Customer Reviews

Dark Master (Masters of Desire Series Book 1)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

You've probably read all the other reviews so I'll go to the part that made the book a not to be read again.

He took another woman in front of her, his perfect blood slave and had full s*x with her to the point of release. That my friends is the biggest no no in paranormal romance unless you've set it up so its ok. In this instance her transgression was to go a few feet down the stairs away from their room. No Big Deal IMO. He decided that she was to watch him take the other woman as punishment.

In PNR its ok for the lead guy to have s*x with others 'before' he takes the main gal. It's even ok if he plays around the edges of the other females even after taking main character. But unless you set up the world like in Jaid Black where the alpha males have 100's of s*x slaves and s*x is always on the table (and everywhere else) then you can't just throw in infidelity. Even in Blacks "Enslaved" books once the warrior take been inside the female he physically couldn't do that same thing to any other.

Sorry this is a rave I know but I hope this really great author never makes that mistake again. BTW this book has nothing to do with the real relationship between Doms and Subs. NOTHING. If you really want a super hot romantic read from an author who can play around the edges of fidelity and get it right then read Natural Law by Joey Hill - super hot and real BDSM book and murder mystery.

I've enjoyed other books by Tawny Taylor, so I was really looking forward to this one. The basic plot started out well, and I thought that these were characters I would like. Regan starts out independent and feisty, and seems like she will be a good challenge for Shadoe, but, in my opinion, she folds, and pretty quickly at that. Plus, I just couldn't get past Shadoe being serviced by, and finally having sex with, his "slaves" in front of Regan - all while he's supposedly trying to convince her to stay married to him. I lost all liking and respect for his character at that point. Regan doesn't like it, but doesn't say a word to him about it. I just couldn't like a female who refused to stand up to this jerk.

The sex scenes and BDSM aspects were hot until I grew disgusted with Shadoe's complete lack of fidelity or even basic respect for his wife. I know that lack of monogamy is just a "vampire thing" with some authors - Delilah Devlin, for one - but once I encounter that in a book, I usually lose interest. Regan finally leaves him, only to take him back, actually feeling guilty for shaming him in front of the other vampires by leaving him in the first place. Ughhh...

Anyway, after initially liking the characters and plot, I was just totally disappointed with the subsequent storyline and character development.

Regan Roslund is dismayed to find out that all of her money is gone. It seems that her trusted financial advisor has left her with nothing. Because of this, Regan has no choice but to assume responsibility for the bondage store that her aunt left her. It is while she is trying to get her store up and running that Regan runs across a choker that fascinates her so much she can't help but place it against her neck. As that happens, a gorgeous man suddenly appears and mesmerizes Regan to the point that she pretty much will do whatever he says. The fact that his dominate nature appeals to her hidden submissive nature helps. The only damper on their raucous affair? Regan's new lover is a vampire king and seemingly without a choice, she is his chosen queen and they both are in danger of being murdered.

Shadow Sorenson is the newly appointed king. He knows his life is in danger and that his hold on his subject is tenuous at best. Finding Regan and knowing that she is his destined queen helps because Shadow thinks that with a spouse his life will no longer be in danger. Adding in the fact that Regan is a submissive makes things even better. If only she were a bit more cooperative, but no worries thinks Shadow. He'll teach her the proper respect for his masterful seduction.

Shadow's dark mastery of Regan was quite stimulating. His total need for dominance noteworthy. His disrespect? Not so much. I wanted to like Shadow and I did until one scene in which he went from the Dom of my dreams to a complete disappointment. He wanted Regan's full submission. Most of the time he had it but as a reader, punishment in the form of sexual disrespect just does not float my boat. Had he whipped her with a chain I wouldn't have disliked him as much. Regan's character was stubborn and independent which seemed like a surprise since she was a rich girl at the beginning of the book but to me that is minor. I wish I could have been more in tune with her feelings and emotions. Those were kept tight to her chest and I never actually believed that she cared for Shadow until the very last scene.

Dark Master is my first foray into Tawny Taylor's world. I like how Dark Master was written. There weren't too many point of views and the scene changes flowed smoothly. The premise and plot of Dark Master was believable and realistic. I found myself unable to stop reading, even when upset at Shadow, until the very end and while I didn't like Shadow's actions in the one scene of Dark Master, as a whole I found the entire book quite a good read. It was hard core, dark, and full of bondage and if this is any indication of Ms. Taylor's writing style, I will be happy to read further novels penned by her.

Talia
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Totally broke, Regan Roslund makes a living selling BDSM paraphernalia from the bondage shop she inherited form her late aunt. She finds her inventory boring until passing time she puts a leather choker around her neck and dreams of its previous user, who in her fantasy leaves her in need of more.

The King of the Undead Degenen, Quinby "Shadow" Sorenson needs to marry in order to come to full power and prevent attacks on his throne. When he meets Regan, he decides she is perfect and they quickly marry undead style. However, someone wants to prevent Shadow from becoming all he can be due to sexual intensity so he goes after his Achilles' heal, Regan.

This enjoyable paranormal erotic romance is fun to follow, but has abrupt scene changes that can prove a bit jarring. Regan is an interesting protagonist as she wonders how she ended up making a living peddling sex gizmos until the Shadow shows her the fun in testing the BDSM merchandise. Fans will appreciate Regan's DARK MASTER as he teaches his beloved new spouse, sex with a bite. Even as his opponents need her dead to prevent him from gaining the exponential increase in power that sex with the woman you love engorges his species with power.

Harriet Klausner

I was really looking forward to this book because I really enjoy the BDSM subject.I have to say this was total crap,there was no affection or tenderness between the characters,how could they fall in love they had no discussion the reader could tell of anything whatsoever. No history concerning the whole vampire clan just a sentence or two about his family.Then she just nuckled under without any thought at all.Having sex in front of her this is how you show your WIFE your love.He as a D just humiliated her he was only concerned about himself not helping to find her pleasure thru Submission.Yuk

I have never written a reveiw for a book, but this book forces me to leave one to save others who usually enjoy Tawny's Books. First there was not any kind of connection between the characters he meets her they marry, have sex, fight, sex, fight some more she leaves, she submits end of story. The infidelity scene that bothers everyone, I can actually see how it fits into the book. Shadow had no emotional connection to Regan he played the part but the emotion and connection you find in most Paranormal Romances was not there. Regan was able to accept it because she really did not have any kind of emotional connection to Shadow. The plot had a lot of potential but somehow it missed the mark. The intrigue of the rebels trying to overthrow Shadow was much more interesting then the two main characters.

So, some of the sex scenes are hot but the rest? Not so much!! I enjoy reading a book with sex scenes that include some domination and submission but this book? It contains what I consider more humiliation than domination. Yeah, I know the title should have clued me in. But I have read books before that contain the whole master/slave thing and while don't really care for that the sex scenes were still hot. These scenes were all about "training" and the female basically giving up her right to do anything without permission even pee in private or wear clothes in front of others. And did I mention screwing another women to punish his "cherished" wife? If you are into the slave thing (more power to you) you will probably enjoy this book. But if your just into the domination part probably not for you.

Okay, a lot of other people did not care for this book (as you probably already saw the other reviews). It was not bad but nor was it good. I read it just because I was curious about all the reviews. The author was a little over the top for me. I love the whole BDSM subject, but in this book the woman is expected to do it 24/7. Calling him "master" and getting punished for silly things. It could have been better if the author did a few things different. She made "Shadow" seem enjoyable at the beginning but made him into a bu*t toward the end (it usually goes the other way around). You know, the whole BDSM is a great thing for a couple to enjoy every once in a while "in the bedroom/dungeon". But to live it 24/7 - what a horrible world that would be. I mean, how can someone truly love you without your personality showing and just always being a robot. Shadow really liked her for her spunk at the beginning only to beat her into a submission robot. What's the point? Shadow just needs to stick to his slaves because the author made me feel that is all he really wants.

In the book, the sex was good but not great. And Shadow "doing" other woman to punish her, really didn't make me all hot. What happened to the good old fashion "anger bang"? That would have got me going a lot more. Maybe I am old fashion with my "book porn".

Okay - I did my hissy fit so I am done.

I couldn't get into this book at all. The plot was okay, it wasn't anything that I would get overjoyed at. But what I will say is this, if you are just now getting into BDSM books you might want to start off with a lighter book. That being said I can honestly say the reading erotic books with a BDSM theme is not my cup of tea. I read the book hoping that at least it would have a decent plot line and it didn't. If you are into BDSM then you will love the sex scenes and the Dom/Sub relationship between the two main characters.

The story line is a little weird, and I am not to sure about how the couple are supposed to really end up, with him being into some kinky sex. But when they are acting like a regular couple you are drawn in to the story.