Sanctuary

San Francisco Dom #1

by Eden Bradley

She trusts him with her body…but can he trust himself with her heart?

San Francisco Doms, Book 1

Devin Delaney has never described herself as kinky, despite a rich fantasy life filled with submission scenarios—until her best friend takes her to the Ring, a San Francisco BDSM club, and her senses hum with awakened urges.

One pro Dom in particular works scenes that leave her breathless, and when he unexpectedly invites her on a journey to the darker side of sex—right then, right there—she sinks readily into the sting of addictive desire.

Shaye’s past makes him wary of getting involved with any woman, but when Devin willingly gives herself over to him, something inside him opens up. And he finds himself breaking his own rules to keep her in his arms all night.

When Shaye takes Devin to an exclusive club named Sanctuary, leading her deeper into the BDSM world, Devin’s kinkiest fantasies—and emotions—shift into overdrive. The experience brings them both to the edge of an inner darkness that could seal their bond—or permanently tear it apart.

Genres: BDSM, Erotica, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance, Contemporary

123 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

New York Times & USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author Eden Bradley aka Eve Berlin has published a number of novels and novellas, both print and e-books, with Berkley Heat, Bantam/Delta, Harlequin Spice & HQN, Black Lace Books and Samhain Publishing, as well as venturing into self-publishing. Her books have been translated into German, French, Romanian, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, Czech, Polish, Indonesian and Japanese. Eden has appeared regularly on Playboy Radio and conducts workshops on writing craft and writing about sex. Eden speaks regularly on BDSM safety, psychology & practice, as well as sexual positivity for women.

She loves art, shoes, tattoos, reading smutty books, chocolate and sex, of course, not necessarily in that order. You can visit her website: EdenBradley.com or her group FB page Dirty Minds Social Club!

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EdenBradley
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorEdenBradley.Ev...
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/11102...
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/edenandeve/

All of her book ratings at Goodreads reflect her favorite books, from those she loved to lifelong keepers.

Reviews

[The BookChick · Rating 3 out of 5]

This edition of Sanctuary is a reprisal a similar work written by Bradley a few years ago. I have read many books by many different authors in the genre and have enjoyed a great many and others less so. Sanctuary falls square in the middle for me. For some reason, I just didn't connect with the story or the characters. The BDSM element was neither light nor heavy...it too fell somewhere in between. The erotic and sexy elements of the story were present and accounted for, it's just the story I missed. Devin and Shaye always felt they were orbiting one another but the connection between them was missing. They were physically attracted to one another -- very much so. However, when the professions of love came, it felt more rote than a heartfelt declaration. In similar stories I've read and loved, there was a strong connection between the characters. BDSM is something that requires trust that is often built through the character's connection with one another. There was little time given to establish trust between Devlin and Shaye. He wanted to know everything about her -- demanded it of her. But, he offered nothing of himself in return. He even summarily demises her when he feels as if she is getting too close to him. I think that is where the story missed it for me. The connection. I needed it. Wanted to feel it. I just never did.

Please don't take this review as "I hated it" because I did not. I just would have loved "the more" that would have made this story more memorable for me.

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alyn's review posted on Guilty Pleasures

4.5 Stars

I had not had the pleasure of reading any of Eden Bradley’s/Eve Berlin’s books until I was asked to review Temptation’s Edge a few months ago. The moment I began that story I was hooked and have been ever since. It sent me on a mission to find Eden’s other books and I found myself staring at a simple but enticing cover for Sanctuary; a story of a woman named Devin who is lured to fulfill her desires by a beautifully wicked man named Shaye Vincent.

Devin is a quiet web designer who enjoys hanging out with her friends and keeping control of her life. After a difficult childhood dealing with a mother that needed taking care of, Devin grew up handling everything. She works at home, controls her jobs and her schedule. Her only real sex life was with her favorite pink vibrator and her romance novels that tend to lean toward the darker side of sex. She loved to read about BDSM and had fantasized about it for years. When her best friend takes her to fetish night at a local club, she lays eyes on the most beautiful man she has ever seen and from that moment on, her thoughts are for him only. She never dreamed she would ever find herself jumping head first into the lifestyle and with one simple word “YES” her life changes forever.

Shaye Vincent has always enjoyed the control that comes with being a Dom. Athough working a fetish night at a local club doesn’t fulfill his darker needs, it allows him the opportunity to inflict the pleasurable pain he so enjoys giving. The exhibitionist side of him loves the crowd and he gets off on the smell of fear from the daring little newbies that are brave enough to step into “The Ring” for a spanking or flogging. He never wanted commitment and the club provided a fresh group of willing ladies to practice his kink with while allowing him to stay unattached. It wasn’t until he locked eyes with Devin, that everything changed. Something about her innocence drew him in. No, she wasn’t young and virginal innocent, but an innocence to the lifestyle and a spark in her eye drew him in. He knew she was meant for the lifestyle and wanted to show her just how perfect his brand of kink could be for her. All he had to do was get her to say “YES”.

What a connection there was between these two characters! From the first sweet kiss on Devin’s palm I was drawn in as if Shaye was kissing mine. Something so simple as the gentle press of a man’s lips to that sensitive spot just makes me shiver. Eden’s description of Shaye and Devin’s first meeting at the club gave me the chills and reminded me of the first time I laid eyes on a guy I desired and couldn’t take my mind off of him for weeks. It is as if they invade your dreams and that is exactly what happens to Devin. That sweet addiction that you know you shouldn’t have but have to give in to. That is Shaye. He is that sweet that Devin craves but knows she shouldn’t have. The moment Devin gets her first taste, Shaye completely consumes her everything. When he finally gets Devin where he wants her, he thinks he can play and leave. But when Devin falls into subspace the moment he gets his hands on her, he realizes he can’t let her go. He never dreamed he would find a woman that could submit to him the way he needed and new he was not the commitment type. His father showed him the type of man he needed to be and long term was not in the equation. However, what if the variables in the equation change?

The intesity of the scenes in this book had me flipping pages quicker than my fingers could keep up with. Shaye gives everything when he is with Devin and his power with her made me melt. He is forceful and loves leaving his mark on her bare backside as often as she will submit to him (which is always). Soon the idea of being without her invades his thoughts and scares him to death. Can he really be the type of man to collar a sub, or should he walk away before he hurts both Devin and himself beyond repair?

If you have not been introduced to Eden Bradley, you surely must get acquainted with her. While I had hoped the story would have one more chapter to finalize what happens at the end (if you want to know, you need to read it) Sanctuary is a beautiful story of sweet surrender that will make you melt from the moment these two amazing characters meet. I must read for any BDSM fan, or any romance reader that doesn’t mind a bit of kink and a warm hand to the backside.

[Tabatha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had actually started to read the first edition of this book, but then decided to wait until the revised one came out after I had already made it about 60% of the way through. Unfortunately, I hate to say that the revisions didn't improve this one for me, and I found it to be a struggle for me to even finish. I put this book down so many times that I feared I would never finish it. Because of that, I wanted to take the time for me to digest the book before I formulated my review. It was really hard to pin point exactly what didn't work for me in the story, and after a few days of careful thinking I still feel like this book just didn't work for me.

Now let me start by saying that I don't mind reading insta-lust books, but these two had very little in the way of actual conversation leading into their relationship and not much to support it either. I think this put me off right from the start. The author tells us far too much instead of showing us when it comes to the development of their relationship, so I missed that dialogue making it less enjoyable for me to read. I think the other aspect that niggled at me the most, was that the BDSM elements of the story just didn't feel right either. I read a ton of BDSM books, and one line especially irritated me because it was wrong on far too many levels. He left her tied up to go out of the room and into his office to go work. No actual Dom would leave a sub tied up and unattended for any length of time let alone hours. That is purely irresponsible, and honestly Shaye never really felt like a good Dom. Sure he talks about being in control of himself, but he honestly shows no control at all.

I think with some careful re-editing this could actually turn into a good read, because the framework is definitely there. Perhaps the other books in this series will improve, so maybe I will give them another chance. I know so many have enjoyed this book, but for me it just wasn't on the same level as others I've read.

*I received a review copy from the publisher/author via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*

[Gabrielle Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A girls night out changes into something much more when Devin meets Shaye in the Ring at Club X. Devin is hypnotized by what is going on inside the ring and when Shaye spots her he is just as enthralled. The two go on a whirlwind of a relationship so full of emotions and sexual needs but will Shaye’s fears bring an end to it all just as it has begun?


This is an intense and intriguing read. Shaye and Devin go through a lot emotionally in a very short time and I enjoyed reading their story. Shaye is a good man but is confused by the intensity of his feelings for Devin. She is a perfect match for him, more than willing to do the things that he wants and enjoying them just as much as he does. Watching the two try to come to terms with not only their feelings but also with what their future will hold was a good read. Devin immerses herself into Shaye’s world and finds herself in a place where she feels safe and at home and shows Shaye that love is not something to run away from.

[She Hearts Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devin's friend brings her out for a girls night. When she walks in and is faced with a Dominant/submissive scene which sparks something inside of her. She longs for a man to be that for her. Shaye is all that and a bag of chips. He is a delicious bossy man looking for a woman to bring home and collar. From the moment he sets eyes on her, Devin rocks his world. Especially when she says no to playing with him. She is too afraid to let go of control. Both are the same in that they are afraid to let go of how they are living to grab hold of what they could have together. The more time they spend together the more they let their walls crumble. Once they are together it's scorching hot and you can't help but want the happily ever after for them.

Eden writes kinksta love so well and I loved Devin and Shaye's story.

I give Sanctuary 5 hearts!

[Tony · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was recommended this as part of a challenge and I'm grateful to have been given the chance to read it.
The opening is intriguing and draws you in, making you want to know what's going to happen next. The rules Shaye has set up for himself works very well to create the tension between him and Devin, at least at first.
When Shaye eventually lets himself go things start to go down hill, in my point of view.

I don't know how many orgasms she has when he finally gets around to have full intercourse with her, but it's far beyond the point of ridiculous.

My biggest gripe about the book is how little time is actually spent at the Sanctuary.
A good book that is well worth the read, but could have been so much more interesting.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devin finds herself at a club that awakens all her inner desires, and the man on stage ticks all her boxes. But does she have the guts to accept his invitation or will she keep to reading about it?
Shaye is showing newbies what it´s like to subject to him, when one doe-eyed innocent woman sparks his interest. Will she let him show what it means to submit, and will he take the gift of her submission?
Quick read, smutty fluff and BDSM in a great combo.
Great start, but the insta-love and understanding makes it a 3,5 for me.
Can´t wait to read more from the Sanctuary!

[Aelliana · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing was okay, but I guess there was a reason why I never read more Eden Bradley after reading Breaking Skye. There wasn't much there, beyond the play scenes. Not that the book was just sex, but the characters was empty paper dolls, with some angst added. No story.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know how I feel about this book. It was certainly hot and sexy but I feel absolutely no emotion for the characters. Besides the brief descriptions of their childhoods, you get nothing other than their insta-love. So while it was an ok quick read, I wont be searching out more books from this author.

[Deborah · Rating 2 out of 5]

This would have been a better book if there had been some character and relationship development.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok. I didn't find either main character entirely convincing; it all seemed underdeveloped.

[Beachbaby]

Included in book - "Exclusive"

[Ursula (momermaid48) · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the Author of The Dark Garden comes another scorching BDSM romance.

When her best friend takes her to a BDSM club in San Francisco Devin Delaney meets the beautiful, mysterious and commanding Shaye Vincent. The wealthy, enigmatic man takes her on a journey into the darker side of sex, and it’s addictive. He’s addictive.

At Sanctuary Devin’s kinkiest fantasies—and her emotions—shift into overdrive. But she’ll have to face old demons in order to give up control, and Shaye will have to walk through his own darkness. Can pain and desire bring them together? Or will it tear them apart?

Sensual, seductive and deeply moving—If you liked the Fifty Shades trilogy, you’ll fall in love with Sanctuary

This book blew me away. I was drawn in and felt like I was right there experiencing both character's emotions. I can't even find a word to describe how this book made me feel. I started reading it and finished it in one sitting because it was that compelling! I needed to see what was going to happen. Needed to see if the hero would be able to reconcile his emotions or if he would run. I needed to see if the heroine would survive the journey into submission with her identity intact. I read a lot of BDSM books and some are fun, some are a little over the top but this one felt right somehow. It felt real. As in, a real person's journey into the world of BDSM but entertaining as hell to read. I will read this book over and over again. I know this was a short review, but I can't seem to find the right words to convey how it affected me, so go read it for yourself. Then come back and tell me how it made you feel.

[Jina · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I will try to avoid spoilers.

THIS BOOK IS FOR ADULTS ONLY.

Sanctuary by Eden Bradley

Devin Delaney let her friend Kimmie talk her into going to Club X on fetish night. Every Friday the wicked and kinky would enter the Ring if they wanted to be shown the S&M treatment.

Devin a graphic designer, who always felt she had to be in control was surprised how seeing the two women being flogged awakened desires in her she never knew she had.

Not only did the act itself excite her but the thought of being flogged by a certain professional Dom named Shaye Vincent brought a rush of need to her as well.

Shaye Vincent an owner of a consulting firm also worked at Club X for fun. His father's haunting words remained in his head, when you need someone you lose control of your life. These words and his past have kept him from being in a relationship.

Devin could not bring herself to give into temptation the first time she was at Club X but after no longer being able to clear her mind of the fantasy images of Shaye having control over her she walked into Club X and entered the Ring.

Upon her entering the Ring it awakened more than just desires between the two of them.

I LOVED this book! In the past I have not been able to read too many books of this nature. Most books of this type just feel forced and do not flow together. However, Ms. Bradley is a rare exception. Her book drew me in at the start and by the end I wanted a sequel! It was the perfect combination of chemistry, kinkiness and sweetness. I will be adding her to my must read author list!
*Checkout and follow my blog:
http://wicked-blogs.blogspot.com

[Amaranthine · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the book begins, Devin is a total bdsm newbie control freak, who is afraid to submit; while Shaye is a professional dominant with no interest whatsoever in a relationship. Upon first meeting, the couple have an instant physical connection, that while being a tad abrupt, still feels believable. This connection quickly spirals into intense lust which—for both characters—reads a little like obsession.

My main issue with this book is that it feels somewhat as though the sex got in the way of the storyline. Don’t get me wrong, the hotness level definitely lives up the erotica categorization. Every sex scene was incredibly long and detailed, and we get pages and pages of heat…followed by Shaye thinking back to all of the amazing conversations he’s had with Devin. And I am left feeling like I’ve somehow skipped a chapter.

In the end, it is abundantly apparent that Devin and Shaye share a physical connection. But, I only know they have more than that because they are telling me they do. And I must say, glossing over nearly all of the getting-to-know-you portion of the story makes it very difficult for the reader to form any sort of connection to the characters.

For the sake of full disclosure it must be stated that I received this book, free of charge, from Netgalley.

[E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars.
"Sanctuary" by Eden Bradley is the delightfully spicy novella about Devin, a newbie to the erotic world of BDSM, and her wiling guide, Shaye Vincent.

This is a sizzling read from an author who is an expert at penning sensual and moving scenes. You get an intriguing glimpse of a world that has its own rigid rules and protocols combined with an arousing description of one woman's journey. Devin is a little passive for my tastes and very quick to forgive while Shaye fights his own demons, but I am sure that some of the abrupt resolution is due to the constraints of the medium. Hopefully there will be future tales of this alluring couple as they continue their journey through their dark erotic playgrounds.

Shaye can't believe his attraction to the sweetly submissive innocent who is aroused by simply watching him work with the volunteers at the club he is performing at. He decides to guide her on her journey into the darkly sensual world he inhabits but finds himself becoming more attached than is wise. His overwhelming need to introduce Devin to the very exclusive Sanctuary club underscores the pull she exerts on him but also threatens his personal rules and boundaries. Perhaps the student will be able to teach the Master a thing or two.

© Night Owl Reviews

[The Smutty Kitty · Rating 5 out of 5]

As posted on The Smutty Kitty (reviewed by Michelle B)

5 out of 5 Licks

In this story Eden Bradley weaves such a beautifully written and intriguing story that I couldn’t help but be enthralled. She had me falling in love with Shaye and wanting to be Devin within the first few pages of the book. I can honestly say I don’t pick up a book, whether it is a full length or novella, just because it has BDSM elements. Usually it’s just the opposite. Eden Bradley has just taught me the error of my ways.

This wasn’t a book about BDSM or the kink club scene, but a love story that begins and ultimately ends there. By the end of the story I could actually feel the emotions the author has so clearly written of the heroin, as well as the hero.

I think the mark of a good book is when you can truly see through the written words exactly what the author is showing us. But the mark of a truly excellent book, and one I plan to read again, is when I actually get that burning sensation in the eyes and a runny nose as I fight to not cry. Sanctuary was just that book that has definitely made it to the list of my favorite reads.

Thank you Eden Bradley for showing me the beautiful side of BDSM that truly had me wanting to be like your character lol

[Meleka Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Control!!! That's what this book is all about. It's about having the power to give up control.

When I read books like this I look for complete trust in the characters to take care of each other in the role of dominant and submissive. I just love how Shaye likes to watch a woman in subspace. He realizes the beauty of the responsibility that comes with it when he takes care of the woman like a prized treasure in her most fragile state.

I liked how Shaye didn't want to take advantage of Devon in her sensitive state. He wanted her to make sure she knew what she was getting into and to know if she really wanted him.

I was an awe that he could read her body to know when she was open or closed to him. I just fell for him when he did that.
Freaking awesome!!!!! He is opening her up to new sexual experiences. I consider him a bad man (in a good way) if after one night her sense of self and what she knows of herself is being challenged.

This was a great and quick read. I would recommend it.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes I liked this book.

Like too many other stories, there's way too much telling in "Sanctuary." Rather than having the Devin and Shaye's words and actions show their thoughts and emotions, there's tons of narrative telling us that instead. It makes the book.....rather flat. And having your characters fall in lust right away doesn't leave much to build up to later on, so the story's really too short.

Bradley's a little sparse with the background details that would give her characters more depth. You get to know Shaye better than Devin, but both of them stay fairly flat. Shaye's the handsome, rich, hot Dom, Devin's the gorgeous, sweet submissive. Rinse. Repeat.

However, Bradley really has a way with words. Her use of descriptive language is great...you can almost feel the richness of the textures she describes, and feel the damp San Francisco nights as well. It's just too bad that there's so little story to go with it.

[~❤️Minnie❤️~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all please read thoroughly so you can understand. Now I'll say that I didn't like the first chapter. It was rushed and everything happened very fast. I understand the book is a short story and things have to happen fast but I think it was more like the author was writing everything down in a rush to not forget but forgot to go back and edit. After that I can't really complain. It was a really good story and it was moving.

There were some things that left me stupefied, like the fact that Shaye has a piercing in the underside of his cock and they are doing it from behind and Devin likes that it rubs her g-spot, but then they are doing it against a door with her legs around his waist and she feels it against her g-spot again

Anywho, I really would have liked the story to be longer and see more of Sanctuary but as for the rest I can't complain. I'll be definitively reading the next book.

[I ♥ Bookie Nookie (bookienookiereviews.blogspot.com) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Typical intro to BDSM kink read. Pro Dom meets innocent and new to the lifestyle sub. He teaches her the ways of the lifestyle and she bows to his will. A good, light BDSM read.

✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews


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[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow one of the best BDSM stories I have read. Great characters, great showing of BDSM/Spanking, and great chemistry!

I really liked how Shaye didn't just have sex with her right off the bat but did "other" things to make sure this was what she wanted. Loved both characters and despite the misunderstanding (ok while I understand it was needed a little cliché) at the end the story was only about the characters and great story telling.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice introduction to me of Eden Bradley's writing. However, I was slightly disappointed that the author spent so little time actually at Sanctuary. It seemed that the club was a very big part of Shaye's life and that it was significant that he took Devin there. However, there was little time actually spent there. Perhaps because it was only a novella? However, I would be interested in reading more of this series.

[Johanna Sawyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks netgalley for a free book in exchange for a review. This book started out good but somewhere in the middle I just completely got bored. Most people practice BDSM without all those......feelings. What happened to just general interest? Why does it make you look weak to want to submit to someone? I never understand why these stories sometimes take that twist. Not to mention the absolutely hot ass sex scenes. Overall entertainment is two and a half stars.

[Lana-White Hot Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sanctuary is a fast paced dom meets sub love story. Ms Bradley is able to write white hot sex and wraps it in pure animal lust. The characters are likable and interesting to read. On a scale of 1 to 5 the sex was a solid 4 plus. If you like kink this is a must read. Very well written and worth the read.

[Xhex87 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great surprise. I got this book for free from amazon around Christmas time and did except to enjoy a free read so much.
This author is able to how true chemistry between the characters and you want them to work out.
I will be looking for more books from this author.

[Audrey · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sorry folks, just not for me...If you are just starting to read then yes, it's probably for you. But for me, I've been reading for years and this was so predictable and disappointing. I just couldn't finish it...I tried.

[NhaughtyV says Damn the Zon Save the Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you ready to give up control? Devin is a woman use to taking care of herself, but when her best friend takes her to a BDSM club, Devin sees Master Shaye, and the chemistry between them ignites. Recommend this one!

[Jessica Brittain · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is a hot, steamy, all the feels, left wanting more must read!! Eden Bradley did a great job with this well written storyline! Her characters are very relatable and down to earth. I definitely recommend this book!!

[Monique · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars