Owning Up

Awakenings #2

by Michele Zurlo

An offer she couldn’t refuse… When two handsome brothers offer Samantha Spencer a night of passion, curiosity lands her in their arms. The spirited artist craves a lover with enough energy to satisfy her between the sheets, and these twins deliver a deliciously decadent experience. Their perfect submissive… One night with Samantha leaves Alexei and Stefano wanting more—especially the glimpses they catch of the submissive within. But a relationship isn’t a business deal, and sometimes even love isn’t enough. With everything on the line, what are they willing to sacrifice for the ultimate dream? BDSM, ménage, pony play Portions originally published under Two Masters for Samantha and In Their Hearts. Contains 90% new content.

Genres: BDSM, Menage

354 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 11, 2019

About the author

Michele Zurlo is the author of the Awakenings, Doms of the FBI, and the SAFE Security series and many other stories. She writes contemporary and paranormal, BDSM and mainstream—whatever it takes to give her characters the happy endings they deserve. Her childhood dream was to be a librarian so she could read all day. Some words of wisdom from an inspiring lady had her tapping out stories on her first laptop, and writing blossomed from a hobby to a career.

She also writes MM romance under the name A.J. Stone. Find out more at www.michelezurloauthor.com

Reviews

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good ménage, and this one has everything about making one work in the real world. Two millionaires business men, who happen to be twins, with a Russian name to add intrigue. A sweet, but confident, woman who is trying to make her way in the art world. Immediate attraction, a long-distance beginning, but a quick resolution. Lots of heat, really amazing BDSM scenes, time with all three, and time with just a pair. Wonderful exploration for them all, finding what they like, adjusting to each others wants and needs while they figure out their chemistry. Heart-break and despair, causing me lots of tears, and feeling hopeless. Then a spark, an actual fire, that cause action, and finally understanding, and resolution

I absolutely loved this story, because it took me by surprise. Everything seemed so perfect, and I loved the characters, all three of them. They seemed so focused, and put together, and knowing themselves, and each other. When things started to seem off, I was sure it would turn around. I felt actual despair with the characters. I was right there with them, for the good, the sexy, the bad, the confusion, the love, the caring, the pain, the chemistry. It all swept off the pages and immersed me into the story. I wanted more, I wanted to wrap them up, I wanted to be a voyeur with them. I felt everything with them, and it was wonderful, even when it was painful, it filled my soul!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding Read. I love Ms. Zurlo’s style. Her flare for the dramatic and her way with words that makes the reader feel every word, every emotion and every nuance of the characters lives. Owning Up is a very sexy exciting erotic menage that starts when Samantha is propositioned by Alexie and Stefano. They are twin Russian Millionaires who are Doms and enjoy sharing a submissive and nights of pleasure. After just one glance, they want Samantha and know she is the one to share their lives.

Samantha has knowledge of the BDSM world from being around her brother and several friends. So when the twins approach her, she is intrigued and agrees to one night. But one night is not enough for any of them. While their lives are worlds apart, they find ways to make it work. The passion, the erotic times, the chemistry between them as they explore each other is phenomenal. But as in real life people can’t live in a bubble. When things start to go wrong, the book will keep you enthralled and glued to the pages. There are twist that I never saw coming and times of aghast and wonderment that will pull you in and take your heart on an amazing journey.

If you like menage/BDSM storylines, I Highly recommend reading Owning Up. You won’t be sorry you did. The book will touch your heart and soul with every chapter

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I liked about these two books were the love stories. The care given to each character and their personalities ~ I was so engrossed with letting go that I couldn’t tear myself away every detail fit. It was amazing, however 2/3 of the way into owning up, I got complacent, I wanted the climax, the heart of the story to reveal itself, I started to lose interest, but as amazing as Michele is within the next couple of pages I was engrossed once more! I would definitely recommend this author and all of her stories to every reader I know and I have many times, I love her talent for pulling you into her books and making you crave being one of her characters. I choose this rating because even though I had a lulled moment, I was there, I was a Sub, mentally and physically! I loved it! If you haven’t read these two books, Letting Go and Owning Up do it you and whom ever your with will be truly excited and enlightened!

Thank you For another Great read and Many exciting hours of enjoyment! I wouldn’t mind another story continuing the story, I’m dying to know how that aspect of their lives works out. These three , now four have such adventures ahead of them. These book are great and stand together beautifully, I’m just greedy and want to continue in the lives of all the characters portrayed in the Awakenings series~

[Ida Jolley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be funny, sexy af, quite interesting, alittle strange at times, but I thought Samantha finally got herself together towards the end of the book. Samantha meets Stef and Lex at a wedding. She is attracted to Lex who wants to continue things upstairs with his brother. A Threesome. Which then turns out with them asking her to be their girlfriend. These two move so fast on her it’s unbelievable. But she agrees. Everything goes fine for awhile until life happens and she’s feeling alone, they are working all the time, she’s alone, it’s no longer any fun for her. So she tries to tell them this isn’t working anymore, something needs to change, but they aren’t getting the picture. In the meantime she finds out she is pregnant and things definitely change for her. Wait till the men find out. It’s interesting, when they do. But is it too late, and why hasn’t she said anything before? Wasn’t she supposed to get something for controlling that sort of problem?

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

In quintessential Michlele Zurlo style, she knocks it out of the park with Owning up. The brothers Morozov have found what the think is the perfect girl for the in Samantha, she can tell the identical twins apart when no one else can and she is beautifully submissive. Samantha has fallen for Alexei and Stefano but since they are such a united front have they taken her love and Submission for granted? Outstanding pageturner of a book!

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautifully written story by Michele Zurlo. The characters are so real and you can feel the emotions of them while reading the story. Alexi and Stefano are brothers who believe Samantha is the one for them. It was great watching them teach her about the lifestyle. Loved the book and will be waiting for another book by this wonderful author!

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book and true to this authors writing it totally entertained me from beginning to the end. The characters are amazing with plenty of chemistry that is hot and steamy. Easy flow to the storyline kept me turning the pages.

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

[Diane G · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, exciting, erotic menage love story with plenty of surprises and twists and turns. Samantha is a sweet, confident woman who is embarking on making her career in the art world. Then, we have two HOT, ALPHA, identical twins, Alexie and Stefano who are Russian Millionaires and happen to be Doms. After just one glance, they want Samantha and know she is the one to share their lives. Michele Zurlo is our amazing author with the ability to tell this story very well. She clearly helps the novice Samantha find her way in the BDSM lifestyle and the importance of having Ellen assist her in expressing what she accepts or not. “Owning Up” is very sexy with amazing BDSM scenes and describes the awareness of each character, as they realize what is truly important in a relationship and in life.
Michele Zurlo is a very talented author and continues to dazzle us with these stories. The characters are well developed, realizing that one can grow and gain understanding of the gift of love and all that it brings. The story has beautiful romance, suspense, mystery, HOT sexy scenes and is fast paced. Thank you so much for another wonderful story,

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I’m going to be an outlier here, in part because I’m assessing this story against the original - Two Masters for Samantha. I’ve had this “updated” version on my kindle for some time - I shouldn’t have stopped putting it off. I’ve now stopped reading at about 60% because this version isn’t improving, but rather getting worse from my perspective.

The original book brought an inexperienced Samantha into the sphere of two experienced Doms. It was exciting to read as Samantha gingerly explored and her hidden talents were revealed (sorry, not those ones). In this book, there’s no anxiety about her first trip to Florida, she’s just there and she’s immediately into pony play (not a spoiler, it’s in the about this book). Even in the first real encounter with her parents (where I stopped reading) there’s no trepidation from Sam, her mother or the twins - in the first story the anxiety all around was palpable.

In truth, I should have known from the cover - in this case, you can judge a book by its cover. The original, Samantha was a tall willowy unaffected blond (as described in the book); the new version is the opposite of that.

This book may sit better in the BDSM community because on the second night the initial scene is supervised and fully negotiated up front. For me, the first book shows that scene as a very light touch; this version didn’t carry the same thrills of exploration on both sides.

This book is well written and edited and I expect those who know a lot about BDSM will approve. For me, it was a real disappointment; I think I’ll go back and read the original again and forget I ever started this one.

[SBee Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

★ The whole package ★

—>>> Samantha is a very independent woman, enjoying her current job and looking forward to developing herself as an artist, all on her own terms, despite being surrounded by many friends, family and acquaintances are happy to support her. Meeting two very attractive brothers who offer her a night’s experience was very alluring. For them, the very fact that they both react immediately to her as someone they both want is rare for them. They realize Samantha is not only young but new and inexperienced sexually in a world in which they share and dominate women, although she has very knowledgeable friends who can guide her. One night is all that is needed to leave Stefano and Alexei anticipating more, as she had submitted to them so beautifully and is so in tune with them individually. Although successful in both business and in convincing Samantha to become a part of their lives, the twin’s family issues as well as their own professional drive may come between this threesome’s possible happiness and future together unless they can work it out. Good characters with a well-paced story as they work out their differences, explore their interests together, as well as knit together tighter as a family.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like menage, you will like this read. A nice long read where you get to see a tri-couple meet and evolve into the relationship it's meant to be. She's flighty and beautiful and they want her right away. She's not so sure. She doesn't even know if she's submissive and she knows they are both Doms because she grew up in that world. Now she has to find out if she is submissive and if she's willing to be with more than one man at a time. Like I said, it was a really good story to read because when the first flush of love wears off, you face real life. Things might not be quite so perfect.

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

[Kayla Pocernich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samantha meets identical twins Alexei and Stefano at a wedding and everything changes for these three. Alexei and Stefano want Samantha and she definitely wants these two. They all agree to one night and one night only. They will test her limits and hand her of to a more experienced domme to help her in the BDSM scene. The passion and the chemistry between these three is off the charts. Will these three get there happily ever after or will they struggle to be accepted in the real world. Read this book to find out what happens to these three.

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

[Theresa Doherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I have to say this is the first time of reading Michele Zurlo, and I can't wait to read more. Samantha, traveller, artist and single, at her brother Jonas wedding to Sabrina meets two men that literally take her breathe away, not only are they identical twins but are Doms and want her, Alexei and Stefano have been looking for a girl to share and Samantha ticks all the boxes, but they are busy men. Loved everything about this the storyline the characters the back stories that made the rollercoaster journey so unpredictable, loved it.

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

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ménage and BDSM 2 of my favorites! Absolutely fantastic read. Especially loved the pony play and role playing as you don’t find a lot of books that dive into those.

I thought that balance of how they developed their relationship was realistic. The author created these twin guys that have their own unique characteristics and kinks yet had the twin vibe thing going. Samantha is sassy, independent and the perfect challenge for them. It was refreshing to see a female character owning her sexuality and being open to discovering herself more.

I will be continuing to read this author as her stories are interesting and her characters are strong.

[SiKReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real touching story of a loving triad.

Two brothers meet their match with Samantha. The fact she can tell the two apart from just one look knocks them off their feet and head over tail in love. Once comfortable in their new relationship and neglect occurs, Samantha goes "home". Luckily family and friends step in to help the threesome rekindle their relationship and become a family.

I loved this book! The series would be great to take on vacation with you!

[Marybeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Samantha meets identical twins Alexei and Stefano and everything changes. They want her and she definitely wants them. They negotiate her limits with an experienced domme to help her. This author portrays the characters so well that I got invested in their story. I laughed and cried before I was done. I'm now getting ready to read the rest of her books. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ms Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've found a new favourite author in Michele Zurlo. Her storytelling is excellent - compelling, heart wrenching, fully absorbing and downright funny in a couple of places. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, loving the subtle links to her Doms of the FBI series - you don't need to have read those to enjoy this book. I look forward to reading more by this author.

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

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Owning Up is the second books of the Awakenings series. I have not read the first book, but I did not feel as if I missed anything. Samantha, Alexei and Stefano had such a great chemistry that I was not able to put the book down. The intimate scenes were smoking hot and then there was also all the angst that kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved reading the book.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a wonderful story, the evolution of Sammy towards the life style, the way she bonded with the twins is just perfect.
Of course the intimate scenes are really, really hot! Just be careful where you read it.
Loved it

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

[Heather W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Owning Up is the second book in the Awakenings series and is an entertaining read.

Can these three people have a true relationship or will one feel lonely when they are too busy for her? This story has drama, angst, passion, BDSM, chemistry, and an amazing love between three people.

I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that has been looked again by the author and changes have been made, it’s a fantastic read. There are some parts that are not for everyone, I really loved this book and nothing in it bothered me at all. A lot of emotions and action in this book so get ready for a great read.

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

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book I've read written by Michele Zurlo; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Johanna Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am devouring the books this author writes, and loving every word. This is a fantastic ménage relationship book where two Doms share a sweet submissive. It took me almost three days to get through this book and I didn’t want to put it down.

What did I like? The scenes and scenarios are so amazing. From the pony play, to the double penetration, to the role playing.... it was all fun.

Would I buy or recommend? Oh yea... Lex and Stef were amazing. Yum. If you love a Dom/sub book and don’t mind mmf with no mm interaction then buy this. It was possibly the best read I’ve had this year so far.

Thoughts for the author? I’d really like the first in the series, thanks so much for allowing me a copy through Booksprout in exchange for an honest opinion. I loved it. Five stars love.

[Kathy Mccalmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in this series. this is a menage romance. the twins and Samantha have an instant chemistry. Can they find a way to stay together?

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

[Amy Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always loved the authors work and this one is no different. This story just like all of the others I've read is incredible. The characters and their storyline really draws you in. Well written with so much passion and it shows within the characters. Another amazing story!

[Mike Herbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading Owning Up by Michele Zurlo. This was a great story. Characters just drew me in on every page I read. I was unable to put the book down, it was a page turner for sure!

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

[Linzi Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Highly recommend

[Debbi Taylor]

I enjoyed this book easy to read and get into good storyline and characters, definitely a worthwhile read.

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

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good characters. I enjoyed this one. This was a fun, sexy read. And a new author for me. I received a free copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[DM Ryan]

Jan 16, 2022