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Off Duty

Laura Peters is at the top of her game, a trauma surgeon known far and wide for her skills. But she’s lonesome, unable to connect with people, and married to her career. She especially hates the cocky and arrogant Keith, a top notch paramedic, but in too many ways, an arrogant cock-of-the-walk sort. That man stars in her dreams far too many times to be safe. In her position, she can’t afford a schoolgirl crush, let alone the dark and twisted things she wants him to do.

Keith Evans is a paramedic, a former Navy corpsman, combat-decorated, cocksure and arrogant, but also lonely with only his demons to keep him company. The ice queen, Laura Peters, MD has caught his eye. He acknowledges her beauty, and admires her medical skills, but dislikes her frostiness, finding her heartless and cold, even robotic, not at all likeable. But her appeal as a woman keeps drawing him back, and he imagines all kinds of dark and delicious things he wants to do.

He can’t stand her, and she sure as hell hates him. One thing’s for the fur is about to fly when these two are off-duty. Can they move beyond the hate and anger to explore the passions they can no longer deny?

310 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 21, 2017

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About the author

Ellie Masters

151 books1,668 followers
Angsty, Steamy, Heart-Stopping, Pulse-Pounding, Can't-Stop-Reading Romantic Suspense.

Ellie Masters is a USA Today Bestselling author and Amazon Top 15 Author.

In addition, she's a wife, military mom, doctor, and retired Colonel.

She writes romantic suspense filled with all your sexy, swoon-worthy alpha men. Her writing will tug at your heartstrings and leave your heart racing.

Born in the South, raised under the Hawaiian sun, Ellie has traveled the globe while in service to her country. The love of her life, her amazing husband, is her number one fan and biggest supporter. And yes! He's read every word she's written.

Don't forget to sign up for her newsletter. Never miss another release, sale, or exclusive. https://elliemasters.com/NewsletterSi...

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5 stars
42 (68%)
4 stars
12 (19%)
3 stars
6 (9%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Carol Delmornay.
Author 20 books46 followers
August 6, 2017
OMG…I absolutely love this book so much, it’s hard to write a review without giving it all away…I don’t want to list any spoilers! The very first chapter had me crying. As a mother and after a family tragedy that was all too recent, my heart swelled and the tears poured and it was two weeks before I could pick up where I left off. Dr Laura Peters MD and paramedic Keith Evans at times used medical jargon that was like a foreign language to me, but lent so much realism to the story (like the way it was so realistic in the first chapter) it’s instantly recognizable that both authors have experience in those respective careers. Keith, the paramedic, had me at Candy Apple Red…the colour of his lovingly restored pickup truck that used to be his fathers. And if that didn’t seal it, the dungeon did. Lord have mercy…When Queen bitch Laura has too much wine trying to wind down at a roadhouse, Keith steps in and she finds herself waking up in his home, her recollection of what happened fuzzy enough that she eventually asks Keith “What happened last night”. The awkward, but pleasant, morning takes an immediate nose-dive after Keith flippantly makes a remark about her slithering on stage as an answer---flipping a major bitch switch in Laura. This book had me crying, laughing at times, and cringing on a few occasions, and I can certainly identify with some of the emotions Laura experiences. This is a must read. Lucas X Black is a favorite author of mine…Now…so is Ellie Masters.
Profile Image for Anna Pulla.
66 reviews5 followers
July 26, 2017
Well hells bells where do I start??
The collaboration between Ellie Masters and Lucas Black in writing this book was a huge success. Lucas is a new author to me and it’s safe to say that I will be reading more of his work.

What do you get when a world renown ER trauma surgeon known as the Ice Queen (who has a big secret), clashes with an No-nonsense, says it how it is Ex-Navy paramedic?? Well let’s just say sparks and initially not the sexual ones. Laura comes across as a Queen Bee and has no feelings or regards to others, however once she begins to let down her guard, you really start to see her for who she is.

I love how Keith truly does not put up with Laura’s attitude or coldness, he is rough, tough and a Dom is every sense of the word. Laura spends many hours being a hard ass and what she is truly looking for is a release, someone to take control of her in every sense of the word.

As Keith and Laura begin their journey you can’t but help fall in love with them and cheer of their relationship.

Ellie and Lucas know how to push your boundaries and in some people cases beyond their zone. Not all relationships are hearts, roses and a white picket fence, which does make them any less passionate, beautiful and sacred. What goes on between two consenting adults in their own home, is between them and it’s truly no one else’s business.

This book is a must read, full of passion, laughter and let’s face it hot sex. I cannot wait to read more books written by these two amazing and talented authors.

Profile Image for Chasing The Words  Book Blog.
301 reviews17 followers
August 11, 2017
Well damn....put a fork in me I'm done.

What a wild, hot, sexy ride Off Duty was!!!

Ellie Masters and Lucas Black take you on a sexy ass ride with Keith and Laura. I have a new obsession with both the authors now - totally addicted to their writing.

Love/Hate Relationship taken to the extreme!!! Not only is this book filled with lots of Angst and Drama but you will need to stock up on panties - you will need to change them frequently.

Laura made me mad at times but after I walked away for a bit and thought about it and the situation (don't want to go into details and ruin it for you all) I understood it better and I wasn't mad anymore really. I think it's just a different mindset that I'm not use to. I loved Laura truly and at the end of the day (or book) had a much better understanding of her and her desires.

Keith - damn I need a man like him in my life. Totally domineering and alpha male....just sigh.

Lucas Black and Ellie Masters, no words can really be said with how much I enjoyed to story. The push and pull between the characters was so raw and real. The storyline had me from page one and a beautiful message can be taken away from it. Loved Keith and Laura to pieces.

Off Duty is a must read!
Profile Image for Vicki Smith.
50 reviews2 followers
July 30, 2017
Amazing writing

The only reading of Ellie Masters has been at live writes. I have read most of Lucas Black's publishings. The chapters flow right into each other. The story line is awesome. From tears,laughing at Keith and Laura. From the flirting to intense scenes. I couldn't put the book down. I was glad to read Laura take Keith up on his dare, only then could anyone understand
Profile Image for Kathy Rouchelle .
975 reviews12 followers
July 23, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyable read that is extremely well written and has a well developed storyline. The doctor and the EMT. What could happen?? A lot and it does, but not quite in the way that you expect, unless you have also read co-author Lucas Black's work before then you will begin to understand what inevitably will take place between these two, and it doesn't disappoint.

The characters are well written, well defined and complex. Laura is a beautiful, intelligent and well renouned surgeon. She is also closed off, cold and a bitch to work with. Although she holds the responsibility of her patient's lives in her hands, she also expects perfection from those who work on her team. Keith is hot, caring and the EMT who comes in and out of Laura's life daily as he transports patients into her ER. She notices him and is attracted to him but she has no time for relationships with her job. But her fantisies are a whole other story. He has been attracted to her for quite a while and has visions of his own in regards to her. She's the Ice Queen and he's just the one to melt that ice.

Great story, heavy BDSM. A book that anyone who loves this genre will definitely be able to sink their teeth into. Best of all, all proceeds from this book's sales to go the Make-A-Wish Foundation! What more could you ask for? It's a win-win for everyone!
Profile Image for Mary Brannian.
1,072 reviews19 followers
July 22, 2017
When fire meets ice… it gets STEAMY!

Dr. Laura Peters is the Ice Queen of the trauma unit; commanding, rigid, relentless in the pursuit of keeping her patients alive. She doesn’t have time for a man in her life, yet she is achingly alone. Laura wants, no, NEEDS a man to take charge in the bedroom, and make her remember what it is to be a sexual, sensual being.

