Dark Citadel (Masters of the Shadowlands, #2)

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Dark Citadel (Masters of the Shadowlands #2)

by Cherise Sinclair (Goodreads Author)

4.23 of 5 stars 4.23 · rating details · 6,167 ratings · 346 reviews

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...more

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Published (first published April 7th 2009)

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Jan 28, 2011 UniquelyMoi *Dhestiny* BlithelyBookish rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010-reads, author-cherise-sinclair, contemporary-erotica, genre-erotica-bdsm, genre-erotica-contemporary, reviewed-by-me, series, ebook-own-have-read, series-shadowlands, format-kindle-or-kindle-compatible

I just finished a re-read of this book and loved it even more the second time around!

In this second installment of the Masters of the Shadowlands series we meet Kari who is new to the BDSM scene. In fact, she’s at the Shadowlands for their beginner BDSM classes with her boyfriend, Buck. While attending these classes had been Buck’s idea, he doesn’t really “get” what the role of a Dom is, and tends to be pushier and more forceful than he should be. Deciding that she’s had enough of Buck’s dominee...more
I just finished a re-read of this book and loved it even more the second time around!

In this second installment of the Masters of the Shadowlands series we meet Kari who is new to the BDSM scene. In fact, she’s at the Shadowlands for their beginner BDSM classes with her boyfriend, Buck. While attending these classes had been Buck’s idea, he doesn’t really “get” what the role of a Dom is, and tends to be pushier and more forceful than he should be. Deciding that she’s had enough of Buck’s domineering behavior, Kari is on her way out the door when Master Z, the club owner, stops her to find out if she’s had a problem. With his uncanny ability to “feel” what a person needs by sensing their emotions, he suggests that she stay, allowing another Dom, specifically Master Dan, to be her companion through the class. Not wanting to throw in the towel entirely, because she honestly is curious, Kari agrees to Master Z’s recommendation and accepts Master Dan as her Dom.

We met Master Dan Sawyer in the first book of the series. He’s a widower who misses his wife, Marion, terribly, and even worse, blames himself for her death. One night three years ago, they were supposed to have gone to a party but Dan – a police detective – was called back in to work, so Marion went alone. She had too much to drink and on the way home from the party was killed in a car accident. Dan believes that had he chosen to go with her instead of back to work, she’d still be alive today.

Dan and Kari hit it off very well, sexually, but Dan still has so much guilt over his wife’s death that he can’t seem to open up enough to allow anyone else into his life for anything more than a physical relationship and even though he feels like there could be something more between he and his “little sub,” as he affectionately calls her, he just can’t seem to let heart get involved.

Master Dan really knows how to read his sub which sometimes ticks Kari off. He’s firm with her in a sexually demanding way which is as much for her physical pleasure as it is his. By introducing her to new heights of sexuality and awareness, watching as she discovers new, forbidden things about herself, Master Dan is shocked to find that his own sexual encounters with her are more intense and more satisfying than he ever thought possible. Dan is a Master who is demanding, possessive and relentless, but he’s also gentle and compassionate when needs be.

Watching Kari, who knows almost nothing about the BDSM world, learn what it means to be submissive, made for some good reading times! I was smiling a lot and thoroughly enjoyed this story. I especially loved the Capture Garden scene! And because Dark Citadel is somewhat more sexually intense than the first book was, I don’t recommend reading this if you were uncomfortable with Club Shadowlands.

I’m giving this one 4/5 stars because there was more internal dialog than I like in a book. I prefer more show and less tell.
(less)

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Jan 11, 2013 Vilda rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: erotic-romance, bdsm, read-in-2013, e-book

I was quite excited to pick up Dark Citadel and get back to Club Shadowlands after really enjoying the first one! While it definitely wasn't bad, I have to admit that it was a bit disappointing; it sadly never reached higher than being an enjoyable read for me.

It was great seeing more of Jessica and Master Z, and I really liked Kari and Dan! For some reason though, I didn't feel quite comfortable with their relationship until closer to the end. I think it was mainly because while Kari was puttin...more

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Jan 11, 2012 Taryn at My Secret Romance rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: bdsm, cherise-sinclair, favorites, erotica, hot-steamy-romance, reviewed-by-me, shadowland-series

This review was posted at My Secret Romance

This is the second book in the Shadowlands series. While I did read this book first (on accident), I have to say I am so glad I did. I LOVED this book, which is surprising to me since it's not my normal cup of tea. I think if it wasn't for me reading Master Dan first, then I wouldn't have been so eager to read the rest of the books. Master Daniel is something else....the way he held Kari...so secure and tight in his arms....mmm...mmm...mmm...delicious!...more

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Jul 19, 2010 Brainycat rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: fans of light BDSM

Shelves: read_in_2010, smut

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 lock...more

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Dec 10, 2011 Michelle (MsRomanticReads) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: a-keeper, favorite-series, heroes-you-want-for-yourself, worth-re-reading, contemporary, december-2011, erotica, favorites, husband-material, made-me-swoon, romance, kinky-fuckery-tie-me-up-bdsm

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 cap...more
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.(less)

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Nov 17, 2012 Annie the Destroyer *Leather Lust* rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: dont-make-me-beg-bdsm, ebooks, genre-erotic-romance, read-in-2011

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...more

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Feb 13, 2013 Dorsey aka Wrath Lover rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Dorsey aka Wrath Lover by: Bookie | The BookChick

Even better than the first!!

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Jul 05, 2012 Tanya rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Kari has been dating a man for a while when they decide to embark on beginners night at the Shadowlands. Upon their arrival she realizes the man she has been dating is pushing her too far in a direction she does not want to take with him and soon decides to try and call it a night leaving her date at the club. On her way out the owner Master Z asks Kari if she would like to continue with a more experienced Dom - in comes Master Dan.

Dan has been at the club years which he used to go to with his w...more

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Jun 14, 2012 Emy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012, bdsm, mf-erotica

When modest, repressed Kari goes to Club Shadowlands with a date in order to take beginners' BDSM classes, she is excited for what she could discover about herself. The date doesn't really go as plans and Kari finds herself under private instruction from Master Dan. Master Dan hasn't been the same since his wife died. He still frequents Club Shadowlands, but he doesn't ever take on a sub for more than one night. He's frustratingly attracted to Kari, but is determined not to get involved. His fel...more

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Jan 01, 2013 Gina rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, erotica

When Kari attends beginner classes at the private BDSM club, The Shadowlands, with her date, Buck, things don't go as planned. After wanting to leave, Kari finds herself under private tuition from Master Dan. However Master Dan hasn't been the same since his wife died and although he still attends the club regularly, he never takes a sub for more than one night. Although highly attracted to Kari, Dan is determined not to get involved. Unfortunately for him, the other Doms, however, have plans.

I...more When Kari attends beginner classes at the private BDSM club, The Shadowlands, with her date, Buck, things don't go as planned. After wanting to leave, Kari finds herself under private tuition from Master Dan. However Master Dan hasn't been the same since his wife died and although he still attends the club regularly, he never takes a sub for more than one night. Although highly attracted to Kari, Dan is determined not to get involved. Unfortunately for him, the other Doms, however, have plans.

I don't really have anything bad to say about this book. Like the first book, this one managed to capture my attention immediately. The writing flowed easily and the pieces of the plot fell into place quickly. With Kari going to the club for lessons, the meeting was a lot less cliché than in the first book. I also liked how Buck remained an important character for the plot line. If he had disappeared after the first scene, I think I would have been disappointed.

Once again the characters in this book were great. Kari was a very strong character who made Master Dan work hard to lower her natural bounderies. Since she was practicaly raised by nuns in a catholic school, Dan had to work hard to teach her to listen to what her body wants, not just what her mind thinks is right. I liked her honesty and courage to tell Dan off even if it meant she would be punished afterwards. For that, I respect her.

Now, I liked Master Dan more than Master Z; he was intense and powerful, although Master Z did not lack these qualities. Another thing I liked about his character was that him becoming cold whenever it was mentioned he could find more than a night of pleasure with Kari was believable. I was easy for me to see exactly how his dead wife was effecting him. Every time he turned cold, it pulled at my heart a little. The way this was solved at the end of the novel seemed very plausible. He didn't dramatically have a personality change and everything that happened was believable. Well done Sinclair for achieving this! :)

The capture gardens had to be one of my favorite bits in the book. The sub is released into the capture gardens while their Dom must chase and capture them. They are given matching glow sticks so that it is obvious which sub belongs to which Dom. I also loved the remarks made about Dan's lovely pink glowsticks. This made me laugh considering his reaction.

On a final note, I really enjoyed the second book and would happily read it again. I can't wait to read more of the series and will probably read the series again in the future once I am finished. :) If you've read Club Shadowlands and enjoyed it, Dark Citadel is a must-read as it is an amazing book. :)You won't regret reading it!<3(less)

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Jan 27, 2011 Angela rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: erotic

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 d...more

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Jun 02, 2012 NiteReader rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: bdsm, kindle, 2012-reads

Great book. I really enjoyed the story of Kari and Master Dan... And it was fun to read about Master Z and Jessica again. Shadowlands .... Such an enticing place to visit again and again. I will definitely be reading the next book in this series.

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Jul 02, 2012 Breann rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-romance, bdsm

This book begins with Kari visiting Club Shadowlands for some beginners nights with her boyfriend, Buck. When they arrive Buck doesn’t seem to understand what his role as a Dom should be and makes Kari feel uncomfortable. Kari turns to leave because of her boyfriend but Master Z stops her to see if she wants to try with a different Dom, Master Dan. Kari accepts the offer because, well, who wouldn’t?

We know Master Dan from Club Shadowlands. His is widowed and has decided that love is not for him...more

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Oct 21, 2012 Nomad rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: cherise-sinclair, horrendous-crap

How do I say this? This sucked. It was VERY boring and seemed like it had WAY too many similarities to the plotline of the first book in this series. When I read an interview with the author, it appears that Sinclair write both this story and the first story concurrently and perhaps that is responsible for the mind numbingly boring plot duplicates. But whereas Club Shadowlands made a very interesting story out of the idea of the total newbie being introduced to the BDSM lifestyle, Dark Citadel h...more How do I say this? This sucked. It was VERY boring and seemed like it had WAY too many similarities to the plotline of the first book in this series. When I read an interview with the author, it appears that Sinclair write both this story and the first story concurrently and perhaps that is responsible for the mind numbingly boring plot duplicates. But whereas Club Shadowlands made a very interesting story out of the idea of the total newbie being introduced to the BDSM lifestyle, Dark Citadel has a 'been there, read that' feel to it.

Nothing interesting happens in this book and quite frankly Z and Jessica did this story 90 times better than the characters of Dan and Kari. It was a struggle to finish this book for that reason alone. Unfortunately it wasn't the only reason why I thoroughly disliked this book. The other was the physical description of Kari. Now, let me be CLEAR. I do NOT think that one must be a stick thin, runway model type to be attractive. Actually those women are TOO skinny and as a queer woman I find nothing attractive about a woman who is so skinny and delicate looking that if I ever got her into a bed, I might break her. HOWEVER, I also find nothing attractive about a woman who is on the other side of the weight sepectrum. Women who are so fat that they are nearly as wide as they are tall and are practically described as being over 300 pounds whilst being about 5 foot 2 inches tall are not attractive and in no world that I know of to exist do they get men like Dan to be attracted to them. Dan is described as a muscular god whom any woman would drool over. He's boring as spit, but he's pretty. No guy like that is attracted to a woman who looks like Kari, who practically seems to be a beachball with legs.

Now, Jessica from the first book is described as being overweight, but she sounds like she takes care of herself and is a beautiful woman who doesn't need to be skinny to be gorgeous. Kari is virtually described as being morbidly obese. And her dom, Dan... so, SSSSOOO boring. His prior relationship is too silly to be believed. Really everything about his is too silly to be believed.

In the end, the only good thing about this book is the Shadowlands club. It is it's own character once again, and it's so vivid and so real that you just want to settle in for good long time into one of it's perfect leather chairs.

So... in closing, the sex was awful, the plot was redundant after the first book, the people were boring and there is nothing physically attractive about an anorexic woman, nor a woman who is mobidly obese. Can we have the middle ground people? Please?(less)

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Sep 25, 2012 Brandi Salazar rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

First off, I really enjoyed the first book in this series and I was looking forward to Dan's story, mainly because I wanted to find out more about why this guy was so damaged that he wouldn't work with the same sub twice. Plus, I really enjoyed the author's writing style.

Kari is a very reserved school teacher with a strong religious background who always follows the rules. However, when her boyfriend, Buck, suggests they try taking beginner's classes at the Shadowlands, she is intrigued. Unfort...more First off, I really enjoyed the first book in this series and I was looking forward to Dan's story, mainly because I wanted to find out more about why this guy was so damaged that he wouldn't work with the same sub twice. Plus, I really enjoyed the author's writing style.

Kari is a very reserved school teacher with a strong religious background who always follows the rules. However, when her boyfriend, Buck, suggests they try taking beginner's classes at the Shadowlands, she is intrigued. Unfortunately, Buck's true colors come out as soon as they walk through the door, and Kari isn't the type of woman to let herself get walked over. She kicks him to the curb and is ready to leave when Master Z suggests that she stay under the guidance of Master Dan. She agrees, and under Master Dan's experienced hands, she discovers how good it feels to let her passion free.

Honestly, I thought this would be better. If I hadn't read the first, maybe I would have thought more highly of it. As it was, I found the storyline to be repetitive. It was like the author took a carbon copy of her first Shadowlands and reworked it with different characters and situations. The writing was solid, the characters were strong and enjoyable, even Dan, although he was hot and cold to an almost infuriating degree. Kari was nauseatingly patient, though I could see why she wanted him. The problem for me was that she was practically a doormat. She just kept coming back for more, when it would have been just as easy to tell him to eff off. She even kept mild contact with her ex, Buck, because she didn't want to hurt his feelings when, clearly, he was bad news. I am happy with the way that she and Dan ended up in the end, but, really, it was a given, so no surprise there. What I would have liked to see more of was a bigger conflict between Buck, Dan, and Kari. It almost seemed like the plot was thickening around some big to-do, like stalker Buck, or home invasion (you get my drift) scenario, that would have forced Dan to rush in and save the day. Unfortunately, that just didn't happen. It was very anticlimactic for me.

In the end, I may continue reading this series to see if it picks up, but at best, I will give it one more chance. I would like to see something different other than just sex, mild turmoil, and connection. Give me something juicy to sink my teeth into! (less)

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Jan 09, 2012 Red rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

There is not one thing I would change about this book!

We first met Dan in the previous book not a lot but enough to be intrigued by him. Because of the death of his wife his attitude towards the lifestyle helps him fill a need without having to have a commitment. It leaves him in charge. While helping out with an introduction to what BDSM is he meets Kari.

Like most her experience is somewhat limited to say the least and is on the fence as to weither its a fit for her but came with her boyfrien...more

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Jul 12, 2010 I ♥ Bookie Nookie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: light BDSM

Shelves: genre-bdsm, z-ebook, 2010-read-in, setting-tampa-bay, zz-reviewed, sub-genre-glitter-kink, character-super-alpha, sub-theme-master-slave, zz-blog-list

I am loving this series, but the books are too short! I don't feel that I am getting slighted with the story line, but I wish they weren't over so fast :-( I was pleased that Jessica and Master Z made appearances throughout this book. One thing I find interesting is that so far, the heroines have both been "round-soft-lush-curvy". Fifty bucks says the female protag in book 3 is of similar stature and shape...

______________________________________________________________________
If you like this t...more

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Apr 23, 2012 Adriana (Booky) Bookologist rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: bdsm, contemporary, e-book, erotica, romance, reviewed, humor, i-recommend-it, barnes-noble, f-m, paper-format

Dark Citadel by Cherise Sinclair

This was a good second installment to this series. I liked the relationship between Master Dan and Kari.

Master Dan was a strong character in this story that had a hard time getting past his wife’s death and his guilt. I liked seeing him evolve and come to terms with his feeling about her death and his feeling about Kari. His questioning of Kari to get to know her wants and providing her multiple choice answers showed he understood her reluctance in voicing her th...more

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Aug 19, 2012 CrazyPenguinLady rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: love-the-book-hate-the-bookcover

As with the first book, I wish it were longer, because I'm not a fan of prompt endings. But it was very enjoyable and *giggles* kinda shocking so that's great.

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Apr 10, 2013 S.K. rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: erotic-bdsm

This is my brief summary about All of "The Shadowlands" series.
Often misunderstood the bdsm lifestyle frightens many people, but it can be truly enlightening and freeing for those who are able to find the inner dom/sub in each of us.
The series are based around a highly exclusive bdsm club called 'The Shadowlands". High dollar membership and screenings for all members, as well as strict rules , 'dungeon monitors' for all rooms and a club 'safeword'. There is never any hurt/pain or harm here, unl...more This is my brief summary about All of "The Shadowlands" series.
Often misunderstood the bdsm lifestyle frightens many people, but it can be truly enlightening and freeing for those who are able to find the inner dom/sub in each of us.
The series are based around a highly exclusive bdsm club called 'The Shadowlands". High dollar membership and screenings for all members, as well as strict rules , 'dungeon monitors' for all rooms and a club 'safeword'. There is never any hurt/pain or harm here, unless it comes with a great deal of pleasure too. The club is a beautiful mansion with lovely gardens which also serve as a late night 'find my sub' game, elegantly decorated rooms as well as room with a purpose,....making a scene. The club has classes it teaches on 'being a submissive', or 'being a dominate'. There is only 1 owner of the club, Master Z, but several highly skilled and trained 'Masters' who work and teach there after they get done with their 'real jobs' or on weekends. Each book will revolve around 1 protagonist of the 'Masters' becoming involved with a 'new sub'. It can be harsh to read at times, but the relationships all end well and happy. The doms all are so skilled at finding out each subs fears, likes, dislikes etc. the subs don't even realize what they themselves enjoy until the dom 'shows' them. The dom teaches them how to relinquish their fears and submit, and yes they all do submit to epic levels. Most of the doms and subs are all professionals in their community who hold full time jobs on other fronts.
All of this series has a great story, good character development. Characters stay constant and are all close friends throughout the series so you learn more about each of them and their relationships with their subs.
When I first read these books I was taken a little aback. Make no mistake these are graphic detailed hard core sub/dom, f/f, m/m sex interactions. These are not for the first time bdsm readers.
I loved these books. Thanks Cherise. (less)

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Jan 27, 2013 TJ Rowser rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Book two in the Shadowlands Series by Cherise Sinclair.
We don't pick up where Jessica and Master Z left off, instead we pick up with an entirely new Master and yet another newbie to the BDSM scene. Nothing wrong with that, and at least this lady knew what she was getting into right off the bat.
Again we get sparks right from the beginning with the stubborn alpha wanting our leading lady but refusing to want her for more than sex, and a leading lady who (as usual) lies and says she's ok with that,...more

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Jan 24, 2013 Angie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Synopsis: "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. Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, gr...more

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Dec 27, 2012 Lynxie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 3-star-review, a-lil-sexy, hot-men, something-missing, va-va-voom, sexy, smirk-worthy

Right, well... This book was a bit of a let down. After the hotness and realness that was Club Shadowlands, I wanted more. I did not get it.

Kari and Dan were great characters, they had personality, they had flaws and they were anything but perfect, this was good. What was bad, well, I didn't like all the emotional baggage that they had, sure some of it was good, realistic, believable, but all of it... Um... No.

The play, well this seemed a little flat, flaccid, and less interesting than book #1,...more

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Dec 14, 2012 J. rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: erotica-erotic-romance, 2012, masters-of-the-shadowlands

I know I should stop thinking how Mountain Masters still blows MoS out of the water with this one, but part of me can't. It was entertaining--and it did get better with the Buck sideshow, thought only marginally, but I'm honestly finding that Sinclair's sexual interludes too often create a disconnect with the rest of the story line.

Overall, so far, this series is essentially porn with a chance of more--which too often comes wrapped up in a quick denouement that leaves you stunned simply by its...more

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Jun 18, 2012 Disneygal rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-read, series, favorite-author, erotic-romance, contemporary, bdsm, kindle-book

2nd book in the Club Shadowlands series... this is the story of Master Dan and Kari.

Kari is an elementary teacher turned high school teacher - kinda quirky and kinda fun, her quirkiness shows in that she likes wearing funky socks (like pumpkin socks). Like most women, Kari's dress style is comfort, not necessarily showcasing her curves, because like most women, Kari is hung up on the model-thin "body ideal". But Kari's curious... she's not quite satisfied - with her life, her love life, or her c...more

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Jun 04, 2012 Elenariel rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: smut

Kari's a good character. She's real, with the right amount of curiosness, doubt, wariness, thrill, anger, preconception, embarassment, acceptance that you'll likely found in someone with her background. To top it all, she's sometimes also very funny.
Even if a week is not such a long time, the chance to see her in more than only one accidental night, in a setting specifically addressed to newbies like she is, and above all between one lesson and the other in her daily routines with her inner tho...more

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Mar 28, 2012 Capri rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fan-yourself-sex-scenes, part-of-a-series, super-sexy-alpha-hero, will-read-again-keeper, cherise-sinclair, bdsm, erotic

It is rare to find a author who can top the first book in a series. Cherise Sinclair did that and more with Dark Citadel book 2 in the Master of the Shadowlands series. Her writing voice is beautiful and story telling is entertaining. What did it for me was by chapter 3 you already get beautiful descriptions, just enough back story on the characters, sizzling sexual tension, and you will fall in love with the Hero who is gentle and very loving.

“You’re allowed to look, sweetheart,” he murmured, r...more It is rare to find a author who can top the first book in a series. Cherise Sinclair did that and more with Dark Citadel book 2 in the Master of the Shadowlands series. Her writing voice is beautiful and story telling is entertaining. What did it for me was by chapter 3 you already get beautiful descriptions, just enough back story on the characters, sizzling sexual tension, and you will fall in love with the Hero who is gentle and very loving.

“You’re allowed to look, sweetheart,” he murmured, running a finger down her hot cheek. “I enjoy having your eyes on me.”

You have a modest, polite and always obey by the rules Kari the Heroine that was raised by a strict father. She was never that interested in sex until her boyfriend told her about domination and bondage. She agrees to go with him to Shadowland to take lessons. He turns into a jerk and she decides to leave but Master Z catches her before leaving and gets her to stay and keep taking lessons with Master Dan an experienced Dom who never takes a sub for more than one night after the death of his wife a few years back.

Master Dan is the brooding Hero that can not let go of his diseased wife. Dan and his wife never had kids so her death left him feeling lonely. He just wants someone to love him, but he still aches and has guilt from the lost of his wife. Because of his guilt he never takes a sub for more than one night until Kari comes into his life. Now he has so many mixed emotions that he does not know how to deal with them. It was heart-wrenching to read at times because Kari thought he was having the same loving feelings for her but then he would become cold and pull away. It was nice to see his little possessiveness/jealous streak of Kari through out the book. Dan is a sweet talker and very touchy-feely. I fell in love with Dan by chapter 3 but Master Dan you had me at chapter 5 with one little word “Nibble.”

“Red,” she whispered. She bit her lip again, and he couldn’t stand it.
“If anyone nibbles those lips, it will be me,” he murmured, licking over the plump bottom one. He tilted his head and took her mouth, then delved deep inside. She tasted of rum and coke and something that was essentially Kari.

It was a joy to watch Kari transform from a mousy school teacher to a beautiful, sensual woman. She falls in love with Dan pretty quick, but who wouldn’t when you have a sexy Dom who gets you and is whispering sweet, erotic words in your ear while caressing you in a gentle and loving way. She also had a backbone as she at times spoke her mind when Dan would get cold on her and back off. She also would bite her tongue and took what ever punishments Dan gave her in a erotic good way.

It was a treat to see Maser Z and Jessica through out the book. It was always just enough to let you know how they are doing and seeing that they are still madly in love.

And can not forget The Capture Gardens scene. Oh my it is erotic, fun and intense. Hope we get more of this in the other character stories.

Dark Citadel is a keeper. This book is the one you would want to read on a rainy night in front of a cozy fire with a nice glass of wine. You do not have to like BDSM to enjoy this book. For me that was just an added bonus. It is truly a love story with a Hero and Heroine that are meant to be together and reading how they are going to get there.

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Dec 13, 2011 Amanda Croley rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Kari is a high school teacher, attending the beginners BDSM class with her boyfriend Buck. She hasn't ever really enjoyed sex, so when Buck tells her about the beginners class she is willing to give it a try. She is a little more than willing once she arrives. She is a tad too naive to be her age. Innocent maybe, but it's not like she is a virgin. She wears different color socks & shoes. (I know her inability to dress like a grown up doesn't make her naive)Drastically different, like purple...more

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Nov 16, 2011 Melanie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: erotica, contemporary, kindle, cherise-sinclair, lookin-out-my-backdoor, slap-and-tickle

I liked this installment of Sinclair's 'Shadowlands' series much better than the first. For me, the storyline was more believable - instead of a drenched accountant seeking shelter in a rain storm, ending up in a BDSM club, and discovering she's sexually submissive, we are treated to a heroine who's smart enough to know what she's getting into.

When Kari shows up for a class at Club Shadowlands, her date becomes more of a dictator than a dominant and she decides to leave. The empathic Master Z,...more

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Apr 03, 2011 Joy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ebooks, erotic-fiction, bdsm, contemporary-romance, cherise-sinclair

This is darker than the first book. Master Dan hasn't gotten over his dead wife and has nothing more to give but sex. Again, the heroine is the usual everyday woman. Kari is a high school teacher and knows how to handle kids in fights. I'm glad she isn't one of those subs that take a Dom's word and follow it blindly. Like Jessica (Club Shadowlands), she's a resistant sub and having been raised the way she is, Master Dan helped her let go of a lot of inhibitions.

Since most of the happenings at th...more

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About Cherise Sinclair

I live in the west with my beloved husband, two children, and various animals including three cats who rule the household. Over the years, I've lived in many states and worked at a multitude of jobs before settling down to writing. Finally meeting other authors was a huge relief; apparently I'm not the only person to have a mind populated with characters talking, arguing, and having hot sex.

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Books by Cherise Sinclair

Club Shadowlands (Masters of the Shadowlands, #1)

Master of the Mountain (Mountain Masters, #1)

Breaking Free (Masters of the Shadowlands, #3)

Make Me, Sir (Masters of the Shadowlands, #5)

Lean on Me (Masters of the Shadowlands, #4)

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Quotes from Dark Citadel

“It's hard for an educated woman to turn her head off. That's part of the joy of being a submissive. None of the decisions are yours. When you can't refuse anything and can't even move, those voices in your head go silent. All you can do, and all you are permitted to do, is feel.” — 121 people liked it

“I’m a firm believer in equality at all times—”
“At all times?” She glanced at the cuffs clipped to his leathers. “Why do I find that hard to believe?” And why the heck was she arguing with him. Mine, mine, mine.
“At all times,” he repeated. “However, in the bedroom or in the club, I am a lot more equal than you.” — 18 people liked it

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Dark Citadel (Masters of the Shadowlands #2)

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