Denial

His Empire #2

by Tabitha Black

Disobey Sir Simeon’s rules at your own peril… After finally finishing her degree, Shanna is rewarding herself with a holiday at Sir Simeon's exclusive lifestyle resort, Nox Oasis. She can't wait to finally experience some of the kinky things she's only ever read about. All work and no play is making Cavill frustrated but he takes his job as dungeon monitor very seriously. So when he's forced to rescue a new guest from unwelcome advances, the last thing on his mind is to take her for himself. But lust can so easily turn into more, and Shanna is irresistible. Meanwhile, Sir Simeon has discovered the deception of two of his favorite employees and the consequences could be devastating… Publisher's This steamy romance includes elements of power exchange. While it can be enjoyed as a standalone, we recommend also reading book Restraint.

Genres: BDSM, Erotica

238 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 24, 2018

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Tabitha Black has been writing erotic spanking fiction for over a decade, mostly in the age-play and historical genres. More recently, she's discovered the joys of writing more contemporary, edgier books with a greater emphasis on BDSM – one of which, Sharing Silver, has been nominated for a Golden Flogger award and won the Spanking Romance Reviews award for best ménage 2015.

Having lived in four countries on three different continents, and been an active participant in her local kinky communities, she likes to "write to discover what she knows". Her own personal kinks include anything and everything to do with spanking, fireplay, edge play, scarification, age-play, and too many more to count. Some girls like wood, some adore leather, but Tabitha is partial to big, shiny, ornate knives… nothing else makes her quite as weak at the knees.

She lives in Europe with her Daddy/Sir, and a lilac cat who likes to sneeze in her face. She has a weakness for great cappuccino; strong, dominant, kind but brutally sadistic men (and counts herself amazingly lucky to have found one in real life); brilliant books, and tattoos.

Tabitha loves getting mail, so if you want to drop her a line, please do so at tabitha_black@hotmail.com. You can also check out her blog here, follow her on Twitter @BlushingTabitha, Instagram, or join her Facebook page. Thank you for reading!

Reviews

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Denial is a thoroughly engaging, exciting BDSM read.



Shanna has come to Nox Oasis on vacation, eager to experience the BDSM she's read about. She meets Cavill (Cav), a DM, on her first day and is taken by his kind manner, but thinks he's not really her type. Boy does she come to change her mind about that after he agrees to mentor her in the lifestyle.



And then there's Dain and Hazel, who have, despite Sir Simeon's steadfast rule, fallen in love and have been indulging in a relationship for the past two months. They don't realize just how much Simeon realizes about what goes on in his kingdom, and will be unpleasantly surprised to experience his punishment. As will Faye, who has knowledge of the two lovers and hasn't disclosed it either to her Master/husband, George, or to her boss, Simeon. Her punishment is going to be as bad as Dain and Hazel's, if not worse.



I really liked Denial. It's really hot and the extensive cast of characters is varied and interesting. I especially loved Cav and Shanna's journey, even though the cliffhanger doesn't resolve their relationship at all. I want to know more about them, and Dain and Hazel, too. Hopefully the next book is coming soon.

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

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fun continues on the exclusive BDSM resort and Shanna can't wait to check everything out for herself. When someone comes onto her and she doesn't want the attention, Cavill must rescue her from him. He is very serious about his job as a Dungeon Monitor, but what happens when sparks fly between them?
In the meantime, Sir Simeon has figured out what is going on between 2 of his favorite employees and now he must decide what to do about them.
I really love this story and the characters are always interesting to read about. It flows easy and just keeps you turning pages. There is a bit of a cliffhanger at the end but I will happily wait for book three, which I understand isn't far away. Get the book, promise you won't regret it!

[Ann Hupe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not more of the same... but new adventures in the interpersonal relationship department worth reading!

*sigh* it's 0328, and I just finished this novel. I must admit, I am very much liking this series of Tabitha Black. it reminds me a little of Hill Street Blues and... How does that ancient night-time drama cop show even compare to Denial? I think it's because of how Tabitha Black deals with her main characters.

It's always in pairs with the exception of Sir Simeon Harvey who is what I call the Spider. He sets into motion everything that happens on this lovely isle of his – Nox Oasis – and tugs on sticky cords of silk, setting into motion his players as they "perform" for him. Don't get me wrong. I really liked this book, even more so than Restraint, the first book of this series (but that was just to set up the action that takes place in Book 2). I'm not going to go into spoilers. You should have the pleasure of reading those. I will say that Sir Simeon must have read some of the same books I did: "What is the difference between a sadist and a masochist? The masochist cries for someone to punish her. The sadist only replies, "No."

There are incredibly subtle twists in our little game, but in the end, Sir Simeon does understand the difficulties in finding good help.

In this particular volume, I was disappointed in the incredible amount of punctuational errors. It was as if the writer the scattering commas all over the place without much thought of where they truly should be placed. If she had an editor, shame on the editor for not doing his/her job! If I were Tabitha, I would be humiliated that the editor allowed this book to be published in the first place. Girl: Ask for your money back! You didn't get the service of a competent editor. Shame you can't punish him/her in the Sir Simeon fashion... But that could be something for another book, hmm? But... if you did NOT have an editor proof your work, do I have the purrrrr-fect punishment for you...

I was very happy with this book and am glad I purchased it. Definitely a keeper in my library.

[Badh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really isn't a standalone. Most of the characters and their storylines are carryovers from the first book, so if you aren't familiar with them, you may feel a little lost. You'll still be able to enjoy the story, and will have no problem following the Shanna and Cav's storyline, but you may garner more enjoyment if you have read the first one. Plus, the first one is just a good book, so you aren't going to miss anything by reading it.

The kink resort, Nox Oasis, is now going strong. Lots of people are there to get their kink on in a safe place where no one will judge them. There are people who have been in the lifestyle for a long time while there are others, like Shanna, who are there to explore and learn more about themselves and their desires.

It's a really good story, with a lot of working parts which mesh together really well. There's a nice level of hotness going on, which is always really nice, plus you get to see some strong relationships and the love that those people have for each other. Sir Simeon gets to come out and play too. I really enjoyed it and am very much looking forward to the next book.

[Rose Howse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving these His Empire books, the Kinky Playground aka Amusement Park is a fantasy brought to life. With Denial we get to revisit Sir Simeon's Twisted Tower and his newly recruited friends/employees Faye and George while also learning more about his other employees, Dane and Hazel that seem to be in a bit of trouble. Cavill has a sudden interest in a guest, Shanna who is a kinky wannabe that makes a bad decision with her first foray into subbing for a dom. There is lots of kink and decision making while others at the resort are feeling their way through new love and trying to
preserve old love. I felt every possible feeling as I read about each couple's complex relationship. I adore this Kinky playground concept and all the different personalities that work there and attend as clients. I can't wait for the next story, there are so many different possibilities. Next, I hope we learn more about the "Doms for Hire"

[Mom2three · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm new to this series, and I actually picked up this one before finding the first book. After reading the first chapter, however, I stopped and bought the first one so I could start with that. The story would have been enjoyable without having read book one, but because the characters bleed between the books I thought it would be better to read book one first. So, either as a stand-alone, or where it falls in the series, will be fine for the enjoyment of this one.
This story focuses on Shanna and Cavil. They meet at a private BDSM resort, Nox Oasis, where Cavil works and Shanna goes on vacation. The book also continues the stories of Hazel/Dain and Faye/George that were started in book one. The story has a fast pace and it is full of interesting characters. There are many steamy scenes, none of which I found dark per se, but it is a BDSM resort so take that how you may. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to the next one.

[Saskia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in the series and it starts a few weeks after the first book ended and we go back to the couple we met in the first book Hazel and Dain. They have been seeing each other for two months now and enjoying their D/s relationship. they are closer than ever, but keeping the relationship a secret is taking its toll. And Dain has been keeping a secret, could that secret tear everything apart?

We also meet a new couple Shanna and Cavil. Cavil is the DM, but have been more watching then playing since he got to the Island. Shanna is as new as they come and soon finds out that the reality is a lot different then the books.

They are a wonderful couple and it is a joy to see their relationship blossom.

And the meet up with old friend. The end is a bit of a tease though. More will come in the third book coming out later in the year.

[Joanie M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Denial is the long awaited sequel in the His Empire series. The author did a good job of reacquainting the reader with the characters and the setting; it all came back to me quickly. The main character in this book is Shanna, a guest at the BDSM resort. She's new to the scene and her adventure makes an intriguing plot. Shanna gets involved with a dungeon monitor named Cavill, but we'll have to wait until book 3 to find out where their relationship goes. Meanwhile, a subplot involving employees of the resort proves to be both interesting and entertaining. With well-developed characters, a great setting, and sizzling erotic scenes, this book was hard to put down. Too bad it had to end when it did. I can't wait for book 3.

[Pico1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shanna has gone to an exclusive BDSM resort owned by Sir Simeon in the hopes of having some experiences with spanking and other aspects of BDSM that she has read about. She meets Cavill and a wonderful relationship develops. The book is about their relationship, while continuing the story of other relationships (Dain and Hazel, George and Faye) which started in the previous book in this series, Restraint. Characters are likable and described well, and the book moves along quickly. The scenes of punishments and sex are well written. My only complaint is that the story of Shanna and Cavill hasn’t come to an end, and will not be concluded until the next book in the series.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently bought the audio book of 'Restraint' which is the first book of the His Empire series, and I was so delighted to see that the second book is finally available. We had to wait quite some time for it.
Denial is the sequel to Restraint. I literally devoured the story and loved reading more about Sir Simeon, Dain and Hazel and all the other characters. The intimate scenes were sizzling hot and explicit. The only thing I did not like at all is the end. It is not exactly a cliffhanger, but it somehow ends in the middle of the story and I sincerely hope that we won't have to wait long for the third part.

[ajjmb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tabitha Black’s new book, Denial, is quite wonderful. I love reading about a new submissive finding her way in the world of BDSM and exploring her boundaries with a patient, caring dom. Two such scenarios are carried out in this book. We see Dane and Hazel continuing to explore their new relationship and Hazel’s boundaries and then we experience Shanna’s introduction to the world of BDSM with Cav. I will say that Simeon is a asshole and I don’t like him at all but I think that is what the author wants. I can’t wait to continue to read about these couples in the next book. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Goldienut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shanna has finished her degree and she wants to experience all of the kinky
fantasies as her reward. No one knows she is at Sir Simeons Nox Oasis. She
runs into a wall of muscle called Cavill. She goes to a mixer hoping to find a
dom that will introduce to all the things she has held fond fantasies of. She
has put herself in a difficult place but Cavill rescues her.

There is a secret relationship that Sir Simeon has forbidden. Hazel and Dain
could not deny the chemistry between the two of them. They tried but it
still goes on. They think Sir Simeon just realized this but he has known all
along. There are many twists and turns enjoy!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this second book. We had to wait a while for it, but it was totally worth it. I was able to jump right back into Hazel and Dain’s secret and total sweet relationship. I loved newbie, Shanna, her trials and tentative steps into a new world. I love Cavill’s internal struggles with resort life. Of course there is Resort owner and master Dom, Sir Simeon. He is terrifyingly wonderful. I completely recommend this book. It does end on a minor cliffie (like a HFN for certain people), but it just means that Ms. Black has to hurry up and come out and write another book!

[Margaret Corcoran · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good and enjoyable story that I highly recommend.
I did read the first one in this series and thought I had forgotten it but I haven't! This one reminds me of it. It can easily read as a standalone but I don't recommend it. You will miss Simeon and you don't want to do that. He is delicious and devious! All the characters are well done. There are plenty of hot spicy sexy scenes. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and I highly recommend it. Lots to hold the reader's interest. A really well written and entertaining read.

[Rhonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sexy, fun serial

Shanna and Cavill is the new couple introduced in this the 2nd story in the His Empire series with Hazel and Dain's story continuing from Restraint. I found all the characters very interesting. My one complaint is while this story can be read independently from Restraint, if you don't care about Hazrl and Dain's back story, there was no information in the book blurb to warn the reader that there is a cliffhanger to Shanna and Cavill's story which I found frustrating and the reason for only the 3 star rating.
I received an advance reader copy via Booksprout.

[Vanessa Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so pleased to see that Tabitha Black's book, Denial, the second book in her series entitled "His Empire" was out! I thoroughly enjoyed, Restraint, the first book in this series. The books both stand alone quite well, but I think I enjoyed Denial more because I had read the first. The setting is an island BDSM resort, off the coast of Australia. The story, like the last one, focuses on Dain and Hazel, who both work at the resort and are carrying on a clandestine relationship and Shanna, a newbie to the world of BDSM who is holidaying at this unique resort. A sexy tale with a good pace!

[Lucy Saturn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really like this author, and really love this book. Denial is the second book in His Empire Series. Can be read as a stand-alone, I recommend reading Resistant first. Not only do we get to see vacationing Shanna and Cavill, a dungeon monitor at Nox Oasis, but also, there are many other characters you get to know. Ending was frustrating, but books in series often do because of how much I want to read the next book.

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

[Kay Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprisingly, I actually enjoyed this book a lot more than the first one - and I really liked the first one.
I absolutely adored Shanna and Cavill. I think they were one of the reasons why Denial has become the bigger favourite for me. It was lovely to see Faye and George again, and to watch Hazel and Dain's story unfold further with that touch of darkness. The dinner party scene was inspired - intensely erotic and fantastic to read.
Cannot wait for book 3.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book. Shanna arrives at a BDSM resort wanting to explore their world. She meets dungeon monitor Cavill right away and is not attracted to him at all although an encounter with another Dom sends her reeling. Meanwhile, owner Sir Simeon and a few employees are dealing with their own problems. Note that this story continues in the next book of the series. Spanking, BDSM.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabulous story about a BDSM island. I enjoyed revisiting Simeon’s island and the characters who work and live on it. Poor Hazel, I felt very sorry for her as she took most of the punishment for everyone else’s actions. The ending was disappointing too, I really wanted a HEA. Shanna and Cavill’s story was lovely for what we got. Overall, the story is fun and exciting and the sex scenes are off the page sizzling.

[Jacque RidesAndReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the series.

This book was better than the first. The first book laid out a lot of foundation and this book got into the characters. The kink scenes were hot and steamy but I wanted more. I loved how Shanna asks Cav to be her mentor and show her the ropes. I can't wait to hear more about them.

The 3rd book is supposed to be more about Cav and Shanna but it isn't written yet. I am hoping that it comes out soon.

[Susan Hokanson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved this book right up til the end, when I found it was part of a serial. Until then, although you knew there was at least one other book in the series, if was pretty much a stand alone. But it ended. In the middle of the story. I hate that. It was a well-written story that kept my attention and I really want to know what comes next so I might have to purchase the next book in the series.

[Book-Lovin-Momma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cavill and Shanna's story was dark and sexy. Keeping things a secret from Sir Simeon was a challenge, and I loved the way this was written. The BDSM aspect was scintillating, and the characters were engaging and entertaining. I need to read Sir Simeon's story as well, as this is the first book of the series I've read.

[The Scarsella's · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Always, Tabitha Delivers

More kinky sex, more amazing characters and a delicious location. What didn't she cover? It really helped provide a wholesome and detailed insight into a true BDSM relationship and kept me turning pages well into the night. Plus the hubs enjoyed the effects of my reading. ;)

[Sunni · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book and I most say it was really good. Love Cavill and Shanna relationship. It was fun adveture with newbie Shanna as she navigates her way into the D/S world. I look foward to the next book in the series.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot and spicy and lots of scenes. Well written and I liked the characters. This is my first book by the author and I would recommend them. Fantastic. I was given this book via Booksprout for a honest review

[Sherry Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful BDSM love story

This is such a great story about two couples journey in the BDSM lifestyle. Awesome characters, some intense sexy scenes and some mystery and suspense makes this book a must read. I can't wait until book three in this His Empire series is available.

[Sarajane Garten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot sex, heartfelt love

So, this is not the book I should have taken with me to read at chemo. I blushed and two nurses asked what was wrong! So much fun. Can't wait for the next book in the series.

[LaGina · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first read from Tabitha Black that I very much enjoyed. I didnt pay attention to the fact that this was book 2 so now I have to go back and read book one to get the feel effect of this authors story this series.

[Mary Haskins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hoping for more stories this has way more to go so many possibilities. LOVE the humor love Sir Simion he is just too special. Ok read in the after pages there is more to come oh where to find it. HELP!!!