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Masters of the Shadowlands; Previous Club Shadowlands
BDSM Erotic Contemporary

After Kari breaks up with her date during Beginner's Night at Club Shadowlands, she's given the option to continue with an experienced dominant. Despite her steamy fantasies about BDSM, the inexperienced schoolteacher plans to simply observe. Yet under the unyielding hands of Master Dan, she not only participates, but gives him everything he asks for. There is nothing she can hide from him. Not her passion…or her love.

Still mourning the death of his wife, Master Dan avoids getting involved with women and he never takes a sub twice. But this modest little beginner is such a sweetie, one night is far from enough. As he plumbs her responses, taking her ever deeper into the world of BDSM, the gentle submissive begins to show him how barren his life has become and what a dark citadel he's made of his heart.

During their three nights together, the teacher will learn to submit...can she teach the master to love?

Publisher’s This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations some readers may find Anal play/intercourse, BDSM theme and content (including/not limited to bondage, caning, restraint, spanking, tethering) exhibitionism, voyeurism.

152 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 7, 2009

634 people are currently reading
7990 people want to read

About the author

Cherise Sinclair

67 books8,337 followers
A 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.

Search out Cherise in the following places:

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5 stars
8,424 (45%)
4 stars
6,650 (35%)
3 stars
2,928 (15%)
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127 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 842 reviews
Profile Image for Sophia Triad.
2,241 reviews3,764 followers
July 3, 2018
Beginners lessons at a private BDSM club.

Right... So this time, there is actually a story that takes place in Club Shadowlands. Kari is interested in the lifestyle and her wannabe boyfriend, Buck, who is also a wannabe Dom suggests that they attend some beginners lessons at the club.
Buck is pushy, Kari is overwhelmed and decides to leave the lessons. Master Z suggests a more experienced Dom for her. So, Kari becomes Master Dan's sub for the duration of the lessons.

The characters are well described in this story. Buck is a douchebag, Kari is a caring sweet person and Dan has recently lost his wife, he avoids commitment and his feelings for Kari scare him.

I had two issues in this book:
1. “Ah, sweetie, what I heard was that you didn’t say no.”
Although Kari is still an overwhelmed scared novice, Master Dan does not remind her that she has a safe word that she can use during the session. How can she remember this?
2. The door opened, and he had his answer in the big blue eyes. Surprise, delight, wonder, delight, worry. “What are you doing here?”
When Kari does not appear at the club one night, Dan gets her address from Master Z and visits her. Is it common practice to give personal information to other members of a BDSM club? It is definitely dangerous and it should be illegal – if it is not already.
Profile Image for * Meli Mel *.
856 reviews671 followers
September 17, 2014


♥♥♥ 3.5 STARS ♥♥♥





This was the second book in the Masters of Shadowland series. It was another short and steamy read, but I also felt it was quite better than the first.



This story is about a conservative high school teacher named Kari. She is dating a man named Buck, and both are interested in the BDSM scene. So, they both decide to take a beginners class at Club Shadowland. Unfortunately, things don't go so well because Buck was a total douchenozzle. Master Z saves her and decides to put her in the care of Master Dan, a more experienced Dom.

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

"Dan? Did you need something?"

"I did. I need you."

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

It had a bit of the same start as the first book, as in things moved along quite quickly, but it wasn't too overwhelming as the first. Kari may have been naive in the whole BDSM sex scene, but she was still a strong woman. For the most part I really liked her, more so than I did Jessica from the first book. It was great seeing Master Dan help Kari embrace her submissive side.





Master Dan was a cop and a Dom. But ever since the death of his wife, he no longer does commits to relationships past one night. He is ridden with guilt for her death, when it was something that was beyond his control. When he meets Kari, she brings out these strong possessive emotions out of him. Something he hadn't felt in a long time. No matter how much he tried to resist her, in the end, he just couldn't. He did have his moments, but he was so freaking delicious that I didn't care.

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

"You're mine, Kari," he growled. "My sub. My woman. Mine."

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

I enjoyed the writing and can say that this author writes some crazy HOT sex scenes. I was able to connect with characters more in this book because we are actually getting more of a story line, versus just plain sex. While this one ended with more of a conclusion, it still left me wanting so much more. I think an Epilogue would've been nice. But anyway, I really enjoyed this short steamy read, and I can't wait to continue on to the next.


Profile Image for Syndi.
3,710 reviews1,038 followers
January 11, 2020
I have so high expectation for Miss Sinclair. After all she is one of my favorite for BDSM romance theme. Now her books mostly highlight BDSM sex and minimum on the story. In this book, Miss Sinclair wrote a foreward on the beginning of the book warning her readers to be safe on BDSM world.

I found this book is lacking of steam and innovation. It feels like the story and the BDSM element is copy from the previous book. Repeating over and over again. I am bit disappointed actually.

With lack of story depth, I surely expecting hot sex as sibstitute.

3 stars
Profile Image for Isabela..
222 reviews115 followers
April 6, 2025
Más de lo mismo, pero con distintas personalidades y vistazos a Z y Jessica.
¿Por qué lo leí? Porque es condenadamente entretenido. Y probablemente me termine por leer todos si continúo así.
Profile Image for Cécile Smits .
1,459 reviews289 followers
February 5, 2024
It was a great idea to start re-reading this series,and now i can also rectify the fact that i hadn’t left a review for Dark Citadel before.
One of the reasons i loved this series is that not only do you get a new couple’s story,you also see how the others are doing.
Like Master Z and Jessica….she’s sure settled in,lol.

This is Kari and Dan’s story,she’s new to not only the club,but the scene,too.
And he’s a widower who’s still stuck in his grief after losing his wife in a car crash.
Being a cop,he was called away for work,but his wife was stubborn and went to a party without him,driving drunk aftwards…
Kari’s then boyfriend Buck signed them up for the newbie classes at the club,but acts like an asshole.
She’s given the option of following the classes with one of the attending Masters,Dan.
What follows is an eyeopener for her,even if Dan makes her uncomfortable at times.
And even though he tells her this is a onetime thing,she’s eager to learn more.
But somehow,at some point,she starts to have feelings for him…..
And it hurts,badly,to see him create a distance after each lesson,like she doesn’t mean anything to him.
Finding out his history from Jessica clears up a few things for her,but doesn’t make it better….
How to make him see he’s stuck,to make him understand his wife’s death wasn’t his fault,and it’s time for him to move on??
Profile Image for Louise H's Book Thoughts.
2,036 reviews317 followers
April 11, 2024
So continuing with my mission to re-read the Cherise Sinclair books I do own, arc commitments be damned, I've spent an enjoyable chunk of today re-familiarising myself with Master Dan and Kari.


I love how the author writes such wonderful, and believable characters. I do think in these first few books that the characterisation of the women is stronger than that of the men, though in part that could be due to spending the majority of the time in their heads. Whilst it's not surprising that I feel more of a connection to Kari (and Jessica), especially as I can identify with them on a whole host of levels, I also felt that their emotions are examined in more depth.


Master Dan was still well written and had most certainly had depth. And boy does he treat Kari to some super hot play times. So much so that I may need to buy some new batteries 😉! The kink is still fairly tame, though this had significantly more exhibitionism and mild humiliation in it, which I definitely enjoyed. Even though the whole story occured over a less than a week, the amount of time Kari and Dan spent together, along with the intensity of those meetings, was enough to convince me of the connection between them.


I really, really enjoyed this story and am off to read the next book, Breaking Free.
Profile Image for KristenReviews.
845 reviews4,993 followers
October 1, 2011
3 1/2 stars

 Dark Citadel is the second book in Cherise Sinclair's, Masters of the Shadowland series. I liked this book more than the first but not as much as I'd hoped. 

I did love the chemistry, respect, and understanding that developed between Master Dan and Kari. My heart melted with how tender Master Dan could be in reassuring and nurturing Kari's submissive side. I wanted to smack him, though, when his guilt and anger over his wife's death flared up, turning him cold and unfeeling.   

What I didn't care for-that seems common in this series-is the public sharing and humiliation. Those aspect of the books don't sit well with me. 

Also, this series lacks the strong romantic element that is prevalent in Ms. Sinclair's book The Dom's Dungeon and in her Mountain Masters series. For me personally, I prefer my erotica to have more romance than is in this series.

Over all, I like this book. I didn't love it and I probably won't read it again, but I like it enough to recommend it. 
Profile Image for Bea.
513 reviews49 followers
February 18, 2012
This series challenges me on many levels. I believe the reason that it does is because it seems to get the point of BDSM. So many BDSM focused books go for the "titillation" factor rather than the deep psychological impact and depth of the relationships. Ms. Sinclair just "gets it". Her stories are compelling and emotionally charged.

From the beginning I could identify with Kari, the proper Catholic raised "good girl" who is both repelled by the control of Master Dan and BDSM and yet finds it somehow completing her in ways that the vanilla world didn't.

The story was intense, and I enjoyed the character development of both Master Dan and Kari. How Kari heals Master Dan is so touching and makes me understand that there is a perfect person for everyone.


This series varies by play, so it's not just the same story over and over. For example, some might focus on spanking, binding, public nudity, or humiliation. They also vary, for example in type of submission by each book; Kari is a sexual submissive rather than a 24/7 slave.


What I find fascinating within this series is how deeply these two love each other and how caring Master Dan is to Kari. Ms. Sinclair shows us that being a Dom does not just mean yelling and being mean to a submissive. A submissive gets what she/he "needs" but not always what they "want".

The sex scenes are HOT! Yet, it's not just rampant sex scenes for no reason, but honest, emotionally charged expression of passion. Keep in mind that this is erotica, so if you can not handle explicit sex then this book is not for you.

If I had any complaints (of the entire series) is that it is so focused around the club. For example, I would have loved to have read more of Master Dan and Kari outside of the "scene". I agree with the other reviewer who said they loved the scene in Kari's house while Master Dan ate a cookie. Also, reviewer Brainycat mentioned how quickly Dan makes peace with his past by the end of the book and how it seemed to happen too fast. I can agree with that statement and I wished that the resolution could have been longer and a little more in depth.

Overall, this was a great book and if you liked the first one you should love this one. Keep in mind that some installments of this series are more intense than others and I found this one fairly tame compared to the others.

Ms. Sinclair has other books as well if you are looking for longer stories that might not be so focused on the "club", but still have those Dominant men we like!
Profile Image for Brainycat.
157 reviews72 followers
July 19, 2010
I don't know why I took so long to finish this book. I think a lot of my reticence was a desire to savor it; there's only a few books in this series.

I don't like Master Dan as much as I like Master Z, but I'm probably more like Dan than Z. Go figure, eh? I really enjoyed the way Kari went from "nice catholic girl who doesn't do that sort of thing" to a willing sub who desperately wants and fights for her dom.

I would have liked to see Dan spend more time confronting the feelings holding him locked in the past; the first 80% of the book is setting up how hard he works to keep his feelings to himself, and then suddenly in the last few pages they have a fight - and make up right away - and he's willing to commit to her 100%?

I like this series because of the way doms are real people, with thoughts and feelings and their own motivations, but I think Dan got short changed by the way the story unfolded. I think more give and take between Kari and Dan, both in and out of the bedroom would have helped make both characters more real.

The sex was every bit as hot as in the first book of the series, and really focused on the transformation of Kari rather than sexual gymnastics or furniture. Public nudity was a big part of her training, at the expense of pain.

I very highly recommend this series, it's one of the three best smutty series' I've ever read.
Profile Image for Ale Rivero.
1,304 reviews119 followers
September 12, 2018
Daniel es todo un caso con sus dramas, pero Kari es la sub perfecta para hacerlo volver a la vida. Las idas y venidas entre los dos le da un toque bastante entretenido a la historia.
Además, con ellos empezamos a descubrir nuevos matices del mundo del BDSM y la importancia de la confianza y la determinación a la hora de decidir un estilo de vida concreto. Muy recomendable.

Los tipos testarudos no son lo mío, y más cuando se ponen en plan negador, así que me dieron ganas en varias ocasiones de darle unos cuantos correctivos al Amo D :P
Kari y Dan han resultado una pareja preciosa, y al final él se redime, así que me ha encantado la historia. Muy recomendable este segundo de saga.

Relectura en 2018, realmente me di cuenta que Kari y Daniel no son de mis parejas predilectas, pero su historia merece la pena, y el comportamiento idiota de Daniel para aceptar el amor realmente pone los nervios de punta.
También se llega a observar desde esta segunda entrega el protagonismo que tendrá Zachary para la formación de las parejas, un celestino en todo regla, vamos.
En definitiva, me he sentido identificada con Kari porque ella también es docente, y me gusta ver cómo analiza las cosas hasta decidirse a luchar por lo que desea. Recomendable.
Profile Image for Jo ★The Book Sloth★.
486 reviews443 followers
September 28, 2014
Again the book didn't have much of a plot, just "sex", "kinkier sex" and "sex" again. Nevertheless, this book had all the good traits that the first one in the series had.

Master Dan



Hot, dark, thoughtful and a little tortured to make a good mix powerful Master Dan is a wet dream com true. Since the death of his wife he's been changing partners like socks until he meets Kari.

Kari



Kari is a school teacher and a closet sub and she is about to have her world rocked by a very sexy Dom. Again Kari was very likable. A bit self-conscious and raised by nuns(literally) she is a bit worried of the world she is getting into but she can't seem to stop herself.

I didn't like the couple as much as Jessica and Z but I still coulsn't put the book down. BUT if you're looking for sth much more meaningful than some "exotic" sex this isn't the book for you.
Profile Image for Sláinte Wanderlust.
892 reviews386 followers
November 30, 2012
Cover & Title - 4 out of 5
Favorite Line - “She could just imagine, all her friends and family mourning around her grave. The tombstone would read Kari Wagner, Died of Sheer Stupidity.
It would be almost as bad to have her grave marker read Died of Terminal Bedroom Boredom.”
Favorite Character - Kari

I was happy & surprised to find the book quite deep at parts. I loved Kari & Dan together, working with each other to help solve their issues. I thought that the build up & emotion between them felt real. I liked their chemistry. The sex between them was HOT. I loved the happy ending :)

The chase scene, sweet jesus - holy hotness batman.


I would recommend this book & i plan on reading a lot more by this author.
Click here for my book review blog
Profile Image for Rin W. Vitale.
281 reviews61 followers
September 28, 2015
Well, this was...

description

Actually, I was kind of hoping for Master Nolan to get his way but then Master Dan... Shhh..

Anyway! Now, I'm considering to read Master Nolan story!
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
April 10, 2012

While most of Cherise Sinclair’s stories deal with a sub who comes to terms with her sexuality through BDSM, Dark Citadel is more a story of a Dom who must overcome his fears of commitment after losing his wife.

When Kari goes to BDSM Club Shadowlands with her date, she finds the idea of bondage and domination meets needs within her she hadn’t realized. But her date turns obnoxious and she’s ready to leave, and Master Dan steps in with an offer to teach her about BDSM. They share a mutual attraction, but Dad draws back at the end of the evening. He does the same thing the next time she comes to the club. The third time, Kari tells him some home truths he hadn’t faced about his wife and his reaction to her death and forces him to deal with issues he hadn’t even realized were there.
Can Dan get past his wife’s loss and become the Dom sweet Kari needs? That’s the crux of this delightful novel.

This is probably the least intense of the Master of the Shadowlands series, but is still a good read with a couple who have to work to find their HEA in the face of Kari’s sheltered background and Dan’s past.
Shadow's review posted on Guilty Pleasures

While most of Cherise Sinclair’s stories deal with a sub who comes to terms with her sexuality through BDSM, Dark Citadel is more a story of a Dom who must overcome his fears of commitment after losing his wife.

When Kari goes to BDSM Club Shadowlands with her date, she finds the idea of bondage and domination meets needs within her she hadn’t realized. But her date turns obnoxious and she’s ready to leave, and Master Dan steps in with an offer to teach her about BDSM. They share a mutual attraction, but Dad draws back at the end of the evening. He does the same thing the next time she comes to the club. The third time, Kari tells him some home truths he hadn’t faced about his wife and his reaction to her death and forces him to deal with issues he hadn’t even realized were there.
Can Dan get past his wife’s loss and become the Dom sweet Kari needs? That’s the crux of this delightful novel.

This is probably the least intense of the Master of the Shadowlands series, but is still a good read with a couple who have to work to find their HEA in the face of Kari’s sheltered background and Dan’s past.


DiDi's org post on 12/4/10
If I had to pick a favorite, it would be tough, but I think this would be it with, Master Z and Jess following a close 2nd.

I am not that into BDSM stories, but I started this series based on rave reviews by a fellow book club member. I AM SO GLAD I LISTENED TO HER!!

These books are written so well that you feel like the characters are your friends. I actually read all 4 books in one weekend and can't wait until Master Marcus' story comes out.

I love how Jess continues to get into trouble in the books following her own, and how Kari tends to fall right in with her. I would LOVE a Master Z or Master Dan of my own of course I wouldn't turn down Master Cullen or Master Nolan either.
Profile Image for Cheap and Lazy.
670 reviews8 followers
April 22, 2019
3.5 stars. The title is a misnomer. Fine if you’re looking for a well-written, erotic, non-first person (yay!), light BDSM romance on the shorter side featuring a strong, intelligent heroine; strong, intelligent, and somewhat brooding Dom hero. Nothing dark or angsty here. Nothing special, either.
Profile Image for MsRomanticReads.
788 reviews188 followers
December 11, 2011

I've been Sinclaired and happy as a clam! I can't stop gushing about this series.

Kari accompanies her date to a beginner's night at Shadowlands. Her date, Buck, is a real jerk. Before long, she wants to leave and have nothing to do with the ridiculous idea of exploring this lifestyle. The ever observant Master Z picks up on her apprehension as well as her interest and offers to let her continue her exploration at the hands of an experienced Dom. She agrees and soon finds herself in the very capable hands of Master Dan.

Master Dan is still numb from the death of his wife. He prefers to stick to one night stands with a different sub every time to avoid romantic entanglements. That is until he's had the luscious Kari at his mercy. It doesn't take long to barrel through all her defenses and her protests as he awakens the lust she's buried deep. He knows he has to stay away from her, but he can't bring himself to do it.

First Master Z, now Dan. His physical attributes are enough to incinerate every item of clothing you're wearing. Couple that with the carnal lust and gentleness he shows towards Kari, and you'll combust completely. That man can be described as la petite mort, but what a way to go. But I digress.

This story involves two very emotionally charged characters. Dan feeling guilty and numb about his dead wife, and Kari is just repressed by her strict Catholic upbringing. She blooms under his attention, and soon she starts to feel more than just deep appreciation for everything he's brought to the surface.

His intent gaze trapped hers. “I am going to give you what you want, not what your mama told you is proper. I'm going to push your limits, sweetie.”


My heart broke for them at the end when he callously dismisses any feelings he may be harboring for her, preferring to stick his head in the sand. But I admire Kari for growing a set, and giving him a piece of her mind. The only time I scoffed at Dan was when his hypocrisy reared its ugly head and whenever he dismissed the signs that he was already a goner.

JHC, I thought I've read all possible forms of BDSM play out there, and then this …. the Capture Gardens and lots of oil … nuff said! **faints** Again, I love the woman with curves and the men who love them even more for it. These books will find a cherished spot on my shelves.
Profile Image for Sandy ღCoffee Addict Booksღ.
229 reviews257 followers
February 8, 2015
4.5 Stars
Three words to describe this book HOLY MOTHER OF HOTNESS!!!!
I guess temperature of my room just increased!!

Master Daniel (pure breed of alpha male) is caring, thoughtful and easy going who doesn't take a sub for more than one night as he still mourns his wife’s death. But Kari the newbie sub changes his entire notion of fuck ‘em leave ‘em. She is sweet, curvy, innocent school teacher very conservative but brave enough to explore her sexuality. What Master Dan doesn't know is that she drives him crazy and brings out his possessive streak.

“Tonight, I can—and I will—take you, with my hands. My mouth. My cock. Any way I want. As many times as I want.”

Her innocence, honesty, her submission and the way she shows so much appreciation made him fall for her.

“You are a beautiful woman, Kari… I love that soft, rosy body of yours… You have such a gentle spirit… I am grateful that you trusted me enough to give in to what was inside you. All that passion, sweetheart, you shared with me… Do you know how beautiful you are when you show me your need and when you come without hiding anything?”

He kept denying his feelings for her as he didn't want to involve romantically until Kari awakens his need to be gentle, caring and his long buried lust. Every time they have sex the way he holds her so close soothing her the way he makes her feel its FAN-FUCKING-TASTIC.

“You're mine, Kari,” he growled. “My sub. My woman. Mine.”

Thing I didn't like

Having said that I still LOVED it, LOVED the banters! LOVED Kari-even being innocent and vulnerable didn't hesitate to give Dan a piece of her mind and finally making him realise how he truly felt for her. Their chemistry ROCKED, Loved their story more than Master Z and Jessica.

My favorite line from the book.
He'd had to possess her, to brand her with his scent, his body, his cum.

Profile Image for Annie .
2,506 reviews940 followers
November 17, 2012
Posted on Under the Covers

Kari hesitantly steps through the doors of Club Shadowlands. As a teacher she isn’t the number one poster girl for a BDSM club, but that doesn’t stop her. She enters with her boyfriend, Buck. Though he’s a nice guy and they’ve done some BDSM stuff together, Kari doesn’t feel entirely safe with him as her Dom.

When they go for Beginner classes at Club Shadowlands, a fight with Buck leaves Kari regretting her decision to come even before the classes start. However, Master Dan is there to sort through the fight and lend a shoulder to Kari.

His caring and soothing voice comforts Kari and soon she finds herself in his arms, locked around her tightly. Cherise Sinclair does a fantastic job of making Kari’s initial fear come out naturally. If you’re interesting in reading some BDSM but are unsure of your comfort level, then I would recommend you read Sinclair’s work. She does a great job of easing a reader into wanting more in slow intervals and increasing the sexiness in increments so that it seems like a natural progression instead of a sex free-for-all.

I remember being surprised by the building of trust in Sinclair’s previous books. But reading DARK CITADEL, I knew she wouldn’t let me down. And wow, I just adore her ability to bring two people together- one unsure and scared about how sexy she should be and the other harbouring grief and loneliness after a recent loss. Sinclair hits it right on the spot. BDSM is about giving up your trust to someone else and Kari does that, completely and wholly. And it’s believable.

I’m dying for some Cullen loving, but I know I have a few more books to read before I get there. But I’m not complaining. If you love BDSM, then Sinclair is your girl. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Profile Image for Christy.
4,541 reviews35.9k followers
November 29, 2012
I absolutely LOVE the Master's of the Shadowlands series! For some reason I thought I had read then all but I skipped books 2 and 3 so I'm reading them now :-)

Master Dan... Lets be honest, he was never my favorite master in the other books. At times, he seemed like a bit of a jerk compared to the others. But, after reading his story I love him just as much as the others!

Kari, a conservative and modest school teacher makes her way to the Shadowlands with a guy she's been dating to take a beginners Dom/Sub course. The guy starts acting like an ass so Kari decides to just leave. Of course Master Z stops her to see if she would be interested in continuing the course with a more experienced Dom, Master Dan.

Master Dan has had a rough time with the death of his wife. It has been 3 years and he has yet to move on with a new sub. When he meets Kari, he starts to get some pretty scary feelings. I loved that Kari not only brought out his protective Dom side, but also a lighthearted fun side of him.
"I'm a biology teacher. Highschool."
"Lucky kids. I'm a cop. A detective actually. Wanna see my handcuffs?"

I did not expect this side of Master Dan. The scenes between Kari and Dan were super HOT , as always. Loved getting to see some of my favorite Dom's Z and Cullen- along with Jessica. Favorite quote of the book:
"why they think everyone should be alike in making love when no one can even agree on what ice cream they like, I'll never know."

Kari and Dan compliment each other well and have great chemistry. Dan feels like he has nothing to offer a sub. Kari helps him see differently and move past issues/guilt with his wife's death. Dan helps Kari open up and be more comfortable with her self. Great, quick read!
Profile Image for Jenny.
2,291 reviews73 followers
July 10, 2018
Dark Citadel is book two of the Masters of the Shadowlands series by Cherise Sinclair. Kari Wagner and her boyfriend Buck decided to attend beginner's night at Club Shadowlands. On the night before the class started Kari and Buck had a confrontation, and Kari started to walk out of the Club. Master Z stop Kari and ask her would she like to continue the class with Master Dan. However, Master Dan and Kari did not realise by agreeing to Master Z request that their lives would change. The readers of Dark Citadel will continue to follow Master Dan and Kari to see what happens.

I enjoyed reading Dark Citadel. I love Cherise Sinclair portrayal of her characters and the way they interact with each other. Dark Citadel is well written and researched by Cherise Sinclair. I like the way Cherise Sinclair describes her settings which help me to engage with the plot.

The readers of Dark Citadel will find out how to become a submissive. Also, the readers of Dark Citadel will start to understand the importance of ensuring you pick the right BDSM club and dominate if you want to explores DOM/s lifestyle.

If you like erotic romance, I recommend this book.
Profile Image for Jen.
1,655 reviews1,161 followers
June 24, 2012
I am devouring The Shadowland series by Cherise Sinclair extremely fast!! I love them, they are a great mixture of hot sex and a little bit of a story thrown in! It is also nice to have characters from the past book make an appearance in the current one! I look forward to reading the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Kelly.
956 reviews135 followers
August 8, 2018
Kari was a great character, but I really didn't like Dan. The way he treated her was just ridiculous. And the leather chaps? Come on - so cheesy. It had some great scenes, but this romance did not add up. Every time Dan opened his mouth, he said something so degrading and atrocious that Kari should have slapped him. Guy needed to be taught a lesson! Way too much machismo for me.
Profile Image for Aestas Book Blog.
1,059 reviews75.1k followers
February 24, 2012
I kinda felt the same way about this as book 1. Hot sex but didn't feel connected to the characters. Not a good trade off IMO. I don't like how little the characters get to know each other outside of the club. I guess Im looking for more of a relationship development for the characters.

Profile Image for Books & Vodka Sodas.
1,118 reviews128 followers
July 17, 2011
I have to say, I was honestly wondering how Sinclair going to top herself. I didn’t think it was possible, I didn’t think she had anything more to tell unless she went into the sadist side of BDSM, which frankly is a bit far for me. However, I was so surprised, and let’s just say it was hot! Not only did Sinclair write a great sub, that I could relate too, all the way down to the growing confusion and love for her Dom. But she gave us an actually well written Dom. Dan seemed to be intricately constructed, a man that not only was very human, but very scarred from events in his past. If possible, the limits were pushed. Granted, it was with a totally willing female, that signed up for ‘classes’ because nothing was working for her (God how I can relate to her), but Master Dan was an awe inspiring Dom. I found myself melting, my toes curling; I think I was half wishing yet again I could Google and find Shadowlands in Florida.

Trust me; I would be way willing to pay for a membership to Shadowlands to be in such a safe and well constructed environment for the lifestyle. As cautioned in the beginning of her book, Sinclair said although it is a very true telling of the lifestyle, it is sped up a bit because she has a limited time space she can write in. This book had a lot to do with trust. When a Dom sees a natural submissive that likes to be restrained, he had to know what limits to push on the minute. I love how she wrote that with Dan and Kari.

Again, she wrote a heroine that was full figured and shocked to her toes that a man like Dan would even think about being intimate with a woman of her size. She was sweet; to her core Kari was sweet. However, she had oops moments. I do so love when the subs get sassy, I know a punishment is coming, and oh can Dan punish. But I love how they show the inner emotions of the Dom, he’s not just a barbarian slamming on his chest, or ruthless. She shows after care and I loved that most about the books. When you can read a BDSM themed book, and it tugs at your chest a bit, you know that it has hit the mark!
Profile Image for Debra Johnson.
11k reviews179 followers
July 11, 2025
Dark Citadel by Cherise Sinclair
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Erotica, Romance
4 Solid Stars

While I liked 'Master of The Shadowlands' better, I still really liked this one too.

This one seems centered on 'Self-Discovery' and 'Courage'. At least for Kari.

I liked Kari more than Dan.

Both are great characters. I just think Kari was the more courageous and honest of the two.
Dan definitely had a lot of baggage he needed to let go of. He seems determined to ignore the truth and punish himself.

There is some great humorous sayings that make you grin & giggle.

There are some really intense moments. Some of these are heartbreaking and some are erotic.

Speaking of erotic........
You will feel the tingle from the top of your head down to your toes. The adult romance is ⚡ electric!

A fun and fast paced adult romance that will leave you craving 'MORE'!
Profile Image for Vintage.
2,714 reviews718 followers
September 3, 2016
I read this sometime last year. Not sure when, but I need to review it.

I love the Shadowlands series. Master Z alone is responsible for my tag hero I would trade my husband for. Huumana huumana huumana. Can I say how glad I am this is relatively anonymous?

Kari is a buttoned up little school teacher who is introduced to big ole bad BDSM lifestyle by alpha ass-hat Master fricking Dan after she dumps her date at the door for being a wimpy ass-hat.

Poor Dan. He has a sad backstory, but cry me a river. I don't know why I dislike him so much, but I do and not just this book but pretty much every one he pops his big ole alpha, BDSM, beat on a a sub's bottom head in.

Master Dan is NOT a hero I would trade my husband for. He is a big, fricking jerk, ass-hat to the nth degree and Kari deserves so much better. He is also a major, MAJOR jerk to the heroine in Lean on Me and apparently apologizes but it's off scene, sadly.
Profile Image for Duchess Nicole.
1,275 reviews1,580 followers
March 8, 2012
Well, this was was soo much better than the first. There were a couple of uncomfortable moments for me. The exhibitionism took it a bit far for my comfort level, but what did I expect, right?!

Master Dan is a real person, with a real life. His wife died three years ago, and since then, there has been no one in his life for more than a day. It seems as if he's so well liked among the other masters. Someone always has his back. When he meets Kari and is set as her Dom for the night, he is at first intrigued. She's extremely shy and sugary sweet, not the usual type to walk in the door of Shadowlands. Its that sweetness and honesty and character that keep him thinking of her. Then he starts feeling a mite possessive of his little 'one night sub.'

I enjoyed the story. There was a bit more depth to this H/h that I wish could have been given to Master Z in his first book. I have a feeling he could have been an amazing guy had he been a bit more fleshed out.
Profile Image for Angela.
233 reviews4 followers
January 27, 2011
When I read the first in this series I was sent on a totally new experience in erotica. This second book just made me hook my claws into the genre crazily. Master Dan I think has taken my heart more than Master Z did in Club Shadowlands.
Again the story begins with a girl new to the experience and is taken swiftly under the caring arm of Master Dan. Their relationship grows quickly, but Master Dan has unwanted baggage that hold him back from fully embracing this new little Sub.
Another intensely descriptive novel by Cherise. She easily describes the scenes with a keen eye not missing one beat. My heart was pounding prefusely through a lot of these scenes, a wanting growing there. These books mess with your head I tell you, and you will enjoy it being messed. LOL. Book 3 is eagerly awaiting my perusal for tonight. :)
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