Keith Evans is a premier paramedic,former Navy, who is a “love ‘em and leave ‘em” type, or so Laura believes. Keith faces his own hidden demons and painful memories, yet is drawn to the “Ice Queen”.

Both feel the unnamed attraction growing between them, but can Keith be what Laura truly needs? A master that demands her complete and total submission to his will, a dominant to her submissive? Will Laura realize her dark fantasies? Will Keith be what Laura truly needs, and can Laura provide Keith with what he needs?

A darkly erotic tale, Off Duty explores the oft-hidden world of BDSM, and makes no apologies. It has humor, sexual tension, and graphic sexual scenes. NOT for the faint of heart; but if you like to explore boundaries, and enjoy kink with your sex play, this novel is for you! This is an amazing collaboration between two amazing authors, and I found it difficult to put down until the last sentence.

Profile Image for Ann.
2,023 reviews35 followers
July 26, 2017
These are new to me authors. I really enjoyed this book. It was frank, funny and provided realistic domain into the lifestyle of BDSM, more specifically, Master and slave relationship. The high stress, and pressure of the main characters careers; Laura a trauma surgeon, and Keith a paramedic meant these two people had to establish pragmatic boundaries and limitations of their lifestyle choices. I have read many books that have the Master/slave theme, but this book was able to answer many questions I had as to what does this do for people, physically, emotionally and spiritually. In other words, why would individuals seek out to live their lives in this manner. This book portrayed the characters as everyday people with the same burdens as everyone else. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The added bonus of purchasing this book benefited a wonderful charity of Make a Wish Foundation was a sell for me.
Profile Image for Christie Marsh.
551 reviews7 followers
July 3, 2017
Not being apart of this world and reading it about it has opened my eyes in seeing the love, caring and dedication it takes to become one as Laura and Keith do. Being in charge of your own life, knowing you are in need of something so much more, but not realizing exactly what it is until the one person you can't stand on the surface takes your breath away and makes you think beyond what you see and feel and just allow yourself to be, trust and be loved, cherished and so much more. I won't lie this was hard at times to read, due to the understanding of this world, but the story was beautiful and I feel in love with the characters. Both authors did an amazing job giving life beyond what I thought this life really was. If you can open your minds and allow the story to just be what it is you will fall in love too.
Profile Image for Lisa Pichner.
232 reviews7 followers
July 24, 2017
When I got Off Duty I had no idea how it would turn out. I have read everyone of Lucas X Black books and loved them, I should of known this would be no different.
This is the first I've read from Ellie Masters and I can't wait to read more from her.
I absolutely loved Dr Laura AKA Ice Queen (love that nickname) and Keith story.
I laughed, got mad and wanted to slap both characters a few times through out the read, but most of all I felt as I was pulled into the book from the beginning. Once I picked up my reader I couldn't put it down.
Mr. Black and Ms. Masters did a phenomenal job on the P.O.V. On both characters.
This is a must read and one you'll read over again. I highly recommend this read so grab your reader and get to reading this story of the beautiful Ice Queen and sexy paramedic.
Profile Image for Missy Harton.
491 reviews8 followers
July 22, 2017
"I had the best of both worlds, a loving boyfriend, and an unrelenting master."

What happens when a 'Master of Hotness' and an 'Ice Queen' get to know each other Off Duty? You're given an AMAZING EROTIC 5 STARS story crafted from two extremely talented authors! Black and Masters latest release is an emotional and touching journey of two people finding themselves and the role they play in each other's lives. There is humor, and sass as Keith and Laura discover their new relationship. In their off duty extracurricular activities, will they each find the missing pieces they are searching for? If you're a fan of the D/s genera; this is a MUST READ!!!
161 reviews
July 29, 2017
Off Duty!!

Great book, even better cause!!

Wow, what an amazing story!! Ellie Masters and Lucas Black you have written an amazing story. This book made me cry, it also made me laugh out loud. You won't be able to help falling in love with Laura and Keith. They are two professionals who both are at the top of their field but each of them is missing what the other can bring to a relationship. This is there love story and it was beautifully written. I highly recommend this book, and all the proceeds are going to the Make a Wish foundation so you really can't go wrong by one clicking this book. Happy reading 📖
Profile Image for Jojo Reeves.
1,225 reviews22 followers
July 25, 2017
Deserves more than 5 stars

This was one gripping read, two polar opposite medics, one uptight ice maiden trauma doctor and the gruff, straight shooting paramedic, who dislike each other yet fancy the pants of each other. I found this book had me crying, laughing and sighing over the love that develops, oh and the sex? Hotter than Hades !!! The switch between writers is seamless, which is a testament to the talent of these authors that they can write as one. I really hope they collaborate again ( and again) , in the meantime I will continue to read their Individual works.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
203 reviews2 followers
May 3, 2020
You work with people every day and kinda get to know them casually. There's that one person you work with that every time you see them, you feel tingling all over. You do your best not to just stare at them. One day, you happen to chat with your crush and you feel sparks fly. Laura felt those sparks fly every time she saw him. The thing is that she has been so guarded, how can she approach him?? Oh, they approached each other and the sparks between them flew! Such hot hot sexual flames between these two!! Be prepared to fan your face from the heat!
Profile Image for M L.
538 reviews16 followers
July 28, 2017
Wow! Talk about a deliciously dark read! One icy doctor and one hot paramedic fight their feelings to forge a special relationship. One hides what they have always needed and one takes what the other so badly wants to give - each having a need much greater than what society says is ok. Can they both be what the other needs? Will they let love, in all its dark and twisted glory, win? Very dark love story!
Profile Image for April.
Author 14 books72 followers
November 22, 2020
WOW is an understatement. The blurb didn't warn me of what was to come. It had been awhile since I read the blurb. I just decided to read and started. What a surprise! I both loved and hated OFF DUTY. Both Laura and Keith were such in-depth and amazing people, but together, they were explosive! Magnificent piece of writing by two that feels like only one!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
965 reviews
January 4, 2021
This book was an intense read from the beginning to the end. From the jobs that both Laura and Keith held to their BDSM lifestyle they led outside of work, there was not a dull moment. The juxtaposition of their jobs to their lifestyle was most intriguing. I enjoyed reading this book and hope that these two authors write more together in the future.
Profile Image for Cindy Murray.
87 reviews10 followers
June 18, 2017
Oh My!!! I had the pleasure of beta reading this book and WOW. You will NOT want to put this one down. The way these two authors bring these characters together is simply amazing. A definite must read....HOT HOT HOT!!! <3
Profile Image for Toi.
4,382 reviews
July 23, 2017
Wonderful Read

What a wonderful story - Keith and Laura are just what the other one needs. This was a laughing, crying and an emotional story of falling in love and learning what each other needed to be the best person they could be.
Profile Image for Jolene Huber.
879 reviews13 followers
August 1, 2017
More than was bargained for.

I bought this book when it was up for pre-order. I love when authors come together to write a book and donate the funds to charity. I can support that. This book was fairly well written. Some of the lines didn't quite match up with the characters.
Profile Image for Jessica Lee-Gates.
44 reviews12 followers
August 1, 2017
Great book!

This book was created by two talented authors, and flowed so well. The story line was great, and many times I laughed out loud! One thing I loved was the fact that both Lucas and Ellie had personal knowledge of every aspect of this book. Can't wait for more!
Profile Image for A.D. Herrick.
Author 22 books75 followers
August 22, 2017
Wow I can feel the flames from here

This book is hot, we're talking red hot, sizzling sexy, hot!! I couldn't put it down!!! To sweeten the pot, all proceeds will go to the Make A Wish foundation!!!
Profile Image for Julia Leonard.
808 reviews16 followers
February 24, 2018
Outstanding

Keith and Laura's story was amazing.
I personally am not into the sadistic play.
Definitely hot and steamy scenes.
The writing combination of these two authors blended well.
Profile Image for Carly Davis.
Author 48 books65 followers
March 25, 2018
Hot🔥🔥🔥

This is the first book I've read from these authors and I have to say this. I was hooked from the start of it. The chemistry between both characters was amazing. It was like fire igniting a cold heart. I definitely will be reading more of these books.❤❤❤
69 reviews2 followers
July 24, 2017
Great book..

