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The Punishment Pit #5

Defending It All

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Defending love at all costs. Dark romantic suspense.

198 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 27, 2020

44 people are currently reading
99 people want to read

About the author

Livia Grant

53 books1,346 followers
USA Today bestselling author Livia Grant lives in Chicago with her husband and furry rescue dog named Max. She is fortunate to have been able to travel extensively and as much as she loves to visit places around the globe, the Midwest and its changing seasons will always be home. Livia's readers appreciate her riveting stories filled with deep, character driven plots, often spiced with elements of BDSM.

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5 stars
108 (58%)
4 stars
55 (29%)
3 stars
17 (9%)
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3 (1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
Profile Image for Louise H's Book Thoughts.
2,039 reviews317 followers
April 11, 2024
2.5 stars - OK I'm coming at this review for a second try. For me this books was very up and down with some parts I loved and others I really didn't. I think the biggest problem for me was that Lukas, disappointingly, fell into that tired old BDSM cliche of deciding things for Tiffany, or not telling her things, "for her own good". In other words because it was easier for him.


Had she kept things secret for as equally justifiable a reason he would still have subjected her to a punishment and I just cannot abide that type of double standard. I'm not sure if I'm an oddity amongst readers in not loving these mind-reading, "know you better than you know yourself" Doms, but they get right on my goat.


For heaven's sake Tiffany is a grown up women who runs her own business and has managed to live her life really well until she met Lukas. She is capable of making her own decisions and choices, given ALL the relevant information. So when Lukas treats her like she is incapable of this he really goes down in my estimation. It's misogynistic and smacks of Christian Grey, not a truly consensual BDSM relationship and very much not a partnership!


I also felt that Lukas definitely got off lightly (from his terrible decision at the end of book 4), considering it demonstrated how little respect he had for Tiffany. I appreciated how strongly she made her point to him - and I was glad he realised how unjust and out-of-order punishing her would have been. Would he have found it so easy to forgive and forget had the boot been on the other foot? Yeah, I doubt it. Double standards again


Over the last book and this Lukas became quite whiney and woe is me, just because Tiff wasn't a pushover submissive. Oh let's all feel sorry for the poor little Dom who doesn't have everything going his own way. He fell in love with Tiffany's independence and sass but then seems to want to change her and dampen her spirit.


The book took on a more suspense element and moved away from focussing so much on just the two couples, and that was a very welcome addition to the story. There were also several new characters introduced, two of whom I suspect will feature strongly in the next book. I look forward to getting to know them both.


I'm coming back to rant about the men keeping information from their women, again. Their excuses for not telling their romantic partners where they were disappearing off to or why they couldn't go to the bachelorette party were, quite frankly, weak. Whilst I appreciate their will be times Lukas wouldn't be able to give Tiffany details,that wasn't the case here. He could AND should have warned her about Jake. Yet again it felt as though the men were refusing to be totally honest when they wouldn't accept the same treatment from their submissive.


I did really enjoy how Lukas handled Tiffany's family and the lengths he went to in order to ensure her happiness. He did manage to melt my heart with the depth of his love. And the author can definitely write, the stories are really easy to read, the pace is good and the plot flows smoothly.
Profile Image for Dennis.
952 reviews27 followers
September 11, 2021
I love the various characters in this series and I love this particular book as well. It has a lot of punishment scenes, but well it is part of the Punishment Pit series after all, but it is not all punishment as there a lot of scenes where there is a lot of love. There is quite a bit of suspense as the main characters are trying get evidence and bring a bad guy to justice. There is sort of cliffhanger ending that will leave you craving the next book in the series. Good thing that the next book is available as I reading that one now. Heh
Profile Image for Kelly_Reads_Books.
2,128 reviews193 followers
October 20, 2020
I absolutely love the Punishment Pit stories and Defending It All was perfect. I want to hunt down Jake myself and stop his reign of terror. Lukus and Tiffany's story is getting so intense and blossoming into so much more in this book. At times I was wishing for Lukus's attention as my Dom and HoH.
And now Dylan and Hannah have caught my interest.
I can't wait for Protecting It All!
Profile Image for Badh.
3,311 reviews66 followers
October 20, 2020
We're back with our 2 kinky couples, and things are getting more intense. In the background, Jake has been up to no good, and Lukus and Markus are trying to stop him, but they aren't telling Tiffany and Bri.

This book still seems to focus a little more on T&L, which is OK, since they are the ones really building a relationship. We get more of Tiff's family, and I have to say that the only one of them I really care for is her mom, because I think that she is really the only one who really is supporting Tiffany and isn't trying to keep her as someone she really isn't. I hope Aiden manages to redeem himself, because he really needs it at this point.

One more book, and I just can't wait.
Profile Image for Rose Howse.
914 reviews15 followers
October 20, 2020
This one starts off right where the last one ended. Lukus lead a show without talking to Tiffany about it and sets off their first really intense fight. Jake appears and is a continuing threat, he scares me! This installment has so much involved it's riveting. Tiffany pushes her Dom a few times and gets some really severe punishments for her level of submission. Lukus gets to meet Tiff's family, there is a bridal shower and Lukus won't let her go without him, it's intense with all her brothers and father. I do love her down to earth mom though. Jake is still stalking and threatening...
Another cliffhanger, To be continued
Profile Image for Maria (Ri).
5,146 reviews16 followers
October 22, 2020
4.4 stars

I have had a love-hate relationship with this series since the beginning. That has nothing to do with the author, as she is a personal favorite of mine, but rather on the story progression itself. I struggled with the connection between the characters and how certain behaviors seemed to go against the connection and trust that makes BDSM relationships appealing. That process has been ever-evolving and I can finally say that I am a little bit more accepting of all the characters, for the most part.

This has been a long series. Originally, I thought the story was going to be concluding with this book so I was confused about how the author intended to wrap everything up without it being hurried. Halfway through this book, I realized that it had one more book to wrap everything up and that helped my anxiety level.

I still have a few reservations about Tiffany and Lukus but for the most part, I am ready to go for the conclusion of this series.
Profile Image for Donna Louise.
798 reviews12 followers
October 20, 2020

5.0 out of 5 stars Expect Fireworks
Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2020
As you weave your way through the magic that Ms Grant has created
with this book, you are left with a sense of completion.I loved the
level of angst and drama in this story.The punishment scenes left me
panting.The tenderness left me feeling raw.I enjoyed the emotional
depth built into the characters.The connection between each of the
couples was so much more than what was obvious on the surface.

This book flowed seamlessly from the previous book with Lukus and
Tiffany at a stand-off over his role at the Punishment Pit.Sassy Tiffany
is never far away as her temper gets the better of her.Lukus walks a
fine line between his love for Tiffany, and his work.He despairs at times,
especially after Tiffany disobeys him, and puts herself in danger.This is
the first true test of her commitment and submission towards Lukus.
Will she accept her punishment.She entered into their relationship with
her eyes open.She hated the pain, but it heightened the intimacy between
them.Lukus felt powerless.He knew what he must do, their fate was in
Tiffany’s hands.No consent, game over.

Marcus continues to find creative ways to punish Brianna.He was making
up for lost time.He played her body like a fine musical instrument.With
her body properly punished and sated, she found peace of mind.

Finding Jake became very personal for Marcus and Lukus.Jake still posed
a major threat to Tiffany and Brianna.We are also introduced to Tiffany’s
family.Tiffany had good reasons to be concerned.The fallout and fireworks
was spectacular.

Ms Grant continues to write stories that are innovative and creative.The
storyline packs a punch with an intensity that continued from beginning to
end.
Profile Image for JigsawGirl.
4,172 reviews
October 21, 2020
Wow. I have been holding my breath through the last two books waiting for Jake to spring up out of nowhere. He finally appeared, playing a cat and mouse game with Lukus, Markus, and Lukus' team. It makes me worry about how successful they will be in stopping Jake before someone gets hurt.

This book is mostly focused on the further development of Lukus and Tiffany's relationship, but Markus and Brianna definitely make appearances. It is full of suspense and tension on several fronts, from the first page to the last.

I almost think Lukus has more to worry about from Tiffany's father and brother than he does from Jake in regards to his relationship with Tiffany. They both seem to be more over the top judgemental, and dismissive of Tiffany being a responsible adult, rather than being so "worried" about her. Maybe I am mistaken, but that's how they came across to me.

The intensity in this book never leveled out. Whether it was worry about Tiff and Bri, what happened with Derek's brother, Lukus meeting Tiff's family, wondering where Jake was and what he was up to, or even the introduction of Hannah. With Hannah, I just have this feeling she is headed down the wrong road.

With everything that is going on, I can't overlook the romance, the love, loyalty, and friendship that runs strongly amongst the characters in this book.

As much as I hate cliffhangers, I wait for each installment of The Punishment Pit series with bated breath. I cannot begin to imagine how these loose ends will all finally come together.

I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book .
2,052 reviews3 followers
October 28, 2020
Book 5 in this 6 book series so I think it's a safe bet that if you're reading this it's because you've read the previous. There were things that I really liked about this book. I loved the extra suspense that's now coming into play and starting to build more. I love the extra characters that are introduced, such as Tiff's family and Lukas's employees. I'd be interested to read of any spin-offs for these characters. I love that while it's been a longer buildup than usual for this author, we are now seeing all of the strands from the other stories starting to be tied together. Unfortunately, there were also things that I didn't overly like. I felt that the insistence by Lukas and Markus on knowing where Tiff and Bri are all the times, while keeping them in the dark about their travelling was hypocritical. Building on that, by not informing Tiff and Bri about the danger to them, thereby denying them the opportunity to help with their own safety, goes expressly against one of their own rules about avoiding dangerous situations. Overall though, I found the pace of this story is picking up as it nears the end and while I did have issues with some things, I still really enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Sharon.
1,813 reviews41 followers
October 19, 2020
Heads up, this series must be read in order. Books 1 and 2 were the story of Brianna and Markus and books 3, 4 and 5 are focused on Lukus and Tiffany although Brianna and Markus do appear quite a bit. We still have more to resolve in book 6, Protecting It All, which is releasing Nov. 17, 2020

This picks up right where Balancing It All left off and there is a lot to cover in this installment. Lukas and Tiffany are working through their new relationship, but it is a challenge for sure. Lukas is trying to adjust to the new feelings he is having for her. Tiff and Briana go out against their Dom’s orders. The guys are still trying to bring Jake to justice. Lukas meets Tiff’s family.

I’m definitely vested in this series although there were definitely moments that had me scratching my head. I couldn’t believe that Marcus and Lukas didn’t tell the girls that they are in danger. I wanted to scream. Again, I don’t think the cover matched the darker vibe and punishment elements of the story. I can’t wait to see how things are wrapped up in the final book
#MSBB

144 reviews1 follower
October 21, 2020
The story continues from balancing it all, and the series must be read in order to make sense. We get both more Lukas and Tiffany and more Markus and Brianna in this story plus a few others, I’m really keen to hear more from Dylan....tensions and angst are high as Lukas and Tiffany work through their expectations on their relationship - both are tested as they navigate the sometimes stormy waters of a new relationship, made more complicated by the kink aspects, especially when working out how this fits in with those outside the community. I did get a bit frustrated with Lukas and Marcus’s handling of potential danger.....I would personally struggle with the amount of communication and honestly would probably have responded in a similar way to Tiffany and Brianna, so I think the emotions brought out were spot on! Theres definitely some suspense and a feeling of an impending climax to the story, so I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!

I was given an ARC of this book and this is my true and honest opinion.
Profile Image for Anne (Izzie).
381 reviews1 follower
October 21, 2020
As with its predecessors, this book finishes where the previous left off, and most definitely does not disappoint. Lukus and Tiffany’s relationship becomes even more passionate and intense, as she finds herself accepting his role as her Dom and HoH, though she still pushes her boundaries at times. Jake continues to be an increasing threat to Brianna and Tiffany, and Markus and Lukus decide that they themselves need to get involved in bringing him to justice. With all this going on Tiffany takes Lukus home to a family meal, but she has serious reservations about introducing the man she is coming to love to her father and brothers, all of whom are or were in law enforcement - how will they accept a Dom who owns a BDSM club? There is such a lot going on in this book, I couldn’t put it down. Another fantastic book in this brilliantly addictive series.
Profile Image for Carolyn Spence.
1,920 reviews16 followers
October 17, 2020
The intensity continues right from the first page. Lukas "put their odds of making it through the next few intense hours as a couple at 50/50." And it just continues on from there. Remember those things he makes her take... "they're our intimate connection, keeping us tied together even when we're apart." Jake is still on the lose, but getting closer. The visit with Tiffany's family is very intense, they overreact totally, but I think Lukas handles it very well, especially when he wants to show Tiffany how he really feels. We're getting deeper with Dylan and there are also new characters introduced. Can't wait for the final chapter to tie it all together. This has been a wonderful roller coaster of a ride so far.

I voluntarily reviewed this book.
760 reviews7 followers
November 2, 2020
This book takes us a bit into the marriage of Markus and Brianna and deeper into the growing relationship between Lukus and Tiffany.

When Brianna and Tiffany decide to disregard the stern orders issued by their Doms, severe punishments ensue. Will Tiffany be able to submit so thoroughly to Lukus? And, on the other hand, how will Lukus handle the upheaval when he meets the men in Tiffany’s family. Will he be able to keep his calm strength or erupt in physical confrontation?

As with the other stories, we get another glimpse into the degenerative life of Jake. He is actually quite powerful and elusive with his evil designs. I am looking forward to the next book to see how all this works out.
1,940 reviews
October 16, 2020
This story really belonged to Tiffany and Lucas and signalled  a shift towards resolving the Jake issue.  It also introduced a new character, Hannah, and a possible new couple as Dylan is infatuated with her, we shall have to wait and see.  Jake is every bit as terrible as we thought and more if that is possible.  Poor Tiffany is brave and takes Lukus home to meet the family and while her mother is a sweetheart, there are some rocky moments.  I read this book in one sitting and as always I didn’t want it to end. Even though it is different to the previous ones in its focus, Ms Grant certainly knows how to build anticipation and suspense.
Profile Image for Julia Butterfield - Stevens.
906 reviews9 followers
October 19, 2020
The story continues straight off from the previous book and I was happy with the way Tiff and Lukas resolved their issues from the cliffhanger, as I was mad with Lukas at the end of that.  This book was a lot about solidifying their new relationship, although I'm still not 100% sure Tiff gets and accepts the lifestyle following some blatant rule breaking. With punishments like the ones Lukas loves to give, I'd be on my best behaviour! But Tiff is sassy and feisty and I love that about her, even as it gets her into trouble, but is in fact helping to bring them closer!

We are now also starting to get to the heart of the darker, suspense element which I've been eagerly anticipating. Things are getting  interesting with Dylan and Hannah involved now too and the tension ramped up with Jake back in the picture. The hunt is on, payback is definitely owed and I'm looking forward to seeing him get his comeuppance!
3.75 stars
Profile Image for Jo-Ann Forrest.
2,944 reviews24 followers
October 17, 2020
The story picks up where we left off and Lukus is struggling with his feelings towards Tiffany as well as the danger lurking in the form of Jake Davenport who is looking to hurt Tiffany and Brianna and any other unsuuspecting innocent women. However a visit to Tiffany's parents house brings a whole lot of differnet troubles like her father and her brother Aiden bothwanting for Lukus to walk away from Tiffany. But our couple will both have to face the family and choices will have to be made.a fabulous continuous story that will keep you on the edge wondering what's waiting for you on the next page. I volunteered to review this arc.
Profile Image for Nancy.
167 reviews6 followers
October 19, 2020
OMG this series just continues to be amazing! It is the fifth in the series and you will enjoy it best if you read the others first. In this one the tale continues centered more on Lukas and Tiffany--with a little of Brittany and Markus. Lukas and Markus are doing their best to defend and protect the girls at all costs-the girls continue to try to adjust. After all, it's hard to let go and blindly obey what you are told with no details! LOL... As books 1-4 are, this is a cliffhanger--so be forewarned! I can't wait for the next one!!!!

I was provided an advanced copy in return for an honest review.
1,280 reviews5 followers
October 19, 2020
This is the fifth book in the Punishment Pit series, with this being more of Lukas and Tiffany's story than Markus and Brianna...Tiffany still upset with Lukas' scene with another...but she wants Lukas to meet her family, her father and brother aren't happy with their relationship. A new character Hannah makes an appearance, which peaks the interest of Dylan. Jake is making another appearance and is still after Brianna and Tiffany, but Lukas and Markus want to protect their girls from him...but who can obey when she doesn't know the details??? I voluntarily read this book through an Advanced Reader Copy.
Profile Image for Kat.
778 reviews24 followers
October 20, 2020
This series is so amazing! Livia continues to deliver a page-turning story that just keeps getting better with each new book!

This is book five in the series and must be read in order!
In this one the focus is more on Lukus and Tiffany. Their relationship gets stronger and deeper but there are still issues to be resolved.
We are also introduced to Hannah who cought Dylan’s eye. I hope we’ll also get their story!
Lukus and Markus finally decided to deal with Jake themselves, so there is also a good amount of suspense in this one. I can’t wait to see Jake finally getting what he deserves!
Looking forward to the next one!
752 reviews9 followers
October 20, 2020
I loved this part of the story.
The development between the two couples, separately and together.
There are "fun" times to be savored!
Sometimes I wanted to knock the girls heads together for being reckless, and the guy's for being overprotective. But they each were true to their selves, and that made for ... "diverting" reading!!! Especially the 'reaction' after the 'cause'! ;-D
The description how Lukus dive-bombed himself into Tiffany's family was a true delight! I couldn't have wished for a more diversified reaction at his reception!
At the chapter before last I was enveloped in a cocoon of goodness, Lukus and Marcus-style.
And then .....


3,071 reviews17 followers
October 22, 2020
Next Level: For Danger and For the Lifestyle!!

Bri and Tiff disobey direct orders that leave them in danger, and their doms with no choice but to punish them. Lukus has taken it a little easy on Tiff up to this point, and she has a decision to make if she can live up to the promises made.

The men decide it is time to pursue evil Jake who started this whole chain of events captured in this series. They miscalculate and he is steps ahead of them. Causing great harm to one, and further danger to the women.

The focus was more on the events outside the relationships in this particular story. I’m ready for the finale!!

**I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book**
1,162 reviews1 follower
October 23, 2020
Tiffany comes to the club at a very inopportune time. They make it through this challenge but more await. Brianna and Markus make more progress on their marriage until one evening when both women disobey orders, they are severely punished not knowing the real danger out there for them. Tiffany and Lukus go to her family's house. Things did not go well but Lukus proposes to her. Her brother, Aiden, is not liking Lukus. Tiffany gets punished for disobeying yet again. Story starts to spin into another which is been mentioned before. A lot still to come. Love this book in the series yet again.
55 reviews
October 23, 2020
How are we already at book 5 of the Punishment Pit series?! Although, saying that, the wait between finishing Balancing It All and starting Defending It All almost killed me.
Tiffany and Lukas’s relationship is growing and becoming more intense. Taking a guy to meet the family is always a big step, but that guy? It could have gone a lot worse than it did... However, I can’t work out if Tiffany was too quick to forgive Lukas or not.
I can’t wait to see how Marcus and Lukas absolutely destroy Jake! He deserves everything he gets.
And now I sit very impatiently and wait for the finale of this wonderful series...
Profile Image for Zelda.
1,463 reviews
October 27, 2020
This is the fifth book in the Punishment Pit series and events are intense and heating up. The blush of first BDSM romance has passed for Tiff & Lukus. Tiff is learning what her life will *really* be like if she remains with Lukus long term. Also, the whole “meeting the family” scene was pretty full on. Marcus and Lukus have a huge problem to solve, and there is an underlying threat of danger throughout the book. A few new characters are introduced & I hope we see more of them. I am really enjoying the series, can’t wait for the end of this season!

I received a copy of this book. My honest opinion is voluntarily provided.
Profile Image for Jennifer Bolin.
50 reviews
October 29, 2020
another great book in an already awesome series!! Starts out with Tiff accusing Luke in cheating & then a heated argument between them & him trying to explain to her that it's just a job & he will always go to her when it comes to anything personal & "taking care of things".. Then Tiff has to overcome a hurdle with introducing Lukus to her uptight family of nothing but over-protective brothers & an overbearing father.. She learns something from her mother about the mom & dad that she never knew.. Lukus & Markus are still trying to take down the evil Jake, & Ms Livia Grant introduces another character... Loved the ending & can't wait to see how things end for the gang!!!!!
Profile Image for Saskia.
1,775 reviews54 followers
October 19, 2020
Book 5 in the series and it is a continuous story, so you can’t read it as a stand alone.

There is a cat and mouse game going on between Jake on one side and Lukus and Michael on the other. It creates a lot of tension. Not just between the men but also between the couples.

The relationship between Lukus and Tiffany deepens. It is such a wonderful journey to be witness to in these books. I love how they have their doubts, they make mistakes,get angry but also learn. It makes them very real and likeable characters.

I can’t wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for Foodiegirl.
1,048 reviews21 followers
October 22, 2020
I love this series, every book gets better! Lukus and Tiffany continue their journey with some surprising events taking place. Markus and Brianna are still learning how much they can push their limits. Dylan has appeared as a new employee who is an interesting addition to this story and I hope we get to learn more about him and Hannah. I can't wait to see what is happening next with Jake. This is such a decadent series and I can't get enough, hopefully Livia won't make us wait to long for the next addition.
Profile Image for Jacqueline Chappell.
1,444 reviews21 followers
October 14, 2020
I just can’t get enough of this series. This was packed with action, suspense, a thrill of terrror that psycho Jake gets so close to our ladies, and heart melting romance from Lukus and Tiffany. Dylan and Hannah are very interesting side characters that seem like they need a story, even if it’s not at the punishment pit. Maybe their own novella? Can’t wait for the big finale. Definitely recommend this.
3,929 reviews31 followers
October 17, 2020
The suspense continues! Tiffany and Lukus find their relationship shifting, and Lukus wants to meet Tiffany's family despite her concerns. Meanwhile, Jake is still out there creating fear and havoc, and Dylan finds himself fascinated with Hannah. This looks like a new couple in the works, but we shall see!

I loved how Lukus asserted himself as Tiffany's Dom and HoH, and yes, those punishments keep coming! Looking forward to the next book in this spanking hot series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews

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