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An Awakening of Desire #3

Mistress of Desire

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When healing the past to find your truth means tearing down everything you thought you knew about yourself, would you have the courage to face the challenge?

Having escaped Mhairi's clutches, Alison is on a journey of self-discovery supported by her polyamorous lovers (Victoria and Abby) as well as Dr Eleanor Hopkins, her charismatic therapist. But the path to a bolder future is never straight, and as she delves into the depths of her desires, every twist and turn means navigating uncharted territory.

Where will her journey take her, and will her current relationship be able to withstand the inevitable change that follows?

Mistress of Desire is the third book in the Awakening of Desire series from the best-selling sapphic author Ruby Scott.

A Lesbian romance novel about life, love, and everything that happens in between - Perfect for fans of Anna Stone, Donna Jay and Brenda Murphy.

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 28, 2022

36 people are currently reading
130 people want to read

About the author

Ruby Scott

20 books135 followers

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5 stars
128 (60%)
4 stars
60 (28%)
3 stars
17 (8%)
2 stars
3 (1%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for OceaneZw.
108 reviews24 followers
February 6, 2025
⭐️ 5 stars

This book was surely interesting.

Like the previous ones, I enjoyed it. The writing, the pacing, and the character growth for everyone are consistent, and I’m here for that.

Even though the second book will remain my favorite, this part of the story was a perfect way to show how one heals from trauma and reclaims power.

Seeing Allison’s relationship with Victoria and Abby evolve into her own relationship with Olivia was very inspiring to read.

We finally see an end to the plot around Mhairi, and I couldn’t have been happier, that woman got her karma *10. AMEN 🙌🏻

I’m still debating whether to start book 4, as it’s not mainly focused on the main characters I’ve grown attached to, but maybe someday.

Overall, I recommend it. I honestly had such a great time reading this and realizing how refreshing it is compared to other BDSM books; this series is mainly relationship-focused rather than just spice (even though it’s spicy as hell ✨). Really, give it a shot.
Profile Image for Juniper L.H..
913 reviews33 followers
February 13, 2025
I enjoyed this novel. Less than the first two which I adored, but I still liked this one a lot. I love these characters and reading about them together, and look forward to book 4. I would recommend this series, but for sure you need to read them in order.

My Rating: “B+”
Converted Rating: 4-Star

The thing I like about this series is the relationship between the protagonists. Its sweet and supportive and you can truly feel their feelings for each other. There is a lot of communication and examples of the characters working through normal relationship issues (despite their relationship not necessarily being “normal”). Their throuple-dynamic is interesting, and the way its done is quite sweet. Also, of course, there is lots of spicy parts that are well written.

Edit: I completely forgot to mention how much I loved all of the empowerment in this novel. Alison going through the process of recovering and healing from her traumas, and coming out the other side confident and capable? Awesome. Also, any book that shows a clear pro-therapy viewpoint gets bonus points from me.

The reason that this didn’t get 5-stars, like the other two novels, was
Profile Image for Lez_be_readin_ya.
347 reviews167 followers
February 6, 2023
This book was fan-fucking-tastic and I literally couldn't put it down! It was 100% worth paying for it! - Side note, I don't buy many books so that shows that it's worth reading straight off!

Abby and Victoria are still fucking Hot as ever. This book follows more on Alison and how she is following the whole Mhairi debacle. She is in therapy with the extremely sexy Dr Olivia Hopkins. On a journey of self-discovery, she starts to realise that she wants what Abby and Victoria have but for herself, she wants to have the one person to love unconditionally.

This book was beautifully written and I'm looking forward to the next one in the series!

If you haven't read this series already, go and read it now! I 1000% recommend it! You will not be disappointed! I can't believe it's taking me this long to find the series in the first place!

Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
510 reviews10 followers
November 28, 2022
This is the last book in " An Awakening of Desire " series, and it is a perfect ending! It is steaming hot, sexy, addictive and a great story overall. It has great friendship, tender love, silly but entertaining sex party, a fantasy come alive.
90 reviews7 followers
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February 23, 2023
Dnf only read ch 1
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
104 reviews2 followers
December 20, 2023
I don't like to pick favourites when it comes to books but this would be my favourite read of the year. I was eagerly awaiting the third installment of this series and I was not disappointed. This book is an amazing and delightful read.

This book follows Alison through her therapy journey, a large change within her as a person and her place in the BDSM world, and expands upon the relationship she shares with Victoria and Abby. We also learn more about Victoria and Abby's relationship and get to see them flourish as people and together.

To break up the seriousness of the topics throughout, there is also some humour sprinkled in there. It's well-placed and does not detract from the serious topics, just enough to provide a little chuckle.

Somehow Ruby Scott once again manages to capture the psychological side of the world of BDSM and also polyamorous relationships. Incidents are handled with sensitivity and show great insight into different issues that can occur with the lifestyle. In addition, she also manages to showcase the more positive sides of BDSM as well and how it can be within a happy and healthy relationship.

These characters have become so special to me and I was so happy to see another book featuring them. We can only hope that Ruby continues the series and we get to learn more about Alison, post therapy sessions.

I highly recommend this book - it's a fabulous read
Profile Image for Marian.
332 reviews
January 15, 2023
This book got fun, a bit of suspense and a lot of .... Just short for a great read. For the story it is recommended to read book 1 and 2 before you read book 3. You better understand it:)

I got an ARC for an honest review
Profile Image for Tempe Luvs Books.
553 reviews2 followers
November 28, 2022
This was the third book in the series and was my favorite! We’re continuing to follow Victoria, the Dom and her Subs, Abby and Alison. Alison has reunited with Victoria after she was saved from MHAIRI, her former abusive Dom who was arrested and exiled from the country after illegalities occurred at her recent party.

Alison has been made to feel welcome and accepted by Abby and Victoria, but she knows that she is the third wheel. They do all they can to aid Alison’s healing process and to regain her self esteem, but Alison is encouraged to get professional counseling.

This is where the fun begins because you can always count on Ruby Scott to sneak in unexpected surprises, a little angst and cleaver humor, lustful desires and steamy scenes.
As Alison shares sexually intimate details of overhearing Abby and Victoria’s lovemaking in addition to details of her being with them together, she actually gets a rise out of arousing her counselor.
The counselor, Olivia, recognizes that she has become intrigued by Alison’s detailed revelations and wants to know more because she now desires Alison and wants to find a way to get closer to her. I’m not going to go into details and give spoilers, but let’s just say that some hilariously crazy scenarios and humorous intrigue come into play at this point. (My only hint is that KEGEL balls are involved!)
As for some of the intrigue, they learned that MHAIRI was back in the country and the manhunt had begun. Shhh, no more about that or the hilarious Christmas party, other than it was very entertaining and Ruby’s books are always HEA. Ruby, thank you for the fun I had reading this.
Profile Image for Mari Stark.
257 reviews6 followers
December 20, 2022
Grand and sizzling story

Alison, after escaping Mhairi, is on her way to healing with the help, love and support of Victoria and Abby. She loves them and even when she’s enjoying their polyamorous relationship, she knows she’s a different person now, so she finds herself on a wonderful self-discovery journey. Will their relationship be able to survive the changes ahead?

This is the third book of the Awakening of Desire series and I must say, this is not only a great story but for me, it’s the best of the series. I was eagerly waiting for it, I had great expectations and Ruby Scott delivered, simply brilliantly written.

I loved this book completely! It had intrigue, romance, and great sexy scenes and of course, the characters are amazing and skilfully written. The storyline is flawless and kept me involved from beginning to end. I enjoyed everything about this book. Also, the character development is something else, and the ending was magnificent. I love these strong female characters, all of them are exciting and intriguing.

This is supposed to be the last book of the series, but I hope there are more of these amazing women.

If you like a great book with loads of steamy romance, fantastic character development and simply brilliant writing, this book is for you.

I received an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Nia.
414 reviews16 followers
November 27, 2022
It’s dripping Hotness
A great ending to a trilogy.
Alison's path to healing takes her to „Ellie“ - Dr. Eleanor Hopkins.
A therapist, who is as charmed by Alison as Alison is by her. However, a doctor-patient relationship is impossible, and Alison needs to grow and heal before anything else can happen.
Although she is happy in her love triangle with Victoria and Abby, something is missing.
She longs for an intense connection such ad Abby and Victoria have.
She loves them both very much, but with the help of Ellie she realizes that what she needs is something completely different.
She needs a different role than what she has had in a D/s relationship so far.
The little entanglements in this book are quite amusing.
I have to say I rooted for Alison and Ellie and at the end it lacked a bit of the details of this exciting new developing relationship. I want to read more about it...how, where, what etc. I can't say more without spoilers. So I hope for much more 🤞
I have thoroughly enjoyed the growing intensity of Abby and Victoria's relationship.
Of course it was 🔥 so hot as you expect it to be ;)
121 reviews
November 29, 2022
Breathless...

I picked up this book at about 9pm last night. It's now 7:44am and it's lying finished in my kindle and I'm missing Victoria, Abby and Alison with all my heart - Particularly Victoria and Abby (Sorry Alison).

Ruby develops our favourite Mistress and sub/s in their own unique journeys and ways, culminating their story in a fireball of drama and passion you'd expect but also a soft bed of love that cushions and underpins it all.

What I thought was a fun short story has developed over the three books to be something emotional, connected and so meaningful.

That said, don't worry, this is no emotional tearfest (though you might shed a few) but the sex remains off the charts as for the previous two books. Victoria doesn't let up with Abby or a new mystery friend and all our lives (theirs especially) are so much richer for it!

This is a simply MUST READ but make sure you read the three in order... do it now... Victoria commands you!
Profile Image for JAYNE.
206 reviews11 followers
November 27, 2022
Mistress of Desire by Ruby Scott is the third in the Awakening of Desire series and, oh my Ms Scott does not disappoint.
From the outset, Victoria, Abby, and Alison bring you back into their polyamorous world with this book following on nicely from book 2 in the series (Darkness of Desire). You find yourself longing to hear more from the characters and their future.
The focus is mainly on Alison and her story, which is well told, but you will also find new and old characters come together as well. This book is more light-hearted than book 2, and the pace of the story is spot on, which includes some humorous events which had me laughing out loud.
The plot twists were a surprise. I had various scenarios playing in my head, but did not see them coming.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author for my honest review.
Profile Image for MissAlice.
450 reviews17 followers
November 30, 2022
If you enjoyed the first two books of this series, you damn well are going to love this one.

One character is switching it up, growing from her sub roots into her Domme delights and it's fantastic to watch her develop. The relationship between Abby and Victoria continues to solidify with some behavior corrections and sweet subspace from their encounters. There are also beautiful moments where our trio just make love outside of their roles- no scene, no play, just hearts joining together to find one another.

I really had fun imagining all the new pieces of furniture Alison created that's sprinkled through the pages- my imagination just took flight. (Side note: have Google ready as there are a few fetishes and philias you'll be looking up and never forgetting.)

Oh boy, Olivia, Olivia, Olivia.... this therapist's actions made me slap my head, cringe, squeeze an eye shut, and laugh as I applauded that level of self-exploration. There's a fine line between infatuation and obsession and she just hurtles herself right over that line like she's playing hopscotch.

All in all, a great addition to an already solid BDSM series.
256 reviews6 followers
November 29, 2022
This is another look into the lives of Victoria and Abby. If you enjoy a passionate love affair, this is the series for you. This is the 3rd book. Definitely read the first two before this book.
Victoria is a strict, caring Dominant that loves Abby fiercely. Abby adores Victoria with her whole heart. And will do anything for her. With Ruby's great style of writing I can feel all that. Not just feel it, I can see it. Very powerful. Allison is still living with them. But she is growing into herself. And she wants a relationship like Victoria and Abby's for herself. Ellie is her therapist and Allison has found herself having feelings about her. There are ups and downs for all. Some miscommunication. But that makes for a great read. I don't know if there will be another book, but I can hope. I did receive an ARC but these are my own thoughts. Enjoy.
26 reviews
November 30, 2022
Victoria, Abby and Alison are back in all their glory! Victoria and Abby are growing closer and Alison can feel the dynamic shifting. She is going to therapy for what happened with Mhairi (who just can't stay away) and is falling for Ellie, her therapist. Ellie is also falling for Alison. Oh, the angst, the love, the hot and steamy sex! This is my favorite book of the series! Ruby has created characters that you love (and love to hate)! This is not a stand alone story. You need to read May I Call You Mistress first and then Darkness of Desire. This is one of the best series vou will read...I highly recommend
74 reviews
August 22, 2025
A good progression of the story and introduction to a new character Olivia and delving further into Alison.

For the most part I enjoyed this book and the character progression of all of them, I get why Mhairi was in this book, she is a part of Alison’s past and gives her the chance to show her growth, however I, personally, did not feel it was needed but this may have had more to do with how amazingly uncomfortable I still feel from book 2!

The ending was the perfect expression of the sub (Abby) having the real power with (Victoria): Marry me, please marry me. Well done Ms Scott, I think that one line is the best depiction of their true relationship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Linda.
232 reviews10 followers
November 28, 2022
I love An Awakening of Desire series. Book 3 seamlessly picks up after book 2 and brings my favorite new polyamorous D/s throuple back into my life. The bonds are still loving and hot, but a new awakening is rising in one of our character's life. Mistress of Desire is everything I expect from a Ruby Scott book. It's well written, loving, with a twist of danger where you least expect it. I definitely recommend curling up in your favorite chair and give this series a read.
I received an arc for an honest review of the book
Profile Image for Kim.
280 reviews10 followers
November 29, 2022
Can they catch a break?
Victoria and Abby have taken Alison into their home after the events in book 2. They’ve been enjoying each other and have become a happy throuple. When one of them realizes they need more in a relationship, she happens across a woman she can’t stop thinking about. Unfortunately, the darkness from the last book is still lurking and is threatening all the happiness they have lived in together. You’ll have to read this book #3 to find out if light will defeat dark for good. Now Ms Ruby, I can’t wait for book 4!
8 reviews
September 24, 2025
By far my favourite in the series because we get introduced to the amazing Olivia. I don’t want to give away spoilers so I’ll just say that the things Olivia does outside of her sessions with Alison had me easily falling in love with her. The budding romance between Alison and Olivia is one of the most beautiful love stories I have read. And whilst Alison and Olivia’s story is a slow burn there is plenty of heat through out from the amazing Abby, Victoria and Alison trio. Each book in this series just gets better!
Profile Image for MS J.
159 reviews1 follower
November 27, 2022
I really enjoyed the third installment in the series, catching up with Victoria and Abbys developing bond, witnessing Alisons journey back to strength in the comfort of a polyamorous group, whilst unusual, was quite refreshing. I found myself rooting for Alison to find her someone special.

I also love a story that has me reaching for the dictionary, who knew there were so many ......philias out there.  If more books follow in the series I'll be sure to grab a copy.

Profile Image for Suzi Vilkman (Hautaniemi).
283 reviews7 followers
November 28, 2022
Not my circus but interesting

This book dealt a lot with themes that are totally foreign to me, such as bdsm and polyamory.

There was a touch of a thriller to the story in waiting for the baddie to pop back up.

I had been asked to read and review and so I did. The whole dynamics of subs and doms go amiss with me.

I’m sure that if you’re looking for a romance of the sort, this is an excellent choice.
Profile Image for Jonna.
132 reviews1 follower
May 24, 2023
Scott does it again - this book is blazing hot. This book follows Allison on her journey from emotionally and physically abused s (in the previous book) to finding herself shifting into a more D role. She is taken with her psychiatrist (cliche, right?) who is also taken with her. This book follows her evolution from from a happy member of a throuple to a new position in her relationships. Again, Scott brings the heat and I devoured this in a day.

174 reviews2 followers
December 5, 2022
Delightful festive end for the trilogy

I really enjoyed the characters of Allison, Abby, and Victoria. Some of it was a little beyond my knowledge of bdsm but there weren’t too many detailed passages and that was ok. I really enjoyed the storyline and look forward to the next series.
49 reviews
June 3, 2023
OMG ALISON IS THE MAIN CHARACTER HERE!!

I love Olivia, or Eleanor cuz the blurb said Eleanor, but the book said Olivia, so im sticking to Olivia. OK LIKE OMG VICTORIA IS PLAYING 3 DIMENSIONAL CHESS WHILE THEY ARE PLAYING CHECKERS XD . I love how Victoria legit knows the game and everything ahead of everyone, its so funny to see the shock on their faces
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
820 reviews19 followers
November 28, 2022
Wow I can't get over how phenomenal Ruby Scott is no matter what story's that comes out of her mind its a best seller this one knocked me over I didn't see where this was going to end boy this ending was outstanding I loved reading ever word twice over definitely MUST READ congratulations
Profile Image for Jen-Lea Mercy.
Author 3 books27 followers
January 17, 2023
Wow what a conclusion! This book was so good that I wish there was a part 2! I loved the additional characters and Allison's growth in the story. The sexy scenes were sizzling as always, and I adore Victoria as a Domme. She'd have anyone falling for her. Well done Ruby!
Profile Image for Sheila.
930 reviews
April 30, 2023
amazing

The strength you find within yourself that is born from trauma brings your authentic self to light. Our journey often leads us to where we need to be at any given moment. We just have to believe in ourselves to do so.
Profile Image for Maria Magdalena.
742 reviews5 followers
August 20, 2024
Loved the continuing story of now our 3 MC's. Enjoyed the funny bits with the lovesick therapist and the way Victoria played her. A bit of tension still with Mhairi hovering in the background...
Great read.
9 reviews
September 29, 2025
This is a story of healing and finding your power. People, like relationships, change, evolve, and grow. This book follows that process as Alison tries to find her place in the world and give voice to her desires.
Profile Image for Donna.
Author 39 books461 followers
November 26, 2022
Great series. I enjoyed all three books, but this one was my favourite.

Highly recommended to those who enjoy the softer side of femdom.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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