some of the alternative delights offered on the upper floors with another man, especially as her naivety in the area of BDSM and Dom/Sub relationships is likely to put her into situations that he doesn’t think she is quite ready for.
THREE LESSONS
Oliver’s hope that three nights with Eliza will give him the opportunity to get his longtime crush out of his system, and Eliza’s plan to enjoy the ‘thrill-ride’ that is Oliver Preston, doesn’t quite go according to plan, when long their held feelings and emotions come into play.
”Isn’t that where all this leads?...
Someone else?”
“Yes” … “It has to.”
I liked this addition to the Serve series, you get to see a little more of Jonah and Caroline, as well as the other side of Oliver, he isn’t just the ’one girl, one night’ guy you initially think he is, and as his relationship and feelings for Eliza develop, the dominant side of him you initially see seems to relax somewhat as he figures out who he is and more importantly what he really wants from his life.
”Remember this. Remember how it feels”
You can’t go wrong with a Tessa Bailey book, and this one is no exception. Great couple, enjoyable story, a few laughs, a little emotion, and a swoon worthy ending, what more could you want.
ARC generously provided by Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.
We were initially introduced to Oliver Preston and Eliza Ballas in the first book in the Serve series Owned by Fate Oliver being Caroline’s happy-go-lucky, commitment-phobe brother and Eliza as her best friend.
He was friends with everyone and committed to no one.
The best friend’s brother love angle is always a trope that I massively enjoy, and the chemistry between Oliver and Eliza, makes their story a pretty sexy hot read. Tessa always manages to give her readers a charming but dirty mouthed guy that you can’t help but fall in love with, and a kick-ass heroine that you can’t help but like.
Something existed inside her, curiosity that needed to be explored.
After bumping into each other at Serve, Oliver isn’t particularly impressed to learn that Eliza is planning on sampling some of the alternative delights offered on the upper floors with another man, especially as her naivety in the area of BDSM and Dom/Sub relationships is likely to put her into situations that he doesn’t think she is quite ready for.
THREE LESSONS
Oliver’s hope that three nights with Eliza will give him the opportunity to get his longtime crush out of his system, and Eliza’s plan to enjoy the ‘thrill-ride’ that is Oliver Preston, doesn’t quite go according to plan, when long their held feelings and emotions come into play.
”Isn’t that where all this leads?...
Someone else?”
“Yes” … “It has to.”
I liked this addition to the Serve series, you get to see a little more of Jonah and Caroline, as well as the other side of Oliver, he isn’t just the ’one girl, one night’ guy you initially think he is, and as his relationship and feelings for Eliza develop, the dominant side of him you initially see seems to relax somewhat as he figures out who he is and more importantly what he really wants from his life.
”Remember this. Remember how it feels”
You can’t go wrong with a Tessa Bailey book, and this one is no exception. Great couple, enjoyable story, a few laughs, a little emotion, and a swoon worthy ending, what more could you want.
ARC generously provided by Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.
November 25, 2014
So I think everyone pretty much knows I have a complete infatuation with Tessa Bailiey! I one-click her more than anyone else...I know exactly what to expect with each book...I just sit back, cold drink in hand, and let it go! But HOLY HELL!
I do not think that this woman can write something that isn't smoking! I thought i liked Jonah and Caroline, but I have to say baby brother Oliver Preston is no slouch! This man is a complete catch...dubbed eligible and sexy he is quite bored. To say he has used the female population frequently is an understatement! Who knew that the one thing he needed was always there. Seeing his sister's college roomie and current BFF Eliza Ballas in Serve...well knowing the proclivities of the club, this is not sitting well with him.
Hello Cock Block! Here it comes...the proposition...3 Lessons for Miss Eliza to break out her comfort zone. I mean why else would she be hanging at Serve? Oliver can give her what she needs right? Well of course Eliza is up for the task as Oliver is a walking wet dream. So let the lessons begin...
WEll Helloooooo Lady! Who knew just one lesson would knock more than each other's socks off! Predictable? YES, but still so good. Lets just say that Oliver is a dirty, bad boy...and he does it well. He also is all kinds of romance and sweet! Nothing better than male POV, esp when struggling with feelings and getting hit in the face with true love!
Aaaahhhh, Tessa Bailey...until you write again...
I do not think that this woman can write something that isn't smoking! I thought i liked Jonah and Caroline, but I have to say baby brother Oliver Preston is no slouch! This man is a complete catch...dubbed eligible and sexy he is quite bored. To say he has used the female population frequently is an understatement! Who knew that the one thing he needed was always there. Seeing his sister's college roomie and current BFF Eliza Ballas in Serve...well knowing the proclivities of the club, this is not sitting well with him.
Hello Cock Block! Here it comes...the proposition...3 Lessons for Miss Eliza to break out her comfort zone. I mean why else would she be hanging at Serve? Oliver can give her what she needs right? Well of course Eliza is up for the task as Oliver is a walking wet dream. So let the lessons begin...
WEll Helloooooo Lady! Who knew just one lesson would knock more than each other's socks off! Predictable? YES, but still so good. Lets just say that Oliver is a dirty, bad boy...and he does it well. He also is all kinds of romance and sweet! Nothing better than male POV, esp when struggling with feelings and getting hit in the face with true love!
Aaaahhhh, Tessa Bailey...until you write again...
June 7, 2018
Re-read 6/6/18
I LOVED this installment in the Serve series. There's a bit more heart in it that I didn't get with the first book. Though, that one was great, too.
Oliver was so swoon-worthy. His progression from playboy to being consumed with love for Eliza had my heart twisting.
Of course, this does focus on BDSM as well, so you get plenty of steamy scenes.
I love the "let's make a deal" trope - this time, two characters who have known each other for years going into an agreement of "3 Dom/Sub lessons to get someone else". Of course that always ends well.
I really, really enjoyed this one.
I LOVED this installment in the Serve series. There's a bit more heart in it that I didn't get with the first book. Though, that one was great, too.
Oliver was so swoon-worthy. His progression from playboy to being consumed with love for Eliza had my heart twisting.
Of course, this does focus on BDSM as well, so you get plenty of steamy scenes.
I love the "let's make a deal" trope - this time, two characters who have known each other for years going into an agreement of "3 Dom/Sub lessons to get someone else". Of course that always ends well.
I really, really enjoyed this one.
December 28, 2014
3.5 Stars
October 28, 2014
4.5 stars!!
Another H*O*T story from Tessa Bailey! Oliver Preston is YUMMY. We first met him book one of the Serve series, Owned by Fate, as Caroline's playboy brother. (Each book, though, is a standalone story, which is another reason why i love this author.) Oliver is growing tired of the same old scene and is looking for something more meaningful than the constant parade of meaningless hookups. And Caroline's best friend Eliza happens to need someone to teach her the ropes of the BDSM scene, so to speak, in an effort to please a man she has just met.
Oliver and Eliza agree to just three lessons, nothing permanent, because they both think the other is not interested in anything long-term. But Oliver has secretly lusted after Eliza for years, while she thinks she is too inexperienced for Oliver and his wild playboy ways. Oliver is totally dominant in the bedroom and knows exactly how to please Eliza.
"My palm is dying to make contact with your ass. Don't give me an excuse."
I loved Eliza, she was a modern woman, confident and assertive but totally submissive in the bedroom. Oliver was a complete surprise, a gorgeous, sexy man who secretly harbored lots of insecurities and felt inadequate in certain areas outside the bedroom. Eliza really brought out the best in him and I absolutely loved these two together. Exposed by Fate is another completely enjoyable, very sexy read from the queen of the dirty talkers, Tessa Bailey.
(*ARC provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.)
Another H*O*T story from Tessa Bailey! Oliver Preston is YUMMY. We first met him book one of the Serve series, Owned by Fate, as Caroline's playboy brother. (Each book, though, is a standalone story, which is another reason why i love this author.) Oliver is growing tired of the same old scene and is looking for something more meaningful than the constant parade of meaningless hookups. And Caroline's best friend Eliza happens to need someone to teach her the ropes of the BDSM scene, so to speak, in an effort to please a man she has just met.
Oliver and Eliza agree to just three lessons, nothing permanent, because they both think the other is not interested in anything long-term. But Oliver has secretly lusted after Eliza for years, while she thinks she is too inexperienced for Oliver and his wild playboy ways. Oliver is totally dominant in the bedroom and knows exactly how to please Eliza.
"My palm is dying to make contact with your ass. Don't give me an excuse."
I loved Eliza, she was a modern woman, confident and assertive but totally submissive in the bedroom. Oliver was a complete surprise, a gorgeous, sexy man who secretly harbored lots of insecurities and felt inadequate in certain areas outside the bedroom. Eliza really brought out the best in him and I absolutely loved these two together. Exposed by Fate is another completely enjoyable, very sexy read from the queen of the dirty talkers, Tessa Bailey.
(*ARC provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.)
January 30, 2018
I freely admit that I am completely addicted to Tessa Bailey. If she writes something for the back of a cereal box - I'm going to read it. If she writes graffiti on the back of a bathroom door stall - I'm going to read it. Every book sucks you in with its intensity, making you feel part of every characters thoughts and emotions. This was no different for this book, the second in the Serve series. Again, Tessa Bailey just lightly grazed the top of the BDSM world but enough to make you see why people are drawn to it. Eliza Ballas takes the opportunity to learn what it means to be part of that world. She gets her best friends brother, supposed easy, laid-back, quick-to-smile, Oliver Preston, to help her out. But from the first graze of their lips things go from 0 - 100 very quickly. And what was supposed to 'not messy' turned into something neither of them anticipated.
