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The Red Series #1

A Little Band of Red

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Polly Jayne Lester’s life was falling apart. Between her cheating fiancé and her narcissistic boss, she could see no way out. That was until an unexpected lottery win changed everything. With millions in her bank account, PJ abandons her old life to start a new one in London. It’s there she finds her dream home on the banks of the Thames, and also her dream man—in a bondage club. But it’s the other man, watching from the shadows, who will ultimately claim her heart.

Luke Monroe is tired of playing a role that has left him emotionally void and completely alone. For the past fourteen years, all he has known is sadism and control. But on the night he decides to walk away from everything, he sees her, in the club—the one woman that could change everything. The only problem is, she’s on her knees submitting to another man.
Refusing to give up his last chance at finding happiness, Luke bides his time: waiting, plotting.

Filled with trepidation and excitement, PJ returns to Bond Street, only to find herself at the mercy of a stranger. Master Luke is a fantasy, dominant and sexy, charismatic and passionate. Yet the illusion he so effortlessly created for her is shattered when she discovers he’s a sadist, known for his cold-hearted brutality. PJ flees.

But when a phone call has her returning to the club, he’s waiting—her beautiful, blue-eyed nightmare. Luke is relentless as he charms his way back into her life. But why? PJ is not a masochist. She can see no future for them. Yet despite their irreconcilable differences, neither of them can deny the attraction that first brought them together.

The question is, how much should love hurt?

A Little Band of Red—A contemporary erotic, BDSM novel.
94,000 words

276 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 17, 2016

16 people are currently reading
364 people want to read

About the author

Lily Freeman

7 books92 followers
I didn't discover writing like most authors do. There was no childhood dream, no undeniable urge to put pen to paper. My story started off with an unexpected life changing event : a sizeable tax refund and a water-taxi ride caught from the wrong side of the Thames. I've always been an avid reader and a daydreamer, so when an idea for a novel was born from those three seemingly unrelated events, I ran with it.
That idea became an obsession and also a passion. My characters are big and bold, the men are dominant to a fault and the women are strong and sassy. I'm fascinated by the concept of fate. One decision causing another and another, all of them having consequences which ultimately draw my characters together only to tear them apart. There will always be a happy ending, because there's no denying, I'm a romantic at heart - but a little pain woven amongst all that pleasure makes for a very explosive plot.

When I'm not writing or meticulously plotting my next novel, I am a wife and a mother. I have a healthy appetite for physically challenging sports and I love coffee. If all else fails you'll find me reading a book which was how my journey began and will no doubt be how it will end.

If you're curious about the last steps in my journey to publish my first novel, 'A Little Band of Red' then follow me here on Goodreads or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lilyfreemana...

My website lilyfreeman.com will be live, and 'A Little Band of Red' will be available from, June 2016.

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Profile Image for Maria✦❋Steamy Reads Blog❋✦.
662 reviews2,784 followers
October 20, 2016


"It pleased him immensely that she'd submitted to him when he knew she was scared."


➦This is Lily Freeman's debut novel and a first part of The Red Series trilogy. I think she has done a phenomenal job with this book. The subject of BDSM is certainly a tricky one to write about... I believe Lily did the sex scenes justice and described them in a way that didn't come off as over-done or cheesy.

PJ, our heroine, wins a lot of money and abandons her life in New Zealand, drops everything and moves to England. She tries to move on from betrayals of her past and start fresh. One night her life changes when she visits a BDSM club and catches attention of one of the most hardcore sadists it has to offer!

➦PJ is clueless and Luke is charming... Could she possibly give him what he needs? Could he change his ways for her and be everything she wants?

❤On top of having scorching hot scenes, this book also goes into the dynamics of the dom/sub relationship. There's definitely a deep connection between these two as well as insane physical attraction. PJ, however, has very valid fears about being in a relationship with someone like Luke.

❤There are two sides to Luke - a possessive/attentive lover and a man that takes pleasure from pain. So how much should love hurt?

❤I absolutely loved the writing style - the story has a good flow to it and I was sucked in from the very first page. The supporting characters are fantastic and I'm looking forward to reading their stories. I've already read the blurb for the second book and I am super excited knowing that there will be some M/M and M/F/M action.

➦This isn't your typical love story - this trilogy will take you places you never thought it would. Lily Freeman explores the concept of fate - the choices people make and how those choices effect their lives.
"People are merely pawns in a game. Thrown together by passion and lust, emotion and desire."

➦Recommended to anyone who enjoys BDSM with dom/sub relationship and for those who want to branch out into BDSM novels that are done right :)

Books in this trilogy:
A Little Band of Red (The Red Series, #1) by Lily Freeman Fire in the Blood (The Red Series, #2) by Lily Freeman To Catch a Flame (The Red Series, #3) by Lily Freeman

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Profile Image for ⊱✿⊰ Alicia ⊱✿⊰ .
675 reviews466 followers
July 1, 2017
4.5 For the men in this book Stars

Copy provided for honest review

The story starts with PJ at the airport ready to go on a business trip she does not want to go on. She stops to check her Lotto ticket only to find she has WON, $25 Mil!!! (lucky bitch) Giving her a chance to start her life over.

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Imagine having your life crumple to a pile of shit and then suddenly something amazing happens to get you free. So thats what happens to PJ.

PJ leaves her ex and her life in New Zealand behind and buys a one way ticket to London where she starts her life over. PJ finds a warehouse overlooking the Thames and renovates it. I loved going along with the ride as PJ begins her life in London making new friends like India who begs PJ to go along and check out a Bondage club with her, PJ is curious so goes along.

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Luke is having a hard time at work and is also getting sick and tired of the same type of women at his bdsm club and is considering giving it up as he has lost interest UNTIL a new group of subs come in. He watches a introductory scene with one of the new subs and instantly wants her.

The man in front of her was a dead ringer for that Australian actor Simon something.

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One problem he is sadistic and wants her pain. The chemistry between Luke and PJ is instant and intense but it is not all smooth sailing.

The sex scenes in this book are smoking HOT even the phone sex!!! I had to make sure no one could see my face while I read them because there would be no doubting what I was reading lol.

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I am preying we get a book with lots more of Elliott and Mika, for a while I thought PJ would end up with them the way Elliott was acting. Not sure about you but when a book ends with the three words, Now we begin. It is shattering lol.

I am glad I have all three :)

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Profile Image for SueBee★bring me an alpha!★.
2,417 reviews15.4k followers
Want to read
December 16, 2016


Book 1 in series
Purchase: | AMZ US | AMZ UK |
Blurb:
Polly Jayne Lester’s life was falling apart. Between her cheating fiancé and her narcissistic boss, she could see no way out. That was until an unexpected lottery win changed everything. With millions in her bank account, PJ abandons her old life to start a new one in London. It’s there she finds her dream home on the banks of the Thames, and also her dream man—in a bondage club. But it’s the other man, watching from the shadows, who will ultimately claim her heart.

Luke Monroe is tired of playing a role that has left him emotionally void and completely alone. For the past fourteen years, all he has known is sadism and control. But on the night he decides to walk away from everything, he sees her, in the club—the one woman that could change everything. The only problem is, she’s on her knees submitting to another man.
Refusing to give up his last chance at finding happiness, Luke bides his time: waiting, plotting.

Filled with trepidation and excitement, PJ returns to Bond Street, only to find herself at the mercy of a stranger. Master Luke is a fantasy, dominant and sexy, charismatic and passionate. Yet the illusion he so effortlessly created for her is shattered when she discovers he’s a sadist, known for his cold-hearted brutality. PJ flees.

But when a phone call has her returning to the club, he’s waiting—her beautiful, blue-eyed nightmare. Luke is relentless as he charms his way back into her life. But why? PJ is not a masochist. She can see no future for them. Yet despite their irreconcilable differences, neither of them can deny the attraction that first brought them together.

The question is, how much should love hurt?
Profile Image for Jilly.
1,838 reviews6,685 followers
June 15, 2016
The author of this book is my friend and she is super cool, so if you want to get your kink on, you might need to check out this book. As for me? It was a little shocking. I feel like an Amish woman who just saw a naked man. What the hell? Thou art shocked!



This is a BDSM book, and FYI - this makes 50 Shades look like Dr. Seuss.
I will put her in a box
and I will hit her with some rocks.
I will beat her with a cane
and make her crawl through the rain...


Now, my personal opinion of BDSM is a big ol' nope. It seems like just way too much work for one thing (plus a thousand other reasons). You need special outfits, tools, machines, and maybe the boy scout patch in rope tying. I already have a torture machine in my bedroom that's not being used. It's called a treadmill. (Although it makes a good clothes hanger.) The only exercise we got from that thing was when we had to haul it into the house, and then out to the driveway for the garage sale. Good workouts!



So, onto the book! It was about a very messed-up desperate girl who lets everyone walk all over her and has no self-respect. She meets the perfect man for her, a sadist. This is going to work out great!!


Aww, but our woman isn't wise. Too bad..

But, oh gee, our sadist wants to change for his girl. He'll do anything for her.... for a while. But, then he decides that his girl does actually like being abused hurt during sex, she just doesn't know it yet. He'll help her with that. After all, he's willing to do anything for her. Plus, she's really sexy when she is crying and in pain.

Her tears fell like summer rain. She was so gorgeous...

He saw her chained to a wall with her head bent, her face awash with tears, her back, her thighs and her ass covered with his marks... Her tears would be real, her whimpers too and when she begged him to stop, knowing that he wouldn't, Luke wanted that moment more than anything.


Real men like to make us cry, girls. Our fear, panic, bloodshot and puffy eyes, snotty nose, and bleeding is sexy stuff!


now, this girl must be having mind-blowing sex!

Needless to say, I really wanted to see our girl kick this sadistic bastard's ass to the curb. I'm waaay too much of an alpha girl to appreciate the dom/sub thing. I just want to kick the dom's ass the whole time. But, if you like it and find it sexy, this book has got some major hardcore stuff for you! It's a BDSM dream come true. :)

Profile Image for The Sassy Bookworm.
4,060 reviews2,869 followers
November 9, 2016
description

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PJ's life is falling apart. Uninterested parents, a job she hates, and an ex-fiancee she caught in bed with her best friend. When a headache leads her to a lottery ticket worth 25 million. She leaves it all behind and buys a one-way ticket to London.

There she finds a new home and new friends. When one of them suggests a trip to a BDSM club, PJ is in intrigued. There she meets Luke Monroe, a sadist with a capital "S" After 14 years Luke has grown weary on the scene. The nameless hookups. He wants more, and when he lays eyes on PJ, he is determined to make her his.

Can a sadist really give it all up? Can a girl who claims to not like pain be enough?

description

So WOW was this book good. I was sucked in from page one. PJ was a great heroine I enjoyed her a lot. She was feisty and adorable. Luke was HOT. At the beginning, I was enthralled with Luke. I love me a good sadist and he was that. As the book progresses cracks start to form in Luke's facade and you just KNOW that we are headed in a direction that isn't going to end well for anyone...review continued on book two.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

description

description
Profile Image for Dee.
2,012 reviews105 followers
June 19, 2016
This is one of the best books I've read in a very long time. I'm not going to rehash the plot, I don't want to give anything away. I will say, for me to love a story I need to become invested in the characters. And oh my goodness what a cast of Lily has bought to life. I even fell in love with the damn dog... and I'm not a doggy person.

Often, first books in a series, suffer from first in a series syndrome as in the author provides information dumps on everyone, overwhelming the reader. That is not the case with this story. The story flows well, the focus is where it should be, and tidbits of information is provided about side characters leaving a reader, me, wanting more.

For a debut novel, I am in awe of this author, her writing style, show not tell, is phenomenal! I think I might've just gushed a little.

If you love complex stories with well developed characters this story won't disappoint.
Profile Image for Elizarey.
345 reviews61 followers
July 8, 2016
4 Red stars!!

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So going into this I was really excited to see a new BDSM couple. I really liked Luke and PJ and I loved Luke's obsession with PJ. I loved the fact that he was her master but she also had a lot of power in their relationship too.

Luke is your typical dream man. Hot, sexy, powerful, successful and rich. Built like a god but still feels lonely inside.
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Luke is a HARDCORE SADIST but he is missing something in his life. When Luke first lays eyes on PJ, he feels like he is connected to her and that that something more can come from them being together. PJ is fairly new to the sub/dom scene so she is very hesitant to begin a relationship with Luke. I loved the scenes at the club.
PJ had a really great relationship with India. I would actually love to read about India's story and Master Trey.

PJ moves to England because she is looking for an adventure. Leaving New Zealand was the best the decision she ever made. Now that she has the resources she can leave her cheating fiance and dead end job to find something new and exciting.

The sex was hottttt!! Luke's dominice was something else and I loved it. PJ was a great Sub and I never felt like she was weak minded which is sometimes the case in sub/dom relationships.
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I can't wait to read the next installment in the series!!
A Little Band of Red (The Red Series, #1) by Lily Freeman Fire In Blood (The Red Series, #2) by Lily Freeman To Catch a Flame (The Red Series, #3) by Lily Freeman

Profile Image for Le Ann Foster.
739 reviews5 followers
June 13, 2016
♡♡Reviewed for CherryOBlossoms Promotions ♡♡

I gave this book 4.5 stars!

Get ready for a Red little band!!! Move over Christian Grey because Luke has showed you up in the dungeon! The things Luke can do is beyond words. From the rope works to the chocolate scene you will not be disappointed. The plot, characters and writting is so flawless and keeps you wanting more.

Luke is sadist and looking for more in life. When PJ agrees to go to the club with her friend India, she gets more than she bargain for. Luke sees the new subs and knows that his life is about to change. When PJ lets her defense down and Luke shows her a different side of him will this be a start or the end of it.

I can't wait to see what happens next. Definitely will be looking out for the next one.
Profile Image for Dawn.
65 reviews13 followers
July 26, 2016
Omg .... Amazing loved it cannot wait for the next book
Profile Image for Nicole.
312 reviews41 followers
August 17, 2017
~4,25 Passionate Stars from me!!~

An intense and passionate novel. I had long time to read a BDSM novel and this particularly was quite enjoyable and combined with hot, kinky scenes caused to raise the temperature by many degrees. I couldn't believe that this is a debut novel, if this is the beginning we shall expect many good stories by the author.

Now let's jump into the plot, PJ's life sucked at the moment from her job till her relationship, so what fate does for her?? Well will gift her with 25 millions yes that's right, so she does what everyone would have done in her position she leaves everything behind and starts a new life far away.

There she will say a Big Hello to BDSM world and that's where she is gonna meet Luke..the hardcore sadist Master as they call him, so what will happen between them??.. well you have to read to learn them but honestly it has really good plot Luke doesn't just want a new submissive he just wants something different in his life and he will find it in PJ's eyes. The dialogues and the development of the story are quite interesting and you'll be sucked in the storyline. Definitely recommend it and i'm looking forward to the next installment.
Profile Image for Romance Readers Retreat.
2,346 reviews225 followers
August 4, 2016
PJ's life has imploded within the course of a week. She discovers her fiance is having an affair with her best friend, she hates her boss and is going to be sent on a work trip she wants no part of. On a whim she purchases a lottery ticket and wins! Having nothing to keep her in New Zealand, she takes her winnings, picks up stakes and heads to London where she will hopefully reinvent her life and herself.

She quickly befriends India and thanks to her convincing does something very out of character and winds up at a BDSM club. It does not go the way she hoped it would, but while she is there she catches the eye of Luke. Luke is a Sadist and he has been discontent with his life as of late. When he sees PJ kneeling in front of another Dom he instantly wants her. He bides his time and when PJ returns to the cub a second time he makes his move. She doesn't consider herself a submissive, but Luke sees something in her that convinces him she needs help bringing out her inner submissive and that he is the perfect Master for the job.

I really enjoyed A Little Band of Red. This is the first book written by Lily Freeman and it is the start of a new series (this does end on a cliffhanger and the second book is due out in the fall). It deals with heavy BDSM, in particular Sadism, so if you can't stomach rougher sex with doses of pain this is probably not the book for you. What I especially liked was the fact that PJ was not/did not consider herself a Masochist and Luke was decidedly a Sadist. Watching them work through these differences made for very interesting reading! The BDSM scenes were written well and decidedly hot. I also loved all of the characters. PJ and Luke were imperfect with issues they needed to work through and I was quickly invested in them. India was such a fun larger than life character with lots of opinions (that she rarely kept to herself). I'm also very much in love with Elliot and Mika. Based on the blurb for book two, it sounds like they will have lots of page time and I look forward to getting to know them better and continue PJ and Luke's story.
Profile Image for Talltree.
2,081 reviews25 followers
August 1, 2016
Well-written BDSMy romance between an experienced sadist Dom H and a newbie h. h wins a lottery and moves continents to settle down in London as her old life leaves much to be desired and she wants a fresh start. h makes friends in London who introduce her to a BDSM club where the H sees her and is attracted. The rest of the book is about how they develop a romantic and a sexual equation that works for both of them. I liked the H more than the h and also enjoyed the supporting characters a lot. The sex scenes were also well done. Now waiting on bk2!

4 stars!

provided by the Author through the BDSM group on Goodreads
Profile Image for Sheri.
163 reviews12 followers
June 30, 2016
Review for Little Band of Red



PJ Lester has had a bad week. From finding her finance in bed with her best friend and her stupid boss sending her on a unecessary work trip to China, something has to get better. But luck seemed to on her side when she purchased a lottery ticket and won 25 million. What is a girl to do? What really is holding her down in New Zealand? No boyfriend, best friend or even supportive parents is what she had. So with her winning ticket and suitcase, PJ hops on the next available flight. Where to? London it is. She can always start over, right?



After a few days in London, PJ soon finds a new friend (India) who seems to share her interest in certain books and fantasies. But can she act on them? She has to much going on. Well that is not true, a place stay is her only main concern. That soon comes when PJ finds herself a warehouse half vacant and up for sale and in dire need of restoration. Can she do this? Is this something she really wants to do? But with her new sexy gay neighbors, PJ quickly realizes that if she wanted a new start, this is the perfect thing to do.



Luke Monroe is the quintessential "Hot Shot" lawyer. He is not only gorgeous, built like a Greek God, great job but has a soft spot for his sisters. The only thing he is missing is a lover. Not just a lover but someone who he can grow old with and cherish. Not like the women he is with now, who would want a relationship when you a childhood like he did. Luke's only outset is Bond Street, London's hottest BDSM club. For years Luke reigned as the most dominate master the club had to offer but something is missing. Luke doesn't feel whole anymore and states to the owner that this was his last night at the club. But when he sees a newbie walk into the club, he knows everything is going to change. However when he sees her with another Master, something is Luke sparks to life. She will be his and the little band of red around her wrist lets him know that this woman is his dream girl.



PJ wanted to kill India for getting her into this but something about the club is starting to awake feelings that she was always curious about. Something about his place was hot and when she is taken into a room by a sexy Master, her whole world changes. But when their experience goes from organismic to alarming, she realizes this in not the place for her.



Luke doesn't know what happened. One minute he is spending time with the new girl and the next minute she bolted out the door. But he can't get her out of his mind and decided she is the one. Vowing to stop at nothing, Luke has made it his mission to get her back and right his wrongs.



After some desperate attempts to make her his, Luke and PJ start hanging out and quickly become a item. Can Luke set aside some of this sexual fetishes when he realizes that PJ doesn't share them? Or can he slowly introduce her into his lifestyle? PJ on the other hand would love to not have a totally vanilla relationship but when she heard gossip about the things Luke was into, she just knew she wasn't the one for him. Could she ever be enough? Or will he seek vanilla with her and something different at the club with someone else.



Luke Monroe can and will give Christian Grey and Gideon Cross a run for their money. In the bedroom or in everyday life, he puts off this irresistible aura about him that can make a girl want to get tied up and spanked. I thought at times he was the perfect gentleman who showed his sweet side in taking care of PJ in her time of need. But then there is something that just screams "Sexy Alpha".



PJ was written fantastically. She was the embodiment of the normal everyday girl who always has secret fantasies but just to shy to try it out. She tried her hardest embracing Luke's lifestyle with somewhat open arms and in the process learned something about herself.



This was a great book and I can't wait to see more from this author. I am really interested in India and Master Trey's story. But also Master Adam's as well. His encounter with PJ and the loss just broke my heart. So hopefully he get a HEA. This is also the authors debut book and first one in the series. ARC was received in return for my honest review.





4 Star read.
Profile Image for Annamaria.
702 reviews11 followers
June 22, 2016
Five Amazing Stars! PJ has a boyfriend who cheated on her, with of all people to cheat with he cheats with her best friend. But her luck changes, she wins the lottery and decides to move to London. Once in London she meets and immediately becomes friends with India. India and PJ go out to a BDSM club, and PJ meets Luke a Dom in the club. Luke has some sadistic ways and PJ is new to the world of BDSM. Will PJ be able to adjust to the alternate lifestyle and how will she do with Luke who is a sadist? This is a BDSM book and the author does a fantastic job writing a well written story. I was engaged from the first chapter and couldn't put it down. This is the first book in the series, it ends with a cliffhanger and book two comes out this fall. PJ and Luke have great chemistry! I highly recommend this book and can't wait for Ms.Freeman's next book!

I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. This book was read and reviewed by Annamaria for Alpha Book Club.

Plot: 5
Chemistry: 5+
Pacing: 5
Ending: 5
Character Development: 5
Profile Image for Marcella.
880 reviews32 followers
December 31, 2017
PJ hasn't had much luck in the love department but winning 25 million from the lottery opens up her chance for a new life.
And that new life leads her to London...and to a BDSM club where she meets her maybe HEA Luke.
I say maybe because she also has the attention of another Master...and also her super hot neighbours next door...
..
.
Everyone seems to fall in love with this girl and I just do not see why!? There really isn't anything miraculously special about her. She literally has 5 men panting after her ... yeah right.

Despite that unconvincing tibbit I enjoyed this story. It shows PJ's life and mistakes she makes and learns from etc.
Profile Image for Pop Fizz Clink Read.
154 reviews21 followers
July 6, 2016
If you like reading erotic BDSM stories, this will definitely hit the spot!
Kudos to the author for explicit, hot details on the sex scenes!! OMG!! Thoroughly enjoyed this book & can't wait to see what the next book has in store for the couple, even though it could have ended with this book perfectly.
All at once PJ's life was out of control & with a quick lotto ticket purchase she instantly becomes a millionaire. She is able to walk away from everything & start all over. She moves to London, builds her dream home, meets new friends & trying new adventures to begin a new life. PJ & her new bff, India, try a bondage club where Master Luke sees PJ, the newbie, & realizes this is the change he's been looking for. The chemistry & sex scenes between the two are mind blowing! But Luke is a sadist & will PJ be enough for him since she fears pain? -read by RazzReader with Pop Fizz Clink Read
Profile Image for Metalkarin.
472 reviews22 followers
July 10, 2016
Coaxed into a BDSM-club by her friend PJ didn't get the experience she was expecting nor what she wanted. But then … Submissives don't always get what they want but always what they need.

With this book Lily Freeman created a really nice start of a potential great series. Although the story starts with a bit too good to be true (winning a big price so you can move across the world and start a new life) the heroine is a lovable women and the Dom is devastatingly gorgeous and struggling with demons of his own. The chemistry between them is palpable. PJ isn't aware of her submissive nature, but the way she reacts to the Masters and their dominance speaks volumes.
Besides the relationship between PJ and Master Luke, there is also the friendship with PJs gay neighbors and of course ‘no filter between brain and the mouth’-India. And I like the way actual news (cars with cheating software) is included in the book.

So, there is a lot I liked about A Little Band Of Red, question is why didn't I really really love it? I gave it a lot of thoughts and I realized it's because the book is too short. I liked the characters, I liked the plot and I liked the BDSM-scenes. I just didn't get sucked into the story – like it has happened with other books – because certain mind shifts just occurred to fast. I totally understand PJ has fallen in love with Luke (and v.v.) but I can't get why she's one moment determined there is no future for them and the next moment she promised Luke to stay with him. What's up with neighbor Elliot? And what's bugging Master Trey? Too many questions are left at the end of the book.

So while I can't give a 5-stars review – yet – I can say I’m looking forward to the next episode of this story, because there really is a great 5-stars potential there.

Provided by the Author through the BDSM group on Goodreads.
Profile Image for fantastybooktok87.
201 reviews
August 6, 2016
ARC provided in exchange for a honest review.
This was my first time reading anything from Lily and I can safely say I was not disappointed and I can’t wait to read more from her especially this series.
I devoured this book in hours. It was so good between the BDSM sex scenes, the characters and the developing story lines I was hooked and was left wanting more.
I loved the characters in this book especially the main characters PJ and Luke. I felt I could relate to PJ never really having much luck in life, not feeling loved and feeling betrayed to those she thought were her loved ones. Then there is Luke. OMFG Luke!!! This man should come with a warning he is the ultimate Dom..... move over Christian as Luke is way hotter, more controlling and even more possessive. He left me feeling very hot and wanting more!
Ultimately I loved the writing style of this book Lily done a truly amazing job and I loved the development of the characters and not just the main ones. I absolutely adored Indy and I can’t wait to see what Lily has in store for her and the others also.

ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Elizabeth from Kinky Kittens Book Blog

Review by Elizabeth
Profile Image for Alphas Do It Better Book Blog .
3,681 reviews97 followers
June 17, 2016
This is my first work of Lily Freeman and it was a fun read. Our main girl PJ is in a really crappy place in her life and needs total life reset. Enter--25 million dollar lotto win and a one way ticket to London. She stops, drops and rolls into a new identity and existence and decides to be who she really wants to be. A chance meeting of a new friend and bond over book and fantasies leads her to a decision to broaden her horizons!
Cue Luke Monroe...even his name is steamy… He’s in a bit of a life rut as well and decides after many years in the lifestyle that the insincerity of his subs are getting the best of him. It just doesn’t have the excitement it once had and it’s time to hang up his flogger for a while. That’s until PJ enters his world and turns it upside down.
They have their growing pains as all couples do. Well maybe not all couples have sadistic and unrealized masochistic issues to attend to, but to each their own right? They both have a lot to realize about themselves and after some trial and error, subspace gone awry they come to the conclusion that they are made for one another…. But just because you want someone doesn’t mean you give up your own wants,needs or desires!
No Cliffy ;) and can’t wait to hear more from Ms. Freeman!

Review by Amanda
941 reviews11 followers
July 3, 2016
* ARC in exchange for an honest review*

I've actually been feeling in the mood for a good BDSM book and this one definitely hit the spot. We meet PJ as she's in the airport about to board a flight to escape from her cheating fiancé. Whilst in said airport, she checks her lotto ticket, and voilà shes the proud owner of millions! She escapes to London where she finds her dream home, and she throws herself into life, meeting people & trying new things & renovating her new home.
Enter Luke Monroe. He's a sadist. But he also growing tired of his 'usual' women, and is craving something new & 'fresh'.
PJ meets her new BFF on her travels and together they venture to the latest bondage club. What starts out as an Innocent little red band, leads to a beautiful journey of self discovery, especially from Luke who has shut himself off a lot from relationships & life. As PJ isn't a traditional masochist, Together they discover what it is to trust & love one another & really compromise.
The only thing I would say is that sometimes Luke did seem a bit too pushy on the pain when PJ seemed pretty adamant that she didn't want to. It was all consensual, just seemed a bit blurry at times. They were most definitely hot together though!! I look forward to reading more in this series.
Profile Image for Ann.
1,939 reviews32 followers
June 17, 2016
Scorching hot BDSM! This a firecracker book that allows the reader to understand the intricacies of the world of BDSM. PJ. has had a miserable past with a fiance who cheated with her best friend and uncaring parents. She seeks a new life in London, England. She is introduced into the world of BDSM and meets Luke, a Dom who enjoys his sadistic ways. Can PJ. embrace this scary but erotic lifestyle and not become a victim to her emotions and sense of independence that is what we begin to find out. This book was well written. It certainly educates the reader in the alternate lifestyle. Be aware the story continues in the next book which comes out in September. I enjoyed reading this book. There is definitely an element of suspense and mystery behind Luke and even with minor characters of Mika and Elliott where the reader wonders where the relationship will lead to with all three men.
Profile Image for Timitra.
1,751 reviews10 followers
December 4, 2016
I wasn't sure what to expect going into this book because one, I had not read anything by this author before and two, I hadn't read the blurb but I must say I was pleasantly surprised at just how much I really enjoyed it despite the fact that I found certain things about the heroine a bit iffy. I loved the hero, he was a great mix of protective, possessive and dominant. I'm definitely not forward to reading the next book in this series.



Copy won during Shh...Dispelling the MYTHS about BDSM Giveaway!
Profile Image for She Hearts Books.
2,113 reviews74 followers
July 2, 2016
PJ is starting her life over and winning the lottery takes her to a new place in that life. She most definitely wasn't expecting Luke to be part of that new life. Luke is tired of not having someone special in his life and he is enraptured by her when he sees her in the club. There is such passion between them, but there is a bump in the road they have trouble getting over. I loved that he was willing to fight for her heart and so enjoyed their story.

I give A Little Bit of Red 5 hearts!
Profile Image for Janie.
259 reviews
July 20, 2016
4.5 panty-melting stars!! Hot, very hot but plenty of story and character development too. Fantastic first book and I can't wait for the next one.

*copy kindly gifted by author*
Profile Image for Cindy.
900 reviews27 followers
February 6, 2017
**I was given a copy of A little Band of Red from Quill & Ink reviews in exchange for a honest review.**

Polly Jayne (PJ) Lester’s life was falling apart. She had a cheating fiancée and best friend, and an a** for a boss. Plus her parents who showed their disdain for their daughter. She was stuck or so she thought, until she won a huge lottery. That changes everything for PJ. PJ decides to abandon her old life, to start over. She moves from NZ to London. While their PJ finds her dream home and a man she never knew she needed. In a bondage club of all places. PJ meets Luke.

Luke Monroe is a Master. But is losing his way. He's so tired of playing a role that has left him emotionally void and completely alone. All he's has known his adult life is sadism and control. But.... on the night Luke decides he will walk away from the BDSM world, he sees PJ, in the club. And can't explain the pull to this sub. He's never felt anything like this before. He knows without doubt that PJ is the one woman that could change everything for him.

Master Luke is a fantasy come true for PJ, dominant, sexy, charismatic and passionate. Yet she's shattered when she over hears women discussing Luke's a sadist, known for his cold-hearted brutality.

The question is, how much should love hurt?

Wow! This is Lily Freeman's first novel and is the first part of The Red Series trilogy. I am just in awe at the job she's done. Her characters easily came to life for me. I loved reading about PJ and her struggles to discover her true self. And watching how dedicated Luke is to PJ. The bond between Master/sub is the ultimate. Surrendering yourself completely to another person. And Lily shows us this with PJ.

Oh my! The scorching hot sex scenes were very intense. And show the true relationship of Master/sub. Submitting to a Man completely. But not only that. You can see that PJ and Luke also have a very deep mental and physical connection.

I am now a fan of Lily's writing style. She gave us a great story line that sucked me in from the beginning. I highly recommend this series to anyone and everyone who enjoys BDSM themed books.
Profile Image for Julie Barrett.
448 reviews9 followers
June 27, 2016
A Little Band of Red is the first book in a new series - and wow what a start this was! I can't wait for the second book to see what happens next. The main characters have so much depth to them, and I really felt like I knew them both. I am just as intrigued by some of the supporting characters and I'd definitely like to read more about them. This is the first book I've read by this author and I am very impressed. Her writing style is easy to read, the story flows well and the world and characters that she's created are absolutely fascinating.

Just when she really needed it PJ had a life changing lottery, so she's flown to the other side of the world for a fresh start. A new friend introduces her to the world of BDSM and PJ somewhat reluctantly accompanies her to a club. There she meets Master Luke who shows her the pleasure to be had by submitting. But when she hears about Master Luke's terrifying reputation as a brutal sadist, PJ flees. Luke wants something more from life, and is convinced that PJ is the woman he can built a future with. But can they really have a future together when their needs are so different?

Luke is a complicated, unique character who I loved reading about. His chemistry with PJ is red hot and I think they make a great couple despite of (and maybe because of) their differences. The star of the show for me was the little stray dog who stole PJ's heart - he totally stole mine too. I'm also very intrigued by PJ's neighbours and her relationship with them - I definitely want to find out more about this sexy couple in the next book. A Little Band of Red is a real roller coaster ride that kept my attention from start to finish. Five Stars!


I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
Profile Image for Heart5.
766 reviews
July 28, 2016
My initial take on this story was that it was another experienced Dom, meets new submissive, and suddenly it’s insta-love, with a little obsession on top. Once I got a little further in, I realized this story goes so much deeper. PJ has fled her life in New Zealand for a fresh start in London. A 25 million dollar lottery ticket makes the transition just a little bit easier. She purchases an old warehouse and begins the process of making it her home. Luke is an experienced Dom, lawyer, and well known sadist. He has grown tired of the clubs and the steady stream of submissives vying for his attention. Luke sees PJ in one of the local clubs and realizes she may be just what he needs to get him out of his rut.

I loved all the characters the author managed to create for this story. Although I really like the main characters, it was the supporting characters that really brought it to life. From India, the crazy friend, to Mika and Elliott, PJs gay neighbors, even PJs stray dog Vader added to the story. The combination of characters and the setting on the banks of the Thames somehow gave it a quaint, hometown kind of feel, despite being set in a large city.

The sex between PJ and Luke was off the charts hot. The BDSM aspects were very descriptive, but written in a way that didn’t leave me overwhelmed by the details. This is a book that, given enough time, I could easily have devoured in one setting…with you know, one brief pause to add chocolate sauce to my shopping list. I am really looking forward to continuing on with this series.

I received a copy of this book from the author through the BDSM group on Goodreads.

Profile Image for A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog.
2,816 reviews171 followers
June 19, 2016
I've never read anything by this author so thought I'd give it a go. I'm glad I did, because I really liked it! The writing was quite descriptive, and the characters were very strong. I did find it a little hard to get into at first; it was a bit of a slow build up, but once I got into the book, I found the flow to be steady.
PJ's life takes a turn for the better when at the airport for a business trip she wins the lottery. She makes a life changing decision to up and leave the country and ends up in England. Deciding to build her own home in old warehouse she pops into the local pub where the landlord introduces her to Indy and this is where the story starts.
Master Luke is a sadist but is fed up with all the women at his "Club" and decides he wants out but the owner asks him to stay one more evening to help out with the newbies. He reluctantly agrees…what harm can one more night do.....
PJ gets talked into joining the new BDSM club with Indy, that's where she meets Luke but can she be the submissive he wants her to become as she's just a normal girl being dragged into this new world. The relationship grows to something more than they both can commit to, which causes problems along the way, especially when her neighbours Mika and Elliott (gay beautiful couple) know more of Luke's past than she does.
Although it's been a while since I've read a BDSM book I enjoyed, I only gave it four because it left on a bit of a cliffhanger with book 2 out in September…..and I hate waiting!!
Profile Image for The Smutbrarians.
2,239 reviews1,747 followers
June 27, 2016
Value 4
Panty Scorching 5
Angst 3
Storyline 4
Tissue 0
Overall Rating 4
Kindle eARC
Reviewed by Lindsey

Wowza. This was one super intense read. I'm in a major BDSM mood and this one just seemed to hit the spot for me. This is the first book in a series and I can't wait for the next one. I was left wondering if the next book would be about Luke and PJ or if it would be about other characters. They all play a vital role in this story.

Luke is a freakin sadist. Like no joke! But I've never read one like him before. It was almost insta-love.... for him. He was growing bored with subs and all the BS. He wanted real. He wanted to settle with the one. Only sometimes the pas rears it's ugly head and messes things up. Especially for Luke. Though hes a kinky fucker he's also super sweet and romantic. Swoon worthy!

JP is a very gullible little thing. But I like her. She sees the real in people. Her self loathing issues just keep her from seeing the real in herself. She's gorgeous inside and out only she doesn't believe it. Her past isn't a pretty one either and when she finally gets her happy it gets turned upside down.

I enjoyed this book very much. The scenes were amazingly hot and detailed. As I said before I can't wait for the second book. I want to know more about the other characters and their relationships. They were super great to read in the book. A little BDSM read never hurt anyone! ;) give this one a try.
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