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.
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 This novel includes depictions of sexual violence and PTSD.
A 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.
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!
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.
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
Another great book by this author. I loved how Ray was able to overcome her past trama and help others who went through something similar. It was great to see characters from previous books in this story. Can't wait to see who the next book features.
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.
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. 🤓
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)
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
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
3.5* Really enjoyed it, there are a few mistakes but it doesn’t spoil it, and his aftercare was non existent at times.
Wow! I really enjoyed this when I got into it. There are a few mistakes but it doesn’t spoil it. At one point Aralia/Ray is talking but it says it’s her friend. Drake’s aftercare of Ray is sadly lacking at times as well. Giving her a drink is not aftercare. The one thing that really annoyed me is Ray saying CONSTANTLY “OH GODS!” She says it all the time and it’s so annoying. Besides that I loved it, and I loved how Drake really built up Ray’s confidence. As her dad had always said she was too loud, and too much drama, then her ex boyfriend said the same.
Drake meets Ray when she’s measuring up for a job at Drake’s bdsm club that her foster father started but he dies before he could finish it. Ray didn’t even speak to Drake about taking over the commission, she just measured it up and assumed she was doing it. 🙄 Drake is fascinated by Ray and wants a relationship with her but Ray has been badly treated before and is reluctant to get into another relationship. Ray had a really awful thing happen to her when she was younger and it’s put her off bdsm. Drake is so sweet with her and goes slowly to help build her trust in him. He also helps her through panic attacks when she has them. I have to say the s*x scenes were HOT!!! I wanted to jump my husband after reading them. 😂😂😂😂 The danger from her past didn’t really come to anything, and is over way too quickly.
I absolutely loved this, even with a few mistakes.
Another solid book! Cherise Sinclair is a fantastic author and I have loved every single book she has ever written! This book has a dark story line but as usual Cherise writes it with such honour and heart that I had a hard time putting it down! Ray had a hard start in life and was pulled out of a bad foster home by a cop with honour (Max - It was nice to get to see Max in a new light and he just got better with the telling!) Drake also had a hard start in life and when death and sorrow hit his family, he was pulled out and brought to America to live with an uncle. Both Ray and Drake have issues to overcome but they learn to do it together! When Ray realizes that her past rapist is a member of Drake's BDSM club, her and Drake have a slight misunderstanding but in the end he helps her bring him down with the help of Simon and Rona, Mac and Alex and Hope and Peter and Bear! It was nice to catch up with these characters too! Definitely recommend this book and any other Cherise Sinclair book!
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
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!
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.
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!
3.25-3.5 stars. This was a pretty good read from one of my favorite series, but I found it a little lacking. I didn't feel any chemistry between the characters. Drake was more of a caricature and his character fell flat for me. Ray was only okay for me, as well. I found the romance a little dry. Still, the story was interesting, even if it felt slow due to lack of chemistry. Overall, though, I still look forward to what Ms. Sinclair comes up with next.
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!!
The topics were rough in places but worth the trip through. The slow build up of the relationship, the patience touched a part of me. It was a fulfilling story. The right amount of tension and emotion. Loved the inclusion of Max, the cat. I am a cat lover. Pets are stabilizers in a chaotic world. I love Ms. Sinclair’s novels and always purchase them.