Welcome to The Order, a society of gentlemen who know when to stop behaving like one.
The hopeless run from destiny; the hopeful embrace it.
Doms are not princes and Jacques Meszaros certainly isn't one. Or is he? A business tycoon, a philanthropist, and a sexual Dominant, Jacques makes the rules but doesn't always abide them. On a whim, he offers Isabella Rey a soiree in paradise. What he finds when they arrive is a destiny foretold long ago in the words of a gypsy.
Two women live inside Isabella Rey. Her angel goes to church every Sunday, helps the sick, and is fiercely loyal to family. Her devil lives in the shadows. Isabella is not looking for love, but a life-threatening twist of fate spurs her to allow her devil a moment in the sun.
Jacques wants forever. Forever is the one thing Isabella believes she cannot give, but paradise, once tasted, is not easily foregone. Angel or devil? Dom or prince? Destiny awaits. Will theirs be a paradise lost or found?
Publisher's Note: Paradise was previously released by Loose Id (now defunct) but has been re-edited and revised for this edition.
Jillian publishes contemporary romance. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband (who has been her rock for longer than she is willing to admit) and has two magnificent daughters (who are and always will be her inspiration). Perfect day: The beach with the fam and a great book. Perfect date: Flyers game and a Tony Luke's cheesesteak. She is an Italian goddess, cook-extraordinaire (not bragging—well maybe a little), UPenn and NYU alum, lawyer, professor, writer, traveler, and “life is too short for small boxes” kind of lady. She is a member of the Valley Forge Romance Writers.
My name is Isabella Rey, and Paradise is my story.
Do you believe in angels? Do you dream of finding your prince? Do you know what it's like to suffer something so terrifying that you lose hope that anything good and peaceful awaits you just around the next bend?
I do.
I dreamed of my prince. Yes, I'll admit it. The whole fairy-tale-princess dream complete with sparkles and song birds, white steeds and magic. But my prince was different. You see, I'm not only an oncology nurse with four perfect brothers and a heavy dose of Catholic guilt. I am a submissive. I've always know it. But what I wanted was wrong, a sin, an impossibility.
One day, without warning, I was forced to face a simple truth that applies to every human being. We are all going to die. I was diagnosed with cancer and suddenly, death wasn't something I would face as an old woman. Time wasn't ample. My dreams and fantasies weren't something to be left to tomorrow because I may not have a tomorrow.
Then I met him. Jacques. Gorgeous, sex god, no-man-should-be-that-damn-erotic Jacques. A business tycoon, a philanthropist, and a sexual Dominant, he personified my deepest, darkest fantasy, and I decided. For once in my life, I would let the angel in me take a back seat to my devil. One taste. One week. One moment of truth before…
But here's the thing about love. You don't control it; it controls you. And so our journey began. It is erotic and romantic, painful and joyful, transforming and transcendent.
My wish for you, dear reader, as you share our journey is this: Believe in the angels. They are there if you have the faith to see them. No matter what cross you bear, always have hope. Know that around the next bend, something good and peaceful awaits you. And if you can't do it alone, look into the eyes of your prince, your daughter, your brother, your friend, anyone who loves you and let their hope carry you until you find your own.
This is the second in Jillain Verne's Masters series which concentrates on one of The Order members, this is a brotherhood of billionaire, philanthropic, Doms, who support one another in all aspects of life. Nice fantasy.
This focuses on Spanish, Isabella Rey, and oncology nurse in Paris, and Jacques Metzaros, of Greek origin and one of The Order, from the first in the order of Nicolai and Julianne, this is about Nicolai's cousin, and Isla and Jacques meet at Nicolai's art exhibition.
This has good character development, and interesting analysis of the main characters, their needs sexually, morally, religiously even, and their interactions with each other and those within the Order. It also has interesting continuation and subplot story lines of other characters previously met, as with Jerard, but it can be read as a standalone.
There's a theme running through this that I have more knowledge of than sometimes I care to have. Isabella, an oncology nurse who gives of herself to others in need of care and most importantly hope, and who will hold those when hope is removed, finds herself a patient. The analysis of emotions, care giver to receiver is extremely good, and I caution you if you have been in this situation or with beloved ones afflicted by cancer, dying and death...you will find this has moments leaving you distraught and in need of tissues. It is very cathartic. The underlying theme of hope runs throughout. The importance and significance of that word's meaning cannot be undermined. Absence of hope leaves wretched despair, despondency unto death. The exploration and human conflict of Isabella's situation and how love helps is the brilliance of this story. The kink and exploration of such through domination and submission is actually an accessory, albeit important to these characters. It has some very erotic scenes as well as exotic as in Nicholai's gallery. Jacques, strong on the surface, doubts himself too, always needs control, but finds control an illusion at times, loving, kinky, thoughtful and I guess is the kind of guy most submissives yearn for, few are Isabella, few would trade places.
Now you had the good, so why not a five star rating, two issues in my mind. If you give someone cancer...as its hidden visually, but of the head, then you need be upfront and accurate in both knowledge, research and treatment of such condition. Here it was vague, or at times lacking significantly that anyone with knowledge might be tempted to say wrong. A person who has been through chemo in the absence of surgery, and radiation treatment, and been unconscious for weeks won't be up and running as normal the following week, I assure you. And as such, Isabella's case does disservice to those who suffer or suffer along with them. Lastly, too many typos. Small words missing: article words or prepositions add quality to sentences as well as sense, and in this it needs a good edit. Disservice to the discerning reader makes me cross. So I lopped off a star.
With these issues dealt with and the detail of human analysis, and emotion there is I would rate it five plus but as it stands 4* plus.
Complex, engaging, and erotic - Paradise is the type of romance the reader can fall into and stay awhile. The central characters, Jacques and Isla, are well-drawn and compelling as is their multi-layered relationship. Adding depth to the characters and the story are a series of secondary characters and subplots that give alternative views into both Jacques’ and Isla’s characters – making the development of their romance more believable. There are highs and lows throughout the novel, reminiscent of a serial, but (thank you Ms. Verne) all contained within one, well-constructed novel.
With elements of humor, pathos, and spirituality, Paradise is a lot more than your average ‘billionaire’ romance. Although, the glamorous depictions of Paris, Monaco, Greece and Spain are a highly enjoyable additions to the book. The second in a series, Paradise can be read as stand alone. Of course, now that I have entered the world of the Masters of Order, the other volumes are ‘must reads.’
I'm can't even think of a good comparison for this book. Excellent character building, captivating story line, and the perfect Happily Ever after including the dream wedding! I couldn't put this one down and am kicking myself for not reading book one first. I can't wait to start the next one in this series!
4.5 pleasure and pain stars. If you a good BDSM read, then this is the book for you. Jasque and Isla are def steaming up the room with some of scene. Move over Fifty, there some new players in town.
“I don’t want you to be anything other than the man you are, Jacques. You said you want to be different, but in this, I don’t want different. I only want you. You’re mine and with you, I am perfect.”
“He smiled and it was almost shy. “I want forever, Isabella.”
“I love you.” She threw her hands over her head and shouted to the whole of Paris laid out before them, “I love you. I love you. I love you.” The future burned brighter with each loud proclamation of her love.”
“When they reached the altar, Jacques turned, taking both her hands into his, and whispered, “Did you find your prince, Paradis?” “Yes, Jacques. I found my prince and I found something else too.” Isabella looked at the man standing in front of her as sparkles filled her eyes. “I found hope.
Paradise is a story about destiny, love, and hope. It is a beautiful story of how love can conquer all even when life is not fair and all is hopeless. I fell in love with the softer Jacques, and how he had to learn and adapt for the love of his life. Isla, our heroine, is such a strong person through all that life throws at her. Compared to the first book in this series, Paradise definitely has a lighter tone to it which I find much more enjoyable. The Angel and Devil within Isla brought much laughter and smiles while the dominant Jacques makes your Kindle catch fire!
Just like in the first book, there was amazing character development, both with the main characters as well as supporting characters – Jerard with his journey to overcoming addiction and Sabin with his cowboy charm. I am looking forward to reading Sabin’s story in the next book of the series!
Thanks Jillian for giving me the opportunity read your awesome creation!
**Received a complimentary copy in exchange for honest review**
This is book 2 in the Masters of the Order series, and I loved it! It had everything I enjoy in this type of book. The characters are well developed, the writing is good, the supporting characters are interesting and the sex scenes are scorching! You really care about everyone in this book and are pulling for them all the way. While book 1 took a little bit to get into, I jumped both feet first into this one and never lost the momentum all the way through. And while there is definitely a HEA ending, you are going to want more when you read it. You will know what I mean when you read it. So Jillian, I need an epilogue or short story or another book! That gypsy had better be right is all I got to say. And book 3 is about one of my favorite of the secondary characters in these books, so really looking forward to that one.
