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

Genres: Romance, BDSM

279 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 9, 2026

Reviews

[cris ୨♡୧]

sí le acabo de dar 4 estrellas a un libro con esta portada pero en mi defensa es de los pocos libros de romance reciente en donde el tipo LITERALMENTE añora a la protagonista, que vivan los hombres que se nota que las aman y no parece que las aborrecen.

✮⋆˙ Lo que comenzó siendo la mejor noche de su vida terminó con Ophelia borracha, llorando, siendo engañada por su ahora ex novio y descubriendo que Phantom, el hombre en el que más confiaba y su dom, fue quien la llevó con engaños a descubrir la infidelidad. Ahora Ophelia se siente traicionada pero a pesar de eso, no puede dejar de extrañar el espacio seguro que Phantom siempre representó para ella.

Holly shiiiiiit, lo terminé hace unas horas y no sé cómo procesar que de hecho, podría ser una de las mejores parejas que leí este año. Pero es que la confianza, LA CONFIANZA!! que había entre estos dos era increíble y cuando digo confianza me refiero a que aunque la relación comenzó como un intercambio de BDSM, ambos sabían que eran el lugar seguro del otro.

Y es que es interesante como la autora te hace entender que para ellos y en especial para Phantom el BDSM no se trata de él teniendo poder sobre ella, se trata de él estando al servicio de ella buscando satisfacer de sus necesidad físicas y emocionales.

Ophelia está acostumbrada a ir por la vida luchando a pesar de su personalidad tan burbujeante es como si nunca dejara de actuar totalmente después de bajarse del escenario pero en los brazos y bajo las órdenes de Phantom encuentra que puede ceder, que su mente puede apagarse y que puede confiar en que él va a ver siempre por sus intereses y bienestar.

Phantom por el contrario va por la vida esperando lo peor, al ser paramédico está en su ADN esperar que todo pueda salir mal, pero con Ophelia es como si ese estrés se desvaneciera, como él mismo lo dijo y se notó desde la primera escena, Ophelia le agregó color a su vida.

Ni siquiera puedo describir una escena favorita porque todo el libro me gustó, desde las escenas de aftercare en donde pasaban horas hablando y conversando acerca de todo y de nada, hasta la salida al zoológico con los sobrinos de ella. Había algo tan domestico y entrañable en las escenas "vainilla" que escribió la autora.

Genuinamente creo que me dejó con un mini bloqueo porque no puedo ni siquiera pensar en leer otra cosa porque no puedo dejar de pensar en ellos y en el mundo en el que están.

Reconocimiento especial a la amistad que tiene Ophelia con Dove, me encanta leer las interacciones de ella y en general a todo el grupo de freekies.

Espero, en serio espero que el siguiente libro sea de Princess, quiero desesperadamente que sea feliz.

[Amy Bergesen]

I really like Adora’s quirky, lovable characters. Everyone has personality. Humor. Depth and a backstory.

Ophelia, Dove’s roommate, emerges in tears from her 35th birthday celebration, having found out her boyfriend was cheating. The way she found out is something I won’t spill, but it changes her relationship with Seekers Club owner, Phantom— Ophelia’s dominant. Finding their way back to each other is their sweet, spicy story.

I love Phantom’s quiet acts of service and caring. I love Ophelia’s zest for life. I would, however, love to be a proofreader for this talented author.

I will definitely be reading all the books I can from Adora Crooks!

HEA
BDSM
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Dana Delamar]

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]

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

[Escape_withStephanie]

BOOK REVIEW

I’m a kinky bitch, so obviously I’m loving this series, but one of the things I love most about it is that there’s actually a plot. Despite this series being more smut than plot, that’s what makes this particular series so good.
We spent a lot more time in the past getting to know our couple, and I actually really liked that. Ophelia is literally just a girl looking for love like everyone else. She doesn’t like being made a fool of, and honestly? I totally get that.
Phantom is very simple-minded when it comes to what Ophelia wants: she gets it. Even if that means giving her space while simultaneously cleaning her apartment. Can I get that type of Dom, please? Because excuse me???
What I loved most about Ophelia, though, was that she knew her values. Despite saying she’d try anything, she still stood her ground when it came to her boundaries, and I really respected that. She knew what she wanted, what she wouldn’t tolerate, and she didn’t compromise herself just because she was falling for someone.
And honestly, that’s what made their dynamic work so well for me. The spice was obviously doing what it needed to do, but underneath all of that, there was an actual relationship developing—and I ate it UP.

[Korkoi]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[Kermody]

I like this story, I like the arc, I get that it's a "cozy BDSM" story, but I feel like the story is lacking. I wanted to know more about Brody. How did that relationship grow, what did he think of the arrangement? What happened after she got to the end of the scavenger hunt? For that matter why was he not involved in her birthday?

Also, even if the communicated terribly, they were in an "agreement" for 2 years before him, why was there no follow up on why Phantom didn't respond about the Art Museum.

I wanted more about Ophelia's sister keeping in touch.

It was TOO light. They (she) was responsible for making it like a family...but nothing about them.

And the Trinity, out of nowhere, with no context.

I get it, it was cute, easy, but lacking.

[Beth]

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]

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]

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]

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!

[Bettina Sparacio]

"When do I get to take care of you, Sir?"
"You already have, Ophelia. More than you know. I promise." He kissed the back of my fingers, then took my hand and put it flat against his chest. "You woke me up. Feel."
"It's pounding. For me?"
"All for you."

🖤

"Everyone needs a north star. A fixed point. So when you're walking through hell, you can still look forward and see that beautiful star ahead of you and you can remind yourself, okay. I can keep going."

🖤

"My toxic trait is that I want Phantom to be out here, waiting for me. His toxic trait is that he is."

[Katrina Collins]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[Monique Anderson]

I came into this book with fairly low expectations and WOW I’m obsessed!! Such a beautiful story about humanity and trauma and forgiveness. And the spice was hitting!! I’m going to be thinking about this one for a while!

[Vivien R]

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]

We love a man that’s down so bad

[Alicia]

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]

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