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In Expert Hands

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Imogen White has it all—a high-flying career, a prestigious London home and friends she knows will fight her corner. She’s going up, and she’s in control, she’s also got the hots for one very important, very sexy client.

Kane Ward is a self-made billionaire whose determination to be the best of the best has left him alone. He has everything money can buy, yachts, jets, and villas in all four corners of the globe, but even he can’t buy time to suit his needs.

And his needs are very specific, his desires a particular shade of kink and his tastes anything but vanilla. So when he sets his sights on Imogen it’s a given that things are going to get dark, that pleasure will be laced with pain and determining his success will be measured by her blushes and gasps and cries of delight. But Imogen doesn’t need to worry, she’s in expert hands and her every fantasy is about to come true—and then some she’d never imagined even in her wildest dreams.

252 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 12, 2015

86 people are currently reading
149 people want to read

About the author

Lily Harlem

248 books686 followers
Meet your next sexy as f*ck book boyfriend!

You'll love my Alpha male heroes and the women who (try to) tame them, so dive into my vast selection of steamy romances and be prepared to stay up late into the night being seduced by kinky dukes, hot hockey players, masterful Vikings and badass bikers. (To name a few!)

And to get you started, and my way of saying 'welcome to my world', grab a FREE ebook of your choice from my website www.lilyharlem.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Veronica of V's Reads.
1,528 reviews44 followers
February 16, 2015
Imogen is a successful independent woman running an investment bank branch. She has worked hard for to gain her position and her own life--a very different lifestyle than her own meager upbringing. A billionaire client of the bank, Kane Ward is one of her semi-regular appointments; they meet every three or four months to go over his portfolio. While Imogen finds this a tad more "in touch" than most of her uberwealthy clients, she can't deny she looks forward to meeting with the sexy Mr. Ward.

This appointment is a bit more than the usual however. Mr. Ward, Kane, that is, wants Imogen's consultation on his accounts, but insists the meeting must happen at an outside location, and Imogen must wear a pretty dress and a hat. Well! Okay, okay, Kane is ranked #18 on Britain's wealthiest list, and Imogen DOES NOT want to lose his banking business. So, she complies. Only to learn that his private helicopter is flying them to luncheon meeting in his private box at Ascot. On Ladies Day.

Imogen can't help being a bit swept away by Kane. Still, she's a professional, and she insists on comporting herself as such. So, she agrees to accompany him on a business trip to assess new business interests that her bank can help--plus, Kane wants Imogen's personal opinion on how to grow this new enterprise. She's nervous, but willing.

Nothing prepares Imogen for this whirlwind trip to NYC, however. Private jet. Penthouse suite. Kinky sex club. Wait, what?

That's right. Kane is setting up sex clubs and wants a woman's opinion so that they are appealing to both sexes. Turns out delicious Kane is a Master Dom, and he had identified beautiful, professional, meticulous Imogen long, long ago as the woman he'd like to wear his collar.

Over the course of a few intense days, they experience a good bit of vanilla, kinky and downright BDSM-type smexytimes. Their feelings are true and fierce. Kane wants Imogen, badly, and wants to experience his complete dream relationship: a 24/7 power exchange. Though Kane has loved the idea of Imogen for two years, did he really understand her?

Imogen has desired Kane, silently, nearly as long as she's known him, but could she handle the type of relationship he desires? Would she even want to? She's sure lots of women would love a billionaire buying everything they desire, and doing whatever kinky play he wished for that kind of security, but Imogen is already more than self-sufficient. She likes working, and aspires to become the first female board member of her bank. Could she abandon her career and dreams to become Kane's arm jewelry and sex-pet? Would she want to?

I really appreciated the step-wise development of this relationship. I loved Imogen and her strong goals. I liked Kane; he was kind, romantic and compassionate, while being a bit dim in the emotions department. I wanted him to "get it", to understand that Imogen had greater purpose in her life than to jet-set around as his partner, and I think he finally did. Imogen established all the rules in this relationship, and nothing went forward without her consent, and approval. I liked how these two characters came from independent lives, and were able to forge a path that celebrated the best parts of each other.

A great read for people who enjoy BDSM stories, though the BDSM elements were very light. The focus here was on the power exchange and a healthy way to negotiate a relationship within that framework. I think the resolution of the plot was excellent, and I'd read more on this couple, for sure.
Profile Image for Alison.
745 reviews
February 12, 2015
I really want to do an in-depth analysis of In Expert Hands but I can't. Words cannot express how much I LOVED this book.