February 25, 2017
First let me say that this is not a typical Tessa Bailey. Her books are usually much better written, and while her characters often make insanely stupid and schmaltzy decisions in the name of love, they aren't the total numbskulls these two are.
Biggest case of what we have is a failure to communicate in a long time. The H and h are actually quite sweet, are in over their heads about each other, and are total idiots.
The H sees the h at Serve, the BDSM club where no BDSM goes on. This is the second in a series so maybe some action happened in the first one. The h is about to go upstairs to the naughty rooms when the H stops her. He's not happy as she obviously doesn't know what she's doing. He offers to tutor her in the fine art of bottom spanking 'cause he's just that nice of aguy Dom. I love it when fictional heroes "fall on their swords" like this. He's also as head over heels in love with her as is she with him unbeknownst to each other. She's his little sister's best friend, too good for him and blah, blah, blah... Too bad his OTT manwhore rep that amuses one and all lays there like a sword between them. As part of their deal at the end of their affair/lesson plan, he'll call the rejected suitor up and set up another date for some BDSM for the h.
He wrangles three sessions with her, and they have hot sex, but I would not deem it close to a power exchange or BDSM as we've read in the fictional BDSM world.
They continue to misread and miscue each other, and it gets aggravating and boring. Living in the bodies and sex lives of 20 and 30 something year olds with a sixth grade mentality of "He likes her/him more than he likes me!"
Things come to an end when the h walks into his office and, once again, misreads the cues as to whether he is flirting with another woman or not. As a test, she reminds him he is supposed to call the other guy. He, once again, misreads HER cues and calls the other guy. Oy vey.
Tessa, where are your hunky, alpha heroes from Staking His Claim or Make Me?
Biggest case of what we have is a failure to communicate in a long time. The H and h are actually quite sweet, are in over their heads about each other, and are total idiots.
The H sees the h at Serve, the BDSM club where no BDSM goes on. This is the second in a series so maybe some action happened in the first one. The h is about to go upstairs to the naughty rooms when the H stops her. He's not happy as she obviously doesn't know what she's doing. He offers to tutor her in the fine art of bottom spanking 'cause he's just that nice of a
He wrangles three sessions with her, and they have hot sex, but I would not deem it close to a power exchange or BDSM as we've read in the fictional BDSM world.
They continue to misread and miscue each other, and it gets aggravating and boring. Living in the bodies and sex lives of 20 and 30 something year olds with a sixth grade mentality of "He likes her/him more than he likes me!"
Things come to an end when the h walks into his office and, once again, misreads the cues as to whether he is flirting with another woman or not. As a test, she reminds him he is supposed to call the other guy. He, once again, misreads HER cues and calls the other guy. Oy vey.
Tessa, where are your hunky, alpha heroes from Staking His Claim or Make Me?
November 24, 2014
Buddy read with Sarah
I liked the story and I mostly liked the characters... That being said I think you're wandering why I gave it 3*. It would have been a 4* story if they ever TALKED about their feeling, the relationship, something relating to that! But they DIDN'T! I wanted to shout at them to just open their mouths and blurt it out, but I couldn't since, well, we're talking books here.
I liked the story and I mostly liked the characters... That being said I think you're wandering why I gave it 3*. It would have been a 4* story if they ever TALKED about their feeling, the relationship, something relating to that! But they DIDN'T! I wanted to shout at them to just open their mouths and blurt it out, but I couldn't since, well, we're talking books here.
May 23, 2015
Hot. Hot. Read. Tessa made this little book a fun one to read.
December 15, 2016
1. I really didn't like the lack of aftercare (and the clear subdrop effects) after the BDSM scenes
2. The lack of communication reached unbearable levels by the end
3. BUT it was really well written
2. The lack of communication reached unbearable levels by the end
3. BUT it was really well written
Want to read
October 27, 2014LIVE ---> http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O0F3MAG/?...
September 14, 2023
Ya I love Oliver just as much and Jonah. ♥️
November 28, 2014
Buddy read with Aly
4.5 stars
I love Tessa Bailey's Line of Duty series so I had high hopes for her new Serve series which is set around a BDSM club. Unfortunately I wasn't a huge fan of the first book but that was more down to the fact that I hated the heroine than anything else so I took a second chance and bought the second book too. I'm so glad I did because Exposed by Fate was everything I wanted from Owned by Fate and more, in fact I think I now have a new favourite Tessa Bailey hero in Oliver, he was absolutely fabulous!
Eliza is keen to explore her newly discovered submissive side but she's wary of testing the waters with a stranger when she has no real idea about what she will enjoy or what will be expected of her. Oliver is her best friend's older brother and as a playboy and a regular at Serve he would be the perfect person to teach her the art of submission. Her only fear is that she could end up getting her heart broken if she doesn't keep him at a distance. Oliver has craved Eliza for a long time but he knows he's not a one woman man and would never want to hurt her. The pair agree on three lessons thinking that will be enough for Eliza to learn what she needs to know but not long enough for either of them to get attached. What they don't expect is the instant, deep bond that they both feel and it's not long before they realise that the lessons are changing them both but will either of them be brave enough to admit that three lessons will never be enough?
Tessa Bailey has always excelled at her dirty talking heroes and Oliver is no exception to that, he is completely masterful in the bedroom (and the shower, and on the conference room table, and .. well you get the picture!) so we are treated to some completely knicker melting scenes that will leave you desperately needing a cold shower. Eliza may be inexperienced but inexperienced doesn't equal shy and she's more than willing to jump into her lessons with both feet. She has done her research and she trusts Oliver to always have her best interests at heart so she doesn't hesitate to accept anything he suggests. The two of them have fabulous chemistry but more than that they have a solid base of friendship and I loved the way Oliver was able to talk to Eliza about her fears and make her realise that there is nothing wrong with her desires. Eliza is a strong heroine, she loves to submit in the bedroom but in all other areas she is strong and feisty and more than capable of keeping Oliver on his toes, she is also the one person who believes in him. Oliver has always been on the outside looking in when it comes to his family, he's never felt good enough or that he could live up to their expectations but Eliza sees past that to the man he is inside and she helps him gain confidence in his business life which was great. I liked the balance between them and the fact that they are both better together than they were apart.
Exposed by Fate was a fab story and one I thoroughly enjoyed. If you're looking for a hot and spicy romance with plenty of dirty talk and a little exhibitionism you will love this one. I'll definitely be buying future books in the series as soon as they're available!
4.5 stars
I love Tessa Bailey's Line of Duty series so I had high hopes for her new Serve series which is set around a BDSM club. Unfortunately I wasn't a huge fan of the first book but that was more down to the fact that I hated the heroine than anything else so I took a second chance and bought the second book too. I'm so glad I did because Exposed by Fate was everything I wanted from Owned by Fate and more, in fact I think I now have a new favourite Tessa Bailey hero in Oliver, he was absolutely fabulous!
Eliza is keen to explore her newly discovered submissive side but she's wary of testing the waters with a stranger when she has no real idea about what she will enjoy or what will be expected of her. Oliver is her best friend's older brother and as a playboy and a regular at Serve he would be the perfect person to teach her the art of submission. Her only fear is that she could end up getting her heart broken if she doesn't keep him at a distance. Oliver has craved Eliza for a long time but he knows he's not a one woman man and would never want to hurt her. The pair agree on three lessons thinking that will be enough for Eliza to learn what she needs to know but not long enough for either of them to get attached. What they don't expect is the instant, deep bond that they both feel and it's not long before they realise that the lessons are changing them both but will either of them be brave enough to admit that three lessons will never be enough?
Tessa Bailey has always excelled at her dirty talking heroes and Oliver is no exception to that, he is completely masterful in the bedroom (and the shower, and on the conference room table, and .. well you get the picture!) so we are treated to some completely knicker melting scenes that will leave you desperately needing a cold shower. Eliza may be inexperienced but inexperienced doesn't equal shy and she's more than willing to jump into her lessons with both feet. She has done her research and she trusts Oliver to always have her best interests at heart so she doesn't hesitate to accept anything he suggests. The two of them have fabulous chemistry but more than that they have a solid base of friendship and I loved the way Oliver was able to talk to Eliza about her fears and make her realise that there is nothing wrong with her desires. Eliza is a strong heroine, she loves to submit in the bedroom but in all other areas she is strong and feisty and more than capable of keeping Oliver on his toes, she is also the one person who believes in him. Oliver has always been on the outside looking in when it comes to his family, he's never felt good enough or that he could live up to their expectations but Eliza sees past that to the man he is inside and she helps him gain confidence in his business life which was great. I liked the balance between them and the fact that they are both better together than they were apart.
Exposed by Fate was a fab story and one I thoroughly enjoyed. If you're looking for a hot and spicy romance with plenty of dirty talk and a little exhibitionism you will love this one. I'll definitely be buying future books in the series as soon as they're available!
October 27, 2014
ARC generously provided by entangled publishing in exchange for an honest review..
4 babe-I'm-inside-you-already stars.. loved Oliver *swoon*
Eliza Ballas had previously attended Serve, the NY BDSM club that we were introduced to in the first of this series. She had tagged along with her BF, Caroline, and had found herself completely enamoured by the goings on, as well as being captivated by a particular Brit.
She wanted to indulge Mr Gavin Rosdale looky like, but with zero experience, she was going to need a whistle stop tour on all things flavour packed.
Who better to direct her than her BF’s big brother, Oliver Preston. Not only had she known him for forever, but he was fully invested in this alluring world, and his “connections” never lasted for longer than a couple of weeks. That should do it, that should ensure any emotions are kept safely on the back burner.
Oliver Preston was a fully fledged Dom, and his playful reputation preceded him. After all, what was more appropriate for him that the family lifestyle magazine had altered its course, and set off to start combining finance and travel wrapped up in bondage.
Suffering from a severe case of Matrimonaphobia, Oliver’s rules should help him bypass the deep, unanswered questions he’d been dreaming about. He’d give himself 3 lessons to lure her into his world of agony and ecstasy.
I’m starting to squeal every time Tessa publishes a new book, and after Jonah, this was more than eagerly awaited.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching this couple collide and explode before me. Eliza was an inexperienced temptress, that called to Oliver quite clearly. Oliver came across as immediately heartwarming, far more so than our introduction to him in the first story. I can honestly say it was debatable as to whether I would like him, given his first impression, but his persona warmed me very nicely…not quite as fizzy, nice as Jonah, but hey, he did a good job!
Oliver was the master of the look; the “I’m already inside you” look. That accompanied by his controlling air, made for a most delicious H.
A fab series, Tessa, unravelling each very different, and still very likeable character and giving them an engrossing story.
4 babe-I'm-inside-you-already stars.. loved Oliver *swoon*
Eliza Ballas had previously attended Serve, the NY BDSM club that we were introduced to in the first of this series. She had tagged along with her BF, Caroline, and had found herself completely enamoured by the goings on, as well as being captivated by a particular Brit.
She wanted to indulge Mr Gavin Rosdale looky like, but with zero experience, she was going to need a whistle stop tour on all things flavour packed.
Who better to direct her than her BF’s big brother, Oliver Preston. Not only had she known him for forever, but he was fully invested in this alluring world, and his “connections” never lasted for longer than a couple of weeks. That should do it, that should ensure any emotions are kept safely on the back burner.
Oliver Preston was a fully fledged Dom, and his playful reputation preceded him. After all, what was more appropriate for him that the family lifestyle magazine had altered its course, and set off to start combining finance and travel wrapped up in bondage.
”Party, seduce, repeat"
Suffering from a severe case of Matrimonaphobia, Oliver’s rules should help him bypass the deep, unanswered questions he’d been dreaming about. He’d give himself 3 lessons to lure her into his world of agony and ecstasy.
”He hadn’t anticipated her to reach inside his chest and rearrange everything."
I’m starting to squeal every time Tessa publishes a new book, and after Jonah, this was more than eagerly awaited.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching this couple collide and explode before me. Eliza was an inexperienced temptress, that called to Oliver quite clearly. Oliver came across as immediately heartwarming, far more so than our introduction to him in the first story. I can honestly say it was debatable as to whether I would like him, given his first impression, but his persona warmed me very nicely…not quite as fizzy, nice as Jonah, but hey, he did a good job!
Oliver was the master of the look; the “I’m already inside you” look. That accompanied by his controlling air, made for a most delicious H.
”Oliver wore a tux like a motherfucker.”
A fab series, Tessa, unravelling each very different, and still very likeable character and giving them an engrossing story.
January 11, 2015
Tessa Bailey has brought another sexy addition to the Serve series with Exposed by Fate and whilst it's predecessor, Owned by Fate had the edge for me (Jonah, need I say more), there's no denying it was a hot yet heartfelt read. And who falls the hardest is unexpected...
Using one of my favourite tropes, best friends older brother, I must confess Oliver Preston wasn't entirely what I was expecting. Vocally he's dominant. Our man definitely talks the talk but he wasn't what I anticipated when it came to the actual delivery. I'd argue he was more demanding than dominant. I liked him, but for a while he wasn't causing those inner flutters that Tessa's men usually bring, despite he and Eliza having a great chemistry and one that balanced care and compassion against needs and desires.
Eliza was completely likeable; her submissive streak is very much limited to the bedroom and with her spunk and determination she brings out the real Oliver, the Oliver who made my heart ache and whose character traits hugely surprised. Each of Tessa Bailey's heroes are unique, and as in real life, you can't feel the same about everyone. He may not be my favourite of her men, although he is a fine specimen, nor may it be my favourite of her novels, but it's a great addition and she by no means disappoints.
“You were spectacular. I’ve never seen anything half as beautiful as you were. As you are.”
Reviewed for Read Your Writes Book Reviews.
