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His Muse #1

His Secret Muse

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Women are puppets to him – easy to handle, easy to conquer.
Not me, though.

Cedric Crow, the aloof and mysterious thriller and suspense writer, a star with millions of fans and billions in his bank account.
He is used to have women at his feet, worshipping his every move, his every word.
I had it coming when I dared to roll my eyes at his narcissistic ramblings.
But I didn’t expect him to go after me like this.
He wants me. All of me.
Submitting to him excites me.
He wakes me from a slumber that has cast a damp over my dull life.

But he's keeping a secret from me... can I really trust him?

282 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 10, 2015

410 people are currently reading
490 people want to read

About the author

Linnea May

97 books1,317 followers
I'm an indie author of steamy Billionaire Romances, and I love strong alpha men with loaded bank accounts and skeletons in their closets.

My heroes are as sexy and beautiful as they are broken - only to be fixed by the smart & captivating heroines who cross their paths.

Lately, I've been writing more Dark Billionaire Romances. I'm very excited about my current VIOLENT series and its current spin-off The Velvet Rooms Series!

I live in Europe with my very own hero.
And I love squirrels. ❤

Find me on AMAZON here:
https://www.amazon.com/Linnea-May/e/B...

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https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLinneaMay

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MY BOOKS

The Violent Series

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5 stars
120 (28%)
4 stars
138 (33%)
3 stars
113 (27%)
2 stars
29 (6%)
1 star
15 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Lanai Dameron.
151 reviews2 followers
March 2, 2018
Delicious

This books sucks you in from the beginning. The submissive obviously likes pain play so if you're uncomfortable with that this may make you cringe a little but there's nothing outrageous. I got sucked in right from the start, and even this terrible headache didn't stop me from reading. Yum!
Profile Image for Nadine Bookaholic.
3,727 reviews526 followers
January 3, 2016
It's a real bummer when your friend drags you to a book reading that you have no desire being at. Little did Renee know that that one event would change her life for the better. I had to laugh when Renee was busted rolling her eyes when Cedric was answering the moderators questions, she was hysterical with the eye rolls and the lack of applause, for a person that wants to be overlooked she sure did stand out. Of course Cedric notices her and calls her out on it by bringing her onstage to answer some of his questions.
The chemistry worked between the two, I wouldn't say it was off the charts but they were defiantly hot together. I loved the ending! Now I have to read His Muse's Fidelity and then, there is a book coming out by Linnea May and Stella Noir - Silent Daughter 1: Taken; this is based on the book that Cedric speaks about at his book reading. I look forward to reading the three part series.

ARC image
also purchased from Amazon
Profile Image for Kattrina.
126 reviews25 followers
September 19, 2015
*ARC received for honest review*

Another book I have fallen inlove with! In the first few chapters I wasn't sure if I'd like it because it seemed kind of slow, but then the relationship between Cedric and Renee had me laughing then falling for both of them. I was sad the book ended because I was looking forward for more. I hope there is a second one!
Profile Image for Julia Leonard.
805 reviews16 followers
October 8, 2018
Incredible

This story had me completely entranced.
Cedric is quite the master manipulate one.
Though,Renee craves that side of him.
The only problem is when she discovered his notes for his new book...
Will they get a HEA?
Be warned....
Cliffhanger alert.
Profile Image for Tammy.
9,118 reviews50 followers
October 16, 2015
I liked the story as well as the characters, I loved their interaction and steamy chemistry. The story is fast paced and held my interest throughout. If you are a fan of BDSM reads you won’t be disappointed.
486 reviews2 followers
May 17, 2019
Intense is a good word for this book, unexpectedly intense. This is the first time that I have read a book by the author and was spell abound by the first few chapters. It keeps you questioning what is going to happen all the way to the end of the book.

Renee is dragged by her friend Leslie’s favorite author Cedric Crow who is doing an interview and book reading. He is a well published thriller suspense writer; who also has developed a very strong fan base as the story first indicates and mainly women. Renee is not into these things, not even the writer. Leslie had tried to get Renee to read on of his first books but didn’t really care for it that much. Renee is so much different from her friend and at some point she does envy Leslie for her ability to express herself so freely and openly. It is something that Renee does not understand. She spends most of her time when they go out watching the other people and trying to understand why they feel the way they do about thing that they are experiencing. Renee’s world is rather quiet. She writes computer code during the day and the evenings she spends watching TV, and running with her friend at night or gaming on her computer. She is a computer nerd and has a hard time interacting with people.

Renee gets bored so easily. Everything is so predictable to her as she listen to the man that is in control of the book reading which opens with an interview with Cedric Crow. Cedric is a strikingly handsome man when he comes out on stage but the overly long applause from everyone around her bothers her; thinking that it is a waste of time and that Cedric must get tired of the same thing from each and every place that he goes. She has long stopped clapping when everyone else does, and Cedric notices her from his vantage up on the stage. At one point he even calls her up on the stage to answer a question about his book. She is so embarrassed and feels humiliated being put on the spot. However Cedric is intrigued by her, has his PA go after her and calls her back to his dressing room to talk with him. From there her journey begins with this strange man. A man that she can tell holds back and keeps secretes about himself. It is amazing and a little off kilter to see their relationship as it is develop. This is one story that one has to read to really appreciate the dynamics of each of the characters.
Profile Image for Space Cowgirl.
4,133 reviews144 followers
October 25, 2017
She Will Endure His Love✋💘✋💘

Cedric Crow🐺🍌🌋✋, well known billionaire writer has a huge following of women. He's tall, handsome🐺, ripped💪 and a Dominant✋at only 31 years old.
He can have any woman he wants, yet he picks contrary Renee💋💃 out of a huge audience when he notices her not clapping and actually acting bored during his book interview on stage.
Renee💋💃 only came to the event because her friend Leslie💋👙 is a raving Fangirl of Crow's. Renee💋💃 is barely familiar with his 📚books, and only because of Leslie💋👙.
When Cedric🐺🍌🌋✋ calls Renee💋💃 on stage to ask her about her enjoyment of his work, she fumbles and stumbles her way through it, embarrassed and defensive. Why didn't he ask Leslie💋👙 on stage?
After the show, an aide finds Renee💋💃 and Leslie💋👙 leaving in the crowd and insists they go backstage to meet Cedric🐺🍌🌋✋. Leslie💋👙 is swooning but Renee💋💃 worries something else is going on. Slyly, Cedric🐺🍌🌋✋ gives Renee💃💋 his personal number. He wants to see her privately! Oh Yeah!
Cedric🐺🍌🌋✋ sees Renee💋💃 as a challenge, he sees her as a woman he can train to his specifications. Cedric🐺🍌🌋✋ is a bad naaasssty, hard man. He's a punisher✋✋✋. He wants what he wants and he wont take no for an answer! Renee💋💃 wants to find out what he's all about!
YEHAW! Ride em Bareback🍌, Cowgirl!🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎

Interesting book about a young woman's introduction into BDSM. Cedric🐺🍌🌋✋ can be quite cruel, and this gets him into trouble a time or two. It's a book about how two people have to compromise some so both get what they want and need.
12 reviews
January 1, 2023
Good read, uprupt ending

I didn't think I will like this book because BDSM for me is mostly a miss for me. For some reason I really got into this book and I liked the couple. The book is worth the read but the ending was uprupt I was a bit surprised by it. It left me feeling like I was robbed of some parts of the story. I would read a book from this author again if I'm in a mood for something within this genre
Profile Image for Antoinette.
358 reviews
March 11, 2019
A good read!

I did enjoy this book. Cedric is taken with Renee at there first meeting. He is use to people especially women fall at his feet. Renee, she rolls her eyes at him. So of course he is intrigued by the woman who seems oblivious to his charms.

This is my first book from this author but not my last
328 reviews1 follower
June 9, 2020
O.k.

I'm really not opposed to dominate and submissive stories but I don't like the beating and crying and thinking it's love. I liked the story of meeting, falling in love and being spoiled but too focused on the obedience. Love someone taking charge but not to the extent of becoming a whipping post.
Profile Image for Alonna Irizarry.
656 reviews8 followers
January 27, 2024
I almost DNF’d this book a few times. Despite the subject matter, I found it to be boring. The premise was good, however, I couldn’t relate to the characters. Their story spans over the course of a few months but most of it feels like filler. They have a typical break-up/misunderstanding which they are able to resolve and then the book just kind of ends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for That DamnCanadian.
188 reviews7 followers
October 22, 2017
Not quite a "dark romance"

Plot was good but I really couldn't get into the characters I found it too light on the Dom/sub maybe it's just me but I really found it to be a boring read
Profile Image for devana barney.
237 reviews
October 5, 2018
Steamy Read for sure

I really enjoyed these two characters. I feel like their story is far from over and that excites me to no end. If you like Dom males this is for you. And make sure to sign up for the free second book because it will be worth it.
Profile Image for Sharon Eikenberry-Deary.
732 reviews5 followers
October 19, 2018
His challenge his temptest his Muse

Renee no way wanted to go sit in this boring author interview or reading of his novel. Nutshell did so for her friend. She never imagined her life would change
1,985 reviews22 followers
January 3, 2019
Didn't quite click.

