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She’s his heaven and his hell…
Muriel Stewart has spent the past year grieving the loss of her husband, Ian. Now that time has passed, her inner submissive demands Muriel find a new relationship to fulfill her need to love and serve. But there’s only one man who makes Muriel yearn for the intimate Dom/submissive connection the way her husband did, and that’s his best friend, Mathew Galindo … a man who can barely tolerate her presence.


Mathew Galindo buried his own heart and needs the day Muriel Stewart married his best friend and business partner. He’s spent the last eleven years keeping Muriel at a distance, tortured by his love for a woman he could never have, and filled with shame for coveting what wasn’t and would never be his. Not even his best friend’s unexpected death could change that fact. Until Muriel decides she’s ready for a new Dom and wants Mathew to fill that role.


Having Muriel in his life is all Mathew has ever wanted. She’s his heaven and his hell, and could be his salvation if he can get beyond his past, his shame, and the guilt he feels for not having saved Ian’s life.

186 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 13, 2015

6 people are currently reading
166 people want to read

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Alannah Lynne

13 books192 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
Profile Image for Monica **can't read fast enough**.
1,033 reviews377 followers
August 13, 2015
A year after losing her husband to a sudden death Muriel is still struggling to recover. She knows that it is time to take the first steps back into the life that she enjoyed with her husband but she is naturally reluctant to face the place and people that she once found so comforting by her husbands side. Muriel is about to find out that the one person that she thought was so repelled by her presence is the person who will help her reconnect to who she was before her husband's death.

Matthew is struggling with his own demons from the past. With the pushy help of his best friend and the open mindedness of Muriel, Matthew now has a chance to become who he has been afraid to be with Muriel. Matthew's habit of watching and protecting from a distance is coming to an end and he has to either face his fears and possibly get exactly what he has been too afraid to even hope for or walk away and live with the fact that he wasn't brave enough to even try.

COVETED is a quick and enjoyable erotic story. Even with this one is novella length Lynne managed to give a story that felt complete. There is a bit of sharing in this story so if you are offended or hesitant with two men sharing an erotic experience with one woman be warned-there's no direct sexual contact between the men. However, this is not a menage or a love triangle romance. Fans of Maya Banks' Surrender Trilogy or Stacey Kennedy's Club Sin series would enjoy this one as there is a similar theme found in Pandora's Playground.

**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**

You can find more from me at Monlatable Book Reviews
•(♥).•*Monlatable Book Reviews*•.(♥)•
http://www.monlatablereviews.com/
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews872 followers
August 17, 2015
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

4.5 Stars

No one likes to think about losing their life partner, no one.. but the reality of it is that it does happen every day and moving on can be scary and hard especially when your partner was not only your husband but your Dom. Coveted is a provocative, sensual, and intriguing story of two people who must move past the things they cannot change, see the beauty in what is right now and accept the love that is in front of them. An emotionally charged story for both the hero and heroine separately but also for them together as a couple and as a Dom/sub made it hard to put this book down.

Almost one year after her husband’s sudden death Muriel Stewart has been summoned to Pandora’s Playhouse a kink club that her husband built with his two best friends; she isn’t sure she wants to be there without him but her submissive knows better than to say no to an invitation issued by Master Lucas and she also knows it is time to start living again even if the one man she has any interest in her husband’s best friend, Matthew Galindo, has shown over the years he’d rather not even be around her.

There was much I admired about Muriel but first and foremost was that even though it was hard she faced the club and the people who meant so much to her late husband and herself head on and realized that she needed the club and the lifestyle in her life. I respected that she grieved but that she also knew her husband wanted her to move on if something were to happen to him and that despite her reservations she took charge and went after the man that she wanted in her life even though she felt he might not want her. She took a chance, she risked a lot and in the end she won something quite beautiful.
There was no doubt Matthew was just the kind of Dom Muriel needed but he was carrying around some tremendous guilt and at times he came across as uncaring and dissociative. He wanted Muriel, that was without question but that was also part of his problem, his shame…that he had coveted his best friend’s wife from the moment he met her. He was such an honorable man that even when Ian invited him to play with them, he always turned them down because he was afraid his friend would see the way he felt. I hurt for Matthew as his intentions were nothing but good, but because of his guilt for many different reasons it took him awhile to come to terms with having a relationship with Muriel.

I felt the BDSM scenes which were fairly light were perfect for where they were in their fledgling Dom/sub relationship but also because of their history. Muriel loved serving her Dom and meeting his needs and I love that she understood the ways Matthew needed her even before he did. There was a special connection between them that honestly stemmed from their love of her late husband and his best friend, Ian. At times their scenes were sexy as hell but other times they were tender and passionate with this latent sensuality that oozed off the page.

From the first book I read by author Alannah Lynne I felt connected to the characters in a way that makes them feel like real people; someone you would want as a friend and that was no different in this story. Character and relationship driven with very little outward angst (although there were a few internal battles) Coveted is a brilliant and beautifully told story of loss, hope and best of all love.

Review copy provided for an honest review.
Profile Image for Mayas.
2,533 reviews49 followers
August 13, 2015
Mathew didn’t have a leg to stand on once Muriel set her mind to what she needed as well as what he needed. This was a wonderful push and pull of submission and will. My heart did break for Mathew struggles but his secrets and doubts were not his own and were not so secret either.

