Masters of Seduction - Grenzenlose Leidenschaft (Masters-of-Seduction-Reihe 2)

Masters of Seduction #5-8

by Lara Adrian

Lara Adrian's Priceless: House of Ebarron-Incubus Master Sorin Ebarron is determined to have Ashayla at any cost. But the beautiful Nephilim is waging her own high-stakes gamble, willing to risk breath and body to win the prize she seeks. Donna Grant's Boundless: House of Drohas-When talented artist Naomi catches the eye of the Master of the House of Drohas, she soon finds herself thrust into a world she never dreamed existed-a world of angels and demons, poised at the brink of a brewing war. Laura Wright's Dauntless: House of Trevanion-All bets are off when Casworon Trevanion, Master of the House of Trevanion, sets his eyes on lovely stranger Lia. But will Cas discard his legacy when he realizes that the female he desires is none other than the scarred servant who scrubs his floors? Alexandra Ivy's Reckless: House of Furia-Sloane is a former Nephilim Blade who is dedicated to duty. She has nothing in common with the reckless Incubus Master Tiege-except a dangerous passion. Contains mature themes.

Genres: Paranormal, Anthologies, Paranormal Romance, Romance, Audiobook, Erotica, Demons

388 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 27, 2015

About the author

LARA ADRIAN is a New York Times and #1 internationally best-selling author with nearly 4 million books in print and digital worldwide and translations licensed to more than 20 countries. Her books have been named among Amazon’s Top Ten Romances of the Year, and have also been nominated by readers multiple times as finalists for the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Romance of the Year. Reviewers have called Lara’s books “addictively readable” (Chicago Tribune), “extraordinary” (Fresh Fiction), “strikingly original” (Booklist), and “one of the best vampire series on the market” (Romantic Times).

Writing as TINA ST. JOHN, her historical romances have won numerous awards including the National Readers Choice; Romantic Times Magazine Reviewer’s Choice; Booksellers Best; and many others. She was twice named a Finalist in Romance Writers of America’s RITA Awards, for Best Historical Romance (White Lion’s Lady) and Best Paranormal Romance (Heart of the Hunter). More recently, the German translation of Heart of the Hunter debuted on Der Spiegel bestseller list.

With an ancestry stretching back to the Mayflower and the court of King Henry VIII, the author lives with her husband in New England, where she is working on her next novel. Visit Lara’s website and sign up for new release announcements at http://bit.ly/LaraAdrianNews

Reviews

[phoebess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another four stories, another four masters. I truly enjoyed it. But it ended up on a cliffhanger with no other following volume, so... Damn it.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Masters of Seduction Volume 2

Amazing! I am love with all these writers. This collection really had me on edge the whole way through. Can I get an AMEN! What better way to get more for you money than with this action packed bundle! Great stories, lasting characters, and inspiring heroines. The idea of the houses is clever and intriguing. Each author is strong in their own way, and really brings their own flare to the overall plot. Readers will enjoy this collection with its mesmerizing detail to suspense, romance, and intrigue.

From the start you are thrust back into the captivating world of Incubus and Nephilim, and the many houses that exist in their world. Each story follows one another in sequence of events. It is best to read everything in order to grasp the best value. There is an ongoing larger plot that is connected by all the stories. I found I had forgotten most of Volume I, but I was still able to pick right back up as to where things started with Volume 2.

Points to know. Nephilim are not immortal, and female. Without mating a Incubus, they will die like you and I. They must share intercourse with the same Incubus 8 times in order to be fully mated to them. Believe me, I was tallying quite a few times through each story—I was always left satisfied.

The ever evolving story about the Obsidian Throne is in each installment in this volume. Each house is trying to prevent the uprising that could possible mean war between heaven and hell. The last story ends on a high note when the mysterious Succubus, Master of Akana, is awakened by an enchanted neckless (mentioned in Priceless, by Lara Adrian). Readers are left in the air with many questions like: What will be the fate of the Obsidian throne? What will become of the Markel? Will there truly be a war?


Priceless: House of Ebarron, by Lara Adrian

Stunning. I have followed Lara Adrian for years, and I was so thrilled she partook in this new adventure with these wonderful authors. Her writing is strong, and her characters are believable. For a short story, the format was well outlined and developed.

Priceless is a story about a young woman named Ashayla, whom is trying to find her grandmother’s necklace. Lost years before with her mother’s carless disregard for others property, she discovers the new owner. When all her attempts at honestly obtaining the necklace fail, she decides to take matters to a different level and steal it. Little does she know, she will get more than she bargained for when she attempts outsmarting Sorin.

Sorin is from the house of Ebarron. He and his family have an elite casino tucked into a mountainside where not just anyone can gain admittance. They are well known for their opulent lifestyle, and kept treasure. Seeing a arch rival in his casino with a stunning platinum blonde has him on high alert. Once he gets a closer look at Ashayla, he wants her, and he will do anything to make sure she will be his for one night.

Gambling with wicked Sorin is not on her list, but Ashayla finds that she has no other option than to put fate in the hands of the Incubus. Once the two find themselves together, neither are the same.

The ending to this story was bitter and sweet. Lara Adrian did an outstanding job at fleshing the small details for such a short story. I thoroughly enjoyed it.


Boundless: House of Drohas, by Donna Grant

I loved this story! Loved! Donna Grant has a way with developing her characters. The intensity and intrigue are compelling in every aspect. The added component of mystery was definitely a nail-biter.

Naomi is on a mission. Seeking to bring justice to her sister’s name, she believes the murderer is none other than Javan. Under disguise as a artist wanting to debut her work in his galleria, she weasels her way into the notice of Javan and his Watchman. Upon seeing him for the first time, however, she fears getting information from him will be far more difficult that she ever anticipated. He is gorgeous, and has no idea why her body responds to him.

Javan is enthralled with Naomi from the start. Even before seeing her, his is drawn to her work; her pictures call to him. The power each image possess, sparks something within him. Surprised that she has no idea what she is, he seeks to have her. Once he takes a small taste of her, however, it is far from enough. Without telling her, he binds them together. She is not going anywhere, and he will do anything to convince her. Knowing his fate is sealed, he seeks to find the murder of sister.


Dauntless: House of Trevanion, by Laura Wright

I must say I am rather partial to Laura Wright. She is my addiction when I need a fix. I love her stories, and her writing. Dauntless is a fairytale come true. It will remind readers of a naughtier version of Cinderella mixed with a hint of beauty and the beast.

Lia is a former Blade who has found herself under the employment at the House of Trevanion. Though scared and with a permanent leg injury, she is fierce, and…dauntless. From afar she desires Cas, the House’s playboy. He is everything she wishes she could have, but fears she will never have because of how she looks.

Lia ends up having a fairy-godmother, in Cas’ very own Watchman, Pennice. With wand at hand, and promises to fulfill, he gifts Lia with one night in Cas’ arms. As an advantage, she is given all her looks back. No scar. No Limp. No pain. With confidence back in her system, she takes the chance of one night with Cas.

For a while, I was like NO! WHAT ARE YOU DOING? HOW IS SHE EVER GOING TO BE LOVED JUST FOR WHO SHE IS? But, Laura pulls through. Cas is completely unexpected at the end, and readers fall for him even more. Looks mean nothing to him. He just wants Lia. Her scar and limp are of no consequence. It was her that made him fall for her, not her beauty. Her strength and dauntless attitude are what he values in her, and not her looks.



Reckless: House of Furia, by Alexandra Ivy

Amazing. Alexandra Ivy really is a guilty pleasure. Her writing is strong and well formatted. Tiege and Sloane are both complete opposites. They truly do not connect until they touch. And once they do…there is no extinguishing their connection.

Tiege is a playboy and he knows it. He lives to be the life of the party, and have a new girl on his arm all the time. Tasked with discovering the importance of a necklace, he knows he needs to couple with a nephilim briefly to obtain as much energy as he can. Finding his connections to a a nephilim blocked, he turns to one of his female house bodyguards, Sloane.

Sloane is far from impressed by Tiege. She is sickened by his ruthless disregard for everything he does. Things take a drastic change, however, when Sloane finds herself beneath the irritatingly handsome Tiege. One touch is far from enough, and both Sloane and Tiege find themselves entangled a passionate exchange.

I really wanted this story to be longer. OMG! The tension that could have been built if this story was longer would have been mind blowing.: ) However, for being a short story, it was AMAZING!


Overall if you have not read any of these authors you should. This collection is a great way to get a taste of each writer. Enjoy!

[Veritas666 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Auch diese 4 Novellen liesen sich locker und leicht lesen. Ich habe wirklich jede sehr genossen, wobei ich gestehen muss das ich wieder die von Alexandra Ivy und Laura Wright am besten fand.

Ich weiß wirklich nicht wieso aber die waren einfach zuende bevor sie angefangen haben :( Allerdings fand ich den Schluss enttäuschend, denn er geht doch sehr offen aus und soweit ich weiß ist bisher kein dritter Band in Aussicht. Ich hoffe wirklich sehr das es einen geben wird, deshalb habe ich einen Punkt abgezogen, auch weil sich die ersten zwei Storys ein klein wenig gezogen haben.

Dennoch ein absolutes Muss für Fans dieser vier Autorinnen :D ♥

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

MASTERS OF SEDUCTION 2: Slips into Something More Comfortable
ORIGINAL POST: http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...

Audiobook provided by Tantor Media for review purposes. No remuneration was exchanged and all opinions presented herein are my own except as noted.


I liked this volume in the MASTERS OF SEDUCTION anthology series better than I had the first (review) and in particular I liked Laura Wright’s story, Dauntless and Alexandra Ivy’s tale, Reckless.

Whether intended or not, Dauntless is a Cinderella story, if Prince Charming’s mother was an unrepentant Maleficent. The end leaves mom’s future actions up in the air. When this story begins, Lia is a floor scrubber. That’s not, however, how the story ends. It was an edgy story lacking all but a glass slipper. It also features a gay servant/friend of the Prince instead of a fairy godmother. It’s kind of different for an incubus to feed on non-female sexual energy.

In Reckless, Ivy describes a jaded character, a man with a rakish reputation that is probably deserved, but only because he is bored. It takes the right woman to get him on the right path.

What’s still a little loose in the anthology as a whole is the world structure and the politics upon which the entire series is riding. However, with so many authors writing in this created world I don’t see it getting any better; as conscientious as I am certain the writers are their readings and interpretations of the world’s rules or structure are bound to differ.

The structure of a world with incubi who have to feed on sex provides a fabulous reason to get down to business early in each story. For incubi, sex is like dinner so having lots of orgasms is just like taking their dates to their favorite restaurants.

This is a good light listen when you have headphones on. It definitely contains mature themes! As I said I enjoyed it more than the first as the writing was stronger and it was more interesting to me. The narrator has a particularly good way with nephilim.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ending of this book! Ah man! In this book we see 4 more Incubi masters find their unexpected mates through the Nephilim who somehow end up in their lives. I love how all 4 novellas are written by different authors but they all fit so well into each other. I only wish that there was a volume 3 because there is definitely a cliffhanger to this book. So if you absolutely hate cliffhangers I would avoid this anthology but if you want a great book that has a boatload of potential you'll want to pick up this one.

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall I'd give this book 4*. Most of them were really good and deserved 5*, but I didn't like the Wright's story - not much going on except for sex and the end was too abrupt - I didn't get why it was a resolution of the situation and this short lacked an ending in the story line.

[Tami Bucholtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man I'm so disappointed at the ending because I know there's not another Series so we're left hanging I hate that Okay so the Masters and this series I wasn't completely impressed with at first but then their characters really change which is super cool but so the first book was Priceless and Soren kind of seem like an asshole to me So he basically finds Asha and she wants this pendant for her grandmother and her mom was like addicted to drugs or something and sold it and she was trying to get it back and he basically said that if you resist my advances then I will give you the pendant so it's kind of difficult when you have your mind made up that someone is a Jerk It's pretty difficult to change your opinion of that person but it is interesting

Boundless this one was interesting because her sister was murdered and she suspected it was the master of drohas because it could be anybody else because she I guess he interviewed her last before she was murdered And yeah he's kind of got a dangerous Persona but really only those who really know him know that he is a good person so So that's kind of difficult but the two of them have this intense connection however she's still like I guess Confronts her like you know Because there was this painting of her sister who got murdered in his gallery and she wanted to take it from him and then she finally reveals you know her revenge and her hatred towards him for murdering his sister and he gives her the proof and says you know I didn't do this I was in another country when that happened and then he starts to make her believe and then kind of explains to her that she's enough for him she didn't even know that she was and I guess she was adopted and so was her sister so then he kind of educates her on her history and things like that so it's kind of interesting and then basically he helps her identify who actually did murder her sister which just adds to this whole big mystery of the obsidian throne and the overtake of it

Dauntless is the next book so this actually is my favorite because I can really relate to her she has a limp and she has a scar from her on her face from like her lips to her ear or something like that and so she thinks she's ugly and nobody's going to want her but she is absolutely attracted to the master of this house and he is absolutely gorgeous to her and He is actually going to be mated to somebody else like the next night and she was just outside and just was daydreaming about him being with her and everything and his guard came comes up to her and says well the night of his mating he's going to have 10 mistresses spend the night with him and obviously you know what's going to happen and she's like yeah he's not going to even like me the way that I look and so the guy actually gives her a wish and he has a magic wand and he's gay too which is super cool to add that in a book but anyway so it's kind of like a Cinderella type story you know like he gives her this wish to look more how she wants to look and So anyways to the master ends of just completely Distracted by her and he absolutely just is is drawn to her and this is when he's being introduced to all of his potential mates and he basically just screws that and just goes to her but his mother is a b**** and she wants him because of the Alliance with a family she wants him to meet somebody that she wants him to mate So anyway she only has one night right and that's typically what most incubi men do because they don't want to be mated to women more than one night so the thing is is she has to escape but however she's also a servant for the castle for his house so she has to somehow really be careful and secretive that he doesn't figure out who she actually is so he's going crazy trying to find her since she left the castle and it is an awesome ending just it's incredible I love it and it gives a great message that beauty is on the inside not on the outside

Reckless is the next book oh my God he is such an arrogant like egotistical grade at first anyway and he just has this like just kind of like conflicting like the two personalities conflict because she's all hardcore Warrior and he's a hardcore like just want to have sex with people and women and whatever and I'm just going to do whatever I want however it becomes apparent that he's actually doing that because he's trying to avoid getting close to her because he does actually have a deep connection with her and her with him as well so anyway basically what they have to do is he has to have the ceremony because he has to he can see spirits so he has to figure out what this pendant is all about and how it has to do with overtaking the master of the obsidian Throne so that all of their people won't be in Jeopardy of getting murdered and all that oh basically they go and they do the ceremony and he gets his answers and now they got to go on a jet plane to go back to gian who is the guy from the previous series who he can see Illusions he has a lot of interesting things that he can do as his powers and so he thinks he's the key at solving this mystery. But actually what it does is gives us more questions and I just wish there was a third series

[Sofia · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was......HOT! I can't wait to read more!

[Alejandra Guerrero · Rating 2 out of 5]

Zero fucks were given in the writing of these novellas. The authors wrote whatever the hell they wanted to write, without caring about worldbuilding or the characters. Magic does whatever the hell the authors want it to do, no rules, no continuity, and sometimes they even contradict themselves—especially the last two stories. Dauntless didn’t even seem to be in the same universe as the rest of the other stories. Characters just know everything, some even have books about what’s going on conveniently lying around. And it’s a wonder how the house of Marakel managed to stay in power for so long, with how stupid they seem to be.
And, worst of all, this ends in a cliffhanger with the promise of four more novellas that haven’t been written. It’s been almost ten years on the date of this review, so I think it’s safe to say those novellas will never be written. Especially with how badly written the last three were. The authors seemed to take this as a chore. The only one taking this with some seriousness was Lara Adrian (she was the reason I started this in the first place, and her story is why I gave this anthology two stars), and even she didn’t seem to give it her best, probably because she saw what the others did. Also, at the beginning of the very first novella in the Masters of Seduction series, it was mentioned there were nine houses (plus the extinct House of Akana), and with one of them being the villain, I thought this would have eight stories and that would be it. But nope. The minimal “overarching plot” could have been resolved within those eight novels, maybe one last story with the head of the House of Akana, but instead they decided to stretch it out? Allegedly. I have no idea why since it’s obvious most of the authors didn’t even want to write about these characters in the first place. And that’s why I think this series will never be finished. It’s not that popular, and the authors didn’t give a fuck.

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed these as short novellas but agree they were abrupt. Though, I was able to assume the amazing sex led to amazing love when they met the right person. I hate though that this does not have an ending. Until I read this volume I did not realize there is a final novela missing about the end of this series or more appropriately a novel ending this series. I would have never started it if I had known there was no conclusion and saved my time and money. How disappointing for what was a very good series with multiple authors. Shame on the author's for not finishing what they started and leaving us with no ending. What a bad way to treat loyal readers of all 4 authors like myself.

[Andrea (mrsaubergine) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars overall.
Priceless, by Lara Adrian: 4 stars. Well written, as you would expect from Lara Adrian. A good way to start the continuation of the anthology.
Boundless, by Donna Grant: 3 stars. Murder case seemed to be resolved too quickly. Thankfully, on audio the narrator didn't even attempt to butcher an Australian accent.
Dauntless, by Laura Wright: 4 stars. Cinderella story that kept me interested throughout.
Reckless, by Alexandra Ivy: 3 stars. I hope that ending means there'll be a volume 3 of this collection, because they can't end it there!

[Kirstin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ich muss gestehen, das ich wirklich froh war Teil zwei gebraucht zu finden, da die Reihe schon nach Buch zwei wieder eingestellt wurde und ich mich sehr für die Hintergrundgeschichte interessiert habe. Der erste Teil des Buches wurde von Lara Adrian geschrieben und hat mir wirklich gut gefallen. Ebenso wie Teil 4, geschrieben von Laura Wright. Part 2 und 3 waren hingehend wirklich enttäuschend. Ich hätte gerne erfahren wie alles am Ende ausgeht, aber im Großen und Ganzen fühlt es sich nicht nach einem allzu großen Verlust an.

[a collective of books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great continuation with the major storyline and with different houses. I still stand by my first review that I'm not a fan of Laura Wright's portion. Again with the old way of speaking and this time she did a Cinderella retelling and I just really hated it. The rest of the stories are amazing. I'm just sad that there are no other volumes and it ended on a cliffhanger.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed each of the novellas. I think they could have been even better if they were tied to each other more. Grant it...I believed the first and last were tied closely; but I'd love for them all to be more of a series. I read volume 2 before 1. So I'm curious on how those story went. When they're available from the library, I'll give them a go.

[Mhollie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars for 4 Masters of Seduction
4 Great stories with the most outstanding story by Laura Wright. ‘Dauntless’ is a reverse beauty and the beast with a twist. This is not to say the other 3 authors/stories are great - they are. I just really meshed with Cas and Lia’s story and their characters.

[Carmel McKenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

A good read but am still curious about what else will happen. Look forward to the next books.. good imagination

[Diana Ricketts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this installment of Masters of Seduction. Every story was steamy, romantic and added to the suspense of the main conflict. Even though the series ended on a cliffhanger, I still loved every moment in these stories.

[DarcLibrarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

DEMON love story

Having loved Volume 1 I couldn't wait to discover what happened to the remaining Incubi Masters and Lara and crew didn't disappoint. Action packed with strong characters you can fall in love with. This box set is one hell of a sexy ride. Thoroughly recommended.

[Becki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Masters of Seduction Volume 2

I enjoy reading all of these authors and have several books from of each of these authors’ collections. I look forward to reading any of the books written by them.

[Angel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved listening this series. All short sories sadly little progress in the main storyline and the last book finished on a cliffhanger with no more books to follow things up so thats royally p'ed me off. Still a 3 stars though.

[Zindia Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really love this series! Can't for the next volume and see how this story plays out!!

[Helene andersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

kan næsten ikke vente til den næste kommer

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Splendid!

A marvelous continuation of fascinating and creative stories! I read through them quickly and can't wait to begin the next set.

[jackie h. mcallister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book review for 1-8

Loved both volumes. Do we have a f/u on the stories.
Please complete them, I am hooked.
These authors never disappoint me.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

O

[Joy Sommer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Confusing

Since I have.never read the Masters of Seduction.....it took awhile to get the conflict straight. I do love the heroes and you have to love the mates that tamed them

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about cliffhanger lol ugh I gotta find the next book. Is there another book???

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

10 Surprisingly enjoyable for a smiley novel. Good world building but super thin plots but sweet nevertheless.

[patricia ann moreland · Rating 5 out of 5]

👍

Ok, I am now ready for the next group? I need to read more!!!!! I am getting towards the end. Now I have to find it!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️