Having spent too many years uncovering deception, billionaire Cole Stewart demands one thing from his woman—complete honesty.It’s only when she’s masked in mystery and draped in decadence that Avery Fisher has the courage to be with a man as sexy and dangerous as Cole.But he would know the seductive and vulnerable Avery no matter how clever her disguise. He will demand she reveal everything—not just her identity, but her true nature and the need for his dominance.She will learn Cole is not open to compromise.
Sierra is a USA Today, International Best-Selling author who wrote her first book at age nine and hasn't stopped since. Sierra invites you to share the complex journey of love and desire, of surrender and commitment. Her own journey has taught her that trusting takes guts and courage, and her work is a celebration for everyone who is willing to take that risk.
When Avery Fisher runs into the Dom of her fantasies, Cole Stewart, at her Great-aunt's birthday party, she finds the courage to spend the night with him since she is masked. But Cole , who knows exactly who she is, demands honesty in his relationships. When the night they spend together shows them that their kinks match perfectly, they have to make a decision-try to make a relationship happen or let it go.
I really liked both main characters. Avery was a strong woman, but a bad relationship with a previous Dom left her wary and insecure. Cole knows what he wants, but he's also willing to bend a little to make things work when he finds the woman who actually meets his needs.
I also liked Great Aunt Scarlet. She might be 80 years old, but she knows how to live life to the fullest-and she encourages Avery to do the same.
This was a delightful little read, with some hot BDSM sex, really likable characters, and a look into the motivation of a true submissive.
Another hot little story by Sierra Cartwright that’s been in my library for a whole. Avery has always wanted a Dom like Cole,but was afraid to ask him. After a failed relationship with an abusive Dom,she’s reluctant to get back into the scene. Until her aunt’s 80th birthday….. With it being a masked party,and her anonymity guarateed,she finally has the courage to approach the man she’s wanted for so long. But Cole isn’t fooled by her mask,or her fake name….he knows exactly who’s asking for his attention. And since she’s been haunting his mind for a long time,he’s more than ready to give her what she needs. But she’s afraid to take it further than one night, and runs when he wants her to reveal her face. She regrets running,and can’t forget what they had that night,but her fears prevent her from reaching out to him. Until her aunt has a good talk with her….. Will Cole still want her,can he see beyond the protective wall she’s been building around her battered heart? On the other hand,Cole has his own scars…..
Can these two help eachother heal from those scars? A delicious and hot short story,one i enjoyed reading.
5 Star Review Hard Hand by Sierra Cartwright Loved this quick and hot novella from Sierra Cartwright. Cole Stewart is a former agent, a seriously Alpha Dominant who hates deception.Avery Fisher is a submissive without a Dom and badly needs to be taken in hand. Six months ago she tried to get her courage up to ask Cole to dominate her but chickened out at the last minute. Now here he is attending a masquerade party for her great aunt. Is this fate? Can she find the courage to approach him? Cole was intrigued and attracted to Avery when he glimpsed her at a play party and now having seen her again, he wants her. They chemistry between Cole and Avery is smoking hot and may I say I want to be Miss Scarlett when I “grow up”. This was a hot, quick read that let me wanting to know more about Cole and Avery. This was extremely well written and flowed seamlessly and I look forward to more from Ms.Cartwright ASAP.
The story opens with a Saints and Sinners Masquerade. Avery, a submissive, has admired Cole from afar, always afraid to approach him, to ask for what she needs. The mask that she is wearing gives her the courage to approach him, giving her anonymity (or so she thinks) to finally go after what she wants. And what she wants is Cole. Cole senses her deception, but allows it to play out to get to the heart of what Avery needs- to stand up for herself and ask for what she wants. Cole forces her to remove the mask, to face her fears, and find the strength to fight for what she needs.
I'll admit, I am always leery with a novella, fearing that characters will be underdeveloped, the story under told, and that I will be left wanting, Not the case with Sierra. She does an excellent job making you feel for the characters, developing the plot, and bringing it to a satisfying conclusion. This is a quick, steamy read, and very well worth your time.
Former Agent Cole Stewart is an alpha dominant who is skilled to pick up on any deceptive behavior with a person from the get go. Avery Fisher is such a person. He first met Avery months ago. She caught his attention with just a glance and he has been intriqued ever since. Cole sees her again at a party, but she is camouflaged with a party mask, but he knows its Avery right away. Avery is capitated with Cole and heard he has quite a reputation as a Dom.
Avery has been disappointed in the past with relationships feeling unfilled and empty emotionally and physically. She believes she can get all her needs from Cole. There is one draw back. Cole insists on 100% honesty and if they are to further their relationship, she must drop her guard and her disguise. Will Avery agree to Cole's terms? This was a hot sexy story and one you must not miss.
The story starts with a Saints and Sinners Masquerade. Avery is a submissive who has lusted after Cole from afar, always afraid to approach him, to ask for what she needs. Former Agent Cole Stewart is an super strong alpha dominant who is skilled to pick up on any deceptive behavior with a person from the start. Avery is one of those people and he has noticed her for a while but because she out of a bad relationship about like him, he didn’t approach. Finally these two are free and able to focus on one another and the sizzling chemistry building. Avery feels with the party mask she wears at the Masquerade, she can finally act on her feelings and approach Cole. Cole knows who she is yet he lets her run the show…and what a show it is—full of heat, steam, connection, drama, passion and one beautiful and sexy ending. This is a perfect summer read to match the heat outside. What a novella that has two sexy main characters who finally have their times right for a fabulous love story.
My Rating: 4.5 stars ***** “I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."
WOW.... I read Hard Hand by Sierra Cartwright and fell in love with Cole and Avery. It's amazing how just hiding behind a mask can bring courage you may otherwise not have. She knew Cole from Colorado which she left 6 months ago as they had been at some of the same BDSM parties. She is now living in Las Vegas working with her great-aunt and she spots Cole from across the room. Now with anonymity she has the courage to approach Cole for one night. The question is will it happen at all, will it be enough, or too much, will it be more... This was another awesome story by Sierra!
If you like dominant alpha heroes and sassy heroines you definitely want to read this book. Make sure you have the ice water handy. A terrific steamy book.
When Avery tries to hid who she is and what she needs from Cole, she discovers how much she has underestimated him. Cole knows who Avery is but will she reveal herself and her desires to him fully? This was a quick read but a very HOT story. Started it and couldn't put it down!
Hard Hand is about two people that have had issues with past relationships. One who has a more healthy approach and is willing to try again as long as there are trust and honesty and all cards are laid on the table! The other was so traumatized that they know what they want but are afraid to ask for it and when they do get it they run from it. Too afraid to ask for what they want and need. Avery Fisher is a sub who is desperately wanting the dominance of a no-nonsense Dom and Cole Stewart is the no-nonsense Dom that she craves. The two have been around each other at play parties and the club scene in the past so each knows the other, but things come to a head at Avery's aunt, Miss Scarlet the infamous burlesque's dancers, birthday party. The two are drawn to each other! And for one the masked ball is the perfect opportunity to finally be brave enough to ask for what they want. But after that one incredible night will they be willing to put their fears aside and gain the courage to seek what they need, and go after what they desire most? Will both of them be able to go all in for each other in a place where gambling can be about more than money but also the heart? I highly recommend reading Hard Hand by Sierra Cartwright to find out. This is a fast read that is impossible to put down. You will be so drawn in that you want to knock some sense into some people and cheer for others. Sierra has written another work that is impeccably written and shows her incredible talent as an author. I wanted more so much more but isn't that the author's job to leave us wanting more? If you are looking for a patient, caring, but no-nonsense Dom Cole Stewart is your man and Hard Hand is the book for you! If you love cupcakes then Avery Fisher will be your heroine and Hard Hand by Sierra Cartwright will be the book for you! What can I say Sierra knows what I am craving!
as simple as this - Sierra writes a book in a manner "going balls to the walls" and she gives it to you GOOD !!!! when you have a mask on, you become daring and you go after what you want. That is what Avery did when she saw Cole, a Dome who she had a eye on for some time but never dared to approach - its just not what you do as a good sub. Feeling brave behind her mask she goes after she wants and for one night she becomes this female that is daring, but Cole is a man you can't fool and he doesn't allow cute subs to set the pace, no matter how hypnotizing the subbie is. But, you are being warned, he demands to say what exactly is that you want. Then, maybe, he will give it to you.
this is a fast pace novel that will take your breath away and leave you all hot and bothered. no faking, no misleading and it goes that to the core of what you want and how to ask for it. You suddenly want to be brave as Avery and you want someone like Cole to fight for you and for what you truly want. Just loved this book, and you can not put this book down.
What a wonderful little novella to read. I just absolutely loved this sexy smitten bdsm filled book. Such a teaser too I was expecting more and more chapters filled with more things to come from these two characters.
Having gone through a frustrating relationship with a judgmental dom Avery has some double reactions to the dom Cole that she met years prior to seeing him again at her aunts masquerade.
Cole knows what he wants and he knows avery immediately even though she uses a fake name with him and keeps a mask on for the night.
One night of pleasure and they both yearn for more but are too difficult to go after it immediately.
Are you ready for one HOT ride? Sierra Cartwright did not disappoint and will give you such an amazing story, as she always does.
Have you ever met someone at the wrong time and wrong place in your life? That is essentially what happens with Avery and Cole... BUT, as the saying goes.. When one door closes another opens..
Avery is definitely a submissive awaiting her perfect Dom. She has admired Cole from afar for a while.. He has also had his eye on her.. There is definitely an instant attraction and curiosity that is sparked.
These 2 will take you on one HOT and amazing ride. Avery definitely needs some reassurance due to her past relationships that were really void of any true emotion.. Can Cole gain her trust? Can he show her that he is the right man for her? Can she be what he needs?
Trust me!! You will not be disappointed in this story!
Cole is an dominant who knows what he wants and how to get it. Avery is a sub with trust issues due to the way her last dom treated her. She’s afraid of what she wants and thinks that it’s too much to ask for.
Cole and Avery have met before but Avery didn’t have the nerve to go up to him. She gets a second chance at her aunts masquerade birthday party. Wearing a mask gives her the courage to go after what she wants and Cole is what she wants. Little does she know that Cole already knew who she was with or without the mask but he decides to play her game...for a time.
Sometimes the timing is just off. That is what happened with Cole and Avery, when they first noticed each other, she was fresh out of a relationship that left her shaken, and he was trying to get out of relationship that wasn't working. Then there was a missed opportunity, before finally, under the cover of a party mask, Avery feels she can act on her impulses and approach Cole
Cole knows who she is, but plays along, figuring she must have a reason. Then hotness, and compatibility, and sexiness, and utter perfection occur when these two scene together. He pushes, she retreats, and he hopes she can overcome why she ran. It takes a bit, but she does, and then he shows how perfect for her he is.
Short and sexy, showing how to overcome your past to have a future that works in your favour!
Avery has watched Cole from afar before at another BDSM party but never had the courage to approach him. She spots him again at her Aunt’s masquerade birthday party and has the courage to seek him out while she wears a mask. He won’t know who she is. Cole immediately knows who she is though but doesn’t let on he does. Let the fireworks commence!!
Ms. Cartwright knows how to write hot, steamy BDSM and Hard Hand does not disappoint. This was a novella so the action moves along quickly. It also quickly mentions the Titans from another series. My only regret is that it wasn’t longer to see what more Cole and Avery could get into.
As always, Sierra Cartwright does not disappoint in Hard Hand! I hope you take the time to read this quick novella filled with characters that light the pages on fire with their smoking hot chemistry! Avery wants a Dom. But not just any Dom, she wants Cole even if it is for only one night. Cole has wanted Avery from the first time he saw her and now he has his chance but she doesn’t want him to know who she really is. After that one night, however, Avery realizes that she has to come clean about who she is if she truly wants the relationship with the man she craves!
Hard Hand was a fabulous read. Cole Stewart was a great alpha - one who was comfortable and confident in his skin and skills, yet also tender. He was all around yummy! My favorite character was Ms Scarlet and I can only hope to be as spunky when I reach 80. Thank you Sierra for this book!
All I can say is I want a man like Cole but I want to be the one with the cane. He was understanding, rewarding, a giver, and just IT. He allowed Avery her space and secrecy until flashes from his passed made he not settle for nothing but honesty. Fun is one thing but then the chemistry and intensity is there, all mask are off.
This was a great novella that proved how the right connection can rid you of many doubts and uncertainties.
Short but enjoyable. I was hoping for more story but with the length that it is, the story that is told is complete even if it is mainly a smoking hot trust building exercise between Cole and Avery. Cole shows that he is truly the Dom of her dreams, if only she can put aside her past and follow her heart. Miss Scarlett is an fantastic character and really brings life to the story with her flamboyant ways and sage opinions (never advice!). I did get the feeling that I should have known Cole and Avery from another series and even though I have read several of Sierra Cartwright's books ( I absolutely love the Mastered series), I don't remember these characters.
I received a copy of this book from the author and happily reviewed it (going to start her Bonds series now).
Yes, Sir! After reading this book, that's all I'd be saying to Cole. Avery, feeling lost and uncentered, is in dire need of dominance. After feeling lukewarm since her most recent breakup, she meets Cole--a Dom--at her aunt's birthday party. Although having seen one another at previous engagements, they've never been formally introduced. Immediately drawn to each other, Cole approaches Avery, and makes her an offer.
This novella packs a lot of story without feeling crowded or overwhelming. You get the feels Sierra is known for, and of course a hot-as-sin Alpha that you'd love to kneel at his feet. Great story, loved it!!
I truly enjoyed this quick story. The characters were true to life and they resonated. Being from Las Vegas, I loved all the glitz and glamour surrounding the birthday party. Not having read any of the other stories that might have introduced me to Cole I really didn't feel lost, nor did I feel that I had missed out on anything affecting this story. It did make me want to go get more of the series stories either before, or coming after. Well done story.
Wow! This is the first, most eloquent word, I can think of when describing this book. I went into this book blind… I hadn’t read excerpts, blurbs, anything about this book, and I am so glad I did! Avery and Cole are burn up the pages HOT! And Miss Scarlett is who I want to be when I grow up.
Avery is a sub, without a Dom. She had see Cole a couple of other times, but didn’t have the courage to approach him. A masquerade birthday party affords her the opportunity to assume a different persona, and approach Cole. What ensues is scorching…. Not going to spoil it here, but take my advice, read it. Just don’t make the same mistake I did and read it on your lunch hour…. It makes for a long afternoon!!!!
Both Cole and Avery have good reason to be leery of relationships. They spend a hot night together and then have to decide if they are willing to let down their walls and to again give their trust to another person. This was a short, quick and enjoyable story.
Cole and Avery were hot together, it seemed they brought out the best in each other and the other loved it all. It was a quick, fast paced story that held my attention from page 1. 4.5 stars
Have you ever wanted someone so badly, but you just aren't brave enough? Avery has longed for Cole from afar. He's the Dom of her dreams.
At her aunt's saints and sinners birthday party, her mask finally gives Avery enough of a boost to finally go after what she wants.... Master Cole. Cole knows exactly who she is, even behind the mask but he's willing to let her have her anonymity.
One night is all she wants, but she quickly finds out that one night is not enough. Will she finally become brave enough to go after what she wants without a mask?
This was a great read from Sierra Cartwright. Avery and Cole are hot together. The fact that they both New of each other and wanted to be together but the other didn’t know was a great add to the story. I could not put this book down. It was hot and the story was great. I cannot wait for the next read from Sierra Cartwright.