Alannah astounded me on how she expanded of the kink lifestyle and made it not so much high protocol and more of a give and take.
Profile Image for Victoria.
38 reviews12 followers
August 13, 2015
Coveted is mesmerizing, trilling, sensual and hot. It will keep you reading from start to finish. It is the first book in a new series by the author of Heat Wave series, Alannah Lynne. Pandora’s Playground – a place I would definitely love visiting after I met Matthew Galinda. I’m usually weary of stories that include dominance and submission because I’ve read some books that border on hard core. But his book – Coveted is an entirely different thing. Yes, it has dominance and submission. I got that even from the blurb. The main character is a Dom and she is the submissive and yet I enjoyed that book way too much. Like, I can’t get enough of it. The writing style is so… compelling. It’s so fluent and easy to reads. I know I had trouble reading some books not because they were written in an… difficult English of sorts, or because I didn’t know the words. The writing style was hard. But here you can feel the passion seething through the pages threatening to brand you forever.

So yes, thanks to Muriel and Matthew if Pandora’s Playground was real I would definitely want to go and try it out… being the submissive. Usually I can’t imagine how some people find pleasure in bondage or the sort of things happen between a Dom and a submissive, but I dare say that after reading this book, given that my knowledge of such thing is purely from books, I know a bit more. The writing was so good, in my opinion, that I could feel the same things Muriel was feeling. Every word was like radiating of the pages.
Coveted will show you the story of a woman, a submissive, that lost her husband and she’s trying to move on with her life. She’s trying to find herself a new Dom. And the man who always loved her but stayed on the sideline and watched her being with another is the one that will help her move on.

The light BDSM scenes, the love, passion and the story as a whole touched me in a way I never expected. I’ve read a lot of similar books and this is the best of all I’ve read so far. I would definitely recommend it to all my friends.

The copy of the book was received from the author herself through instafreeby.com
Profile Image for Liza.
1,421 reviews151 followers
August 13, 2015
I've been a fan of Alannah Lynne since I found her very first book. I was super excited to find out she had a new series coming out and really enjoyed the first installment in the Pandora's Playground series.

Coveted it one of the best books I've read from Alannah Lynne. I totally connected with both Muriel and Mathew. I could feel how much Mathew loved and wanted to be with Muriel from the very beginning of the story. I also would feel Muriel's pain from still missing Ian, yet needing to let her submissive connect to a new Dom. I loved how strong Muriel was when it came to proving both that she was ready and that Mathew was the Dom for her.

Mathew has so much guilt over being in love with his best friend's wife, that he really does almost throw the chance that Muriel is giving him away. I loved that Ian has messages for both Mathew and Muriel from the grave thanks to remembered conversations. I also loved that Lucas, who is the 3rd partner in Pandora's Playground, sees and helps push Muriel and Mathew together.

Alannah Lynne has always written emotionally connected love scenes in her books, but with Coveted, the heat level has gone up about a thousand degrees and I loved it. Lucas, Mathew and Muriel have one of the sexiest and most emotion filled menages, and the play between Mathew and Muriel was so hot whether they were giving massages or actually making love. I love when I feel the connection so much that it brings me to tears, and I had that connection to Mathew and Muriel.

I really enjoyed the first installment into Pandora's Playground and can't wait to visit the Playground again in the future. I'm especially looking forward to Lucas getting his story and will probably bug Alannah Lynne excessively until we get it.
Profile Image for LJT.
1,260 reviews2 followers
August 3, 2015
​​​​​Alannah Lynne is one of my favorite authors. No matter what type of story she is telling, I can always count on the characters and plot to be engaging, honest and sexy. Coveted is the first book in Ms. Lynne's new series, Pandora's Playground. This tastefully executed kinky read is combined with a perfectly balanced love story.

Masseuse Muriel Stewart is a submissive, and she recently lost her loving Dom and husband Ian, when he collapsed from a heart attack on the tennis court. She has been grieving in solitude for almost a year, when she is convinced by her late husband's business partner to seek out her old friends and former lifestyle. Lucas Steele and Matthew Galinda were Ian's best friends and business partners. Now Ian's shares in the kinky sex club, Pandora's Playground, belong to Muriel. Muriel spends an evening playing with both men, when she learns how much Matthew truly cares for her. Matthew, a ruthless divorce attorney, has always been in love with Muriel, and never thought anyone knew about it. Boy was he wrong. Muriel and Matthew are attracted to each other and one night at the club evolves into a glorious new future for both of them.