This book was so not what I expected. When I started it I was prepared for your usual run of the mill BDSM romance however what I got was that and much much more. The profound emotions and heartache poured through the pages from start to finish.
Both Isabella and Jacques face a heartache that is so profound that I found myself sobbing for them. I also cried many happy tears for this couple as they came to terms with their fate.
I loved the depth of all the characters in this story. The author describes them so vividly that I felt like these characters were my close friends.
I look forward to finding out what comes next for the brothers of the order.
With a little hope and a lot of love, destiny always finds a way.
FSOG fans, this is a must read!!! A wonderful story of love, faith and hope told with elegance and international flair. I could not put this book down!!!!! There are a few typo-s, which did not take away from the story.
Isabella grew up in a sheltered Catholic household, but knows she has fantasies that don’t quite gel with her upbringing. After receiving some bad news, her roommate decides Isabella is going to have some fun. Jacques sees Isabella at the gallery and is very intrigued by her, as she seems to have no fear of saying ‘no’ to him.
Paradise is the second book in the Masters of the Order series. This story is about Jacques, Nico’s cousin, and Isabella enters his life at a time he starts to feel like there is nothing in his future. Familiar characters sprinkle this story with a few new ones, such as Isabella’s family, her brothers in particular.
Isabella works at a cancer center and is familiar with Jacques��� name, but she refuses to let him run roughshod over her. Jacques knows he should leave her alone as she has never been involved with BDSM. As they spend time together, he realizes she is a natural submissive. Their relationship has some very big bumps along the way, but they work things out. I also loved Jacques’ nickname for Isabella as it showed exactly what he thought of her.
I had to laugh at Jacques’ friends in the Order, as well as Isabella’s oldest brother. Some of the antics were so typical of brothers toward each other and an older brother’s protectiveness of a baby sister. Readers should be aware that several incidents in the book are also tear-jerkers so keep tissues on hand.
I have to say I am really enjoying the Masters of the Order series. The relationships between the Masters and the people they bring into their circle are interesting and very real. Ms. Verne’s grasp of how BDSM lifestyles are and some of the consequences of losing control are very realistic. This is a series to be read again and should be on every BDSM lover’s bookshelf.
ARC kindly provided from author for honest review.
If you want a BDSM romance, similar to FSOG, but with a darker master in the form of Jacques Meszaros then this could be for you.
I enjoyed this book, Isabella was the heroine of the story, and having received some devastating news decides to give into her naughty side and embark on a week of indulging herself into fulfilling her darkest desires. Her partner and teacher for this is Jacques. Neither are looking for love so there won't be any problems walking away at the end of the week..........right?
This series is about The Order a group of hot men who are all apparently donkey-rigged in the middle leg department and their story of finding love. This is book 2 in the series and although it can be read as a standalone, I would recommend you read book 1 first, I didn't, and feel I missed out on the introductions and history for the rest of the characters. However it still was an excellent intense love story and a look into the exciting world of bdsm.
What a book! This novel is the reason to read romance. It has absolutely everything. Characters to fall in love and lust with, an irresistible journey that carries the reader away with tears, laughter and lots of face fanning along the way, and one of the best HEAs I've ever read. Isabella is a female protagonist extraordinaire and Jacques is...smoldering, sexy, dominant, delicious and somehow adorable. Together they are pure passion. Every page built up to the last scene, which left me crying, laughing and sighing all at once. One aspect of Paradise that I particularly enjoyed was the inner dialogue between Isabella's angel and devil and the reconciliation of her two sides through her relationship with Jacques. I read Masterpiece as well and although the tone of each novel is different, I loved them both. If you like well-written, character-driven, D/s romance, this series is a must.
If Masterpiece was a good debut from a first-time author, Paradise is a wonder. Funny. Sad. Hopeful. Hopeless. I haven't read anything quite like this in this genre. How can you not love Isabella? Or, is it Angel or Devil Isabella I like more? And, although Isabella appears the sadder, she is more hopeful than Jacques, who appears to have it all except the woman of his dreams. Until....
You will love this book. It is a great story, and a fun read. I hope Ms. Verne keeps the humor coming.
And, she leaves you breathless for Sabin. And Teo!!!
Jacques and Isabella are destined to be together but their journey to love is not easy. Both parties make mistakes along the way. Lies and secrets are slowly revealed which cause pain and betrayal. Leaps of faith are made and hope is finally found. Love overcomes every obstacle and a HEA is achieved.
All the characters is this book are powerful, syrong, dynamic and oh so interesting. Ms Verne has created a an enjoyable reading experience with this book and series.
Once again, this author is surprisingly terrific. Perhaps too much so for this genre. This story is kinky, but the romance, emotional depth, and characterization take the novel to a different level. Hat's off to JVerne for pulling me in like she has. whether you are into BDSM or not, this series is one not to miss.
I really enjoyed the push and pull between Jacques and Isla. They both are very strong minded individuals who are very independent. It was a great romance where a Dom of the Order feel in love and has to give up some of his control to Isla. And Isla had to find Hope for herself and she can plan for the future. I enjoyed the previous characters from the first book. I really liked the boyz intervention when Jacques found out about the baby. It was a HEA.
I liked the relationship between Teo and Jacques, and how it developed over time.
I felt a bit disappointed, as I thought from the first book, Jacques and Jerard were going to end up together. And then find a girl for both of them. It was mentioned in the story, but felt that it wasn't given enough time to understand what really happened. I was expecting all three of them to end up together.
I am excited about reading about Sabin. Can't wait. Wondering if Jerard, Darion and Teo's story will also be coming soon?
I enjoyed this second book to the Masters of the Order Series. This one delves into the story involving Jacques Meszaros and Isabella Rey. Jacques is the sexy, Greek Dom / tycoon who has played his life as if he cannot love or be loved. Along comes Isabella who cannot make decisions on who to love b/c of her conscious - Angel (90%) or Devil (10%). (I really related to Isabella in this one, having had my brother pass away from Cancer, I understand her loving nature and giving to others.) For me, this book was about balance - Sweet with a bit of Kinky, Hard knocks with paved roads and Life kicking your ass but you end up in the bed of roses.
*** I was given a complimentary copy by the author for an honest review. ***
This was a really good book. It clicked for me more than the first book.
Isabella was such a contrast of good and bad. I enjoyed her spunky character and her "good" and "bad" self talk. Jacques was a great character. I liked that he failed at times and was desperate. Isabella humbled him by her actions and expectations throughout the story. I felt his character was more relatable once he had something to lose.
Both of these characters made big mistakes in their relationship. It was very interesting to see how the story unfolded and they survived the issues that challenged them.
I was a lucky winner of this story in a wonderful anniversary event hosted by the Goodreads group Erotica.
This is the second story I have read from this author and I find myself looking forward to reading many more in the future. The author does a wonderful job of telling individual characters story's while relating it to a larger cast of characters. A great stand alone within a series.
Isabella Rey is looking for a fun getaway, where she can escape her worries and be someone else for a change until she has to return to her real life. She has warring voices within her, on how she's supposed to be: sweet, angelic and proper, and who she really wants to be: spontaneous, sexy and naughty - and they are dichotomous. Can't she be both? Jacques Meszaros is not known for his warm and cuddly personality. He's ruthless in business and completely in control in the bedroom. He does not do commitment and keeps his heart out of reach. Upon setting his eyes on Isabella, Jacques' heart begins to beat to a different rhythm. I liked the writing style. It is a mix of steamy, quirky, witty and direct. There's some foreshadowing and storytelling, too, which I loved, because it's these little clues that give the reader some insight on what is to come. The cast of characters is endearing and engaging. I wouldn't have minded more background on Nico and Julianne because it feels like they had a story to tell in the past. Isabella has to reconcile with her growing feelings for Jacques and what kind of future they can have if her life circumstances can permit it. As for Jacques, he has to decide if he can be the man that Isabella is deserving of no matter how off color his past is. I liked the conflict and push and pull between them because it was obvious that their chemistry was combustible, yet they had certain issues holding them back before going all in, and like with any couple, they had to work through it together.
I won this book in an event with the Erotica Group- Thank You Jillian for donating!
I enjoyed this second book to the Masters of the Order Series a little better than the first. The first book had a lot of long winded dialog like a historical, although this story did have some area's that dragged on a little too much it was much more relatable.
Jacques is the sexy Dom who long for his destiny. Isabella has to deal with a very difficult situation all while fighting her conscious about how she feels. The give and take, push and pull, between these characters is entertaining and had me sucked in from the beginning.