Starboard

Anchored #1

by Sophie Stern

Christina hasn't had a regular Dom since her husband died in Afghanistan. She's a war widow with a she doesn't have time for relationships, but she does make time to play. Christina goes to Anchored to unwind and to have her submissive needs met. Whether she's playing with a Dom or Domme, Christina's partners all know one she's there to serve, not to find love. It's all fun and games for The Damsel of the Dungeon until a new Dom arrives and he sets his sights on her. Only, he's not just interested in scening with Christina. He's interested in everything. Zack has always considered himself a good lawyer, a loyal friend, and an observant Dominant. When his business partner and best friend, Tony, invites him to visit a local sex club, Zack's ready for anything. Except the feisty brunette who doesn't want to be tied down or taken care of. After the third time he sees Christina refusing aftercare, Zack decides to do something about it, only Christina isn't like other subs. It's a good thing he loves a challenge.

134 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 20, 2017

About the author

Sophie Stern writes contemporary and paranormal romance <3 Visit her on Facebook for frequent updates!

http://facebook.com/sexysophiestern

Reviews

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can he break through her walls and give her the care she desperately needs

Starboard is the first book in the Anchored series by Sophie Stern. Anchored is a BDSM club that threads through this series. Starboard is the story of Christina and Zack. Their "relationship" is interesting as even though she is a submissive she does not have a Dom and instead plays with different unattached Dom's at the club. She is a widow and her husband had been her Dom so there is a part of her that is missing and that only he could fill emotionally. Zack is a lawyer who is infatuated with Christina when her first sees her at the club. Initially he is there as a guest of another member and he and Christina play together. But she will not allow him to do any aftercare for her. This is her boundary for her as it is to intimate. Eventually Zack becomes a member of Starboard and he still watches Christina play with other Doms and watches over her. Eventually something happens one night with Christina and another Dom in which it was taken past her safeword. Zack is there for her whether she likes it or not. She finally breaks and allows Zack to do aftercare and something breaks within her allowing her to admit that this is something she has missed since her husband/Dom was killed. Christina and Zack do become a couple both outside the club and within as a D/s.

I found this book to be really well written and it has a strong story-line. The characters are well developed and interesting. This is more of a BDSM "med/lite" book and not really dark, as some BDSM books are. It is a nice start to the series.

I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.

[Twinsie Talk Angie J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out this review and others at:
www.Twinsietalk.com
www.Facebook.com/Twinsietalk
www.Twitter.com/Twinsietalk
www.instagram.com/twinsietalkbookreview
Newsletter : http://eepurl.com/brwkPv

Starboard, Anchored Book 1 by Sophie Stern
I purchased this book.
I love a good sexy Sophie novella. Ya want something quick and fun to read? Sophie has all the novella choices a girl could ask for.
I grabbed this one after reading a spin off story called The Bratty Dom. This book is the start of a series of 6 books. The Bratty Dom was after the series was complete. I met Christina and Zach in that story and of course needed to know who they came to be amazing support for Raider.
Zach was broken hearted and over relationships thanks to his crazy ex-wife. A lawyer in his day job, he has a friend bring his to Anchored to relieve his stress. Anthony was also hoping to help his friend dip his toes back into the life.
Christina is the Damsel of the Dungeon. She is a great sub and wonderful play partner but is very closed off. Zach sees her and is instantly interested in this beautiful woman. Christina doesn’t want to share her heartbreak with everyone. She is there to get what she needs even though by not following protocol she is doing more damage than good.
The story of these two is powerful. Zach and Christina are both so scared, but Zach pushes himself out to try and help the woman who is invading all of his thought and possible future dreams.