I enjoyed this interesting, yet strikingly unconventional read. The light BDSM scenes are written with love, as the author tenderly creates an inviting environment for Muriel and Matthew to explore their feelings. Matthew's emotions, doubts and fears are expressed with significant realism. Overall, this is a solid read with well-conceived characters and a unique storyline.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Profile Image for Anita Byars.
1,456 reviews13 followers
August 10, 2015
Wow this was one steamy, sexy, and intimately erotic story that did not hold back on the steam factor. I was glued to the pages, it made my pulse pound, my insides clench and left me breathless. Alannah Lynne created this story that was such a passionate romantic and magical story that it was breathtaking.
Muriel Stewart has been mourning her late husband Ian for the last year, when she is invited back to Pandora's Playground by the other co-owners that opened the club with her husband for a special unveiling and to help her get re-established back into the lifestyle of BDSM that her husband and herself loved. Muriel has missed being a submissive but doesn't know how and with who she can enjoy and trust this part of her life with.
Mathew Galindo was Ian's best friend and best man when they got married, but he has always kept his distance from Muriel since she started dating Ian thirteen years ago. Muriel never understood why he hated her and never came to their party's. But tonight she sees a different emotion in Mathews eyes as her husbands best friends indulge with her in a sexy, steamy, passionate scene. Although Mathew has loved her since he met her he doesn't think he is good enough for Muriel, will she feel the same way. Will Muriel find out Mathews secret? Will she be strong enough to make him understand what he does to her?
You have got to read this passionate, romantic and magical story that brought a smile to my face and filled my heart with so much emotion. Highly recommended!
Received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
6,704 reviews140 followers
August 12, 2015
5 Star Review
I was given this book for a hot nest review
This is the first book in Alannah Lynne's new series Pandora's Playground.
Muriel lost her husband Ian nearly a year ago and is having a heard time getting herself back out and about and living a life again.
Ian ran a BDSM club Pandora's Playground with his best friends Mathew and Lucas.
Mathew has always had fee,Inge for Muriel but she was married to his best friend and he was best man at there wedding ......
Muriel has always felt that Mathew hated her maybe for taking Ian away from him........
Can Lucas push these two together and make sure they both get what he feels they need which is Mathew to take Ian's place as Muriel's Dom .......
This book is about love and trust. This is book is not all plain sailing it has it's fair share of ups and downs.
I loved it and can't wait for book 2
Profile Image for Claudia.
3,050 reviews109 followers
August 16, 2015
I really liked the characters in this one but I had some troubles with the development of the relationship, at least on Muriels side. for me that was a very quick transition from grieving widow to loving sub. but maybe that is just me.

Matthew on the other side was a very complex character. I liked how he worked through his flaws and could understand his hesitations although I thought his backing down sometimes a bit much.



all all it was a nice read with some steam and I think this could be a great series
Profile Image for Karinosa.
682 reviews11 followers
August 10, 2015
This author for me was new. Not having ever read from her I did not know what to expect. I would have liked to have seen what Ian and Muerriel were like together before they were no more, but not knowing what their connection was, for me, was a little disappointing. Having that said, it was still a good read. Enjoyed Matthew and his abrasiveness. Liked her character. She is strong when needed and soft when needed. There was no over the top craziness! Good read!

I received this ARC from the publisher via Net Galley for my honest review. Thank you Net Galley!!
Profile Image for Johanna Sawyer.
3,479 reviews42 followers
August 10, 2015
Thanks to the author for a copy to read and review.

I enjoyed Muriel's story as book one in the Pandora's playground series takes off. Very light BDSM, and some spanking but otherwise a very tame read. Muriel has lost a husband who was very much her Dom as well. She has taken on hiatus because of her mourning but she tempted back to the submissive side of herself feeling lost without her Dominant husband. One of her husbands best friends wants to step up and be the Dom for her. Not a whole lot of drama, just a pleasant and erotic read! Four stars.
Profile Image for Rhiannon Overby.
785 reviews23 followers
February 17, 2021
🔥🔥🔥🔥 4/5 Steam Rating

After finishing with ACOWAR I needed a little “palette cleanser” before moving on to my next book. Quick steamy reads are my go to when I just need a bit of a reading reset, so I dove into this book.

I loved the premise of this book, Muriel was recently widowed and her husbands best friend Matthew might just be the only one to help her get back into the D/s lifestyle. Little does she know that Matthew has loved Muriel since he first met her. I really looked forward to a steamy second chance romance with a dash of kink.

Overall, I thought that this book was average. I felt the character development was weak and that both MCs were pretty redundant and too in their head. This book felt more like a tell-er than a show-er, which is was I crave in a good steamy read. This was fairly mild in the kink dept, which can be a great starting spot if kinky reads isn’t your normal thing. With all that said, there were some moments that I really got into the story and started to root for Muriel & Matthew.
Profile Image for Valeria Spencer.
1,837 reviews12 followers
March 26, 2020
How did I stumble onto this? What a piece of crap. Repetitive and stupid. Blech.
2 reviews
January 19, 2021
Good read

Loved the intensity of Mathew, would have loved the book to be longer. Onto the next book in the series
Profile Image for RoloPoloBookBlog.
1,102 reviews34 followers
November 1, 2015
Coveted by Alannah Lynne
Book #1: Pandora’s Playground Series
Source: Netgalley
My Rating: 5/5 stars
My Review:

For the past year, Muriel Stewart has denied one very important aspect of herself, her sexual nature and intense desire to submit to her Dom. The denial is in no way a punishment but because her Dom, who was also her husband has been gone for that length of time. In the past year, Muriel has done her best to reclaim parts of her life and her identity and that means going back to Pandora’s Playground.

Pandora’s Playground wasn’t just a safe place for Muriel and her husband to explore their sexual preferences, it was also a place where many of their inner circle and most trusted friends are members. Going back to Pandora’s is always something Muriel has intended to do but it is an incredibly emotional event that she is, quite frankly terrified of going through. Putting off going to Pandora’s is no longer an option when Muriel’s friend, Lucas Steel calls and requests her presence. Though she is nervous, Muriel also knows Lucas has her best interests at heart and would never push her to do something she wasn’t completely ready for. Lucas has prepared not just a welcome back party for Muriel but also some light play with him and their mutual friend, Matthew Galinda.

