What do you think?
Rate this book
Chains #2
The Living Edge
From NYT & USA Today Bestselling author Cherise Sinclair comes the long-awaited story for Master Drake from The Dom’s Dungeon.
From homeless thief to skilled craftswoman.
All her life, Aralia was told she’s too high-energy. Too dramatic. Her foster father saved her from the streets and taught her wood-crafting skills to rival his own. But now he is gone—and she longs to honor him by completing his last unfinished commission.
But gods help her, the project is equipment for a private bondage club.
Years ago, she partied with “edge players” and was drugged and assaulted. Even counseling couldn’t erase the nightmares. Nonetheless, for her beloved mentor, she’ll suck it up and do the job.
Jean-Pierre Dragomir, the owner of Chains, is known for coming down hard on consent violations. He stays involved in all aspects of his club. So it’s a surprise to find a stranger measuring the dungeon equipment. Despite an ugly breakup leaving him wary, he’s enchanted with the woman. She’s talkative, energetic, spirited—and her attempts to hide her fears bring out his protective nature.
Why, oh why, does the club owner have to be charming, with a sexy French accent…and so Dominant it makes her stomach quiver? Even more alarming, he doesn’t want to change her or fix her like her ex. He likes who she is.
But she’s caught the attention of someone from her past. He’s watching. And ready to make her experience the worst night of her life all over again.
Tags: Full-length & sizzling hot. No cliffhanger & no cheating. A wounded heroine in need of love & belonging. A protective, utterly confident hero who can give her exactly what she needs. An adorable, fluffy cat. Simply, one very sigh-worthy romance.
Content Warning: This novel includes depictions of sexual violence and PTSD.
From homeless thief to skilled craftswoman.
All her life, Aralia was told she’s too high-energy. Too dramatic. Her foster father saved her from the streets and taught her wood-crafting skills to rival his own. But now he is gone—and she longs to honor him by completing his last unfinished commission.
But gods help her, the project is equipment for a private bondage club.
Years ago, she partied with “edge players” and was drugged and assaulted. Even counseling couldn’t erase the nightmares. Nonetheless, for her beloved mentor, she’ll suck it up and do the job.
Jean-Pierre Dragomir, the owner of Chains, is known for coming down hard on consent violations. He stays involved in all aspects of his club. So it’s a surprise to find a stranger measuring the dungeon equipment. Despite an ugly breakup leaving him wary, he’s enchanted with the woman. She’s talkative, energetic, spirited—and her attempts to hide her fears bring out his protective nature.
Why, oh why, does the club owner have to be charming, with a sexy French accent…and so Dominant it makes her stomach quiver? Even more alarming, he doesn’t want to change her or fix her like her ex. He likes who she is.
But she’s caught the attention of someone from her past. He’s watching. And ready to make her experience the worst night of her life all over again.
Tags: Full-length & sizzling hot. No cliffhanger & no cheating. A wounded heroine in need of love & belonging. A protective, utterly confident hero who can give her exactly what she needs. An adorable, fluffy cat. Simply, one very sigh-worthy romance.
Content Warning: This novel includes depictions of sexual violence and PTSD.
438 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 13, 2026
146 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Cherise Sinclair
70 books8,344 followersA New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she’s renowned for writing heart-wrenching romances with laugh-out-loud dialogue, alpha males, and absolutely sizzling sex.
I met my dearheart when vacationing in the Caribbean. Now I won’t say it was love at first sight. Actually since he stood over me, enjoying the view down my swimsuit top, I might have been a tad peeved—as well as attracted. But although we were together less than two days and lived on opposite sides of the country, love can’t be corralled by time or space.
We’ve now been married for many, many years. (And he still looks down my swimsuit tops.)
Nowadays, I live in the west with this obnoxious, beloved husband and a seventy-pound lap-puppy. I’m a gardener, and I love nurturing small plants until they’re big and healthy and productive…and ripping defenseless weeds out by the roots when I’m angry. I enjoy thunderstorms, collecting eggs from the chickens, and visiting the local brewery for the darkest, maltiest beer on tap. My favorite way to spend an evening is curled up on a couch next to the master of my heart, watching the fire, reading, and…well…if you’re reading my books, you obviously know what else happens in front of fires.
I met my dearheart when vacationing in the Caribbean. Now I won’t say it was love at first sight. Actually since he stood over me, enjoying the view down my swimsuit top, I might have been a tad peeved—as well as attracted. But although we were together less than two days and lived on opposite sides of the country, love can’t be corralled by time or space.
We’ve now been married for many, many years. (And he still looks down my swimsuit tops.)
Nowadays, I live in the west with this obnoxious, beloved husband and a seventy-pound lap-puppy. I’m a gardener, and I love nurturing small plants until they’re big and healthy and productive…and ripping defenseless weeds out by the roots when I’m angry. I enjoy thunderstorms, collecting eggs from the chickens, and visiting the local brewery for the darkest, maltiest beer on tap. My favorite way to spend an evening is curled up on a couch next to the master of my heart, watching the fire, reading, and…well…if you’re reading my books, you obviously know what else happens in front of fires.
Search out Cherise in the following places:
Website
Want to be notified when the next book is out? Click here
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 20, 2026
Master Drake’s story was one i’d been waiting for,and as a bonus,i got Aralia’s story with it.
Ray,as she prefers to be called,is a very special girl,and perfect for Drake.
Some say she’s loud,and dramatic,but i strongly disagree.
Ray shows her emotions,is brave and a tough cookie.
She’s survived not just one traumatic experience,but several.
Losing her parents at a young age,being placed in an abusive situation in fostercare is already reason to traumatize a girl.
She got lucky,because someone we know,namely Master Drago,caught her lockpicking.
He brought her to a man that turned out to the one that showed her she wasn’t too much,too loud,that she was loveable.
George,her fosterfather,taught her everything she wanted to know about working with wood.
But then she wanted to try out kink at University…..never again!!
It had taken her years to deal with what happened,and even after George had convinced her to see a therapist,she’d never disclosed the details to anyone.
And now Faj was gone…..sure,his sons were still here,but they had their own lives.
He still had a few unfinished projects,and she decided to finish those in his honor.
Which led her to a very old friend,Hope……and a BDSM club.
The owner,Master Drake, was nothing like she’d imagined a Dom to be,and interested in her.
Dominant throughout,kind,caring,protective,perceptive and véry persuasive….
Drake had a good life these days,but he felt there was something missing….
Someone that shared his view on life,that fulfilled his needs.
And then he saw a stranger in Chains,one that seemed to be interested in the furniture??
She was with 2 of the club’s subs,Mac and Hope,but he didn’t see their Doms anywhere…
Once he found out the stranger was in fact Ray,Chain’s recently deceased member George’s foster daughter,he agreed to her finishing his work.
But he hád noticed her reluctant interest in what was going on around them and found her reaction to his prying refreshing.
In fact,the more he saw of her,the more his interest in her grew.
His inner Dom sensed she’d been hurt,badly,and he wanted to take that pain,that fear away.
Give her new and better experiences under his command.
And when his patient guidance started to show results,his heart was already involved…..and he would do anything to keep her safe,and make her happy.
Ray found she still wanted to find out more about her kinky needs,and Drake was,according to Mac and Hope,a good choice to do it with.
And somewhere along the way,he found a way past the walls she’d erected.
He was the first to accept her exactly as she was,and encouraged her to embrace it.
He didn’t think she was loud,he didn’t think she was a drama queen,he enjoyed the person she was,period.
But as their bond was growing,and they seemed to go for a well deserved happy after,trouble was brewing.
Her past wasn’t done with her yet,and a former sub of Drake wasn’t done with him,either.
Would they be strong enough to face both,and survive everything that was thrown at them?
Would their budding relationship remain as strong??
As usual,Cherise Sinclair paints a loving picture of the budding relationship.
She brings her characters to life with the care i’ve grown to admire over the years.
Even the conflict and danger,that will sadly happen even though i hope they don’t,are done with care.
And it makes me cheer the well deserved happy after even more….
The Living Edge was another Cherise Sinclair story that i will enjoy,time and time again!
Ray,as she prefers to be called,is a very special girl,and perfect for Drake.
Some say she’s loud,and dramatic,but i strongly disagree.
Ray shows her emotions,is brave and a tough cookie.
She’s survived not just one traumatic experience,but several.
Losing her parents at a young age,being placed in an abusive situation in fostercare is already reason to traumatize a girl.
She got lucky,because someone we know,namely Master Drago,caught her lockpicking.
He brought her to a man that turned out to the one that showed her she wasn’t too much,too loud,that she was loveable.
George,her fosterfather,taught her everything she wanted to know about working with wood.
But then she wanted to try out kink at University…..never again!!
It had taken her years to deal with what happened,and even after George had convinced her to see a therapist,she’d never disclosed the details to anyone.
And now Faj was gone…..sure,his sons were still here,but they had their own lives.
He still had a few unfinished projects,and she decided to finish those in his honor.
Which led her to a very old friend,Hope……and a BDSM club.
The owner,Master Drake, was nothing like she’d imagined a Dom to be,and interested in her.
Dominant throughout,kind,caring,protective,perceptive and véry persuasive….
Drake had a good life these days,but he felt there was something missing….
Someone that shared his view on life,that fulfilled his needs.
And then he saw a stranger in Chains,one that seemed to be interested in the furniture??
She was with 2 of the club’s subs,Mac and Hope,but he didn’t see their Doms anywhere…
Once he found out the stranger was in fact Ray,Chain’s recently deceased member George’s foster daughter,he agreed to her finishing his work.
But he hád noticed her reluctant interest in what was going on around them and found her reaction to his prying refreshing.
In fact,the more he saw of her,the more his interest in her grew.
His inner Dom sensed she’d been hurt,badly,and he wanted to take that pain,that fear away.
Give her new and better experiences under his command.
And when his patient guidance started to show results,his heart was already involved…..and he would do anything to keep her safe,and make her happy.
Ray found she still wanted to find out more about her kinky needs,and Drake was,according to Mac and Hope,a good choice to do it with.
And somewhere along the way,he found a way past the walls she’d erected.
He was the first to accept her exactly as she was,and encouraged her to embrace it.
He didn’t think she was loud,he didn’t think she was a drama queen,he enjoyed the person she was,period.
But as their bond was growing,and they seemed to go for a well deserved happy after,trouble was brewing.
Her past wasn’t done with her yet,and a former sub of Drake wasn’t done with him,either.
Would they be strong enough to face both,and survive everything that was thrown at them?
Would their budding relationship remain as strong??
As usual,Cherise Sinclair paints a loving picture of the budding relationship.
She brings her characters to life with the care i’ve grown to admire over the years.
Even the conflict and danger,that will sadly happen even though i hope they don’t,are done with care.
And it makes me cheer the well deserved happy after even more….
The Living Edge was another Cherise Sinclair story that i will enjoy,time and time again!
January 23, 2026
Beautifully written as usual, with good character development and many spicy BDSM scenes. I did find it easy to put down though, so perhaps I'm finding these books just a little too much the same. I love the shifter series the most. 3.5 stars.
January 15, 2026
I want to be cherise when I grow up. Oh wait, I’m grown! But I live all of her series. Five kajillian stars.
January 15, 2026
I love reading a book where you just immerse yourself into the story and flow along with it. Things may be upsetting or uncomfortable, but you move with the characters as they work through their issues. The fact they are falling for each other along the way, that is a bonus that adds to their story. I sometimes forget how much I enjoy the authours BDSM romances, and then I read one, and I fall in love all over again. Drake and Ray had me hooked from the start, and with them to their very happy ending <3
January 20, 2026
It's so wonderful to get to see old friends again and meet new ones. Thank you Cherise.
I love this book. It was so great to see some of our old friends, and meet new ones. I love the community that is such a big part of all of these books, and of all that Cherise writes. I like our lead woman in the story, in many ways she's very much like me. So boy could I relate with her personality, lol, her social ineptness, and what she wanted out of the lifestyle. I really did love this book. Good job.