Copy received courtesy of Entangled Publishing for an honest and unbiased opinion
Using one of my favourite tropes, best friends older brother, I must confess Oliver Preston wasn't entirely what I was expecting. Vocally he's dominant. Our man definitely talks the talk but he wasn't what I anticipated when it came to the actual delivery. I'd argue he was more demanding than dominant. I liked him, but for a while he wasn't causing those inner flutters that Tessa's men usually bring, despite he and Eliza having a great chemistry and one that balanced care and compassion against needs and desires.
Eliza was completely likeable; her submissive streak is very much limited to the bedroom and with her spunk and determination she brings out the real Oliver, the Oliver who made my heart ache and whose character traits hugely surprised. Each of Tessa Bailey's heroes are unique, and as in real life, you can't feel the same about everyone. He may not be my favourite of her men, although he is a fine specimen, nor may it be my favourite of her novels, but it's a great addition and she by no means disappoints.
“You were spectacular. I’ve never seen anything half as beautiful as you were. As you are.”
Reviewed for Read Your Writes Book Reviews.
Copy received courtesy of Entangled Publishing for an honest and unbiased opinion
November 19, 2014
Holy ghost on a bicycle. HOT doesn't even begin to describe this book. Delicious would be an understatement. Opening line and then boom, I'm a goner. New York City’s Most Eligible Bachelor is sure worth the wait. xo
Another great book. Dang it, Tessa. You really ROCK. Thanks for creating Oliver 'Playboy' Preston. Now, every time I see a cookie I would remember him and every shower scene would pale in comparison to the one he and Eliza had. *fans self*
PS. Dying to have a taste of Porter. Hahaha. x
Another great book. Dang it, Tessa. You really ROCK. Thanks for creating Oliver 'Playboy' Preston. Now, every time I see a cookie I would remember him and every shower scene would pale in comparison to the one he and Eliza had. *fans self*
PS. Dying to have a taste of Porter. Hahaha. x
July 7, 2017
"Exposed by Fate" is the story of Eliza and Oliver.
Oliver is the younger brother of Caroline, a dom and a co-owner of ReVamped and Eliza is her best friend, the interior designer.
When Eliza decides to explore her submissive side and goes to "Serve", instead of going home with her target, the dom Porter- she ends up making a deal with her best friends brother Oliver- who's always been off limits.
When two people who've been fighting their attraction forever give in, sparks literally explode and it makes for one SMOKIN' hot read.
The sex scenes and their attraction is insane- however I didn't like how she had to deal with other women throwing themselves on him; and he had to deal with her obvious attraction to another man.
Safe with minor-ish exceptions
4/5
Oliver is the younger brother of Caroline, a dom and a co-owner of ReVamped and Eliza is her best friend, the interior designer.
When Eliza decides to explore her submissive side and goes to "Serve", instead of going home with her target, the dom Porter- she ends up making a deal with her best friends brother Oliver- who's always been off limits.
When two people who've been fighting their attraction forever give in, sparks literally explode and it makes for one SMOKIN' hot read.
The sex scenes and their attraction is insane- however I didn't like how she had to deal with other women throwing themselves on him; and he had to deal with her obvious attraction to another man.
Safe with minor-ish exceptions
4/5
November 2, 2014
"By George, she's done it again!"
Ok, I don't know who George is, but it's true. I know I've said it before, but I'll say it again. Tessa Bailey is freaking awesome! She's one of my absolute top favorite authors, and in my eyes, she can do no wrong.
With her first foray into the BDSM world with Owned by Fate, she showed us she could step out of her norm and give us something new. With Exposed by Fate, she proved she can do even better. Yes, the second book in her new series far exceeds the first in my humble opinion. While I adored Jonah and Caroline, I absolutely fell in love with Oliver. Ok, and Eliza ;)
Eliza is best friends with Oliver's sister, Caroline. But she's also had a serious attraction to Oliver since they first met when she was in college. She's never acted on it though, for several reasons. The fact that he's her bff's brother, a notorious playboy, and frankly, she just doesn't have the experience. After she was dragged to Serve with Caroline (in book one) she met Porter, a super hot Gavin Rossdale look alike, with whom she wanted to explore these desires that have been niggling in the back of her mind for ages. However, her nerves get the best of her and she runs. Deciding she needs some practice in this new world, she enlists help from the one man who definitely knows how to please women. Oliver Preston. *swoon*
Oliver Preston, better known as New York's most eligible bachelor, is a well known playboy who is also a Dominant. When his little sister's bff comes to him asking for lessons so she can woo her (other) man, he's reluctant at first. He too has had an attraction to Eliza for years and knows it's probably a bad idea. But what the hell. When else will he have the chance to do all those dirty things to her delectable little body he's been dreaming about?! ;) Right on man!
