Dr Neil Walker, MD, MFT, Ph D I’m not your average therapist. As the founder of Imperium Security—the cover for my mercenary team—I’ve dedicated my entire life to helping heal those who’ve had their power unwillingly taken from them and avenging the ones who didn’t survive.
A decade after creating the perfect team, I’ve now watched as every one of my brothers-in-arms has met and married their perfect match, the special women who were meant for them—because not just any woman is cut out to be the wife of a mercenary. And it was through one of these matches I finally met The One, the woman of my dreams, the one I’ve sworn to help heal and protect above all others.
Astrid Quill, Makeup Artist It was only supposed to be for the weekend, but then all hell broke loose, and I went from just staying with Doc so my sister could have a worry-free romantic getaway with her honey, to living with him for an entire year.
Oh, boo-hoo, poor me, trapped in this amazing, state-of-the-art mansion with a dog who loves the hell out of me. And not trapped because Neil won’t let me go. Heavens, no. Neil is dreamy and a real-life hero, and he tries everything to help me step foot back into the world. It’s a self-imposed prison, because nothing good ever came of me being out in the wild.
I made a promise nearly a decade ago that I’d never let myself fall in love again. Love brought pain, both emotional and physical, and the last time I was in love, I barely escaped with my life. But I’m finding it harder to resist this magnetism between us, especially when he makes it perfectly clear he wants me and only me.
No, Doc isn’t your average therapist. So is he the one man who can not only save me from my past, but also heal my heart?
An emotionally challenging love story that brings two damaged souls and fuses them back into one. Simply a 5-star read for me based on how it made me feel, the depth of the characters background and experiences and how much I quickly loved these characters like my own family.
This was a feel-good book for me. Maybe not for everyone as Astrid is recovering from over a decade of an abusive relationship. But Doc’s supportive and romantic qualities made this a feel-good book for me. Not just because of his profession, but who he is as a person. Doc is always hyper-aware of Astrid’s needs and how to make her feel wanted and reminding her how much value she has as a person.
Doc happens to be the Psychiatrist that manages the evaluation of each member of their exclusive club [Club Alias] for their ability to partake in the BDSM activities without being a danger to themselves or those around them. After experiencing his own tragedy as a young man, Doc set out to ensure that he spent his life helping others overcome trauma and find recovery from their demons. This profession gives Doc not just the sexy doctor demeanor, but it also provides him with a clearer understanding of how to reach Astrid in her moments of struggle and his Dominant personality ensures she feels wanted and protected. Such a wonderful combination for an Alpha hero in my opinion!
Abusive relationships are never an easy topic or setting to write about. Even more challenging, can be to write about someone overcoming those challenges in a way that doesn’t feel ofrced or “too easy”. Robichaux treated the characters and settings with a sense of respect and does a fine job of weaving the BDSM lifestyle and understanding into the story arc. She doesn’t make it easy for Astrid to come to terms with what’s happened to her nor does she make it simple for her to learn and grow as a this new version of Astrid.
Recovering from abuse is never an easy process and especially not so for someone who was completely controlled and managed in a way that broke her. But now she’s recovering with Doc by her side and their attraction to one another after a year of living together is becoming difficult to ignore. BDSM ends up being utilized as a means of recovery for those who have been sexually abused and is something the main character, Astrid, has always been interested in. But before really exploring that side of herself, she needs to learn to love herself and her body before she can just jump into a whole new set of sexual experiences. And Doc makes sure he walks her through every little necessary experience – that’s where it gets hot and heavy at times where you just cannot put this one down.
One of the aspects I really enjoyed about this particular story, is the similarity I have with Astrid and understanding how difficult it is to get past sexual and emotional trauma. She struggles just to see herself as worthy and has had very little positive sexual experiences. But Neil is always there to support her and walk her through her own thoughts even when she feels like she can’t do it. Having someone like that in your life that is constantly encouraging you to be your best self and reminding you of how beautiful you are, can really make a huge difference in the recovery process.
5 Star reviews of Doc (Club Alias #7) by K D Robichaux Firstly there are parts of this book that may be a trigger for some, so you please take heed. K.D.Robichaux is a new author to me and I have no idea how I have not come across her before. Having read Doc when time permits I plan on going back and reading the rest of the books in this series. This is Dr. Neil Walker, founder of Imperium Security, a man who has dedicated his life to helping others heal. This time he is finally getting his own happily ever after and the woman who claims his heart is Astrid Quill. There were times that my heart almost broke for these characters. When danger rears it’s head it is up to Doc to protect and keep her safe. These two are meant to be, they really are perfect for one another. I freely admit to tears at times and I was riveted from the first to the last chapter. It was an emotional read and one that certainly did the characters justice.
KD Robichaux definitely hit all the marks in her brand new standalone romance and I was here for every beautiful word. While I might be totally new to the Club Alias scene and semi knew to this author (I've ready her yummy Scary Hot and super sweet Dishing Up Love!), I had zero issues following right along into step with this book.
I'm just saying, you give me a little bdsm kink with an OTT alpha male and I'm. your. girl.
I got addicted to DOC in all the ways fairly early on in his highly anticipated book and all Doc made me want is to crack open the other Club Alias books I already own and have yet to read.
Neil or Doc has always been the leader and in control. He has watched/helped the other around him heal and fall and well, now its his time, even if he doesn't realize it yet. Astrid (an ode to THE OFFICE!!) might need him initially but he needs her just as much. And while it might be complicated and they might both be a bit broken, Doc and Astrid are going to find so much more than they ever thought... they are going to find everything.
DOC was one hell of an unforgettable, unputdownable. emotional, steamy, suspenseful, packed-with-all-the-heart journey that twisted me up in so many moments and had my heart splintering in others. Doc and Astrid made me feel IT ALL right alongside them and I couldn't, didn't put their story down for a single second.
If you're new to this series like me, this is a FANTASTIC way to introduce yourself to this author and her swoony words or start from the beginning.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and most definitely wont be the last!! Couldn’t put my kindle down until after I finished the book. The book keeps you hooked!! Loved the way the author has written it. It has dual POV!! Something I seriously dig😂 Loved the main characters Neil and Astrid. The chemistry between the two is off the charts. Really liked how Neil is not an asshole, intimidating and brooding that seems to be the trend nowadays. He is a fun guy, has a sense of humor, very patient and helps Astrid overcome her fears and depression. Astrid is neither meek nor a doormat she’s a strong willed heroine. There are triggers Throughout the book so tread carefully and also I felt the author could have written a little more about how they met and concentrated a little more on their initial interactions. If you are like me and haven’t read the previous books in the series you could get a little confused in the beginning. Though it’s a stand-alone, the series is interconnected or atleast the book with twyla should be read to understand this one better. H-h have a dom/sub relationship but not the traditional kind. The book has elements of bdsm without it being too much!!The twist at the end,did not see that coming at all!! Loved how everything in the book was interconnected and not one part felt unnecessary! Finally the epilogue was the best part! Haven’t read a book in which the epilogue is from a dog’s pov!!😂it was heart touching and wonderful.
This story was everything my heart needed after reading Seven. This was a story about healing, about closure from the past and about moving forward together.
I won't bother you with a summary of the story because I will not do it justice but Doc has it all - the angst, the lust, the love, the steam and the overwhelming feeling of safe. Nothing bad would happen because Astrid's "Viking" was there. He is her person, her protector. And she is his "Goddess", the love of his life. Swooooooon....!
This book was an absolute joy to read and I look forward to reading it all over again in the future.
The series is best read in order (because the books are AH-MAZING!) but this addition to the Club Alias world can be read and enjoyed without having read the previous books. If you do want to read one then Seven would be my recommendation. I've not read all of the books in the series (I know, shame on me. Knight will be read soon, Kayla!) but this one can be followed this along with no problems whatsoever. Doc is such an important character throughout the entire series that his story would have always been easy to follow regardless. He is a force to be reckoned with but he is a hulk of a man with a heart of gold.
Despite all the glowing reviews on this one, it didn’t do much for me. It read like a B movie, a bit cheesy and all the “giggling” just got annoying. Doc was sexy, but he came across as more of a father figure to Astrid and that felt wrong. I found it annoying how many times she referred to him as Thor, going on and on about his huge arms. (I get it, he's ripped) Then all the side characters started talking about how she called him her Viking, and Thor…enough. More showing, less telling.
Ok let me start by saying I have followed this author for what feels like forever, and have a few of her books sitting pretty on my kindle, but have never read her yet. I could list plenty of excuses (time, don't enjoy BDSM reads..etc) BUT I knew once I actually took the plunge and put on my big girl panties and read her, I'd be kicking myself. Please note that the kicking has already commenced a few chapters in...
Yes Doc is a standalone and I'm not lost, but I wish I had started from the beginning, ignoring my normal avoidance of BDSM reads. I knew even from Doc describing Astrid that she was special, but when she commented about her isolation issues, I connected with her on such a deeper level that I never saw coming. It was the description of Doc in the blurb that made it impossible for me not to read this book, so to be bowled over by Astrid and so early in the story, I just knew this book would tear me apart.
Once I was completely sucked in and invested, that's when the BDSM came into play. I was slightly disappointed as was enjoying her growth without it, but then watching them talk it through, I understood better of how it could help.
And then there was the soul baring session, followed by a bombshell of night that no one will forget in a hurry. That's when my heart completely ripped out of my chest...
I still have mixed feelings, and won't be rushing to buy BDSM books, but you'd have to be blind not to see how special this book was.
A solid four stars from me, with the intention of going back and reading the other books asap.
"We have waited years for Doc's story. Loved the pieces we saw in Corbin, Seth, and Brian's books, and just knew when we finally got our hands on him, it would be worth the wait. The characters in this series are the family they chose for themselves, and when the ish hits the fan, there's no one else you'd want with you than these guys. I love watching Astrid come out of her shell, seeing glimpses of the fun, feisty woman kept me smiling throughout. And Doc... oh Doc, finally getting to be the one that finds his other half and watching the little changes in him as he opens up to the idea and then starts putting in the work once his mind is made up... *swoon* That's not all this story has though. Just like the others, there is suspense, intrigue, a little bit of action, and a couple of ah-ha moments. All through the story, I felt a niggling of dread, knowing that it wouldn't be this easy for them, but I have to say, I didn't see that coming."
Doc was everything I never knew I wanted! A deeply moving story of healing, closure, and a new beginning. I am a new reader to this series. After reading Doc, I will definitely be reading the others! I was hooked from the beginning prologue and this story just drew me in. The characters were so intriguing. So much angst, love, and lust. The BDSM aspect did not take anything away from the romance! God this man!! Holy HOTNESS with a swoon factor of 100%! Astrid's character made my heart break. What she endured and overcomes. The suspense, intrigue, and action made for a well rounded story. Two people made whole by each other! It was beautiful! I laughed, cried, and cheered! I was filled with so much emotion! I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend to read or purchase.
*I was given an ARC copy of this book for an honest review *
I’ve spent hours reading the Club Alias series. Every minute has been magical. So, when starting Doc, I could feel the pressure for this book to be perfect. Neil, our Doc, has been through so much and has helped so many people that he deserves every happiness. In come Astrid. Neil understands the phrase “You gotta work hard for what you want and twice as hard to keep it.” He loves Astrid. He wants her. He also wants her to be mentally healthy and is the only person who can bring her into the light from the dark. Astrid on the other hand is the only person who can heal Neil’s soul. A fact I don’t even think he was aware of until it happened.
I realized during Doc that pretty much every KD Robichaux book, especially the Club Alias series, at some point in the story, a mic drops and I scream, “No way!” or “Seriously?!” lol. Doc was no different. You always stay on the edge of your seat while reading this series. It was an honor to read this book.
Doc (Club Alias #7) by K.D. Robichaux is the book that everyone has been wanting and waiting for in the Club Alias series. This is Doc (Dr.Neil Walker)'s story. He founded Imperium Security, is this intense Alpha, works at helping people heal as his work as a therapist and he's a natural protector. His woman is Astrid and WOW! Their chemistry is sizzling. She went through a pretty horrible experience. I could feel her pain, loss, heartbreak, loneliness and confusion coming right off the pages as if I was experiencing it right alongside her. Great job!! When Doc was showing Astrid her worth, his love...super feels happened ❤. There are some twists and turns that occur. There definitely are drama, some suspense, intrigue, action, excitement, passion , romance, heat, danger , happiness and an amazing HEA. I really enjoyed reading Doc and Astrid's love story. Great reading as past characters made appearances. I loved the ending for Doc's story finally explained how he came to become DOC.
LOVED LOVED LOVED LOVED! I picked this up as a in-between ARCs read and I have loved almost every single book by this author and so I knew I would be in for a ride and boy was I. Everything from the characters, their actions and the story line along with the author's writing style suits me and I enjoyed this book very much!
Ah yes, be jealous...proofreading this book was a true gift!
**FULL REVIEW**
What can I say, Kayla saves the best for last with her Doms in Doc...I always thought Seven would be my favorite because he’s hilarious and possessive...but Dr. Neil Walker? That man is on a whole new level of hotness. He’s in his feelings, yet strong and intimidating. Let’s not forget he’s also Alpha-possessive but still sensitive to his woman’s needs. (Just a true Dom should be) *winks*
Astrid was a surprise for me...after meeting her in Seven, I was convinced her baggage would be just about impossible to unpack...didn’t think for one second it would be...
So, yeah. Read this book because A. You WANT to know about all things Dr. Neil Walker, and B. If you’ve read Seven and Twyla’s story, I know you’re beyond curious about what happens to her sister!
Way to go, Kayla! This book is all things sexy and sweet...I hope everyone loves it as much as I do.
1.5 stars rounded up to 2 I went into this book based off of the blurb and the 5 star reviews and thought that I would be getting something on the lines of Unperfect by Susie Tate or Rock Hard by Nalini Singh - books where domestic violence is treated with sensitivity and an understanding that change doesn't happen overnight. This book is so not that! The FMC is depressed and withdrawn for a year and suddenly in 2 days she flips a 180 and is back to her old self. She had been in an abusive relationship for 10 years, had been depressed for 1 year and then suddenly she is all ok. She has a flashback once! just once after opening herself up to a relationship with the MMC and that too is quite minor and gone the next minute. I continued reading the book coz it was mostly mindless fluff (I know I am saying that about a book with an abuse victim but this book doesn't take itself seriously so why should I?) albeit a mediocre version of what a good book dealing with such complex and sensitive issues such as domestic violence should be. Also there was some light and I mean really really light D/s thrown in, some mystery vigilante stuff, godawful nicknames (goddess for the FMC and Viking for the MMC), some therapist stuff, some private security stuff and all of this is portrayed in the most superficial way possible. Until about the 70% mark. After that it was just cringe fest galore! There was a stupid kidnapping/assault plot with a villain straight out of a B-grade movie whom I couldn't take seriously even if my life depended on it. The subsequent rescue which you knew was going to go without a hitch, no suspense there. Skip to a week later and they are in a BDSM club doing a "scene" which wasn't a scene at all and the friggin book ends with a chapter from the family dog's POV. Kid you not! The chapter is written from the dog's perspective who is thinking that he will die soon but at least his mom and dad are happy. What in the everloving hell is this???? I have never been this disappointed in myself for picking up a shitty book
A pretty good read but I would have rated it higher if the epilogue wasn’t told in the perspective of a dog. You heard that right. The epilogue is told in the perspective of the couple’s dog 😭😭😭 and it absolutely jarred me. I’m someone who loves a good epilogue, I want the story to be tied up well, I want to see the potential future of the couple, what I don’t need or want is a dog’s internal monologue suddenly spewing human emotions. Scream.
This book was otherwise a pretty good read. It really had some of my favourite tropes, age gap (42,27), d/s (portrayed pretty well I think). Doc was a pretty good hero, I especially loved his psychologist background. Astrid was an absolute gem who has been through way too much in life and I loved how her and Doc’s relationship was so communication driven, like they really had such a healthy balance and it was great. Lowkey wish there was some more d/s, and I seriously wish the epilogue was longer and wasn’t done from the perspective of a dog.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Oh lawd. KD robichaux this might be the best of the club Alias series so far.
Doc and Astrid uhh this whole book was so good. I couldn’t stop reading it.. really the whole series is amazing but Doc is by far my favorite book of them all.
Out of all the Alpha men at club Alias Doc is by far my favorite!! I love the the build up and how Doc was patient,waited and helped Astrid get through her inner demons.
Seeing Doc and even Astrid get there HEA❤️ made my heart more than happy.
You should definitely read the club Alias series!!
I get more and more impressed with KD Robichaux’s writing every book of hers I read!!
I was so excited for this book, the anticipation almost killed me! I thought there was no way that the story was going to be able to live up to the the hype and the build up, but the author blew this story totally out of the water! It is full of emotions, and support, and love and beauty! It's an amazing story, focusing on healing, and moving on after horrific events. But there is also enough danger, intrigue and mystery to keep even the toughest critic glued to the story!
Astrid is a damaged woman. She has had a hard life, dangerous and violent. She is just beginning to find out who she is again, and who she wants to be. But with a strong support system, and a man that just won't let her quit, she is getting stronger every day, moving a little further down a healing path that leads to a future that is bright with promises.
Doc is my favorite character of the series, just because he seems so mysterious! He has his own tragic past, one he holds close to his heart, one that has shaped him into the man he is today. But he also has a future, one that he has to be careful with, but one that promises to be amazing!
I can't say enough how amazing Doc & Astrid's story was. The entire series has been wonderful, but I really think this one was my favorite, because it shows how healing this lifestyle can be, in the right circumstances, and how even horrific circumstances can't change who you are inside. I loved how supportive Doc was, and how brave Astrid was. It was definitely a beautiful story, one that is brimming with hope for the future. Definitely worth the wait!
This was the third book I have read by K.D. Robichaux, and I can honestly say, she gets better and better. The Prologue and the first chapter are just heartbreaking. These two characters are amazing together. They have lived together for a year, and while you think it might be platonic, it isn't on either part....although they have yet to act on any of these feelings/emotions. Astrid has been through the ringer, and she is one of the strongest characters I have read in a long time. To go through emotionally/physically what she did, and come out as strong as she did was inspiring. I know she is a fictional character, but there are women who go through what she did everyday and are just as inspiring. Doc, was secure, strong, and sexy....his love and patience for Astrid was a thrill to read. He was so confident in his love for Astrid, his Goddess, and never waivered from that even when Astrid was feel insecure. I haven't read the rest of the Club Alias novels, and never felt lost reading this book, so it is strong as a standalone. I will go back and read the about Corbin, Seth, and Brian to see where it all started.
Astrid is recovering from being trapped in an abusive relationship, in a way she’s lucky that she’s got the ideal roommate in Doc, not only because of his profession, but who he is as a person.
Dr Neil Walker (Doc) is a Psychiatrist who evaluates each and every member of Club Alias for their ability to partake in any BDSM related activities without being a danger to themselves or those around them. As a young man he experienced a tragedy of his own which changed the course of his life, he set out to help others overcome their traumas and help send them on the road to recover. Doc is always aware of Astrid’s needs and how to make her feel safe and wanted, reminding her in the process of how much value she has as a person. His profession provided him with a clearer understanding when it came to reaching Astrid with her struggles and his dominant personality ensured she felt safe, wanted and protected.
Astrid and Doc’s story was simply perfection, every moment between these two was so full of emotion, read this fantastic five star story and take this journey with them, feel for yourself just how emotionally intense and perfect these two are together.
At the time of reading Doc, I had only read one other KD Robichaux book, and it wasn't in the Club Alias world which really upsets me on a deeper level since I was absolutely missing out big time. Now, I'm too much of an alpha female to enjoy BDSM books, but this amazing author wrote about it in a way that was a tad lighter, and I quite enjoyed it this round. Neil was a man who helps others with healing, all the while having his own security company named Imperium Security which is the blanket covering his mercenary team. Astrid Quill really needs his help, but little did he know how much she would help him while helping her. And besides all of their slow burn sexiness, there's action, danger, heart racing fun with twists that allow for loud f-bomb dropping leading all the way to the mother of all twists, and a big kicker of angst! So yeah, this series is right up my alley, but please understand that there are triggers. Now it's your turn to hit those one click buttons while I start reading all the previous books! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
FINALLY!! Finally, Doc gets his happily ever after and I couldn't be more thrilled! While Doc can be read as a standalone, I'd recommend reading Seven beforehand just to set the stage a bit. But if you're coming to this book first, aside from missing out on the full-on greatness of Seven and Twyla, you'll follow along just fine starting here.
This book was everything and was so worth the wait! Watching Astrid come alive and show more of the fiesty, sassy girl we met earlier was so gratifying and watching Doc love and protect her while she found herself was amazing. Sigh... There's no one like Doc. He's my favorite of all my faves.
Like others in the series, this book has beautiful romance, self-reflection, little bit of action and loads of sexy. Now that the original team of badass men have fallen hard for their ladies, I'm so hopeful Kayla will bring on more mercs and keep the stories coming!! I'm not ready to give up Club Alias yet.
We have waited years for Doc's story. Loved the pieces we saw in Corbin, Seth, and Brian's books, and just knew when we finally got our hands on him, it would be worth the wait. The characters in this series are the family they chose for themselves, and when the ish hits the fan, there's no one else you'd want with you than these guys. I love watching Astrid come out of her shell, seeing glimpses of the fun, feisty woman kept me smiling throughout. And Doc... oh Doc, finally getting to be the one that finds his other half and watching the little changes in him as he opens up to the idea and then starts putting in the work once his mind is made up... *swoon* That's not all this story has though. Just like the others, there is suspense, intrigue, a little bit of action, and a couple of ah-ha moments. All through the story, I felt a niggling of dread, knowing that it wouldn't be this easy for them, but I have to say, I didn't see that coming.
This book is part of the Club Alias series, but each book can be read as a stand alone.
There are parts of this book that may be a trigger for some, so you please take heed.
Dr Neil Walker, MD, MFT, Ph D, is the founder of Imperium Security—the cover for his mercenary team, he is a man who has dedicated his life to helping others heal.
Astrid Quill, Makeup Artist, Twyla is her little sister. We first met Astrid in Seven, Book #3. Astrid & Twyla had moved across the country to get away from her abusive ex-boyfriend Brandon. Astrid is finally coming out of her shell, seeing glimpses of the fun, feisty woman, thanks to Dr. Neil. Astrid suffers from PTSD thanks to the abusive relationship she's had with her ex-boyfriend. Astrid believes herself has been ruined, she doesn't believe anyone will every want her again, for what she went through with her ex.
Will Doc be able to help Astrid become her old self again? Will Astrid be able to love herself again?
I did receive a free ARC copy of this book. I am freely leaving an honest review.
FINALLY!! Finally, Doc gets his happily ever after and I couldn't be more thrilled! While Doc can be read as a standalone, I'd recommend reading Seven beforehand just to set the stage a bit. But if you're coming to this book first, aside from missing out on the full-on greatness of Seven and Twyla, you'll follow along just fine starting here.
This book was everything and was so worth the wait! Watching Astrid come alive and show more of the fiesty, sassy girl we met earlier was so gratifying and watching Doc love and protect her while she found herself was amazing. Sigh... There's no one like Doc. He's my favorite of all my faves.
Like others in the series, this book has beautiful romance, self-reflection, little bit of action and loads of sexy. Now that the original team of badass men have fallen hard for their ladies, I'm so hopeful Kayla will bring on more mercs and keep the stories coming!! I'm not ready to give up Club Alias yet!
Ok so first off, Astrid is so you Kayla! 😂😂 Second, DOC 😍😍😍 Oh my god I have been waiting forever for Docs story and it was everything! Seriously, his past was absolutely heartbreaking to hear but my god did it make him such a fabulous man! Totally made me understand him more and love that he finally got his happily ever after! As for Astrid, man I loved her! Her past was also tragic and heartbreaking and then to top it off with her sisters kidnapping and all her guilt over it, ugh my heart hurt for her! 😭😭 But her and Doc together was a perfect match and I absolutely beamed with joy throughout their journey! I just loved everything about them honestly, lol and they way they gave each other exactly what the needed. So much drama and revenge at the end that was definitely needed and seeing all the sexy Alias men together making things right was HOT! 😁 Plus getting to see the whole gang together again was nice! Another fabulous read by the wonderful KD Robichaux!
This is BD$M done right. The story of how, when combined with the right therapy, it can be a pathway to healing.
The writing of this story was marvelous. Ms Robichaux writes trauma in such a devastatingly understated way that it hits you twice as hard when you realise what is actually happening. The intimacy was just top notch - as you would expect when one character is a $ex therapist/part-owner of a BD$M club. The characters were wonderful to read. Everything felt appropriate - there were no caricatures.
This book is part of a series that I am clearly reading in the wrong order. I started with book 6 and now I’ve read book 4. The two five-star reviews should tell you it can be quite easily read as a standalone - but if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to go back and read where it all starts.
Another book in the club Alias series. I was looking forward to Doc, because he was always mysterious in the previous books. This book starts out quite slow and timid compared to the other books. Doc and Astrid have both got a past and now they're here together, trying to make a future for themselves. However, as the story progresses we see Astrid come out of her shell...rather quickly. Maybe a little too quickly for my personal taste. I would have like to see more of her turmoil from her past. Then we come to the end of the book, it has a twist that would have tied the book off nicely, and I would have liked to hear about more of that throughout the book rather than the quick taster we get. There is very little of the BDSM and mercenary business that I loved in the previous books and that's what I've loved about this series to date.