Imogen is her own person - reliant on nobody but herself. Great job in the City with excellent prospects but no life outside of work.

Kane Ward - successful billionaire business man noticed Imogen years ago and has planned his life around getting to know her.

Whisked off her feet by Kane - can Imogen be all Kane and herself want?

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ele Wilson.
46 reviews4 followers
September 14, 2015
Kane Ward is a successful businessman who is used to getting exactly what he wants in life. His exceptional good looks, unwavering charm and sleek sophistication mean that he's a sure hit with everyone he meets, especially the ladies. Oh, and did I mention he's also a billionaire ...what more could a girl possibly want?!
Imogen White is a high-flying, independent woman to whom her job as bank manager means everything. She's worked so hard to achieve all that she has and cherishes it with everything. Her family, friends and career are the most important things in her life, meaning that there is very little room for a man. Each time Kane Ward, one of her most important clients, steps into her office for a meeting, she can't seem to shake the carnal thoughts which engulf her brain.
Little does she know that Kane Ward has indeed for a very long time, been having these same thoughts, only he's decided that now is time to act!
Will she fall for his charms and allow herself to be led into the unknown and taken on a world of sexual discovery, or are their worlds just so far apart that they could never meet?

WOW, WOW, WOW!! Lily has absolutely excelled herself with this novel and it's exceptionally deep story of love, honour and most importantly, trust. The way the characters are cleverly brought together and Kanes' alternative lifestyle is slowly introduced is so well written ....it's almost like bearing witness to a private striptease. Each page you read, another layer is removed. My imagination literally went into overdrive and I found myself grabbing my phone at any given opportunity just to see what lay in store next. I really loved Imogens character - a good, strong, sexy, independent woman who knows exactly what she wants to achieve and how to achieve it, or at least she did until Kane Ward came along and blew everything out the water, introducing her to a lifestyle she'd barely even heard of, never mind experienced. As for Kane, well what can I say about him except I WANT ONE!! He gives a whole new meaning to tall, dark and handsome. There's an air of mystery which surrounds him and makes him all the more appealing. He's also a man who knows what he wants and is damn good at getting it too ...he could order me round any day! I totally fell in love with him and wanted to learn more about this intriguing character. I also thank Lily for giving a deeper understanding of the BDSM lifestyle and what it actually means to be a Dom - something I only had vague knowledge about before reading this but found really interesting.

Overall I would definitely recommend this book as it has everything needed to whet your appetite and more!
Profile Image for Elizabeth Clinton.
863 reviews37 followers
February 12, 2015
First thing to say is Simply Fantastic. Imogen a woman at the top of career working for a prestigious bank with very wealthy clients seems to have it all but someone to share her life with.
Kane Ward one very rich handsome billionaire with very special needs and tastes is also missing that one thing money can't buy.
Imogen has been the banker Kane has used for many years but the feelings start coming to the surface when Kane uses his work as a means to see her outside of work. When Kane and Imogen spend time together on a so called business trip the chemistry is just undeniable but Kane introduces her to what he needs in his life and the heat is turned up. If Imogen can overcome her stance on independence and give her self freely to Kane you can only hope the HEA is not to far behind
If you love a book that will give you Romance some Kink and everything else in between this is the one for you
314 reviews7 followers
February 13, 2015
If you think you've found your ultimate BBF, think again! Kane Ward blows them all out of the water. He's strong, successful, dominant and oozes sexiness from every pore. Imogen is a strong, independent woman who is introduced to Kane's alternative lifestyle but can it work for the both of them? This is an exciting, consuming love story that held me captive from start to finish. As you would expect from the Queen of Steam the sex scenes are hot as hell and made me wish my hardest that I was Imogen. I love this author's work and this is another firm favourite for me.
Kindly gifted by author for honest review.
Profile Image for Debi.
249 reviews6 followers
February 23, 2015
In Expert Hands by Lily Harlem
Kane Ward can spank my a$$ and tickle my fancy anytime he likes. This billionaire can have any woman anytime, anywhere and anyhow he likes. Yes he is that good! There is one problem, he only wants one woman and her name is Imogen. (lucky!) One problem is that Kane is one of her clients and to fraternize with a client is a big no no. Can Imogen handle Kane’s advances? Will she be able to fit in the lifestyle he is used to? Well I don’t know about her but sign me up! Oh you definitely want to read this story. I received this book as a gift from the author for an honest review.
Profile Image for Alison.
745 reviews
August 29, 2016
Get ready to meet the man of your dreams... Forget your Mr Grey's and your Mr Cross's .... Meet Kane Ward.

