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Punished

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She’s attracted the attention of a dangerous man… me.
She is running from something or someone. As the best gunfighter in the West, I know a wanted woman when I see one. As a criminal, she needs to be punished and I have plans to personally see to it that she is… thoroughly… completely… and painfully.

There is something about this woman which brings out both the protector and punisher in me.

She can try to scratch, claw and even shoot her way out of trouble but she won’t escape me.

I plan to Rider Her Hard and ruin her for any other man… but me.

147 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 19, 2017

59 people are currently reading
162 people want to read

About the author

Sasha Byrne

30 books47 followers
Dark. Dirty. Explicit.
These short novellas will always push limits, test boundaries and leave you craving even more from the dark side.

This is the super k!nky other pen name of Zoe Blake.

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5 stars
77 (45%)
4 stars
48 (28%)
3 stars
34 (20%)
2 stars
7 (4%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Serial Romance Librarian.
1,242 reviews303 followers
May 5, 2020
Emma: school teacher living under an alias, murderess and former stage coach robber

Horn: handsome, dark gunslinger-for-hire

This is a pen name of Zoe Blake. Most of her earlier books are on KU, so I’m binging! Most of us aren’t reading these books for the historical accuracy but the author provides us with enough descriptions for it to somewhat transport the reader to the Wild West. There were some typos, but I still enjoyed the story. There is non-con, as is typical of this author.

This story was hot. I really loved Horn’s character.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kathy Heare Watts.
7,072 reviews175 followers
June 21, 2017
LORD HELP HER POOR SOUTHERN BELLE HEART

The third book in the Ride Hard series did not disappoint, with witty characters, plenty of angst, anger, lots of suspense, some mystery, and a determined woman seeking revenge for the death of her father and brother. What starts at the beginning stages of the Civil War will fast forward five years. The story is the final in the Ride Hard series, and each book will read as a standalone. I love how Ms. Blake has tied in actual historical facts of females that hid in plain sight within military units during the War Between the States, using her artistic liberties, she paints an interesting picture of the scenes.

Michaela Armistead may live in the south, but she is no simple southern belle, she learned how to ride aside, and can outshoot most men, thanks to skills taught her by her brother, Brandon. Escaping her scheming mother and her cousin, she will disguise herself as a boy and travel to her brother who has joined a Confederate unit. Life will include remaining with the CSA camp, dressed as a boy, cooking, doing laundry, and giving medical care throughout the battles.

Major John Thomas Brice, commanding officer of a fort, and while he is a stern taskmaster among the soldiers, he isn’t afraid to join them in details and training. When he is summoned into a saloon for a disturbance that includes three of his Calvary soldiers, and one Confederate soldier, he detects something the men have missed; this isn’t a wayward soldier, this is a young woman in disguise.

The plot will have Michaela escape the family home, staying with her brother’s unit, and now she is on a mission, she is determined to seek revenge and justice against two people, her mother along with her new husband. Avoiding populated places, fighting off the elements, as well as two and four-legged beasts, the one thing she wasn’t prepared for, Major Brice. Brice sees her as a little rebel spitfire that needs to be taken in hand, not just for her actions that could have gotten her killed, but she needs to be protected from her own foolishness.

Brice has never met a woman like Michaela that evoked the feelings he is having. “He was a man used to getting what he wanted, even if he had to take it by force. Hell, taking things by force was what he had been trained t do his whole life!” “There was one, sole driving need that seemed to pound a cadence in his chest—conquer, control, own. This primitive need to master her.” Let the battle of wits and will begin between these two formidable foes.

“There was no doubt Major Brice embodied the warmly-held ideas of chivalry. Rescuing her from the saloon fight, seeing that she was fed and clothed properly, saving her from herself, all bespoke a man bend on care and protection.” “I will see that he pays for harming you. That he shall pay for the damage he has done to you and your family will just be the honey on the deed.”

Will Michaela acquiesce to Brice and his demands or will she continue to try and do things her way? The story is a fast-paced page turner, with a dominant and controlling man and an equality feisty and determined woman. There are several spankings, and the story does have dubious consent and non-consensual acts, including rape. There are many creative forms of punishment and explicit sex scenes.
Profile Image for Becca.
521 reviews63 followers
June 21, 2017
Although this is the third book in the Ride Hard Series, it stands very well on it's own with a small cameo from the characters of previous books. In fact, this is my favorite of the three mainly because I liked Major Brice and Michaela (the H and h) better. Major Brice was slightly less obnoxious than the prior two heroes, and Michaela slightly less of a brat than book 1 and less of a doormat than book 2. The relationship in this story felt more balanced and more believable. Not to say that Major Brice wasn't arrogant, but it simply worked better here.

Besides that improvement, this book was also a well written and enjoyable story.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for *CJ*.
5,200 reviews641 followers
July 6, 2018
"The Rebel's Secret" is the story of Michaela and Major John.
When a fight breaks in the frontier saloon, Major John never imagined that the soldier hiding would turn out to be a woman, or that she would be a brat searching for her father's murderers.
Immediately taking her into his keeping, he introduces her to various forms of discipline, including his literal and penile sword, while she resists and is chastised.
Hot scenes with mild dub-con, heavy spanking and sexy hanky panky. There is drama towards the last 1/4, but ends in a sweet HEA for all couples.
Safe
3.5/5
576 reviews6 followers
June 21, 2017


This is an interesting short story about a young southern woman whose father was murdered at the start of the Civil War, and her 5 year effort to find the murderer and kill him. It brings her to a fort in Texas where a series of circumstances put her in contact with Major Brice – and an angry start to the relationship gradually turns to love, with the help of some spankings and sex. How she accomplishes her objective of revenge, and how they find their HEA make for an interesting story – helped by the fine descriptions of both characters, who are strong and likable.
575 reviews5 followers
June 20, 2017
Ride Hard is a good name for the series, because that's exactly what you get - literally. Michaela is a little spitfire and very defensive. Brice is very dominant and determined to protect her. Despite their differences, they are drawn to each other and neither can deny their attraction. The story is fast paced and I like the way the author is describing the scenes. Her writing style is very vivid and makes you feel as if you are right there with the couple.
Profile Image for Anna.
790 reviews
June 21, 2017
I really enjoyed the last of this series. What an independent, feisty Southern Belle and alphalicious Yankee soldier. Their chemistry is combustible and the story keeps you reading. Plus, all three couples get an epilogue at the end! I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
100 reviews19 followers
June 22, 2017
Zoe Blake delivered another delightful read. Nicely developed characters with understandable motivations, etc. I also enjoyed the appearance of the characters from the first two novels in this trilogy, although they appeared later in the story. The sex scenes were nice and steamy and overall this was a very nice story.

As for my star rating, need to clarify that I only give 5 stars to books that meet one of the 3 following conditions: 1) I want to re-read when I finish reading it; 2) I have actually read at some point; or 3) it is quite memorable months or years after reading it. Alas, despite being a very well written story, I don't see this book fitting any of those criteria. Perhaps, it because I didn't connect as deeply with either of the main characters as I have with Ms Blake's other characters. Or that while interesting the idea of revenge in general isn't something I personally enjoy, in real life, in stories, etc. But whatever the reason, I can't in good conscious give this 5 stars, but having said that if you've read other books by Ms. Blake and enjoyed them, you will enjoy this one as well. She didn't disappoint.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Emily.
224 reviews16 followers
July 9, 2017
A nice finale to Blake's Ride Hard series. I've really enjoyed the Blake books I've read, and this one was no different.

Michaela is a young woman who disguised herself as a man in order to fight in the Civil War. Shortly before she joined, a cousin killed her father in order to get his money, so she ran away to join her brother in the army. Her brother was eventually killed though, and now, Michaela travels the west looking for her missing cousin and her mother, who married him, still disguised as a man. She finally has a lead on him, but while asking questions, she manages to start a brawl. It's stopped by Major Thomas Brice who also realizes that Michaela is a woman and takes into his custody. What follows is spanking, sex, instalove, and Brice and Michaela proving that they are necessary to one another. It's typical Zoe Blake, but it's a formula I love. Although I haven't read all of Blake's books (because she's written a number of ageplay ones, which I don't care for), I've enjoyed all of the ones I have read. Blake excels at writing short, hot love stories.

The one complaint I have about this story is that the climax takes place off screen. I really would have preferred to see the finale on screen and think it was a bit of a weird choice not to show it. However, otherwise this was very enjoyable, and I would recommend it.
383 reviews6 followers
June 26, 2017
This book was different than the first two in the trilogy, but no less enjoyable. The heroine, Michaela, is hellbent on revenge but is stopped in her tracks by the enigmatic Major Brice. He seems to understand the conflict within Michaela better than she does, which results in an undercurrent of dubious and non-consensual sex and discipline throughout much of the story. Of course, Michaela can't help that her body and soul love every minute of Brice's attentions, even if her mind thinks otherwise. The power exchange scenes between these two well-developed characters are intense and very good. The plot provides enough background to understand Michaela's thirst for revenge and then moves forward to make a compelling, easy to read story. This book is easily read as stand alone, but the first two books in the trilogy were also excellent reads.
Profile Image for Heather.
372 reviews9 followers
November 3, 2018
The Rebel's Secret is the third and final book in the Ride Hard series. Like the others, it could be read as a standalone. They are each set on the western frontier, shortly after the end of the American Civil War.

Michaela is tracking down her mother and stepfather, both cruel people who murdered her father and conspired to murder Michaela. She is intent on avenging her family when she runs into Major Brice.

This is definitely a case of instant love, especially from the hero's perspective. He is intent on wedding and bedding his fierce and fiesty little lady, but it takes more than a couple of spankings to tame her!

This was my least favourite book in the series. For some reason, I just didn't click with the characters and the lack of plot development in the book itself, and the series as a whole, was irritating.

More reviews are available on www.mackenziesmountain.com
Profile Image for Donna Louise.
798 reviews12 followers
June 22, 2017
By Donna L
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This review is from: The Rebel's Secret (Ride Hard Book 3) (Kindle Edition)
Michaela Armistead was on a mission to find
her fathers murderers.It did not matter that
her own mother arranged her father's death.
Michaela dressed as a man travelling the
country looking for Parcels Showalter .This
led her to Major John Brice's attention.John
is intrigued by Michaela and takes responsibility
for her safety.Michaela is full of fire and defiance
and it's not long before she finds herself over
John's knee for a painful lesson.This book has
danger,angst,desire,graphic sex scenes and
so much more to keep one captivated.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book
Profile Image for Lindsay.
541 reviews16 followers
April 25, 2019
Wasn't sure how I;d feel about reading a historical book by this author since I've only read her contemporary ones but I shouldn't have worried. It reminded me how much I used to enjoy my sappy bodice rippers when I was a late teen! I loved michaela's sass and determination. She was loyal to a fault but needed a strong man to help her complete her task. I liked that Brice was hardworking and respected and didn't judge her reasonings. Of course I did this ass backwards and read the third in the series so now I am intensely curious about Mason and Horn's stories so I'll definitely check them out!
Profile Image for Ceeri Jay.
513 reviews51 followers
April 15, 2018
Just scratching my recent little itch for the John Wayne hard western hero with the third and final in this little trilogy of books.

Following the murder of her father at the hand of her mothers mercenary cousin/lover, Michaela steals away from Alabama to the join her brother in the Civil War. Hiding in plain sight, she is apprehended after a bar fight by the Captain of the Confederate Outpost who takes on the task of bringing her to heel. By any means necessary...

The story is well written with only a few slip ups into medern parlance.
Profile Image for JigsawGirl.
4,283 reviews
June 21, 2017
An independent, feisty, Southern woman who poses as a young boy during the Civil War. She encounters a strong, dominant, Yankee Major during her pursuit of the man who killed her father.

Bruce takes Michaela in hand when she tries to continue her search. There are a couple of interesting twists and surprises before you get to the Happily Ever After.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this Advanced Reader.
1,413 reviews9 followers
June 25, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book. Her brother leaves to fight for the South, her father is murdered and her evil mother wants her money. What is Michaela supposed to do? Wearing boy's clothes, she runs. While searching for her father's killers, she runs right into Major John Thomas Brice. Brice knows Michaela needs him. For justice, for guidance, for discipline, for love. Discipline spanking, anal play.
1,506 reviews10 followers
June 25, 2017
A fabulous conclusion to an extraordinary series. This has a fantastic story line. The characters are easy to fall in love with, the descriptions to details were done nicely and so easy to visualize and the dialogue flowed so well with these characters to make you feel as if you are a part of the conversation. Often I dislike a series ending but Ms. Blake did a great job with this ending. I was left with a smile and a good feeling.
247 reviews4 followers
July 1, 2017
This was a fast paced story that was hard to put down, the only bad thing I can say about this book is I wish it was longer, I kind of felt left hanging in the end. The two main characters were Major Brice who was a strong, dominating, blue-eyed hunk and Michaela Armistead who was a feisty, courageous, determined, woman. The plotline was well written and engaging up until the end. The author did a great job in writing the description of this book and it can be read as a stand alone.
2,093 reviews3 followers
December 15, 2017
I was a bit hesitant to read this as I hadn't read books 1 or 2 but I found that this was no hindrance to understanding the story. This is not a gentle love story. It's pretty much the opposite. The main characters are quite brutal with each & for me, at times it skated close to being outside my acceptable zone. That said, I found it an original story with interesting characters & a good read.
Profile Image for Heart5.
766 reviews
July 3, 2017
Although this was a very good final book, I'm sad to see this series come to end. I loved that all the women were so independent. Their independence made the journey into submission so much sweeter. The men were all dominant, but ultimately still kind. This was just a really good series, it definitely put Zoe Blake on my must read list.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
44 reviews
December 7, 2018
Loved it

Absolutely loved this book. It was funny and sweet and loving. The characters are amazing and the heroine is so headstrong. You can’t help but cheer her on at times. The major also had the patience of a saint at times to put up with her sassiness. Also shown he is human as well. Thanks Zoe Blake great book
Profile Image for SH.
807 reviews14 followers
June 29, 2017
Loved this!

I'm so sorry to see this series end! This book was fantastic and I didn't want it to end, I would have happily just kept on reading. Michaela made me laugh out loud and cheer her on! Brice was perfect for her! Awesome story!
Profile Image for Melissa.
37 reviews
December 6, 2023
The third and last book of the series and I didn’t want to see it end. But this was such a good way to end the series by tying in all the books, their plot lines and characters. It was like a warm spicy hug.
Profile Image for EvilAntie Jan.
1,615 reviews13 followers
July 8, 2017
It's not a secret anymore....

What a great read. I simply adore this series with Alpha males and feisty women. Zoe Blake is a superb writer of this genre.
Profile Image for JD (on semi-hiatus).
984 reviews227 followers
February 25, 2022
This book is NOT part of a new series; rather, it's a reissue of The Gunfighter's Pursuit. The other two books in the series -- The Cowboy's Revenge and The Rebel's Secret are being re-released in a similar fashion. If you've already read those books, it's up to you if you want to spend your money again. So much for truth in advertising...

Interestingly, this book is labeled a "Romance;" again, so much for truth in advertising. I struggle to see where the romance is. While the H is less brutal than Mason was in the first book, Jackson beats and rapes Emma without her consent and then...just leaves her to her fate. In terms of writing, there's no actual plot in any of these books, just scenes of violence (or, for those who like that sort of thing, erotica), and they're pretty poorly written. I guess I'm struggling to see what's even interesting or reader-worthy or, well, romanticabout any of this. I would say that unless you're really into this sort of content (and I completely understand that some readers will like this), don't spend your money: this book and the subsequent ones really aren't worth it in terms of quality story/writing, character development/relationships, plots, or romantic/erotic scenes (unless romantic and erotic for you are synonymous with torture and rape). The only positive here is that I did like Emma and empathized with her plight.

YMMV, but I still think it's wrong to reissue a book and not be truthful about that.

ETA: It's probably not the best idea for authors to re-release different books with the same title: Punished: A Dark Daddy Dom Romance.
100 reviews7 followers
June 24, 2017
This 3rd book of the Ride Hard trilogy is excellent. I actually read it twice in the last 3 days. This book has a great story, exciting sex and plenty of D/s with DD that those familiar with the author have come to expect. What is special about this book are two scenes that are extremely sensual, one where the hero must feed the heroine and another where the hero is instructing new recruits on horsemanship. As much as I have tremendously enjoyed all three of these books, I am sad to leave these stories behind even with this very satisfying completion bringing all three stories together.
Profile Image for Biggs_bookshelf.
1,630 reviews27 followers
January 11, 2021
Gun slinging bad boy

Running from the law and hiding as a school teacher she thinks she safe. Until he shows up and then she what he sets her sights on. Rough and tumble gun slinger takes what he wants and his bunny is no different. The push and pull in this book is super fun and it’s a hot read with western flare.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews