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A dark erotic standalone that may have triggers amid the Broken Bonds series.
Features Alexis and Chase from With Ties that Bind.



Here at Lark and Gannet, you’ll work directly under the partners, being groomed by the most powerful, all-male partnership to handle an exclusive clientele. While within The Firm, your level of training goes deeper, requiring more…varied tasks, which you’re obligated to perform to your Master’s pleasing.

Are you nervous? You should be. Chase Larkin has chosen you to be his submissive.

Alexis Wilde, will you submit?

All I wanted was to save my brother. Something my parents failed to do—and then, I failed him also. As an introvert, getting ahead in the cutthroat law firm required a level of ego stroking I didn’t posses, and that meant my talents were overlooked. Until Chase Larkin noticed me.

My erotic fantasy come to life, Chase is all powerful, all man, all dominant. In one night, he changed my life irrevocably. Now I’m ruined, destined to crave him forever. His scent. His taste. His brutal touch…

If I never followed him to his office that night, then none of this would’ve happened. A serial rapist on the prowl. Our lives in jeopardy. And only a moment—one pivotal moment—to decide our fate. His life or mine.

*This is a full length, standalone dark romance with an antihero that may trigger uncomfortable feelings for the reader. The court proceedings are centered around a rape case. Although there is no onscreen rape in this book, there are instances of rough sex and violent debasement for the main character.

264 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 21, 2016

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Trisha Wolfe

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USA Today bestselling romantic thriller author. From an early age, Trisha Wolfe dreamed up fictional worlds and characters and was accused of talking to herself. Today, she lives in South Carolina with her family and writes full time, using her fictional worlds as an excuse to continue talking to herself.



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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
Profile Image for warhawke.
1,549 reviews2,236 followers
July 3, 2016
Genre: Dark Erotic Romance/Suspense
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:




Chase Larkin was a hotshot lawyer and the founding partner of Lark & Gannet law firm. While they worked hard during the day, they also played hard after hours. The firm was a secondary business to The Firm which catered to powerful people with certain proclivities. But being the top dog put Chase under firing range of power hungry individuals.

Alexis Wilde was the timid intern at the company. After a year of working under the shadows, she finally got the guts to apply for higher position. Unbeknownst to her, she wasn't as invisible as she thought and her new position might be more than she bargained for.



The blurb first attracted me with the promise of kinky darkness. Then the possibility of "uncomfortable situation" sold it even more. However, it didn't actually turned out the way I expected.

"I’ll give you everything you ask of me, but I will always demand your submission. There will always be a balance of pleasure and pain—it’s just who I am.”


Chase was a degrader, so be aware that some of his actions might not go well to some people. He might seemed powerful on the outside, but he had major vulnerability on the inside. I like this contradiction, but I wish it merged better.



I am not exactly a fan of Alexis. I can accept meek personality but for someone who didn't know anything about submission, she was too accepting and too willing. There wasn't much inner struggle other than some fleeting thoughts of it.

I love the idea of a law firm with a dark side and how there's two sides of the business that not everyone was privy about. I like how the element of suspense added another layer to the story.

I accused him of being sick…of getting some twisted fix…but it’s me who desires to be forced into submission—me who called out to him. Pleading to be dominated.


However, I do have a major problem with the book - the connectivity - things just didn't clicked together. For one, the connection between Chase and Alexis. Things happened way too fast with her being his submissive without any discussion considering she's absolutely clueless. Then it's The Firm. With all the mentions of its debauchery, there was only one brief (sex) scene at the location that barely established its supposed reputation.

Her moan verges on a scream, sending a thrill racing through me, my muscles taut as I hammer her pussy, my mercy long gone.


Speaking of sex scenes, there were plenty to keep readers satisfied. Personally, even with all the fuckery, I wish they were more kinky. There were rough sex and toys, but a little bit more wouldn't hurt. Much. lol!

I tried hard to feel more for the book but it just didn't work as well as I wanted it to be for me. But it doesn't mean it won't work for everyone else. So if you're looking for a dark kinky book, this one surely qualifies.


For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:


Profile Image for Olga therebelreader.
894 reviews767 followers
June 2, 2016
4.5 stars
Compelling story with just the right mixture of bdsm with the most erotic sex scenes!
As a Dom, Chase knows Alexis would make the perfect submissive. From the very first moment he laid eyes on her, he'd wanted her. Although Alexis has never tried bdsm, the idea of submitting to Chase is darkly arousing. Chase has his chance to prove to her that the role of his submissive was one she was born to play.
I absolutely loved it. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Profile Image for Nazanin.
1,282 reviews837 followers
lost-interested
September 24, 2017
The writing didn't intrigue me! Maybe another time!
Profile Image for Tanja ~ KT Book Reviews .
1,566 reviews211 followers
May 23, 2016
Are you a fan of dark and dirty kinky f*ckery? Like a Dom that holds nothing back? How about a law firm that not only dominates the court room, but holds its own kind of court after hours? Put all this together and you have the seductive intriguing BDSM called Derision.

Heavy on the debasement and light on the vanilla, Derision will show a Dom being brought to his knees by an undiscovered natural submissive. Fans of the type of read will be a slave to it. Fans of author Trisha Wolfe may find some sweet treats from a previous series as well.

Not for the faint of heart, but perfect for the lusty reader who wants a little pain with their pleasure. This is darker and bit more crazed than what I have read from this author before. I like it when an author explores deeper into their written worlds and comes out triumphant.

*ARC provided by author :D



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Profile Image for  Linathebookaddict  .
1,565 reviews407 followers
May 23, 2016
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ARC Kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.

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Title: Derision
Author: Trisha Wolfe
Series or Standalone: Standalone
Category: BDSM, Erotic Romance
POV: Dual
Characters: 4.5
Plot: 5
Scorching Level: 5
HEA: Not telling

It's been a while since I've read and actually enjoyed a BDSM book. This surpassed every expectation I had!
Plot? Unique.
Characters? Intriguing.
Emotions? Intense
Alexis Wilde has worked as an intern paralegal in Lark & Gannet for one year. She is an introvert. She is polite, shy but great at her job. Her entire life will take an unexpected turn when she sends in an application for a higher position, one that will make her career fly.
Chase Larkin is one of the partners at the law firm. He oversees everything, he is the king of the business. He has watched Alexis from the first moment. Her humility has attracted her to him from the start, but he has stayed away. Still, he has managed to control every aspect of her business life all the same.
Alexis has always been fascinated by Mr. Larkin's silent detachment and superiority. It takes one company party to change everything.
Alexis' submissive nature clashes with Chase's dominant one and what do we have? The recipe for disaster and heartache.
Chase is a man who focuses on his job, he has never taken on a submissive before; Alexis is like a challenge to him.

"The humility you endure, as if it's your own brand of sin, is an erotic aphrodisiac to my monster."
~Chase


The company's partners and Larkin have made their business (The Firm) into a playground for their sensual desires and only the ones trully deserving are actually granted a position in the law firm. When Chase sees that his claim on Alexis is threatened by his other partners, he must make a decision; claim her or fire her.
He presents Alexis with the same ultimatum. What will she choose?
The writing is fantastic! The dialogues and settings are very intense and I found mysef sucked into this world of business and pleasure. I am very curious to see how far Chase will push Alexis.
Our heroine may be submissive by nature but she is very strong and brave. I love her. She is hiding a big emotional wound, but can Chase be the man who will love her despite it?
Chase is the ultimate Dom, maybe even a littler meaner than your usual dominant, but there lies his charm. His new relationship with Alexis is something he has never experienced before, but he risks everything to be with her.

"I'm going to give you everything you begged of me."
~Chase



This man could ravage me body and mind. He could tear me down, and I'd beg him to do it again.

There was great strength in their push and pull relationship and I was very excited to see their personalities change the more time they spent together. They evolve and I loved taking this journey with them. There is a lot of spice in the book, but there is also emotion. Great writing!
I loved it and I highly recommend it!

5 Stars!

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Profile Image for K. Webster.
Author 226 books14.8k followers
May 29, 2016
It's no secret that I'm a super fan of Trisha Wolfe. Her writing is intense, captivating, and she always delivers a tricky, mysterious story line. Derision was all of that and more. From page one, I was dragged right into her book and made an active player. When the heroine swooned, I swooned. When the hero felt rage, I was angry. When their chemistry exploded, I was incinerated.

"You're under my skin. And the only answer is to deliver a brutal f****ng."

This book totally got under my skin. It was insanely hot and delicious. I devoured each page quicker than the last in an effort to consume every last literary drop like the greedy reader I am, until I was at the end parched and thirsty for more. I enjoyed trying to figure out the angles and plot while Wolfe pulled me deeper into her tangled web.

From page one, the connection and sizzling bond between the two main characters was palpable.

"The moment he touched me, I changed. There was no impact on him; I absorbed the shock."

Chase had his rules and his order. He wanted to possess and own sweet, submissive Alexis. But with Alexis, suddenly his rules weren't so clear cut and defined anymore. Suddenly, Chase had no idea who he was anymore except what he needed to be for...her. And that was all that truly mattered anymore. Not his games. Not his firm. Not his colleagues. Not him. Just her. Always her.

"I'll rip out my beating heart and hand it to her if she says the word."
"You're perfect--perfect for me and what I need. You opened a vein and my pain bled out, freeing me. I just want us to...belong to each other."

This love story was intense, raw, and sexy as hell. I recommend it highly to anyone who enjoys an epic love story with a level of heat that'll leave you scorching and on fire!
Profile Image for Picky_Book_B1tch.
625 reviews57 followers
May 25, 2016
I just finished this story and I can't wipe the smile from my face. Trisha, once again, managed to give me so much more than I ever expected! I am giddy with excitement and ready to dive back in for more!

Full Review:

Welcome to the Firm, where a dangerous and erotic game of chess is being played. Pieces are being strategically placed and pawns are being ruthlessly sacrificed, in order to discover who the true Master of the Game will be. This story is all about strength, submission and control-- who wants it, who has it, and who doesn’t. The question is where will everyone end up when the last move is played?
In true Wolfe form, things are not as they first appear. Derision is definitely very hot and erotic, and will even push a few boundaries for some. This I totally expected but I had no idea there would be so much more at play. I was ecstatic to discover a bit of mystery and suspense woven into Chase and Alexis’ story. But what really had me grinning ear to ear, was the discovery of a few winks and nods to old friends from a prior series. Gah! I loved it. It had all the feels, thrills and shocks I have come to expect from Trisha’s books.
Yes, readers, this is a dark erotic, so if explicit sex and dark themes make you squeamish or give you nightmares, you may want to skip this one. On the other hand, if you don’t mind a bit of the taboo with your romance (or SEX) and a story line with grit and substance, get clicking. You are gonna love this one!
Profile Image for Aղցela W..
4,518 reviews319 followers
July 13, 2016
Spoiler Ahead This was a good dark erotic read that I liked. Alexis is a paralegal at Lark and Gannet. She's hardworking, quiet and keeps to herself. A true submissive. She has worked at the firm for a year now and other than performing her job she hasn't done anything else with anyone at the firm although she has kept her eye on Chase Larkin. Chase likes rules and order. He keeps all things in his life structured. So despite the fact that Alexis is being groomed for him on his order he's not ready for the chaos she will bring into his life. However a power play among the partners forces the issue. This was a really good book and there was a lot going on in this firm the men where Dom's or Master's and the intern's promoted are subs. I liked both of these character's they had a lot of chemistry. Alexis is a women who puts her whole trust into someone and she does so without questions even though Alexis has her reasons to be cautious and guarded especially around someone dark and powerful like Chase. As for Chase, he is completely taken by Alexis she is a natural submissive and she easily succumbs to his demands without question. This was my first time reading this author. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading more of her work.
Profile Image for Fatima.
885 reviews352 followers
May 27, 2016
3.5 stars ! Interesting story but kinda felt not explored to its full potential .
Profile Image for April Symes.
5,013 reviews447 followers
July 28, 2017
The writing in this story is super intense, and definitely written to captivate the reader. There is a mystery within a suspense storyline going on and also what’s happening thru the book is compelling with some of the most steamy, sexy, erotic sex scenes I’ve read. You have a law firm that not only dominates in court but holds a special type of court back in their office. It is one sexy and kinky Dominant/sub story that held me in its spellbinding grip until the very end.
Chase had his rules and his order. And within his rules and order, he wanted to possess and own sweet and innocent submissive Alexis. Even though he had in the past held the rules firm for others, but with Alexis he is suddenly finding those rules and lines are blurred and not so clear cut anymore. Chase had no idea who he needed to be anymore except when it comes to Alexis, he knew he needed he needed to be the man … for her.
This book has many dark twists and turns, and this book will show a Dom being brought to his knees by a natural submissive who had no clue she was one. Also this is darker and bit more frenzied than what I have come expect from this author based on her previous books but that is not a bad thing at all. This story explores the deeper side of natural and looks to what happens- the dark side vs the light and who comes out on top. I enjoyed this story and so wish I had a Chase in my life.


My Rating: 4.9 stars *****
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
Profile Image for Romance Readers Retreat.
2,346 reviews225 followers
May 25, 2016
I was instantly intrigued by Derision when I first heard about it.  I love a good dark read and am a huge fan of erotic romances with elements of BDSM so went into the story expecting a lot.  As I began to read, I realized there was even more to this story than I initially was expecting. It was a dark, complicated and intense read with plenty of twists and turns to keep my constantly engaged and on the edge of my seat.

Alexis works at Lark and Gannet, a law firm that is not as it appears on the surface.   She is an introvert and her life is made up of working and trying to locate her missing brother.  When she decides to try for a promotion, she discovers moving up through the ranks of this law firm requires some very unorthodox ‘extras.’  During the day you will be working on high profile cases, but at night, you must submit to the men of the firm.  Alexis ends up working under (literally and figuratively) Chase, one of the founding members of the firm.  He is dominant, ruthless and proves to be utterly compelling for both Trisha and the reader.

I wasn’t entirely sold on Alexis as first.  She is extremely shy and came off a bit weak as the story began.  I liked her more and more as the story progressed.  Chase and Alexis played so well off each other and really helped each other grow.  Before Alexis, I doubt anyone would call Chase tender or caring but she definitely brought that out in him.  He helped her find her own strength and backbone through her submission to him. 

I really enjoyed this story.  It was a difficult read at times as Wolfe was not afraid to take the characters to dark and twisted places. I loved her writing style and was engaged from page one.  The plot was complicated and multilayered with lots of twists and turns.  I highly recommend this story to people who love dark twisty erotic reads.
Profile Image for K.L. Kreig.
Author 24 books2,595 followers
June 2, 2016
Deliciously wicked. Delightfully sinful. A whole lot of f@cking hot.

It's no secret I crush on this author. BIG. TIME. She's unbelievably talented. Unnervingly twisted sometimes, but the stories she crafts best are intoxicatingly dark and depraved...to the point you wonder why the hell you are enjoying reading it so much if it makes you so damn uncomfortable! And at times this book did make me uncomfortable. But let me explain...

Meet the Dom, Chase, and his submissive, Alexis. They work together. Tsk tsk. ;) Actually, he's a partner at the law firm she's interning. But the firm is more than it appears and we fall down the rabbit hole of inequity pretty darn fast as Alexis is caught in the web Chase has been weaving for quite some time. So when I say this book made me uncomfortable...it was just all me. I'm not submissive. I can't wrap my head around how a character could literally subjugate herself like Alexis did to another. But yet I come back time and again for these type of books and I LOVE THEM! Especially Ms. Wolfe's spin on them, because she does it oh so damn well. And mixed in with a love story that will melt the very screen of your kindle is intrigue and suspense. It's a gold mine of all the things I love in a book. It kept my pages turning and my sex life, well.... that was on fire, too.

I think Ms. Wolfe just scratched the surface with this story. It ended on a HEA, yes, but it's going places. And I intend to hang on for the ride.
Profile Image for Jos.
1,831 reviews140 followers
Read
September 13, 2016
No rating:(

To be fair I did not rate this book because for me I knew going in that this type of genre D/S isn't really my cup of tea but hey I am always willing to try it now and then but unfortunately I just couldn't connect with the characters on an emotional level. The sex was honestly pretty good but not enough to engage and invest me in their story if that makes sense.

I felt that the start of the book held such promise but the execution of it was where I got lost. It fell flat for me as soon as the two got together and that was pretty early on. No build-up, no push and pull, no angst, no drama really until the end but by then I was already emotionally disconnected.

This may not have been a hit with me BUT some of you who like a D/S, and let me say it was a very mild and tame D/S relationship if even that which is something that does interest me, well you may enjoy this story. It's too bad really because like I said it was a very mild D/S relationship and that I do like BUT the execution of it was flat and emotionless for me personally.
Profile Image for sara j.
201 reviews48 followers
May 21, 2017
not my cup of tea....

so humiliation going on for my liking.....I gave up at 31%.....
Profile Image for ✵Damjana✵.
428 reviews72 followers
September 25, 2017
2.5 stars!
First 50% was ok, second part too slow and developed into criminal twisted story with total nonsense.
I couldn't get used to writing style, I struggled with it through whole book.
Profile Image for Naomi.
1,438 reviews56 followers
June 1, 2016
Original Review @ Naomi’s Reading Palace

Derision is classified as an erotic read, but there is more to it than just the sex scenes. There was the growing relationship between the Dominant and the submissive, the introduction of an erotic club called The Firm, and a secondary storyline tied into the book that was intense and added an element of suspense!

Alexis worked hard through her first year at Lark and Gannet, and had decided that it was time to apply for the supervisor’s position. What she didn’t realise were the conditions that came with the promotion, that would change her life as she knew it. She’s had a difficult life, and those elements from her past were revealed along the way.

Chase was my favourite character; I loved how forward he was with Alexis and didn’t sugar-coat anything that he wanted from her. He put Alexis through some difficult moments, but would protect her with everything that he had. Alexis was feisty at times, but soon understood her role in Chase’s world. I liked how she put some of her own demands into the mix, which Chase wouldn’t usually do. When these two were together, they were hot! There was nothing vanilla about this couple and each scene tied them closer together!

For those who have read some of Trisha’s recent work, you will get some pleasant surprises! One, I managed to pick up, but then I was informed of some others… so exciting to see some crossover’s and what will come in future books. However, if you haven’t read any of her other books it will not affect you in the slightest!

I enjoyed every moment of reading Derision and I think Trisha did a remarkable job with her first erotic novel. She took me into the edges of the BDSM world, and left me wanting more. The relationship between the Dominant and the submissive was established, and I could see their relationship becoming stronger the longer they were together. It was a fabulous erotic suspense and I am excited to see what she will bring us next!
Profile Image for Debra Johnson.
11k reviews179 followers
June 28, 2025
Never Fails

4.5

This one was very different from the other books in this series. But it makes sense that it would be based more on BDSM and erotica considering who the mc's are and what we know about them from previous books.
This went to the beginning of their relationship and gave us the deets we've wanted about them.
I really enjoyed it.
And we even got to the part where everything went down about the serial killer and So Much More.
While there were a couple of areas that felt a bit to slow for me most of this was fantastic.
Trisha Wolfe Never Fails for Dark And Dirty with a side of Creepy.
Profile Image for Amy .
3,120 reviews
May 24, 2016
"The moment he touched me, I changed. There was no impact on him; I absorbed the shock. I'm also under no delusion that I am anything more to him than what he desires for me to be. I am his object of derision. I am his. A belonging."

"You're perfect--perfect for me and what I need. You opened a view and my pain bled out, freeing me. I just want us to...belong to each other."

What can I say about Derision?? Well, Trisha Wolfe has once again knocked my socks off. I mean is there anything that she can not write?? With each book, I fall more in love with Trisha's writing style and I have to say, Derision might just be my favorite book by her to date. Derision is dark. It will push your limits. And it is sexy as hell.

Derision is fast paced and utterly captivating. From the moment you pick up this book, you will be sucked in. You will not be able to put this book down. Alexis and Chase's story will grab on to you and take you on one crazy, dark and intense ride. I loved Alexis. She was such a refreshing character. Yes, she was submissive, but she was also a very strong character. She pushed and challenged Chase when needed and matched him in every way. And Chase....What's not to love. He is dominate. He is sexy. He is possessive. He is determined and 100% and I mean 100% alpha male. He is a man that knows what he wants and is not afraid to go after it. And I just loved how he was with Alexis. Yes, he pushed her out of her comfort zone, but he was just what she needed.

Now, I will warn you, this book is dark. The subject matter is intense at times, but if you are a lover of dark reads, than this book will be right up your ally.

Gosh, there is just so much I want to say about this book, but I can't because I don't want to spoil it. Here's what I can tell you: This book is hot. Some of the scenes are so scorching that you may need a fan to cool yourself down. Alexis and Chase's story is more romance based....What I mean by this is that there is romance and lots of sexy good times. But, there is also mystery and intrigue. And that mystery and intrigue will keep you guessing right until the very end.

There is not much else that I can say about Derision, other than I loved it. I loved everything about this book from start to finish. I couldn't get enough of Alexis and Chase's story. The only complaint that I have, is that the story is over!!! I hope that you will take a chance on Derision and fall in love with Chase and Alexis just as I have! I can't wait to see what crazy ride Trisha Wolfe has in store for me next!

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Melissa Mendoza.
2,598 reviews54 followers
May 29, 2016
Title: Derision
Author: Trisha Wolfe
Release Date: May 21, 2016
Genre(s): Dark Erotica
Page Count: 200
Heat Level: 5 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:

Here at Lark and Gannet, you’ll work directly under the partners, being groomed by the most powerful, all-male partnership to handle an exclusive clientele. While within The Firm, your level of training goes deeper, requiring more…varied tasks, which you’re obligated to perform to your Master’s pleasing.

Are you nervous? You should be. Chase Larkin has chosen you to be his submissive.

Alexis Wilde, will you submit?

All I wanted was to save my brother. Something my parents failed to do—and then, I failed him also. As an introvert, getting ahead in the cutthroat law firm required a level of ego stroking I didn’t posses, and that meant my talents were overlooked. Until Chase Larkin noticed me.

My erotic fantasy come to life, Chase is all powerful, all man, all dominant. In one night, he changed my life irrevocably. Now I’m ruined, destined to crave him forever. His scent. His taste. His brutal touch…

If I never followed him to his office that night, then none of this would’ve happened. A stalker on the prowl. Our lives in jeopardy. And only a moment—one pivotal moment—to decide our fate. His life or mine.


Review:
“I’m bringing her into my world, where my protection-my possession of her-is most required. I hold her closer, staking my claim so there is no question who she belongs to.”

5 dark stars!! I love a great dark book and this one exceeded all my expectations!

This book is disturbingly dark and there’s no heroes, no victors, so don’t expect that from this book! I will leave my review vague, but say that you better have a strong heart and not be offended easily because this book will hit you in the gut!! I will also say that while I should hate Chase, I fell hard for that dark and dirty man and I’m not ashamed to say it!! Stop reading my review and go buy the book and read it!

me alphabookclub
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club description
579 reviews17 followers
May 23, 2016
Holy. Mother. Trucker.

Derision is Trisha Wolfe on a whole new level. The luxurious sex scenes are there. The hint of suspense is there, lingering in the background, constantly giving me an eye twitch.

Okay, so this is erotica. Like erotic erotica. I'm not even going to go into that aspect other than to say the woman nailed it.

So what on earth am I going to say? Plenty. And it's almost singularly involving Alexis. While Chase is fantastic in his own right, Alexis was my driving force. The entire - ENTIRE - book I needed to get the answer to one question ... Why? Why did this woman want this? I found myself re-reading whole pages, but not because the writing was unclear. NO! Never that! It was because I tend to read only retain 75% of what's going on. I freaking STUDIED this book. I looked for small clues, tiny pieces that would allow my to truly understand someone so different from myself. And it's all there. Every bit of that understanding is spread through the pages and revealed beautifully. I wanted to own every one of those words. Etch them into my brain so I could, without a doubt, squeeze every morsel from the story.

I have read a number of books involving characters that are supposed to be like Alexis, and many times "that girl" falls short of what I need, whether it be relatablity, connection, or understanding. Since I have never been in a situation like this, it makes relating to the character difficult (but no impossible). I absolutely felt connected to her, in a protective big-sister way (which says a lot because I'm a whiny, self-obsessed baby of the family). But the understanding of her motivations ... that's the kicker. If I can get that, I'm golden. Let's clear the air - I got that with Derision.

By the time I finished I gained something amazing. A glimpse into the soul of a person that I would never meet (they sorta don't exist so.....) and would probably never be able to look at her and say "Oh, I hear that, I feel the same way." But I could appreciate her thoughts, her needs. I respected her in ways I didn't expect to.

Now, oddly enough, Chase as easier for me. While I am not organized or anal enough to think like him, I am a controlling freak that need certain aspects of my life to be a certain way. Connecting with Chase was almost second nature. I got him. And for a dude in his position, I (surprisingly) nodded my head in agreement with almost every freaking thing he did. He's a picky dude, but at his core, he is kind, loving, honest, and trustworthy.
Profile Image for Just a person .
994 reviews288 followers
June 30, 2016
Okay, so I know that I am usually an YA blog and mostly read those types of books, so I totally understand if this isn't for some of my readers. But I adore Trisha Wolfe, and she has helped me branch out into other genres. I know that I can count on characters that I like and a hot romance, even if the descriptions of the sex is ramped up to the max in this and in her Visions of Red series, that was preparation for the hotness and intensity of the BDSM in this one.

Derision is told in alternating perspectives of Chase and Alexis. He is the top guy in the firm and she was an intern and submits her application to be advanced. But the firm isn't just about law, it is about men who are doms/masters, and the ones who are promoted are submissives. They have all been eyeing Alexis but they weren't sure if she was the best candidate. But Chase longed for her and finally claimed her when others were showing interest as well.

Alexis has to decide if she will accept him as her master, and in doing so, she has to face a lot of things about herself. Can she be dominated? Is her shame and self-doubt all because she was missing this from her life? Can she learn to trust again? Chase tries to ease her into it, but he doesn't control his lust as much and rushes a few things.

But it was more than sex, everything just brought them closer together. Alexis figuring out how to still be herself, but to fall into the role of submitting and letting Chase make the decisions about what is best for her. Chase doesn't apologize for who he is and what he wants, and he always gave Alexis an out if she ever decided it was too much. He protected her, and took his responsibility seriously.

Their love and lust plays out pretty quickly. They both have been in a bit of dry spell, and they give in to their attraction and play out fantasies as they are figuring out their details and how their bdsm life will be for them.


Bottom Line: Intense and hot-- very, very hot.
Profile Image for Amy.
693 reviews
May 27, 2016
Derision
Trisha Wolfe
3.5 stars

This is a really dark read so if you have triggers you might need to steer clear. Derision has a little of everything in it and its sometimes a rough ride to get through it. There is major sexy times in it and of course we all love that but in my world and what I love to read it’s a little overkill. I really couldn’t wrap my head around the preface of a law firm as powerful as this one by night turned into something else.

Alexis is working as an intern at the firm and wanting to work her way up to a paralegal position. She needs to be successful to help her brother with his needs medically. Alexis is the only family he has left and you would think he would want to stick around but he is gone. She is determined to find him and will do anything to get him the help he needs.

Chase sees something in Alex but needs to make sure she will serve her purpose. If she cant become a good sub then what -- he is consumed with her. Keeping to herself, Chase sees someone that needs to find her way. He wants her and he will have her and make her want to be his.

I wanted to love the book but for me it was just ok. I have a hard time with the written in degrading of the BDSM style. I love a strong woman and there is no reason why a sub cant be written as such. I understand why Alex was written the way she was as it was the preface of the story and Chase helping her but it wasn’t for me. However if you like this type of read click it up!

Thank you for the ARC!
Profile Image for Ashley.
Author 3 books42 followers
May 24, 2016
Full review to come after I read it again!

UPDATE:

This book is not for the faint of heart. But if you've got a bit of a dark and twisty side, like I do, you will LOVE this book. And if you've read and enjoyed the With Visions of Red series, and/or With Ties that Bind, this one dives even deeper into the dark and twisty arena. This story is full of suspense, with twist and turns you won't see coming. Once I started, I could stop! I read it in one sitting. And then I read it again, because I couldn't get enough!

Although it's hard to label the main characters as hero and heroine in some ways, they really are just that. Alexis may be shy, introverted...but she's also a survivor. Not only has she suffered great losses in her life, and watched her brother destroy his own, but the crimes that have been/are committed against her could have destroyed her, but when it comes right down to it, she refuses to let it.

Chase Larkin...Chase, Chase, Chase. What can I say about the man behind the power suit? I won't say he has a heart of gold, because that would be a lie. But he does have a heart. It may only come out to play for one person, but when it does...watch out world.

All that's left to say, is that I wish there were more!
443 reviews
January 4, 2018
This was rather disappointing. I needed more character and relationship development. I'm sorry but only a psycho would agree to be a submissive to her boss who she barely knows at a Xmas party after they have sex in his office. Very weird and unrealistic. Oh, and they are in love like a week later. PALEEESE!
219 reviews
May 23, 2021
I was disgusted by the ethics of the lawyers in the book.
Profile Image for Delia Binder.
252 reviews23 followers
November 27, 2017
I'm not really into non-con or dub-con stories, so if you are you might like this book better than I did.

In the Prologue, we see Alexis, the heroine, bound, gagged and (we later discover) raped by Some Asshole, which has left her feeling constantly insecure about her place in the world, while at the same time feeling the need to submit sexually to The Right Man.


How Many Dom GQ Models Do YOU Know...?

She ends up as a paralegal at a law firm where all the Partners are Male Doms, and apparently all the women are subbes - even the Very Strict Office Manager Julie is a subbe to the men in the firm, though she's Dominant to the other women there!


Just Like Elvira, Mistress of the Night...

If this had been a romp about a Law Firm where kinky sex rules the day, I might have enjoyed it - instead, it's a conspiracy thriller about a group of Very Alpha Males butting heads over trivialities while choosing the female employees which they want to submit to them. The Senior Partner/Head Alpha is Chase Larkin, who decides to make Alexis his personal subbe because she's...special...

Indeed, every time we get a chapter from Chase's PoV, it tells us how..special Alexis is, how she is a Queen among submissives, how she doesn't understand the power she wields because her submissiveness is Just So Special, and how he wants to make her submit to Him and Only Him...Because She's Special!


And We All Know What "Special" Means in The Midwest, Right?

On a scale of "Obnoxiously Needy Subbes in Literature", Alexis thankfully scores well below Fifty Shades of Toxic Relationship Gray's Anastasia Steele. She's more the Painfully Shy Type Who Keeps Her Head Down and Concentrates on Her Work...and Thus is Considered "Stuck-Up" by Her Stupid Ignorant Gossipy Ignorant Judgy Ignorant Co-Workers! (I have a few people close to me who get that a lot.)


Gods! What is This - High School?

Chase takes Alexis under his wing as his submissive, while his partners are doing everything but humping her leg to make it clear they want her as a submissive, too! But, since this is a thriller with BDSM in it, Somebody Is Kidnapping, Tying Up, and Raping/Killing Women...Just Like What Happened to Alexis in the Prologue!


Shocking, Isn't It?

Oh, and did I mention that it seems every case this law firm takes defends wealthy male rapists, which they then look at to recruit for their super-secret extra-special BDSM club - ?


Kind of Like THESE Three Worthies!

There's also some kind of Organized Crime connection to both the Law Firm and the BDSM Club that provides a story arc for the series? And Alexis apparently continues to work in this toxic work environment because her brother needs help - though by then I was furiously skimming, so I couldn't tell you if it's because he's in prison Wrongfully Accused (almost certainly of Rape!), or if he's got Special Needs...?

To paraphrase the Late Great Dorothy Parker - "At this Point, Tonstant Weader Thwowed Up."
Profile Image for Kimberly / Love Notes Book Blog.
2,616 reviews147 followers
July 2, 2016
3.25 stars. This was a pretty good book for me. This is the story of Alexis and Chase. Alexis has been working very hard at Chase's law firm. She is very introverted and keeps her head down, trying to make money to pay for her brother's drug therapy. She finally works up the nerve to apply for a higher position and is, surprisingly to her, given the job. What she doesn't know is that Chase, and the three other partners of the firm, are doms and they only advance people that are their play partners or submissives. By being advanced, she becomes Chase's sub. He has been wanting her for years and sees her as the perfect natural submissive, but the partners in the firm are all struggling against each other for power and he doesn't want to show a weakness. He is forced to act though, when the other partners start to notice and make advances to Alexis too. Chase takes Alexis under his tutelage and they begin a D/s relationship in addition to working together and playing together at The Firm, the BDSM club run by the law firm, where high power people play. The become very close and fall for each other quickly. But the partners are power hungry and the firm is a minefield, threatening the happiness that the couple have found.

The story idea is very interesting and has a lot of potential, but I felt like the author was trying to make it too mysterious. It took me until about 50% before I really had a handle on what was going on. I liked Alexis and Chase. I really felt their love and connection. I didn't think Chase was a great dom. I didn't love how he described Alexis as docile. I didn't feel that was a very flattering or accurate description. He doesn't explain very much of what he expects to Alexis, who has no BDSM experience. But they both know after awhile that Alexis in control of their relationship and Chase is wrapped around her finger. But I felt like they were a good match for each other. I had a few niggles with the erotic scenes. The "choreography" was not described very well and sometimes I didn't understand what they were doing or what position they were in. The descriptions were sometimes counter to each other, making it hard to picture. But overall, I did enjoy the book. This is my first read by this author, but I would try her again in the future.
Profile Image for Marie Vasquez.
1,598 reviews78 followers
May 25, 2016
It has been so long since I've been this enthralled by a story and its characters. It was so difficult putting it down to get life's mundane tasks taken care of. All I wanted was more of Chase Larkin and Alexis Wilde.

Chase's dominance was palpable from the get go. He owned it and demonstrated it every moment of his life. He was sexy and powerful and sexy. Did I say sexy? He was...so, so sexy.

Alexis Wilde was the epitome of introverted. She's lived her life in the shadows. Doing what was expected of her and keeping out of everyone's way. But a decision to try advancement at her place of employment puts her in everyone's sights and Chase's only play for protecting her was to claim her. And CLAIM he did. Oh my gosh, was it hot and steamy and arousing.

It has been too long since a book made me feel that much. I was Alexis. I felt every touch. Every word in this story made everything tangible for me. There was no power struggle between Alexis and Chase. She owned her submission just as much as Chase owned his dominance. They TRULY were a perfect match.

With Chase's guidance, I was able to see Alexis's transformation. She learned the true power of her submission and it gave her strength to be the woman that Chase always knew she could be.

This story will grip you and hold on tight until the end.
Profile Image for Michelle.
3,174 reviews36 followers
June 5, 2016
4-4.5 stars. Unbeknownst to Alexis Wilde, who considers herself to be unnoticed by her superiors, she has been under careful watch by Chase Larkin, one of the main partners and the final decision maker at Lark and Gannet law firm. Chase is finally pushed to make a move to employ Alexis directly under him and with that position also comes the opportunity for her to be his submissive. This introduces Alexis into Chase's world of fulfilling fantasies and claiming her as his own while teaching her what it means to be her Dom. I liked both Alexis and Chase a lot. Alexis is one of those women who puts her whole faith and trust into someone and she does so without reservation even though Alexis has reasons to be cautious and guarded, especially around someone dark and powerful like Chase. As for Chase, he is completely unglued by Alexis' naturally submissive nature and how she easily succumbs to his demands without question. Definitely a sexy read with a bit of darkness, intrigue and suspense mixed in to string the reader along, with a lot of analogies to the game of chess and power. I enjoyed seeing Alexis transform into a character with increased strength and resilience while Chase became someone who had a softer and more vulnerable side when it came to Alexis. I almost wished this story had been longer just to read more about Chase and Alexis.
Profile Image for Heather R Callahan.
242 reviews25 followers
May 24, 2016
I’m a sucker for a Dark book, and with a warning like this one I knew it was going to be a good one. I was sucked into this book by the first chapter. This book is about an over the top law firm with more power than anyone ever should have. Four men sit on top of the world and play with people as if they are puppets in this world. They get bad guys off, even when they are the scum of the earth. But even after all this, I loved them.

Chase is the top man. He decides what will and won’t happen. The other men are respectful, but waiting for his fall.
Alexis is a mouse of a character. She is very smart, and works very hard. But she doesn’t have any friends, and she would rather blind into the wall than be the person she should. This was all before she gives herself over to Chase. Yes I did say give herself over. He has total control of her mind and body. He will be the man to show her the true power of her submission.

I will defiantly be putting this book in my top list of 2016.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Heather from Kinky Kittens Book Blog

Review by Heather
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