I really want to do an in-depth analysis of In Expert Hands but I can't. Words cannot express how much I LOVED this book.

Imogen is her own person - reliant on nobody but herself. Great job in the City with excellent prospects but no life outside of work.

Kane Ward - successful billionaire business man noticed Imogen years ago and has planned his life around getting to know her.

Whisked off her feet by Kane - can Imogen be all Kane and herself want?



Profile Image for Liz ~ Liz's Reading Life.
857 reviews32 followers
April 26, 2015
Wow! That's the best I can come up with in regards to this astounding book. Lily's words flow like butter and the reader in entranced in a decadent tell of sensual desires.

Kane Ward is... well he's just about perfect. Tall, dark, handsome and oh so sexy. He's smart, calculated, talented and complex. Imogen White is stunning, smart and knows there's something lacking in her life.

Kane knows what, or should I say, who he wants. His plan of action is expertly performed. The journey he takes Imogen is extraordinary. While discovering things she never thought she would like, her relationship with Kane deepens. Their attachment to each other may seem fast, but this is something Kane has been working towards to for quite some time.

But like all relationships, there is a bump in the road. The two must come to terms to with the really want and find a why to make it happen.

Lily's ability to immerse the reader in this provocative story is brilliant. This story is a captivating read that will leave you thirsty for more.
Profile Image for Lucy Felthouse.
Author 254 books801 followers
August 20, 2015
I read the spin-off story to this, In Safe Hands, a while back, as part of the Sexy Just Got Rich anthology, so I very much looked forward to meeting the other Ward brother. I'm glad to say I wasn't disappointed. I enjoy Lily Harlem's writing, though it was a rarity to read something she'd written in third person, rather than first. But it made no difference to me - I still really liked the book. The storyline was sexy, sultry and interesting, the setting intriguing, and the characters fascinating and fun.

If you like BDSM erotic romance novels, and especially if you love hunky billionaires, you should definitely check out In Expert Hands. It's a fantastic mix of eroticism and romance, and Kane and Imogen's story had me eagerly turning pages to find out what would happen next. Recommended.
Profile Image for Tracey Parker.
310 reviews7 followers
February 16, 2015
Whew, what an amazing and hot story! I loved Imogen and Kane! Just incredible characters, to read their path of learning new things and branching out was great! I loved how well everything was written. The story flowed perfectly and you can visualize the scenes so well. It had lots of surprises along the way. Could not put it down! Loved it!
Profile Image for Rochelle.
789 reviews43 followers
August 25, 2015
Really steamy read but seemed too fast paced for me.
51 reviews
December 24, 2020
DEFINITE TOP 3 PICK FOR 2020

I stumbled across this book quite by accident and I am happy to say I LOVED IT! Right from page one you can feel the pull from the sexual tension flowing between Kade and Imogen. This is a brilliant story about love and all the twists and turns you have to navigate as life tries to step in and make a mess of that love. After two years of yearing and fantasing about being together, Kade finally asks her to join him on their first date. Keep in mind, Kane is a billionaire and with Imogen being the Bank Manager that takes care of his banking needs exculsively, she is well aware of what he can do and does with his money. Without giving away the gift of walking through their story with them, it's hard to tell you just how fabulous and how I enjoyed the story of Kade and Imogen. You are right beside them, sharing every step of their journey as they stumble their way through all the key ingedients to make their relationship everything they want to be together. You go through the highs and the lows that all relationships have. You can feel the passion burning through the pages as work through their feelings, trust and ambition . This author takes you through all the feels, good and bad, that everyone, even billionaires have to go through it get their hearts desire. It made me cry at times, but more than that it showed me that true love can prevail and you can find the way to make anything work if you both want it badly enough and believe in your love for each other. Their sexy times are 5 alarm hot with D/s theme throughout so this is better suited for those with an open heart and a dirty mind!!! Please treat yourself to this gem, you deserve it!!! If you like your kink, you're gonna love this one because "sometimes vanilla is the best flavour." 5 stars but I wish I could give more. I will definately be looking for more of her books. Thanks Lily!!!
892 reviews1 follower
December 30, 2020
Mastering the Banker

