X's and Ophelia

The Seekers Club #2

by Adora Crooks

My dominant messed up. Now I’m about to show him how bad his good girl can be.

Phantom was supposed to be my safe space. The noise in my head went quiet when I was in his strong arms. He was my shoulder to cry on…my palm to scream into.

Then he humiliated me. Broke my heart. Left me drunk and crying on my 35th birthday.

Well, screw him. He’s about to learn…

Only good men get to dominate bad girls.

If he wants a second chance with me, he better get on his knees and grovel.

Content includes:
- Second chance romance
- Age gap
- D/s relationship
- Found family
- Groveling and a hard-earned HEA

279 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 9, 2026

Reviews

[Dana Delamar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book so much, I wasn’t sure it could be topped, but it was. I gobbled this one up. Phantom and Ophelia are so sweet together. And it was great visiting Dove and Dorian again. Can't wait for more!!! (Will it be Princess and Carver??? Ginger and ???) I love all of these characters!!!

[Mayras mini book reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to read this book ahead of the release date thanks to the Author Andora Crooks.

I would recommend this to someone looking for a love story set in the kink space. Also someone that doesnt mind time jumping story telling.

Spice level 4

This is the second book in the series and is a semi-stand alone. I would highly recommend reading book 1 to get the full picture of Ophelia and Phantom’s relationship.

I have been impatiently waiting for Ophelia and Phantom's story since meeting them in book one and it was worth the wait. I’m usually not a fan of time jumping story lines but the way Andora laid out and titled the chapters made it flow very well.

I liked that we got to see Ophelia’s Seeker origin story. While there is a very large age gap it did not give me any red flags. Their S/D dynamic is presented very well and there are boundaries and safewords. There is no uneven balance of power that is contributed to their age. In true S/D dynamic relationship, the submissive is the one in control. I loved reading Phantom’s POV and seeing just how down bad he is for Ophelia.
Seeing their lives outside of the club added another layer that I appreciated. It helped understand why Phantom is the way he is and we get to see how strongly Ophelia loves. I think the ending was perfect for them.
As always the spice was also very great. There was a good variation and descriptions. There is just the right amount of spice mixed into this romance story. We get a few different kinks presented throughout the story. Mainly within the walls of the club.


What I didn't expect was that Dorian would be the comedic relief throughout this book. I LOVED IT! This is where reading book 1 will make a difference in the reading experience.

I'm already so excited for the next book in the series to come out.

Private Adult club
S/d dynamic
Sub training
Safe words & boundaries
Time jumping story telling
Day collar
Dual POV
Paramedic x thespian
Grumpy x Sunshine
“Good Girl”
Age Gap (49M/35F)
Found Kinky Family
Non-Monogamy
Club Play
Second Chance
He breaks rules for her

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Thin Line Between her Two Worlds -
If you're partial to a spicy, age gap, second chance romance stories with an exciting and deeply emotional BDSM twist, then this book is one for you. Ophelia/Ruby may have tried to keep both sides of her life separate, but Phantom/Alex did something that ultimately turned her world upside down and led to both worlds intertwining. It may have taken some time, as well as a few misunderstandings and communication issues, but Ruby and Alex were able to finally acknowledge their real feelings for each other and turned their relationship into something very satisfying.

This captivating romance story was character driven and filled with HEAT, drama and suspense, which made it a much needed escape worthy book to read. I highly recommend you carve out a few hour where you won’t be interrupted before you start, as you definitely won’t want to take a break, until you finish reading this book.

I received an advanced review copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tima · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This story is dual POV, well written, and a deeply emotional, age gap, relationship and character focused, overcoming grief and betrayal, contemporary BDSM romance between “Ophelia” (Ruby), the female submissive actress lead, and “Phantom” (Alex), the male dominant paramedic lead. I adored the way this story moved between past and present, providing a reason for the historical recount to immerse the reader in characters’ history. I enjoyed Ophelia’s sense of self worth and her determination to ensure that she was properly valued by her partner(s). I enjoyed Phantom’s growing realisation that he desired more than playtime with Ophelia and his struggle to overcome his historical fears and to engage meaningfully with her. I enjoyed the spicy intimate scenes and the reflection of the relationship within them. I enjoyed the supportive secondary characters and adored the found family/community vibes. I love the world the author is building here and am looking forward to more.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Silke · Rating 5 out of 5]

X's and Ophelia is the 2nd book in the Seekers Club series and while it can be thoroughly enjoyed as a standalone, I highly recommed reading the books in order for all the deets and background on the club and the characters. I loved this second-chance-at-love romance between Ophelia and Phanto, two mature MMCs, which alternates between the here-and-now and the past, as well as his and her POVs. It's spicy, cheeky, emotional, romantic and at times incredibly frustrating before these two wonderful people, who are clearly meant for each other, finally find the strength and courage to admit their feelings for each other. There's a well-deserved HEA for them and I hope we get to catch up with them soon when the next seeker finds his prize. I was fortunate to have received an early copy and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.

[Sheila Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book from start to finish. The way the story flips back and forth between the first time Ophelia (Ruby) meets Phantom to present time after Ruby's break up with Brody is put together perfectly. You get to see why the two were meant for each other to why they must be ex's.

I love Adora Crooks' writing style. It's almost whimsical in the way she describes what's going on in the Seeker's Club. Yes, there is sex, but it isn't the entirety of the story. This is a real romance between two people who needed to find each other in order to find true love.

Plus, you get to see what happens between Dove and Dorian from the first book. Their banter is even livelier than the first book. Now, I can't wait to see how Ms. Crooks will incorporate these 4 characters into the next book and who will be at the center of that romance.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved being back at The Seekers Club and Ophelia & Phantom’s story was exactly what I'd hoped for from the teasers Adora shared! The push and pull, all the history, the longing... Phantom really does yearn and it's beautiful 🫠

You also get the found family at the sex club (trust me it works!). I highly recommend reading Whimper Wonderland first so you can appreciate seeing Dove and Dorian again being all flirty and in love 🥺 plus the other side characters. Please join me in crossing our fingers for Princess in book 3!!

And obviously it was undeniably hot. The BDSM dynamics and club scenes were incredible but the story was also really tender. Ophelia getting Phantom new shoes to help his sore knees 🥹 Phantom showing up for Ophelia's sister 😭 it's so good I want to read it again

Thank you Adora for the ARC

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 in Crooks the Seekers Club series. A great addition to the series that can be read as a standalone. Our main characters are Ophelia/Ruby and Phantom/Alex. A second chance romance, told in dual point of view. I loved the sub/dom kink dynamic and while there is a significant age gap, it's not bothersome in the writing of this romance, at least for me. Crooks delivers a great balance of a romance storyline with steam and kink - for me this was a real romance read, not an erotic. I'm already eager for more from Crooks and this series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ash Book Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I even started this, I had high hopes. I love Adora’s books and especially the Seekers Club series, as I was on the ARC team for the first one, and she did not disappoint.

I read this in one sitting; I couldn’t put it down. I loved the backstory on how they came about and not just a present-day story. The backstory was great from both points of view and then also present-day. The ending is just a chef’s kiss.

I received this book straight from the author, and this is my honest review.

[Kendra Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review from the author
This is my first ARC review and I am so honored to be able to read this before release. This was phenomenal! I read Whimper Wonderland last year and fell in love with it. I saw that this book was going to be released and I pre-ordered the same day. I will still buy this book tomorrow even though I got a free one. When I received an email for the ARC I jumped. This was more than I expected! The dynamic between characters was everything and more! Adora, I would love to be your ARC in every book here forward. Thank you so much!

[Katrina Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book.

This book gives us the history of Phantom and Ophelia while dealing with the fallout from her 35th birthday breakup. It has explicit sex scenes, but the true gem is the emotional depth and progression of the characters, both the main and in this story the supporting ones. The supporting characters show just how much of a family The Seekers Club has become.

I am looking forward to book 3 and am hoping for Princess and Carver.

[Linda Fairburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have read Adora's books before then you know you are in for a BDSM treat and these two characters just need to really talk it out.
Just because your play partner Dom does something so drastic that you think you will never forgive him.
Ophelia/Ruby and Phantom/Alex sub and Dom really do really belong together.
A fit of jealousy in his part, was it really so bad, really.
This is one story that you just need somewhere quiet and relax, enjoy.

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !! love this series !! love Ophelia and Phantom.. this is their love story... a fast paced heart breaking love story... he broke her heart... they went their separate ways.. and yet, they both belonged to the seekers club... this was so heart breaking !! realizing who they really loved and admitting it !!! one last chance !!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

She ate and left no crumbs

I have been impatiently waiting for this books and all I can say is that it met all of my expectations and more. These characters are so real and vibrant and I’m just so sad this book had to end.

Phantom and Ophelia were made for each other and while it took them a while to get to their HEA, I think it fit them. Please read this book if you want a kink book that’s all heart!

[Sassy Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story. I loved every second of it. I couldn't get enough of it. I have been a fan of Adora Crooks for many years now. I love picking up her books and knowing that I will have a hard time putting them down. I get caught up in the action/adventure every time. I love reading about Phantom and Ophelia and the second chance she gave him.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Past and Present
Ophelia/Ruby and Phantom/Alex started something, could have been something more, played together, and then Phantom broke her trust. I loved this story, the presentation of past and present, getting to see Dove and Dorian again, and the sweet/spicy/dramatic rollercoaster that was Ophelia and Phantom’s romance. A delightful read.

[Sinful Bookwyrm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and can't wait to continue with the series. Even though I didn't read the first book, I had no trouble following along—it worked just fine as a standalone. If this book has caught your eye or you're even a little curious about it, I'd definitely recommend giving it a try.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Shamy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Ophelia and Phantom. He seriously messed up on her 35th birthday. And now she’s going to make him pay if he wants her back. This was an awesomely written D/s story with grief and betrayal. The spice and BDSM was top notch. I loved the depth, the sweetness, and the cunning together of these two. Excellent read..

[JM G · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read! I loved reading Ophelia and Phantom's story. It pulled me in from the start and kept me turning the pages late into the evening. The storyline is engaging and held my interest start to finish. Highly recommend reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anita Balthazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from chapter one with this sexy and hilarious read. The FMC was my absolute favorite, she was no weakling. The grovel was excellent and the HEA had me smiling from ear to ear.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vivien R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. The MFC is strong and resilient. And the grovel from the MMC was awesome. It’s definitely one to read.

[Rianna Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

We love a man that’s down so bad

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ im so surprised I loved this book more than the first one. Ophelia and Phantom are so great. Love their story so much

[Pearl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really don't like flashbacks.
Enjoyed the writing but I think that's about it

[mal · Rating 4 out of 5]

yes.

[Khaos Ballinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It is the perfect addition to the series. Sweet and spicy. I love how it was split into her side of the story and his side!
Phantom might be my fav book boyfriend