I love this book. It was so great to see some of our old friends, and meet new ones. I love the community that is such a big part of all of these books, and of all that Cherise writes. I like our lead woman in the story, in many ways she's very much like me. So boy could I relate with her personality, lol, her social ineptness, and what she wanted out of the lifestyle. I really did love this book. Good job.
January 21, 2026
Chains of the Heart 🔥
The Living Edge by Cherise Sinclair is a wild ride 🔥. Aralia's fiery spirit and Drake's dominant vibes make for a romance that's intense and beautiful. Sinclair's got a gift - she brings the BDMS world to life in a way that's both hot and respectful. Her stories bring light to a world few of us know, and it's clear she's done her homework. “CONSENT IS EVERYTHING”. This one's got heat, heart, and a Dom/Sub relationship that's beautiful to watch 😉. I’m hoping for more in the Chains series! It’s perfect. 🤓
The Living Edge by Cherise Sinclair is a wild ride 🔥. Aralia's fiery spirit and Drake's dominant vibes make for a romance that's intense and beautiful. Sinclair's got a gift - she brings the BDMS world to life in a way that's both hot and respectful. Her stories bring light to a world few of us know, and it's clear she's done her homework. “CONSENT IS EVERYTHING”. This one's got heat, heart, and a Dom/Sub relationship that's beautiful to watch 😉. I’m hoping for more in the Chains series! It’s perfect. 🤓
January 20, 2026
love it, Absolutely loved it.
Aralia oh how i love you. I see so much of myself in you, i mean the high energy, being over emotional, getting excited. I am not a talented woodworker nor can i pick a lock.
I loved her relationship with George or Faj as she called him (this makes me laugh as a crude nickname for vagina is faj)
Aralia oh how i love you. I see so much of myself in you, i mean the high energy, being over emotional, getting excited. I am not a talented woodworker nor can i pick a lock.
I loved her relationship with George or Faj as she called him (this makes me laugh as a crude nickname for vagina is faj)
January 20, 2026
Loved it 🙂❤️🙂❤️
Another wonderful story from Cherise Sinclair. Ray was a fun character to get to know. I enjoyed the relationship between her and Drake. As always, the romance and the spice was amazing
Another wonderful story from Cherise Sinclair. Ray was a fun character to get to know. I enjoyed the relationship between her and Drake. As always, the romance and the spice was amazing
January 15, 2026
A joyful story of overcoming darkness and bullying
Ray and Drake’s story is a study in honesty, patience, and comfort. Ray’s scars and triggers are many and though she is strong they still bring her down till she finds her protector, her DOM, who becomes the wind beneath her wings while finding his own peace. The supporting cast again livens up the tale and as in other previous books the BDSM community is a forged family.
Ray and Drake’s story is a study in honesty, patience, and comfort. Ray’s scars and triggers are many and though she is strong they still bring her down till she finds her protector, her DOM, who becomes the wind beneath her wings while finding his own peace. The supporting cast again livens up the tale and as in other previous books the BDSM community is a forged family.
January 16, 2026
What A Beautiful Story Of Salvation!
Aralia Lanigan's was a lost child that fate and two strong men saved! Drake Dragomir was also a a lost teen. Fate put a strong Cop and an friend who took in foster kids to mold Aralia (Ray) into a strong woman. And fate had plans for both Drake and Ray! This story was beautifully written. I loved it! A definite must read!
Aralia Lanigan's was a lost child that fate and two strong men saved! Drake Dragomir was also a a lost teen. Fate put a strong Cop and an friend who took in foster kids to mold Aralia (Ray) into a strong woman. And fate had plans for both Drake and Ray! This story was beautifully written. I loved it! A definite must read!
January 16, 2026
Another great book by Cherise Sinclair. She gave both vulnerability and strength to the characters. Very touching from beginning to end. You can feel the chemistry between Aralia "Ray" and Drake. It was great having a bit of Simon and Rona in the book. Would love to see this series expand with a couple more characters. I didn't want this book to end, I wanted more of their relationship scenes. I would have loved an ending in which they gave more on where they moved into, as they both have several houses between them.