The BDSM club scenes are actually pretty interesting written from a new to the scene exploring submissive point of view with a Dom interested in teaching her to enjoy it. The Dom wants her for his own but she has never done anything to kinky before so he sets out to seduce and teach her to enjoy being restrained, and spanked, and pleasured so she enjoys what he likes. The Billionaire side allows for some fabulous hotel, Royal Ascot, and Dinner experiences. It's too bad they never did finish on the grand piano. I liked this story. I could see a spin off for the three clubs he is opening... In London, Rome, and I think it was Paris. Great story
Profile Image for readingromancehea.
573 reviews99 followers
September 14, 2021
Imogen works at a bank. Kane is her client. He wants to venture out into something new but he wants her and only her help in doing so. The clubs he wants to open are all new to her. She doesn't understand his world. She wants to know more though. Clarris is a good friend. I like Marie. Kane came off a little strong in the beginning. He didn't take things slowly at all. I like the four things she gets. This was a good story.
259 reviews
May 7, 2019
Awesome!!!!!

Loved the book. The characters really spoke to my heart. I absolutely adored how the heroin was such a strong woman but still got her dream in the end. I also love the fact that the man was a naughty dom but had a heart of a real man and wanted to make an honest woman of her. Please keep writing these devilishly delicious books, you are truly talented.
Profile Image for Kay Folks.
413 reviews1 follower
April 29, 2022
Well written and a well put together book and story.

Main issue for me is the fact that i spent the first 90% of the book disliking the main character Kane. And even when he does kinda redeem himself and compromise he’s still not brilliant. For example, he’s asks about goals she has, listens and then expects to give up everything to follow him around the world.
Profile Image for Fiatgal.
1,006 reviews
September 15, 2022
4.5
1/2 a star because of editing mistakes and frankly the naiveté of h. As strong as Imogene was, she still lacked sophistication and as I said, was very naive. How does she have this powerful position and not go beyond numbers to have a deeper understanding of her billionaire clients? I know, all silly because otherwise, it was the perfect fantasy story.
Profile Image for JD (on semi-hiatus).
984 reviews219 followers
July 12, 2019
Nice to see a consensual BDSM relationship between two consenting, strong, undamaged adults -- unfortunately both things are all too rare in a genre supposedly written by at least some authors in the lifestyle.
Profile Image for Sherry Wood.
577 reviews5 followers
July 31, 2019
Delightful book

A beautiful love story with lots of steamy BDSM included. The characters have some amazing chemistry and once they work out their relationship challenges they have a great HEA.
293 reviews2 followers
February 21, 2024
The billionaire and the bank exec

Kane had his eye on Imogen for awhile and finally takes the plunge and introduced her to his world of BDSM.
395 reviews8 followers
March 9, 2015
Smoking Hot BDSM Romance

In Expert Hands is the first book that I have read by Lily Harlem and the author is certainly at the top of her game when it comes to crafting an erotic romance bursting with sexual tension and deliciously smoking hot scenes. The relationship between Imogen and Kane is a joy to read. Although there are plenty of scenes which will satisfy those (like myself) who are partial to reading kink, I loved that the novel is above all a romantic one which explores if two strong minded individuals can possibly come together when their worlds are so far apart.

Imogen is a modern and inspirational heroine, a successful and independent minded bank manager, who has caught the eye of Kane, one of her globetrotting billionaire business clients. Unbeknown to her is that Kane is also a Dom, who is intent on introducing her to his penchant for kink. Imogen knows nothing of the practicalities of dominance and submission, and I adored how Kane gently but (very) firmly takes her in hand to expose her to hitherto unfamiliar experiences which combine pleasure and pain. Oh my goodness, these scenes are hot! The activities which they and others who live the lifestyle indulge in give Imogen and the reader a real insight into the lifestyle and what the concept of dominance and submission between two loving individuals means.

As for Kane, he is definitely on my list of top fictional Doms! He ensures that he has Imogen’s consent before he introduces the BDSM scene, whilst encouraging her to push her boundaries. There is a succession of scorching scenes between the couple, balanced by a heavy dose of old school romance and seduction.

As an independent woman who relishes making her own decisions. How far will Imogen allow herself to go into the lifestyle that Kane embraces? Will her level of submission be enough for him or is he asking too much? How much control (if any) can she relinquish to this dominant man who adores her? The novel certainly has plenty of tension between the couple as it explores these themes but overall it is a deliciously sexy and sizzling read. Readers who enjoy erotic romance laced with kink will certainly want to check this novel out! A copy of this book was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
Profile Image for KnottyGirl Reviews.
880 reviews53 followers
January 16, 2017
I'll admit it, I love Lily Harlem. (Do they have a AuthorHolics Support group?) I seriously have a problem with my author love list. Anyway, Lily's books are always on my oneclick list, (see #oneclickitis)

Her Dominant Billionaire was a great read. Imogen is in charge of a bank, and one of the UK's hottest, rich, eligible bachelors, Kane Ward, comes into her bank. He wants her to personally handle a new business venture.

After taking her out to a brilliant outing, he explains exactly what the venture is. It's off to Manhattan, and she finds out just how in charge Kane is.

I have to say, I would have jumped all over this had it been me in Imogen's shoes. I found Kane to be totally hot, warm, and endearing. He pulls out all of the stops to get Imogen to be his. Imogen on the other hand, gives Kane a definite run for his money.

Loved this! Though, I would have spanked her myself.
Profile Image for Samm Lynn.
1,326 reviews20 followers
August 22, 2016
I received this book from Stormy Night Publications in exchange for a fair and honest review.

A warning for those that are expecting lots of scenes with some story - this book is a dang good story with a couple of scenes. I loved this story. It is well written and even though there is very little background on the characters, they were brought to life brilliantly by the author. Kane's determination and Imogen's strength (?) lead you through a very enjoyable tale that completely satisfies. There are some surprises and at least one tearful moment before concluding with a happily ever after. My only criticism is that I wanted a little more in the epilogue (but I feel that way with most books in this genre). Definitely worth reading!
Profile Image for Holly Gill.
Author 31 books274 followers
April 25, 2015
Oh my goodness, amazing-balls comes to mind with this book. Lily Harlem has yet again left me loving her work. The story flowed perfectly giving me the full vision and depth. I also enjoyed the surprises on their journey.

I loved this book from start to finish. This book was HOT! I loved the main characters Imogen and Kane. Kane Ward just blew me away, strong, dominant, very successful and just had the electrifying sexiness. Imogen again a strong, independent woman, yet when in the expert hands of Kane, finds herself entering another world, a whole new lifestyle, yet, remaining to keep her independence. Only will Kane move his world to allow Imogen to keep her defiant personality?
314 reviews7 followers
August 22, 2016
If you think you've found your ultimate BBF, think again! Kane Ward blows them all out of the water. He's strong, successful, dominant and oozes sexiness from every pore. Imogen is a strong, independent woman who is introduced to Kane's alternative lifestyle but can it work for the both of them? This is an exciting, consuming love story that held me captive from start to finish. As you would expect from the Queen of Steam the sex scenes are hot as hell and made me wish my hardest that I was Imogen. I love this author's work and this is another firm favourite for me.
Profile Image for SandyL.
3,730 reviews
March 21, 2016
Billionaire Kane Ward has had his eye on bank manager Imogen White for some time. He finally find a way to spend time with her despite both of their busy schedules by planning some events that Imogen thinks are work related. One of these events is a trip to New York to visit a BDSM club - Kane wants to get Imogen's reaction to this lifestyle. The book felt rushed and the Kane's introduction certainly wasn't in keeping with his Master status. That said, the sexy scenes were hot, hot, hot!!
Profile Image for Laurel.
505 reviews8 followers
August 25, 2016
WOW!! What an amazing story. The attraction between Kane And Imogene was sizzle hot. She was an independent woman but found herself submitting to Kane in every way. What chemistry! The book was well written with the feelings and emotions between Kane and Imogene outstanding. I loved this fantastic book and would recount. I was given this book by the publisher for an honest review and the thoughts and opinions are mine.
Profile Image for Ria Restrepo.
Author 4 books22 followers
April 19, 2015
This was so very, very hot! It's a really great erotic romance about a strong, independent woman discovering how arousing and liberating it can be to submit to the right man. The chemistry between Kane and Imogen is incendiary. It truly captures the Dominant-submissive mindset and has some wicked BDSM play. I loved everything about this book and will look for more from Lily Harlem.
Profile Image for Ashley York.
Author 13 books262 followers
April 2, 2015
I'll read most genres but only if well written. I may start it but feel no need to finish it if it stinks. This one was very well written. It amazes me when an author can take me some place totally foreign and convince me of the character's motivation for being there. Lily Harlem did that. Her story was believable and demanded that I cared. Good job.
Profile Image for Lyn Taylor.
207 reviews
November 10, 2015
There was something about Kane that I quite liked. I think, despite him being a DOM there was a definite softness to him. Almost a lack of confidence and geekishness that came through at times. He made mistakes and he questioned himself. It was a refreshing break from the Alfa-Alfa DOM's that are so commonly written about. I also liked Imogen. She had a backbone. They worked well together.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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