Dot Matrix: Mistress of the Stage

Hardwood's Harlots Burlesque Romance #2

by Kat Crimson

SOME DOMMES ARE BORN, SOME ARE BUILT
Delilah Brooks is as much a dominatrix on stage as she is in the bedroom. An alcoholic, abusive father and a close call in a dark alley saw to that. Now Dee maintains control at all times. That is until a charismatic younger man comes along and threatens to wrest it from her with seduction and skill, instead of strictly by force.

Against her will, Marcus Hale ignites a fierce need in Dee she thought she'd buried a long time ago and reawakens a deep seated desire to be dominated and claimed.

How can Dee give up a control she spent her whole life working to obtain - especially to someone who is so young that she's afraid to be attracted to him?

Marcus knows Delilah doesn't want to give in, but he's never given up on anything without a fight. He'll use every weapon at his disposal to make sure she submits.

Genres: Erotica

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 27, 2017

About the author

Kat Crimson uses her wit and wiles to infiltrate the minds of her characters creating a new wave of Cerebral Erotic Romance, which engages the brains, the hearts and the loins of her readers in equal measure, adding depth and dimension to what was once widely considered to be a genre comprised wholly of talentless perverts. Simply not true.

Kat Crimson is a warrior for the cause, on a mission to prove that erotica can arouse the mind as much as the middle bits and that kink can be quality.

Kat's debut, full-length erotic romance, 'Jizziebelle: Belle of Burlesque' was recently released, and is the first book in her brand new Hardwood's Harlots Series.

Reviews

[Selene · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75-3ish stars

Genre: Romance
Erotic heat: 4/5
Characterization: 2.75/5
POVs: First person, singular (except for the epilogue!)
Plot: 2.9/5
Triggers: Yes. Descriptive attempted rape scenes.

Delilah Dee Brooks is a thirty-seven year-old burlesque dancer. Her boss/bestie is the resident matchmaker at Hardwood’s Burlesque club and she pushes Dee into choreographing a stage routine with the handsome waiter, Marcus Hale. Their chemistry together is electric!

This book was difficult to rate. I've enjoyed this author's short erotica books in the past and was excited to read this full-length novel, but it seemed as though this story could've been greatly condensed. There were many interesting avenues pitched forward, but it didn't mesh well as a whole and there was limited depth. The opening scenes were of a dark nature and immediately sucked me in, but then the story leaned more towards a comedic tone then bounced around with the romance focus. It seemed as though the story was supposed to be thrilling and romantic, but it felt quite choppy, even though the characters were interesting. The story even flipped back twenty years to give some more background information on the main character, but somehow, this novel didn't quite hit the spot for me. Had this story focused more on the tension surrounding the dom/sub aspect and the characters' further exploration in that direction, I probably would've liked this book more. Dee's prior sexual liaisons and take on dominance was hella interesting, but this book twirled off in other directions. The erotica scenes were well written and the characters were very likable, though.

Although this book wasn't my favorite from this author, I look forward to reading more of her work.

*ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review.

[Martyn Dell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding kinky book with a sweet HEA!

Dot Matrix started off with a heart-pounding and heart-breaking first chapter. From reading Jocelyn's story in Jizziebelle, I knew I was in for another exhilarating ride and I wasn't disappointed! One night, in her Senior Year in high school, Delilah Brooks was verbally, emotionally, physically, and sexually abused by three different men (including her own father). For protection, Dottie erected a wall between her heart and anyone else. For 20 years that worked until Mimi, the matchmaking owner of Hardwood's Harlots Burlesque, emotionally blackmails Dottie into working with Marcus, a young waiter, to create a new dance number. And the fight was on!

Obviously, the main characters in the book are Dottie/Delilah and Marcus since this is their story. They jumped out at me on each page as if they were in real life right now. Their chemistry together was so unbelievably HOT that I almost singed my eyebrows off!

I also enjoyed finding out how Mimi met Dottie. They truly have a wonderful friendship filled with mutual support, love, and, naturally, meddlesomeness (like best friends usually do!)

Some of the other minor characters from the first book appeared briefly but I was a little bit disappointed that Jizzie didn't show up. I can understand though if the author wants the books to be standalone and not closely linked together.

Kat Crimson wrote distinct descriptions for these complex characters by showing us their beliefs and how they felt, thought and acted on those beliefs. She also has a wonderful knack for witty dialogue and alliteration (e.g. Remembering Marcus's parting remark, Dottie vows, "Over my dominatrix body, you deliciously deviant, little delinquent!) I had to laugh at that one!

Furthermore, the author is very talented at using current pop culture references to enhance the story. Her plotline was both sultry and explosive just like an intimate act from the beginning to the end. And talking about that, the love scenes were scorching and educational. I actually learned about some sex practices I'd never heard of before.

I savoured Dot Matrix and I was sorry to see it end! If I could give more stars, my rating would be a 10+.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!

‘Dot Matrix: Mistress of the Stage’ is the second book in the Harwood’s Harlots Burlesque Romance and can easily be read as a stand-alone. I have yet to read ‘Jizziebelle’ and never once felt like I was confused or missing some pertinent information.

I was impressed and proud of the strong woman Delilah/Dot became after her traumatic early years and all she endured. After everything, she needed to be a Domme, needed to have control over every aspect of her life. Then came Marcus. Marcus turned her world upside-down, in more ways than one. He made her feel things she had never felt before. Made her want for things she didn’t feel were possible. Made her desire for things she never had before. She wants to give him everything he demands, but can she give up all control?

Their performance for Harwood’s was described in so much detail I felt I was in the crowd and just as enthralled and turned-on as they were. And, oh my word, Marcus’s declaration made my heart soar and beat rapidly. There was so much passion, love, and desire. I loved it so much I read it twice!

The twist at the end was filled with so many emotions. I was on the edge of my seat, filled with fear and anger, then cheering for Delilah’s fighting strength. My heart broke for Marcus and everything he was going through emotionally. It was all just – WOW.

This is an outstanding book full of erotic moments, but also a spectacular story of a survivor’s strength and finding her true self with an amazing partner.

[Jaimed · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is well done. The characters are strong and we'll written. The storyline has so much umph to it. It starts with flashing back to Delilah's past and the first time she dealt with a man trying to rape her. She hasn't had an easy life, but once she met Mimi, she starts living for herself and taking care of herself.

Watching Delilah/Dottie learn who she is and what she wants from life is fun. You see a few flashbacks throughout the story that help see how she ended who she is now. Ever since she left her past behind, she has been in charge of her relationships. Now Marcus is in her life and causing her to question who she is.

Marcus knows what he wants and has been trying to get her since he first saw her. Marcus has a dominant personality that rubs Dottie the wrong way while also exciting her. Mimi puts them in an act together that forces them to figure out how they feel and how they can work together with so many different emotions running around.

I really enjoyed reading this book and seeing more of the Hardwoods family. I really recommend that you give this book, and the first one in the series, a read if you like fun characters, great sex, strong connections, and great hijinks.

[Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read, a wonderful continuation to jizzabelle, the characters were colorful and fun and the plot was well written, the story kept me involved and turning the pages to find out what happens next. This was Dots story and it was wonderful Dot turned to being a Domme when events in her life left her feeling out of control, she used this side of herself to take control of her life and reclaim what was lost, but when she meets Marcus she is left wanting to give up her control and that will never do, will she give herself over or will she choose to keep the control she fought to regain so long ago.

This is a great love story and the struggles that sometimes come along with falling in love. I love books like this because they keep you so wrapped up in the plot and characters that you just have to know what happens next.

I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review.

[Bren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delilah's story starts out with a gripping heart squeezing reality for so many women that makes her the strong person she becomes as a adult. Marcus is a gorgeous well built man who can set your panties on fire with just his smile. He wants Delilah in the worst way and will stop at nothing till he gets her. Their story is filled with the lust they have for each other so when they come together the flames become a full fire of desire and you will feel your own desire ignite. Kat has a way of describing a sex scene that makes you feel like its you she is speaking about instead of her character. Always good and leaves you wanting more.

[Carrie K-Ski · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark, twisted, emotional story that leaves you gasping and wanting more. The intensity and chemistry between Delilah and Marcus is so strong you can feel it jumping off the pages. Dot is a vulnerable, yet strong heroine that I instantly took a liking to. She's a fighter! Her BFF Mimi is another fantastic character I adore. The underlining message is beautifully written.

I'm addicted to Kat Crimson's stories...she knows how to write dark erotica that makes you experience the journey of the characters along with them. This copy given in exchange for an honest review.

[Topaz May · Rating 3 out of 5]

Burlesques dancer and domme Delilah, aka Dot Matrix, is content with her life. She helps her best friend, Mimi, run the club and dancing. Dee is strongly attracted to club waiter, Marcus. But there are some problems keeping her from acting on her attraction. The biggest issue in her eyes is that he is still in college while she is a mature 38 years old. Kat has an uncanny ability to mix dark issues with romance and levity like no one else I have ever read. I did enjoy this story but for me it felt a little long with a little more dark than I anticipated.

[Vivian Chrisman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will never look at Batman and Catwoman the same! This story is hot! Delilah "Dot Matrix" has a thing for Marcus but refuses to act because of the age difference. When they are forced to dance together things start to heat up. Once the age issue is taken care of, will Delilah be able to give up control to Marcus? Can't wait to see who Mimi tries to play matchmaker on next.

*I received an Advance Readers Copy of this book as well as purchasing a copy which I am voluntarily reviewing*

[Camylle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! I really like Marcus and Delilah is a really deep character. I love that she is like an onion (YES! I used a Shrek reference). The story was great and I hope to read and enjoy more by this author.

[Vic · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this quite hard to read. Some of it dragged on and I found myself skipping some of it but I did like the chemistry. I didn't really like how she decided suddenly that she hadn't respected any of her subs. And I didn't like the inference that the subs weren't real men. At all. Tbh, the best bit was the bonus story at the back. Hot AF. I wouldn't have read any more but I want more of the threesome at the back.

[Elicia Stoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOTTT!!!

Kat Crimson takes you on a journey that will have you panting and in need of relief ... or a cold shower. This book is not only hotter than hot, but the characters and their lives lend so much to the story. She has created a network of people in this book that you want to know better, want to cheer for and cry with.

[Nicole Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meow

Catwoman and batman are hot. burlesque has a new hot couple. This book is filled with sex, suspense, and drama.

[Jennifer Lil'n Dunski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soooo HOT! So sexy!

I'm in love with "Dot Matrix!!!" It was so delicious, a powerful story with lots of hot alpha male! Definitely rereading this one again soon!!!

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. Enjoyed the book. It is well written and the developing love story between Silver and Shane is full of ups and downs as Shane battles with his desire for Silver but can't quite give in to it simply because she owns a saloon. Love finally wins out but a lot happens in a short period of time. It is a great western and I would recommend it.

[Mystk Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read of works by Kat Crimson but it won't be my last. Dot Matrix is a book that touches on some difficult subjects but does so with care and caution (read "no triggers"). Kat's characters are well-developed as are their relationships, one with the other. The story itself kept the reader highly engaged (it was a single-read session for me,). It made me laugh. It made me worry. It made me want to shake some sense into Dot. It made me cheer for the underdog. And, finally, it made me celebrate. Kat's style of writing is intelligent, witty, fearless and, above all, engaging. I gave this book a 5-star rating because it ticked off all the boxes for me. Oh and did I mention hot sex? Yeah...that too :)

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given the book for an honest review.

I am addicted to the words the author writes in the book. I have read some of the authors books and get pulled in more each time. The author keeps me coming back to read more of their books. The author can build a scene, and keep you hooked until the end. I find myself always going wow after reading the authors book. I pick it up, and can’t put it down, until I read every detail, and characters part they put in the book for me to read. Four percent into the book the author shows me the roughness Delilah goes through. From tears, to being mad at the abusers in her life, the author pulls on my emotions. From past to present bouncing the author sends us readers on a journey. Filling us with info that we need to follow Delilah’s life as it unfolds. Just little words on the pages can start a hot erotica scene in your head, or begging for more in the scenes. Pages heat up from a past scene from Manny and Delilah. Feel the chemistry off Marcus and Delilah striking a match to light the pages between them. Hot erotica! Didn’t read the first book from the series, and didn’t feel like I was missing anything. But I do find myself wanting to read the first one.

Thank you for letting me read your story. Another Great book from the author.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second book in the series and a well written book I could not put down about an younger man and a slightly older woman who in her own right is a Dominate. Will she be able to let go of her past?

[LiLu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabs you from the opening sentence, and holds your attention. It kept my attention to the last page, and I was actually looking for more pages. I enjoyed the writing style. It was easy to read, with the skill to set the stage for your own imagination or memories to unfold, but bring you right back to the story. A very good read.