January 15, 2026
Cherise Sinclair is an absolute favorite author for me, and her latest book absolutely delivers! The second in the Chains series, Master Drake (at LONG last) finds his match in Ray (Aralia), who has strength and spirit, and is an endearing and resilient character you root for to find happiness. Steamy romance, suspense, a caring and perceptive Dom, and a BDSM club where “Consent is Everything” - this one was well worth the wait!
(See trigger warnings before reading)
(See trigger warnings before reading)
January 16, 2026
Safe and Consensual
Cherise definitely did not disappoint. Love Ray’s story of found family and love. Her journey from a young girl to a fantastic artist to finding her Dom is on great ride. Plus, we get to find out what has been haapeming with some other characters. I love how Cherie’s is always giving more details and bringing in previous couples.
Cherise definitely did not disappoint. Love Ray’s story of found family and love. Her journey from a young girl to a fantastic artist to finding her Dom is on great ride. Plus, we get to find out what has been haapeming with some other characters. I love how Cherie’s is always giving more details and bringing in previous couples.
January 16, 2026
So good!!
I absolutely love these new characters (Ray and Drake) and enjoyed the added characters from Cherise's previous books. I usually prefer shorter books but this long one was terrific. There were several story lines that were so well developed throughout the book. Can't wait for the next one in the series.
I absolutely love these new characters (Ray and Drake) and enjoyed the added characters from Cherise's previous books. I usually prefer shorter books but this long one was terrific. There were several story lines that were so well developed throughout the book. Can't wait for the next one in the series.
January 18, 2026
Great Read
How entertaining, and I was so happy that she finally found someone who believed her and was able to get justice for the wrong that was done to her.
How entertaining, and I was so happy that she finally found someone who believed her and was able to get justice for the wrong that was done to her.
January 15, 2026
Absolutely fantastic. I love how every one of Cherise's books involves different dynamics, heroines of different sizes, ages and quirks, and always some serious drama for interest.
And our man JP? delicious.
And our man JP? delicious.
January 14, 2026
Perfect!!!
This book is perfect for Drake!! Been waiting for it for a long time and it was worth the wait!!
Ray is the best person to challenge Drake and he is the perfect Dom to help Ray become the best her she can be.
This book is perfect for Drake!! Been waiting for it for a long time and it was worth the wait!!
Ray is the best person to challenge Drake and he is the perfect Dom to help Ray become the best her she can be.
January 16, 2026
10/10 - absolutely incredible! This has sparked in me a desire to go back a reread the entire backlist!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2026
Cherise never disappoints! I fell in love with the characters and the story. I’m always left wanting to read more!
January 22, 2026
Busted. Aralia is caught red handed breaking into a house, rounded up by a kind police officer, and saved from her life of crime by a foster father. When her foster father passes away, he leaves her with a house and a trade. Now she feels like she needs to fulfill his final projects, until she finds out that the projects are for the owner of a private club. Master Drake has abandoned the hope of finding the perfect companion, until he sees a woman bending down behind a wooden cross in his club.
Readers that follow this author know that we have waited a long time for this story. Absolutely consumed this story up. Fast paced, full length, no cliffhanger, no cheating and what we absolutely expected from Cherise Sinclair, a love story that is filled with emotional healing.
CW/TW: Sexual content, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Rape, PTSD, Death of parent, Grief, Alcohol
Readers that follow this author know that we have waited a long time for this story. Absolutely consumed this story up. Fast paced, full length, no cliffhanger, no cheating and what we absolutely expected from Cherise Sinclair, a love story that is filled with emotional healing.
CW/TW: Sexual content, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Rape, PTSD, Death of parent, Grief, Alcohol
January 14, 2026
I've been waiting awhile for Master Drake's story, and it did NOT disappoint me! Aralia was rescued by a cop when she was 16 after she ran away from an abusive foster home. He took her to George, the man who gave her a home and taught her woodworking. Years later, she is on her own after George passes away and is surprised to discover his secret life. That's how she ends up at Chains, measuring equipment that the club wants specially made. This story is intense in places but will keep you turning the pages. Aralia is a very strong woman and doesn't back down but Drake ends up taking so much time with her and slowly introducing her back into the world of BDSM after horrible things in her past. The plot is engaging and action filled and I was so happy that Drake didn't give up on her once he found her. Beautifully written and I will definitely be getting a print copy of this one!
January 22, 2026
Ce livre est la suite de The Dom’s dungeon, sorti il y a quelques années en tant que standalone et que j’avais beaucoup aimé. Ce fut un plaisir de retrouver les personnages de ce livre.
Le club et les « amis » sont très similaires à la série phare de cette autrice, Club Shadowlands. J’ai un peu moins été transportée, mais j’ai tout de même passé un bon moment. Je trouve cependant que l’autrice ne se renouvelle pas, et qu’on relit toujours un peu les mêmes histoires.
Autre détail qui a fait perdre 0.5 étoiles au livre > le personnage principal, Drake, est français. C’est un de mes pet peeves, et j’ai fait abstraction tout le long du livre des petits noms qu’il lui donnait. Vraiment il n’arrêtait pas de l’appeler« mon petit chou », « ma petite », « bonne fille », « ma douce »…. Et il disait « Zut » à chaque fois qu’il était contrarié et impossible de le prendre au sérieux.
Le club et les « amis » sont très similaires à la série phare de cette autrice, Club Shadowlands. J’ai un peu moins été transportée, mais j’ai tout de même passé un bon moment. Je trouve cependant que l’autrice ne se renouvelle pas, et qu’on relit toujours un peu les mêmes histoires.
Autre détail qui a fait perdre 0.5 étoiles au livre > le personnage principal, Drake, est français. C’est un de mes pet peeves, et j’ai fait abstraction tout le long du livre des petits noms qu’il lui donnait. Vraiment il n’arrêtait pas de l’appeler« mon petit chou », « ma petite », « bonne fille », « ma douce »…. Et il disait « Zut » à chaque fois qu’il était contrarié et impossible de le prendre au sérieux.
January 23, 2026
Always, Always a great read!
Cherice Sinclair is incredible. I have never spent one second reading or re-reading a book by her regretting the time I’m spending with her.
This book is so good. I’m excited we have started new stories for a Seattle club! I’m glad we got to see some of our old friends and are making new ones. Drake and Ray’s story is so sweet. The highs and lows are wonderful. I laughed, I cried and I fell in love. Definitely worth the read!
Cherice Sinclair is incredible. I have never spent one second reading or re-reading a book by her regretting the time I’m spending with her.
This book is so good. I’m excited we have started new stories for a Seattle club! I’m glad we got to see some of our old friends and are making new ones. Drake and Ray’s story is so sweet. The highs and lows are wonderful. I laughed, I cried and I fell in love. Definitely worth the read!
January 24, 2026
An edge of your seat read that will keep you on the edge from start to finish!! Lots of drama, steamy sex and a sexy dom!! Loved this book and enjoyed the give and take of this couple!! Get ready for many tears and find out Ray's past horrors and how she came to be a wood worker!! Grab this book and I highly recommend you read it today!!
January 15, 2026
I might be getting bored with BDSM books. I have read Sins of the Survivalist three times and still love that series.
The Living Edge has a great FMC, wood artist and fighter. Drake is not especially interesting. I love the idea of s kink convention. Sounds fabulous.
The Living Edge has a great FMC, wood artist and fighter. Drake is not especially interesting. I love the idea of s kink convention. Sounds fabulous.
January 24, 2026
Wow. Bdsm at its finest. Loved this book so much that when I woke up WAY too early, I debated going back to sleep. Instead I got up and finished this book. Looking forward to the next book in the series!
Want to read
January 11, 2026Purchased in epub format from Barnes and Noble for my Nook.
January 14, 2026
A very good read. It was worth the wait. I do hope we will hear from Chains again in the future.
January 19, 2026
A lot of psychology and nego kink (yeah) but also some mean baddies & 🏖️ (booo) to spoil the fun. Still a very pleasant read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews