A reckless bet, a lousy hand, and Charlotte Randall's life changes forever.
For the next month, her body belongs to the devilishly handsome Byron Nolan - a man with more money than god and an ego to match.
Ruthless and unyielding, he claims his prize with skillful pleasure, breaking down her defenses until she learns to crave every touch, every kiss, every shameful, depraved act he forces on her.
But even as Byron masters her body, Charlotte is determined not to gamble the one prize she can still claim as her own - her heart.
Because she's in house, playing by his rules... and the house always wins.
Karen Nappa is an Amazon bestselling author of Seasoned BDSM romance with HEA. Her books are available at the popular retailers and include series such as the Club Indigo series and The Quinn Quartet.
Immersed in the D/s lifestyle herself, she writes realistic albeit romantic stories. When not dominated by her cats or her Master (in that order—even if it earns her a spanking!), she loves going places to discover the stories waiting to be written.
She resides in the Netherlands with her dominant husband, two adult-ish sons—and whoever they might drag home with them—and, of course, her two Chausie cats. If she isn’t writing or texting with friends, she’s probably reading, running, or listening to heavy metal.
Watch out,Karen Nappa has a new series coming,and while it’s different from her other series,it has something in common with those….it’s HOT! Getting the ARC is a treat,and giving an honest review a pleasure.
Byron Nolan dislikes his new business partner,and regrets not investigating him closer before signing the papers. Because during the poker night he and Ben Dennehy attend at his house,Liam Randall’s showing his true colors. But he’ll get his revenge….right when Liam doesn’t have the money to pay for his loss. It doesn’t hurt that his prize is going to be entertaining to play with,either. But once he has that prize,he finds himself intrigued….and véry tempted to keep for himself once the agreed month is done!
Charlotte’s life is miserable,and the outcome of that poker night is about to make things even worse… Her bastard husband decided to give her to the winner for a whole month! To use as he saw fit….which made her come up with all kinds of horrible things. Because experience has taught her that men were cruel,and enjoyed hurting women. But Byron is nothing like the man she expected he’d be….and that has nóthing to do with the scars on his face!
As days pass by,Byron starts to enjoy the company of this brave woman. And in return,Charlotte starts to enjoy his ministrations,even craves them. He slowly tears down the protective walls she’s erected over the years,and the sweet submissive he finds is a prize he wants to treasure….and keep with him,forever! Charlotte loves the patient and gentle way he cares for her,and his dominance over her feels natural. But she can’t stay….and not just because she’s still married….
Once the month is up,will they be able to say goodbye? Will she have to go back to the husband that treats her like dirt? To a life that slowly started to break her? Or is there a chance….a way forward,together?
This was a beautiful story. One that shows the ugly side of Charlotte’s life,and the strength she’s had to survive that. One that shows that even though she’s forced into a situation without,again,any control,it turns into something that will change her life. One that shows that even though Byron seems a man to be feared,he has a vulnerable side,and one that has a soft spot for a sweet submissive. One that shows that what started out as revenge,turns into something that makes his life so much richer….and i don’t mean money! In short,it was a story i loved!
Definitely darker than previous Karen Nappa books, but still within the boundaries of safe, sane, and consensual. Also, the characters are mature, and we get our HEA. Which I all appreciate. And, oh, what a swoon-worthy hero.
I also enjoyed how strong Charlotte is and her growth during the month.
But Charlotte isn’t the only one who grows and thrives in the relationship.
I liked how the passing of time (one month) is shown by having 30 chapters, like reading a diary.
(why couldn’t it have been a 31 day month 😂?)
Let’s talk triggers Cheating I agree with Cécile, Charlotte isn’t cheating. She’s put in an impossible situation and making the best of it. Dub-con and abuse Not much on paper, but if this bothers you, be warned. Charlotte has been treated horribly by her husband and his best friend. This isn’t explicitly shown but some is told or can be ‘read between the lines’. Not for the faint of heart.
Since this is a series, I can’t wait for the rest. More… please?
4.5 stars -She married Liam, a deplorable man who is very abusive and has zero respect for her, when she was eighteen. Fifteen years later, Charlotte finds herself on Byron's doorstep under false pretenses, thanks to Liam's greed.
There were several parts that really got my goat, making my heart break for Charlotte and all she'd endured during her marriage. It took time and patience but Byron does make progress in turning things around. For his part, Byron was sweet, caring, and unexpectedly had me feeling very melty. 💜🔥💜
When it comes to the ending, it was so much better than I anticipated. It was simply perfection.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
What a great start to the Savage Billionaires series. The story is everything in the blurb and then so much more. I loved how each day is covered, from where Charlotte Randall was the final ‘bet’ in the poker game that her husband lost to the journey of her thirty days with Byron Nolan. Even when Charlotte is sent to meet Mr. Nolan, she has no idea why or what has transpired. The story is a tale of discovery, good, bad, and ugly, of dominance and submission, and of learning how her submission is power.
“Oh, there will be cleaning and cooking and quite possibly some office work as well on the agenda. You’re mine, Kittycat, and I don’t want anybody else in the penthouse for the entire month. Having you work as my private secretary has merits, too. Now strip and show me my prize.”
Byron keeps Charlotte on edge, he lays out the clothes for her to wear each day, and he has spared no expense in the quality of the outfit, from a maid, cheerleader, sexy secretary, harem girl, etc., keeps her on edge.
Charlotte: I don’t think I like you very much. Byron: Oh, I think you do like me. Maybe you don’t like that you like me, but you do. You need to know, down to your very core, that I’m going to take care of you. Your wants and needs are my priority. Even if you yourself don’t know what your desires are. Yet. Charlotte: I don’t want this! Byron: Again, you do want this; you just don’t want to want it.
The journey is an eye-opener for Charlotte because when her husband, Liam abuses her and allows his partner to use her, Byron gives her freedom but demands her obedience. There is no violence, no hitting, and no belittling her like she is accustomed to. She is so confused and unsure in many ways but must admit that it is nice not to live in fear.
Byron: Do you trust me? Charlotte: With my life, Sir. Byron: Brave little Kittycat.
As the month winds down, Charlotte isn’t the same meek fretful housewife that she has been for fifteen years with Liam. She has blossomed, experienced BDSM, and discovered herself. When the time to leave is up, she needs to make changes, which means not going back to Liam. Even with Byron offering her a way out, she wants and, more than that, needs to do it on her own. How will she survive without a high school education, much less a college degree? Will she agree to accept his help to break free of Liam?
“If I want my life to change, I have to change myself. Not by leaning on your or cowering behind you.”
The story has the good, the bad, and the evil, but best of all, it has a resolution, new beginnings, and discoveries that help Charlotte move on in her life. In the process, she even helps Byron with the guilt of his past that isn’t his fault. Letting Charlotte go will be one of the hardest things Byron ever does, but he understands and accepts her need to succeed—and when she does, he’ll be there to congratulate her on her victory and hope for more for their future.
Charlotte: I can hardly believe what all happened last year not to mention how our relationship started. You made a wicked deal, Sir. Byron: To the best deal I made in my life.
Excerpt from Savage Game Byron’s hands curled around her upper arms, and he opened his mouth to say something but instead shook his head and let her go. “I can see it in your eyes, you’re not ready to accept the truth. We will work on that.” She smoothed her hands over his shirt, not wishing to crinkle the crisply ironed garment. “It’s very sweet of you, but you don’t have to butter me up, you know.” She swallowed and inched her legs apart. “I thank you for the care and attention you gave me, but don’t you want to take your pleasure from me now?” His jaw flexed. “No, Kittycat, I’m not going to fuck you today.” “Oh.” The one syllable spoke volumes, and he caught every hidden meaning. He took her wrists and pulled her arms above her head. On the pillow, he anchored both wrists in one hand and stroked the other down her body. “Kittycat.” There was reproach in the way he spoke her nickname, but also warmth and a hint of pity. “First of all, you are a beautiful, desirable, and sexy woman. You are also smart, sweet, and compassionate. All in all, that’s a pretty potent package in my book… and before the month is over, you’re not only going to believe I mean it, but accept on a gut level truer words were never spoken.” He adjusted his position and pressed himself against her inner thigh. He was hard, hot and huge. Tilting his head, he bore his gaze on hers. “Even if you don’t believe my words, my body doesn’t lie. It wants you, Kittycat.” “There are chemicals for that.” He snorted. “No Viagra needed when you’re near, Kittycat. My dick stands to attention as soon as you enter the room.” Something between a moan and a sob came from her throat, and she wanted to throttle herself for letting it out. She pressed her lips together to prevent more unwelcome noises. He leaned closer to nibble and lick at the seam of her mouth until she relaxed under his ministrations and allowed him access. Then he kissed and licked a trail down her body, like an explorer on a mission to find each nook, dip and hollow, and every single one of her hot spots. All her doubts, worries, and thoughts of proper behavior flew out of the window.
I really enjoyed this one. It definitely had Beauty and the Beast vibe to it.
Byron, a disfigured businessman with a limp, sees Charlotte at a card game hosted by Liam, one of his new partners in a small business venture. Something about Charlotte completely mesmerizes him. The problem is Charlotte is Liam's wife. Byron is coming to realize that Liam is a despicable man, and can see the signs of abuse in and on Charlotte. He decides he must have her and that she deserves someone who can appreciate her. So he baits Liam into laying it all on the line, on the turn of card, if Byron wins he gets Charlotte for a month. To do whatever he wants with her. And he wins.
Charlotte has no idea what is going on. She is told by Liam to show up and she has to work for Byron for a month, doing whatever he says. Charlotte is scared but after years of verbal and physical abuse she's used to following orders or else. So she vows to do whatever it takes to make Byron happy.
I really liked this more than I thought I would considering the BDSM, but I thought it was really well done. Bryon was dominant in all things but not in a overtly brash way. He was patient, he was kind and loving. He took things slow, one day, one scene at a time. I loved how Byron would just hold Charlotte and pet her hair. He showed her her true worth and helped lift her up so she could find herself and stand on her own two feet again. Simply put, Byron just loved her, and gave her whatever she needed. Even if it meant letting her go. If I were to have a Dom, I would want him to be just like Byron. This was one of the best D/s books I've ever read.
When I started this book, I wasn't sure I would like it. But once past the first chapter, I got into the book. Byron started out as a alphah**e, but then he started to grow on me. He wanted Charlotte, and he treated her well, unlike her husband who lost her in a card game. Once Charlotte gets over her fear, she cones to love Byron. But what about her husband?
I enjoyed the story and there is a HEA. I received an advance copy and this is my honest review.
This book was, on the face of it, a change from what I am usually comfortable with, but I now can’t wait for the next in this series. The first in a new series from Karen Nappa, it will keep you reading just to see Liam get his comeuppance – hoping for it all the time. Byron “wins” Charlotte in a game of poker when her husband (see Liam above!), and his win is to have her to do with as he pleases for a month. This isn’t a place for spoilers, so not giving you details, but this is a story of growth, not only Charlotte’s as she experiences a world where she is respected and built up, but also Byron’s as he breaks Charlotte’s walls down. I couldn’t put it down, didn’t want it to end, and now NEED the next. This is a fabulous start.
I really enjoyed this contemporary BDSM romance. Whilst the blurb reads like it should be dub con, the author has really worked to show the consent in what started as a coerced relationship and contrasted it against the abuse in the female lead’s marriage.
This story is very intense, with a lot of the interactions alluded to and occurring off page (because otherwise this would be such a long book). It is dual POV, well written, and I really enjoyed the character development, especially for the female lead Charlotte, but also the deepening communication that saw Byron, the male lead, also sharing his secrets.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.
This is my first read by Karen Nappa and it definitely will not be my last, I’m hooked now! Charlotte is wagered and lost to Byron for a month, in a poker game. As time passes the two enjoy each other’s company and a connection grows between them. I loved Bryon, he was so sweet with the way he cared for Charlotte and trying to help her heal from her past. What will happen when Charlotte’s month is up? Will Bryon and Charlotte get a chance at their own happily ever after? Read and find out for yourself, you’ll be happy you did! A wonderful story and one I highly recommend.
Byron Nolan owns Charlotte Randall for the next month. Her abusive husband gambled her away at a poker game, and over the next thirty days, Charlotte will learn to love herself. She will claim her independence for the first time in her life, as well as Byron's heart. I have enjoyed several of Karen Nappa's books, but this one particularly stands out. It is not your typical billionaire romance, but so much better. The characters are well-developed, and come to life off the page. I cannot recommend this one highly enough.
I received an advance review copy of this book and am leaving an honest review.
This was a lovely sort of revenge story and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Charlotte was married to a despicable man called Liam and together with his friend he used and abused Charlotte in their marriage. When he plays poker with Byron and loses he gives Charlotte to him for a month to do with as he pleases. I loved these two characters and the way they treated each other and how Byron taught her to be herself. A very good story and I will read this author again.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Charlotte knew she got the short end of the stick when she ended up with abusive, inconsiderate Liam as her husband. But she didn't realise how bad it was until Liam used her as payment at a poker game. Well, a month with Mr Nolan is more than enough for her to get her life together and plan towards a future she deserves.
This was a great read. I like the way Karen can take an abusive relationship and create a scenario that allows for resolution and self-fulfillment for our FMC, Charlotte. I also enjoyed Liam's downfall. (May all abusers end the same) I always look forward to her stories and I hope there will be many more in this vein.
This book really pushed me outside of my comfort zone. The author has included a trigger warning and you’d be wise to take note of it. I love the author’s work and even though I knew it was going to tread on some ground I wasn’t too excited to cover, I knew I had to give it the benefit of the doubt and see it for myself. Interestingly enough, while I find the behavior of Charlotte’s husband to be completely reprehensible and I wish there had been a legal break separating the relationships, those weren’t where I felt the most outside of my comfort zone. There are a few scenes that deal in some forms of mild humiliation. It’s one hundred percent my own baggage tripping me up there, and not anything at all to do with the quality of the story, but my shoulders still went tight while reading those scenes. I loved Byron; especially the way he works so hard to lift Charlotte up and helps her to heal her broken sense of self esteem. Charlotte made me want to cry and punch her husband – usually at the same time. I wasn’t sure how the author was going to get me to cheer for a tale of infidelity, but that’s exactly what I’ve done. I was invested. I believed in Charlotte and Byron. And I badly wanted to see them get their Happily Ever After. I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Booksprout.
Savage Game is the first in a new series by Karen Nappa. It is different from her other books in that Charlotte does not enter into a relationship with Byron voluntarily. Rather, she is wagered and lost to him by her husband in a poker game. But that is were the non-consent ends. Once Byron has her under his protection for 30 days, he sets out to build up her confidence, help her overcome her fears and heal some of the scars left by the violence and abuse she suffered at the hands of her husband and his best friend. Day by day, a stronger Charlotte emerges, like a butterfly out of its cocoon. And like a butterfly, she needs to spread her wings and fly away. Of course, Byron eventually steps into her path again and she flies back to him. A great book, very unique, entertaining but with serious undertones. The scenes between them cover various aspects of BDSM play with a touch of a Master/slave dynamic. I would have loved to rate it 5 stars, but at the end, there are too many questions in my mind that were left unanswered. So 4,5 stars for this one and I can't wait for the continuation.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Oh my what can I say, I loved this book soo much, it was totally exciting...
Charllotte is a married woman to an idiot named Liam (he is an idiot. Who I can't stand) ha. Anyway she has been beaten down verbally abused, and she has like zero self esteem till she meets a very mysterious man and who is forced to show up on his door step because of her idiot husband.
Byron Nolan is a very powerful business who knows what he wants, and can just about get anything he also has some deep dark secrets that stays buried but will a very hurt young lady help him.
Read this exciting book and find out how and if Byron and Charlotte work through the issues.
Once again Karen Nappa has created a set of characters that are well developed and engaging on many levels. The story line is a bit darker than her usual style which was surprising, in a positive way. I enjoy the shift she has taken with this book. Nolan and Charlotte create a dynamic that is incredible to watch them navigate. I was given an ARC of this book and am honored to share my experience and assessment here. I would recommend this book to anybody..especially if you are are already a Karen Nappa reader as it is a gem.
It could be me but judging from the title I expected a dark themed book, which this wasn’t at all. Byron was nothing but nice, caring and supportive of Charlotte.
While I enjoyed seeing Charlotte flourish under his care and their interactions and it features some very light BDSM scenes, I wasn’t a fan of the set up of the book. Each chapter is a day and for me the story lost it’s flow. It felt like reading a bunch of loose scenes where a lot is told but not seen.
Verified ARC Reader Charlotte was a woman to be admired and respected! by sewsummore
This book was an absorbing read that ticked all my boxes! Charlotte was an amazing woman with a big heart. Married to a man who never cared for her, who tormented and abused her, she never had any idea of her own self worth. It took another man to show her where her strengths lay, to prove to her that she was much more than she could ever have dreamed she could be. I was disgusted with man she married, but amazed by Charlotte's inner strength that allowed her to survive years of abuse. Every woman needs to be respected, appreciated and valued! Charlotte was lucky enough to have met a man who saw beneath the mask she wore and proved to her how wonderful she was and how proud she could be of herself and her achievements. Byron was just such a man! He had been attracted to her from the beginning but all he saw then was the beautiful, outer package. It took living with her everyday to discover the the precious jewel she really was. I rejoiced in her transformation and was so proud pf her! Byron loved her enough to give her the space she needed, he hated every day they were apart, but realized just how important it was for her to stand alone so she could say, "I did it by myself, my way!"
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I absolutely love a good romance, they grab hold of me in usually from the first page and keep me engaged to the very last page and this book was no exception. I was expecting a dark romance given the way the first chapter read, but it was surprisingly not, Byron cared about Charlotte and went out of his way to make her comfortable and happy during their time together it was something she hadn't expected and all the sweeter for it. I enjoyed the way their relationship developed and changed as they spent more time together, and this helped Charlotte to decide what she really wanted after their time was finished and Bryon could only hope it was him.
It is a great romance base on Charlotte’s unfortunate past. She was Kitty-cat all soft and lovable but definitely could use kitty claws. While her husband treat her less than dirt she becomes a treasure to man she was “sold “ for month. What he didn’t expect that a heartless idea will be new beginning for Charlotte. Love the storyline, touch of BDMS and characters with great chemistry. This was my first book from this author but also first in new series. Charlotte and Byron have their HEA but I hope to find them in the next books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The book took me by surprise. It starts out thinking how wrong this dude is for taking a woman as a payment in a gambling debt that is until things start to unfold. I found this book to be totally emotionally engrossing and just enough heat to make you have all the good feels
Charlotte's unfortunate childhood leads her into a terrible marriage. Gambled away for a month, she fears what will be behind the doors of Byron's home. What she doesn't expect is love and a new life. Charlotte has to be brave enough to let go of her past and her fears in order to move forward.
I really loved the time Byron took to connect with Charlotte and earn her trust. It really shows that a good D/s relationship is more than whips and chains. It is about trust and security both of the Dom and sub. Bryon helped build Charlotte back up and let her see she could regain her life free of her abusive husband. Then he let her stand on her on two feet, even though all he wanted was to keep her safe in his care. Really good book.
This was a fun BDSM romance and it was hard to not fall in love with Byron. Although Charlotte might have been stuck with him due to a lost bet, he genuinely cares for her and the way that they call for one another is truly after a romantic’s heart
This book was better than I expected. A little dark and twisted, but the emotions are real. Trust is key, but when you have someone at your mercy and craving things that are new, things are even better. A well thought out story with real emotions from the characters. Great book
I initially didn't care for Charlotte. She was portrayed as an abused woman, weak and basically a doormat. As her history was explained, I understood how her marriage to Liam came to be. I'm glad I stuck with it as she flourished with Byron to become a strong, confident woman. Byron had his own history, but did everything to build Charlotte up. He put aside his own wants to give Charlotte her life back. Mild kink, good romance and I ended up loving Charlotte and Byron.
I loved this story. I was a little worried at first with the circumstances if the female pov. The one month journey and its eventual conclusion were very well done.