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The Dom

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I don’t deserve the sweet, perfect angel with the sweet, perfect life.

She doesn’t know anything about my violent past. But if I could just touch her, taste her, then maybe I could pretend her perfect world could be mine, too.

I know I should stay away, but when she looks to me for protection, her fate is sealed.

Ashlyn will be mine.

The Dom is the prequel to The Daddy and The Dom. It was previously titled Battle for Love.

67 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 5, 2018

235 people are currently reading
303 people want to read

About the author

Julia Sykes

138 books2,023 followers
Julia Sykes is a USA Today bestselling author of edgy, emotional romance. When she's not writing, she's usually reading.

Other than reading, her obsessions include iced coffee, unicorns, charcuterie, aged Manchego cheese (or any cheese, really), and fancy dresses.

An American expat, Julia now lives in her adopted, beloved home of York, England. Most days, you can find her wandering the cobbled streets and daydreaming about her next novel.

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5 stars
119 (43%)
4 stars
74 (26%)
3 stars
55 (19%)
2 stars
21 (7%)
1 star
7 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
Profile Image for Bex (Beckie Bookworm).
2,526 reviews1,599 followers
November 18, 2018
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"Battle for love". is a very short prequel, (and I wouldn't really even class this as novella length) setting the stage and introducing us to the upcoming characters in "War of Hearts".
Here we get a brief presentation into the events leading us up to Ashlyn's abduction by Marco.
Joseph has run from his criminal family and is lying low in this bustling college town.
Working as a bartender he spots Ashlyn and becomes captivated by her beauty and innocence.
After rescuing her from unwanted advances Joseph succumbs to his baser needs and despite trying to stay away he finds himself captivated by Ashlyn.
But past events have a way of catching up and it's not long before best friend Marco shows up in pursuit of Joseph.
So "Battle for love" Is mainly a taste of the main event and as such my rating reflects this fact.
We don't really get to learn that much about this upcoming trio but what is apparent is that Joseph is holding back his true nature from his Angel,
Ashlyn is entranced and smitten with Joseph and Marco well he's the dark horse really and in my opinion the most interesting out of the three.
The dark horse who I would be interested in learning more about.
All three Ashlyn, Joseph and Marco come across as very different but also extremely likeable individuals.
Now confession time, the reason I said I would be interested in learning more about Marco, well I already know as I read this backwards,
Holds head in shame,

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I have a habit of doing this, in my defence, I wasn't aware of Battle For Love's existence until I'd started its predecessor.
So I skipped back after the main event out of curiosity.
So that's it "Battle For Love" is what it is, a brief foray into the "War Of Hearts" world
That sets the scene and draws you in splendidly.

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Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm.
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
Profile Image for Philomena Callan Cheekypee.
4,018 reviews433 followers
January 17, 2018
I NEED more of Joseph, Ashton and Marco now. I am so looking forward to reading War of Hearts. This is an introduction to the characters in War of Heart.

Joseph is running from his dark past. He meets the young and beautiful Ashton. He knows he shouldn’t get involved with anyone but the attraction is too strong. Marco is like a brother to Joseph.

Wow that ending has be desperately needing War of Hearts. So so good.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
September 27, 2019

💝 FREE on Amazon today (1/20/2018)! 💝

Blurb:
I don’t deserve her: the sweet, perfect angel with the sweet, perfect life.

She doesn’t know anything about my violent past. But if I could just touch her, taste her, then maybe I could pretend her perfect world could be mine, too.

I know I should stay away, but when she looks to me for protection, her fate is sealed.

Ashlyn will be mine.

Note: Battle for Love is the prequel to War of Hearts.
Profile Image for Cheryl Whitty.
903 reviews14 followers
January 31, 2018
This is the Prequel for War of Hearts, in this book we are introduced to Joseph and Ashlyn.
Ashlyn and her roommate go into a bar mostly for students. The only thing worth seeing is the sexy barman Joseph. This is a lovely story of their relationship while dating. Joseph has a mystery background. It's important to read this, as you can feel the depth of feeling between the two.
Profile Image for Kirsten.
254 reviews
March 10, 2023
Short easy read. I'm intrigued to see what happens next
Profile Image for Sonya Jesus.
Author 38 books1,114 followers
February 5, 2018
It took me a little bit to get into it, but it was good and i am looking forward to reading the full story. There was enough intrigue to peek my curiosity. I have to admit, there were times when i felt the dialogue was a tad forced, but i loved how expressive the author was. I liked her writing style.
Profile Image for LA.
102 reviews4 followers
September 2, 2018
"Battle for Love" is a prequel to Julia Sykes' second book of this series, "War of Hearts." Julia has written a fast paced, love story with shades of darkness.
In "Battle for Love" we meet Ashlyn, a student at Harvard. She's been crushing on the tall, dark and handsome bartender at the local bar for some time. Joseph, the bartender, has noticed Ashlyn, but stays away for a number of reasons. One night though Ashlyn and Joseph connect, as a result of Joseph stepping in to help Ashlyn fend off a very drunk fellow student. That night, sparks fly. As their relationship deepened, Ashlyn had no idea that Joseph is a man with a dark past and many secrets. Joseph knows that Ashlyn is young, naive, and innocent. In his eyes he sees her as an angel, and he holds onto that thought as his saving grace. Although Joseph did his best not to fall in love with Ashlyn, he found he did. For that, Joseph knew he had only one choice. However, that choice was made for him when his secrets and past caught up to him. Life as Ashlyn knew it, would never be the same.
Profile Image for Christine Morgan.
732 reviews4 followers
January 16, 2018
This book was a short prequel to the upcoming War of Hearts. It's about the beginnings of Ashlyn and Joseph's relationship but unfortunately his past comes back to haunt him because he's hiding from something. When his good friend Marco shows up there's nothing that can be done to stop the destiny of all three of these people. Life will change for both Ashlyn and Joseph but will it be for the better?

This was a really fun short read that explains a little bit about how Ashlyn and Joseph meet. It does not explain anything about Marco other than he is good friends and has a brotherly relationship with Joe. We get an idea of where Joseph comes from but not much else than that. Though we get to see a little bit of what the people he's used to being around are like in the ending when Marco does something rash for his friend. I really can't wait to read War of Hearts and find out more about their story!
Profile Image for Sharon.
2,308 reviews22 followers
January 10, 2018
Like a consummate artist, Julia Sykes has used her words as if they were paint brushes creating a beautiful portrait on a canvas as she brings readers the story of Joseph and Ashlyn. Each turned page is like another stroke bringing their story to life. Joseph comes from a mafia family that he has done every thing in his power to escape. Ashlyn is the undergrad at Harvard who is totally enraptured by Joseph from the first time she lays eyes on him at the bar where he works. The two are from two vastly different worlds but is that enough to keep them apart? Ms. Sykes gives readers a taste to whet their appetites as they eagerly await the release of War of Hearts to see where this story goes and I plan to be first in line to pick it up!
I volunteered to read an advance copy of the book.
Profile Image for Lynda.
49 reviews
January 7, 2018
*There are no spoilers in this review.*

This is the prequel to the upcoming book from Julia Sykes called War Of Hearts. It is a novella that introduces us to (who I'm assuming are) the three main characters of this upcoming book and their backstory on how they met.

I'm officially hooked and can't wait to see how their story unfolds.

This next bit isn't a spoiler because it is apparent through the cover and also the public teasers....

I'm excited to read the first menage from Julia Sykes. I typically don't read this genre but I have enjoyed the bits of menage we have gotten from this author through her other series and I think she'll do it well.

Seriously can't wait <3!!!!
Profile Image for Fee96.
361 reviews3 followers
January 9, 2018
What a fantastic start to this story! Omg I can't wait for War of Hearts!

Julia never fails to deliver an engaging, brilliant story. This prequel begins with an undeniable attraction between these amazing characters. Innocent, sweet Ashlyn meets Joseph the hot bartender. They are perfect and oh so steamy. Falling in love was effortless. Joseph hiding from his family and his past - not so much! His best friend catches up to him. I want to hate Marco but I know in my gut he's going to have some redeeming moments. The love triangle that is sure to come will rock our book loving world! I am counting down - hope my heart can take it!
2 reviews
January 17, 2018
Absolutely Love Julia Sykes!! This prequel to War of Hearts does not disappoint.

I love the fact that this book starts out like any normal couple that has a strong attraction to one another that a lot of us can relate to and have felt those same feelings in real life.

This is tamer than her normal writing which is a nice surprise (or twist) because you know War of Hearts is going to be on fire. Julia is giving us a little bit of reality in this book and a whole lot of fantasy in her next one. Battle for Love is cliffhanger that leaves you wanting for more. Can't wait for War of Hearts.
Profile Image for Avephoenix.
1,088 reviews
January 19, 2018
MIND-BLOWING!! 4.5 STARS

OMG! If the prequel to War of Hearts is absolutely fantastic, I can only imagine how fabulous and min-blowing the upcoming book is going to be!!

A short, fast paced read brilliantly developed. The characters are likeable, believable and so intriguing.
The chemistry between the main characters is contagious and super hot! I hate that it was over in a flash, since I couldn't stop reading until I turned the last pages.

The good news, War of Hearts will be here in just a few days. Can't hardly wait for January 30th.
Plese, check this story out, you're are going to love it!!
Profile Image for Ame Eggers.
234 reviews5 followers
January 7, 2018
Innocent Ashlyn falls for tall, dark and handsome bartender Joseph not knowing he has a past and a whole hidden life. Joseph falls for sweet Ashlyn and stays knowing he shouldn't when Marco shows and drags him back to his real life......this is a hot little tease of a book to show us what is yet to come and I for one cannot wait!!!!! Just the little bit of darkness Joseph has show in his thoughts during passionate moments has me begging for more!!!! Julia never disappoints... Even when teasing us!
29 reviews
January 13, 2018
This prequel seemed a bit different for Julia. It was well written like always but mostly tame in comparison to some of her other writing. It was really a great change for me. It felt like how a real relationship would start. Very few people go heavy into the kink from the first time they hook up.
From what I hear the full length book that will follow it. "War of Hearts" will be her dirtiest yet....I can't wait!!
Profile Image for Tanya Rae ~ TaSTy WordGasms.
2,518 reviews
January 25, 2018
Battle for Love is the prequel to War of Hearts and it is free on Amazon. I don’t think you have to read this book prior to War of Hearts. This is a very short and easy book to read so I felt. Why not! I love Julia Sykes books.

I am so thankful that I have War of Hearts on my Kindle right now. So, I can dive into it. Battle for Love ends on a huge cliffie leaving me wanting more Joseph, Ashlyn & Marco.
Profile Image for EpicRomanceReviews.
768 reviews142 followers
February 5, 2018
BATTLE FOR LOVE is a delicious and thrillingly seductive prelude to WAR OF HEARTS! Julia Sykes swept me up into the lives of Ashlyn and Joseph, providing rich, vibrant backstory to their whirlwind love affair that's tinged with danger, dark, forbidden passion and pulse pounding peril... When Marcus, a menacing man from Joseph's toxic past catches up with him, prepare for mayhem and heartache! I loved every moment of this short prequel and now will dive straight away into WAR OF HEARTS!
Profile Image for Michaela Zankl.
448 reviews3 followers
February 5, 2018
Julia Sykes delivers again...

With the prequel Battle for Love you get the first inside look of Ashlyn and Joseph's relationship. It also introduces Marco, Joseph's best friend. The attraction between Ashlyn and Joseph is undeniable but Joseph is holding a much darker secret he is shielding Ashlyn from. This book is a great introduction to War of Hearts and should be read before Battle for Love.
Profile Image for Shelli.
909 reviews51 followers
January 8, 2018
This is the prequel to War of Hearts, and it definitely left me excited and anxious to read it!
Ashlyn is a sweet, shy and innocent girl in her 2nd year of college when she meets Joseph. They have an instant attraction, but it's a very sweet romance. Joseph craves a simpler, innocent life, and he's running from secrets Ashlyn knows nothing about. I cant wait to read War of Hearts!
3,242 reviews27 followers
January 9, 2018
This was the prequel to War of Hearts where were introduced to shy innocent Ashlyn and bartender Joesph and its instant attraction and they are so good together but there are dangers lurking in the background that Joesph is hiding from and then his friend Marco shows up and things unravel. I cant wait to see what happens to the three of them and the danger that's coming for them.
Profile Image for Jenn Allen.
3,252 reviews46 followers
January 10, 2018
Holy smokes! I absolutely love Joseph. He's definitely alpha, but he's burying that side of himself. He's so caring towards Ashlyn I am anxious for more of their story. I'm also very curious about Marco! This is a great, quick read.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Laura Ferguson.
203 reviews
January 15, 2018
I loved this novella!! The story of Ashlynn and Joseph
Is an interesting one. The angst and twists and turns
Made me want ro keep reading! Julia never disappoints wuth her interesting characters and stories
I cannot wait to read more if Ashlynn, Joseph and add in Marco, this will
Be a wonderful hot story to read!! I am always in awe of
Her wonderful storytelling skills
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Anne McCarthy.
31 reviews2 followers
January 16, 2018
A great start to a great story

I'm not a fan of cliff hanger stories but the prequel was a great way to introduce the cast of characters and start the story. Great chemistry between Ashlyn and Joseph. I like meeting Marco and can't wait to read the whole story. This is a great way to ready for War of Hearts
Profile Image for Carol.
3,578 reviews3 followers
January 17, 2018
Battle For Love

Wow, this is amazing. New love, Joseph works at a bar, has had his eyes on Ashlyn for awhile, she has been smitten with him as well. Problem being she has been burnt before, unfaithful boyfriend. Joseph has secrets as well. This is going to be an amazing story, so cannot wait to read more, intense, exciting, new love,danger. Bring it on🙂.
Profile Image for Julia Butterfield - Stevens.
904 reviews9 followers
April 26, 2018
Short but sweet prequel (This is now been re-named to The Dom) Interesting start introducing the three characters, Ashlyn, Joseph and his dangerous best friend Marco. It was well written so will move on to War of Hearts (name also now changed to The Daddy and the Dom) the main full length story, which by the sounds of it will be a lot darker and sexier :-)

Rating 3.5
Profile Image for Melanie Marnell.
4,224 reviews34 followers
September 29, 2018
Joseph not only wants Ashlyn but needs to protect her even if it's from himself. He's hiding from family obligations, flying under the radar. Ashlyn is shy and mistrustful especially in light of being betrayed by her ex-boyfriend. Yet, she trusts Joseph and wants him. He treats her like no other man has while driving her to new heights of passion.
Profile Image for Erica Hamilton.
46 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2018
Battle for love brought me right back to that new love sentiment from so many years ago, Julia really captured the excitement and anticipation of Ashlyn and Joseph in this prequel. I'm counting the days until War of Hearts is released!
Profile Image for Cassy.
271 reviews11 followers
January 12, 2018
Julia still manages to grab my attention with any book she writes. This short prequel gives you enough spice and thrill to hook you, leaving you begging for more. I can't wait to see what happens with these characters.
Profile Image for Julie.
194 reviews
January 13, 2018
More, I want more! Yes, the reader is left hanging at the end but oh, what a delicious cliff. Well worth it. This story had me wrapped around it so fast. I will be stalking Ms. Sykes until the next book comes out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews

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