For years, Matthew Galinda has shelved his own feelings and only indulged his sexual needs with woman who understand there will never be anything beyond a sexual relationship. Matthew isn’t a cold-hearted bastard but a man who has loved one woman, and one woman only for many years, Muriel Stewart. When Muriel chose Ian, Matthew’s best-friend Matthew knew he could never reveal his feelings for her. In an effort to protect his friend and their friendship, Matthew has spent years either avoid Muriel or having as little contact with her as possible. Since the death of her husband, Matthew has done his best to help Muriel (even if she doesn’t know it!) and still protect himself. Time alone with Muriel would be his absolute undoing and if it didn’t mean revealing his true feelings, Matthew would have outright refused to help Lucas with Muriel’s night of play.

Muriel’s night with Lucas and Matthew isn’t just about reintroducing Muriel to the lifestyle she so richly deserves but also about putting her and Matthew together. Lucas has long suspected Matthew carries a torch for Muriel and if he’s right, the two of them together would provide both with a sense of peace they have both desperately been searching for. The night is enjoyable but leaves Matthew and Muriel totally confused about their feelings. Muriel’s response to Matthew was wholly unexpected and she definitely wants more but Matthew is certain he isn’t the right man for Muriel. Oh, he is willing to help her ease her way back into the lifestyle but long term, he is convinced he is no good for her. If Muriel is going to get her way, she is going to have to do some serious work with Matthew. She puts her plan into motion the night Matthew shows up at her office and allows her to care for him. The experience is both healing and sensual and is the first step toward becoming not only a real couple but a true Dom and sub.

The Bottom Line: Lynne hinted at this new story line in the last book of her Heat Wave series and man, did she deliver in this first installment. Muriel and Matthew are such a good introduction to the series with their long yet troubled relationship. Turns out, the troubled part of Matthew and Muriel’s relationship wasn’t trouble at all but the intense desire on Matthew’s part to see his best-friend happy and fulfilled in his life. It’s hard to dislike a man for that  Muriel is such a sweet woman and though you know she is still grieving over the loss of her husband, she is also strong and the one who has to step up and take control of her life if she wants Matthew in it. While the sex is certainly hot in this read and does delve into the Dom/sub lifestyle, the sex is really secondary to the story of two people who are finding their way toward a happily ever after in the wake of intense loss and sadness. As with the Heat Wave series, Coveted is well-written and populated with a group of interesting and fully-developed characters that will all get their day to play in Pandora’s Playground.
Profile Image for Nikki.
278 reviews6 followers
August 13, 2015
ARC provided by publisher for honest review


When you read a book that just wrecks you, but you know that pain is part of the journey, consider yourself privileged. Baring witness to someone's growth through their grief is like being on an emotional tail spin. I felt incredibly lucky to sit back and "watch" these characters find life and love after suffering an unimaginable loss.

Muriel has lost the love of her life and her Master; the person who completed her, loved her, and made her his whole world. How do you move on from something so utterly consuming as a love like that? She's lucky, she has an incredible support system in her late husband, Ian's best friends, Lucas and Mathew. Though Mathew typically supports her from afar. Muriel has always felt drawn to Mathew and saddened that he can't seem to stand her. Nothing could be further from the truth; Mathew has coveted his best friends wife from the very beginning. It's been a matter of self preservation that he's kept his distance. After some conspiring on Lucas' part, the two are thrust together and life will never be the same.

From the very first page of this book, my heart ached for Muriel. It ached for them all actually. Watching her build up the nerve to walk into Pandoras Playground, a place that use to bring her such joy, was humbling. I mentally whooped in my head when she squared her shoulders and walked through the door! Muriel is such a brave and strong heroine. She's been shattered by her husbands death, but she's not ready to give up on life and love. I was enamoured with her growth through this book. She goes from a woman who has lost herself in sadness, to a woman who decides to take love...and Mathew, by the balls!

I found myself getting swept up into Mathew's turmoil and anguish. I fell kinda hard for him. I wanted to soothe his soul and help him battle his way through the murky waters of grief and heartache. But he had to figure this stuff out for himself. He doesn't feel like he has anything to offer Muriel, though he couldn't be more wrong! His past has muddied his feeling on his self worth. But with Muriel's determination and complete and utter devotion, he starts to pave the life he's always wanted and more importantly, deserved. I had more than a few lumps in my throat through his journey. My heart skipped a beat each time a puzzle piece fit together for him. He's so complex but at the same time he's not that hard to figure out. If you looked deep enough, you could see his heart on his sleeve...much to his horror! I was so immensely proud of the way Muriel tackled his issues and pushed past his walls of doubt. She may be the submissive in the relationship, but she's so steadfast and strong. She protected Mathew's heart through this whole process.

When these two finally get all sweaty together...holy hell, it was off the freakin charts! Mathew is all Dom and super delicious! I actually giggled like a school girl while reading a few of the love scenes. One thing I wish that Ms. Lynne would have included was the threesome that Muriel had always fantasized about. Seriously, I know Mathew is all caveman and snarly, but a ménage with Lucas, Muriel and himself, would have made my heart bottom out! But I know I'll get to see Lucas in all his naked glory in the next book!

It truly was a beautiful thing to watch Muriel get her second chance at a love so perfect and unbreakable. I have read everything that Alannah Lynne has published. Coveted, in my opinion, is her best yet! Though, you should read all her stuff because she is just that good!