[Amy Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! The story of Christina and Zack is absolutely wonderful. Christina is a single mother after the death of her husband. She is a submissive and looks forward to her time at Anchored. She refuses her partners to care for her afterwards though. It is because of this, that one of her regular partners tells her they can no longer play together. Zack is a lawyer and goes to Anchored as a guest of his friend and collegue Anthony. The moment he sees Christina, he is captivated by her. And furious that she refuses aftercare. One night, during a scene, her partner ignores her safeword and the staff have to intervene. Zack wants to comfort her, but she refuses. The next time they meet at the club, Zack is now a member but before he can ask her to play, she goes with another Dom. He watches the scene and when she refuses aftercare again, he intervenes. He allows her the option to safeword or allow him to care for her. She allows it and soon she realizes just what she has been missing. She allows him to take her home, where the fun continues for them and soon, they are a actual couple. A trip to the club six months later has him offering her forever, if she'll have him. And she will.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starboard is the first book in the Anchored series. Ever since Christina lost her husband, she’s been terrified to get too close to anyone else, including backing away from any sort of after care at her club. Zack can’t get Christina out of his mind, so he does something brazen. But will Christina push Zack away, like she does everyone else, or can she possibly see a future with him?

This book was short, steamy, and the perfect escape away from reality. Christina and Zack have a connection that won’t be denied, and I liked watching their chemistry play throughout the pages. Christina is so scared of any type of connection beyond with her child, but I loved watching her slowly open up to Zack and realize how much more she could gain from trusting and loving someone else, and letting them care for her in return. Zack was amazing. I loved how protective he was over Christina, and I loved how badly he just wanted to care for her and her needs. We don’t get to see too much beyond how they would work in the club or bedroom, but I liked their happily ever after and the ways they both learned to lean on each other. This book is decadent, the world Ms. Stern creates is fascinating, and I am excited to read more from this series!

[Jill Haworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starboard is the first book in the dedicated Anchored series. Christina is a military widow that gets to take her submissive desires to Anchored at least once a week. She is well loved and respected within the community but after losing her husband, she has shut herself off to the possibility of ever finding and sharing happiness with anyone else. As part of this, she refuses to let the Dom’s or Domme’s that she has played with give her aftercare. She instead opts to walk away and cry herself to sleep instead. Zack is new to anchored but not to the BDSM scene. He has been a Dom for ten years and the first time he witnesses Christina refuse aftercare he is outraged that the scene would end that way. For the next couple of weeks, while he passes all his required tests, he witnesses it time and again, until he can’t take it anymore and acts on his own impulses. This is a brilliant start to what promises to be an excellent series. The characters and plot are well written and interesting. Loved it :-)

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christina has longed for something that she doesn't know that she needs. She visits Anchored weekly to get her BDSM fix, but won't fully commit as she is afraid of getting emotionally involved. Losing a spouse tends to do that to a girl. A new guy at the club has taken an interest in Christina and wants to show her the true ways of a D/S relationship. It was a page-turner and I can't wait to see what happens next in the Anchored series.

Sophie Stern did a phenomenal job. The characters were extremely likeable and the chemistry was great. There was plenty of build-up leading to an incredible climax.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable story. Christina lost her husband and she cannot seem to get past his death. She frequents a BDSM club where she meets Zack. Zack sees that Christina doesn’t deal with some things in the typical way at the club and realizes it stems from her grief. Zack eventually has a breakthrough with Christina and they get their HEA.

One negative was the way the story was laid out. The story was about each one separately, then the one scene of them together, and then the epilogue. I wanted more of their story as a couple.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[HEATHER · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anchored is a BDSM club where people with kink go to play.
by sewsummore

Anchored is a BDSM club where people with kink go to play. The club members all look out for each other and some of them even find their significant other from among the patrons there. This box set tells the story of three of the members finding their perfect sub with all the drama and angst that comes with new relationships before they commit fully to each other. I liked that the stories were quick reads and the characters looked out for each other, forming deep and last friendships among the club's patrons.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What to do when the love of your life has past away? For Christina she escapes to the sex club Anchored. Allowing herself to be a good submissive to allow someone to control her is what she wants. When the time comes for the Dom to take care of her she is cut off and will not allow anyone to give her the recovery she desperately needs. Zack cannot allow this, pissed off at how the Doms and Domms can let her leave is unacceptable. WIll he rise to the occasion and be the man that she needs? Sophie does a great job in this light BDSM story.

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book it was great, the story was well written and the characters are interesting. Christina goes to Anchored a BDSM club, she does not want to be in a relationship, especially when her husband died. Zack went to Anchored with his friend, and that is when he saw Christina. The chemistry between them is intense, with a rollercoaster ride of emotions that makes you want more.
Thank you for allowing me to review your book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has given us characters that we can connect with. Christina and Zach meet at Anchored, a private BDSM club. She is a submissive that refuses to accept aftercare because she is afraid of connecting with her Dom of the evening. Zach sees her and wants nothing more than to take care of her. The real dilemma is whether she will accept him or not.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dorothy Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zack has been through a nasty divorce and is invited to Anchored. Christina is a widow who doesn’t want any relationships. When Zack sees her at the club, he wants to give Christina the care she needs and deserves, and she doesn’t realize how determined he is. Starboard is an explicit novel for adult reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy quick reads with alpha men and sassy ladies. Christina is a single mother after losing her husband in combat, so she’s afraid to let anyone close in case she has to say goodbye to them, too. Zach is new to Anchored club, but not new to the lifestyle. He sets his sights on Christina and sparks fly! These two had chemistry and I enjoyed reading it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of books written by Sophie Stern; she has done a great job at writing another good book; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of books her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Monika Sandlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starboard is the first story in a 6 story set of BDSM stories by Sophie. Sophie tells the story not from the bondage and discipline side but more from the Domination and Submission sides, which is absolutely amazing! This is a great story showing just how important the care of what happens after a scene between a Dom and a Sub is. I definitely recommend this book and this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christina lost her husband and her Dom when he was on the mission. She misses him terribly but won’t commit to other Dom. She is afraid to get emotionally attached. Her visits to Anchored weekly give her BDSM fix.
A new Dom at the club has taken an interest in Christina and wants her in the the true ways of a D/S relationship.
This book is very well written, engaging and enjoyable. It has a HEA

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be a quick read that had plenty of
body to it. Its a bit of a second chance read.
Christina lost her husband who was also her Dom
she was still interested in being able to play but didn’t
what the after care. Zack came to the club with his friend
and sported her. That is all I can say without spoiling to book.
Chemistry is great between the characters and quite believable
to.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book via Booksprout.

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Anchored Books 1-3 which I read before grabbing this book. Needless to say that I totally enjoyed Christina and Zack's story. The D/s relationship is one of total trust in the Dom. I have become a great fan of Sophie Stern's books. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sad, sweet story of second chances and learning it's ok to let go and accept help. It is in the graceful way of leaning on someone to help ease the burden. To live again that you find truth and happiness. I like the style of this writer.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started reading this story, I could not put it down. I read the book in one day. This author is an awesome writer. I can not wait to read more of their books. Keep up the great work. You should definitely read this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sara Munoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 of 6 well-written stories of a women and the men who can love them in the Anchored Series. The story is fast paced and it keeps you riveted to the end. These characters are well-fleshed out and you feel as if you know them and are rooting for their success. Must read book

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Catherine Edgar]

Three stories with a club named Anchored. Was that why the bookset is called Anchored? Or is it because the club is in a converted cruise ship that has been anchored. Or is it because the different characters are all looking for an anchor in their journey through life?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LoveRomance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Couldn't hold my interest

The writing was good, but the story and the characters left me cold. It didn't make me want to read more of this series. I've read a lot of books that were so much better, so in order to rate this book based on what I have read from other authors, I didn't come up with more than 3.5 stars.

[Emily Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story, great characters

This is a great story with emotional depth and characters that are realistic and relatable. The widows feelings and thoughts were right on point and I enjoyed the journey.

[Jeanne Kotsios · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hooked me from the get go I just couldn’t put it down I fell in love with these characters and omg what a story just a perfect

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Sara Griffith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a great story line, however it is very short and it feels as if everything is being rushed (is under 150 pages long). This is a quick read story, not a novel. Overall I did enjoy reading it, but which it has more depth to it.

[BookLover1990]

I am always excited to read a good instalust story and this one hit the mark. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a great time reading this book. The characters are well developed and engaging and the chemistry is strong. The storyline flowed smoothly from beginning to the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lucinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! It was well written with great characters and an engaging plot. The characters developed well throughout the book and I would highly recommend this book to all!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an emotional one and the chemistry between the characters were great. Plenty of hotness and the superb