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Masters of the Shadowlands #3
Breaking Free
A sadistic husband left Beth scarred, inside and out. Only at the Shadowlands BDSM club does she feel like a woman. But her fears limit her to Doms who won't overwhelm her--the very ones who cannot arouse her. The Master of the Shadowlands gives her an ultimatum: accept the Dom he assigns or lose her membership. The last thing Beth wants is a ruthless, powerful Dom, but that's just what she gets.
Asked to take on a problem sub, Nolan sees the issue immediately--although truly submissive, the little redhead is too scared to relinquish control and her Doms have let her get away with it. That will change right now.
As Master Nolan takes Beth under command, compelling her submission, she's terrified, but the experienced Dom brings her pleasure, not pain. His only demand is that she never lie to him. Under his capable hands, her body comes alive, and she begins to heal. As he pushes her limits, she learns to trust…and then to love. And she realizes he is beginning to care for her in return.
But now her cruel husband has found her, and Master Nolan discovers she's been lying and lying and lying.
Asked to take on a problem sub, Nolan sees the issue immediately--although truly submissive, the little redhead is too scared to relinquish control and her Doms have let her get away with it. That will change right now.
As Master Nolan takes Beth under command, compelling her submission, she's terrified, but the experienced Dom brings her pleasure, not pain. His only demand is that she never lie to him. Under his capable hands, her body comes alive, and she begins to heal. As he pushes her limits, she learns to trust…and then to love. And she realizes he is beginning to care for her in return.
But now her cruel husband has found her, and Master Nolan discovers she's been lying and lying and lying.
251 pages, ebook
First published June 2, 2009
609 people are currently reading
8398 people want to read
About the author
Cherise Sinclair
64 books8,313 followersA New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she’s renowned for writing heart-wrenching romances with laugh-out-loud dialogue, alpha males, and absolutely sizzling sex.
I met my dearheart when vacationing in the Caribbean. Now I won’t say it was love at first sight. Actually since he stood over me, enjoying the view down my swimsuit top, I might have been a tad peeved—as well as attracted. But although we were together less than two days and lived on opposite sides of the country, love can’t be corralled by time or space.
We’ve now been married for many, many years. (And he still looks down my swimsuit tops.)
Nowadays, I live in the west with this obnoxious, beloved husband and a seventy-pound lap-puppy. I’m a gardener, and I love nurturing small plants until they’re big and healthy and productive…and ripping defenseless weeds out by the roots when I’m angry. I enjoy thunderstorms, collecting eggs from the chickens, and visiting the local brewery for the darkest, maltiest beer on tap. My favorite way to spend an evening is curled up on a couch next to the master of my heart, watching the fire, reading, and…well…if you’re reading my books, you obviously know what else happens in front of fires.
I met my dearheart when vacationing in the Caribbean. Now I won’t say it was love at first sight. Actually since he stood over me, enjoying the view down my swimsuit top, I might have been a tad peeved—as well as attracted. But although we were together less than two days and lived on opposite sides of the country, love can’t be corralled by time or space.
We’ve now been married for many, many years. (And he still looks down my swimsuit tops.)
Nowadays, I live in the west with this obnoxious, beloved husband and a seventy-pound lap-puppy. I’m a gardener, and I love nurturing small plants until they’re big and healthy and productive…and ripping defenseless weeds out by the roots when I’m angry. I enjoy thunderstorms, collecting eggs from the chickens, and visiting the local brewery for the darkest, maltiest beer on tap. My favorite way to spend an evening is curled up on a couch next to the master of my heart, watching the fire, reading, and…well…if you’re reading my books, you obviously know what else happens in front of fires.
Search out Cherise in the following places:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 768 reviews
May 29, 2019
Master Nolan and Beth
Beth is a scarred submissive inside and outside.
Her sadistic husband took advantage of her lack of experience of the BDSM lifestyle. Soon her life became a living nightmare, until she ran away.
Now she is a member of the Club Shadowlands, but she faces several issues. She is scared to let go and to trust. Thus, she always ends up with less experienced Doms that neither scare her, nor make her feel desirable.
When Master Nolan takes Beth under command, Beth is sure this will not work. He is too experienced, too scary and too commanding. But he is exactly what she needs.
What Beth does not know is that her sadistic husband is still looking for her and he is getting closer to find her.
This is my favourite story so far. It combines good erotica and romance and a good angsty adventure with some plot twists.
Beth is a scarred submissive inside and outside.
Her sadistic husband took advantage of her lack of experience of the BDSM lifestyle. Soon her life became a living nightmare, until she ran away.
Now she is a member of the Club Shadowlands, but she faces several issues. She is scared to let go and to trust. Thus, she always ends up with less experienced Doms that neither scare her, nor make her feel desirable.
When Master Nolan takes Beth under command, Beth is sure this will not work. He is too experienced, too scary and too commanding. But he is exactly what she needs.
What Beth does not know is that her sadistic husband is still looking for her and he is getting closer to find her.
This is my favourite story so far. It combines good erotica and romance and a good angsty adventure with some plot twists.
July 9, 2013
Little rabbit. Little rabbit. Little rabbit. Little rabbit. Little rabbit. Little rabbit. Little rabbit. Little rabbit. Little rabbit. Little rabbit. Little rabbit. Little rabbit. Little rabbit. Little rabbit. Little rabbit. Little rabbit. Little rabbit. Little rabbit. Little rabbit. Little rabbit. Little rabbit. Little rabbit. Little rabbit. Little rabbit.
UGH. Most annoying shit ever. In the first book of the series, there was an overuse of "kitten." I didn't read the second book yet, so I have no idea what annoying endearment was used, but I know it's going to piss me off.
This book was just ridiculous. I didn't buy Beth's reaction to her abuse. The level of abuse that she endured from her husband didn't match up with how her character was written. I mean, she was fucking TORTURED by that man, but a year later, after running for her life, she was already back in bdsm clubs. Yeah, she avoided experienced Doms, but immediately after being forced to get one, she gets turned on and is drawn to him. After a couple nights, she agrees to go out with him, right after that she agrees to attend his bdsm party at his house. I just would've liked a little more caution. The last Dom she fell for she married and he tortured her half to death, but she jumps head first into it with Nolan. Smh At least she never met him anywhere they were completely alone. That's the only thing I can give her props for, tbh.
Ugh, and that bdsm party that Nolan threw. Look the D/s thing in the bedroom is fine, but when the subs have to sit on the ground by their Doms feet and stay quiet while the Doms converse with each other...no. I couldn't rme enough when Beth begged Nolan if her and the other subs could go have ~girl talk~ at the other table. Smh
Look, and don't get me started on what happened after she was drugged, kidnapped, and tortured again by her husband. Like, Beth wasn't even phased by it. Where's the damn psychiatrist? Where's the counseling? I mean, isn't Z a damn psychiatrist? Why didn't he recommend someone for her to talk to? Why wasn't her mental health brought up? Only thing that was mentioned was nightmares and how her and Nolan would get through them together. Lol What a joke. Oh, and apparently the two weeks she spent living with Nolan after the kidnapping involved constant sex... Really? I mean, 'cause her back was sliced up from a whip. Some of the wounds needed stitches... The knife wound on her stomach also needed stitches... Also, let's not forget that she refused pain medicine, so... She was just having constant sex while healing from gashes on her back and stomach without the aid of pain meds. Okay. Plus, three weeks after the attack she was back in the club as if nothing happened. What a brave little rabbit...
UGH. Most annoying shit ever. In the first book of the series, there was an overuse of "kitten." I didn't read the second book yet, so I have no idea what annoying endearment was used, but I know it's going to piss me off.
This book was just ridiculous. I didn't buy Beth's reaction to her abuse. The level of abuse that she endured from her husband didn't match up with how her character was written. I mean, she was fucking TORTURED by that man, but a year later, after running for her life, she was already back in bdsm clubs. Yeah, she avoided experienced Doms, but immediately after being forced to get one, she gets turned on and is drawn to him. After a couple nights, she agrees to go out with him, right after that she agrees to attend his bdsm party at his house. I just would've liked a little more caution. The last Dom she fell for she married and he tortured her half to death, but she jumps head first into it with Nolan. Smh At least she never met him anywhere they were completely alone. That's the only thing I can give her props for, tbh.
Ugh, and that bdsm party that Nolan threw. Look the D/s thing in the bedroom is fine, but when the subs have to sit on the ground by their Doms feet and stay quiet while the Doms converse with each other...no. I couldn't rme enough when Beth begged Nolan if her and the other subs could go have ~girl talk~ at the other table. Smh
Look, and don't get me started on what happened after she was drugged, kidnapped, and tortured again by her husband. Like, Beth wasn't even phased by it. Where's the damn psychiatrist? Where's the counseling? I mean, isn't Z a damn psychiatrist? Why didn't he recommend someone for her to talk to? Why wasn't her mental health brought up? Only thing that was mentioned was nightmares and how her and Nolan would get through them together. Lol What a joke. Oh, and apparently the two weeks she spent living with Nolan after the kidnapping involved constant sex... Really? I mean, 'cause her back was sliced up from a whip. Some of the wounds needed stitches... The knife wound on her stomach also needed stitches... Also, let's not forget that she refused pain medicine, so... She was just having constant sex while healing from gashes on her back and stomach without the aid of pain meds. Okay. Plus, three weeks after the attack she was back in the club as if nothing happened. What a brave little rabbit...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2014
♥♥♥ 3.5 Stars ♥♥♥
This story follows Beth, a woman scarred by the abuse of her monster of a husband. She is free from him but she doesn't really feel all that free. She hasn't felt like a woman in a long time. She goes to Club Shadowlands hoping to feel arousal again, but she can't seem to get past the fear of her past. That all changes when Master Nolan takes her on as his sub.
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"She was happy, she realized. In fact, she'd felt happier today than in...in years (...) being with Nolan was different. She could really care about him.'
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I feel like these stories start out in sort of the same fashion. Except for the fact that Beth seems really broken. She wasn't as feisty as the heroines in the first two books. But the fact that she was in an abusive relationship once and trying to get over it, is what really got my attention. She had trust issues as a result, which was understandable. I just didn't get why she didn't see a therapist or something so she could heal. While it was great having the sexy Master Nolan help her become more sexually uninhibited, I'm not sure if that would exactly cure her traumatic past.
Master Nolan was all kinds of hot, which I'm noticing that Cherise Sinclair seems to like to write all of her heroes in this series to be. I really liked him and how protective and sweet he was with Beth. I did have a few problems, though, and this was just a problem of personal preference. While, I have been loving the steam in this series, this one I had more trouble with for some reason. I totally don't mind reading stories with ménage in them, but in this book it seemed all about the sex and with no emotional connection. Which kind of sucked for me. However, I will admit that any scenes with Nolan and Beth were still pretty freaking steamy.
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"Yes, you. My little rabbit. My sub. I love you, Beth."
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It was a bit of a slow start for me in this one, but near the end things did get a lot more interesting. I liked the side plot that was in this book, it might have been a bit predictable but it held my attention. I'm still waiting to see if one of the books of the series will have more focus on the relationship. I'd like to see and feel the relationship grow slowly, and not too fast. While I did like some things in this book more than I did the previous books, I also disliked things about it that I didn't the last two. I'm not giving up on this series because for the most part I am liking it, plus I know it gets better so I can't wait to read the next books.
July 17, 2011
Well, Mrs. Sinclair you are just upping your game aren’t you?
Now first I have to say, for most people, people that have no internal understanding of the BDSM lifestyle this particular book in the series, they would not understand at all!
The heroine is a domestic abuse victim. She was previous married to a Dom that got off on inflicting sever pain (Broken bones, cutting) on his wife in order to get off himself. In the defense of the lifestyle I have to say that this is not common but it does happen. The whole idea of this storyline and what I think people won’t take away from this story is that it is the one with the largest amount of trust involved. Beth not only still wanted to be restrained and controlled, but she still found the slight level of pain that a flogging brought as still a turn on. However, in a very brilliantly written scene, Nolan, the Dom, and if I may say my favorite Dom to date, tests Beth’s limits with a flogging in his own home.
He watches her, he gauges her reactions and realizes that she is not calling yellow when she should be. He audibly drops the flogger for her to hear it hit the floor and goes to her and tells her she should be saying yellow. For those of us that live this, know that Nolan is the BEST Dom to have, to have caught that. Sinclair then proceeds to lighten the scene with a game that follows.
I think that as this series moves forward she has opened her mind to not only the deep inner challenges of being a Dom or a sub with abuse issues, but she is starting to up her game with the storyline. When you are involved in a world where you need that sort of extreme to be sexually happy you are inevitably going to come across those that take advantage of it (Beth’s husband). I like that she wrote this. I appreciate that while she says “This is who you are, embrace it, but please be careful!” I don’t think any books in the series could carry a better lesson! This was my favorite book in the series. I think if I have to put myself as one of the subs so far I am very much like Beth, I am so willing its sick LOL! However, I have incredibly bratty moments, that is where Gabi comes in (book 5)
Now first I have to say, for most people, people that have no internal understanding of the BDSM lifestyle this particular book in the series, they would not understand at all!
The heroine is a domestic abuse victim. She was previous married to a Dom that got off on inflicting sever pain (Broken bones, cutting) on his wife in order to get off himself. In the defense of the lifestyle I have to say that this is not common but it does happen. The whole idea of this storyline and what I think people won’t take away from this story is that it is the one with the largest amount of trust involved. Beth not only still wanted to be restrained and controlled, but she still found the slight level of pain that a flogging brought as still a turn on. However, in a very brilliantly written scene, Nolan, the Dom, and if I may say my favorite Dom to date, tests Beth’s limits with a flogging in his own home.
He watches her, he gauges her reactions and realizes that she is not calling yellow when she should be. He audibly drops the flogger for her to hear it hit the floor and goes to her and tells her she should be saying yellow. For those of us that live this, know that Nolan is the BEST Dom to have, to have caught that. Sinclair then proceeds to lighten the scene with a game that follows.
I think that as this series moves forward she has opened her mind to not only the deep inner challenges of being a Dom or a sub with abuse issues, but she is starting to up her game with the storyline. When you are involved in a world where you need that sort of extreme to be sexually happy you are inevitably going to come across those that take advantage of it (Beth’s husband). I like that she wrote this. I appreciate that while she says “This is who you are, embrace it, but please be careful!” I don’t think any books in the series could carry a better lesson! This was my favorite book in the series. I think if I have to put myself as one of the subs so far I am very much like Beth, I am so willing its sick LOL! However, I have incredibly bratty moments, that is where Gabi comes in (book 5)
September 28, 2014
Too bored to write a review. The book was awesome. It also had some kind of "story" unlike the other 2 books which went along the lines of...
1)Dom Boy sees Sub Girl
2)Sub Girl sees Dom Boy
3)DB gets a hard on
4)SG gets wet panties
5)DB ties and beats/teases/sexes up SG
6)100 pages of kinky sex
7)The End.
This one had a few plot twists and a fuller romance. The connection between the heroes was more pronounced and there were the magic "L" words after all their shit was done so I loved everything about it.
PS. Z is still my fav although Cullen rises steadily for the title.
1)Dom Boy sees Sub Girl
2)Sub Girl sees Dom Boy
3)DB gets a hard on
4)SG gets wet panties
5)DB ties and beats/teases/sexes up SG
6)100 pages of kinky sex
7)The End.
This one had a few plot twists and a fuller romance. The connection between the heroes was more pronounced and there were the magic "L" words after all their shit was done so I loved everything about it.
PS. Z is still my fav although Cullen rises steadily for the title.
October 2, 2011
Personally, I'm not a fan of this series. The only reason this book received 3 stars is because of the ending. It was fantastic! Not to mention, Ms. Sinclair is a superb erotic writer.
However, the public sharing, public humiliation, group menages, and sadistic violence (side plot) that took place in this book went beyond what I'm comfortable with or enjoy reading. Needless to say, I'm not sure I'll be continuing the series.
I'm grateful The Dom's Dungeon and Mountain Masters series were my first experience reading Cherise Sinclair. Had I started the Masters of the Shadowlands series first, I'm not sure I'd given Ms. Sinclair's other books a chance. And that would have been a shame. I'd have missed out on two of my favorite books.
However, the public sharing, public humiliation, group menages, and sadistic violence (side plot) that took place in this book went beyond what I'm comfortable with or enjoy reading. Needless to say, I'm not sure I'll be continuing the series.
I'm grateful The Dom's Dungeon and Mountain Masters series were my first experience reading Cherise Sinclair. Had I started the Masters of the Shadowlands series first, I'm not sure I'd given Ms. Sinclair's other books a chance. And that would have been a shame. I'd have missed out on two of my favorite books.
September 4, 2012
I can suspend my disbelief. I did it for the first book of the series and it worked like a charm, because the sex scenes were really nice. After all, it wasn't such a big deal -girl uninitiated to the scene gets thrown in, likes it, yada yada. Sure, it's unrealistic, but it's not dangerously unrealistic. However, Breaking Free is different. Beth, the main character, has been through horrible abuse in the past, and she finds it hard to submit to various Doms. Not to say the narrative wasn't nice, but it kinda ruined it for me that all I could think of was how badly she needed to see a therapist. Domestic violence, especially on the level described in this book (hint: really fuckin bad) is no laughing matter, and I wish the author had done her research. Maybe then she wouldn't offer sex/love as a stand-alone panacea for all ills.
Seriously, even a simple mention of a therapist in Beth's life would suffice. It'd definitely get 3 stars from me then. Now I just want to forget that the Masters of the Shadowlands series includes this book.
Seriously, even a simple mention of a therapist in Beth's life would suffice. It'd definitely get 3 stars from me then. Now I just want to forget that the Masters of the Shadowlands series includes this book.
May 9, 2012
Posted on Under the Covers
I feel like I should be addressing Cherise with Master because she really is a master storyteller. Each book in her Masters of the Shadowlands series gets better than the one before.
In BREAKING FREE, Master Nolan, the darkly seductive contractor finds a lovely submissive in Beth.
However, after two years of being abused by her sadist husband, Klyer Stanton, Beth finds it difficult to trust someone completely and with good reason! Upon her skin, Beth wears the trauma that has been dealt her way. Scars mar her body and Master Nolan can’t help but feel for her.
Out of all the books so far, Beth had the most distance to travel emotionally. She has her BDSM kink and nothing will ever change that, but with the abuse she has endured, it takes a careful hand like Master Nolan’s to coax the scared little rabbit.
This book is by far my favourite in the series so far. Master Nolan is a great Dom who puts the needs of his sub first and is so attentive to her needs that he already knows what she is feeling before Beth does. There is one particular scene where even before Beth can call out “yellow”, the warning signal to slow down, Nolan is already pulling back before those words leave her lips. This is why Master Nolan is the best Dom so far. I absolutely adore him.
Cherise does a fantastic job of developing this unbreakable bond between Beth and Nolan. I think this is the best part of the book. It’s the fact that Beth learns to trust Nolan in slow increments that makes this book so damn good! As you read, you can sense the subtle changes in Beth, how she learns to control her anxiety and fears, how she and Nolan talk about their relationship and feelings. I felt like I was watching Beth bloom into something beautiful and strong. Nolan was the main reason for that change.
There is also the added suspense subplot that picked up the pacing of this story and really made this story go from good to great! I always love some suspense with my BDSM reads and Cherise really delivers.
I’m reading LEAN ON ME next, which is Cullen’s story! It’s about time, I say.
I feel like I should be addressing Cherise with Master because she really is a master storyteller. Each book in her Masters of the Shadowlands series gets better than the one before.
In BREAKING FREE, Master Nolan, the darkly seductive contractor finds a lovely submissive in Beth.
However, after two years of being abused by her sadist husband, Klyer Stanton, Beth finds it difficult to trust someone completely and with good reason! Upon her skin, Beth wears the trauma that has been dealt her way. Scars mar her body and Master Nolan can’t help but feel for her.
Out of all the books so far, Beth had the most distance to travel emotionally. She has her BDSM kink and nothing will ever change that, but with the abuse she has endured, it takes a careful hand like Master Nolan’s to coax the scared little rabbit.
This book is by far my favourite in the series so far. Master Nolan is a great Dom who puts the needs of his sub first and is so attentive to her needs that he already knows what she is feeling before Beth does. There is one particular scene where even before Beth can call out “yellow”, the warning signal to slow down, Nolan is already pulling back before those words leave her lips. This is why Master Nolan is the best Dom so far. I absolutely adore him.
Cherise does a fantastic job of developing this unbreakable bond between Beth and Nolan. I think this is the best part of the book. It’s the fact that Beth learns to trust Nolan in slow increments that makes this book so damn good! As you read, you can sense the subtle changes in Beth, how she learns to control her anxiety and fears, how she and Nolan talk about their relationship and feelings. I felt like I was watching Beth bloom into something beautiful and strong. Nolan was the main reason for that change.
There is also the added suspense subplot that picked up the pacing of this story and really made this story go from good to great! I always love some suspense with my BDSM reads and Cherise really delivers.
I’m reading LEAN ON ME next, which is Cullen’s story! It’s about time, I say.
April 11, 2024
I really adored Nolan and Beth's story. Not only is there good writing, there was plot development, character growth, time spent on showing a relationship being built and some very innovative and interesting kink scenes. The play party at Nolan's is the definition of the word "scorching". I'm surprised my kindle didn't melt from the heat of those scenes.
Whilst I very much enjoyed the first two books, this definitely felt like more of a story. This is a journey whereas they were a well linked collection of hot scenes. I think I may now seriously be addicted to this series.
Whilst I very much enjoyed the first two books, this definitely felt like more of a story. This is a journey whereas they were a well linked collection of hot scenes. I think I may now seriously be addicted to this series.
February 8, 2024
It’s official,i’m on a roll…re-reading Cherise’s books is so much fun!
Her Masters of the Shadowlands is a series i’ve read more than once,and finding out that i haven’t left a review for some is a good reason to re-read all of them.
Be warned that Breaking Free is a story that contains domestic abuse by Beth’s husband.
Beth was trying to build a new life for herself in Tampa after she ran from her sadistic husband.
She loves working with plants,and landscaping the gardens at Shadowlands allows her to play there.
Well….play….she wants to,but is scared to relinquish control after what her husband did to her.
The Doms she allows to play with her,don’t give her what she needs though….
Until Master Z has had enough,and gives her an ultimatum.
He knows what she needs,and he knows the Dom that can give her exactly that.
She will hand herself over to Master Nolan,and if she doesn’t,she’s done at Shadowlands.
But he’s the kind of Dom that scares her…..intimidating and stern,he pushes every wrong button she can think of!
Until he turns out to be what Master Z said…..and she starts to enjoy their time together.
He may be stern,but he’s exactly who she needs!
If only there wasn’t the matter of that abusive husband she can’t divorce for fear of being killed…..
Nolan reluctantly accepts Zach’s request to show the scared little rabbit what she’s missing.
Her scars and behaviour scream abuse,and he knows he’s going to have a tough time getting past the barriers she’s got to protect herself.
But the more time he spends with her,the more he starts to enjoy her company.
There’s a sweet little sub hiding behind the scars,and she starts to show more and more.
Being hurt in the past himself,he’s adamant that she’s honest with him,in everything.
And then he finds out she’s been lying to him in the worst possible way…..
Will he get his head straight and go after her?
And when she’s disappeared,will he be able to find her in time???
Loved this beautiful story the first time,and every time i’ve read it since.
Cherise has a way of giving these wonderful people what they need most.
And she does it with so much care,so much love….
Her Masters of the Shadowlands is a series i’ve read more than once,and finding out that i haven’t left a review for some is a good reason to re-read all of them.
Be warned that Breaking Free is a story that contains domestic abuse by Beth’s husband.
Beth was trying to build a new life for herself in Tampa after she ran from her sadistic husband.
She loves working with plants,and landscaping the gardens at Shadowlands allows her to play there.
Well….play….she wants to,but is scared to relinquish control after what her husband did to her.
The Doms she allows to play with her,don’t give her what she needs though….
Until Master Z has had enough,and gives her an ultimatum.
He knows what she needs,and he knows the Dom that can give her exactly that.
She will hand herself over to Master Nolan,and if she doesn’t,she’s done at Shadowlands.
But he’s the kind of Dom that scares her…..intimidating and stern,he pushes every wrong button she can think of!
Until he turns out to be what Master Z said…..and she starts to enjoy their time together.
He may be stern,but he’s exactly who she needs!
If only there wasn’t the matter of that abusive husband she can’t divorce for fear of being killed…..
Nolan reluctantly accepts Zach’s request to show the scared little rabbit what she’s missing.
Her scars and behaviour scream abuse,and he knows he’s going to have a tough time getting past the barriers she’s got to protect herself.
But the more time he spends with her,the more he starts to enjoy her company.
There’s a sweet little sub hiding behind the scars,and she starts to show more and more.
Being hurt in the past himself,he’s adamant that she’s honest with him,in everything.
And then he finds out she’s been lying to him in the worst possible way…..
Will he get his head straight and go after her?
And when she’s disappeared,will he be able to find her in time???
Loved this beautiful story the first time,and every time i’ve read it since.
Cherise has a way of giving these wonderful people what they need most.
And she does it with so much care,so much love….
July 11, 2025
Breaking Free by Cherise Sinclair
Genres: Adult, Erotica, Romance, Suspense
4.5 stars
This one has some great and very well written action/suspense and fantastic adult steamy romance.
Both MC's, Beth and Nolan are truly awesome characters. I couldn't get enough of them.
From the setting of Florida, to the BDSM world build and the two amazing main characters, you will be entranced.
Beth has some very dangerous secrets. You will find yourself rooting for her, sometimes wanting to hug her and other times wanting to shake her. But no matter what, you will love her.
Nolan is more than up to the task to take up the challenge of Beth and dig out her deadly secrets. He is also intelligent and strong enough to protect her. His character is so well written you will wish for your own personal 'Nolan'.
My only 'grip' is there was a small section that seemed to repetitive. It was in Beth's thought processes. But, it was enough to cost the story a 1/2 star and that rounds it down to 4 instead of 5 stars.
I am really hard pressed to say which I liked better, Master of the Shadowlands or Breaking Free, but I'm leaning towards Breaking Free.
It is that awesome!
Genres: Adult, Erotica, Romance, Suspense
4.5 stars
This one has some great and very well written action/suspense and fantastic adult steamy romance.
Both MC's, Beth and Nolan are truly awesome characters. I couldn't get enough of them.
From the setting of Florida, to the BDSM world build and the two amazing main characters, you will be entranced.
Beth has some very dangerous secrets. You will find yourself rooting for her, sometimes wanting to hug her and other times wanting to shake her. But no matter what, you will love her.
Nolan is more than up to the task to take up the challenge of Beth and dig out her deadly secrets. He is also intelligent and strong enough to protect her. His character is so well written you will wish for your own personal 'Nolan'.
My only 'grip' is there was a small section that seemed to repetitive. It was in Beth's thought processes. But, it was enough to cost the story a 1/2 star and that rounds it down to 4 instead of 5 stars.
I am really hard pressed to say which I liked better, Master of the Shadowlands or Breaking Free, but I'm leaning towards Breaking Free.
It is that awesome!
March 27, 2011
This is the third book in the Masters of the Shadowlands series and if possible it was the best one yet. The storyline was more complex with the added element of suspense which as a romantic suspense junkie I really enjoyed. If possible the Dom/s scenes and sex were some of the hottest ones yet...they were off the chain...errr wait there were chains involved more than once and a whole lot more. One thing Sinclair does in her stories that I like is to not repeat the same “types” of scenes in each book - there’s always a new variation to captivate and titillate. In addition to being some of the most gorgeous, intuitive and alpha men on the planet - these Masters are very inventive when it comes to playing games and doling out punishment. Somebody turn on the fan - it’s getting hot in here!
Beth is on the run and hiding from her abusive and sadist ex-hubby who really did some nasty things to her in the role of her Dom during their marriage. She’d tried leaving him once before and that didn’t end too well for her and her body carries the scars as a constant reminder. She’s scared about being discovered by her ex but she refuses to stop living. Beth displayed an inner strength I admired while trying to make a go of it on her own with a small landscaping business and wow what a surprise that one of her clients is Club Shadowlands.
When Beth decided to dip her toes back into BDSM game I was sorta skeptical on how she would ever allow herself to let go and be dominated and trust anyone again to the level that is required in a Dom/s relationship considering what her Ex had done to her. I really feared for Beth at first and her return to the BDSM scene, but considering she was at the Shadowlands - I knew she was in “good hands” and those hands don’t come any better than attached to the oh so yummy Master Nolan. Not to sure what Sir would feel about me describing him as yummy - but he is!
I came to the realization that Beth was a sub at heart. It was a position she enjoyed and a lifestyle she was comfortable living and just because her previous relationship had been a train wreck - her desire to return to her roots was understandable. I realized it would be no different than a straight woman in an abusive relationship - she wouldn’t turn into a lesbian or a homosexual man wouldn’t turn straight. The heart wants what the heart wants and Beth wanted to be dominated.
As I stated earlier I loved the added element of the suspense. Knowing Beth’s husband was out there looking for her and it was only a matter of time before he found her kept me turning the pages...ohhhhh that and a lot of other things made me race through this book. Let me just say that Master Nolan knows how to throw an intimate house party with some pretty hot and sexy party games *fans self* *fans self* *fans self*.
Finally I was over the moon at the ending. Justice was served and if this had been a movie, then the theatre-goers would have been standing and cheering at the end. What goes around, comes around loser ex-hubby!
Beth is on the run and hiding from her abusive and sadist ex-hubby who really did some nasty things to her in the role of her Dom during their marriage. She’d tried leaving him once before and that didn’t end too well for her and her body carries the scars as a constant reminder. She’s scared about being discovered by her ex but she refuses to stop living. Beth displayed an inner strength I admired while trying to make a go of it on her own with a small landscaping business and wow what a surprise that one of her clients is Club Shadowlands.
When Beth decided to dip her toes back into BDSM game I was sorta skeptical on how she would ever allow herself to let go and be dominated and trust anyone again to the level that is required in a Dom/s relationship considering what her Ex had done to her. I really feared for Beth at first and her return to the BDSM scene, but considering she was at the Shadowlands - I knew she was in “good hands” and those hands don’t come any better than attached to the oh so yummy Master Nolan. Not to sure what Sir would feel about me describing him as yummy - but he is!
I came to the realization that Beth was a sub at heart. It was a position she enjoyed and a lifestyle she was comfortable living and just because her previous relationship had been a train wreck - her desire to return to her roots was understandable. I realized it would be no different than a straight woman in an abusive relationship - she wouldn’t turn into a lesbian or a homosexual man wouldn’t turn straight. The heart wants what the heart wants and Beth wanted to be dominated.
As I stated earlier I loved the added element of the suspense. Knowing Beth’s husband was out there looking for her and it was only a matter of time before he found her kept me turning the pages...ohhhhh that and a lot of other things made me race through this book. Let me just say that Master Nolan knows how to throw an intimate house party with some pretty hot and sexy party games *fans self* *fans self* *fans self*.
Finally I was over the moon at the ending. Justice was served and if this had been a movie, then the theatre-goers would have been standing and cheering at the end. What goes around, comes around loser ex-hubby!
September 13, 2018
Ha sido fantástico conocer al Maestro Nolan, hombre duro si los hay, aunque la pequeña Beth no se queda atrás, ha pasado por las suyas y es una mujer fuerte, pero realmente necesita a un Dom que esté ahí para ella y Nolan resultó el ideal, me ha encantado la pareja que hacen. Así que sigo super enganchada a esta saga XD
Luego de la relectura he podido ver muchos más detalles de los protagonistas que me ha hecho quererlos mucho más, en especial las debilidades que se ven tras la superficie y que hacen que parezcan mucho más reales.
Y la escena dramática hacia el final me ha calado muchísimo más.
Vuelto a releer, me pegaron un poco más las situaciones dramáticas, y eso que sabía lo que venía. Y había olvidado un poco ese final tan romántico. Obviamente ahora espero con ansias releer el siguiente libro XD
Luego de la relectura he podido ver muchos más detalles de los protagonistas que me ha hecho quererlos mucho más, en especial las debilidades que se ven tras la superficie y que hacen que parezcan mucho más reales.
Y la escena dramática hacia el final me ha calado muchísimo más.
Vuelto a releer, me pegaron un poco más las situaciones dramáticas, y eso que sabía lo que venía. Y había olvidado un poco ese final tan romántico. Obviamente ahora espero con ansias releer el siguiente libro XD
February 14, 2013
Loved Master Nolan!! This series gets better & better!!!!!
April 22, 2011
3 ½ stars. Story is better than most erotic books. There is a lot of public nudity, sex, bondage, and pain.
STORY BRIEF:
Beth was a submissive – liked being dominated. She married Kyler a sadist. He burned her, crushed her fingers and left scars from whips and knives all over her body. She ran away and is in hiding. She provides gardening services. She comes to the Shadowlands bdsm club. She has a long list of what she will not accept from Doms, but she is never sexually aroused by them. Master Z asks Nolan if he’s up to the challenge to try to fix her. He is. Master Z tells Beth that if she refuses or quits on Nolan, she will not be allowed at the club anymore. The first thing Nolan does is throw away her list. Through much of the book she acts like a frightened rabbit. Nolan calls her “little rabbit.” Nolan kisses her lovingly and plays with her breasts a lot. Instead of whipping her as a punishment Nolan displays her and plays with her in front of others. There’s very little sexual release for the guys, since most of the sex is Nolan and others tying up, touching and playing with the girls (their subs).
A secondary story is Kyler searching for Beth and getting close. He plans to damage her in a way that will prevent her from ever leaving him again.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
The story is pretty good – better than a lot of erotic books. I accepted the reason the couple separated which is usually the weakest part of the story. I could understand Nolan’s knee-jerk angry response. I had trouble deciding between 3 and 4 stars. I ended up with 3 because I don’t expect to read it again, and I can’t say it was “really good.” It had some good parts. I love seeing revenge and justice, so I really liked the ending.
This is a Dom/sub story. Lots of embarrassing public displays of nudity and sex. I was uncomfortable with some of the Dom/sub scenes, but it was arousing in ways. There is some rear door activity and a ménage scene. It’s not the hottest that I’ve read – maybe because I prefer a little more emotional draw for the sex.
It was nice seeing how Nolan was so loving, gentle, and protective of Beth. She was always afraid he would hurt her, but pain from him was mild with pleasurable results.
I give the author credit for one play scene that was different. Nolan organized a game at his home. Three male Doms brought their subs (girlfriends) who were naked. Sexual vibrating toys were inserted and attached to the subs. The subs were then required to walk around the swimming pool bringing drinks to the men. The fastest won a reward. The slowest got punished. Any spills got punished. The three men were doing the punishments and rewards to different subs, not just their own.
DATA:
Story length: 243 pages. Swearing language: mild, including religious swear words. Sexual language: strong/erotic. Approximate number of sex scenes: 14. Estimated number of sex scene pages: 58 plus additional bondage and sexual play pages. Setting: current day Tampa, Florida. Copyright: 2010. Genre: erotic contemporary romance.
STORY BRIEF:
Beth was a submissive – liked being dominated. She married Kyler a sadist. He burned her, crushed her fingers and left scars from whips and knives all over her body. She ran away and is in hiding. She provides gardening services. She comes to the Shadowlands bdsm club. She has a long list of what she will not accept from Doms, but she is never sexually aroused by them. Master Z asks Nolan if he’s up to the challenge to try to fix her. He is. Master Z tells Beth that if she refuses or quits on Nolan, she will not be allowed at the club anymore. The first thing Nolan does is throw away her list. Through much of the book she acts like a frightened rabbit. Nolan calls her “little rabbit.” Nolan kisses her lovingly and plays with her breasts a lot. Instead of whipping her as a punishment Nolan displays her and plays with her in front of others. There’s very little sexual release for the guys, since most of the sex is Nolan and others tying up, touching and playing with the girls (their subs).
A secondary story is Kyler searching for Beth and getting close. He plans to damage her in a way that will prevent her from ever leaving him again.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
The story is pretty good – better than a lot of erotic books. I accepted the reason the couple separated which is usually the weakest part of the story. I could understand Nolan’s knee-jerk angry response. I had trouble deciding between 3 and 4 stars. I ended up with 3 because I don’t expect to read it again, and I can’t say it was “really good.” It had some good parts. I love seeing revenge and justice, so I really liked the ending.
This is a Dom/sub story. Lots of embarrassing public displays of nudity and sex. I was uncomfortable with some of the Dom/sub scenes, but it was arousing in ways. There is some rear door activity and a ménage scene. It’s not the hottest that I’ve read – maybe because I prefer a little more emotional draw for the sex.
It was nice seeing how Nolan was so loving, gentle, and protective of Beth. She was always afraid he would hurt her, but pain from him was mild with pleasurable results.
I give the author credit for one play scene that was different. Nolan organized a game at his home. Three male Doms brought their subs (girlfriends) who were naked. Sexual vibrating toys were inserted and attached to the subs. The subs were then required to walk around the swimming pool bringing drinks to the men. The fastest won a reward. The slowest got punished. Any spills got punished. The three men were doing the punishments and rewards to different subs, not just their own.
DATA:
Story length: 243 pages. Swearing language: mild, including religious swear words. Sexual language: strong/erotic. Approximate number of sex scenes: 14. Estimated number of sex scene pages: 58 plus additional bondage and sexual play pages. Setting: current day Tampa, Florida. Copyright: 2010. Genre: erotic contemporary romance.
November 30, 2012
You have to love Nolan! This book was wonderful!
Beth is a difficult sub at first, but for good reason. She was physically abused(to the extreme) by her last dom/ex husband Kyler. She ran away from him leaving California and coming to Tampa. She ends up at the Shadowlands. Due to her former abuse, she finds it very hard to trust any dom, let a lone feel any pleasure at all. Master Z finds this upsetting(love me some Master Z :D) and gives Beth an ultimatum: Try with any dom of his choosing(really try) or he will revoke her membership... Enter Master Nolan(sigh). Master Nolan has scars of his own, a little tough around the edges, but he knows just what Beth needs. Loved Beth and Nolan together, seeing their relationship blossom. Then, towards the end, Kyler comes back in the picture... hop aboard the crazy train... I actually really loved the ending. This was one of my most favorite Shadowlands books, though they all are excellent.
"Feel good?" he asked, "Oh, yes." He chuckled. "Not good enough if you can still talk."
Holy hotness! Cherise Sinclair writes the best bdsm books! If you haven't read the Master's of the Shadowlands, you are missing out!!!
Beth is a difficult sub at first, but for good reason. She was physically abused(to the extreme) by her last dom/ex husband Kyler. She ran away from him leaving California and coming to Tampa. She ends up at the Shadowlands. Due to her former abuse, she finds it very hard to trust any dom, let a lone feel any pleasure at all. Master Z finds this upsetting(love me some Master Z :D) and gives Beth an ultimatum: Try with any dom of his choosing(really try) or he will revoke her membership... Enter Master Nolan(sigh). Master Nolan has scars of his own, a little tough around the edges, but he knows just what Beth needs. Loved Beth and Nolan together, seeing their relationship blossom. Then, towards the end, Kyler comes back in the picture... hop aboard the crazy train... I actually really loved the ending. This was one of my most favorite Shadowlands books, though they all are excellent.
"Feel good?" he asked, "Oh, yes." He chuckled. "Not good enough if you can still talk."
Holy hotness! Cherise Sinclair writes the best bdsm books! If you haven't read the Master's of the Shadowlands, you are missing out!!!
January 14, 2014
I read this as part of The Seduction in the Sun Box Set, but I decided to review the books individually.
As soon as I started this book, it seemed familiar. Turns out I read it about a year ago. I re-read it (skimming occasionally) to see if I liked it any better than the 2 stars I originally gave it. I didn't.
Beth didn't need a Dom, she needed massive amounts of therapy. The abuse (torture, really) she suffered was awful! I find it hard to believe that lots of embarrassment/humiliation, public sex and group sex parties are what she needs to get over her past. And the condescending pet names (little rabbit, sugar) set my teeth on edge.
Nolan's over-reaction to her "lying" was so ridiculous, I was actually hoping she would run away.
The scene in the cabin with her ex-husband and the aftermath was just too much. I need at least some believability here! Two weeks later, and she's just fine? I don't think so.
As soon as I started this book, it seemed familiar. Turns out I read it about a year ago. I re-read it (skimming occasionally) to see if I liked it any better than the 2 stars I originally gave it. I didn't.
Beth didn't need a Dom, she needed massive amounts of therapy. The abuse (torture, really) she suffered was awful! I find it hard to believe that lots of embarrassment/humiliation, public sex and group sex parties are what she needs to get over her past. And the condescending pet names (little rabbit, sugar) set my teeth on edge.
Nolan's over-reaction to her "lying" was so ridiculous, I was actually hoping she would run away.
The scene in the cabin with her ex-husband and the aftermath was just too much. I need at least some believability here! Two weeks later, and she's just fine? I don't think so.
March 9, 2012
In a word: Intense! At times heartbreaking, this was very different than the first two books. It had a much more serious tone, as the sub in this book was viciously beaten by her husband a year prior to the beginning of the story. Nolan is described as a big, dark, scary looking quiet Dom. And he is, but he's also such a patient, good man.
Very well written, definitely still pushing toward the edge of my comfort zone when it comes to the exhibitionism and a few other smaller details. But I see the appeal. The trust level between the D/s has to be rock solid, and Nolan had to work awfully hard. I actually teared up once. I think people tend to build walls around their emotions, and Nolan wouldn't let Beth keep anything from him. He does it so perfectly, though, that she finally feels strong enough to allow for her vulnerability to show.
Very well written, definitely still pushing toward the edge of my comfort zone when it comes to the exhibitionism and a few other smaller details. But I see the appeal. The trust level between the D/s has to be rock solid, and Nolan had to work awfully hard. I actually teared up once. I think people tend to build walls around their emotions, and Nolan wouldn't let Beth keep anything from him. He does it so perfectly, though, that she finally feels strong enough to allow for her vulnerability to show.
June 7, 2012
Wow. I loved Breaking Free and it's in my top 5 BDSM favorites.
What an amazing story about a damaged, abused, hurt sub named Beth and how a strong and serious dom named Nolan, tries to help her and heal her. I could feel the connection between the two of them from their first encounter. Hot and sexy with a touch of suspense. Loved it!
For those of you that are confused about BDSM or turned off by it, this book details a positive Dom/sub relationship and how BDSM can be used to transform and heal.
What an amazing story about a damaged, abused, hurt sub named Beth and how a strong and serious dom named Nolan, tries to help her and heal her. I could feel the connection between the two of them from their first encounter. Hot and sexy with a touch of suspense. Loved it!
For those of you that are confused about BDSM or turned off by it, this book details a positive Dom/sub relationship and how BDSM can be used to transform and heal.
April 2, 2013
This book was GREAT. I think when Master Z proposed his ultimatum to Beth, he may have just saved her life...in several ways which I won't spoil. I have no idea how in the world BDSM and a D/s relationship can be therapy for a abusive marriage where the woman is beaten within an inch of her life, but it sure seemed to be that way for Beth with Nolan. He taught her to trust again, to love again, to feel beautiful and sexy again, and to be happy again. And to have an orgasm again. A LOT. I really, REALLY loved this story so much. The more and more I read about the Masters of the Shadowlands, the more and more I fall in love with this series. And it's SOOO neat to see the characters of the past books making an appearance...makes this seem like more of a series. Now I wished I had waited to read Make Me, Sir now, even though reading this series in order isn't critical. I just may have to go back and read about Master Marcus and Gabi again so I can read about Dan/Kari and Beth/Nolan again since I remember that they made significant appearances in that book. This is a really strong BDSM read without any edge play. Just like the rest of the series, it's fun, sexy, romantic, and I love watching the Doms fall in love when they meet the right sub. Awesome, awesome book.
March 3, 2011
Cherise Sinclair is an erotic romance force to be reckoned with. With every book she sucks me in to the story until I can't turn the pages fast enough--and that's even though some of the subject material is uncomfortable for me. I'm not personally a fan of scenes where the heroine is punished/humiliated, but the Doms in Sinclair's books are so damn hot and good at what they do, and she carefully balances the harsher side of BDSM with an aching tenderness that's just plain addictive.
I've read all the Shadowlands books, and this one was by far my favorite. Master Nolan's combination of control and gentleness melted me, plus he's ex-military, which I love :)
I highly recommend Ms. Sinclair's books to everyone that loves erotic romance, even if they're not BDSM fans. She'll win you over, I swear!
I've read all the Shadowlands books, and this one was by far my favorite. Master Nolan's combination of control and gentleness melted me, plus he's ex-military, which I love :)
I highly recommend Ms. Sinclair's books to everyone that loves erotic romance, even if they're not BDSM fans. She'll win you over, I swear!
June 25, 2012
Another one from Cherise that I could not put down!!! I was pleasantly surprised by Nolan; He may be gruff but on the inside he is so patient and gentle in his own way.
I really liked this storyline and how vulnerable Beth was and yet she was still a fighter no matter what she had been through with her husband. When she became kidnapped by him and he was able to beat her, I was on the edge of my seat waiting for Nolan to come save her... THis is what I love about Cherise's books...they aren't just BDSM they have such a good story as well.
On to the next story in the series and I do look forward to it!!
I really liked this storyline and how vulnerable Beth was and yet she was still a fighter no matter what she had been through with her husband. When she became kidnapped by him and he was able to beat her, I was on the edge of my seat waiting for Nolan to come save her... THis is what I love about Cherise's books...they aren't just BDSM they have such a good story as well.
On to the next story in the series and I do look forward to it!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2011
Nolan's story did not disappoint. There is no way a girl could not just love these alpha men (Doms). Master Nolan turned out to be very compassionate & caring in contrast to his hard exterior. Early in the story he discovers that he longs to have a life partner not just bdsm partnership. Taking Beth as challenged request from Master Z to help her overcome a very painful past that is inhabiting her ability to satisfy her needs. Master Nolan proves to be just the Dom to do it! And, damn does he ever....Beth never stood a chance. Just love the entire story & the awesome ending.
May 17, 2019
I'm really enjoying my reread of this series and this book was no exception. Beth is sweet and Nolan is scary, together they just work. As usual, 1000 kinky stars for Cherise Sinclair.
May 11, 2010
4.5 stars out of 5.0 stars
"Great characters, wonderful story. Whether you're into BDSM or not, this is the book to read! Hard to put down!"
Cherise Sinclair knew how to twist your emotions into a giant, tangled knot where you hurt along with the heroine (and root for her all the way) or melt at the gentleness and understanding exhibited by the big and strong hero who knew what she needed.
Nolan King is an irresistible hero, especially when seen through the heroine's eyes. Irresistible not because of his looks or gorgeous figure, but for his qualities--the care he took for his subs, his patience and his genuine desire to give them what they need. He exudes power and authority, and more importantly, competence. I'm not into BDSM and I don't know squat about it, but if all the Doms were like Nolan, I wouldn't mind trying it out.
Beth comes across as wild and feral and fragile, all due to a deep-seated fear (with good cause), and I was happy to see her bloom under Nolan's care. Her past and her vulnerability really tug at my heart. No woman should suffer so, yet we know there are not a few women who were in such abusive situations. Cherise Sinclair captured Beth's emotional conflict and journey perfectly, and in the end, Beth discovers that the human spirit is more resilient than she thinks.
As a person who isn't in the Lifestyle, I'm glad I read this book because I believe I have gained an understanding about BDSM that I hadn't before. I have read a few stories dealing in BDSM before this, but for beginning readers on this topic, I would have to recommend this book as it gives one a rudimentary (and I hope, correct) knowledge about the subject matter without being heavy-handed about it. I do know that I'm going to read books 1 and 2 of this series as well.
I just have a slight problem with how the villain was made a non-threat, due to the hero's deliberate intent. Then again, possibly the author was showing us another side to Nolan--how he must have faced similar situations in his stint as a CIA and had thus acquired a certain ruthlessness that made him able to do what must, in his book, be done.
That said, I enjoyed the story and in fact, I have books 1 and 2 in my laptop and I'm looking forward to reading them while I wait for book 4, Lean on Me, Cullen's story (coming March 30).
Reviewed by Silver
"Great characters, wonderful story. Whether you're into BDSM or not, this is the book to read! Hard to put down!"
Cherise Sinclair knew how to twist your emotions into a giant, tangled knot where you hurt along with the heroine (and root for her all the way) or melt at the gentleness and understanding exhibited by the big and strong hero who knew what she needed.
Nolan King is an irresistible hero, especially when seen through the heroine's eyes. Irresistible not because of his looks or gorgeous figure, but for his qualities--the care he took for his subs, his patience and his genuine desire to give them what they need. He exudes power and authority, and more importantly, competence. I'm not into BDSM and I don't know squat about it, but if all the Doms were like Nolan, I wouldn't mind trying it out.
Beth comes across as wild and feral and fragile, all due to a deep-seated fear (with good cause), and I was happy to see her bloom under Nolan's care. Her past and her vulnerability really tug at my heart. No woman should suffer so, yet we know there are not a few women who were in such abusive situations. Cherise Sinclair captured Beth's emotional conflict and journey perfectly, and in the end, Beth discovers that the human spirit is more resilient than she thinks.
As a person who isn't in the Lifestyle, I'm glad I read this book because I believe I have gained an understanding about BDSM that I hadn't before. I have read a few stories dealing in BDSM before this, but for beginning readers on this topic, I would have to recommend this book as it gives one a rudimentary (and I hope, correct) knowledge about the subject matter without being heavy-handed about it. I do know that I'm going to read books 1 and 2 of this series as well.
I just have a slight problem with how the villain was made a non-threat, due to the hero's deliberate intent. Then again, possibly the author was showing us another side to Nolan--how he must have faced similar situations in his stint as a CIA and had thus acquired a certain ruthlessness that made him able to do what must, in his book, be done.
That said, I enjoyed the story and in fact, I have books 1 and 2 in my laptop and I'm looking forward to reading them while I wait for book 4, Lean on Me, Cullen's story (coming March 30).
Reviewed by Silver
August 10, 2022
Reread 2022
Very good still. I still loved Nolan and how he was so conscious of Beth at all times. He understood her fears and never once raised his voice, just waited her out and let her make her own decisions.
The break at the end hurt to read, especially knowing how far Beth had come
4.25 ⭐️
This was very well done. When a sub has suffered abuse in a previous relationship or somewhere in their past, sometimes the BDSM would just appear more abuse heaped on. Not in this case. I felt so much for Beth. Beth’s ex was the horrific Dom you read about who uses the BDSM lifestyle to abuse and torture their partner. Unfortunately for her the only men she was attracted to (dominants) were men who scared her silly due to her husbands abuse. So to combat that she was picking Doms who could not control her to protect herself. In comes master Z to the rescue, seeing her pain and wanting to help he get Nolan to take her one and see what he could do.
I thought Nolan was lovely. He was a hard Dom and loved to play, but he was also conscientious and continually watched and read Beth during scenes. I loved that time was spent to get them up to speed, and there were still things the Beth just couldn’t do. She used her safe words and he stopped and discussed where needed. He made a mistake near the end that proved costly but that was his demons he was fighting.
Because time was spent getting them together and helping Beth, these two felt more of a couple and more together than the previous books.
Very good still. I still loved Nolan and how he was so conscious of Beth at all times. He understood her fears and never once raised his voice, just waited her out and let her make her own decisions.
The break at the end hurt to read, especially knowing how far Beth had come
4.25 ⭐️
This was very well done. When a sub has suffered abuse in a previous relationship or somewhere in their past, sometimes the BDSM would just appear more abuse heaped on. Not in this case. I felt so much for Beth. Beth’s ex was the horrific Dom you read about who uses the BDSM lifestyle to abuse and torture their partner. Unfortunately for her the only men she was attracted to (dominants) were men who scared her silly due to her husbands abuse. So to combat that she was picking Doms who could not control her to protect herself. In comes master Z to the rescue, seeing her pain and wanting to help he get Nolan to take her one and see what he could do.
I thought Nolan was lovely. He was a hard Dom and loved to play, but he was also conscientious and continually watched and read Beth during scenes. I loved that time was spent to get them up to speed, and there were still things the Beth just couldn’t do. She used her safe words and he stopped and discussed where needed. He made a mistake near the end that proved costly but that was his demons he was fighting.
Because time was spent getting them together and helping Beth, these two felt more of a couple and more together than the previous books.
March 4, 2010
This is probably the most intense book so far. You have a woman that was in an abusive D/s relationship that while she eventually got out of it, it did mess with her a little mentally on what worked for her and what didn't. An outside person having to watch that would have a hard time. Thats where the story starts focusing on how her new dom is going to help her overcome that mental obstacle. I enjoy reading BDSM stories that delve a little into the emotional aspects of BDSM, not just because pain can feel good. It really is different for everybody and the mental needs a lot of the time are not really delved into in stories but Ms. Sinclair did a wonderful job showing the emotional need and how with the right instruction ( :) ) anything is possible.
The scenes are great and very hot! Each installment of the shadowlands just gets better and better and I for one can't wait for Master Cullens story......
The scenes are great and very hot! Each installment of the shadowlands just gets better and better and I for one can't wait for Master Cullens story......
February 22, 2011
This is my favorite book of this series so far!!! Nolan is so HOT & at the same time shows much compassion while remaining in control of Beth, the sub he's assigned to. In my opinion he would be the perfect Dom! Always thinking of his subs insecurities but pushing right at the comfort level patiently!
Beth had an excruciating past with her husband/Master who she is on the run from. She has so many physical & emotional scars that I have to praise her for even attempting to stay in the lifestyle.
The chemistry between Nolan & Beth is sizzling shocking both of them! Once barriers are broken the sex scenes are extremely HOT! There are many twists & turns in this book that just keep you turning the pages for more! Unlike some BDSM books there is an amazing storyline rather than just SEX! This book is definitely worth the read!
Beth had an excruciating past with her husband/Master who she is on the run from. She has so many physical & emotional scars that I have to praise her for even attempting to stay in the lifestyle.
The chemistry between Nolan & Beth is sizzling shocking both of them! Once barriers are broken the sex scenes are extremely HOT! There are many twists & turns in this book that just keep you turning the pages for more! Unlike some BDSM books there is an amazing storyline rather than just SEX! This book is definitely worth the read!
July 11, 2011
This is the 3rd in the series and they keep getting better and better. I wouldn't have thought it possible. I gobbled this one up in a day because I COULD NOT put it down. The scenes in the club still intrigue me and let me just say I'm releived none of our characters are into the true BDSM PAIN. The dungeon scenes scare me. In previous books Nolan came across as this very intense, cold, didn't want to get involved with anyone kind of person, but he won me over quick. I ended up loving everything about him and he was the perfect person for Beth. Bless her heart, that girl needed a happy ending, and was relieved with how the situation with her ex/husband turned out. Having all of these rough and tough guys become close friends and include their subs has been fun to read. All I can say is Master Z is one hell of a match maker. Oh, and I'll never think of bbq the same EVER again.
April 25, 2012
Breaking Free by Cherise Sinclair
No ‘third times a charm’ requirement for the third book in this series. They have all been charms to me and I’ve enjoyed reading them.
Master Nolan…what to say…”The man simply radiated force, his bearing supremely self-confident.” and “With him, dominant was more than a term; it was who he was to the bone.”
Beth…God was a strong woman. To have gone through HELL and kept on going. To have put herself out there again and not given up all HOPE.
And my favorite line was by Master Nolan to Beth…
“Who needs fireworks when I have you?”
No ‘third times a charm’ requirement for the third book in this series. They have all been charms to me and I’ve enjoyed reading them.
Master Nolan…what to say…”The man simply radiated force, his bearing supremely self-confident.” and “With him, dominant was more than a term; it was who he was to the bone.”
Beth…God was a strong woman. To have gone through HELL and kept on going. To have put herself out there again and not given up all HOPE.
And my favorite line was by Master Nolan to Beth…
“Who needs fireworks when I have you?”
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