A former soldier turned campaign manager wants to put a man in the White House. The stranger he meets in a bar and falls hard for turns out to be his biggest adversary on the campaign trail.
Ivy Nelson writes delicious contemporary romance with kinky alpha heroes and sassy heroines you wish could be your best friend. Club Solitaire is her favorite fictional place to hang out in, and she spends most of her free time spinning tales set there. Ivy currently lives in Las Vegas with her husband of five years and their son. When she isn’t writing, she’s probably reading something dirty or drinking wine with her readers on Facebook in the Ivy's Diamond Divas reader group
This is the second in the series about DC power players and the BDSM club they frequent. While the couple meet for the first time here, so many characters from the previous book (including the MFC) appear that I'm not sure it works as a standalone.
I did not like this book, but because what bothered me probably won't bother most, I will say that if you like this author; light, consensual BDSM; and an interesting plot to underpin the smexy times, you will probably enjoy this. In addition, I liked the subject matter/central themes: the prejudice against sex workers; the problems of campus sexual assault; and the blame-the-victim approach to those whose sexual practices aren't "vanilla."
But I had no respect for either character. I had no respect for the supposedly strong and independent Darci, who, on the basis of one night with one man who she met one time, decides to spend the rest of her life in mourning not go back to the BDSM club she loves when he ghosts her. I had no respect for the supposedly honest and upright Bradley, who, despite his own non-vanilla sexual practices, actively campaigns for a candidate who hates everything Bradley himself partakes in. Bradley -- and the author -- try to make this palatable by having Bradley explain to Darci why he supports this ultraconservative politician, but they just rang hollow. The reasons Bradley offers -- that the senator was supportive of him, blah, blah, blah -- explain why he would be friends with the senator, not why he would actively help put the senator in charge of policy that would demonize what Bradley practices. I couldn't get over the hypocrisy and never understood why Darci could.
Finally, the climax is exactly the same as the book before and from what I can tell about who will get the next, the book after. There's nothing more done-to-death in this genre than a and it's beyond boring.
3 stars. At least Darci and Bradley's political differences create organic, high-stakes conflict, which the other conflict doesn't accomplish at all.
Protected is book 2 of the Club Exposure series and carries straight on from Hidden, featuring Darci, Carrie's best friend. I would not classify this as an enemies to lovers romance, because while Brad is working for someone opposed to their lifestyle, he and Darci are never enemies. Rather, they click from the first and he hurts her by staying away until they meet by chance outside of the club. Their story is full of steamy scenes, sassy women, protective alpha men and quite a lot of danger and suspense. It is a page-turner that will keep you glued to the pages from the first to the last with lots of surprise developments, some extremely sad. The ending is a happy one for the couple, but there are quite a number of characters in dire need of their own HEA. A good thing that the next book is going to be released soon! I was fortunate to receive an ARC from the author. The views expressed are entirely my own.
Club Exposure is a place for those in the BDSM lifestyle to go and relax, let off some stress from a hectic life in Washington D.C.. Darci Sanders is a submissive who is searching for the right Dominant. So far, she hasn't had much luck finding that person. Then one night, she meets Bradley, no last name. They spend a perfect evening together and he calls the next morning to check up on her. After that call, she doesn't hear from him again and decides not to return to Club Exposure, using the excuse that work is keeping her away instead of her discouraged heart.
Darci works as a lobbyist on Capitol Hill to fight for those who haven't been able to get the assistance or justice. She works for the American Coalition for Sexual Liberty (ACSL) who's mandate is to help those who have been victims of sex crimes or those in the sex industry, be that as prostitutes or porn stars. There's a damaging bill that will cut those people to the quick being pushed through by a Republican senator that Darci really dislikes. When she has to step in for her boss at a lunch meeting, she comes face to face with the senator's chief of staff, Bradley Givens, the mystery Dom from Club Exposure. They quickly discover they are on opposite sides of the fence for this proposed bill. She is totally against his candidate and he gives him his full support. Even with a chemistry that is off the charts, how can they be so compatible with such opposite political leanings. Despite her misgivings, Darci decides to start a trial relationship with Bradley, keeping the kink out until the time is right. They slowly progress to a power exchange as Darci becomes more comfortable with Bradley. When Darci's past starts to intrude on their time together, will Bradley be able to keep her safe enough and invested in a future together?