Thus embarks a three lesson deal. Oliver will teach Eliza all she needs to know to be safe and how to enjoy the pleasures another man will bring to her body. What these two didn't count on was falling even further for one another. Will they be able to overcome their feelings and walk away, or will they succumb to those feelings and embark on a lasting ~ dare I say the word ~ relationship?! ;)
I absolutely loved this book. Tessa did such a great job sucking me into their world and making me fall for her characters. I felt like I was a third wheel voyeur watching the scenes play out. I fell so hard for Oliver. He had so much depth to him that he'd kept hidden behind his devil-may-care and playboy persona, that not even his own family could see behind the mask. But Eliza did. She saw how much hurt he hid and how his feelings were more on the surface than anyone knew. I loved how Eliza started out somewhat insecure in her own skin, and Oliver helped her to see how beautiful and confident she truly was. The two of them together was a sight to behold. And the sex scenes! Oh my dear melted panties. They. Were. Hot. I'm sure I can find a gif to convey the panty melting powers of Oliver... ;)
Yeah... That's what happens with Oliver in a room ;)
This was another great hit from Tessa Bailey and I really can't wait to see what comes next in this series! ❤
My review can also be found here:
March 9, 2015
Reeeeeeeally not a fun thing when you're trying to land the guy you've had your eye on for a while and your best friend's older brother who's basically YOUR brother (yeahhhhh keep telling yourself that) shows up and calls you by an embarrassing pet name in front of The Guy.
"Eliza 'the sunny bunny' Ballas, is that you?"
Oliver?
Not cool, man. Not cool.
Anyways
OLIVER PRESTON.
I just fell for Oliver INSTANTLY. I mean I knew I liked the guy from the first book, but god he is just awesome in this. He's funny, his dominant side is hot as hell, and I love how he treats Eliza and calls her bunny. But dude needs to work on his communication skills because everything he tries to convey to Eliza about how he wants her more than sex just comes out wrong and I'm like "my child, please stop talking, please stop talking."
Eliza is AWESOMESAUCE. I love how she works hard to get where she is, how she basically takes no shit from nobody, and I love her banter with Oliver and how she's able to see how he's really pulling his weight in his family magazine.
and these idiots together are just right. They clicked. Okay I'm gushing hahaha I just found my new OTP.
The only issue I have is
Overall, SUCH A FUN STORY TO READ.
Ps. I don't usually fancast book characters because I don't really pay attention to the physical descriptions, but when I do it's completely accidental, like, faces just come in my mind and stay with me while I read.
For Eliza and Oliver, I immediately have the gorgeous Olivia Palermo and her equally gorgeous husband Johannes Huebl in my head
close? Olivia isn't Greek though, but I imagine Eliza to be as petite.
"Eliza 'the sunny bunny' Ballas, is that you?"
Oliver?
Not cool, man. Not cool.
Anyways
OLIVER PRESTON.
I just fell for Oliver INSTANTLY. I mean I knew I liked the guy from the first book, but god he is just awesome in this. He's funny, his dominant side is hot as hell, and I love how he treats Eliza and calls her bunny. But dude needs to work on his communication skills because everything he tries to convey to Eliza about how he wants her more than sex just comes out wrong and I'm like "my child, please stop talking, please stop talking."
Eliza is AWESOMESAUCE. I love how she works hard to get where she is, how she basically takes no shit from nobody, and I love her banter with Oliver and how she's able to see how he's really pulling his weight in his family magazine.
and these idiots together are just right. They clicked. Okay I'm gushing hahaha I just found my new OTP.
The only issue I have is
Overall, SUCH A FUN STORY TO READ.
Ps. I don't usually fancast book characters because I don't really pay attention to the physical descriptions, but when I do it's completely accidental, like, faces just come in my mind and stay with me while I read.
For Eliza and Oliver, I immediately have the gorgeous Olivia Palermo and her equally gorgeous husband Johannes Huebl in my head
close? Olivia isn't Greek though, but I imagine Eliza to be as petite.
March 31, 2015
In this scorching second book of the Serve series, we are treated to the story of Oliver and Eliza. Eliza has always been off limits to Oliver as his sister's best friend, but finding her in his BDSM club means all bets are off. When she agrees to let him teach her the ways of a submissive, he figures he can finally get a taste of what he's always wanted. But when a taste isn't enough, will he be man enough to own up to what's really in his heart, and will Eliza believe he'll forsake his playboy ways for her?
I loved this story! While the trope may be familiar, the setting certainly is not and having a couple play out their long hidden attraction within the BDSM lifestyle makes this a super steamy read. I really liked both main characters in the story. Though it is told from dual points of view, my lasting impression is that Oliver's thoughts and feelings were the dominant ones in the story (fitting, as that is his character role as well). Oliver is charismatic, handsome, a playboy in word and action and Eliza knows this, and is careful to keep her real feelings hidden from Oliver, not willing to trust her heart to someone who has never given any evidence of seriousness in his previous relationships. Eliza is smart, likeable, attractive and knows that she wants something in her relationships that she has been missing. Having Oliver fulfill that role for her and at the same time being able to admit to herself that she's always been attracted to him is a double bonus - great sex with a great guy, fulfilling her secret fantasy but never imagining that he might have had the same fantasies about her. As a result their love scenes are not just sexy but emotional and meaningful as well. We get a glimpse of other characters that will play roles in other stories to come and it only serves to make the story even more intriguing.
Overall I found this to be one of those stories that are impossible to put down once you start. Steamy sexual attraction between the main characters, a unique plot and setting, heartfelt emotion from the hero and heroine and a well deserved happy ending. 5 stars!
I loved this story! While the trope may be familiar, the setting certainly is not and having a couple play out their long hidden attraction within the BDSM lifestyle makes this a super steamy read. I really liked both main characters in the story. Though it is told from dual points of view, my lasting impression is that Oliver's thoughts and feelings were the dominant ones in the story (fitting, as that is his character role as well). Oliver is charismatic, handsome, a playboy in word and action and Eliza knows this, and is careful to keep her real feelings hidden from Oliver, not willing to trust her heart to someone who has never given any evidence of seriousness in his previous relationships. Eliza is smart, likeable, attractive and knows that she wants something in her relationships that she has been missing. Having Oliver fulfill that role for her and at the same time being able to admit to herself that she's always been attracted to him is a double bonus - great sex with a great guy, fulfilling her secret fantasy but never imagining that he might have had the same fantasies about her. As a result their love scenes are not just sexy but emotional and meaningful as well. We get a glimpse of other characters that will play roles in other stories to come and it only serves to make the story even more intriguing.
Overall I found this to be one of those stories that are impossible to put down once you start. Steamy sexual attraction between the main characters, a unique plot and setting, heartfelt emotion from the hero and heroine and a well deserved happy ending. 5 stars!
October 28, 2014
I loved this book. Tessa has done it again. Taken a well-used trope (best friend's brother) and kicked it up a notch or ten. Her characters are complex, damaged yet strong, and sexy as hell. This book gave me the "feels" and it's hard for me to put that in to words. Oliver was dominant, yet so vulnerable and it made my heart race seeing him struggle and then fall so hard. I loved how caring Oliver was when he reassured Eliza after her mild panic about her submissive cravings and I loved watching Eliza realize this new side of Oliver and fall in love with him. And the dirty things Oliver said to Eliza, OH MY. The chemistry between them was scorching and as usual, Ms. Bailey totally delivers with her dirty talk and her sexy scenes.
October 26, 2014
Eliza is Caroline's best friend. Caroline's brother, Oliver, has always known that Eliza was off limits - until Eliza needs a little help learning the BDSM world so she can hook up with a sexy British guy that frequents the BDSM club. Oliver agrees to teach Eliza some kink but they both agree to only have 3 lessons and then walking away from each other. Hot! This book was so hot! On top of that, it was actually a really good story and I really liked Oliver and his dirty mouth. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who loves a good steamy romance!
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
September 22, 2022
TLDR - DS FWB with a bunch of territorial posturing (in the yummy ways) -
I don’t think Tessa Bailey will every truly disappointed but this book just want it for me. I definitely liked it for sure just wasn’t obsessed in my usual ways (I think I’m just feeling off though so take this with a grain of salt). Firstly the characters are cute so I don’t have an issue with them. They did drive me a bit crazy in act 3 with their “loves me loves me not” stuff but it wasn’t that bad just a little annoying.
The smut in this was hot as always (T Bailey knows her stuff) and even though this isn’t as ‘teachy’ as I wanted it still covered it a lil and the stuff they did could definitely still make ya sweat.
Overall cute book with yummy smut and tension to match. Nice easy read when I’m panicking about what I “should” be reading
I don’t think Tessa Bailey will every truly disappointed but this book just want it for me. I definitely liked it for sure just wasn’t obsessed in my usual ways (I think I’m just feeling off though so take this with a grain of salt). Firstly the characters are cute so I don’t have an issue with them. They did drive me a bit crazy in act 3 with their “loves me loves me not” stuff but it wasn’t that bad just a little annoying.
The smut in this was hot as always (T Bailey knows her stuff) and even though this isn’t as ‘teachy’ as I wanted it still covered it a lil and the stuff they did could definitely still make ya sweat.
Overall cute book with yummy smut and tension to match. Nice easy read when I’m panicking about what I “should” be reading
August 10, 2025
I was going to give it 3, but it on the same star as the first one, but then the miscommunication happened. Or just flat out lack of communication. It took far too long and again, not enough happens in these books that a delay like this just becomes too long.
Read
February 6, 2022Dnf. Not my jam.
June 4, 2022
smut and chemistry between them was great but the miscommunication throughout the whole book killed the mood
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