I really enjoyed this book .. I may not completely understand the D/s relationships, I still thought this book was excellent.. The writing between Lucas and Ellie was phenomenal!! Took your emotions for a ride..
Profile Image for JustCin.
108 reviews
June 28, 2017
Not your typical love story! Keith and Laura were two broken people, barriers up, lonely and closed off. Through their work relationship, and in their own messy, complicated and most unconventional way, they found each other. The barriers they each held on to were slowly broken down – sometimes in totally unexpected and harsh ways – but they took time to learn each other, break each other, and then build each other back up. This book truly had me all over the place with my emotions – there were sweet moments, dark and incredibly intense moments, tears, and even laughter. I was totally immersed in this story from the beginning and couldn’t put it down!
Profile Image for Badh.
3,311 reviews66 followers
July 25, 2017
Laura is a world-renowned trauma surgeon and Queen Bee at her hospital. She's called Ice Queen and other not so nice names because she is very private, closed off, and will ream out anyone whom she feels has failed at their job. She demands perfection from herself and no less from the staff and doctors that she works with.

Keith is a paramedic that has been out on the streets for years. He was a corpsman in the Navy and is used to the stress that being out on the front lines can hold. He is rapidly burning out on it though and some of what he sees overwhelms him, like the death of a child.

A death of a child named Caleb is what originally brings Laura and Keith together. They see each other out at a restaurant where they are both eating alone. Laura comes over to share some news about Caleb with Keith and then manages to get blind drunk.

There isn't really insta-love in this, at least not as it shows up in other stories. Laura and Keith spend several weeks butting heads with each other and yelling at each other. Once they do get really into the relationship, the love happens quickly, but the relationship didn't happen overnight, exactly.

The M/s story is good. He is very demanding and very harsh at times. Laura likes it, so it's all good. I mostly liked the book, but I did have a few issues with it. One is that sometimes Laura seemed to be topping from the bottom. She pushed forward faster than Keith did, which leads to my second issue that really her full surrender came fast. But, it's a book, so I can't blame it because you can't spend the time developing the relationship, and the authors did mention that in a warning in the beginning. The characters do acknowledge that it will take time for them to truly know each other, so that takes care of that quibble. That's just my personal issue, others may not have it, your milage may vary.

Overall, I do like the story. I think that Masters and Black developed the characters well and showed some of the stress that Laura and Keith would experience in their jobs. I definitely recommend it.
Profile Image for Krisha.
385 reviews5 followers
July 31, 2017
Amazing Read

I'm so impressed with the 2 authors that wrote this book. The storyline intrigued me to no end. I'm pleased with the characters the roles that were given them and how it played out. For some unforeseen reasons I took an unexpected understanding to this story the meaning of it .
I would recommend this book to anyone that doesn't have a problem with the BDSM world and Dom/Sub relationship storyline.
Amazing work Ellie Masters and Lucas X Black.
Profile Image for Melanie.
4,339 reviews33 followers
June 1, 2018
Keith and Laura are co-workers but definitely not peers. He's EMS medic and she's a trauma surgeon. They've been eying each other surreptitiously for quite a while but neither acted on their attraction until he's hurt and she had to treat him. They embark on an unexpected relationship that fills a need for both of them.
Profile Image for Sherry  Morris.
118 reviews6 followers
July 23, 2017
Love this

I loved reading this book and look forward to reading more books by these two authors. I recommend reading this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews