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Honey #3
The Greatest Risk
A woman unable to connect, struggling to hide another part of her. A man burning to learn her truth, and make her whole. Through explosive passion and deep exploration, they are about to take the greatest risk of all. But will they be able to take that leap, and come out on the other side together?
In this next passionate novel in the Honey series, New York Times bestselling author Kristen Ashley delivers a stunningly romantic and intensely sexy novel that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.
In this next passionate novel in the Honey series, New York Times bestselling author Kristen Ashley delivers a stunningly romantic and intensely sexy novel that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.
592 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2018
466 people are currently reading
3263 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Ashley
138 books39.5k followersKristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn't taken her first breath!).
Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.
Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).
Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.
And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.
Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.
Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).
Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.
And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.
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dnf
May 7, 2018*** DNF ***
NO! NO! NO!
I’m feel so let down… and so deeply disappointed!
NO! NO! NO!
I’m feel so let down… and so deeply disappointed!
May 26, 2020
I've been looking forward to this book with intense anticipation. The Honey series has been Kristen Ashley most unique books yet. I'm impressed and applaud her for writing outside the box. Her outstanding talent guarantees a captivating and engaging story. A story that pushes the boundaries but still has the authors signature style and uniqueness.
Even though the BDSM genre is not one of my favorite genres, throughout the years I have read enough books to be able to discern great books with unique storylines, and fascinating characters. Kristen Ashley has come full circle with her third book in the Honey series.
I made the BIG mistake reading this book at work. I learned the hard way that a story this HOT, sizzling, and steamy should not be read outside of bed.
Stellan and Sixx were a fascinating couple. After being introduced to both characters in book 1 & 2, it was exciting to know they finally would get their own story. I couldn't wait to find out how the author would spin a tale about two Doms finding their happily ever after.
As always KA didn't disappoint.
Stellan was as cool and amazing as I imagined. He was the BOMB. Smart, business savvy, surprisingly kind, loving, and hell bent on owning Sixx. He showed amazing control, understanding and intuition, which he needed in dealing with Sixx. Sixx on the other hand was one tough mistress. Her backstory was heartbreaking, and devastating. Her survival instincts and coping mechanism brought tears to my eyes. And together their journey was as beautiful as it was gripping.
There were a few times I wanted to shake some sense into Sixx. She had my stomach in knots, with her unrelenting need to protect Stellan from herself. I understood were she was coming from, but it was a source of frustration that fortunately worked itself out in the end.
The Greatest Risk was a wonderful ending to a fantastic series. Did I like it as much as book 1 & 2? Not quite. But it was utterly satisfying, and delivered a wonderful happy ending to a couple that deserved it very much. There was a smorgasbord of sizzling scenes throughout the book. All kinds of arrangements that ignited the pages that they were written on. And again I was reminded why I loved this series so much, and it also evoked in me the desire to read Branch and Olly's stories again (I'm clearly in love with KA's alpha subs).
So, for all of you who enjoy a naughty and steamy book, that steps outside the box and explores a Dom relationship, this is the book for you. Enjoy the sexual tension and sexual exploits to your heart's desire - you won't be disappointed.
___________________________________
Find more reviews and book recommendations on my blog.
Find me on Bookstagram.
Even though the BDSM genre is not one of my favorite genres, throughout the years I have read enough books to be able to discern great books with unique storylines, and fascinating characters. Kristen Ashley has come full circle with her third book in the Honey series.
I made the BIG mistake reading this book at work. I learned the hard way that a story this HOT, sizzling, and steamy should not be read outside of bed.
Stellan and Sixx were a fascinating couple. After being introduced to both characters in book 1 & 2, it was exciting to know they finally would get their own story. I couldn't wait to find out how the author would spin a tale about two Doms finding their happily ever after.
As always KA didn't disappoint.
Stellan was as cool and amazing as I imagined. He was the BOMB. Smart, business savvy, surprisingly kind, loving, and hell bent on owning Sixx. He showed amazing control, understanding and intuition, which he needed in dealing with Sixx. Sixx on the other hand was one tough mistress. Her backstory was heartbreaking, and devastating. Her survival instincts and coping mechanism brought tears to my eyes. And together their journey was as beautiful as it was gripping.
There were a few times I wanted to shake some sense into Sixx. She had my stomach in knots, with her unrelenting need to protect Stellan from herself. I understood were she was coming from, but it was a source of frustration that fortunately worked itself out in the end.
The Greatest Risk was a wonderful ending to a fantastic series. Did I like it as much as book 1 & 2? Not quite. But it was utterly satisfying, and delivered a wonderful happy ending to a couple that deserved it very much. There was a smorgasbord of sizzling scenes throughout the book. All kinds of arrangements that ignited the pages that they were written on. And again I was reminded why I loved this series so much, and it also evoked in me the desire to read Branch and Olly's stories again (I'm clearly in love with KA's alpha subs).
So, for all of you who enjoy a naughty and steamy book, that steps outside the box and explores a Dom relationship, this is the book for you. Enjoy the sexual tension and sexual exploits to your heart's desire - you won't be disappointed.
___________________________________
Find more reviews and book recommendations on my blog.
Find me on Bookstagram.
January 13, 2019
2.75 Stars
Overall Opinion: Dang it! I don't like giving Ms. Ashley such a low rating, but I honestly just feel like I'm just indifferent to this book tbh. Yeah, the sex scenes were scorching...but I also felt at a certain point that I wasn't feeling it, and over those scenes because they felt kind of like filler. This book felt like it was the h consistently pushing the h away, sex sex and more sex, and somewhere along with the sex the flip is switched in the h and then she's a mushy submissive. I didn't feel their connection to each other. I also didn't really like the h while I did like the H, so that might've been my problem. Overall if you like some hot BDSM scenes (see heat spoiler below for more specifics), this might still work for you.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Sixx and Stellan's story. Sixx has always wanted Stellan and had watched him from afar. When she returns from being away from the Phoenix BDSM scene, she is shocked when Stellan finally makes his move on her. He is relentless in his pursuit, and secures a month of trying the relationship out living together as soon as he can. Sixx is highly damaged from her past, and while she wants Stellan, she doesn't feel like she deserves him. There are some big emotional and past obstacles in their way, some hot sexy scenes, and a few cute moments...and they get a HFN ending.
POV: This alternated between Sixx's POV and focusing on Stellan in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Not the best. It definitely felt too slow for me at times, and while I never skimmed -- I did feel like I wanted to a few times.
Instalove: No, but they had strong feelings going into the relationship. Another reason why I might've not felt their connection-- because we didn't get the development of feelings.
H rating: 4.5 stars. Stellan. I liked him a lot. I appreciated how he went for what he wanted with full force, and didn't even let the h ruin that for him. I appreciated his patience and ability to keep a clear head during her pushing away, and I really loved his relationships with the side characters!
h rating: 2.5 stars. Sixx. I struggled with her a lot. I didn't like how she pushed the H away so much. I sympathized with her and her past, but her self-destructive thoughts got too old too quick for me.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Hot. They have some hot tension, chemistry, and scenes. It did feel like it was a little bit too much at times.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW/OM drama: No
Sex scene with OW or OM: Not with either of the mcs physically participating.
Cheating: No
Separation: No, once the H makes his move they stay together.
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had an in-depth epilogue with closure, but it felt like the closure was for other side characters! I wanted more of a glimpse in regards to this couple's future! I would call this a HFN ending.
Safety: This one is probably Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences.
Overall Opinion: Dang it! I don't like giving Ms. Ashley such a low rating, but I honestly just feel like I'm just indifferent to this book tbh. Yeah, the sex scenes were scorching...but I also felt at a certain point that I wasn't feeling it, and over those scenes because they felt kind of like filler. This book felt like it was the h consistently pushing the h away, sex sex and more sex, and somewhere along with the sex the flip is switched in the h and then she's a mushy submissive. I didn't feel their connection to each other. I also didn't really like the h while I did like the H, so that might've been my problem. Overall if you like some hot BDSM scenes (see heat spoiler below for more specifics), this might still work for you.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Sixx and Stellan's story. Sixx has always wanted Stellan and had watched him from afar. When she returns from being away from the Phoenix BDSM scene, she is shocked when Stellan finally makes his move on her. He is relentless in his pursuit, and secures a month of trying the relationship out living together as soon as he can. Sixx is highly damaged from her past, and while she wants Stellan, she doesn't feel like she deserves him. There are some big emotional and past obstacles in their way, some hot sexy scenes, and a few cute moments...and they get a HFN ending.
POV: This alternated between Sixx's POV and focusing on Stellan in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Not the best. It definitely felt too slow for me at times, and while I never skimmed -- I did feel like I wanted to a few times.
Instalove: No, but they had strong feelings going into the relationship. Another reason why I might've not felt their connection-- because we didn't get the development of feelings.
H rating: 4.5 stars. Stellan. I liked him a lot. I appreciated how he went for what he wanted with full force, and didn't even let the h ruin that for him. I appreciated his patience and ability to keep a clear head during her pushing away, and I really loved his relationships with the side characters!
h rating: 2.5 stars. Sixx. I struggled with her a lot. I didn't like how she pushed the H away so much. I sympathized with her and her past, but her self-destructive thoughts got too old too quick for me.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Hot. They have some hot tension, chemistry, and scenes. It did feel like it was a little bit too much at times.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW/OM drama: No
Sex scene with OW or OM: Not with either of the mcs physically participating.
Cheating: No
Separation: No, once the H makes his move they stay together.
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had an in-depth epilogue with closure, but it felt like the closure was for other side characters! I wanted more of a glimpse in regards to this couple's future! I would call this a HFN ending.
Safety: This one is probably Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences.
April 24, 2018
3.5 stars
This series is on the extreme end of the KA spectrum. It’s definitely not for everyone, and though I thought I would be finished with it after reading the first book, I couldn’t not read the rest of the series, so here I am having finished the third book and I’m feeling all sorts of conflicted. At it’s heart is a beautiful love story with great characters and a wonderful romance like only KA can write. But there’s just so much other unnecessary stuff that dragged that story out and brought it down a bit for me. So please excuse me and my excessive quoting while I purse my thoughts and feelings.
This book is the story of Stellan and Sixx. There has been a bit of a build-up for this one, in that we’ve seen Stellan in all of his confident, stand-off-ish Dom glory, and we’ve seen Sixx as a hot-in-demand Domme who seems goes through the motions but seems completely switched off to what she is doing. The King and Queen of the Honey (the exclusive sex club where they, and their friends, play), they know each other but haven’t had a whole lot to do with each other, but in the last book we learned that Stellan had feelings for Sixx, and I was really curious how their relationship was going to play out seeing as they are both so similar.
Sixx has had a hard life. She’s been through traumatic times, has had to do the unthinkable to survive, and she has developed coping mechanisms to deal with it all. One of those was renaming herself Sixx – as if Sixx is a persona that she puts on to protect her inner, vulnerable self. Sixx is definitely still a part of who she is, but she’s the hard part, the brave part. The part that she shows to the outside world, while she keeps her softer side softly locked inside as Simone.
Stellan knows about Sixx’s past, and he knows how she copes with it. But that hasn’t turned him away. In fact, it only makes him want her more. He wants to crack Sixx’s shell, he wants to know her darkest secrets, he wants to heal her, to find a way to let Simone out, and he wants to make her his.
It’s a wonderful set up, with a great dynamic, and I loved watching it all play out.
Stellan reminds me so much of Connor Cobalt from the Addicted series by Krista & Becca Ritchie. Rich, entitled, cocky, confident and arrogant �� but charmingly so. He is a true gentleman when he wants to be, but he’s also a filthy, kinky bastard, and it’s a delicious combination. He may appear cold on the outside, but in reality he is nothing but heat, with a huge heart (and he even calls her “darling”!). And there is something about him that is utterly irresistible.
And in the way of all KA alphas, he is a man who will let nothing stand in the way of getting what he wants, and his claiming of Sixx is fantastic! He’s strong and determined, but also sweet and soft when he needs to be. He is wonderful in the way he works to bring Sixx out of her shell, and I loved seeing it all happen.
And Sixx is a fascinating character. This blend of who she is as Sixx and who she is as Simone is really well written, and her progression from one becoming the other, and finding that balance of the real her was really beautifully done. I loved her strength, and I loved her vulnerability, and I loved the way she fought to find her true self – with Stellan by her side the whole way.
The love story is so beautiful. Stellan and Sixx had an intriguing, passionate and intense relationship, and I loved seeing them find their way forward together.
But then there is everything else. KA’s books are long, and we always expect that going in, but I usually happily lose myself in her stories, loving every moment of it. But this one felt long, and I found myself getting bored and skimming, especially because there was so much story that wasn’t a part of the story – a bit of a crime/mystery storyline that wasn’t needed (though I did appreciate the Creed and Sylvie cameo), but most of it kinky sex that didn’t even involve the hero or heroine.
The kink is seriously heavy, and the sexy time is extreme and descriptive, and while I enjoy reading smut as much as the next romance reader, I did find it a bit OTT in this one. I really liked the scenes with Stellan and Sixx - they were important to their relationship, their identities and who they were as a couple. There was so much emotion involved in each scene, and of course they were as hot as f*ck. But then there is all the other stuff - scenes of extreme kink – dom and sub stuff and explicit m/m scenes full of dirty talk that did not involve either Stellan or Sixx (just one or both of them watching), and that had no bearing on the overall story and seemed to go on and on and on, all in filthy detail. I don’t mind a book being heavy on the smut, but it needs to progress the relationship and feel like a natural part of the story, and that just wasn’t there, so I just found it all a bit too much and ended up skimming parts of it which was a bit disappointing.
I think this book would have been a lot stronger without so much other dragging it down. Stellan and Sixx’s story is beautiful and passionate and emotional and intense, and there didn’t need to be that other stuff. For me, all it did was slow down the pacing, and I found it boring, and just too much.
So a bit of a mixed bag for me, but the love story was strong enough to pull it through, and I did enjoy it.
3.5 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This series is on the extreme end of the KA spectrum. It’s definitely not for everyone, and though I thought I would be finished with it after reading the first book, I couldn’t not read the rest of the series, so here I am having finished the third book and I’m feeling all sorts of conflicted. At it’s heart is a beautiful love story with great characters and a wonderful romance like only KA can write. But there’s just so much other unnecessary stuff that dragged that story out and brought it down a bit for me. So please excuse me and my excessive quoting while I purse my thoughts and feelings.
This book is the story of Stellan and Sixx. There has been a bit of a build-up for this one, in that we’ve seen Stellan in all of his confident, stand-off-ish Dom glory, and we’ve seen Sixx as a hot-in-demand Domme who seems goes through the motions but seems completely switched off to what she is doing. The King and Queen of the Honey (the exclusive sex club where they, and their friends, play), they know each other but haven’t had a whole lot to do with each other, but in the last book we learned that Stellan had feelings for Sixx, and I was really curious how their relationship was going to play out seeing as they are both so similar.
Two Doms finding their way together in life when sexually they didn’t quite fit would be one hell of a challenge.
Sixx has had a hard life. She’s been through traumatic times, has had to do the unthinkable to survive, and she has developed coping mechanisms to deal with it all. One of those was renaming herself Sixx – as if Sixx is a persona that she puts on to protect her inner, vulnerable self. Sixx is definitely still a part of who she is, but she’s the hard part, the brave part. The part that she shows to the outside world, while she keeps her softer side softly locked inside as Simone.
Sixx needed control just as much as she needed chaos. She couldn’t have one without the other because she was addicted to both, and her elaborate efforts to maintain a perfect balance kept the mess that was her from flying apart.
Stellan knows about Sixx’s past, and he knows how she copes with it. But that hasn’t turned him away. In fact, it only makes him want her more. He wants to crack Sixx’s shell, he wants to know her darkest secrets, he wants to heal her, to find a way to let Simone out, and he wants to make her his.
“He’ll go all in for you.” Aryas throwing that out there got her attention again, and she twisted toward him. He kept at her. “Stellan finds the one that’s worth it, he’ll break his back, sell his soul, work his fingers to the bone to win her and keep her.”
It’s a wonderful set up, with a great dynamic, and I loved watching it all play out.
“We’ll talk more Saturday evening,” he replied.
“And should I tell you to go fuck yourself, get up and walk out of here, and there is no Saturday evening?” she inquired.
“You have no intention of telling me to go fuck myself, sweetheart.”
“You trust me, Simone,” he urged gently. “And if you do, I swear to fuck I’ll make you happy that you did.”
Stellan reminds me so much of Connor Cobalt from the Addicted series by Krista & Becca Ritchie. Rich, entitled, cocky, confident and arrogant �� but charmingly so. He is a true gentleman when he wants to be, but he’s also a filthy, kinky bastard, and it’s a delicious combination. He may appear cold on the outside, but in reality he is nothing but heat, with a huge heart (and he even calls her “darling”!). And there is something about him that is utterly irresistible.
“I don’t want to be your friend, Simone ... But he wasn’t done.
“I want to be your lover. I want to be your Master. I want to know all your secrets. I want to unravel the mystery that’s you and then help you keep it safe. I want you, and the way I want you is beside me, in bed, in play and in life.”
And in the way of all KA alphas, he is a man who will let nothing stand in the way of getting what he wants, and his claiming of Sixx is fantastic! He’s strong and determined, but also sweet and soft when he needs to be. He is wonderful in the way he works to bring Sixx out of her shell, and I loved seeing it all happen.
“Sweet pussy is worth any hassle. But to earn the attention of a queen…” He curled his hand around her jaw and used it to force her to look at him. the touch was dominant, but gentle, and achingly sweet, and when he caught her eyes, he concluded, speaking every word in a way each was laced with steel, “I. Will. Do. Anything.”
“You have my attention,” she whispered.
“I have your utter devotion.”
And Sixx is a fascinating character. This blend of who she is as Sixx and who she is as Simone is really well written, and her progression from one becoming the other, and finding that balance of the real her was really beautifully done. I loved her strength, and I loved her vulnerability, and I loved the way she fought to find her true self – with Stellan by her side the whole way.
“Be strong for the world, darling, if that’s what you need to be. But here, with me, you can be whatever you care to be.”
The love story is so beautiful. Stellan and Sixx had an intriguing, passionate and intense relationship, and I loved seeing them find their way forward together.
We’re not two halves that make a whole. We’re two souls who share a vital understanding.
But then there is everything else. KA’s books are long, and we always expect that going in, but I usually happily lose myself in her stories, loving every moment of it. But this one felt long, and I found myself getting bored and skimming, especially because there was so much story that wasn’t a part of the story – a bit of a crime/mystery storyline that wasn’t needed (though I did appreciate the Creed and Sylvie cameo), but most of it kinky sex that didn’t even involve the hero or heroine.
The kink is seriously heavy, and the sexy time is extreme and descriptive, and while I enjoy reading smut as much as the next romance reader, I did find it a bit OTT in this one. I really liked the scenes with Stellan and Sixx - they were important to their relationship, their identities and who they were as a couple. There was so much emotion involved in each scene, and of course they were as hot as f*ck. But then there is all the other stuff - scenes of extreme kink – dom and sub stuff and explicit m/m scenes full of dirty talk that did not involve either Stellan or Sixx (just one or both of them watching), and that had no bearing on the overall story and seemed to go on and on and on, all in filthy detail. I don’t mind a book being heavy on the smut, but it needs to progress the relationship and feel like a natural part of the story, and that just wasn’t there, so I just found it all a bit too much and ended up skimming parts of it which was a bit disappointing.
I think this book would have been a lot stronger without so much other dragging it down. Stellan and Sixx’s story is beautiful and passionate and emotional and intense, and there didn’t need to be that other stuff. For me, all it did was slow down the pacing, and I found it boring, and just too much.
So a bit of a mixed bag for me, but the love story was strong enough to pull it through, and I did enjoy it.
3.5 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 24, 2018
The greatest Risk is BDSM with a sweet bite. Kristen Ashley shows us the beauty in pain and an internal struggle needing to be set free. Sixx is a woman that is a two-sided coin wrapped in vulnerability and strength. She finds herself at the hands of a dom willing to go to any length to show her she’s worth it.
Stellan, a dom with a sweet understanding of life and its erotic intricacies, has a predilection for domineering debauchery that will help a troubled female dom learn to switch into to a submissive that is understanding of herself and let the past remain where it needs to be.
As always, KA showers us with a family feel and a deep love of friendships. It’s her hallmark. Add a bit of leather, and you have an erotic read perfectly played for fans of the genre.
Another 5 star read.
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Stellan, a dom with a sweet understanding of life and its erotic intricacies, has a predilection for domineering debauchery that will help a troubled female dom learn to switch into to a submissive that is understanding of herself and let the past remain where it needs to be.
As always, KA showers us with a family feel and a deep love of friendships. It’s her hallmark. Add a bit of leather, and you have an erotic read perfectly played for fans of the genre.
Another 5 star read.
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April 5, 2018
3.5 STARS
I've read upwards of 60 something Kristen Ashley books, many of them I've reread several times. There's probably not an author around whose stories I'm more passionate about, one who has me craving the giddy deliciousness that comes with every new release. But of all of the KA books I've read, there's probably not one that will be as difficult for me to describe my thoughts and feelings on as The Greatest Risk. But, nevertheless, here I go...
Kristen Ashley takes us back to the titillating BDSM world of the Honey in The Greatest Risk, this time with the complicated dynamic between Stellan Lange and Simone "Sixx" Marchesa. I have to say, Stellan and Sixx were not characters that I easily related to. My first instinct is to attribute that to their lifestyle, their relationship taking root in the kinky sex club where they both "play" as doms. While I'm utterly fascinated by this world of domination and submission, of voyeuristic sex and sensual fantasies, I still remain an outsider, a reader with so many questions about how this all works. So like I said, my initial feeling on why I didn't thoroughly connect with them, I blamed on the fact that they exist in this world that I just don't relate to, don't understand, even if I am completely riveted by it. But that really can't be it because I didn't struggle with connecting with Amelie and Olivier or Evangeline and Branch. I really got them in a way that I just never got Stellan and Sixx.
So then I thought maybe it was because these characters don't let anyone get close enough to really get them. Sixx is a character that won't let ANYONE in. She's emotionally scarred by tragedy in her past. She's a badass in her job and in her play at the Honey. She's likeable and she's strong and I felt for her. She's just not warm and fuzzy. Perhaps she held me at arms length the same way she does Stellan and her friends. And Stellan being this strong observant type who lords over everyone in the club as he does in his mansion and his office, who's proper and fancy and well dressed, who takes care of everyone and treats his woman like a queen... he's all these things that add up to this fantastic hero. But he remained untouchable to me. He's just not a character that I felt that inexplicable thing for that I did for the Tys and Tates and Tacks and Raids of the KA world. There was just something MONUMENTAL missing in my connection with these characters and also in the connection I needed to see grow between them. It was expressed to me that these characters are made for each other. They obviously come to mean a lot to each other. They're clearly sexually compatible even though that relationship must evolve and adapt because two doms coming together shouldn't make sense, but it does. There are scenes I heard about, that were glossed over but didn't actually play out for the reader that might have helped me believe more in this attraction turned love story. But whatever that missing link was, it evaded me and it left me on the outside looking in, instead of being completely swept away in the immersive reading experience that KA notoriously creates.
But with that said, (and here's where it gets weird) I was still really into this story. How does THAT even happen?? I imagine reading this book is similar to going to a football game where you really don't care about either team. You have no emotional investment in who wins, what their record is, what the matchup might mean to these players, but you still have awesome seats at a freaking football game and the beer is flowing and the food is good and the quarterback is hot and it's exciting and sexy and it's entertaining so you're going to watch and you're going to have a great time even though you never really get to know the players in the way you wish you could. It's a wild feeling, reading this book and it's really hard for me to explain. I enjoyed this book A LOT. It is HOT AS HELL. It's loaded with a good dose of suspense courtesy of Sixx's career path. It's super super super steamy. We're treated to a few cameo appearances by some KA characters of yesteryear that I've missed. And the story is an intriguing, refreshing one. I just missed the romance. I missed the undeniable chemistry that is typically this delicious palpable thing in KA novels. But still, I'm glad I came to the game. It was fun. I got a little tipsy. Most of the food was good. I got a little sweaty and had to fan myself watching some of the dudes throw down together (winks!) And while this particular matchup might not be one that stands out when I think back on all the games I've been to, it had some seriously memorable plays and I'm glad I went.
I've read upwards of 60 something Kristen Ashley books, many of them I've reread several times. There's probably not an author around whose stories I'm more passionate about, one who has me craving the giddy deliciousness that comes with every new release. But of all of the KA books I've read, there's probably not one that will be as difficult for me to describe my thoughts and feelings on as The Greatest Risk. But, nevertheless, here I go...
Kristen Ashley takes us back to the titillating BDSM world of the Honey in The Greatest Risk, this time with the complicated dynamic between Stellan Lange and Simone "Sixx" Marchesa. I have to say, Stellan and Sixx were not characters that I easily related to. My first instinct is to attribute that to their lifestyle, their relationship taking root in the kinky sex club where they both "play" as doms. While I'm utterly fascinated by this world of domination and submission, of voyeuristic sex and sensual fantasies, I still remain an outsider, a reader with so many questions about how this all works. So like I said, my initial feeling on why I didn't thoroughly connect with them, I blamed on the fact that they exist in this world that I just don't relate to, don't understand, even if I am completely riveted by it. But that really can't be it because I didn't struggle with connecting with Amelie and Olivier or Evangeline and Branch. I really got them in a way that I just never got Stellan and Sixx.
So then I thought maybe it was because these characters don't let anyone get close enough to really get them. Sixx is a character that won't let ANYONE in. She's emotionally scarred by tragedy in her past. She's a badass in her job and in her play at the Honey. She's likeable and she's strong and I felt for her. She's just not warm and fuzzy. Perhaps she held me at arms length the same way she does Stellan and her friends. And Stellan being this strong observant type who lords over everyone in the club as he does in his mansion and his office, who's proper and fancy and well dressed, who takes care of everyone and treats his woman like a queen... he's all these things that add up to this fantastic hero. But he remained untouchable to me. He's just not a character that I felt that inexplicable thing for that I did for the Tys and Tates and Tacks and Raids of the KA world. There was just something MONUMENTAL missing in my connection with these characters and also in the connection I needed to see grow between them. It was expressed to me that these characters are made for each other. They obviously come to mean a lot to each other. They're clearly sexually compatible even though that relationship must evolve and adapt because two doms coming together shouldn't make sense, but it does. There are scenes I heard about, that were glossed over but didn't actually play out for the reader that might have helped me believe more in this attraction turned love story. But whatever that missing link was, it evaded me and it left me on the outside looking in, instead of being completely swept away in the immersive reading experience that KA notoriously creates.
But with that said, (and here's where it gets weird) I was still really into this story. How does THAT even happen?? I imagine reading this book is similar to going to a football game where you really don't care about either team. You have no emotional investment in who wins, what their record is, what the matchup might mean to these players, but you still have awesome seats at a freaking football game and the beer is flowing and the food is good and the quarterback is hot and it's exciting and sexy and it's entertaining so you're going to watch and you're going to have a great time even though you never really get to know the players in the way you wish you could. It's a wild feeling, reading this book and it's really hard for me to explain. I enjoyed this book A LOT. It is HOT AS HELL. It's loaded with a good dose of suspense courtesy of Sixx's career path. It's super super super steamy. We're treated to a few cameo appearances by some KA characters of yesteryear that I've missed. And the story is an intriguing, refreshing one. I just missed the romance. I missed the undeniable chemistry that is typically this delicious palpable thing in KA novels. But still, I'm glad I came to the game. It was fun. I got a little tipsy. Most of the food was good. I got a little sweaty and had to fan myself watching some of the dudes throw down together (winks!) And while this particular matchup might not be one that stands out when I think back on all the games I've been to, it had some seriously memorable plays and I'm glad I went.
April 13, 2018
Sixx and Stellan. Domme and Dom. One with a past that she doesn't want to reveal. The other looking to tear her down and build her back up again into the woman she deserves to be.
Kristen Ashley blew me away with The Greatest Risk. I was so enthralled with this story that I know this review is going to be one of the harder ones for me to write, for me to put into words what I really felt throughout this story.
Mistress Sixx was an enigma from the beginning of this series. As her past is revealed and her present is being scrutinized, I was stunned, heart-broken and mesmerized by her. She was a strong, hard woman, kept everyone at arms-length and made sure that no one would ever best her again. She knew to stay away from Stellan even though she wanted him like no other man. He would be the one, besides Aryas, who would see through her and bring her to her knees. She can't show him that side of her but she also cannot keep her eyes off of him as he plays in The Honey Pot.
Master Stellan knows what he wants, goes after what he wants. He too has a past that he doesn't care to talk much about, a family that doesn't deserve what he had to give them. The Honey Pot is his playground but it is becoming less and less appealing lately. Until she walks back into the club after a long absence. Now, to make her see what she was leaving behind by running, who she can be, what she really wants. Time to make her his and give her everything she deserves.
The transformation of Mistress Sixx into Simone was amazing. Watching Stellan bring her out of herself and into his world, giving her everything that she ever desired in a man, watching her open up to him, was awesome. And, the way Kristen Ashley went about doing it … truly impressive. This woman has a way with words, a way with bringing in sub-characters to really enhance the story that always draws me in. The Greatest Risk was exquisitely written, it was fascinating and it definitely makes my Best of list in 2018.
May 1, 2018
“I want to be your lover. I want to be your Master. I want to know all your secrets. I want to unravel the mystery that’s you and then help you keep it safe. I want you, and the way I want you is beside me, in bed, in play and in life.”
Our third return to the alluring world of the Bee’s Honey was everything I hoped it would be, and SO much more. Kristen Ashley takes our breath away with one of her most erotic yet tender romances to date, the story of two broken souls who mend each other piece by piece, only to discover a love that neither of them ever expected to find in life. Two of the Honey’s most enigmatic Dominants, Sixx and Stellan prove to be two of its most complex and fascinating characters, too, and through the author’s lush writing style, we watch them being broken wide open before they are slowly put back together in the most marvellous of ways. Kristen Ashley’s consummate understanding of her characters’ every nuance pulls us into the story like a tide, delivering a story that is moving, intimate, and satisfying on every level.
Continue reading this review...
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April 28, 2023
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
Introduction
The Greatest Risk is such a powerful story that just held my heart so easily. I was so gravitated to this one here. I just knew that this one would be epic and Kristen Ashley really held up the bar with this story. There is something so endearing about this series. In fact, I think its some of her BEST work, there is something unique in how she has written each book and this story was SO not what I expected and it was delicious on every page. I just have so much love for Stellan and Sixx, and they are my favorite couple of the trilogy. I have really adored them all, but there is something so much more about Stellan and Stixx and their powerful journey that Kristen Ashley takes us on. Of course, its a KA novel, and has her classic writing style, so you just know that it will be epic but their relationship is packed with so much depth and heart, it delivered everything and more I could have been looking for!
Summary
The gist of the story is that, Sixx is a Domme, but she has been secretly in love with Stellan for years. But for a while he had his sights on another woman. But now that she is so taken, Stellan has his eye on Sixx who is so much more than she seems to be. But Stellan knows some of her past, including a name that she has hidden so deeply in her past, he is determined to bring out the true woman that is Simone, the woman that Sixx hides from everyone. But Stellan is determined to know her secrets, her past...but most importantly making the WHOLE woman shine forth no matter what it takes. He is a true dom though and could never be a sub to her, but he also knows that Sixx isn't a true domme, she is a switch. He gives her a month with him as his sub. He knows he only has a month to bring her out and if he fails....he will lose her forever.
My Outlook
The Greatest Risk was so so powerful! I just couldn't get enough of this one. Sixx has been such a woman of secrets and seeing the determination that Stellan has to bring out the true woman was so heartfelt. You just see how earnest he is, that he can see the parts of herself that she hides from everyone and how little by little its destroying her soul. So he is willing to take the greatest risk on her and trust that he can bring out the true woman out before he runs out of time and she will flee him forever and he will never be able to hold onto the woman he loves deeply.
What we see in this book is a path of healing and seeing BDSM as healing is one of my catnips and Kristen Ashley did this so remarkably and I couldn't get enough of it. I also adored the journey that we see with Sixx...but man this heroine is STUBBORN!! It takes not only Stellan, but the whole crew working together to truly bring the real woman out but she battles it till the end but when it happens, its GLORIOUS and so satisfying. I just loved everything about this story and I just couldn't put it down. It was so endearing and I fell so hard for Sixx and Stellan and never wanted their book to end! I can't wait to immerse myself into the novella that connects to this one. And also we get connections to other books, I just can't remember which books, I need to do research haha
If anyone knows the other couples that we see in this, let me know! Especially the male characters that everyone thinks is gorgeous, I am pretty sure he is from another of Ashley's books, but for the life of me I am not sure which one.
Overall View
The Greatest Risk is a ultimate BDSM romance that will tug at your heart, deliver all the depths, brings spice to a new level and is such an epic finale that is a must read for any erotic romance lover!
Rating Evaluation:
Plot: 5
World Building: 5
Cover: 5
Hero: 5
Heroine:5
Steam: 5
Heart & Feels: 5
Ending:5
Overall View: 5
May 3, 2018
ARC provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review
A bold, provocative, erotic romance that pushes the boundaries of romance!! Kristen Ashley entices and lures her readers to a whole new side of romance, the world of BDSM. While this type of genre is not for all, Ashley still gives her readers that element of romance but with a heavy dose of steam, passion, and eroticism. Yes, this book is very long but Ashley does provide readers a better understanding of her characters and the demons they have. So if you are looking for a read that incorporates steam, passion, and raw emotions then this is the book for you.
A bold, provocative, erotic romance that pushes the boundaries of romance!! Kristen Ashley entices and lures her readers to a whole new side of romance, the world of BDSM. While this type of genre is not for all, Ashley still gives her readers that element of romance but with a heavy dose of steam, passion, and eroticism. Yes, this book is very long but Ashley does provide readers a better understanding of her characters and the demons they have. So if you are looking for a read that incorporates steam, passion, and raw emotions then this is the book for you.
March 31, 2020
Since Dommes aren’t my kink, Ashley’s series has been a challenge to want to read and a surprise of how good the first 2 books have been. But this 3rd one really worked because the only one in charge is the Dom. Clearly the story of Stellan & Sixx/Simone is influenced by the GREAT Joey Hill’s brilliant Ice Queen/Mirror of My Soul which features a Domme mastered by The Dom and includes a trajectory of such beauty, even thinking about it brings tears. This story doesn’t have the depth of Hill’s but it’s fabulous in its own regard. The H/h burn deliciously and the side characters especially Susan, Stellans honorary sister, add depth. Most importantly, the Domme shit as well as any M/M is kept to observation and not part of the main couples own bedroom. However, there is a lot of M/M throughout...a lot...in detail...verbally...non verbally...for pages...after pages...to the point of what could have been a 6 Star read is tempered to a damn good 5.
May 7, 2018
5 Stars
WOW! What an amazing finale to a great series. As with any romance from Kristen Ashley, Stellan and Sixx's journey to love captured my heart. A compelling story of two broken souls striving to heal one another, that was emotional, passion-filled, deliciously steamy and super kinky. Stellan was the perfect hero who never ceased in his quest to break through Sixx's walls and claim her heart. Sixx ~ a strong heroine whose experiences broke me. Another must read from one of my favorite authors, with memorable and loving characters that will stay with me, that I highly recommend.
Arc provided in exchange for an honest review.
WOW! What an amazing finale to a great series. As with any romance from Kristen Ashley, Stellan and Sixx's journey to love captured my heart. A compelling story of two broken souls striving to heal one another, that was emotional, passion-filled, deliciously steamy and super kinky. Stellan was the perfect hero who never ceased in his quest to break through Sixx's walls and claim her heart. Sixx ~ a strong heroine whose experiences broke me. Another must read from one of my favorite authors, with memorable and loving characters that will stay with me, that I highly recommend.
Arc provided in exchange for an honest review.
May 2, 2018
3.5 Stars
Mistress Sixx had grown skilled at keeping her emotions tightly locked up. She was detached during her scenes at the Honey, she didn't have friendships or love interests. Sixx lived in a small, empty, run-down apartment, making it easy to up and leave when she needed.
For the past several years she's had her eye on one man. One man she knew was out of her league and off limits. And that was the greatest risk for Mistress Sixx, giving her heart to someone, even if that someone was Stellan.
Stellan was living his life trying not to be like his father. He was a very successful businessman. As a Dom, he spent a lot of time at the Honey. He'd spent years watching and waiting for the right time for him and Sixx. When that time came, he went all-in.
You guys, I am so torn! I started out LOVING this book! It was a solid 4 (and that was only because some of the scenes and subject matter were not my cuppa). I loved the romance between Stellan and Sixx! I loved the demons they faced and how they did so at each other's sides! Sixx was IT for Stellan and he did everything in his power to prove to her he was IT for her too! It was beautiful, romantic and healing. Gah, then 80% mark hit and everything I had loved about this powerful story vanished! The story became centered around a Sixx's investigation and an MMF trio. Because I understood the reason for the investigation and its importance to Sixx's character, I kept reading, hoping for Stellan and Sixx to become the focus again. While the story does return to them, the chemistry and "feeling" changed for me.
This was still a beautiful story despite my frustration with the ending. I definitely recommend it to BDSM, MM, MMF and Kristen Ashley fans!
**I was provided a review copy by the publisher. This did not influence my opinion of the book nor my review.**
❝The sensitive soul and the superhero both had stepped out of the shadow.❞
Mistress Sixx had grown skilled at keeping her emotions tightly locked up. She was detached during her scenes at the Honey, she didn't have friendships or love interests. Sixx lived in a small, empty, run-down apartment, making it easy to up and leave when she needed.
For the past several years she's had her eye on one man. One man she knew was out of her league and off limits. And that was the greatest risk for Mistress Sixx, giving her heart to someone, even if that someone was Stellan.
❝Stellan finds the one that's worth it, he'll break his back, sell his soul, work his fingers to the bone to win her and keep her.❞
Stellan was living his life trying not to be like his father. He was a very successful businessman. As a Dom, he spent a lot of time at the Honey. He'd spent years watching and waiting for the right time for him and Sixx. When that time came, he went all-in.
❝I want to be your lover. I want to be your Master. I want to know all your secrets. I want to unravel the mystery that's you and then help you keep it safe. I want you, and the way I want you is beside me, in bed, in play and in life.❞
You guys, I am so torn! I started out LOVING this book! It was a solid 4 (and that was only because some of the scenes and subject matter were not my cuppa). I loved the romance between Stellan and Sixx! I loved the demons they faced and how they did so at each other's sides! Sixx was IT for Stellan and he did everything in his power to prove to her he was IT for her too! It was beautiful, romantic and healing. Gah, then 80% mark hit and everything I had loved about this powerful story vanished! The story became centered around a Sixx's investigation and an MMF trio. Because I understood the reason for the investigation and its importance to Sixx's character, I kept reading, hoping for Stellan and Sixx to become the focus again. While the story does return to them, the chemistry and "feeling" changed for me.
This was still a beautiful story despite my frustration with the ending. I definitely recommend it to BDSM, MM, MMF and Kristen Ashley fans!
**I was provided a review copy by the publisher. This did not influence my opinion of the book nor my review.**
May 9, 2018
The not-so-good:
A few things about the story left me unsatisfied. As long as it was, it almost needed a few more chapters based more on Sixx & Stellan, on the rest of the Honey folks, on closure for Stellan and his parents. Too much of the D/Mad/Molly story but yet not enough to make me fully invested and no real closure for them (unless I missed it because I was glazed over) despite how much of the book's content they were allocated.
I couldn't figure out what Stellan did for a living (unless I was glazed over and missed it, too). I didn't connect with the significance of Carlo for Sixx, really. And I didn't feel the closure I usually feel at the end of a KA read.
The REALLY good? Sex between Stellan and Sixx in the first 1/3 of the book.
This book might have had some of the hottest KA sex scenes ever. Not with the side characters, though those were hot if a bit distracting from the main story, but the scenes with Stellan and Sixx in the first half of the story? Yowza. Their first time together might be the hottest and most vivid sex scene I ever read. I was right there. I was Sixx. I was also Stellan somehow. I felt it... IT... from them BOTH. I thought I was going to expire from the heat of it all. It was THAT amazing for me.
I had HUGE expectations for the rest of the book based on the first third but a lot of the rest of it dragged for me, which makes me a bit sad. This is somewhere between 3 and 4 stars for me. It took me a week to read, which never happens with a Kristen Ashley book. Too often, I read it the day it releases.
All that said, I am already waiting to devour the next KA read.
She continues to be my favourite and even a less-than stellar KA read is still something I treasure.
She took a great risk writing this series and I appreciate her unique storytelling talent immensely. I still plan to read everything she writes.
A few things about the story left me unsatisfied. As long as it was, it almost needed a few more chapters based more on Sixx & Stellan, on the rest of the Honey folks, on closure for Stellan and his parents. Too much of the D/Mad/Molly story but yet not enough to make me fully invested and no real closure for them (unless I missed it because I was glazed over) despite how much of the book's content they were allocated.
I couldn't figure out what Stellan did for a living (unless I was glazed over and missed it, too). I didn't connect with the significance of Carlo for Sixx, really. And I didn't feel the closure I usually feel at the end of a KA read.
The REALLY good? Sex between Stellan and Sixx in the first 1/3 of the book.
This book might have had some of the hottest KA sex scenes ever. Not with the side characters, though those were hot if a bit distracting from the main story, but the scenes with Stellan and Sixx in the first half of the story? Yowza. Their first time together might be the hottest and most vivid sex scene I ever read. I was right there. I was Sixx. I was also Stellan somehow. I felt it... IT... from them BOTH. I thought I was going to expire from the heat of it all. It was THAT amazing for me.
I had HUGE expectations for the rest of the book based on the first third but a lot of the rest of it dragged for me, which makes me a bit sad. This is somewhere between 3 and 4 stars for me. It took me a week to read, which never happens with a Kristen Ashley book. Too often, I read it the day it releases.
All that said, I am already waiting to devour the next KA read.
She continues to be my favourite and even a less-than stellar KA read is still something I treasure.
She took a great risk writing this series and I appreciate her unique storytelling talent immensely. I still plan to read everything she writes.
March 12, 2019
Having read most of Kristen Ashley’s stories,i thought i knew what to expect.
Even though this story involves BDSM,it still has that Ashley stamp. The strong,patient men that,once they find what they want,will do anything for that special woman. To keep,to love until death. Stellan is no different. A Master that decides,that knows,that Mistress Sixx is his forever. The vulnerable,sweet girl hiding inside this kick-ass woman. His Simone. She struggles with her feelings for him, afraid to lose him after she allows him into her heart. The side characters were fun to watch,getting to know some better than others. M,who’s almost like a mother to Stellan. Susan,who’s like a little sister to him,with her family. Their friends at Honey. And new friends Maddox,Diesel and Molly. But the heart of this story is all about being brave enough to surrender to love and that story is told in a way that makes me a KA fan.
Even though this story involves BDSM,it still has that Ashley stamp. The strong,patient men that,once they find what they want,will do anything for that special woman. To keep,to love until death. Stellan is no different. A Master that decides,that knows,that Mistress Sixx is his forever. The vulnerable,sweet girl hiding inside this kick-ass woman. His Simone. She struggles with her feelings for him, afraid to lose him after she allows him into her heart. The side characters were fun to watch,getting to know some better than others. M,who’s almost like a mother to Stellan. Susan,who’s like a little sister to him,with her family. Their friends at Honey. And new friends Maddox,Diesel and Molly. But the heart of this story is all about being brave enough to surrender to love and that story is told in a way that makes me a KA fan.
May 31, 2018
Joint Review: Surj & Derna
Surj: Wow Kristen Ashley really surprised us with this one but in the most wonderful of ways. What we were expecting (having read the first two books in the honey series) and what we got couldn’t have been more different but that’s what gave "The Greatest Risk" its beauty. The element of surprise at what lay between the pages truly stole our breath away as we delved into one of the most heart felt, tender love stories we’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. Stellan and Sixx’s story took our hearts and minds hostage as we travelled one hell of a journey with this couple but honestly, we wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
Derna: Absolutely Surj. I loved the intensity of this story as these two complex characters worked through some deep rooted issues. Theirs is a journey we won’t forget in a hurry that's for sure.
So let's talk characters. I was a bit weary of Stellan initial as (in the previous books) he hadn’t come across as the nicest person, always appearing slightly cold and aloof perhaps. However, from the very beginning of "The Farthest Edge" I saw a completely different side to this man, a softer side that blind sided me a little. I wasn't expecting it but he had me in the palm of his hand right from the get go. I loved the lengths Stellan would go to to get his woman. He knew it wasn't going to be easy. He knew this was going to take planning and he knew he had one shot to get it right and he had no intention of messing it up. This was a man who had done his homework and I absolutely loved this about him.
Now on to Sixx. Sixx was such a complex character, her demons ever present preventing her from ever really getting close to anyone. She came across as detached and indifferent but this was all a front. This was Sixx the dominatrix.
Derna: I adored watching Stellan slowly but surely peel back the layers of Sixx to get to Simone, to help her heel and ultimately to break the chains that held her captive to her past. Stellan was about giving, giving Sixx what she didn’t know she wanted, giving her what needed and doing what he could to make Simone believe that she deserved it. So swoon worthy!!!! Like we said, Stellan really did steal the show!!!! Lol
Surj: Expect tantatlising. Expect titilation. Expect erotic. Expect the unexpected. Expect google to become your best friend and you use your search engine to explore some of what you read!!! Lol
One thing this author does and does well is link her books to other characters from her other series and this book was no exception. We loved getting reacquainted with characters we'd grown to know and love from previous books. It was a joy to see what they had been up to and where their lives had taken them.
Derna: I’m gutted that this series is over, But did wonder a certain trio would get their own book.
Surj: Never say never Derna. Expect the unexpected. I would be shocked if we didn't get more. There are so many more characters that deserve to have their stories told and I for one would feel it an injustice if their stories didn't make it on to paper.
Surj: So as you can tell we absolutely loved this one? What we will say however is, we were left a little deflated with the ending. We felt their was such a build up to more and we felt there could have been more but there wasn't. It was a bit of an anticlimax if we're being honest but that was our only gripe.
Other than that though it's top marks for everything else and so we rated "The Greatest Risk" ❤️❤️❤️❤️.5
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Surj: Wow Kristen Ashley really surprised us with this one but in the most wonderful of ways. What we were expecting (having read the first two books in the honey series) and what we got couldn’t have been more different but that’s what gave "The Greatest Risk" its beauty. The element of surprise at what lay between the pages truly stole our breath away as we delved into one of the most heart felt, tender love stories we’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. Stellan and Sixx’s story took our hearts and minds hostage as we travelled one hell of a journey with this couple but honestly, we wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
"Celebrate small victories, large and small, but don't allow them to fool you into believing you've reached the ultimate goal."
Derna: Absolutely Surj. I loved the intensity of this story as these two complex characters worked through some deep rooted issues. Theirs is a journey we won’t forget in a hurry that's for sure.
So let's talk characters. I was a bit weary of Stellan initial as (in the previous books) he hadn’t come across as the nicest person, always appearing slightly cold and aloof perhaps. However, from the very beginning of "The Farthest Edge" I saw a completely different side to this man, a softer side that blind sided me a little. I wasn't expecting it but he had me in the palm of his hand right from the get go. I loved the lengths Stellan would go to to get his woman. He knew it wasn't going to be easy. He knew this was going to take planning and he knew he had one shot to get it right and he had no intention of messing it up. This was a man who had done his homework and I absolutely loved this about him.
It was heaven. This was heaven. And because it was, Sixx was in hell.Surj: I couldn’t agree more. For me Stellan truly was the heart beat of this story. He stole the show and absolutely stole my heart. He was the epitome of what I would want in a man. Of course he was alpha but as you said, he was a man that would give everything he had to get the woman who had captured his heart. This was a man who was building a solid foundation for himself and his leading lady and there was no room for error. Errors would cost him everything and his everything was Sixx. I loved that he knew he had to tread carefully. I adored that he was able to comprise and I was so taken back (but in a good way) by the fact that he knew when he had over stepped the mark and would put his hands up and admit it. Stellan really is up there with my all time favourite KA men.
He knew Simone Marchesa was treading water, failing in her efforts not to go under, and not much caring if the current pulled her away. So the game had to be played not only so Stellan could drag her to safety. But so he could lift her up. Then at his side he’d take her to the highest peak. And once he got her there, she’d never, not fucking ever, look back down. She’d been held down long enough.
Now on to Sixx. Sixx was such a complex character, her demons ever present preventing her from ever really getting close to anyone. She came across as detached and indifferent but this was all a front. This was Sixx the dominatrix.
Derna: I adored watching Stellan slowly but surely peel back the layers of Sixx to get to Simone, to help her heel and ultimately to break the chains that held her captive to her past. Stellan was about giving, giving Sixx what she didn’t know she wanted, giving her what needed and doing what he could to make Simone believe that she deserved it. So swoon worthy!!!! Like we said, Stellan really did steal the show!!!! Lol
"I could give you everything, in my case literally, and it would still be nothing."Surj: Despite her deep rooted issues, despite her demons and despite her vulnerability, we truly saw Sixx as a warrior. She was a survivor. She was the heroine of her own story, even if she didn’t know it just yet. And her strength and courage at taking one of the greatest risks she'd ever taken left us in awe.
And there he was. The man of her dreams who was currently the orchestrator of her nightmare. A nightmare that came when you lived the dream you knew was going to die.Derna: Obviously in a KA book we're used to getting plenty of steam and in "The Greatest Risk: she didn’t disappoint. Their was something for everyone!!!! M/F, M/F/M and M/M Oh yes. Those scenes were something else. They were hot, intense, sexy and eye opening but they were also passionate and Sincere. I loved the scenes between Sixx and Stellan. There was so much love, tenderness and understanding and so much emotion too.
“He’ll go all in for you.” Aryas throwing that out there got her attention again, and she twisted toward him. He kept at her. “Stellan finds the one that’s worth it, he’ll break his back, sell his soul, work his fingers to the bone to win her and keep her.”
Surj: Expect tantatlising. Expect titilation. Expect erotic. Expect the unexpected. Expect google to become your best friend and you use your search engine to explore some of what you read!!! Lol
One thing this author does and does well is link her books to other characters from her other series and this book was no exception. We loved getting reacquainted with characters we'd grown to know and love from previous books. It was a joy to see what they had been up to and where their lives had taken them.
Derna: I’m gutted that this series is over, But did wonder a certain trio would get their own book.
Surj: Never say never Derna. Expect the unexpected. I would be shocked if we didn't get more. There are so many more characters that deserve to have their stories told and I for one would feel it an injustice if their stories didn't make it on to paper.
Surj: So as you can tell we absolutely loved this one? What we will say however is, we were left a little deflated with the ending. We felt their was such a build up to more and we felt there could have been more but there wasn't. It was a bit of an anticlimax if we're being honest but that was our only gripe.
"Thank you," she whispered.
"For what?" he asked.
"For thinking I deserve you."
Other than that though it's top marks for everything else and so we rated "The Greatest Risk" ❤️❤️❤️❤️.5
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April 10, 2023
Ok - well I'm going to leave this as a 5 but its more like a 3.5 for me this time around. There's just so. Much. Vanilla sex going onin here. We have a kickass Dom and a kick ass Domme hooking up. So obviously there's switching. I wanted more.
The frst two books nailed it and I was excited for Stellan and Sixx but ultimately they were just fucking. Dear God there were even gladiators. Much more could have been made of this.
Book 2 remains my firm favourite in the series (and one of my top KA books ever)
The frst two books nailed it and I was excited for Stellan and Sixx but ultimately they were just fucking. Dear God there were even gladiators. Much more could have been made of this.
Book 2 remains my firm favourite in the series (and one of my top KA books ever)
May 22, 2018
2,5 ⭐️
Positives :
The writting was less annoying than in other KA books
The h was strong, in an I survived a lot of trauma kind of way
I wanted to know how it would end
H was sweet in an "I know you better than you know yourself" kind of way
Négatives :
I clearly remember the H saying he was willing to be a sub for Amelie in book 1...how come he is not offering it for the real love of his life?
It was way too long
She spent a lot of time in her head planning their break-up
I was not a fan of the "I offered you a human to dominate" as a proof of love, it is really weird
Positives :
The writting was less annoying than in other KA books
The h was strong, in an I survived a lot of trauma kind of way
I wanted to know how it would end
H was sweet in an "I know you better than you know yourself" kind of way
Négatives :
I clearly remember the H saying he was willing to be a sub for Amelie in book 1...how come he is not offering it for the real love of his life?
It was way too long
She spent a lot of time in her head planning their break-up
I was not a fan of the "I offered you a human to dominate" as a proof of love, it is really weird
May 1, 2018
Originally posted at Booklovers For Life
I honestly wasn’t expecting to enjoy – LOVE – The Greatest Risk as much as I did. I love KA but the first Honey book just wasn’t for me and I had to DNF it. I thought I had given up on the series but I couldn’t resist the chance to read KA one more time – and I am SO glad that I read this one. I was swept away by Stellan and Sixx’s story. If you know KA, then you know her books are long-winded, but with TGR, I couldn’t stop flipping the pages to see what would happen next for this fascinating couple. This book won’t be for everyone – it’s erotica/BDSM, but if you’re looking for something that’s unique and outside the box, I highly recommend this one.
Sixx is known as the Ice Princess of The Honey. She’s a badass Mistress that doesn’t let anyone into her heart. She’s got demons and scars from her past, and she’s not about to let them hurt anyone she grows to care for, and certainly not the man she wants but can’t have. But when the man who will become her everything sets his sights on Sixx, there is no way to protect her heart from the onslaught that is Stellan Lange.
I love a good alpha male, and if there’s one thing KA is known for, it’s her alpha males. Now sometimes, they can get a little domineering and overbearing, but Stellan was absolute perfection. I adored Stellan and his determination to win the heart and love of the Ice Princess. He is kind and caring when it comes to Sixx’s heartbreaking backstory, but can be ruthless when it comes to protecting those he loves. He is the perfect Dom for Sixx, capable of handling her need to switch and submit. He’s all in for his queen right from the start, and I loved every minute of him building them the perfect life he knows they are meant to have.
I went into The Greatest Risk essentially as a standalone, but I am definitely thinking about going back and trying this series from the beginning again. Sixx and Stellan’s romance held me captivated, their journey towards happiness as beautiful as it is heart-wrenching. My one complaint is that I do wish that the book could’ve explored more of Sixx and her being a switch. I felt like this aspect of her was a bit glossed over when it came to her and Stellan’s relationship, because with him, he was her Master, she was his sub and not a Mistress. But the chemistry itself in this book was a glorious thing. KA knows how to write steam, and she brings her A-game in TGR.
If you’re a fan of the author, I definitely urge you to read this book. I really enjoyed the way KA explored a BDSM relationship between two Doms. She gives her own unique take on the lifestyle, and I’m glad to have read it. I really hope we will be getting more Honey books after this!
Thanks to the publisher for generously providing me an ARC to review.
Quotes are taken from the ARC and are subject to change in the final version.
Amazon Ebook: https://amzn.to/2r9mFOX
Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2r9aEZL
Audible: https://amzn.to/2HBt93p
Liked this review? Subscribe to Booklovers For Life for more!
I honestly wasn’t expecting to enjoy – LOVE – The Greatest Risk as much as I did. I love KA but the first Honey book just wasn’t for me and I had to DNF it. I thought I had given up on the series but I couldn’t resist the chance to read KA one more time – and I am SO glad that I read this one. I was swept away by Stellan and Sixx’s story. If you know KA, then you know her books are long-winded, but with TGR, I couldn’t stop flipping the pages to see what would happen next for this fascinating couple. This book won’t be for everyone – it’s erotica/BDSM, but if you’re looking for something that’s unique and outside the box, I highly recommend this one.
“Undeniably mine,” he stated the answer she refused to say. Then he went in for the kill. “Forever, sweetheart.”
Sixx is known as the Ice Princess of The Honey. She’s a badass Mistress that doesn’t let anyone into her heart. She’s got demons and scars from her past, and she’s not about to let them hurt anyone she grows to care for, and certainly not the man she wants but can’t have. But when the man who will become her everything sets his sights on Sixx, there is no way to protect her heart from the onslaught that is Stellan Lange.
“Sweet pussy is worth any hassle. But to earn the attention of a queen . . .” He curled his hand around her jaw and used it to force her to look at him. The touch was dominant, but gentle, and achingly sweet, and when he caught her eyes, he concluded, speaking every word in a way each was laced with steel, “I. Will. Do. Anything.”
I love a good alpha male, and if there’s one thing KA is known for, it’s her alpha males. Now sometimes, they can get a little domineering and overbearing, but Stellan was absolute perfection. I adored Stellan and his determination to win the heart and love of the Ice Princess. He is kind and caring when it comes to Sixx’s heartbreaking backstory, but can be ruthless when it comes to protecting those he loves. He is the perfect Dom for Sixx, capable of handling her need to switch and submit. He’s all in for his queen right from the start, and I loved every minute of him building them the perfect life he knows they are meant to have.
“Be strong for the world, darling, if that’s what you need to be. But here, with me, you can be whatever you care to be.”
I went into The Greatest Risk essentially as a standalone, but I am definitely thinking about going back and trying this series from the beginning again. Sixx and Stellan’s romance held me captivated, their journey towards happiness as beautiful as it is heart-wrenching. My one complaint is that I do wish that the book could’ve explored more of Sixx and her being a switch. I felt like this aspect of her was a bit glossed over when it came to her and Stellan’s relationship, because with him, he was her Master, she was his sub and not a Mistress. But the chemistry itself in this book was a glorious thing. KA knows how to write steam, and she brings her A-game in TGR.
If you’re a fan of the author, I definitely urge you to read this book. I really enjoyed the way KA explored a BDSM relationship between two Doms. She gives her own unique take on the lifestyle, and I’m glad to have read it. I really hope we will be getting more Honey books after this!
Thanks to the publisher for generously providing me an ARC to review.
Quotes are taken from the ARC and are subject to change in the final version.
Amazon Ebook: https://amzn.to/2r9mFOX
Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2r9aEZL
Audible: https://amzn.to/2HBt93p
Liked this review? Subscribe to Booklovers For Life for more!
April 30, 2018
“Be strong for the world, darling, it that’s what you need to be. But here, with me, you can be whatever you care to be.”
The Greatest Risk is an amazing conclusion of the fantastic Honey series. I have loved these amazing characters, loved their relationships and their development into couples and embracing their true submissive and dominant natures. And even when they’re both.
I have been anxiously awaiting Sixx and Stellan’s story. Wondered how the Domme and Dom would work together in a relationship. And I loved it.
Sixx and Stellan are two very strong, very domineering individuals. Both are fighting to be better than their upbringing. Both chose their own path, their own way to live life. And both have found their way through BDSM.
Sixx and Stellan are brilliant together. I love their interactions. That Stellan knows just how much to push Sixx in her submission, and I am awed at Sixx and her strength. I loved how they navigated their relationship—that they both had to give to get everything they never realized they wanted in and out of the bedroom. And whoa those between the sheets times were hot and sexy and panty melting.
Sixx’s growth and development and work through her past was true to her personality. I loved how Stellan supported her and never gave up, even when Sixx wanted to. Forcing Sixx to see the love and support that surrounded her . . . that her friends were truly her family.
The Greatest Risk was a fantastic story about love, life and finding your true self. Which, I believe is truly the most intimate part of the lifestyle. I’m sorry to see this amazing series end, it was such a fabulous journey. ~ Missy, 5 stars
The Greatest Risk is an amazing conclusion of the fantastic Honey series. I have loved these amazing characters, loved their relationships and their development into couples and embracing their true submissive and dominant natures. And even when they’re both.
I have been anxiously awaiting Sixx and Stellan’s story. Wondered how the Domme and Dom would work together in a relationship. And I loved it.
Sixx and Stellan are two very strong, very domineering individuals. Both are fighting to be better than their upbringing. Both chose their own path, their own way to live life. And both have found their way through BDSM.
Sixx and Stellan are brilliant together. I love their interactions. That Stellan knows just how much to push Sixx in her submission, and I am awed at Sixx and her strength. I loved how they navigated their relationship—that they both had to give to get everything they never realized they wanted in and out of the bedroom. And whoa those between the sheets times were hot and sexy and panty melting.
Sixx’s growth and development and work through her past was true to her personality. I loved how Stellan supported her and never gave up, even when Sixx wanted to. Forcing Sixx to see the love and support that surrounded her . . . that her friends were truly her family.
The Greatest Risk was a fantastic story about love, life and finding your true self. Which, I believe is truly the most intimate part of the lifestyle. I’m sorry to see this amazing series end, it was such a fabulous journey. ~ Missy, 5 stars
June 12, 2018
Im sad.
KAs books always provoke very strong responses in me. I either love them or hate them (95% love 5% hate overall).
But this one... fuck! It bored the hell outta me!!! That had never happened before with one of her stories; once I started them, I knew I wasnt going to be able to put my reader down until I finished. Again, with this one, I had to force myself to keep reading, just to get it over with. And because of my OCD 😑
Thats why Im sad.
And I truly, TRULY hope this doesnt happen again with the next Chaos MC instalment.
KAs books always provoke very strong responses in me. I either love them or hate them (95% love 5% hate overall).
But this one... fuck! It bored the hell outta me!!! That had never happened before with one of her stories; once I started them, I knew I wasnt going to be able to put my reader down until I finished. Again, with this one, I had to force myself to keep reading, just to get it over with. And because of my OCD 😑
Thats why Im sad.
And I truly, TRULY hope this doesnt happen again with the next Chaos MC instalment.
April 23, 2018
"In the story of her life, I'm her happily every after."
Gladiators. Anal. Plugs. M/M. The only thing I NEEDED that was missing was some pegging. Otherwise enjoyed the hell outta this story.
ARC provided by author
Gladiators. Anal. Plugs. M/M. The only thing I NEEDED that was missing was some pegging. Otherwise enjoyed the hell outta this story.
ARC provided by author
March 24, 2018
4.25 stars
Can a woman's dream man be the key to finally feeling worthy of love? It's not as easy as you'd think. With a balance of scorchingly hot chemistry, Alpha bossiness, and emotionally tender moments, this is story is my favorite book in the series thus far.
What has made the author's series stand out from other Dom/Sub books, particularly with her history for legendary Alphas, is that the Doms haven't been the Alphas. Until now. This is Stellan and Sixx's story, which is a surprising in itself. I have to admit, I was worried about this pairing given Stellan's past interest in Amélie. I never want a love story based on a second choice. So I'm glad that Sixx tackled this issue early on and Stellan's response was good enough to appease me. But even without that response, his actions speak loud and clear. Sixx is 100% who he wants, and he spends an inordinate amount of time proving that.
"You sit here as mine, Simone."
Sixx/Simone had a rough childhood, and through experiences with the family she thought would love and protect her, developed the belief that love would never be in the cards for her. And given the risky life she's come to lead, was never willing to give anyone a chance. But that set path is thrown off kilter when the man she has lusted for, finally gives her the attention she has craved. Questions now is, can she give him more than that sexual gratification?
"Thank you," she whispered.
"For what?" he asked.
"For thinking I deserve you."
Stellan has his work cut out for him with Sixx, or Simone, as he prefers to call her. While there were times I wanted to shake some sense into Simone, so that she'd finally open up to Stellan and be honest with her thoughts and fears, Stellan handled things perfectly.
He gave her space when she needed it, particularly with her drawings.
He pushed when Simone got caught up with her personal demons/insecurities.
He listened when she finally did open it.
And when he did all of these things, it was hard for Simone to ignore. That gave them the first shot at a real future.
"I need to build a foundation for her that she believes in. That she knows in her heart will never crack."
Other than cracking Simone's protective shell, this story has a side plot involving Simone's career, which can be dangerous at times. Stellan, being the Alpha that he is, didn't always like this career path, and in my opinion, took the wrong approach to address it. Lucky for him, things didn't blow up like they could have. With Simone's career and being in Phoenix, one KA couple immediately came to mind. So, you know I freaked out when they were mentioned.
Aasdfadgyvkenasdfyh!!
If you know me, you know one of my all-time favorite couples are Tucker and Sylvie Creed. When they not only got a mention, but play a small role in the story, I totally squealed (I may be old, but not above squealing, lol).
As with the other books in this series, I was impressed with the level of detail the author provided in the erotic scenes. The scenes involving Sixx and Stellan were very very hot!! Seriously. May not want to read this in public.
My only real criticism of the story is why such lengthy scenes involving a MMF couple were included. I get why they were part of the plot, tying to Simone's job. However, I didn't think they needed two full chapters of their role playing. Although the dynamics between Maddox, Molly and Diesel were interesting and likely worthy of their own novella, I thought the inclusion of their escapades took the focus off Simome and Stellan for too long. Ultimately, there is a tie in that brings the story to conclusion, so that did help.
If you are a fan of this series, and a loyal KA reader like myself, this book will be just what you need.
Final note: loved that this story included a shout-out to Tiffany Reisz, the queen of BDSM (in my opinion.
*An ARC was received for an honest review.
For more reviews, visit
Can a woman's dream man be the key to finally feeling worthy of love? It's not as easy as you'd think. With a balance of scorchingly hot chemistry, Alpha bossiness, and emotionally tender moments, this is story is my favorite book in the series thus far.
What has made the author's series stand out from other Dom/Sub books, particularly with her history for legendary Alphas, is that the Doms haven't been the Alphas. Until now. This is Stellan and Sixx's story, which is a surprising in itself. I have to admit, I was worried about this pairing given Stellan's past interest in Amélie. I never want a love story based on a second choice. So I'm glad that Sixx tackled this issue early on and Stellan's response was good enough to appease me. But even without that response, his actions speak loud and clear. Sixx is 100% who he wants, and he spends an inordinate amount of time proving that.
"You sit here as mine, Simone."
Sixx/Simone had a rough childhood, and through experiences with the family she thought would love and protect her, developed the belief that love would never be in the cards for her. And given the risky life she's come to lead, was never willing to give anyone a chance. But that set path is thrown off kilter when the man she has lusted for, finally gives her the attention she has craved. Questions now is, can she give him more than that sexual gratification?
"Thank you," she whispered.
"For what?" he asked.
"For thinking I deserve you."
Stellan has his work cut out for him with Sixx, or Simone, as he prefers to call her. While there were times I wanted to shake some sense into Simone, so that she'd finally open up to Stellan and be honest with her thoughts and fears, Stellan handled things perfectly.
He gave her space when she needed it, particularly with her drawings.
He pushed when Simone got caught up with her personal demons/insecurities.
He listened when she finally did open it.
And when he did all of these things, it was hard for Simone to ignore. That gave them the first shot at a real future.
"I need to build a foundation for her that she believes in. That she knows in her heart will never crack."
Other than cracking Simone's protective shell, this story has a side plot involving Simone's career, which can be dangerous at times. Stellan, being the Alpha that he is, didn't always like this career path, and in my opinion, took the wrong approach to address it. Lucky for him, things didn't blow up like they could have. With Simone's career and being in Phoenix, one KA couple immediately came to mind. So, you know I freaked out when they were mentioned.
Aasdfadgyvkenasdfyh!!
If you know me, you know one of my all-time favorite couples are Tucker and Sylvie Creed. When they not only got a mention, but play a small role in the story, I totally squealed (I may be old, but not above squealing, lol).
As with the other books in this series, I was impressed with the level of detail the author provided in the erotic scenes. The scenes involving Sixx and Stellan were very very hot!! Seriously. May not want to read this in public.
My only real criticism of the story is why such lengthy scenes involving a MMF couple were included. I get why they were part of the plot, tying to Simone's job. However, I didn't think they needed two full chapters of their role playing. Although the dynamics between Maddox, Molly and Diesel were interesting and likely worthy of their own novella, I thought the inclusion of their escapades took the focus off Simome and Stellan for too long. Ultimately, there is a tie in that brings the story to conclusion, so that did help.
If you are a fan of this series, and a loyal KA reader like myself, this book will be just what you need.
Final note: loved that this story included a shout-out to Tiffany Reisz, the queen of BDSM (in my opinion.
*An ARC was received for an honest review.
For more reviews, visit
May 1, 2018
4 Stars
I liked this book, however I did get distracted by a good many things I’ve never found myself distracted by in a KA book before.
I liked Stellan, though I found his speech patterns similar to Amelie and Josie. Very flowery, using words no one really uses in real life. At times I wondered if I missed something and maybe he was from England.
I also liked Sixx. She’s sort of like a softer, more refined Sylvie.
The love story between Stellan and Sixx, I loved. He knew how to handle her without being too much or very hard handed or overly alpha, which is a nice switch up from typical KA books. But Sixx also knew how to handle him just as well.
Now here’s where the distractions are. There’s a few side stories. Now, normally, I absolutely love that about KA books. I love getting to know the secondary characters and how the MCs interact. I feel like it enhances the MCs story. However, these really didn’t add much. You have Ami, who’s supposed to be Israeli, yet speaks in fluent KA alpha male, saying things like “Gratitude” instead of thank you, etc. Then you have the Aryas and his love life, which actually would have been interesting but very little was even shown. Then you have the trio at Bolt, which was interesting and hot, but it was so long and involved I kind of thought it was going to go somewhere it never did. There was really no reason for it being so in depth. And then there’s the circle talking that’s signature KA. Normally I like it, I don’t know if I was just tired when I got to those parts or what but I found myself have to reread those parts to figure out what was being said.
I know it may seem like I didn’t like the book, but I did for the most part. It’s still better than a lot of other books out there.
I liked this book, however I did get distracted by a good many things I’ve never found myself distracted by in a KA book before.
I liked Stellan, though I found his speech patterns similar to Amelie and Josie. Very flowery, using words no one really uses in real life. At times I wondered if I missed something and maybe he was from England.
I also liked Sixx. She’s sort of like a softer, more refined Sylvie.
The love story between Stellan and Sixx, I loved. He knew how to handle her without being too much or very hard handed or overly alpha, which is a nice switch up from typical KA books. But Sixx also knew how to handle him just as well.
Now here’s where the distractions are. There’s a few side stories. Now, normally, I absolutely love that about KA books. I love getting to know the secondary characters and how the MCs interact. I feel like it enhances the MCs story. However, these really didn’t add much. You have Ami, who’s supposed to be Israeli, yet speaks in fluent KA alpha male, saying things like “Gratitude” instead of thank you, etc. Then you have the Aryas and his love life, which actually would have been interesting but very little was even shown. Then you have the trio at Bolt, which was interesting and hot, but it was so long and involved I kind of thought it was going to go somewhere it never did. There was really no reason for it being so in depth. And then there’s the circle talking that’s signature KA. Normally I like it, I don’t know if I was just tired when I got to those parts or what but I found myself have to reread those parts to figure out what was being said.
I know it may seem like I didn’t like the book, but I did for the most part. It’s still better than a lot of other books out there.
May 1, 2018
4 solid Gladiator Pit stars! Dang. Check out my full review over on Scandalicious Book Reviews:
http://bit.ly/2HJ4q96
http://bit.ly/2HJ4q96
May 30, 2018
So excited to fin lay see Stellan get his own book......and finally take “THE GREATEST RISK” with Sixx!!
May 3, 2018
The Greatest Risk (The Honey Series 3) by Kristen Ashley
Book 3 in the Honey Series. Can Stand Alone. BDSM Erotic Romance
Kristen Ashley is no doubt my favorite author. Her descriptive writing style never fails to bring out every emotion in me and The Greatest Risk is no exception to that, as there were more than a few tears shed. I will admit, the Honey Series isn’t my favorite of Kristen Ashley’s because I am just not really into male subs, even alpha ones, and I am not really an erotica reader, though I do like some kinky fuckery in my books.
In some ways The Greatest Risk was my favorite of the series, but in some ways I struggled. Let me explain why. The Greatest Risk is the longest in the series. And while I LOVE that most of Kristen Ashley’s books are longer, this one FELT long. And while I love a hot and kinky sex scene, I felt like there were just so many in this it actually took away from what is probably my favorite story of the three. Especially the detailed sex scenes that were only observed by one of the couple. They were hot, but these scenes didn’t further the story in any way, if anything, they detracted from it.
“You’re criminally gorgeous, insanely wealthy, excruciatingly generous, irritatingly intelligent, and you can cook?”
Let me start by saying I freaking LOVE Stellan, he’s a little too good to be true, but aren’t most of KA’s men? Here is the thing though. Stellan is a Dom. Sixx is a Domme. But Sixx is actually a switch, she just never found anyone that made her want to submit. She has been crazy about Stellan for years, but he never made a move, nor did she. Until he finally did.
“He’ll go all in for you.” Aryas throwing that out there got her attention again, and she twisted toward him. He kept at her. “Stellan finds the one that’s worth it, he’ll break his back, sell his soul, work his fingers to the bone to win her and keep her.”
Sixx had a rough life and never allowed herself to get close to anyone, thinking she would be a danger to them. Thinking her upbringing and family background make her unworthy. But Stellan has his mind made up, and nothing will change it, and he wants Sixx. He knows she is close to running, so he makes a deal: she moves in for one month.
“I want to be your lover. I want to be your Master. I want to know all your secrets. I want to unravel the mystery that’s you and then help you keep it safe. I want you, and the way I want you is beside me, in bed, in play and in life.”
I absolutely loved the way Sixx’s story played out. Sixx was the super-hero that Simone invented to protect herself, and watching Sixx morph back into Simone was a beautiful thing. But she was SO resistant, for SO long.
“I can give you beauty,” he clipped irritably.
“What I don’t understand, baby,” she whispered, “is why you think I deserve it.” She was lucky she called him baby. But not that lucky.
“If you ask me that question in a month, darling,” he drawled, “I’ll walk away from you, and you’ll never see me again. That is my vow to you, Simone. By the end of the month, I’ll make you understand. Now I’m done talking. Sit beside me, fucking cuddle into me, and relax in front of the goddamned fire.”
This book took a different turn than the others in the series. Very little actually took place at The Bee’s Honey, and although there are definitely plenty of scenes with male subs, the actual main couple in this book ends up being a male Dom and female sub. But when they go to the gladiator pit and other clubs we see a LOT of m/m action and m-m-f.
At times I felt like I was watching this story unfold rather than experiencing it, but I think that is more the result of the third person style of this series than anything else, but it was either that or two much sex that made me feel like I didn’t quite connect as deeply as I normally do until about the 70% mark.
Likes:
•This one shakes it up and has more of a traditional Male Dom/female sub relationship.
•Sixx is a badass and I loved her.
•Stellan is swoony and almost too good to be true.
•The sex in this actually got me hot and bothered at parts.
•Sixx’s story and sketchpads were pretty deep, and I’m glad she shared it with us.
•I loved the side characters of M and Susan.
•A little mystery and excitement towards the end.
•Some surprise cameos.
Dislikes:
•A little too long.
•I know it’s an erotic romance, but there was just too much sex that went on for too long, especially the sex that was not our main characters and only one of them was observing.
•3rd person
The Down & Dirty:
The character growth of Sixx/Simone was by far my favorite thing about The Greatest Risk. I loved how tough and vulnerable she was at the same time. This may be my favorite story of the three but I found that the copious amounts of sex, especially with couples that aren’t the main ones got a little old and took away from the story. This was a long book and seemed to take forever to read, and while I usually love Kristen Ashley’s longer books, this one seemed a tad bit too long. Still, I absolutely loved Stellan and Sixx's story.
Rating: 4 Stars, 5+ Heat
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March 25, 2018
Stellan just oozes confidence, “a gentleman,” he took her elbow, “opens the door,” he put pressure on his hold on her and guided her from the car, “for a lady.” Stellan's woman sure knows how to read him, “is that code for, ‘Are you ready to go upstairs so I can eff you senseless?’” Stellan doesn't like to be questioned, "he turned his head and locked eyes on her. “You’re having my children,” he growled." I liked this book, Stellan was a very dominating man.
August 8, 2018
5++ greatest ending stars!!
A delicious ending to a delectable couple!
Sizzling couple!
I loved both of them and I loved the fact that Simone was a
Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of the Honey series.. but this one? I think this was the best of the three!
A delicious ending to a delectable couple!
Sizzling couple!
I loved both of them and I loved the fact that Simone was a
Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of the Honey series.. but this one? I think this was the best of the three!
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