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Sterling Chains #1

Unchained: Sterling Chains - Book One

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"Jack Mathers was my first lust. Hot, older, completely off-limits, and out of my league–or so I thought. Turns out the feeling is mutual. Wanting him has never been the problem, my awakening abilities are. When I'm not careful my kiss can kill a man. If I give in to the attraction between us and lose control, Jack will be the one to suffer."

"Sexy little redhead Tatum Sterling is a fire in my blood that I can't extinguish, but getting involved with her isn't a smart idea. Not only is she my best friend's little sister, but she also has abilities that could kill me and a tempting price on her head.
The money? That would be easy to claim if I wanted to give her up. The woman, however, that’s the real challenge. Bringing her under my control would be the thrill of a lifetime–if I don’t get myself killed."


Unchained contains hot graphic sex on-page, graphic/foul language, a D/s power exchange relationship, a bit of kink, a lot of lust, and a guaranteed, satisfactory happy ending. It is book one of a series but can be read as a standalone story.
Lust to love, Domination/Submission, Demon/Succubus, Mystery, Suspense, Awakening powers

275 pages, Paperback

Published March 19, 2022

40 people are currently reading
197 people want to read

About the author

Vee R. Paxton

12 books28 followers
I've lived a diverse life, and I have no regrets.
From working in NYC theater doing wardrobe and dressing a variety of celebrities to working in a medical laboratory in Portland Oregon it's all been part of my journey.
Originally from Missouri, my Midwestern roots have also been an influence but for the past decade-plus five, the Pacific NW has been my home and I love it.
I began my publication journey with fantasy romance in The Ring of Souls and also have found a passion for paranormal romance in Unchained and my Sterling Chains series which combines my love of contemporary romance with my infatuation with all things magical.

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5 stars
37 (53%)
4 stars
14 (20%)
3 stars
13 (18%)
2 stars
3 (4%)
1 star
2 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Veronica.
141 reviews4 followers
May 21, 2022
I received this book as an ARC for my honest review. Overall this book is fast paced and captures you quickly. There was moments the story lags but not for long. World building was fantastic in the middle of the book. Very spicy and does have somewhat a D/s relationship. However that part ( D/s) could’ve been dealt with a bit more true to the lifestyle. Enjoyed this take on a succubus and enjoyed the authors view on them. Plan on reading book two.
65 reviews1 follower
April 21, 2022
This book started fast , has a long middle and quick end. The characters are well developed . Would love to see the main character’s brother find love too. I would not be as forgiving as the main character was with Jack’s involvement with her dad’s work.

I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Nicole  Henderson.
1,466 reviews22 followers
December 27, 2023
I am thoroughly hooked on this series. I am so happy I was introduced to this author. Tatum Sterling is Ash’s sister. She has a serious crush on Jack Mathers but her brother has warned her to stay away from him. Jack is working for the DTA, Department of Tranverse Affairs, they have a case for him and requests that he works with Ash. They have not talked since their fight. Will Ash give Jack an opportunity to explain and apologize?

On the side, Jack has another job. Tatum is special and needs to be contained as her powers develop. It is rare for powers to develop so late in life. Jack is supped to stay close and inform his boss of the development of her powers. While spending time with Tatum, the two connected. Connected to the point that they became mates. Which gave them an advantage when Tatum was taken to be sold.

This book has so much going on and I loved every second of it. Readers will meet new species and find out more about Ash and his family. Which is complicated to say the least. Will Jack and Tatum get through this? This is definitely worth a read to find out.
Profile Image for Gail Williams.
433 reviews19 followers
December 16, 2023
Loved this book. It’s intriguing, fast paced, full of action, and the sizzle is off the charts!
Love Tatum and Ash’s relationship so much. Dear old Jack is one hot tamale, love him 🥰😂
Profile Image for LJ Perez.
214 reviews16 followers
December 15, 2023
I don't think I'll be able to let myself be heartbroken once this series ends. I already know I'm in Love. This is a perfect spicy PNR! I love any trope with succubus! In all honesty I can't wait to see how this story continues.
Profile Image for Jennifer Provost.
Author 54 books672 followers
May 12, 2022
Good, steamy read

Unchained features a strong heroine with a secret so deep even she is unaware of its existence. Highly recommended.
450 reviews15 followers
November 6, 2023
This paranormal romance is the story of Tatum and Sterling. Tatum, who has had a crush on Sterling (her brother’s friend) for years. Sterling, a defense attorney who also does work for a shadowy organization, has finally noticed her.

This story starts out with Tatum’s father walking out on their family when she is five. He leaves stating that she (Tatum) was a disappointment as she never developed any powers. As an adult, she has no clue what her father was talking about. As her relationship with Sterling starts to develop, her father makes a sinister reappearance, she discovers her brother is magical and she is succubus. There are twists and turns in this story along with some spicy scenes between Tatum and Sterling.

This story kept my interest until the last page. The writing is easy to follow, and the dialogue is not over the top. The relationships between the two main characters with the side characters show strength in friendships and family. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series as I cannot wait to see Tatum grow into a strong formidable FMC.
701 reviews6 followers
September 24, 2022
If you want a synopsis, read the blurb. :)

I found the book enjoyable but rather uneven.

The worldbuilding was a good, but I am really surprised that there was NO mention of the Lycan aspects of the world that were the centerpiece of the prequel. The sex scenes were well written and hot. The sex was really abrupt until Tatum's backstory was expanded on. The D/s was fine, but also seemed sort of forced and abrupt (also, with no explanation why that helped keep Tatum's dangerous magic controlled). The final, climatic fight was over quite abruptly, and Tatum saved the day using abilities and strengths that were not in evidence only days earlier. Some of the coincidences were never explained -- like why the lawyer with no magical abilities happened to get a real magical protection tattoo. Why did the artist do that? And that was not the only one. The attack at the beginning (OK, at the end of the prequel) that put Ash in the hospital was never explained at all.

All in all, I liked the book and have pre-ordered the second book in the series. But, yeah, it was a bit choppy.
Profile Image for Adele Robbetze.
124 reviews6 followers
April 15, 2022
Unchained is book 1 in a 3 part series by Vee R. Paxton

This book is about Tatum an artist and bartender and Jack a lawyer that was also her brothers Ash's ex-best friend.

In this book the main character Tatum finds out she is not quite human and that there is a lot of people that would like to use her , but with the help of Ash,Jack and Malcolm that does not happen.

Tatum is a strong female lead character and I love how she deals with the problems she faces. She is a very lovable character.

I really liked how Jack evolved at the end but did not always like how he acted and sometimes I just wanted to shake some sense into him.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a paranormal fantasy read.

The best of all in my opinion is that the book has a happy ending and does not end in a cliffhanger.

I cant wait to read the rest of the books in the series.
Profile Image for Roisin Robbins.
265 reviews12 followers
November 5, 2023
Unchained 
Vee Paxton 

Rating 5⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice 4🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶 

Really great storyline! The chemistry between the main characters is infectious and keeps you reading. There were dark twisted parts too. The author did great at keeping you on your toes as to what would happen next, and all the characters were fun to get to know. 

There’s a HEA but she has definitely left the doors open to a lot of possibilities for upcoming books and I'm so here for it. I can't wait to read more. 

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a paranormal fantasy read.I can't wait to read the rest of the books in the series.
Profile Image for Jaime Cantrell.
603 reviews14 followers
December 10, 2023
Unchained is book 1 of the Sterling Chains Series. I really enjoyed this read. I love the story line and the characters are well written. I love the chemistry between Tatum and Jack. Tatum is a strong female lead. We met Jack in the prequel so I'm not going to go too much into him except, Audrey even after their divorce is still hot on his trail and wants him back. I do not like Audrey at all, but she definitely has her place in the story. This book is action packed and is full of mystery and spice. I can’t wait to read the next book!

As always be mindful of any trigger warnings, what I like you may not.

Happy Reading!
Profile Image for Erin Nott.
174 reviews9 followers
October 29, 2023
I loved this book. It solidly sits in the "real world" with just peripheral views of the fantastical. As the story progresses the FMC has to deal with her life not being exactly what she thought it was. I am guessing that as we move into books 2 and beyond, the fantastical will play a larger part in the story.
The MMC is a sexy lawyer, and I hope that we get to see more legal drama type situations. He is along for the ride with the FMC's evolving issues and he holds his own very well. Good characters, an intriguing story, and I am really looking forward to reading book 2!
Profile Image for Spiffie Tiffie.
Author 1 book6 followers
January 19, 2023
S€xy, dangerous, magical!

Really great storyline! The heat between the two MC's was fire!!! There were dark twisted parts that really made my jaw drop. Very well written too. The author did great at keeping you on your toes to what would happen next, and all the characters were fun to get to know. She definitely has left doors open to a lot of possibilities for upcoming books. I'm so here for it, and can't wait to read more. Def a new favorite of mine!
127 reviews2 followers
April 12, 2022
As a new author, Vee R. Paxton did a phenomenal job writing "Unchained". This book follows Tatum and Jack as they traverse their feelings and try to overcome the otherworldly obstacles to their relationship. A great read with a little steam. Be sure to check this book out.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
271 reviews3 followers
April 21, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. There were a few times that some terminology/plot points were slightly confusing but it was still pretty easy to follow along and pick it up. There’s a HEA but room for continuation which is nice. This book has a lot of steam also-keep as one reviewer already commented, keep a glass of water handy when reading! I received an arc for an honest review.
Profile Image for brooke_and_books.
299 reviews
April 23, 2022
Tatum and Jack!

Absolutely loved this story! The plot was amazing and different! I really liked the female lead Tatum is strong and I definitely loved how she deals with everything that happens. Jack is a bit of an alphahole but he has a lot of growth throughout the book and by the end I was in love! Absolutely recommend!
1,378 reviews3 followers
May 15, 2022
Unchained follows Tatum through the awakening of her powers and her rocky romance with Jack. The multiple POV serves this well and provides insight into both characters thoughts on love and lust. It was a moderately steamy book and contained suspenseful situations. The author weaved a great story full of drama, strife and steam!
Profile Image for Kellie Waldron.
789 reviews17 followers
December 26, 2023
Tatum always had a crush on Jack. From the first time that she met him. But age and the fact he was married prevented anything from happening. She always felt sorry for herself because her father left the family because of her. Little did she know that there are secrets afoot that involve her and why things happened.

This was a fast paced spicy read. There are triggers so beware.
Profile Image for Amy.
1,497 reviews5 followers
March 26, 2022
Book was fun and hit with some mystery in between . I was floored by the fact that Tatum is from another world and totally into sex but her first lust jack was there to please her through the process . I can’t wait for the next book to find out what more happens between these two .
2,712 reviews7 followers
April 2, 2022
Tatum and Jack had a lot of things to overcome but they did!Not really my kind of book but got sucked into it, couldn’t stop reading it. Had to keep reading to see what happened next. New author but will look for more of her books.
Profile Image for Mary Ann.
655 reviews14 followers
April 17, 2022
The characters and world are very well developed. The chemistry between the main characters is infectious and keeps you reading. The plot was well thought out and helped rope you in as well. It was not all happy go lucky the characters had their struggle and came together by the end.
Profile Image for Ann Brown.
3,468 reviews24 followers
April 27, 2022
A really entertaining, intriguing paranormal romance with a great storyline. Jack and Tatum were captivating together with an intense chemistry. Spicy at times. The supporting characters were interesting.

I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Wendy Wallace.
587 reviews6 followers
April 12, 2024
I loved this paranormal story about Tatum Sterling and Jack Mathers. It is a book I found hard to put down - a real page turner. Although it is part of a series it can be read as a standalone story.

The book contains some steamy parts.

Profile Image for Kairangi Solomon.
86 reviews1 follower
December 8, 2024
I enjoyed this fast paced read, the characters are amazing! I adore them together. This book kept my interest the entire way and it did not disappoint. I love this take on a succubus, it was so well written. I look forward to seeing what comes next.
Profile Image for Purpleallison Hoffman.
299 reviews
June 10, 2025
Romance rating: 3. Sexy times rating: 2.25. Story was good, but the characters and their connections weren't really doing it for me. The whole b-story of the murder case and who was doing what was too convoluted for me to really follow. The PNR story though was interesting.
Profile Image for Kaija.
1,498 reviews29 followers
April 8, 2022
It’s a contemporary PNR romance set in NY and I enjoyed it a lot!
It is spicy while not the spiciest I’ve read it was so well done I needed some water
Jack is amazing and I love him so much ❤️
1,760 reviews45 followers
April 10, 2022
What I loved about this, was the characters and the plot. The story was interesting, and the characters likeable, not too nice and not too dull.
Profile Image for VoraciousBookDragoness.
295 reviews
July 14, 2022
Very well written story, captivating characters & steamy romance.

I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC copy I received free from the author.
Profile Image for Amy Russell.
244 reviews1 follower
February 26, 2023
Fast paced

A fast paced read that draws you in and has you thinking just one more chapter all the way until the book is done.
Profile Image for Lena.
271 reviews27 followers
September 20, 2023
Very entertaining fast paced novel. The magic system is very intriguing. Really enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

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