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The Vault #1

A Shot of Sin

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Throw back a shot of pure sin.

Leo Petrova has a dirty secret that’s about to get blown wide open. The exclusive VIP area hidden beneath his night club, Shot of Sin, is short staffed a bartender. The only available replacement is Shay—his temptation, his distraction—the sole woman he refuses to escort down the secret staircase. She has no clue about the private adult club that lies beneath her feet and he’d prefer to keep it that way. The Vault of Sin is the only place he can let his sexual proclivities run wild and he’s learned the hard way that Shay is too virtuous to be comfortable in the erotic environment.

Shay Porter is curious as to why her boss, the king of mixed messages, seems almost desperate to keep her from discovering what’s on the other side of the guarded door at the back of the building. But she’s never backed down from a challenge before. Sliding into Leo’s arms and this new world of carnal exploration is addictive yet frightening. She could lose her job, her self-respect, and her heart.

Exposing a vanilla woman to a sorbet lifestyle isn’t something Leo’s business partners approve of. Secrets are at stake. Friendships, too. And through it all, neither one of them can ignore the wicked taste of sin threatening to tear it all apart.

Warning: This sex club does not carry the government’s stamp of approval. Contains devilish debauchery, delightful deviance, and dancing on the edge of the darkest of sexual desires.

Please note: This book was previously released by Samhain Publishing. This new edition contains a few slight tweaks as well as a new setting for the series.

226 pages, Paperback

First published January 13, 2015

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2414 people want to read

About the author

Eden Summers

67 books2,493 followers
Eden Summers is a bestselling author best known for the Hunting Her World, Reckless Beat series and the Vault.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 287 reviews
Profile Image for Shayna.
1,812 reviews615 followers
January 4, 2015
There is just something about Eden Summers' stories that make them simply unputdownable! With every sexy rock star, every sassy and independent heroine, and every gorgeous dominating alpha male, all of her stories touch my heart in some way. Not only are they superbly sensual and incredibly erotic, the story behind all the hot sex is intriguing and somewhat relatable as well. I am always guaranteed a hot and enjoyable read when this author's name is on the cover.

With all that being said...

I'm absolutely IN LOVE with this new series by the incredibly talented Eden Summers! The hero, the heroine, the secondary characters, the premise, everything was fantastic!

Shay Porter, what a fun female lead. She is sassy, sexy, and mouthy at best, and I just love that! She is hard and outspoken on the outside, but you can just tell she is vulnerable on the inside, wanting more from this man that she can't get out of her head, no matter how much he annoys the hell out of her.

Leo Petrova, our gorgeous, demanding, possessive male lead, and part owner of my new favorite place, the Vault. He tries so hard to stay away from the temptation that is Shay Porter, but it starts to get extremely difficult when he is forced to use her skills downstairs at the Vault, her bartending skills that is. As the temptation of her body and her surrender grow stronger every day, he is forced to act out with harsh words to try to drive her away, but Shay is a stubborn woman. Can she break down his walls for even a second, so he can see what they can be together?

This love/hate relationship between these two was fantastic. I loved the intensity and the emotional pull from it. Finding Shay's limits and pushing her boundaries becomes Leo's main goal and it is a hot, incredible journey. Tough emotions come into play when Shay doesn't think she can be enough for Leo. Leo needs to push his own boundaries and find his own limits when it comes to Shay Porter.

A Shot Of Sin was a FANTASTIC start to what is sure to be an incredible new series! I want more of these characters. I want more trips down to the Vault, and I want more of that hot, steamy chemistry Ms. Summers always brings to the table.

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Read more of my reviews at Shayna Renee's Spicy Reads!

*Gifted copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Louise H's Book Thoughts.
2,036 reviews317 followers
April 11, 2024
3.25 stars

I first read this in 2017 and was pretty blown away. I've read a lot of hot, kinky and even depraved stuff since and whilst I still enjoyed this it didn't have quite the same impact this time. It's an erotic romance that is heavy on the erotic and very light on the romance. Leo and Shay are both likeable characters, Leo was a little too perfect for my tastes but not irritatingly so. It's quite a quick read with pleasant, easy to read prose and a good pace.


I enjoyed the book, along with the opportunities for "one-handed reading". Disappointingly there wasn't enough time spent showing me how this couple felt. We don't see a real relationship develop, just lots of lusting after one another. There was far too much telling and not enough showing for me and the timeline of events didn't feel realistic.


I was unable to buy into their feelings when all their interactions seemed to be based on hormone-driven lust. Every single interaction between Shay and Leo either involves heavy flirting and sexual innuendo or some type of sexual activity. Whilst sexual attraction is usually a factor in two people deciding to embark on a relationship, there has to be more to it. There's more to compatibility than D in the V.


Something that bothered me was the lack of honest conversation about how they saw their future sex life, what they wanted/expected/were willing to try or give up. At one point it was acknowledged by Leo that he wasn't willing to alter his sexual proclivities for a woman but that was exactly what he was expecting from Shay. I wish the author had found a middle ground for them to meet on. I hate when the woman always has to do all the giving. And sorry, #notsorry , but Shay jumping into Too much, too soon, too rushed.


This time around I didn't even find the "being watched" scene particularly erotic if I'm being brutally honest. I needed to understand why Shay was overcoming all her inhibitions so easily and quickly but the author didn't achieve that. The way she went from being super awkward and embarrassed that TJ and Brute were watching, to being fully into it fell somewhat flat for me.





Original review - 5 stars
Wow, this book is definitely NSFW. If you're very vanilla then you'll want to read this somewhere discreet and private. If you're a little more like Leo, TH and Brute you can read this anywhere but just be aware of public decency laws!

This is one hot read and I'm now wishing I knew of a 'vault of sin' in my neck of the woods. Shay suffered from a lot of damp panties and after reading about Leo (and TJ and Bruce) she isn't the only one.

I loved Shay's mix of sass and vulnerability, she is a wonderful heroine. Leo would melt the panties off a nun he is so alpha male hot. The chemistry between them almost broke my kindle and I loved that everything was so consensual, and with both prepared to alter their life for the other (I love an alpha male but hate how in some books the girl has to be humiliated and forced beyond her comfort zone).

I think you can gather that I LOVED this book. So much so I didn't jump straight into reading another but took time to bask in the afterglow of having read this. The quality of the writing is awesome, the plot was refreshingly different, I really liked the characters and the pace was good. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Spunky N Sassy.
5,393 reviews119 followers
March 7, 2015
Sweet N Sassy Book A Holics Overall Rating: 4.85

~~~~~~~~~~Tracy's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~

Will Leo and Shay sacrifice everything, including the place that holds not only their future but Brute and TJ's as well?

This book starts off Hot and steamy. I loved the characters of Shay, Leo, TJ and Brute. The development of the story is set at a great pace. You see the conflict that both Shay and Leo face. If they get together what it would mean for The Vault and all their jobs.

This is book one of In the Vault of Sin Series. It does not disappoint. I wanted to keep reading to find out not only the story between Leo and Shay but the supporting characters as well. I found myself loving each character due to the way Eden Summers pulls you in and shows you their struggles.

TJ we find out is in the middle of a huge personal conflict. He is such a sweet and loving friend to not only Leo but Shay as well. I found myself wanting to hug him by the end of the book. I know there is more coming from him.

Brute is surprising tender and goodhearted, not the hard ass he shows everyone. I really loved this character and can't wait to learn more about him as the series continues.

Eden has another hit series on her hands. I can't wait to revisit the Vault and see what other naughty and sinful secrets it holds.

~~~~~~~~~~Sharlene's ★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~

Leo and Shay definitely are building a different kind of relationship. Although this type of relationship is not up my alley, I did still find myself hoping that Leo and Shay are able to find a way to make it work.

They both work in a bar which opens up all kind of possibilities but nothing could prepare Shay for what she finds in the basement with Leo. The characters are likable and understandable. The story is believable and well thought out by the author. This story can read as a stand alone and does have an HEA.

~~~~~~~~~~Kim's ★★★★★ Review!~~~~~~~~~~

Oh my gosh!! I need more!! I absolutely loved this story I just couldn't get enough!

Eden Summers has done a fantastic job of bringing the characters in his book alive! I absolutely loved the entire thing it flowed perfectly, was just the right length and kept me wanting more!

We meet Shay who works at the bar that Leo, T.J and Brute own, little does she know underneath the bar is an illegal sex club Vault of Sin! Shay doesn't hide her feelings for Leo, but Leo knows they would never work as a couple. Or can they? Besides her heart being at stake theres also her job. Shay can be a bit of a firecracker when she gets angry and this definitely leads to a good giggle!

I'm hoping we get to see more of T.J and Brute as we only get a small insight into their lives in this book.

It's hot and steamy as sin! I cannot recommend this book enough! I wish I could give more that 5 stars!

~~~~~~~~~~Michelle's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~

OMG……I NEED MORE……

”Shot of Sin” by Eden Summers was one of the hottest reads and I enjoyed every freaking minute of it. Shay is sassy, fun, fierce and I want to be her. She has fallen hard for her boss Leo and after one stolen moment in a storage closet, everything changes.

Leo is hiding a huge secret and he fears that once Shay finds out she will want nothing to do with him. I adored the banter between Shay & Leo. Shay is a headstrong heroine and Leo is your Alpha dominant who is sexy as hell. Is he ready to take the leap and just tell her?

You’ll have to 1-click and read this book.

Summers did an incredible job in creating a fantasy and making it feel as a reality. I LOVED…..LOVED…..LOVED….this book. The only bad part is that I NEED MORE…….I really wish it was about another 500 pages longer….lol. The secondary characters were amazingly written as the primary characters. I really hope TJ & Brute get their own book……or maybe another book with the Fierce some Foursome (Pretty please……I am begging……)

No spoilers from me…….Just trust when I say that you need this book if you enjoy a sexy, panty melting, hot read……

Awesome job Eden Summers – I am hooked

~~~~~~~~~~~Sara's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~

Excellent Job Eden! I couldn't put this down. I love Leo and shay's story, Wow! Hot Hot Hot! Leo is Shay's boss who she absolutely loves. He has a secret he is scared to tell her from fear of her leaving. Shay knows that Leo being the boss being with him can put her on in jeopardy. She finds a sex club I the basement of her employment. So if you aren't into sexual situations then don't read this book, but if you are this is a must read. I love all the characters. And I want more of Brute and TJ. SO hopefully they get their own stories.

~~~~~~~~~~Dee's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~

This story is about the relationship of Leo and Shay. She has worked several months in the Shot of Sin Bar and Restaurant and in that time, has developed a strong crush on Leo, one of her bosses. Then comes the night they introduce her to the exclusive, secret sex club located on the lower level. To become closer to Leo, she must become comfortable in the club's environment.

After her first night, she begins to re-evaluate her own sexuality. The vision of sexual pleasure expands her knowledge of possibilities and the realization of this both tantalizes and scares her to death. But Leo needs her full acceptance without reservation if they are to have a future together. As they test each other and take baby steps into this new world, it is very entertaining to watch their dance. Fascinating to see how their attraction for each other and their struggle to deal with new beliefs of lifestyles molds and changes the both of them. I enjoyed seeing into Shay's mind as she tries to deal with her questions, fears, insecurities and her rationalization as she expands her boundaries. Very interesting reading experience. I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. Five Stars.

~~~~~~~~~~Nicole's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~

This is the first book I've read of Eden Summers. I really enjoyed this book. I loved the independent sassy female character, Shay. Her boss Leo is all alpha male along with his two other partners. This was a quick and easy to follow book. It kept my attention and I am looking forward to the next book in this series. I give this book a 5 star rating.
Profile Image for Franjessca.
1,692 reviews97 followers
January 6, 2019
Full Review posted at Book Lovin' Mamas

A Shot of Sin is going to get you out of your comfort zone a bit and bring on the heat. I loved every bit of Shay and Leo together. (Sorry, won’t get into details because I don’t want to give it away) Leo is going to change Shay a bit, and Shay is going to change Leo too. =)

I’m anxious to read T.J. and Brute’s stories next because these two won me over in A Shot of Sin. I need more of these guys already. Ahhh!

I give this book five stars and highly recommend it readers of the contemporary {erotic} romance genre.

Until the next book is released, I’m going to re-read A Shot of Sin again and again because I can’t get enough of this series so far. I also gotta keep getting my Leo fix. =) I LOVE him!
Profile Image for Jamie.
2,066 reviews93 followers
January 10, 2022
I liked Leo and Shay. The problem for me was I didn't buy into their relationship. This comes across as instant love. Leo sees her when she drops off her application and he's taken with her. She makes out with him one and falls in love with him...'insert eye roll'. I liked her snark. But this really boiled down to is he likes people to watch him have sex. Shay of course isn't ok with any of this at first. I don't blame her because it's all thrown at her really. There really wasn't a lot of them building a relationship. It was them lusting after one another. I really needed a little more of the relationship aspect to bring this all together for me.
Profile Image for Olga therebelreader.
894 reviews767 followers
February 27, 2015
4 HOT AS SIN STARS

That was a steamy, arousing, naughty, enjoyable, quick read! I'm really anxious to read the next installment! Oh... and did I say I'm in love with Leo? Oh my... he's the man of my dreams ;)
Profile Image for Lisa Pichner.
232 reviews8 followers
January 5, 2015
I was given this book as an ARC for an honest review and let me just say I love these characters. This is the first book I have ever read from Eden Summers and I am looking forward to reading more of her work. So first we have Shay Porter who is the bartender for Shot of Sin the club and restaurant that Leo Petrova owns with two friends. With this bar and restaurant there is also a private bar in the club that Shay doesn’t have access to. Shay and Leo are very attracted to each other but Leo doesn’t think Shay can handle the sex life that he likes so he tries to stay away from her. That all changes when the bartender in the Vault of Sin breaks her arm and they need to replace her, the other owners want Shay to do it but Leo wants to refuse. Finally Leo relents and takes Shay to the VIP bar and Shay is shocked to see it is a sex club she doesn’t know how to handle her feelings Leo is afraid he is going to lose the one thing he could love. You have to read this book and see all the trails that a dominant sexy owner and a sassy beautiful bartender go through to get a shot at love. This book definitely get 5 stars from me.
Profile Image for Tina "IRead2Escape".
1,475 reviews85 followers
January 19, 2015
4.5 Stars

Hotness Rating 5 out of 5


A Shot of Sin is the first book of Ms. Summer's Vault of Sin series. This series introduces us to the world of an underground sex club and the 3 sexy alpha men who keep it all running.

Best Friends Leo, T.J. and Brute have a lot in common. So much so, they decided to go into business together. They own and run the local hot spot Shot of Sin. It's the perfect place to grab a drink, get a meal, or party with your friends. The area downstairs, however, is what really feeds their common interests and needs. To the majority of the employees and patrons it's a VIP lounge that is super hard to get an invite for. To the owners and select few who know the truth it's the Vault an underground sex club that is cleverly hidden under the dance floor of Shot of Sin.

For the 3 best friends it's not only a business it's their life. They've spent their lives hiding or sometimes facing ridicule for their unconventional needs. The Vault has given them an outlet to feel normal and to exercise their desires with people of a like mind and without judgement. If caught they could be shut down and that would hurt more than their wallets. They would be forced to find another way to accommodate their lifestyle. For this reason they protect their secret with everything they have.

Leo Petrova has been fighting his attraction for the sassy and sexy bartender at Shot of Sin pretty much since the day she was hired. It's never a good idea to date an employee, but it's even more tricky in his world. Leo is a Dom that has many needs and desires that the general world just doesn't understand. He's had more than one woman leave him when he's shared his lifestyle. Leo doesn't want this to happen with Shay. For one, she's a great bartender, but more importantly the thought of never seeing her again makes his chest hurt. Unfortunately, the bartender at The Vault has broken her arm and the friends have no choice, but to introduce Shay to their well-kept secret and pray that she can handle it.

Shay has had a huge thing for her boss since they had a "moment" in the storeroom so long ago. He's kept his distance ever since and it's just about killed her. She's all attitude and sass so it's really not like her to go all starry-eyed over anyone, but Leo brings it out of her. When she's asked to cover in The Vault Shay is intrigued and excited for this opportunity. But, she has no idea how much this peek into the secret club is going to alter her view of Leo and possibly change how she feels about him.

I have to admit that Shay annoyed me at times. Don't get me wrong, I get where an unexpected introduction into this kind of lifestyle would be a shock to anyone, but she went from sassy, badass woman of the world to insecure, indecisive shrinking violet. I know that a lot of women hide insecurities under a tough exterior and I'm pretty sure that was Shay's deal. Because she put up so much of a front in the form of hissy fits and her loose cannon behavior Leo was afraid to trust her with his deepest secret, yet she made it known it hurt her feelings and offended her that he didn't share. I just wanted to tell her to be honest with herself and her employers then they wouldn't be so unsure of how she will react to this exposure and they would trust her a little more. You can't show one side and then get mad when others base their decisions on the person that they see.

I loved this book! There are so many D/s stories out there in the post Fifty Shades craze. Some of these stories hold their own and others fail miserably. Leo is a super sexy Dom that surpasses the hype. He knows what a woman needs and how to give it to her. He does this personally or by directing others, but he gets it done. As much as he wants Shay he knows he can't go back to the life of hiding what he really needs and I love that he's not willing to lie for the instant reward of sex with Shay. He also helped Shay to find the "real" her and I loved that. Shay didn't have to give up who she really was or do things that were too much for her. Leo helped her push her boundaries, but not exceed them. This couple became one of my favorites. And I can't wait for T.J. and Brutes stories.

You can find this review and others at www.riverinaromantics.com

Profile Image for Debi Lawrence.
12 reviews7 followers
January 11, 2015
A SHOT OF SIN (The Vault, Book 1) by Eden Summers

Leo’s got a problem. One that’s putting a strain on his patience, and his pants. Shay manages the bar for him at Shot of Sin, the club he owns with his friends T.J. and Brute. The woman drives him crazy. As much as her smoking hot body and sassy mouth turn him on, their one brief heated encounter has him convinced she isn’t what he needs. His sexual appetite is raw, demanding and she’s too much of an innocent to handle his desires. The only way he can keep his sanity, is to keep his distance. Shay on the other hand, has no intentions of staying away. She wants more of Leo’s passionate attention, and she knows he wants her too. She just needs to figure out how to break through his defenses.
When T.J. and Brute offer her the chance to work the exclusive VIP lounge downstairs she jumps at the offer. No one is ever let down there, except for the members and her pride is at stake when Leo outright forbids it. When he has no other options, he decides to introduce her to the Vault of Sin himself. He’s sure once she finds out just what kind of club it is, she’ll turn tail and run and his problem will be solved. The exclusive sex club isn’t just a business to Leo, but the place he can live the lifestyle he wants, and it’s the life he has no intention of giving up. But the heart wants what it wants, and neither Shay or Leo are ready to close the door on the passion still stirring between them.
A smoking hot start to a brand new series from Eden Summers!! The story is so well written, with believable characters and a romance that hits all the right buttons. Our first glimpse of the Vault as seen through Shay’s eyes is erotic and eye opening. Not a BDSM establishment, but a place for sexually open folks to hook up and enjoy their physical pleasures. Shay’s reaction to some of the members and the activities their involved in were brilliant. And watching Leo help a female member find the release she needed was hot, hot, hot!! It was a nice change of pace to not have any obnoxious members for Shay to deal with, in fact just the opposite. Her encounter with Zoe in the restroom was the perfect way for Shay to understand what drew the members to the club.
But it’s the heat that’s generated when Shay and Leo finally give in to their sexual attraction that is panty-melting goodness!! Erotic, steamy and so damn hot! Without giving anything away, it leads to Shay experiencing Vault of Sin and the full force of Leo’s sexual nature.
Can’t wait to see what’s next for Shot of Sin. Both T.J. and Brute need their own chance to find the woman who’ll fulfill their deepest desires. In Eden’s capable hands I’m sure those will be stories just as wonderful as this was!

Book Rating: 5
Heat Rating: 5

Profile Image for Brianna at Renee Entress's Blog.
3,918 reviews118 followers
January 24, 2015
4.5 Stars!

What an amazing and original new series from this author! I fell in love with this author's rock star series so I was super excited to get an erotic novel from her. This book was sweet, sexy, naughty, sinfully delicious, and had a few twists along the way. I devoured this book in one sitting.

This is Leo and Shay's story. Leo owns the club and restaurant, Shot Of Sin, along with his two best friends. They also run a very excusive club that is hidden and unknown named The Vault. When one of his head bartenders must miss work, he need a replacement. He absolutely does not want to send the one woman he can't get out of his head... Shot Of Sin's bar manager, Shay. Shay wants Leo and she lets him know it. After one passionate encounter, she fell in love with him then. But Leo will not give her the time of day. When she worms her way into working the bar at The Vault, she has no idea what is in store for her. When she realizes who Leo really is and what his desires are, will she still feel the same way about him? Can she be the woman Leo needs? Get ready for a sinfully sexy ride with Leo and Shay.

Leo... Leo... Leo...! What can I say other than his hot and cold mood swings gave me hip lash at times. And Shay, I wanted her to play hard to get at times. I suspected Leo was into some kink and he was but I don't think we have seen the last of these two. But I loved them together. Leo was so so so naughty. And Shay didn't take his crap and gave it right back to him. The foreplay and sexual tension between these two was suffocating at times. God I wanted to smack these two because Leo underestimated how strong Shay was. And that scene towards the end... EPIC!

I am still left with tons of questions after this book but I feel confident as the books go into his series, we will get more and more answers. The dynamic between the three friends was... interesting and I can't wait for that to be further explored.

I recommend this book and author!

Blog Tour---> http://reneeentress.blogspot.com/2015...
Profile Image for Jen Cothran.
477 reviews43 followers
January 8, 2015
5 Sinful Stars

Shay and Leo are hotter than sin is this steamy, sexy and very seductive story. They are drawn to one another, and since they have to work together, holy moly do the sparks fly! Shay is a rock-solid employee who will do her job without letting her personal life get in the way…However, when your boss is what you want in your personal life…do you draw the line in the sand or just ignore it completely? Store-rooms have never been so hot! (Lock me in a closet with Leo anyday…lol) He is the epitome of alpha sexiness and just dominates his world that he and his partners created. The restaurant/club/den is the hottest place in town. Add Shay and Leo’s chemistry and desires and your palms will sweat holding your kindle. Limits are tested, revelations made, and desires are ignited…you don’t want to miss a moment of this sinfully delicious book! (Warning: Rapid breathing and drool are side effects of this book!)

Totally can’t wait for more from this amazing author! Eden has me so hooked with this story that I would not be above begging for the next Shot…anything from the next book, teasers or tidbits of what’s to come.
Profile Image for Renee Entress.
5,588 reviews77 followers
May 4, 2017
4.5 star

The story has betrayal, secrets, twists, naughty fun and heartbreak.

This is Shay and Leo story. Leo has wanted Shay since the day he hired her but is convinced that she will not be able to get past his activities in the Vault. He throws her into the deep end of the Vault before telling her what kind of club it is. After being accidently chased down by one of the club members she ends up in Leo’s arms. They discuss if she can handle the Vault and what goes with it. Can she truly handle the things that go on there and does she truly understand what actually goes on?

I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a good read. Look forward to learning more about Leo, Shay, Brute, and TJ. You don’t get a ton of background on any of the characters so I hope you get more in the next story. The scene in the Vault with Shay and Leo is naughty and fun. Can’t wait for more from all the players in this series.

I recommend this book and can’t wait for the next story from this author.
Profile Image for Erica.
1,289 reviews702 followers
January 28, 2015
I read the first chapter of this one awhile back on Eden Summers site . . . and I fell in lust. That really didn't prepare me because I LOVED this one, and now I'm dying for the rest of the series. I need TJ and Brute's stories :)

I totally loved Shay and what a sass she was. And Leo. And all the characters really. They all had such spark. AND WERE ALL SO FANTASTIC. I want to read infinite stories set in this world.

There are some scenes that should really come with a warning. Because they are HOT. Get out your fans and bring a bottle of water. You'll need both.

A totally strong start to this series! I definitely cannot wait to read more from Eden Summers. I'll take another shot (or four) ;)
Profile Image for Tammy.
874 reviews41 followers
October 2, 2017
I have to admit that A Shot of Sin is the first book that I have ready by Eden - Although I own most of the Reckless Beat series.

I loved how Leo and Shay's story was written. Even though Leo was a dominant Alpha, he still was concerned about losing Shay and ultimately knew that he would give up whatever necessary to keep her in his life. Shay on the other hand was a smart, sassy heroine and I loved how she stood her ground with all of the men in Vault of Sin. I liked how protective Leo, TJ and even Brute was of Shay and ultimately how they all came together for face Shay's fears head on.

I can't wait to start TJ's story and see how all of the characters from A Shot of Sin play into his story.
Profile Image for Christy.
4,428 reviews127 followers
April 10, 2019
'A Shot of Sin' may be the first book I have read by Eden Summers, but I can guarantee that it won't be the last. I know that may come as a surprise to any of you who follow my reviews, since it's obvious that I lean very heavily toward the gay romance genre, and this is an m/f book. However, I can be swayed away from my favorite flavor, if the book is good enough, and the characters equally compelling. In the case of this book, I found both of those things.

To say Shay is shocked when she finds out about the sex club operating under the bar she manages, is like saying a great white shark is perfect for a pet aquarium. Shay is shocked, aroused, and swamped with jealousy that Leo partakes in Vault of Sin. She is overwhelmed by insecurities, something she rarely, if ever experiences, at the thought that Leo has been stringing her affections along for all these months. Leo, on the other hand, feels betrayed, that Shay, of all women, is rejecting him for who he is. Too many women have rejected Leo over the years because of his desires, and he was really hoping that Shay would be different.

"Defeat had firmly set in. She’d been humiliated, devalued and heartbroken, all in one night. And the worst part was the waning hold she had on her confidence.
“Believe me, Shay, if you two had any chance of being together, I’d be the first in line to give my congratulations. But it’s not going to happen. Leo doesn’t do normal. None of us do.”

~Brute, third owner of the club

Leo is easy, oh so easy, to love, admire, and respect. He’s a strong man, with more than a hint of dominance, and he knows who he is, and what he needs out of his life. Leo made peace with his sexual proclivities, his exhibitionism, a long time ago, and he understands that no woman is ever going to accept this part of him. He tried, once, in his past, to change for someone, to go the vanilla route, and, eventually, it took its toll. Shay is an interesting combination of strong, and vulnerable. There were times where she was the predictable female role, and I can be honest enough to admit, those were not my favorite moments. I have a difficult time with the strong, vacillating emotions, running rampant all over the place. Overall, she was a good character, with a penchant for a hair-trigger temper, although, honestly, who could blame her? She had three strong, dominant, male bosses. My temper would’ve been out in force, also. *grins*

If this book only involved Leo and Shay, it would’ve been much less entertaining, and not as good of a story. However, Leo becoming involved with Shay endangers his partners, TJ and Brute, as Shay has a bad habit of responding emotionally to anything negative, meaning these three men ran the risk of her outing the Vault of Sin side of their business. In case you were wondering, it’s not a legal sex club. So, along with the emotional highs and lows which are always present in a love story, there were the additions of two other individuals opinions, along with the fate of all the members of the Vault. A lot of drama was had, by all.

"She glanced over to him, to the sweet gentleness in his wistful smile and knew she was safe. He had yearning in his eyes, just like Leo, and she supposed Brute had it somewhere too, under all those layers of brutality. They’d lost hope in finding the women to complete them and needed hope to move forward. She was that hope."

All in all, ‘A Shot of Sin’ was a very enjoyable, and hot read. Since it sets the stage for, at least, two more books - TJ’s and Brute’s stories - I will be looking forward to reading them when they release.

NOTE: This book was provided by Samhain Publishing for the purpose of a review on Christy Loves 2 Read
Profile Image for MsRomanticReads.
788 reviews188 followers
December 26, 2014

The Vault isn't your typical club. It's certainly not a BDSM club. It's an illegally run sex club, but the owners and patrons adhere to the basic rules of safe and consensual. The sane part is up for debate if Shay has anything to say about it. As one of the best bartenders to grace the "normal" bar upstairs and the adjoining restaurant, Taste of Sin, Shay is well-liked by the owners, Leo, T.J. and Brute.

Heated looks, flirtatious banter, friendship...Shay had fallen in lust and eventually love with her boss, Leo. After rounding second base with him in the stockroom, she thought of more while he kept his distance. Thinking she had a shot at normal with him, that all flew out the window when she was asked to temp in the Vault and got a punch to the gut when faced with Leo's...proclivities.

Shay was a great heroine. I liked that she spoke her mind often and as very upfront about her feelings. She was full of sass, sarcasm and sensuality, but when she got mad…her temper ran away with her and her mouth. That particular trait of hers wasn’t annoying, I felt, because she was always honest about what was behind the urge to talk first, think later. What really got me was the vulnerability she openly displayed right from the beginning. She had actually laid all the cards out on the table; no playing games, and that was honestly so refreshing.

I liked Leo a lot, and I understood his reluctance to believe she would be different from his past girlfriends. He’d stated early on that he hated close-minded people who judged others for their lifestyles while observing from the outside. He even blew up a few times when Shay lashed out in anger and sadness, throwing something hurtful in his face. Ironically, I thought he’d done the same thing to her that he so despised. I agreed with Shay that Leo didn’t give her a chance to adapt to the shock, and his reason for believing she couldn’t handle it was based on a split second reaction to an unrelated event. He took the choice from her to ease her into it and good for her for calling him out on it.

Their chemistry was evident from the first page, and as story went on, the struggle for them felt very real. Despite the early perception, both mine and Brute’s, that she’d do anything just to please Leo because of her crush, she wasn’t completely remiss by acknowledging the tough questions she had to face. Their struggle was about weighing the pros and cons of either accepting or denying the other’s sexual beliefs and walking the line of not changing their lover to fit into a box. Though kudos to Leo for actually contemplating giving that up if it meant having a shot at love.

I thought some things they “had to talk about” was a form of foreshadowing, and not of anything good. I kept expecting something horrible and heart-breaking to happen, yet nothing did. But in the end I was relieved that they powered through without fabricated angst. I look forward to T.J.’s story and hopefully seeing more of Leo and Shay.

I have read all of this author’s work, but this was an unexpected and welcome surprise. I can’t put my finger on it, but this just seemed different from her other works. The tone of this book seemed freer, more carnal (without being crude). I really dug the completely uncensored, frank and blunt dialogues of her characters. Even the sex seemed hotter. I would purchase and read this again.

*Complimentary ARC provided by the author for the purpose of an honest review.
Profile Image for ✰  BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰.
3,029 reviews12 followers
December 27, 2014
Advanced copy received from author via Samhaim Publishing

4.5 sexy stars

I have read just about everything by Eden Summers, so when the opportunity came to read an ARC of A Shot of Sin - the first in the Vault of Sin series, of course I said yes!

And boy am I glad I did.

A Shot of Sin is a double shot of pleasure.

Leo, TJ, Brute and Shay are a fun group, the witty banter between them is enjoyable and funny.

And holy hotness Batman! The sexual tension and attraction between Leo and Shay is off the charts! You can feel it rolling off them whenever they are in the same room! I loved that it isn't all easy for them, they fight for what they want. This just makes it all feel more realistic (anyone who has read my reviews knows I don't like it when it all happens too easy for our lovers!!)

The premise of the Vault is intriguing. It is not like the usual BDSM club we get in our books. I am very much looking forward to reading more about it.

TJ and Brute just make this all the better for me. We learn just enough about TJ to keep us on the hook for what I am assuming will be the second book in the series. My heart just shatters for him with the little that we have learned so far, and I for one cannot wait to learn more.

This is a fantastic start to this series, and am very much looking forward to see where Ms Summers takes us on this journey.



description Smokin Hot Book Blog Email
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
January 16, 2015
Slick‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

4 STARS

Review copy provided for an honest review


Wow, so I don’t know where to start with this review other than I pretty much loved this book from new to me author Eden Summers! Workplace romances are never a good thing especially between an employer and employee and even more so when one is hiding something that he fears will put an end not only to the personal relationship but the professional one as well. Scintillating, smart, sassy, sexy and sinfully delicious A Shot of Sin is completely entertaining and hard to put down.
I flat out loved Shay Porter, this book’s heroine; she speaks her mind, she doesn’t take crap off of anyone and she’s not afraid to take risks even when they scare her. I admired the fact that while she wanted her boss with a passion she didn’t let it take over her life but she also made it known that she was interested and available. Most of all I love how she frustrated and flustered Leo Petrova, one of the three owners of Shot of Sin the nightclub in which she is the bartender manager. Leo loves being large and in charge and the fact that he gave into his urges one night with Shay drives him crazy but he also thinks it proved there is no way she can handle his lifestyle. When his co-owners want Shay to bartend in the private Vault of Sin Leo knows his secrets will come out and he needs to be the one to explain.
I enjoyed the interplay between Shay and Leo their verbal sparring was like foreplay which of course only made it sweeter when they did give in to their urges. I don’t think that Leo handled telling her about his proclivities and showing her the sex club very well nor did I really understand why it freaked her out so much since they weren’t in a relationship at that point. Honestly I felt they really needed to sit down and communicate better about their feelings and expectations once it was all revealed rather than Leo giving her time to wrap her brain around it all. I will say that the intimate scenes were scorching hot and there was no denying the attraction they had for one another. There was one scene involving the three business partners and Shay that in my opinion shouldn’t have happened the way it did and seemed awkward but other than that I enjoyed the club scenes as well.
I really enjoyed A Shot of Sin and I’m looking forward to what Ms. Summers has in store next for this series!
Profile Image for Dani.
Author 123 books2,350 followers
March 3, 2016
5 Sinful Stars!

Shay works at Shot of Sin, a well known nightclub. She’s the best bartender, and a hard worker. Taking pride in her work, but also the eye candy in the form of her boss Leo. The intense attraction between the two is palpable. After one fumble in the bar storeroom, Leo seems to avoid Shay. When the opportunity comes for her to stand in for another staff member, at the downstairs private club, Leo is not happy. Unbeknown to Shay the actual reason why he’s so adamant that she can’t handle the bar downstairs.

Leo does everything in his power to stay away from the hottest woman he’s laid eyes on, his bartender Shay. He let go of his control once, and he vowed never again. She’s too sweet, too innocent for what he wants. There is no way she will accept him and his dark desires. Or will she?

A Shot of Sin

I am intrigued to read the second book of this series. The chemistry between the characters melt the pages, and the dark brooding alpha male Leo does not disappoint.

 A Shot of Sin

This is where the fairy tale starts, but that’s not where it ends. There are so many factors that play a role in their journey, and after an ex fling of Angel’s tries to come between them, Ethan takes a stand, putting his foot down and claims Angel as his.

Can they have their happily ever after? Or will Angel push Ethan away when things get serious? Only time will tell. I look forward to book two and the following the story with these two characters.

Alpha Book Club

ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.  Reviewed by Dani from Alpha Book Club

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Profile Image for Leslie.
119 reviews16 followers
December 15, 2014
5 Very Sinful Stars!

From the minute I heard the synopsis of this book, I knew I was going to love it. I wasn't wrong- I adore this book!

Le'ts meet the gorgeous panty melting man, Leo. Leo has is all a successful business, friends, good look and sex when he wants it, so what's missing in his life? A real relationship with the one woman that will accept all his flaws. For he and his friends house a big secret, an off the grid sex club underneath their bar! After a heated encounter with his upstairs bartender, Leo is hooked on her and wants no other but knows it's a mistakes before it starts.

Now for our ball busting bartender, Shay. She's is tough as nails, takes no shit and is in lust and love with her boss! After their panty exploding encounter in the storeroom Shay falls hard and fast for Leo but, instead of accepting her advances he pushes her away. But the lust Shay sees in his eyes can't be wrong, can it?

When an opportunity comes up to bar tend in the secret Vault of Sin, Shay jumps at the opportunity without thinking of the repercussions. Leo is against it from the very start because he knows it will destroy the fantasies Shay has built up, he knows Shay has never been exposed to that type of lifestyle before. What happens in the Vault of Sin though blows through Shay's boundaries and has Leo questioning if he can give it all up for the right woman. Luckily it come down to a compromise that give both of them a happily ever after.

The sex and story are explosive and I was hooked form page one. Please note that this isn't another BDSM novel, this novel feature more on exhibitionism and that's mainly what the Vault revolves around. There is so much sassy and witty dialogue that I couldn't help but fall in love with all the characters. Speaking of characters, I am dying to know if the two business partners Brute & T.J. get their stories?! I'm really hoping that T.J. gets his first and OMG I can only imagine how great his story will be. This book will definitely warm up these long winter night for you!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for FMR Book Grind.
2,189 reviews125 followers
January 14, 2015
LEEANN'S REVIEW:

Well Girls, get out your drool bucket & a fan.. You’re going to need it!!

Leo owns a club, a restaurant and.. an underground secret sex club.. Shay works for Leo in the club/restaurant and has no idea about the secret sex club. Shay is also in love with Leo.
He knows it, but he tries to avoid the issue because he doesn’t want her to know about his sexual needs. He is worried he will scare her off.
Things get taken out of Leo’s hands and Shay finds out everything. Although she feels no judgement towards Leo, she doesn’t know if she can embrace his lifestyle.
Shay must decide if the risk is worth the reward and work out if she can give in to his needs and be with him fully. She is stunned by her bodies reaction to what she sees but needs to get her mind on board too!!
To further complicate things Leo has two business partners, Brute and T.J. They also have an opinion of Leo and Shay’s relationship, mostly because if things don’t work out for Shay and Leo, they have as much
to lose as Leo does as far as the business is concerned.

As usual, I don’t want to give away too much of the story so I’m not going to say much else..
This book is not like any of the other Eden Summers books I have read, it is very, very different, and, I loved it!! It was fresh and new. I was captivated by Shay & Leo’s story right from the beginning. My only disappointment was that I got to the end!!
I would have been happy to keep reading their story for a lot longer!!
If you are an Eden Summers fan you have to get your hands on A shot Of Sin, Hell even if you have never read any of her other books I recommend you grab a copy of this one, it is a great place to start!!
You will not be sorry you did!!
Eden Summers has blown me away with this story and I can’t wait to see who’s story she tells next. I’m sure it will be worth the wait!
Profile Image for Megan Riverina Romantics.
1,367 reviews75 followers
April 8, 2017
Mini Review
Rating: 5/5
Heat Rating: 3.5/5

Another awesome book by Eden Summers! I absolutely loved it! Shay was sassy and determined and easily fits into the strong heroine category - even if she's a bit temperamental ;)

Leo oozed sexiness. Yeah he was determined to resist Shay's charm but OMG the chemistry between them was off hook.

Secondary Characters:
Zoe - Loved her. She really helped along Shay's acceptance of things.
T.J. - Dude, he just screams gentleman.
Brute - Hmm. Interesting. He's gonna be a tough nut to crack. Can't wait to see what's under that brutish exterior.

Cover Comments:
Love the new cover to this book! It goes well with the cover of book two in the series, Union of Sin.

description
Profile Image for Amazeballs Book Addicts.
2,811 reviews243 followers
January 12, 2015
A Shot of Sin is a great read. Shay works in a bar owned by Leo. They had a one time sexual slip but Shay hopes for more. Leo is a sexy alpha male who has a great appetite for sex. He think he will be to much for Shay. Shay ends up filling in as a waitress in the basement club. The club in the basement is called the Vault. The Vault is a private sex club. Shay is definitely out of her element at the club. It's a side of Leo she didn't know existed.

Her and Leo have some great sexual tension. It is sexy and steamy when they finally give into the tension. Brute and T.J. are partners with Leo. I loved all of their interaction. They seem like a great band of friends. They are always looking out for Leo and the club. They all get a long with Shay but are a little leery that she may not be able to handle Leo.

A Shot of Sin is a great read! You should check this one out.

A copy was received for a review.
Profile Image for She Hearts Books.
2,113 reviews74 followers
January 13, 2015
Shay manages the bar at Shot of Sin and desperately wants her boss Leo especially after a steamy moment shared in the storeroom. Leo wants her to but resists as he doesn't mix business with pleasure and isn't sure she could meet his more than vanilla needs. Everything changes when they are short a bartender in the sex club hidden beneath the bar. Shay volunteers to help cover, but Leo isn't sure about that as she isn't aware of it being a sex club. Allowing her into the secret world of tantalizing sex leads to Shay and Leo exploring the boundaries Leo had put in place. Maybe Shay was made to meet his needs. They will both have to open their minds and their hearts to the possibilities.

I love Shay and Leo. Shay is super sassy and Leo is over the top hot. They make a few mistakes along the way, but all on the path to forever. I loved Leo, TJ, and Brute and so look forward to TJ and Brute having their own books.

I give A Shot of Sin 5 hearts!
Profile Image for Fiordiligii.
1,797 reviews26 followers
December 13, 2016
Wacky heroine, boring hero. A reviewer mentioned the lack of sex, seeing as this story is actually set in a sex club. I can only agree. I also didn't find the sex scenes to be all that kinky and hence didn't understand the hero's initial hang up about claiming the heroine. DNF around 80% because I was bored silly.
Profile Image for QuinnReads.
3,719 reviews204 followers
January 18, 2022
Sinfully Light

I didn't hate this but I wanted to really like it and it fell short. I anticipated this being more in the sinful category. Sure, it had moments but didn't meet my expectations.

Setting that aside, Shay's defensive responses when things weren't to her liking were childish and turned me off. There was also a failure on hers and Leo's parts to communicate what they wanted from the other. Even as the book concluded there was much unsaid.

I did like that Shay stood up for herself and how she tried to help her vodka and raspberry customer - even though her delivery needed finesse. I also liked that Leo and his business partners knew what they preferred and found a way to get it.

This book has SO much potential. I hope that it is revisited and gets where it should be.
Profile Image for Mollien Fote Osterman.
722 reviews11 followers
April 2, 2016

80%
Title: A Shot of Sin
Author: Eden Summers
Series: Vault of Sin Series Book 1
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Reviewer: Mollien
Release Date: January 13, 2015
Genre(s): Erotica, Sex Club
Page Count: 226 pages
Heat Level: # 5 flames out of 5
Rating: # 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:

Throw back a shot of pure pleasure.
Vault of Sin, Book 1
Leo Petrova is between a rock and the hard place in his pants. Shot of Sin, the nightclub he owns with his two best friends, is short one bartender downstairs. The only available replacement is the upstairs bar manager—the one woman Leo knows he can’t take downstairs, can’t have, can’t touch. The one time he gave in to temptation convinced Leo that Shay’s no match for his sexual demands.
Only a select few know Shot of Sin’s guilty secret, that beneath the packed dance floor lies a very private sex club—the Vault. The place Leo can let his sexual proclivities run wild.
Shay Porter is curious as to why her boss, the king of mixed messages, seems almost desperate to keep her from discovering what’s on the other side of the guarded door at the back of the club.
Sliding out of her comfort zone and into Leo’s arms risks everything. Their friendship, the Vault, and most of all, their hearts.
Warning: This sex club does not carry the government’s stamp of approval. Contains devilish debauchery, delightful deviance, and dancing on the edge of the darkest of sexual desires.


Review:

The first book of Eden Summers Vault of Sin Series is a stand alone book. Leo and his friends own and run one of the hottest clubs in town. Shay is the bar manager of the upstairs bar. She loves her job and she does it well. She also has a thing for one of the club owners, Leo. He is dominant, bossy, and the two of them have a sexual banter going on. There was just one time when Leo lost some of his control and brought her over the edge in the supply closet, but after that one time nothing. Leo doesn’t think that Shay would understand his needs, so he keeps her at a playful distance. When one of the bartenders from the private club down stairs breaks her arm, Shay is asked to do her part down in the private club. Shay had no idea what awaited her in the exclusive area down stairs.

This has the makings of a great series. Although there wasn’t much to the plot of this story, it held my interest. I wanted to see how far this couple would go. There is definite chemistry between Shay and Leo and I hope there is more of them in the rest of the series. The pacing drags in a few places, but then picks right up again. Loved the ending, Shay is very surprising. I also loved how Leo showed Shay his world. We learned so much about these two characters before the story ended.


SCORES on a scale of 1-5 Stars rate each of the Following 5 Categories
PLOT 4 Stars
CHEMISTRY 5 Stars
PACING 4 Stars
ENDING 5 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT 5 Stars

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ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club
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