Tantalize

Wicked Sanctuary #6

by Marie Tuhart

Wicked Sanctuary...leave your inhibitions at the door.

When her college lover introduced her to the intense and sensual pleasure of the world he’d grown to love, Dani Wright panicked and ran. Now, older and wiser, she’s returned home to take the reins of her grandfather’s landscaping business and enjoys the occasional dip into the life Wicked Sanctuary offers. Until her ex-boyfriend shows up.

Genres: Romance, Second Chance, Smut

179 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2022

About the author

Marie Tuhart lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her muses, Tommy and Trina her two rescue dogs. Marie loves to read and write, when she’s not writing, she spends time with family, traveling and enjoying life.

Marie Tuhart is a multi-published author of hot contemporary romance for readers fascinated by approachable alpha males in and out of the bedroom. Mare’s fun, safe and sexy stories offer a captivating romantic escape in the arms of likeable characters who know which buttons to push and which are off limits. Go on, embrace the temptation… https://www.marietuhart.com.

To be alerted on new releases on Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/marietuhart or Book Bub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/marie....

Also you can join Marie’s newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor... where she gives her group advance information on her books, runs contests and does giveaways just for newsletter readers. Marie can also be found on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/marietuhart/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/marietuhart, and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marietuhart

Reviews

[Patricia Baxes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay…I was really hoping this book was going to be a top notch BDSM read. Unfortunately…it was not—at least not got me. The storyline was really weak; the characters totally bland; the club scenes downright annoying; and the HEA? Please…boring! So I’m going to have to suggest that you read this one based on your own choice. You may really like it…but I did not. Please read it for yourself. (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and was very disappointed.)

[Silke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tantalize is another engaging read in the Wicked Sanctuary series. Dani and Gabriel were a couple in college before a lack of communication breaks them up. Now that both are not only back in their hometown but also members of the same BDSM club - and working on its expansion as well - sparks fly and their passion is re-ignited. But so are old problems and it takes their friends intervention to finally push them towards their HEA. If you've read the other books in the series, you'll be happy to re-connect with the other couples. If you haven't, you can still enjoy Tantalize on its own, but you'll want to read more.

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

[Sassy Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! I have really loved this series. It just keeps getting better and better. I couldn't put it down. I loved that Dani and Gabriel got a second chance. They were in a relationship during college before they broke up. They run into each other at Wicked Sanctuary years late. Gabriel is shocked to see her there. Dani has explored somethings since the time they were together. They have some things to resolve before they could move on either separately or together. Will they get a second chance at love?

I received an ARC from the author/publisher for an honest review.

[Laz the Sailor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed this series, which allows normal people to explore their kinkery. But this entry lacked energy and intensity. The H was overbearing to the point of stupid, and the h was naive to the obvious. Add on top that though they had known each other for a long time, they couldn't communicate, which is the core of a successful BDSM relationship. Their daylight interactions were almost boring, and the sexy bits weren't as hawt as this author usually writes.

The recurring characters remain interesting, and the expansion of the club is intriguing, so I'll call this one a blip and look forward to the next one.

[Gumiho Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.75 stars*

Content: BDSM

What happens when a dominant ex meets his newly converted sub ex at a BDSM club?

Tantalize by Marie Tuhart is the sixth in the Wicked Sanctuary Series and was a BDSM love story that just barely missed the mark. Dani and Gabriel are ex lovers from college who broke up after Gabriel tried to introduce Dani to his kink, spanking. She was terrified and their relationship didn’t recover after that so she decided to work in San Francisco to get away from him. Fast forward a few years, her grandfather gets sick and she has to return home, but she’s a whole new person and ends up reconnecting with Gabriel at a BDSM club. Can they come together or will their past relationship keep them apart?

I really like that this story included the safe and secure side of the BDSM lifestyle. Lots of times, stories only include the spicey and intense sides rather than the security of the relationships and intimacy of them. It was cool to have the story taking place at a BDSM club, which I didn’t know was a thing, good to know! Haha. The exploration of relationships, sexuality, and personal power were great as well.

Of course with this being a second chance romance, it opened the doors for a new perspective from both characters and their growth or lack of. It allowed for nice character arcs to occur as well. One of the biggest themes that kept coming up was the idea of commitment vs dom/sub relationship only and how far each would fulfill each party.

The overall concept of this novel was amazing and beautiful but a few things could have made it even better. There were times where it felt like there was more telling than showing, but lots was learned, so it worked out. Also, for the story to be focused on the BDSM relationship, it took a while for the BDSM to actually start. The story was moving a bit too slow due to a lot of repetitive thoughts and conversations from each of the characters. To push things forward, they could have expressed the situation once and moved on rather than doing it anytime someone brought it up or they saw each other. It became very off putting. Aside from that, the story had lots of great aspects that could be explored a bit more and spark an even more amazing novel.

If you love or are interested in exploring the kinky side, this might be just what you’re looking for. With some BDSM and some dynamic relationships, you won’t be disappointed.

This got me really interested in the next in line, Edged. Can’t wait until Spring 2023. But, in the meantime, I can check out the previous Wicked Sanctuary novels: Tempt, Entice, Seduce, Ravish, and Possess.

*This was an honest review for a complimentary copy of Tantalize from Marie Tuhart via Hidden Gems

[Nicole Normand · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy from Hidden Gems; this is my honest review.
-Marie Tuhart was the first to introduce me to BDSM, enough that I wanted to read more about it so every time one of her books shows up on HG, I try to grab it.
-Unfortunately, he started with a great 5 stars, then got stripped a star, then two, along the way.
-I'm not sure Gabriel and Dani should be together, either in their personal lives or at the club.
-Dani is fast to accuse but very slow to explain herself and tell her secrets (we still didn't know at 50% and it got really old). She's also not a great Sub, who bucks every chance she has against her Dom.
-Gabriel was trying to fix things and see her POV but she wasn't - she just wanted to wear her big girl's panties and huff. I could understand Gabriel's reasons not to let her do certain things; why couldn't she? He was actually respecting what she wrote down on her form. Max got on Gabriel's back too many times without demanding the same from Dani.
-How many times is Gabriel going to apologize for something that happened more than 4 years ago? How many times are people going to ask Dani is she's okay?
-I'm confused at to why Dani should have looked for Gabriel when she came back in town since both said it was really bad when she left.
-There are all sorts of mixed messages along the way too. Like Dani tells Max her and G are on speaking terms, and when G walks over, she decides to head home. Speaking terms? I think not. Gabriel is wondering how to make up to her if she's not speaking to her - that's at 37% and it goes downhill from there. At 88% I'm tired of reading about her and her wishy-washy ways. Too much drama, not enough action. The end is abrupt.
-If you're looking for erotica BDSM, this is not it. There are no details about what's going on, just the names of what they are doing and a few hands on the skin to help with the pain.

[Jessica Hawkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great addition to Tuhart’s Wicked Sanctuary series. I think I’ve read everything in the series so far and while BDSM is not what I’m into, these books were a nice look into that world. Tantalize was no different from the others. It was a nice blend of the BDSM world and the everyday lives of the characters.

I enjoyed Gabriel and Dani’s story. They’re not my favorite favorite couple from this series but I really enjoyed their storyline and I definitely enjoyed their communication. They started off as college lovers until unfortunate events broke them apart. Their time together was great but they needed space to grow into themselves. Dani found herself while living in San Francisco and then coming home to take care of the family business. She wasn’t exactly the same Dani from college, she’d found her way. Gabriel, likewise, worked on himself also during their time apart. He realized that he had things to work on and Dani was pleasantly surprised to see how much he’d grown for the better. When they finally came back together they had to learn each other all over again but the parts that they still loved were still there.

I always find the books in this series to be so interesting because it’s a look into a world that sometimes gets a bad reputation. When people think of BDSM I think their first thoughts are of extreme things. These books open you up to a softer side of it all with one of the foundations of the D/s relationship being communication and trust. Dani and Gabriel’s relationship was very much about trust and communication.

I enjoyed this. Would definitely recommend for those interested in a glimpse into this type of thing. I really enjoyed seeing Dani and Gabriel really put their trust into each other to make their relationship work. They had set backs, but once they remembered communication, and importantly the way things are communicated, they found their way back to each other. Great read.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.

[R Huiszoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marie Tuhart, ‘Tantalize’.
A Wicked Sanctuary Novel. Surrender your Inhibitions.

As an Hidden Gems ARC reader I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily wrote an honest review. Here it is.

Rating: 3,5 (of 5 stars).

In general: second chance BDSM lovers.

Main characters:
- Dani Wright.
She manages the landscape design firm from her grandfather since his heart attack and cares for her grandparents. Dani is also - parttime - receptionist at the BDSM ‘Wicked Sanctuary Club’.

- Gabriel Quinn.
He’s an architect. In college Dani and Gabe were lovers, but he too compellingly tried to become kinky with her. It resulted in a bad break up.
Now the bosses of Wicked Sanctuary, Zeke and Max, are his best friends and he’s a member of the BDSM club.

Dani and Gabriel meet again at the BDSM club. The physical attraction is still strong. But there’s also a lot of distrust. Gabe’s parents had many divorces, so he doesn’t believe in permanent relationships and he wants to decide what’s good for Dani in the lifestyle scene. Dani on the other hand demands complete involvement from a partner and developed since college her own attitude to (light) BDSM. She expects that Gabriel accepts her preferences.
The author, Marie Tuhart, describes how both learn to overcome the insecurities of the other. For me the mutual declaration of permanent love was a bit suddenly given the persistent disagreements and misunderstandings between the two, but all in all: the book is well written, contains credible main characters, sassy dialogues and a lot of details for the interested BDSM fan (which I’m not!).

R. Huiszoon.

[Gin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this story. Unfortunately, I felt the first few chapters were a bit repetitive because it seemed Dani and Gabriel kept repeating the story of their college relationship to everyone they knew and progress in their reconciliation was slow. Both characters were guilty of holding on to their perception of the other person without seeing who they are or could be now, though I would argue Gabriel was worse when it came to his preconceived notions of Dani. I also thought Gabriel was condescending to Dani at times, especially when acting as if he knew more about the community than she did (however, I was glad when later in the book he acknowledges he also has things to learn).

There were a couple of things that seemed a little inconsistent in the book. In one chapter Dani tells Gabriel that her relationship with a previous Dom did not include sex; in a later chapter, this is mentioned again and Gabriel is surprised by the information. Dani sees Gabriel instructing another Dom at the club, but later it seems like she is caught off guard when he says he teaches other Doms. Max knows Gabriel and Dani are having issues, but feels it appropriate to send another Dom to ask Gabriel for bullwhip demo.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore a second chance, but Dani and Gabriel made me feel like one of the spheres in a Newton's cradle; back and forth, back and forth, until time and gravity put a stop to that nonsense. I loved how strongly this book stressed the communication between partners and how essential it is for safe, sane, and consensual play. However, I kind of thought Gabriel got the short end of the stick in this situation because he kept apologizing for things that Dani was equally responsible for. It also felt a bit like Dani got a pass on some of her bad choices and behavior just for being the female and submissive partner. As a second chance, I wanted these two to work so badly, and I was ecstatic to see the ending they’re able to achieve. I just think they might need the assistance of a trained mental health professional to get over a few more of their roadblocks to make it a sustainable relationship. In the end, I love Wicked Sanctuary and I can’t wait until we get the opportunity to come back and do this again.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Kelly DeMarco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adrift in stubbornness
Tantalize (Wicked Sanctuary Book 6) by Marie Tuhart is a tantalizing read despite its stubborn Alpha. Gabriel is set and determined in his ways and what he believes to be true. As his former lover, Dani, make a reappearance and challenges what he thinks and believes, Gabriel is forced to face his issues. I absolutely admire Dani; her determination and strength shine through and at times seems to clobber some sense into Gabriel.
The plot is an emotional journey that both Dani and Gabriel need to move forward. There's plenty of room for improvement on both their parts, but Gabriel especially has a lot of work to do. His stubbornness often gets in his way of listening to understand.
Overall, this steamy, tantalizing read is full of hope as Gabriel and Dani learn one another again to find a way to the HEA they both need and deserve.
I read an ARC of this book via Hidden Gems and voluntarily share my review.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "TANTALIZE" This was an enjoyable story with some emotional turmoil, steam, secrets, misunderstands, stubborness, it involves Wicked Sancturay Club with BDSM.
Gabriel & Dani were College lovers until he did something that scared her off a secret that tore them apart.
Dani after 4yrs returns to town to take over her father's landscaping business also works part-time as a receptionist at Wicked Sancturay Club which she participates in as well seeing Gabriel again there's still a connection there.
Dani has different ideas about a relationship than Gabriel who's not into commitment after his patents divorced so many times he had issues which cause a problem between the two.
I definitely recommend to get this interesting story following Dani & Gabriel's journey to get a HEA which isn't an easy road can't these two sort out their issues to come together you must get this book to see how things turn out.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a good read. BDSM done correctly brings great satisfaction to the participants. Also, when a sub wants to explore new things, it takes an excellent dom to recognize if the sub is ready or not. In this story Dani really did not want to go past her hard limits. Being stubborn against Gabriel came naturally for her. Gabriel could be singularly focused on Dani and not understand where she was coming from. But Gabriel would not give up on Dani. He loved her. A very emotional story of second chances. This book is more about the relationship between Dani and Gabriel with a taste of BDSM.

I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book via Hidden Gems and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read
Happily Ever After
Informative
Page-turner
Romantic
Realistic
Unpredictable
Wonderful characters

[Claudia, Cmarie927 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a new author to me and I decided to grab my free ARC from Booksprout, and take a chance. Below is my voluntary, honest review.

There were some things that were okay, but more things were not great for me with this one. I am confused by the five star reviews...because - no way is this five star BDSM.

I did not connect with the characters well. More development would have helped me.
The writing was basic, and repetitive.
(And the word "kink" is significantly overused.)

The author is very clear to say that this is her interpretation of this lifestyle. This story should be read with that understanding. As this is book six in this series, I would think readers enjoy this author's works. Unfortunately, this was not a good read for me. (Wish it was...)

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dani and Gabriel have a past and when they reconnect at Wicked Sanctuary several years later, he wants a second chance. Dani has learned a lot in the time they have been apart and knows what she wants and what she can handle but Gabriel is falling into old habits of not communicating and assuming he knows what's best for her, not to mention his commitment phobia. Not a good beginning...

Tantalize is an enjoyable second chance romance with likable characters. The writing is good and the story held my interest all the way through. It's a great addition to the series.

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

[Babara-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

SECOND CHANCE LOVE STORY WITH KINK!

I enjoyed reading about the BDSM lifestyle and how secure the Doms let the Subs feel especially with the after care!

The dynamic between Dani and her ex college boyfriend Gabriel started off at first as enemies to friends when their paths crossed at Wicked Sanctuary and then gradually moved to friends and eventually lovers.

A mistake that was made four years ago and a secret that was kept afterwards caused a terrible rift but can that rift be mended after four years?

A sweet, steamy second chance love story with kink!.

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

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving this steamy second chance romance!
I love how Gabriel and Dani meet for the first time at their club, and to say that Gabriel was flabbergasted is an understatement. While Gabriel struggles to learn the new Dani, Dani holds to her secret of some of why they broke up back in college. I love how Dani stakes her feet in the ground if their relationship will get anywhere. With their newfound relationship taking a tumble, will their friends be able to talk sense in to each of them? You have to read to find out and will be rooting for a happily ever after!

[Elaine Swinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get an ARC Copy of this book and I voluntarily chose to review it. I am a big Marie Tuhart fan. I have been reading her books for a while and I have always got a great story from her. This is a well written story with wonderful characters. Please remember this is a BDSM story so if that isn't something you like to read this one isn't for you. I read this one in one sitting it was great.

[Mulan Book Princess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a fun read. I had really enjoyed the other books in the series and this one was entertaining as well. Dani runs into her ex at the Club and Gabriel convinces her to give him another chance. The chemistry between these two were sizzling and eventually they made it to their HEA.

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest review.

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was Gabriel and Dani’s book. When her college lover introduced her to the intense and sensual pleasure of the world he’d grown to love, Dani Wright panicked and ran. Now, older and wiser, she’s returned home to take the reins of her grandfather’s landscaping business and enjoys the occasional dip into the life Wicked Sanctuary offers. Until her ex-boyfriend shows up. An entertaining read. And am voluntarily leaving my review.

[CherylB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another thrilling couple in Wicked Sanctuary. Gabriel is afraid of commitment. His parents have been married too many times for him to believe in love. Dani has loved Gabriel since college. She only wants him. She was raised by her grandparents who are an excellent example of true love. Can Gabriel accept that he needs to change? Will he really listen to Dani? This story is full of passion and angst. To qualify as a romance it has to have a Happily Ever After. And it definitely does.

[Sue Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!
I received an ARC copy of this book via Hidden Gems and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
Throughly enjoyed reading Gabriel and Dani's story.
Should Dani give him a second chance or let him go for good?
Great storyline, fab characters and loved the HEA.
Loving the Twisted Vines series, wonder who's next!

[Darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tantalize is a second chance romance between two people that never fell out of love. Instead they needed to overcome their fears and learn to trust in each other and communicate that trust. I liked Gabriel and Dani together and loved how they kept trying to make it work and not walking away permanently a second time.

[Gene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite good

for this genre especially. All the elements of a good romance (with the addition of BDSM) and well written characters. Mostly well written their behaviors, which are not their fault, are not what I would consider wise but they don’t harm the overall story which also has a HEA.

[Donique Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dani and Gabriel were lovers in college but a misunderstanding and a secret tore them apart. Now almost four years later they become reacquainted but things have changed. This is definitely a Dom/sub story. It is mixture of miscommunication, past fears of family history, and good intentions. There is some BDSM described, explained, or mentioned in passing. Although the story is erotic in nature, it was mild compared to some I have read. I would recommend this book to anyone who is curious about the world of BDSM because for me it gave me a good picture of what a relationship between a Dom and sub was like. It also cleared up a great deal of misconceptions I had.

I was sent a free book and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[Kerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

Love a second chance book with a twist. The book is a great addition to the Wicked Sanctuary series. Have all in my library so I can reread them.

[_booknerd.4ever_ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an okay read for me. I loved the BDSM aspects. The plot was typical. I just couldn’t connect with the characters, Dani and Gabriel. There wasn’t any chemistry between them.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Dani and Gabriel ran into each other at the Wicked Sanctuary after they broke up in college. They still felt the same love for each other as before but the underlying reason for their breakup still existed. With help from his fellow doms, Gabriel learns to communicate properly with Dani and not just make decisions. Also Gabriel finally commits to Dani.