Profile Image for Itsy Bitsy Book Bits.
699 reviews49 followers
August 15, 2015
*ARC given for an honest review *

Coveted by Alannah Lynne is the first book in the Pandora’s Playground Series and boy is it ever a spicy little read! Muriel Stewart has been mourning the loss of her beloved husband and domme, Ian for almost a year. She doesn’t know how to deal with the mixture of emotions she is feeling having lost two parts of her life. She has desires as a woman, but struggles with if she should actually feel that way.

Ian along with his two best friends Lucas and Mathew started Pandora’s Playground, an adult sex club. Lucas thinks that it’s important to get Muriel back into the club and the lifestyle. He thinks it is something that Ian would want for her. In his quest to help Muriel, he ropes Mathew into helping him, but Mathew is dealing with his own demons where Muriel is concerned.

When Muriel realizes why she has been summoned to the club and what is going on she isn’t so sure she can handle it as she has never been anyone’s submissive but Ian’s and she has a secret of her own. She is overwhelmed by so many emotions, but soon realizes it is right where she belongs.

She yearns for Mathew to be her new Domme but she knows he could never go there since he has always had a strong dislike for her. Unbeknownst to her, Mathew has his own yearning for Muriel, but never wanted to disrespect his friend and brother. He knows that one taste of her would take him somewhere he could never come back from and he’s not sure he could survive her rejection, since she loved Ian so much.

As they begin to maneuver their feelings from the loss of Ian and what their new roles could be, you see that each have their own baggage. Will they be able to share their feelings with the other? Can they overcome their self-doubt? Would Ian be turning over in his grave if he knew their secrets and will they be able to live with themselves if they betray his memory?

Alannah Lynne tells this story with just the right amount of lust, desire, and class. The story is hot and steamy without being distasteful and crude which I really appreciated. She took the time to let us into the history of the characters and their background. I loved that she also gave us a glimpse of what the meaning of family truly is and that sometimes the way you perceive yourself isn’t the truth. The only thing I would have liked in this book was a little bit more about Lucas, his relationship with each Muriel and Mathew and how he felt about the end result. I’m looking forward to his story in book 2 though.
Profile Image for Tina Lee Harris.
516 reviews13 followers
September 23, 2016
I have been a fan of Author Alannah Lynne since reading her Heat Wave Series. And this new series was no different, I enjoyed how the story flowed; the characters; the emotional part of getting over losing someone that you love and being able to look ahead and find love again.

Muriel Stewart thought she had the perfect life until fate took her other half in a split second. Now she has been trying to put her life back in order over the past year. As she has keep away from her friends, Luke decides enough is enough. He needs to show her that she is still loved by so many. So he ordered her to come to the club. Muriel take back with the command; does what she knows is a big step into getting past the loss of her husband, shows up at the club right on time. But taking the first step toward the club will be all on her.

Luke, Mathew and Ian were the best of friends, who came up with the idea of creating a club of their own for other like minded people to come too. They were able to act out their favorite fantasies and then some here in private with out being judged. Muriel was a big part of the club when it was being built. But being away for almost a year, Muriel is having second thoughts about stepping through the doors to her second home.

Mathew Galinda didnt have a great up bringing, but when he meet Ian Stewart in high school, Mathew had something to look forward too. Ian's family opened their home and hearts to him. He finally had what he needed, love and support. He thought of Ian as a brother. So why has he been in love with Ian's wife, Muriel, for years? There is always been something about her that spoke to his dark soul. Will he able handling seeing her again at the club? And how what, with Ian gone, how can he act on his desires to be with her? She still belongs to Ian or does she?

As the relationship between Mathew and Muriel heats up, they both must face facts that the attraction between the two of them is not going to go away. And the sweet words that Ian spoke to Muriel about Mathew start to come to her. What is she suppose to think? Is Ian showing her the way back to a happy life? Could that be with Mathew?

The story will show you how to accept that love can be found in the darkest of places and sometimes you just have to face it head on; no reason to hide from it. I look forward to more in the Pandora's Playground series.
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,267 reviews220 followers
May 2, 2016
4.5 star Review Coveted (Pandora's Playground #1) by Alannah Lynne

Firstly I have to state that this is a story with BDSM elements to it and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This is book one in Alannah Lynne’s new series Pandora’s Playground and I have to say that she is off to a great start.

This is the story of Muriel Stewart a woman who has loved and lost. Not only did she lose her husband, with his sudden death, but she lost her Dom. Muriel is a submissive and has shut herself away from her family, friends and the lifestyle she shared with her husband since his death nearly a year ago.

Encouraged, or perhaps should I say ordered, Muriel returns to Pandora’s Playground. A club her husband owned with his two closest friends, Lucas Steele and Matthew Galinda. Muriel is a true submissive and cannot help but feel that perhaps the time has come to gently ease herself back into the lifestyle that is as important to her soul as breathing.

Garnering her courage she returns to Pandora’s Playground. Unbeknownst to her Lucas and Matthew have plans for her (although to say Mathew is willing, would be an exaggeration).

She met both Lucas and Mathew through her husband when they were at collage. Mathew was her husband’s best friend. He was also with him when he died and harbours deep feelings of guilt. Not only because he couldn’t save him but because he has always been in love with Muriel.

What starts out as a scene to ease Muriel back into the lifestyle, surprises both Muriel and Mathew. Muriel has always been drawn to him and she sees in him the Dom she desires to submit too. She also cannot help but finally see what she has been oblivious too for so many years and that it the depth of his feelings for her. Mathew on the other hand is terrified of where this could lead since in his opinion he is an evil person totally undeserved of Muriel’s love and submission.

This is a love story and the romance that Mathew and Muriel find together is beautiful on so many levels, He is the Ying to her Yang. They fit together so well as Dominant and Submissive it is obvious that these two were meant to be together.

I am looking forward to the next book in the Pandora’s Playground series and congratulate Alannah Lynne on an excellent beginning to her new series. .

Profile Image for Twinsie Talk Angie J.
1,817 reviews
August 8, 2015
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Pandora’s Playground by Alannah Lynne
I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
I gotta admit it’s been a long while since I read an Alannah book. It hasn’t been because I don’t love them but because I got behind on the Heat Waver series. When I was “Shopping for a book on NetGalley” I jumped at the chance to get in on a new series f hers. I asked for the book before I even KNEW what it was about. Well, my my my was I in for a nice shock and delight.
This book is about Muriel and the fact her Dom and husband have died.. She is trying to get back in to the swing of live almost a year after his death. His two best friends, Mathew and Lucas, inform her she will show up at the club to see everyone. She shows up and is happy to see Lucas but the vibe she gets from Matthew is not very friendly at all. She has never understood why he dislikes her so very much. Well the three of them indulge in some “playtime” when secrets are revealed. GASP Matthew doesn’t hate her but really really likes her…SAY WHAT!!! Lucas has knew all along as did Muriel’s husband and he wanted his wife and friend together. When Muriel and Lucas talk. She is stunned to say the least but goes on a mission to secure this Dom for her own.
I loved Matthew’s character. He was so conflicted. I mean to love your best friend’s wife for 15 years is not a good thing but he just is dawn to her. When Muriel starts her slow seduction of him, I loved seeing her take some power and own her wants and desires. The couple have a lot of ups and downs because Mathew doesn’t think he deserves Muriel’s submission.
I really enjoyed his comments to her when he decided finally she is worth all the risks and goes all I with her. I cannot wait for more from this series. I really would love for Lucas to be next. I felt bad that he knew he didn’t sand a chance with Muriel even thought he would have been a great and much easier Dom for Muriel to catch.
Profile Image for Sofia Lazaridou.
2,866 reviews135 followers
August 20, 2015
I know that it might sound silly considering the sub-genre of this book, but I really hated the idea about reading a threesome in this book. I love the three way books if the third person is a part of the relationship rather than just someone who is used as a tool for pleasure. Thankfully that didn't happen in this book, so I didn't have a problem.

Mathew and Muriel spend the most time of this book not saying things and going around what really matters and I wasn't completely sold on their romance. Sure Mathew has been in love with her for almost all the time he has known her and she feels something for him, but I never got the chance to see them at their best (thus the 4 instead of 5 stars). I am hoping that they will appear in the next book (a.k.a Luca's book) and I will see them as a happy Dom and Sub. The last chapter could be considered as something that could satisfy the reader, but it wasn't enough for me.

I liked how Mathew with some push from Muriel overcame his past and let go some of the guilt he was feeling even if it was on the small side of the scale. What I didn't like was (and no offence here is meant) Muriel's name. That made me picture as a (at least) sixty year old lady who has ten cats and is very kind and some people find her weird (sorry to all the Muriel's this statement has offended). I really would have liked it if Ian had left a letter for Mathew and Muriel saying that he would have wanted them to be together or something like that. Of course that would have been almost impossible considering that his death was unexpected.

I liked this book well enough that I would recommend it to someone who likes BDSM books, despite the fact that the main couple isn't into the S&M part. The BDSM part of the story isn't something that would bother someone who doesn't read the genre. The amount of had of it is the right amount for someone who wants to see what BDSM romance books is about without diving too deep into the world. I will continue the series for at least one more book. After that I will see how I feel about it.
Profile Image for Ann Marie.
213 reviews13 followers
August 5, 2015
When we meet Muriel she has been thru the loss of a loved one, sadly that can feel so isolating for someone at times even when surrounded by people. She received a call by a dear close friend to come back to the club where her and her husband Ian went/owned with two other partners Matthew and Lucas. (ummm yeah ladies you will LOVE these two) This was well written and the storyline was really good. I loved the way the story was told in two person perspective. Muriel’s and Matthews. Matthew is trying to get Muriel back into the world she knows and loves the BDSM world. She is a submissive and her husband was her Dom. Do you like Dom/Submissive type stories? This is a really good one! There are some twists that I loved, and quite a few panty melting scenes ladies….I am telling you!!! OMG….. *fans self here!!! There is a secret that Matthew has been holding in for years and as he kept his distance for reasons he hid from everyone, Muriel thought he despised her. *tsk *tsk...shaking my head** Muriel has always felt a pull towards Matthew, she never fully understood it, and she never knew why Matthew hated her so much. But is it “hate” he feels?

Anyways, Lucas devises a plan to get Matthew to open up and to get Muriel back into the living world. But will this backfire? Will Matthew finally admit to what he has felt for Muriel all these years? Will Muriel finally see the truth?? Will she be accepting? OOoOOOo this may be one of favorite scenes in this book!! Lucas and Matthew giving THEIR FULL attention to Muriel. I will tell you that this, this was a great scene (giggles) ok ok...moving on so where was I? Oh yeah, this actually does kick start things for Muriel and she starts to see things with Matthew in a different light. I held my tablet tight and read this in one sitting. LOVED. Great beach read I think!! I hope you love Matthew and Lucas and Muriel as much I as I do! Happy reading :)
Profile Image for Paris.
Author 15 books66 followers
August 14, 2015
Actual Rating: 4.5

I am a huge fan of Alannah Lynne’s Heat Wave series, so I was really looking forward to diving into the spin-off series. We got a taste of Pandora’s Playground in the Heat Wave series and I am excited to get more time to explore the club. But I was also happy that the entirety of this novel didn’t take place in the club. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised by the way Dom/submissive relationships were portrayed in this book altogether and I loved it. I expected Muriel to spend nearly the entire book as a submissive and for Matthew to be an over the top Dom because that’s what I’m used to reading in most BDSM books. Alannah did such an amazing job showing that there is a balance in a submissive’s life. And that there is usually a lot more give and take in a D/s relationship outside of the bedroom.

I really loved Muriel. I was a little apprehensive about her at first. I wasn’t sure a year was going to be long enough for her to move on from her husband’s death, but nothing felt rushed in her moving on and finding her submissive again and finding love again. I loved Matthew right away, but I do have a soft spot for tortured heroes. He had a lot going on in his head and was definitely weighed down by a lot of guilt. I felt horrible for him and wanted to wrap him up in a big hug. Then I got to see him with Muriel and I really fell for him. What an incredible man.

Alannah definitely started this new series off with a bang. Lucas played a role in this book and I am more intrigued than ever to get to the bottom of that man. I cannot wait for his book, which thankfully is coming next. That moment will not come soon enough for me. I knew I'd end up loving this book so much that I pre-ordered it even though I received a review copy. I can't get enough of Alannah's writing.

Arc provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an honest review.
Profile Image for Julie Barrett.
448 reviews9 followers
August 18, 2015
Alannah Lynne is a completely new author to be - although I have no idea how I haven't heard of her before if all of her books are as good as this one! Coveted is passionate, romantic, full of raw emotion and is completely charming. I read so many BDSM romances, some good and some not so good, but this one stood out for all of the right reasons. It didn't have to be extreme or over the top to capture my attention - the characters spoke for themselves and had me hooked from start to finish.

Muriel lost her loving husband and masterful Dom a year ago, and since then she's cut herself off from her friends and the BDSM lifestyle. Now, with the help of her husband's business partners, she is ready to dip her toe back into the water. Matthew was her husband's best friend as well as one of his business partners, and she's always wondered what she'd done to make him hate her. Muriel seems to be the only one who doesn't know that what Matthew feels for her is the complete opposite of hatred - he's been in love with her for years and went out of his way to avoid her because it was too painful being around the woman that he loved but could never have. When they are pushed together by a meddling but well meaning friend, Muriel realises she has found the man she wants to serve. Can she convince Matthew that he is good enough for her?

Both Matthew and Muriel are delightful characters. They both have their demons and their flaws, but together they can become whole. The connection between them is strong, it really felt like they belonged to each other. The BDSM scenes were hot, tasteful and well written - I really enjoyed them. I'll definitely be looking out for more books by this author, as I loved her writing style and how she built the story up. Coveted is a must read for me - five stars!


I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
Profile Image for Anna.
580 reviews20 followers
August 13, 2015
Muriel lost her husband a year ago and when that happened, she also lost her Dom. She has spent the year grieving and some friends have agreed that it is time for her to start trying to live her life and find some happiness again. She is taken back to the club that her husband owned with his two best friends so that she can start socializing and being in a place that she once enjoyed very much. Muriel has always been attracted to her husband's best friend Matthew, but always thought he was cold and indifferent to her. Matthew has secretly loved Muriel for years, but kept his distance out of respect to her relationship with his best friend. Now that Muriel is ready to start looking for a new Dom, Matthew questions whether he is good enough for her.

This book is definitely going to perk the interest of people who enjoy their BDSM genre fiction full of love and emotions. Fans of "Masters of the Shadowlands" series will likely enjoy this brand of D/s fiction as well. These Doms are men who respect their subs and are always concerned with their pleasure and safety.

Muriel is a very easy character to connect with and care about. She has lost a lot, but knows that her husband wanted her to find happiness again if she were to find herself without him. Matthew is an easy character to care about as well. It is clear that he has suffered emotionally for a long time, and it was easy to hope that he would find himself in the kind of relationship that he deserved. There is definitely some sexual tension and angst as Matthew tries to fight against his feelings for the sake of Muriel, and some of that is frustrating for us readers. There aren't a lot of surprises here, but I found the story enjoyable and I think people looking for a "fluffy" BDSM story will like this one. 3.5 stars.

*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Michele.
533 reviews48 followers
September 12, 2015
4.5 stars

This was the first book I’ve read by Alannah Lynne, and I’m so glad I did! From the beginning you’re entranced by Muriel and Matthew’s story. Its heart wrenching and beautiful all the same time.

Muriel….. I’m in awe of her. Some people, when they lose THE ONE, they just shut down and let the world move around them. Muriel however, she knew that though she was ripped in two when her husband died, she still had to live on and carry his memories with her. Though she loved her husband with all her heart and never thought she’d have to live without him, she’s starting to yearn for that connection between a Dom and their sub. She knows that Ian only want her to be happy, but how does she go on?

Matthew has always been in love with Muriel. Since the day his best friend Ian brought her over to their place, he’s never been able to shake the feelings he has for her, no matter how hard he tries. So when Ian passes away and he can see how it broke Muriel. He is shocked when his friend keeps making hints that Matthew should become her new Dom.

After a few intimate moments with each other, they start to see the desire in each other’s eyes. Muriel is willing and ready to let Matthew become her Dom, but Matthew still tries to fight it. Will they be able to work through Matthews fears to finally immerse themselves in a true Dom/sub relationship?

I don’t know how many times I had tears in my eyes while reading this story. Muriel and Ian’s relationship was beautiful, but what happens between Matthew and Muriel is…. I can’t even find the words. I would say that you most definitely need to read this story! I would be interested to see what else Alannah has in store for us at the Pandora’s Playground.

**ARC was provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Profile Image for Jen.
3,650 reviews
August 13, 2015
Read the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.

Note: This ARC was provided by Rockstar Lit PR in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a wonderful start to this spin-off series, and while I was initially hoping that Lucas Steele's story would be told first after having read Matter of Time, the fifth book in the Heat Wave series, I certainly have no complaints about Mathew and Muriel getting their love story told first. Muriel has always thought that Muriel disliked her, but that couldn't have been farther from the truth, and the realization comes to her faster than that of Mathew seeing that he hadn't really fooled any one else when it came to his feelings for her. The love and loyalty that these two have for Ian Stewart makes the evolution of their relationship even more endearing and one that was meant to be and obviously had Ian's blessing.

As the initial offering in a new series, this book succeeds in giving readers a story about finding love again and recognizing one's self-worth while drumming up interest for the sequel, which is slated for release later this year and will be about Lucas Steele and he's partnered with Kiera Parke. I've already got that book on my to-be-read list because after having read the entire Heat Wave series and this first book in the Pandora's Playground series this year alone, Alannah Lynne has yet to disappoint me with her storytelling or the characters she gives us to fall in love with. I read this book in one sitting and loved absolutely everything about it. I'm highly recommending Coveted and I'm giving it five out of five stars. ♥
Profile Image for Barb.
262 reviews3 followers
August 11, 2015
This book was filled with a rollercoaster of emotions. I couldn't put this book down and I got so involved with this book, I felt like I knew these characters personally and not just some words on a page.

The Dom/Sub lifestyle is filled with complete trust and love. The sub is always put first by the Dom and the sub feels protected at all times. What happens when life takes away your one thing that made you feel loved and protected? You hide and stop living your life like you were so use to. Muriel lost her Dom/Husband/Friend/Protector all in one freak incident. But once a submissive, always a submissive and Muriel starts to realize she needs to start living her life again and slowly start living the lifestyle again.

Matthew has loved Muriel from afar for years. She married his best friend and he stayed as far away from her as he could possible do. But when she shows up back in his life, that throws his emotions and life into a mixture of happiness and sadness. How can he help her start remaking her own life when his has always been a mess to an extent.

With the help of Lucas, who has been watching out for Muriel since her husbands passing, can Lucas make Muriel see that she can still find love and everything she has been looking for even if it's with someone you never even expected? This story had me crying throughout because Muriel is wrestling with her demons and the authors writing makes me feel what she is feeling.

I was not sure what was going to happen especially when Muriel and Matthew don't see eye to eye but can't stay away from each other. I loved all the characters and I can't wait to see where this series goes and how it ends. I'm hooked!
Profile Image for Ashley  Hayes.
263 reviews16 followers
August 13, 2015
I really, really liked this book. This is one of the better written BDSM books that I have read in a while. There are plenty of good sex scenes but it's the emotional part of the book that gets me right where it matters. Matt is a successful lawyer and Dom who owns part of Pandora's Playground, a kink club. Muriel is a submissive and the wife of his best friend and one of his partners, Ian, who recently passed away. Matt has always been in love with Muriel but was respectful of her marriage. The third partner in the club, Lucas, brings Matt and Muriel together because he knows that it's meant to be.




All the feels in this book made me cry. I hate when I ugly cry over a book. Personally I think Muriel would have benefited from going to the club sooner because subspace is better than any anti-depressant that I've ever found. :)  Get this book if you like BDSM romance and you will not regret it at all.




Profile Image for Brianna at Renee Entress's Blog.
3,931 reviews117 followers
August 30, 2015
5 Stars!

Wow! What a book. This is a newish author for me and this definitely won't be my last book with her. While this author is seasoned, she has given us a hot new series that will leave you with a full heart, tons of feels and lots of steam. This book is not for the faint of heart and should definitely come with a wet panty warning. I cannot wait for more of this series in the future.

I loved this book. It was really good. I love a good BDSM book and while this book deals with that, it is also so much more. This book is about learning to heal and love again while getting a second chance at life. This book, while emotional at times, had a beautiful love story. This book was passionate, intense, edgy, sexy, steamy, and has one Dom that will make you swoon.

This is Muriel and Mathew's story. Muriel is a submissive. After losing her husband and master, she grieved but not almost a year later, she is ready to move on. Enter Mathew. He husband's best friend and also fellow Dominant. He has always wanted Muriel but she was Ian's. He accepted that and kept his feelings private hence keeping distance between them. Now Muriel is ready to move on and take a step towards finding a new master. Her body and heart yearn for Mathew but he has a ton of demons he needs to face. Can Mathew and Muriel find healing and love with each other?

I highly recommend this book.

Review---> http://reneeentress.blogspot.com/2015...
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