Protected is full of intrigue, danger and the beauty of growth between the two main characters. The plot kept taking all these turns that threw total chaos into their lives. I was fully sucked into the story and the time flew by as the pages turned. Ivy Nelson definitely keeps you drawn into the world of Club Exposure and throws in cameos from some of the Diamond Doms characters.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "PROTECTED" WOW!!!! What a page turner with schorching hot steamy scenes, intrigue, suspense, secrets, past trauma, trust issues, violence, murder, mystery, angst, stalker, twists you never saw coming. Darci Sanders part of the BDSM Community at Club Exposure & works for ACSL helping sex workers, porn stars, victims of sexual crimes & blogs openly about her life. Bradley Givens was in military now campaign manager for Senator Sean Arleigh always wanted to put a man in the White House plus he helped Bradley out he feels he owes him his loyalty. Gage invites Bradley to Club Exposure where he meets Darci & they have a perfect night together exchange #'S but she doesn't hear from him in weeks. Bradley has a meeting with someone from ACSL when it turns out to be Darci things don't go well she hates Senator Atleigh & if he likes & works for him then he isn't the guy for her. Bradley wants to see her again begs her to give them a try keeping work out of things but you know that won't happen can they work. There's a stalker killing woman from Club Exposure & Darci's past comes back to haunt her two of her friends murdered horribly now she has a stalker as well. Bradley & Peter decide Darci needs around the clock security on her as well as her friend Michael he's a detective on the case all members of Club Exposure. I definitely recommend to get this on the edge of your seat hot steam romance so well worth the read it won't disappoint so much happens & the shocking ending will blow you away. I'm so looking forward to the next book in this excellent series "SECRET" it's "Michael & Adara's" story she's a mystery hiding secrets can't wait to read also wanting "Noah's" story as well I thorough enjoyed this book. AWESOME AWESOME READ!!!!
What an amazing story!!! Darci Sanders is a lobbyist and a member of Club Exposure. She is a submissive looking for her perfect dom and after being matched with Bradley one night, she was sure she had found it. But after not hearing from him past the next morning, she stops going at the club. Darcy works to correct injustice, whether in her lobbying or working for the American Coalition for Sexual Liberty, who helps victims of sex crimes or sex workers. There is a bill going through the senate that is being opposed by a powerful senator. One day she attends a luncheon for her boss and comes face to face with the senator's chief of staff that is none other than the mysterious Bradley. Being on the opposite side of the situation makes this a tough issue to overcome. However, they tentatively start a relationship and slowly evolve into kink. But the past have a tendency to come back to haunt somebody and this is what happens to Darci. Can Bradly protect her from harm? The story will keep you on the edge of your seat and with all the suspense, passion. chaos it will bring, you will be thrown into a world of intrigue, where the characters grow with the story. An amazing story to read! I volunteered to review this story.
The second book of the Club Exposure series is fast paced and a good read. It has a bit of everything. Lots of excitement, tons of emotion and a story that keeps you reading to the end. There is Darci who works as a PR manager for an association in DC. She is rather open about her views and has a popular blog where she writes about her exploits and adventures in the BDSM world. Then there is Bradley who is Chief of Staff and Campaign Manager for a rather conservative Senator in DC. They meet at Club Exposure and it a night neither can really forget. Bradley's job though is very stressful and time consuming and Darci hears from him the night after they hook up but then he ghosts her. She was hoping to me a Dom who can bring out her submissive tendencies though her past experiences and what happens with Bradley keeps her away from the scene. When a chance meeting brings them back together again Bradley decides he wants to see where things will lead. There is also a stalker/serial killer in the community. When he sets his sites on Darci, Bradley will do anything to keep her safe. This is a well written, emotional and rather steamy story that does not disappoint.
I voluntarily wrote this review from reading an advanced copy of this book.
This was a very steamy read with a thread of suspense. I liked how the political aspect had relevance to today’s political climate. I liked Darcy’s character. I thought she was rather insipid in the previous book (maybe because she was a secondary character) but here she showed fire and strength of character. Maybe I missed it, but I didn’t get a full understanding of Darci’s bad experience with former boyfriend, Damion.
To me, Bradley had to grow into his Dom personality. I had difficulty reconciling Bradley’s ‘young son’ persona with his parents to him being a Dom. (Maybe my expectation of a Dom is too one sided.) But he seemed to grow into his Dom personality as the story progressed. I also had difficulty believing his position as a campaign manager to a man whose policies didn’t jive with his own especially with causes that affected him personally. For myself, I couldn’t do that. I could relate to his desire not to “ride on his father’s coat tails” as a campaign manager to his father’s run for presidency. I also liked the segue into the next book.
Overall, an enjoyable read.
I received a free copy from the author. This is my unbiased review.
I've read a lot of Ivy Nelson books and this one is good but I have to admit it's not one of my favourites. Ivy's vision of BDSM is wonderful, which makes her imagination and descriptions the best. Here's the but...I don't like Bradley. I think he's a wimp and a true Dom just isn't a wimp in any part of his life. Maybe it's because he's a politician, or at least a wannabe politician while he works in his current position of campaign manager. Darci is a strong woman with opinions and attitudes that I can respect but she's not very smart about protecting herself. I like when a woman does everything she can but it's not enough and she really needs that alpha type to help her out so he does it with respect and stands behind her if that's what she needs. Can Bradley do that...meh? Can Darci deal with him and his ways? Well, you'll have to read it and form your own opinion, so don't let my opinion deter you, it's just my opinion and this author is worth reading. This is the first time I haven't loved her characters so I have high hopes that number three will put me right back into the "loving her characters" zone.
There were parts of this that I liked. The friendships between the characters, the steamy scenes and the Washington intrigue. All of that was great but the book took forever to read. I didn't know who all of the characters were and I'm not sure why I was supposed to care. Bradley works for a senator who he doesn't agree with and I don't think there was ever a great reason given as to why he continued to work for him. Darci has a ton of baggage from a past relationship but she was very difficult to like. This is supposed to be a stand alone book but I don't see how as I had no idea what was going on half the time. I wasn't sure if this was a suspense/mystery or a BDSM/erotic romance. Trying to combine both was very confusing.
If you are a fan of this author, I'm sure you will love this book. It just wasn't for me.
I received a copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Murder, mysterious stalker, and a very protective man, Bradley Givens. Darci Sanders, a fighter for sexual equality and a regular at Club Exposure. These two meet at the club one night and share an unforgettable time. But Bradley being busy working for a Senator on the presidential campaign trail becomes too busy to reach out to Darci. A few months later, they meet by accident and so begins their journey. Darci is hesitant to completely let go with Bradley because of her past and how open she is with her lifestyle. She doesn’t want to ruin his career. But Bradley is utterly taken with Darci and proves his trust and commitment to her.
This book keeps you on your toes with the murders and stalker. You don’t figure out anything until the end. The story is well written and flows smoothly. Bradley and Darci are smoking together. This has a HEA, but leaves you with questions about other secondary characters from the book. I can’t wait to read their stories and more about Club Exposure.
Protected By Ivy Nelson Main Characters: Darci and Bradley I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author. 5 out of 5 stars I love Darci's character she is so spunky. She works very hard to keep the wrong people out of the White House. She spends her downtime at Club Exposure and there she meets Bradley. She shares a wonderful night with him but never hears from him again. Bradley works for a Senator who has a strong dislike for sexual equality and especially clubs like Exposure. Imagine her surprise a few months later when she meets Bradley again only to find out he works for the wrong person running for the White House. Bradley is utterly taken by Darci but she cannot seem to separate Bradley's boss's views from Bradley himself. There is plenty of suspense, chemistry, and of course a HEA ending. There is a lead-in to some of the characters in Ivy's next book. So this is another win for Ivy Nelson.
What a great read. If I had to use book descriptions I would use – Page-turner, Realistic, Action-packed, Wonderful Characters, Easy-to-Read, Romantic, Happy Ever After, Unpredictable, Steamy, Entertaining, Great Word Building, and Original. And at certain points in the story, it is also Tragic and a bit of a Tear-jerker. This book has it all. And I loved it.
This is a story about no matter how hard you fight it, opposites attract. The main characters in this book could not be more different – especially in their professional beliefs. Luckily, Bradley is not willing to give up. He knows that Darci is for him. But she fights him all the way even though she knows the attraction is not one sided. Throw in some politics and a revenge plot that goes back a long time and murder and you get one amazing story. The bonus is that this book revisits character from the first book in this series. This book was very hard to put down. It is a well written story from cover to cover. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.
I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Received as an ARC and leaving my honest review. Reading Ms Nelson's books never fails to satisfy as I know I'll be in for a hot and steamy treat and an exciting ride with unexpected twists and turns that leaves you on the edge or your seat breathless and thrilled!
If you read the earlier book, Hidden, then Darci is not a new face and she's pretty much part of Carrie and Peter's lives (go read the book to find out more, you won't regret it!). I wasn't so sure about her im Hidden as she didn't come across as the usual strong-willed female characters that Ms Nelson writes.
But I was wrong and she really came through and showed her spine, sassiness and depth in Protected. The chemistry between her and Bradley was a nice balance of explosive and slow burn. The mystery/suspense added to the heat and excitement and it was a ride I didn't want to get off until the truth was revealed. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
Received this book has a free copy for a honest review.
Here we have Darci's story. Darci was introduced in the first book of "Club Exposure" series. Darci keeps self sabotaging her relationships with men. Partly because she doesn't trust herself and partly because of a incident that happened in college. Darci meets Bradley at Club Exposure before realizing he was working for a senator that Darci didn't like. Bradley couldn't get the night he met Darci out of his mind. He had been so busy working has Chief of Staff with a senator that was also a person who gave him a start in campaigning. When he finally gets a chance to meet Darci. It was a accidental meeting that gave him the chance to pursue Darci. He soon realized that it was going to take everything he had to woo Darci. Outside forces both were throwing them together and a evil presence is surround Darci and her friends is threating to pull them apart. A must read to follow Darci and Bradley story unfold.
Intriguing BDSM Romance Loved this dark BDSM Romance. It was well written with a bit of everything in it. There was steamy over the top romance, drama, mystery, danger and suspense. After meeting Darci’s character in book 1, it was great to find out her total story and understand her struggles and travel on her journey to healing and finding everlasting love and happiness with Bradley. Bradley takes time to understand her, protects her and is willing to put his wishes aside for her. It is a thrilling story that I was not able to put down. Now I cannot wait to read about Michael and Adara in Book 3. I received an ARC of this book from the author in return for voluntarily writing an honest review.
What a story!!! I loved this ! Bradley and Darci had the steamiest chemistry!! If you take in the friends she has at Club Exposure and the friends he has and you have a whole world of characters. The storyline is quite intense and suspenseful! I really couldn’t wait to find out all the answers to the questions that this book asked! I’m trying not to give anything away in this review. This has all the feels and is very powerful reading!!of course the HEA was was wonderful and there is still a question to be answered. Not a huge question but it has this reader looking very much forward to the next book in this series!
I liked this book! It was the first one I’ve read in the series, and while I prefer to read in order, this one can be read as a standalone. I enjoyed the setting in DC politics and the characters, Bradley and Darci. They initially meet in a BDSM club but come together coincidently outside of the club as well. Bradley is drawn to Darci and has to work to gain her affections. There is more to this story than just steam. There is intrigue and plot twists. Go pick it up and enjoy the read! I voluntarily gave my review after receiving a free advanced reader copy from the author.
I really enjoyed book one in this series and that is where we first met the female MC of this one, Darcie. I had a hard time with her in this one and her defiance in connecting with the love interest. In book one she was throwing herself at others and here when he is CLEARLY a good man, she pushes him away over and over. Also with being a rape survivor she was far to put off by having security protection when there was a killer out to get her, didn't fit and I was annoyed. Aside from that, the story was good and I loved the male MC, he was a great guy!
Darci and Bradley share an incredible night, with the possibility of more. After what turns out to be a false start the pair reconnect unexpectedly. The attraction and chemistry between Darci and Bradley shines throughout the story. However chemistry may not be enough as Darci's passion and commitment to what she believes in, is in direct conflict to Bradley's boss. Bradley doesn't always agree with his boss, hoping he can be a tempering influence on his agenda. Add into the mix a sinister presence that targets Darci and Bradley indirectly and emotions are intense and volatile. I enjoyed that that the pair challenged each other while also learning how to negotiate potential issues in their relationship. Bradley was strong, sensitive and sexy in his pursuit of Darci proving to her that with love anything is possible.
This is a continuation of Hidden and it revolves around Darci ( Carries best friend ) from the aforementioned book. Darci is a submissive and in real need of a dominant - enter Bradley. They enjoy a wonderful, hot and lust at first sight night but due to their conflicting careers they feel the have to stay away from each other, this book is their journey to their hea. It’s full of drama, intrigue and passion. I thoroughly enjoyed these two, good to read more from previous characters and to revisit Club exposure. Ivy has a knack in keeping her readers interested and definitely invested in all the characters lives. Can’t wait for Secret. I received an arc for an honest review and it’s my pleasure to do so.
This is the second book in the series but it can be read as a standalone. Darci and Bradley both have high pressure jobs and enjoy letting loose at Club Exposure. That is where they meet and sparks fly, but then Bradley disappears. When they meet again their true identities are revealed and it turns out they are rivals. What will happen when Darci is in danger? Fast-paced read with plenty of drama, suspense and twists and turns. Great characters with sizzling scenes. I liked it.
Darci has no problem letting everyone know what she likes, sexually or otherwise. When she goes head-to-head with a senator that thinks what she and her fellow Club Exposure members consensually do behind closed doors is wrong, she never expected to see the man that gave her the best night of her life at the club. But that takes a back seat when some of her friends are murdered.
Bradley may not agree with everything his boss does, but he thinks that he can guide him to the White House, and maybe change his mind. When Darci shows up at a meeting instead of her boss, he’s shocked that she’s the one driving opposition to his boss. Can they come to a compromise between their work and their hearts?
This story picks up where the first stopped. Darci, Carrie's friend, is working hard to make sure the wrong candidate does not get into office. Brad is a former soldier turned campaign manager that is doing everything to get his candidate into office. Brad and Darci meet at Club Exposure and have a good time together. They run into each other outside of the club months later and learn each other's identity. They have to overcome many obstacles and danger. Will the election come between them or will it be something else?
Darci has had a time trying to find her place in the world of submission. A part-time plaything with Carrie and Peter, a 24/7 with Damion, a one-night stand with Bradley. When does she get her happy ever after? With a trail of dead friends and her freedom curtailed, she has to grab her happiness however she can and at the same time retain her independence.
Darci and Bradley meet at Club Exposure and the chemistry between them is off the charts. Bradley does not contact Darci for months until they meet again by chance. A very steamy novel between the two. They are on opposite sides of a political campaign, murder and a stalker will keep you captivated.
This is book 2 in The Club Exposure series and this time it's the turn of Darcey and Bradley, two wonderfully well-drawn characters you can't help but become engaged by. The storyline is totally captivating, it flows well and keeps up the pace. I didn't want to put my Kindle down, the story is hot, sexy, and compulsive whilst the chemistry is palpable and undeniable.
Wow, what a book! I love Bradley and Darci’s dynamic. This will keep you wanting to turn the pages faster. I love how all the men are so protective of Darci. This has intrigue, suspense, love, kink. Can’t wait to read the next book. I highly recommend it! I received an advance copy for my honest review.
It’s really hard in this time when democracy is failing to read a pre-Trump book about an American election.
And I don’t usually mind the kink endearment “baby” but Darci is so outspoken it didn’t suite her, and it seemed wrong for Bradley because he’s not a daddy. He would have come up with something more personal. It’s just bugged me all the way through.
Darci Sanders loves her job; her latest mission is to keep a candidate who is attacking the kink community and promising to shut down the places where they gather. A night at Club Exposure is just what she needs to blow off some steam, the last person she expects to see is Bradley Givens. Bradley walked away from Club Exposure when he realized Darci could distract him from his career goals, but he doesn't think he can do it again when Darci's life is in danger. He is determined to keep her safe from the monster killing women connected to her. I think these are absolutely fascinating characters. They are all well written and compelling. Murder, suspense, BDSM, and an unexpected twist in the plot kept me on the edge of my seat. Fantastic book!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Darci is in the political race and goes to club exposure to relax where she meets ex soldier Bradley. The next time they meet they find themselves on opposite sides of the election. Dramatic and intense as politics always is, this also has a mystery and danger involved. Scary at times, but intense and romantic. It is a great story that goes with the times. Darci is relatable with a drive to do her job well, and Bradley just had me swooning. Such a great story!! This was an ARC and this is my honest review.