I never got that golden vibe. I like to feel, then become fully engulfed and immersed with a book. I love when the words take me to word heaven.. This one just didn't reach the prefect nirvana for me.
112 reviews1 follower
May 26, 2017
Fine Story

Very well written, interesting plot, slight mystery. Altogether, avery good read. Ms. May never lets you down with her writing. Thank you, Ms. May.
Profile Image for Megan.
476 reviews10 followers
December 17, 2020
Not one of Ms Mays better books. It’s messy and inconsistent. The h’s character and behavior is all over the place.
527 reviews2 followers
May 17, 2019
His Secret Muse

I don't particularly like billionaire fantasies, and I absolutely dislike BDSM erotica. I liked the premise, but found the cruelty most distasteful. Well written, but really not my cup of tea.
Profile Image for Deb Hanson.
1,365 reviews15 followers
September 16, 2015
Arc received in exchange for an honest review.

This is my 1st read for Linnea May, so I kept an open mind going into this story.

I've read and reviewed a few BDSM and Dom/Sub stories in my time, but something struck me with His Secret Muse, it wasn't a bad feeling but something seemed like it was off. I have thought and thought since finishing the story to find what it was that bothered me... Finally I think I may have cracked it, and it was not the author but the male lead character - Cedric Crow.

Cedric Crow is a very rich well known and loved author. His stories grant him huge following of mostly women, who adore his work, his looks and huge bank balance are not bad either, and in an organised interview and reading to a sell out crowd Cedric is taken by one particular woman in the very front rows.

Renee has been asked to go to the interview with best friend Lesley, but with zero interest in Mr Crow's writing, this us just something she has done for her best friend. Rolling her eyes at the carry on of the audience, this does not go unnoticed by the man of the hour. Calling her out, she finds herself up on stage, questioned by the man himself. Horrified and lying her ass off, she is glad to be back in her seat, waiting for the night to be finished so she can get away.

But NO, getting away was never going to that easy, because what Cedric Crow wants, he gets... And he wants Renée. Demanding to see her again in private, she is surprised by him giving her a card with his number on it, and a hope that she will see him again, although it must be a private affair, no one can know about, not even Lesley.

After days of thinking about it, Renee gives in and calls Cedric, what she doesn't anticipate is her feelings towards him, almost immediately and the inner submissive she becomes. Having a secret relationship is hard to deal with but when Cedric pushes Renee's limits to new heights, she finds herself awaiting his return for the weekend trysts, He awakens something in Renee that she didn't know existed. Their time together is hot, controlling and sometimes just degrading, and this is where my issues started. He calls her some horrible names, along with little girl, slut, good girl... This was my biggest struggle. Maybe just a personal thing for me.

Anyway as weeks turn to months, Cedric slowly opens up to Renee, but when she discovers he is seemingly using her and their relationship as fuel for his new book, she loses it and leaves him... Crushed by his deception, she throws herself into work but constant reminders of him on her front door everyday makes it harder to walk away. With one last chance he delivers a lasting peace offering to her... His manuscript, for the new book.

Now the ball is in Renee's court... She holds all the power. Now she must decide whether she can trust Cedric again and love him the way she yearns.

Although I struggled a bit reading this at times, this will certainly not be my last book from this Author.
Profile Image for Kathleen R..
1,407 reviews43 followers
October 11, 2015
Overall Stars: 4 STARS

BDSM
Hot Alpha


How will the software designer handle the novel writer?


Renee Branson is a software developer, a beautiful, but shy woman in her mid-twenties. When her best friend Lesley drags her to a book reading by a wealthy and famous thriller author, Renee can't wait to get out of the room. Cedric Crow may be handsome as hell, but apart from his looks, he doesn't hold Renee's interest, not even for a second. When she rolls her eyes during his speech, Cedric sees... and he won't let her get away with it. (Amazon blurb)

Brooding, dark and unused to being ignored, Cedric Crow demands recognition and respect when he speaks and the last thing he expected during his author event is Renee Branson to act unimpressed, going so far as to roll her eyes at him. From that point on, strap yourself down and enjoy the ride. Linnea May writes an exciting read for her readers where a dominant must learn how to deal with a woman who has a mind of her own and does not know how to submit willingly without trusting. Little by little, Cedric must work to destroy Renee’s barriers in order to show her the joy of submission. One word: hotness. Pure and simple. I enjoyed it and could have kept going. The only reason why I couldn’t give it the complete 5 star rating what the coldness and apathy surrounding Renee, which made it harder for me to connect with her in the beginning of the story, but as things progressed in the novel, it became easier to connect with the couple as a whole. May has managed to personify sex, lust and desire, make them tangible for readers, and as a result, keeping things interesting and especially, naughty.

.
**Received a copy in exchange for an honest review. Read and reviewed by Kathleen for Alpha Book Club**
Profile Image for Nicole.
219 reviews7 followers
October 7, 2015
I was given a free ARC of the book by the author and Hot New Books for an honest review.

I rate this 3.5 stars!

It was a good book, and I really enjoyed it, but there was something off that I can't quite put my finger on, though I'm pretty sure it's about the male lead, Cedric. I guess, since the moment we met him, to the end of the story, the reader practically know nothing about him, I understand that he is quite a secretive person; but that kind of added an unwanted feeling from him because of the way he acted. One scene in particular left me confused and kind of a bad taste in my mouth because there was a fine line between being abusive and being Dominant, and I think he was more of the former than the latter. (Though, I'm merely guessing, that Reneé in some way knew what she was doing before he started and she trusted him enough to submit to him.)

The chemistry between Renee and Cedric was scorching, including the BDSM elements which spiced up more their relationship, but I didn't think that throughout the story there was enough bonding to suggest a more intimate and loving relationship aside from the sexual one. Don't get me wrong, I really liked the sexual encounters, but there was not much to tell in the love department. Finally, towards the end, I could see the transition to a couple based on a more emotional and loving aspect and suddenly the story ended.

Sincerely, at least I wanted the last scene to had a proper closure!

Regardless, of the ending, the story was good and with a little more development on the bonding between the main characters I think it could've been better.

Looking forward to other books by the author.
Profile Image for Lenna  Wright.
3,395 reviews35 followers
September 21, 2015
This book came across in my opinion as a cross over of 50 S.O.G. AND tv show Castle. I love BDSM romance and this had just a right amount of BDSM but Cedric at one point went over board on the spanking and she collapsed form the treatment then he ties her up on her knees in a awkward position for almost a day, to me that not BDSM but abuse. I had no problem getting into the story but sometimes my mind wondered and I had to reread areas or I skipped them I still understood this story anyways. Cedric is a writer of twisted thrillers suspense and Renee never could get into his stories but her best friend could and Renee was dragged to a set down interview with her friend and hundreds of other people but Cedric looked at her and saw a challenge and a muse. Oh and talk about hurt, when Renee finds the notes with what he has been writing and its all her, her punishments, her sassyness, her name, she feels betrayed and used as her scientific lab rat, and when she confronts him, never never denies it. I had mixed feelings through out this book and I don't know why when I love aggressive alpha males but with Cedric I could not like him for some reason.

ARC for an exchanged for honest review.
Profile Image for Roxie's Reviews.
1,152 reviews23 followers
September 14, 2015
"Yes Sir more please"
Oh this book is amazing!. The Dom/Sub theme is awesome!. The characters are incredible!. Renee goes to a book reading with her bf Lesley. To listen to the Author Cedric Crow. Renee thinks everyone around her are silly with how they go on about the Author, and it shows in her facial expressions. Cedric notices so he calls her up on stage and proceeds to embarrass her. After the reading as the girls are leaving Renee is stopped and asked to have a private talk with Cedric. He lets her know he is interested in her gives her his number and tells her to call him. They end up setting up a date , and Renee finds her self experiencing things she would never do before. She ends up spending the weekend with him but is told she can not tell any one she did. As their relationship grows it gets very rocky. Renee wonders is he playing her or does he have feelings for her. When she gets a look at the notes for his next book their relationship takes a down fall. This book is intense, sweet,touching and sexually hot hot hot!. This is a must must read book!.
Profile Image for Mary Jo.
2,374 reviews59 followers
September 21, 2015
Renee is dragged to an author event by her best friend where the author notices her rolling her eyes so he calls her up on stage. Cedric is fascinated by Renee. He is intrigued by her intelligence and the fact that she doesn’t seem enamored of his writing. He pursues her but she must keep their relationship/connection secret from everyone. Cedric is very private and being famous makes it hard to maintain that privacy. He is also a Dom and is enticed to bring Renee into this world as his sub. They have some amazing encounters as he pushes Renee’s boundaries and awakens this side to herself that she never knew existed – she is a very strong, independent woman. Then she finds some notes about their time together and realizes he is using the time they share to write his next book. Will Cedric be able to convince her that it’s not what it appears to be? Can he open his heart and life to Renee or will he lose her forever?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews

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