Ewan longs for the feeling he gets when a woman submits—ecstasy mingled with power.
He’s seen it countless times as partial owner of Elements, the largest private kink club on the East Coast. But ever since his ex walked away, that feeling is out of reach.
His friends are on his case. They want him back in the game.
But Ewan only wants adrenaline to dull the pain of heartbreak. So even after disappearing for months, he’s still acting reckless.
Until he falls off a literal damn cliff.
When Josephine finds this gorgeous, half-dead stranger at the base of a ridge, everything starts to change. Especially when she learns he owns the club she’s been too nervous to walk into.
The kind of club that would stop her mother’s harassment about her dating life.
She needs to do something outrageous to shut her mom up for good. Ewan needs his friends to back off.
Convincing everyone they’re a happy couple could solve both their problems.
Bay Sinclair is the author of ultra high-heat contemporary romance with broken girls, sexy Doms, and lots of heart. When she isn’t writing, she’s an avid foodie in search of the next great culinary adventure, and she drinks entirely too much green tea.
Honest to god opinion, I loved this so much. I’ve read a fair share of BDSM/kink club romances before and this is my favourite thus far. I had the time of my life reading this masterpiece of a book. I loved this plot, a fake dating contract (I’ve always had a soft spot for those), where she needs him to satisfy her manipulative mother and he needs her to make his friends believe that he’s moved on from his terrible ex? That’s one heck of a plot, and definitely makes room for them to be more. It was so interesting, with intense spicy moments, cute comforting moments where they help each other get over their trauma, and the funny laugh out loud scenes when they act super extra in the dom/sub relationship in front of her mom. I love their dynamic, and their chemistry is off the charts. They’re so cute!!! I also love how this book also outlines how a Dom/sub relationship can fail, not in the sexual sense but in the love and emotional sense. Because committing to a relationship is more than sex and it should be clear what the relationship is. Honestly some of this was quite sad, with Jo struggling with a mother with a narcissist personality disorder, and Ewan struggling with passive suicidal tendencies. It’s so sweet and comforting how they help each other get over this. This story is one of healing and finding who you are (mostly on Josephine’s part) I loved this and give it 4.5/5
I haven't read a good BDSM book in a while and this one hit the spot. Fragmented is book 1 in the Elements of Surrender Series and I can't wait for book 2!
Ewan is a DOM who basically disappeared for a while after a terrible breakup. He is at such a low point he does not care what happens to him. He ends up injured and is helped by the lovely Jo and her dog.
After getting to know each other a little better they decide to try to fake date so that his friends wont worry about him anymore and so her mom will get off her back.
I loved how Ewan one of the owners of the club introduced Jo slowly into things and he was always checking in with her to make sure she is ok. Everything started out great but now feelings are getting involved. Can they get over their individual issues or will they go their separate ways after the contract is over?
Thank you Bay and Naughty Book PR for the opportunity to read this book I absolutely loved it.
love love loved it!! Just finished this arc and can honestly say It was so good! Bay sinclair showed that both men and women can be vulnerable and that it's ok to be so. I really loved the way the MCs were able to express themselves and ve open with one another in a way that made them relatable. Jo and Ewan were such beautiful characters, and watching them develop throughout made this a great read. I very much recommend it once it's finally released:)
What struck me most about this book was how powerfully it conveyed the emotional intensity of a committed D/s relationship. We meet Ewan still nursing the wounds of a breakup with his long-time sub, Gemma—a loss that’s haunted him for over a year. But fate (and a slippery trail) intervenes when he’s rescued after an accident by Jo and her delightfully charming dog, Biscuit. From the moment Jo steps onto the page, she’s a breath of fresh air. She’s open, grounded, and genuine in a way that immediately draws you in and perfectly complements Ewan’s brooding Dom energy. Their chemistry is electric, but what made their connection so compelling was how naturally they fit, not just between the sheets, but in every quiet conversation and teasing moment. Jo is an absolute gem: a cute, clever mycologist who surprises Ewan (and me!) with her bold, playful confidence when things heat up. I loved how candidly she expressed her desires, which felt honest and empowering. And Ewan, ever the attentive Dom, constantly checked in with her, respecting her boundaries and ensuring her comfort. It was beautiful to see the care layered beneath every intense scene. One of the things I’ve always admired about Bay’s writing is how she portrays kink with such authenticity, rooted in emotional depth, trust, and mutual respect. The D/s elements never feel performative; they’re an organic part of the relationship, enhancing the intimacy rather than defining it. Ewan and Jo’s dynamic is a perfect example of that, full of warmth, playful banter, and sincere connection. The fake-dating trope was the cherry on top, especially as it began to blur with something real. The moment they stunned Jo’s mother into speechlessness was absolutely priceless and I couldn’t help howling with laughter. But even amidst the humor and heat, the relationship remained anchored in mutual support, growth, and genuine affection. You can feel the love between them, even when there’s a flogger involved. This story had everything I love in a romance: smart, layered characters, sizzling chemistry, heart, and humor. I adored every minute and am already counting down the days for Beckett’s story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Oh. My. Gawd. I have never read this author before but let me tell you, I am now a huge fan. If you love BDSM, kink, sweet and spice then this is for you.
Welcome to Elements where you will find 4 floors of play. Each one a representation of Earth, Fire, Wind and Water. The club was created and owned by 4 friends who each designed a floor in the club.
This story focuses on Ewan Ainsley, the creator of the Earth floor. And while the author focuses only on this floor, I can only imagine what the other three are like. But it was amazing to think about how the dungeon looked. Very vivid imagery for those of us with active imaginations can picture ourselves playing there.
Ewan found himself at the bottom of a cliff with a dog licking his face and a beautiful women looking over his body. Insert Josephine “Jo” Marlow, a doctor of science who studies mushrooms and wants to save the world with said mushrooms.
Together they hatch a plan to trick everyone in their respective worlds into thinking they are dating so their friends and families leave them alone. However, as it always goes, they fall hard for each other without meaning to.
This story was so wonderfully written. I love the aspects of the d/s situation and how Ewan so completely takes care of Jo. But on the flip side of that how Jo gets and sees parts of Ewan he has never let anyone see before. I was so envious of the relationship throughout the story. They truly did complete each other and filled the void they each had.
I love the characters in this story and cannot wait to read the rest of this series. I especially need to know if anything happens between Jo’s bff Sage and one of the owners Beckett “Beck” Holiday.
If you love kink but also the love that shines through what most people don’t get to see or don’t understand about a good d/s relationship then dive into this series, you won’t regret it.
It’s a quick read at just under 300 pages but it’s packed to the brim with all the kinky goodness you could want and hope for.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It's rare that I find a book that has both a solid approach to the kink scene and a well-written, emotional romance, but I'm happy to say that my first book by this author exquisitely accomplished that feat. It's both deliciously smutty and surprisingly deep, with side themes of found family and the necessity of ride-or-die friends, especially through the tough times.
Rescued by Jo's lovable dog, Biscuit, Ewan is instantly attracted to the nerdy cute biologist, and is eager to help fulfill her wish to explore the kink club he owns with his friends. They embark on a well-thought out and negotiated "fake relationship" to get her mother and his friends to stop meddling in their respective private lives.
Ewan and Jo are effortlessly compatible, building the kind of friendship and trust necessary for their lifestyle, even if it's supposed to be temporary, but of course that end date ends up being tossed aside. I really loved the way these two were with each other, the easy teasing, the way their communication styles just fit with what they needed, their respect for each other's careers, the support they gave each other when faced with the opposition. All of it was beautifully done, and I absolutely adored the entire story.
Ewan and Jo's HEA is intertwined with a brief setup for the next book, and I can't wait to read more from this author. Be advised that you will get a thorough introduction to the kink lifestyle from this book and all the detailed steamy scenes that go along with the BDSM club setting. If you're looking for a dynamic romance set in the kink community, this book was written for you.
I don't even know where to begin. This book was soo much more than what I was expecting. I am 1000% in love.
Jo is a kind-hearted woman that has build a wall around her heart. Ewan is a everything you could ever want. Both have relationship problems that they need to overcome, but they can't do that with friends constantly tiptoeing around them and with a mother that is out to make her daughters life miserable. How do we solve this problem!? With a contract to be each others fake boyfriend/girlfriend.
Throughout their entire relationship there is genuine compassion, support, and respect for one another. They listen to each other and don't judge their flaws. There relationship is one of my favorites! Jo and Ewan see each other as they are and that makes the spice EVEN BETTER!!! The banter and joking is top notch too! One of my favorite parts is how they plot to make Jo's mother absolutely mortified so that she gets off her high horse and allows her daughter to live the life that she deserves. My favorite scenes? Well, you are just going to have to read the book yourself because there are too many and I am not spoiling any of the fun!
I can't say enough amazing things about this book. It reminds me of fifty shades of grey but no drama! This book made my heart soo happy and I can't wait to read the next book! If you enjoy fake dating, sworn off love, emotional scars, BDSM, and found family then this is the next book for you!
Thank you so much Bay Sinclair for allowing me to read this ARC!
I honestly could not put this book down. Josephine completely surprised me—in the best way. I expected her to be this shy, reserved character who would need some coaxing, but she was anything but. I absolutely loved her bold personality, her sharp wit, and the playful, flirtatious banter she shared with Ewan. And it wasn’t just with Ewan—her interactions with his friends were just as entertaining. From the moment she met Beck and didn’t hesitate to put him in his place, I knew I was going to love her. I also really appreciated how open and curious she was about exploring this new kink. She fully embraced the experience with confidence and heart, which made her journey all the more compelling.
Ewan was just as amazing. He was caring, intentional, and so mindful in everything he did. The teasing and back-and-forth between him and Jo felt fresh and fun, especially knowing how different it was from his previous relationship. His protectiveness came from such a genuine place—you could feel the love and care behind every possessive glance or gesture. Watching their connection grow from passion into something deeper was so satisfying to read.
I’m seriously counting down the days until book two!
Fragmented by Bay Sinclair is a five star read. Jo's dog finds Ewan unconscious after he suffers a fall off a cliff. The two decide to enter into an agreement to pretend to be in a relationship to get their families off their backs. These two characters are mature and have suffered in previous relationships. They enjoy super banter and Jo is especially great at putting Ewan's three friends in their respective places. The scene where she meets his friends at the restaurant was just plain fun and showed her quick wit. Jo also has a friend named Sage who is equally entertaining. The only one who is not entertaining is Jo's narcissistic mother. The scene at breakfast with Jo's mother is downright fun. The is a great read with engaging, richly drawn characters who heal each other while engaging in exploits of the steamy variety. Everyone will root for their happily ever after. Definitely grab this one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow, so much more depth than I expected going in. Yeah, it’s set around a kink club, but it’s not just spice for the sake of spice, though, let’s be real, it delivers there too. What really hit me was how grounded it felt emotionally. The characters are both pretty broken when the story starts dealing with their own personal messes and they kind of stumble into something that feels fake on the surface but ends up pushing them to face a lot of real stuff.
It’s one of those reads where there’s a great balance between tension, genuine vulnerability, and laugh-out-loud moments. Like, you’ll be giggling at how ridiculous they get sometimes, and then two pages later you’re like, oh no, my heart. If you’re into fake dating tropes, strong emotional arcs, and a lot of personal growth, especially for the heroine, it’s totally worth picking up. It’s got spice, yes, but it’s also surprisingly comforting.
I absolutely LOVED it!!! I felt all the feels while reading this. This is such an amazing start to a new series by my favourite author.
This story had everything in it, apart from the wonderful executed BDSM scenes it was also sweet, and it had so much heart and love in it. I just couldn’t put it down once I started reading it.
It all started out with a contract for fake dating, but you can guess how that will end, lol.
~~The lines between their fake relationship and reality were so blurred, he wasn’t even sure what he was looking at anymore.~~
Jo and Ewan are so perfect together, they complement each other so well! I loved how patient Ewan was with Jo and how he stood up for her against her horrible mother! The chemistry between them was so intense.
I really liked the side characters and can’t wait for the next one already. Highly recommend!!!
I already loved all the tropes in this book, canine side kick - Biscuit, unusual meet-cute, fake dating, an exploration of BDSM; then when you add in how amazing the MCs, Josephine and Ewan, are, I was completely hooked. Ewan is the type of dom that all romance readers love, a little broody and a master at his craft, no complaints would order again. But the real magic was Josephine, she was strong, mature, and didn't fit into the stereotypical mold of an innocent sub. I adored how Bayt Sinclair created this mature character that was established in her career, wasn't a naive 20-something, and was about to have the time of her life. The dynamics between the two were pure gold and the way that the different plot lines were woven together led to an amazing read. This book is for anyone looking for a fresh take on a BDSM book.
This was a very enjoyable kinky love story about two people burned in the past deciding to help each other our, but not expecting their hearts to get involved. Ewan had his heart broken by a past love while Josephine could never measure up to her mother's expectations, expectations that caused her to lose her first true love. This is their story. In order to get Ewan's friends/partners off his back and Josephine trying to get her mother to stop setting her up with her mother's version of the "perfect man for her", they plan a fake relationship. It helped that Josephine was interested in exploring the lifestyle. But as they work together, their hearts soon got involved. This is quite the story. It is passionate. It is emotional. It is a story about two people who need each other… if they can take the chance with their heart. Very enjoyable.
Really amazing read. I loved this and the way the fake relationship started out with Ewan and Jo. Ewan was a really wonderful guy and d0m and I think this relationship helped them both to live their best lives. The way Jo dealt with Rhys, Beck, and Skye was really funny. I feel like she nailed their personalities perfectly when they all met. The visit back to Jo’s mother’s house is truly hilarious and satisfying. The spice in this was extra hot and I loved Elements. Such a fantastic concept for a club that caters to a particular clientele. This was a really enjoyable read and I absolutely devoured it. I look forward to the rest of this series too!
Tropes: 🤎 fake dating 🤎 found family 🤎 spicy lesson/kink exploration
This is the first book by Bay Sinclair that I’ve read and it certainly won’t be my last! This was an excellent balance of romance and spice, more so than I was expecting. On top of that, Sinclair set up the rest of the books in the series so perfectly by giving JUST enough information about the remaining MMCs to really spike my anticipation for the remaining stories! I can’t wait to hear about the design of the other levels of Elements!
Thank you NaughtyNookPR and Bay Sinclair for supplying me with an ARC. This book releases on July 31st and I highly recommend checking it out
*please make sure you read the trigger and content warnings before reading*
A great start to this series Elements of Surrender. In this book we are introduced to Ewan one of the founders of Elements, the largest private kink club on the East Coast. He has not been himself since his ex left him. His friends are worried. He disappears for months trying to get that excitement back and falls of a cliff. Josephine is out walking her dog Biscuit and the dog takes off after something and leads Josephine to Ewan. This is their journey of finding one another. The story flows well and will keep you interested. The chemistry between these two is steamy. This is a new author for me and I am looking forward to reading the next installment.
A new author for me and not my normal trope but I love how this story was written. It was sensitive, well detailed for those reading who are not very familiar with bdsm like me, the dynamic between Jo and Ewan was fabulously rich and fully developed. The relationship between Jo and her narcissistic mother was well written and true to life exploring many emotional aspects of the damage that causes children as the grow. The depression Ewan faced at the loss of his relationship without warning and how he reacted was also very real and handled sensitively.
This was a heartwarming and thoughtfully written plot I quite enjoyed and would recommend. Can't wait for second book. I received an arc copy from book sirens and this is my honest voluntary review.
This book is more on the spice side which I'm here for lol just wanted to throw that out there. This will be my second series by the author and I think it was a great start to this series. I love the relationship Ewan has with the other guys. I love a good found family. Josephine's mother is a real piece of work. I'm glad she finally gave her mom a piece of her mind. I liked that the author showed that both men and women struggle and that they can be vulnerable and that's okay. Life is hard and there are somethings that knock you down and make it hard to get back up. I'm glad both characters found people to help them get through those times. I look forward to the next book in this series.
I loved the book, i wasn't expecting it at all. It's not heavy it touches on BDSM very lightly, nothing that would shock the reader. The plot worked really well for me, it's very fast-paced, and I love that. The connection between the characters was well done, Ewan and Josephine were made for each other im really curious about Rhys's story, because damn, that guy is definitely hiding something. But Skye.. Skye is something out of this world! Another character I'm really eager to read more about. The fact that the author uses the elements earth, fire, air, and water to build the atmosphere is simply brilliant ". I want more
Fragmented is the 1st book in the Elements of Surrender series, introducing us to a group of interesting ride-or-die friends and their lifestyle club Elements. Ewan and Jo's romance is a wonderful combination of finding the right person in the most unexpected place, overcoming the past, taking strength from friends and found family to heal deeply emotional wounds. It's also a journey into the BDSM lifestyle with highly charged emotional scenes and steamy sexy times, concluding in a fitting HEA for the couple and a glimpse into what promises to be an intriguing story for the next friend in line. As always, I am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.
Jo, a guarded woman, and Ewan, a charming man, both with past relationship issues, enter a fake dating contract to dodge meddling friends and Jo’s toxic mother. Their genuine compassion, respect, and witty banter make their bond special, with spicy moments enhanced by their authentic connection. They hilariously plot to shock Jo’s mom, freeing Jo to live her life. This drama-free, heartwarming read, reminiscent of Fifty Shades but lighter, is perfect for fans of fake dating, emotional healing, BDSM, and found family. Great job Bay Sinclair!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The rapport the two main characters have in this novel is really good. Their banter is quite funny. I love the dynamics of how the FMC and MMC meet. The two main characters fall into an easy friendship. I thought I could see exactly where this book was going, but this story didn’t go the way I thought it would go. It was better! It was good. The spice was perfect. I absolutely adored this book and can’t wait to read the next in the series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I would definitely recommend this book.
OMG - what a great book. Great character development. All around great story. I love how Josephine is a little naive but how great she and Ewan interact. Starts with Josephine rescuing Ewan when he fell off a cliff - the descriptions are so great you can almost feel the wet leaves while reading about it. When Ewan takes Josephine to his club and learns how she loves the activates at the club the book does get really hot and steamy - the book has laughs, tears and steam - all around awesome book. Really looking forward to book 2!
Great story. Josephine 'Jo' finds Ewen fallen on a hiking trail unconscious. She ends up getting him to the hospital and Ewen will take her to dinner as a thank you. They will discover that they both have a reason to fake date and Jo will get a chance to explore bdsm at Jack's club. This book is full of drama, hot scenes full of chemistry that will have the pair of them questioning the fakeness of their contract. I enjoyed reading this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The characters, Ewan and Jo, had a lot of layers to make this book more than just a steamy romance. Ewan had been in a long term relationship with what he thought was the love of his life, when she left without much of an explanation. Jo thinks she is living her life on her terms, but yet she still lets her mother bully her and instill feelings of guilt. They both enter a fake relationship to relieve the pressure others have put on them. I enjoyed their story as they worked through their issues and stood up for themselves.
Fragmented was my first novel for me by this author but it will not be my last.
Ewan and Jo were beautifully written. There is this authentic connection that happens between the two of them right from the beginning, like the universe had a hand in bringing them together and then finding a way to keep them together.
I loved the way that they were so vulnerable with each other, that they felt safe alomost immediately to be who they needed to be. Also, who doesn't love a fake-relationship trope in which we as readers know there is nothing fake about their relationship, and then go through all of the ups and downs until they figure it out themselves.
And yes, this does have all the spice and BDSM a girl could ask for, but this book is so much more than that. The banter... Loved! I think we get to know the characters so much more when the authors provde the banter.
My only wish was that it was longer. There were times when I wanted to know more or thought that certain parts could have been more developed becasue to me they felt rushed, but I ultimately think that speaks to the connections the author allowed me to make with these characters that I just needed more of them.
I cannot wait to see where this series goes! I have so many questions about who comes next.
Thank you Bay Sinclair and Naughty Nook PR for the ARC in return for an honest review.
Let me just say, if you need a BDSM book fix like Sara Cate, this one's for you!! I really need to read more of the author's books.
There's no third act breakup, which is actually nice when you're used to something going wrong.
For those who want the FMC to be over 20, this is also for you. She's 38 and he's 40. At first I thought it was an age gap, it wasn't but it still was perfection.
It's under 300 pages, so didn't take long for me to read.
Ewan and Josephine(Jo)’s story has them meeting at a pivotal moment in both their lives. He was injured and didn’t care if he lived and her for finding him and helping him. They both have past trauma that they help the other through. But what happens when they both catch feeling for the other, how will it end for them
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Oh! boy Ewan and Josephine/Jo might have started out as a fake relationship, but you can see it turn into real feelings for each other with each passing day. Their story is plenty naughty in and out of the club, but the insane part is their actions around Jo's itch of a mother who's a real piece of work.