Sadie Haller

Unlike the first two books in the series, I just didn't feel any love between those two. It seemed as if Charlotte had no options to negotiate/re-negotiate anything in this "relationship" and I disliked Duncan's handling of safewords. Speaking of him, he is a dick. There wasn't anything I liked about him. They IMHO had zero tenderness or aftercare. Still, written interestingly enough that I finished it.

Thumbs up for middle-aged characters who behave like adults, can tell when it is time for kink and when not, who don't fall into stereotypes outside the bedroom, but have lives, careers, interests. And it even has subplot. I liked it.

One Gold Heart by Sadie Haller
Book #1: Dominant Cord Series
Source: Netgalley
My Rating: 4½/5 stars
My Review:

For more than a decade, Mac Willis has lived in virtual isolation. She is a master oboist yet refuses to play professionally thanks to a disastrous attack that has left her with not only trust issues but also a fear of playing to an audience. Her only real contact with the outside world is her best friend, Sully, a man she would do damn-near anything for. Except play in public . . . show more .

Sully the man-whore has broken a few ribs in an effort to impress a girl and needs Mac to take his place in the Dominant Cords quintet. With the Christmas season rapidly approaching a full schedule, either Mac is in or the group loses all of their performances. Though she is terrified to take the leap, Mac agrees to medicate herself and help her friend but man is Sully going to owe her big for this!! After meeting the leader of the Dominant Cords, Sully owes Mac even bigger.

After losing his wife to an overdose, Finn Taylor has no tolerance for drugs and even less for those who use them. When Mac Willis shows up on his doorstep as Sully’s replacement in the Dominant Cord and drops the bomb that she has to be medicated to play in public, well, things don’t start off so well. Finn makes it perfectly clear to everyone present that he doesn’t approve of Mac’s choice to use drugs and if he weren’t absolutely desperate to have her, he would kick her to the curb without a second thought. Unfortunately for Finn, he does desperately need Mac, she happens to be a phenominal musician (just ask the rest of the group!) and, he is fiercly attracted to her. What is a boy to do? If you’re Finn, you call Sully and chew his ass and then ask questions 

Sully’s injury is a blessing in disguise for both Mac and Finn. Sully wants to see Mac regain some control over her life and wants to see Finn move beyond the terrible loss of his wife. From the moment Sully gets in between Mac and Finn he requires full disclosure from both. Once all the cards are on the table, Finn feels like a complete ass (and he should!) and Mac better understands Finn’s almost militant feelings. What also happens and is most unexpected is Mac and Finn coming together as more than just musicians in a quintet.

The Bottom Line: Ooooh!! I am in love with the Dominant Cord series and this is just the first book!! This read has all kinds of things I love in a read: there is a feisty female, a dominant yet caring male, a good plot, good dialogue, some naughty bits, and an HEA that is well-deserved for both characters. My only real complaint about this read is the somewhat repetitive nature of Finn’s questions once he and Mac begin to take their relationship to new levels. I totally understand his concern and the need to ask but it does become repetitive. Beyond this small complaint, I have nothing but love for the Dominant Cord series and am certainly ready for more. show less

Doctor Bad Boy
Frisky Beavers, Book 2

I Picked Up This Book Because: I’ve enjoyed Ainsley Booth’s writing and had to experience the follow up to Prime Minister with Sadie Hatler.

The Characters:

Max Donovan: Former child star turned pediatric doctor and Dom.
Violet Roberts: Lawyer and independent sub.

Co-starring: Gavin, Ellie, Lachlan, Beth.

The Story:

Max and Violet meet for what they assume will be a one night stand with a stranger but low and behold Max is relocating and Violet is show more assigned to represent his interest at his new attorney's office. A secret kinky relationship ensues.

Max and Violet’s chemistry is off the charts. I think this book dips further into kink than any other I have read. I don’t understand and see the appeal of it but the authors of this story make sure you fully understand the characters enjoyment of their scenes. For a while I thought the contact (cause there’s always a contract) between M and V were going to fall into the wrong hands and they would be exposed and have to overcome. I’m so glad I was wrong. Like really wrong. I’ll let you find out for yourself the direction of the story but I will say I’m really happy with the outcome.

The Random Thoughts:

I am more excited than words can say for book 3. That last chapter! Should I go buy it now?

4 Stars show less