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Master of Restraint and sadist, Dexter Hayes has always used the following adage as a form of self-preservation: never ask questions when you aren’t prepared to hear the answers.

Dexter turned a blind eye on Maître du Jeu’s activities, only doing as he was told without question. His sole focus for the past few years had been on his girlfriend, Monica James, and their housemate, Tobias Kline.

When the riots began at Restraint, the two halves of Dexter’s world collided, putting everyone at risk. Adelaide Whittenhower published the Mistress & Master of Restraint, exposing the secrets of Dominion’s underground. The book drew the public to Restraint, and it has been spiraling out of control.

Dexter tried to maintain his stance of never knowing too much, but he was swept into the fray. He had lost control of Monica, allowing her insecurities to ruin her from the inside out. Tobias flexed his newfound independence by no longer following Dexter’s instruction. The members of Restraint were running rampant, forgetting their training and doing whatever they wished.

Dexter felt he knew the people in his life, but as the questions he never asked were being answered, he learned they were always complete strangers.

As the battle lines were drawn, Dexter learned a valuable lesson– pleading ignorance may have been his greatest downfall yet.


Publishers Notice

The author did an extensive rewrite on this title, and the entire Mistress & Master of Restraint series. Not just editing and formatting, but a rewrite to where it's #NotTheSameBook #NotTheSameSeries The final republished editions began in early 2015 with Restraint, and mid-2017 with Checkmate so far. Reviews written before those dates may include elements that are no longer contained within the book, or the series as a whole.

The author apologizes for any confusion this may cause. To avoid any reader having to repurchase the titles (via Amazon), no matter the significant changes in the contents, they are listed as the same book. Readers who are in possession of the old edition only need to update their copies via Amazon.

Ms. Chilson also requests for those who reread the series to update their reviews and ratings accordingly, either for the positive or the critical, to help readers make informed decisions on whether or not to read based on what is currently in the final editions of the series.

Thank you

Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2012

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About the author

Erica Chilson

39 books434 followers
Erica Chilson does not write in the 3rd person, wanting her readers to be her characters. Therefore, writing a bio about herself, is uncomfortable in the extreme.

Born, raised, and here to stay, the Wicked Writer is a stump-jumper, a ridge-runner. Hailing from North Central Pennsylvania, directly on the New York State border; she loves the changes in seasons, the humid air, all the mountainous forest, and the gloomy atmosphere.

Introverted, but not socially awkward, Erica prides herself on thinking first and filtering her speech. There are days she doesn’t speak at all. If it wasn’t for the fact that she lives with her parents, giving her a sense of reality, she would be a hermit, where the delivery man finds her months after expiration.

Reading was an escape, a way to leave a not-so pleasant reality behind. Reading lent Erica the courage she gathered from the characters between the pages to long for a different life. Writing was an instrument of change, evolving Erica into the woman she is today- a better, more mature, more at peace thinker.

Erica has a wicked mind, one she pours out into her creations. Her filter doesn’t allow all of it to erupt, much to her relief. Sarcastic, with a very dark, perverse sense of humor, Erica puts a bit of herself into every character she writes.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for BookAddict  ✒ La Crimson Femme.
6,707 reviews1,306 followers
November 3, 2015
One train wreck coming up!



This is a 2.5 story for me. Here's what I liked:

BDSM Scenes were decent. The sex scenes near the end were good for me. I enjoyed them.



What bothered me

The people in here are flawed and broken. This I'm fine with. It's the self medicating through BDSM which can give the wrong impression. Since I'm in the lifestyle and know better, I find this fucked up poly with formal protocol hilarious. The formal protocol is nifty. Are there people who practice this in real life? Yes. Is this how most of the people are in the lifestyle? No. Based on my personal experience, this is becoming less and less prevalent. Just like in the work place people don't wear suits and address each other by their surname, in the lifestyle, formal protocol and the old guard is becoming less and less a majority. This is neither right nor wrong. It is just how the world is changing. I draw the same parallel as we see for members joining Restraint. It's a good allegory (is that the right term?) of all these new people rushing to join because of publicity in the lifestyle. The Masters of Restraint are the old guard.

The writing style was not as up to par as the previous. It's all from the perspective of Dexter. This is fine. It was just so much telling and little action. The action mainly occurred when the characters got their freak on.

What irked me

When I go to sleep at night I wonder why you love me and I wake up thinking the same thoughts. I can see how much you love me and I can’t fathom why. (loc. 843-844)

This is from Monica. I feel the same. I can't fathom why anyone would love you. You are TSTL and you need to be micro managed. WTF. Why does Dexter love her? She's a suicide waiting to happen.

A submissive can’t resist a dominant, even a shitty one. (loc. 852-852) Okay, I see Dexter has his perspective. He's free to think this way. We can agree to disagree because fuck that. I can resist a dominant, especially if it is a shitty one. Let me show you how.



I hold the belief that everything happens for a reason. God sent Monica to me because I’m the one that can fix her injured soul. I can complete her. Please don’t let me fail her, I pray. (loc. 894-898) Hubris, thy name is Dexter. Seriously, WTF? Funniest shit I've read in a long time.

“It’s going to be alright, Dexter. It’s not your execution. Kat is a gorgeous woman. She knows what she’s doing. Don’t you trust her?”

I [Dexter] sigh heavily and let that be my answer. No, I don’t trust Kat to treat me with my best interests in mind. I trust her to treat me with hers in mind. My body beads with sweat as my mind conjures up scenarios that aren’t arousing. (loc. 3953-3956)


No words. Really?



Let me say that again.



If one doesn't understand the connection between trust and BDSM by now, let's just stop there.

I am also irked by the constant dragging out of "mystery" mole etc. This is purely a reader preference. Some love it; some don't. I don't. So while I want to know happens and if my guess is correct, it doesn't necessarily mean this book is going to be enjoyable for me. I just want to know.

Profile Image for Dee.
1,973 reviews59 followers
November 9, 2013
3 1/2 star rounded up to 4 fk'd up stars.

This series is seriously twisted, but I love it. I didn't enjoy this story as much as the first two as Monica grated on my nerves. The eating disorder thing and how it was dealt with also didn't sit well with me, so that is something that hit on a personal level.

There were many mixes of sexual scenes in this story, most steamy as hell some verging on pretty fkd up.

Then we have the mole and the media slant, what the hell is going on. The author knows how to give just enough to leave you wanting/needing more.

I see the next book is tagged as having some MM action in it. Something I don't care for. Do I plan on reading it regardless, hell yeah. Bring on Dalton's story.
Profile Image for ✨Cassie ✨.
528 reviews5 followers
June 20, 2012
Erica Chilson did it again! I love getting sucked into this world and leaving my "normal" life behind for a while. And that is exactly what happens when you read these books. I loved learning about Dexter and seeing who he really was. You also get a peek into Kat's and the two Ezes life's and see what is happening to them now. And I'm pretty sure you wont be let down. As well as learning new stuff about other characters. I don't want to give to much away about the book, but I just have to say I fell in love with Dexter and the kind of person he is. Dexter (Mistress & Mater Of Restraint, #3) doesn't let you down. It's steamy, sexy, kinky and just a pinch of "Holy Hell", lol.
Profile Image for Kris.
843 reviews7 followers
June 26, 2012
Dexters story and a great one at that! all our favorite players are in there too...but goes into dexter & monica's relationship. Loved it! Chilson rocks this genre!
Profile Image for Dvillalobos.
141 reviews24 followers
February 3, 2013
Loving this HOT series! Dexter is definitely at the top of my list of favorite characters now. He doesn't seem to be clouded by a horrific, confusing past like the rest. He's refreshing after reading about the f***ed up lives of the others. Being a sadist is a need he seems to be born with and he does it REALLY well!! Now on to the next book, DALTON.....
Profile Image for Kent.
441 reviews
July 20, 2014
Ok, I still have a problem with the whole master hierarchy and the total lack of respect for the lower masters by forcing them to submit, but I am hooked at this point and I still need to get the full story on Queen so I will continue at least through book 7.
Profile Image for Janie.
183 reviews
March 7, 2017
Book three in the series lets us get into the life and mind of our favorite whip wielding sadist, Dexter Hayes. He's sexy in nothing but leather pants but he is so much more. Dexter is loving and loyal and lives by his own moral code. When he loves someone he loves them with absolute devotion. He definitely loves Monica and his submissive Tobias and their well being is very important to him. This book also delves into the ongoing problems at Restraint and we get to see that there are problems in the relationship between Kat and the two Ezes. I am loving this series.
Profile Image for Scarlett Rue.
396 reviews21 followers
June 2, 2023
Revised Edition:

I loved this book. I love this saga, and I love the changes Erica made as compared to the original versions. I was waiting until the Queen arc was released before getting into Dexter and Dalton. If you have already read the series, you know why

Having read the entire M&M saga twice, I can say that I do like this version better. I initially didn't see a reason for the rewrite because I felt that the originals were perfect and needed to be left alone. I was wrong. This new updated version is far and away better. Erica was right, her abilities as an author and storyteller has grown and now she has gone back and made what was great even better.

Dexter and Monica's relationship is much more deeply written, along with the overall arc of the book which is the whole mystery that unfolds through the series.

I guess if you are reading this review you have read the first two books Restraint and Unleashed and are wondering if you need to read Dexter or skip it, or if you should just leave the series after that first ARC because you don't think you want to read about a minor secondary character from the first books.

Let me say this, if you liked the first two books, read each following book, in order and trust me, trust me, you will not be disappointed. TRUST ME. I waited until the Queen trilogy to be released because the end of that ARC is a decent resting point.
Revised Dexter:

I know reading this saga is an undertaking. Erica doesn't write short stories that you can skim. You cannot read these books a few pages at a time. You won't finish them if you do this. If you have the time and like what you have read so far, continue on. Look at it this way, if you start this book and find you don't like it, stop reading. How hard is that? It's a Kindle Unlimited and for those of you who have that subscription can get the book for "free". No great loss.


The only thing I recommend is that you don't read this book if you are looking for light and fluffy. Read this when you are in a book slump. When you are desperate for something that will make you feel something after you finish. Read this when you want to read something with substance.

Ok, that's all.
Profile Image for Billi.
156 reviews11 followers
December 23, 2015
ARC by author for honest review.
WOW… This story is just amazing! When I first started this series, I never thought that there could be so many twists and turns and just plain ole f'ed-up-ness! Boy, did Chilson prove me wrong.
As the third book in the series, we get a chance to hear about what Dexter in going through with Monica and Toby and how the Ez's, Maître du Jeu’s and the BDSM Lifestyle Authority is still continuing to make everyone's lives miserable.
In the beginning of the book, we start to see how the relationship aspects work between Dexter, Monica and Toby work. With their status on extremely rocky ground due to Monica's troubling self-esteem and trust issues, Dexter has to be able to step up and be the Master that he was always supposed to be for Monica and Toby. Once they finally find the rhythm that they were always supposed to have, here comes another problem that needs to be taken care of: The Maître du Jeu’s and the BDSM Lifestyle Authority. And the problems that they cause are damaging the lives of every Master and Mistress at Restraint.
To me, this book is a necessary stepping stone in the M&M series. Though there may be a lot of questions that are left unanswered in this book, we learn a lot about a very important character that has a major role in the whole story. It will keep you on the edge of you seat till the very end and leave you there wondering what the heck just happen! Great Job, Erica!
Profile Image for Mary Mooney.
2,406 reviews55 followers
October 4, 2013
I am loving this series. The characters are evolving with each page I read. Dexter is the sadist and loves dishing out pain to others and he knows how to push there limits. He has been with Monica for two years and fell in love with her the first time he saw her. He is still helping Tobias to become a better person and to feel good about himself. To me this one has more of a story line with someone trying to tell all the secrets of the Masters of Restraint. Dexter may be a sadist but he has a kind loving heart and he wants to make Monica his wife and start a family. Will Monica get over her self-loathing with Dexter's help? Will Tobias continue to make improvement? Can Dexter help train new Dominants and submissives? Can the Masters figure out who the mole is and getting information to the press? And what the hell is up with Marcus, Cortez, Ezra and Kat? And Ava is definitely a little demon, can Master Marcus straighten her out? I think so!!!! Erica Chilson has a great series going here and can't wait to read Dalton, book 4.
Profile Image for Daisy Sloan.
776 reviews96 followers
November 23, 2012
Erica Chilson has one f***d up imagination. This is one wickedly messed up group of friends and family. It's amazing!

It's been a while since I read Restraint and Unleashed, so it took me a few chapters to remember who everyone was and their role. Once I had everyone in their place, the story flowed nicely.

Dexter and Monica are perfect for each other. I think out of everyone, they have the most normal relationship. I'm curious as to who the mole is. I won't feel sorry for them at all!

I'm still liking the series and plan to read the rest of them, however, this one didn't match up to the first two in intensity. I don't know if anything will match up the intensity of the first one!

I had a hard time connecting to Monica. She is a nice person and deserves Dexter. He's good for her. I just didn't connect with her.

After that epilogue, I can't wait to read Dalton's story. This is gonna be good!
Profile Image for Candice.
2,857 reviews122 followers
January 20, 2015
Erica Chilson, you did it again! Holy hell.

Why did I stop after the first two for a break? Oh yeah, they were too good for me to plow through. I needed a breather to savor the moments. I am so glad I am back on the Masters of Restraint train. WOW! I won't be stepping off anytime soon. I'm in this til the end now.

Dexter, oh my sadist, Dexter. You are so hot. I don't care how small (short) you are, you are hung like a horse and know how to use it.

We learned so much about the Zeitler's, through the eyes of Dexter. Marcus, wow. So much emotion. Cort, so much confusion. Dex and Kat, amazing reward ;)

Kat and Monica...LOVE! That Dungeon orgy scene was amazing.

I can't wait to find out more about Greta. Please tell me I find out more about Greta.

My only cringe worthy issue with this was the children in the club (especially Ava!)

I wanna know who the mole is. Onto, Dalton!
Profile Image for Sarina Asheford.
Author 7 books5 followers
September 9, 2012
Somehow I managed to miss writing a review of Dexter, which is a real shame because he is probably one of my favorite characters. Katya's attraction to him, his dominance and his love (?) are all explored in this book as well as some of the reasons why he is what he is.

As with all of Ms. Chilson's stories as soon as I finish I am eagerly awaiting the next, with her dual release of Dexter and Dalton she gave me a little more to read at one time...but now I'm eagerly awaiting the next huge installments of this story!

The characters are realistic, they have flaws, they have families, they have children and they have sex... a lot of sex. Some dark sides slide away to reveal happiness while some happiness hides the dark side. Immerse yourself in the Master and Mistress of Restraint series and enjoy!
Profile Image for Kristen.
108 reviews1 follower
October 30, 2015
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

Dexter takes us back to Restraint for another view into the lives of the Masters and Mistresses who cavort there. This story delves into the mind of Dexter while he tries to save his love, Monica, from herself while dealing with the mayhem going on in Restraint.

Someone close to the Masters is leaking information to the media about their members and families. The mysterious Maitre du Jeu is interrogating everyone trying to find the mole, riots keep erupting in the club, and the families are as screwed up as ever.

This book is a complete page turner. You will not want to stop once you get sucked into the world of Restraint. With a ton of steamy scenes, plenty of BDSM, and a bit of intrigue thrown in, it has something for everyone. I am looking forward to the next in the series!
Profile Image for Shauntise.
43 reviews
September 26, 2014
although my heart belongs to the Ezes (well mostly Cortez, he's quite naughty, cheeky and very sneaky) i do have a crush on Dexter. I think it has something to do with that whip he has. he's the kind of man you dont want to piss off bc he looks dangerous, but then you do want to piss him off bc he can be dangerous. the whole book was sick and twisted (def in a good way) at times i was confused about who was with who and when i thought i figured it out, the party would rearrange and become a different cast of partners. and speaking of partners, Kat and Dex together, sinfully delicious, i may need more of them together.

on to Dalton and the mysterious mole. I have an idea who it is and its probably wrong, but lets just say if im right, this person is in a whole lot of trouble ;)
Profile Image for Christy.
192 reviews6 followers
April 21, 2013
Dexter.
By Erica Chilson
This book is a big turn from the previous two books in Ms Chilson's series. Instead of a complete focus on Mistress Kat and her two husbands there is an expansion of devolving the other family characters. In this point Dexter is the driving force. And from the way the ladies and men love him, he is quick a force. Dexter is a true Master. Ladies bewared his character easy to crush on. I will admit I am bit green with envy of Monica. I look forward to seeing where her Master takes her. Erica Chilson books are honest in a way that I found refreshing. I love thst the BDSM lifestyle is presented in what I found to be a very real way. I am off to start the next book in the series.
Review by Jedi Christy
986 reviews8 followers
May 8, 2016
I always loved Dexter. He seems the most sane person in Dominion even if he does have tendency to stick his head in the sand in relation to truth behind the things that are going on around him. I'm not sure what it says about the residents of Dominion that I find the sadist the most normal person around. Seeing they way Dexter loves Heidi makes it easy to love him.

The riots at Restraint and issues of who is behind what is fascinating. And the ending is killer. As soon as I finished Dexter I immediately started reading Dalton, book 4 in this series.

This is a fascinating series and each book must be read in order. It is well worth your time to read this series. Each book leaves you wanting the next one.
Profile Image for S.M. Harshell.
Author 5 books40 followers
May 6, 2013
I found Dexter very intriguing. You get to see that Dexter can be a dark sided Master in Unleashed. Reading from his point of view in Dexter, you learn what makes him a sadist. Finding out why giving someone pain/pleasure is so comforting to him. His emotional ties to Monica and Toby. Watching the battle between love he feels for Monica as her boyfriend and knows what she needs as her Master, and his wants to be equal. Finally getting that hotter than hell scene with Katya then bring the suspense factor in on what is happening at Restraint with the mole and the publication of Generation Next...this book is HOT!!
Profile Image for Robin Brister.
271 reviews7 followers
November 3, 2015
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the author. Dexter followed the characters from the earlier Master of Restraint series. As it had been several months since I had read the first two books, it took me a bit to remember who everyone was and how they were related. I enjoyed seeing how all of their lives are weaved together and how they react to each other. I liked the suspense in this story that had me wondering who and why. Dexter was full of surprises in how he interacted with the other characters. If you have read the first two books, this is a great addition.
Profile Image for Deborah.
78 reviews24 followers
July 22, 2012
I have to admit, I was interested in learning more about Dexter from the beginning. Katya's passing interest in him as he's introduced in Restraint, and her growing relationship in Unleashed, leave you wondering what it is about Dexter that makes him so mysterious and desirable at the same time. In this book, another great addition to the Mistress & Master of Restraint series, you'll certainly find out!
Profile Image for Jodi Mcknight.
9 reviews1 follower
November 6, 2015
Loved this book! I read all the previous books in the series so I looked at Dexter as someone dark and scary. I After reading I no longer looked at him that way. He is very loving and caring. Was good to see the softer side of him and get to know him better. Monica pissed me off in the beginning of the book but once I got to understand why she did was she did I understood and felt bad for her. Def don't want to miss out on this book!
Profile Image for Sherry Bohrmueller.
1,249 reviews5 followers
November 15, 2015
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

This series is very dark. The twist and turns that this book took were unbelievable.
The characters are so complicated in each their own way.

Although it took me a while to get into this story it once again captivated my attention as did the other books.

This is a definite must read series for those who like dark stories.
Profile Image for Kimberly Howe.
933 reviews24 followers
January 3, 2015
I absolutely love this series! I love the complexities of the characters and that everything is not all sunshine and roses all the time. Love is messy, it hurts, and when reciprocated honestly, blissful! Thank you!
387 reviews8 followers
April 28, 2023
Revised Edition:

I loved this book. I love this saga, and I love the changes Erica made as compared to the original versions. I was waiting until the Queen arc was released before getting into Dexter and Dalton. If you have already read the series, you know why

Having read the entire M&M saga twice, I can say that I do like this version better. I initially didn't see a reason for the rewrite because I felt that the originals were perfect and needed to be left alone. I was wrong. This new updated version is far and away better. Erica was right, her abilities as an author and storyteller has grown and now she has gone back and made what was great even better.

Dexter and Monica's relationship is much more deeply written, along with the overall arc of the book which is the whole mystery that unfolds through the series.

I guess if you are reading this review you have read the first two books Restraint and Unleashed and are wondering if you need to read Dexter or skip it, or if you should just leave the series after that first ARC because you don't think you want to read about a minor secondary character from the first books.

Let me say this, if you liked the first two books, read each following book, in order and trust me, trust me, you will not be disappointed. TRUST ME. I waited until the Queen trilogy to be released because the end of that ARC is a decent resting point.
Revised Dexter:

I know reading this saga is an undertaking. Erica doesn't write short stories that you can skim. You cannot read these books a few pages at a time. You won't finish them if you do this. If you have the time and like what you have read so far, continue on. Look at it this way, if you start this book and find you don't like it, stop reading. How hard is that? It's a Kindle Unlimited and for those of you who have that subscription can get the book for "free". No great loss.


The only thing I recommend is that you don't read this book if you are looking for light and fluffy. Read this when you are in a book slump. When you are desperate for something that will make you feel something after you finish. Read this when you want to read something with substance.

Ok, that's all.
373 reviews4 followers
August 17, 2023
Revised Edition:

I loved this book. I love this saga, and I love the changes Erica made as compared to the original versions. I was waiting until the Queen arc was released before getting into Dexter and Dalton. If you have already read the series, you know why

Having read the entire M&M saga twice, I can say that I do like this version better. I initially didn't see a reason for the rewrite because I felt that the originals were perfect and needed to be left alone. I was wrong. This new updated version is far and away better. Erica was right, her abilities as an author and storyteller has grown and now she has gone back and made what was great even better.

Dexter and Monica's relationship is much more deeply written, along with the overall arc of the book which is the whole mystery that unfolds through the series.

I guess if you are reading this review you have read the first two books Restraint and Unleashed and are wondering if you need to read Dexter or skip it, or if you should just leave the series after that first ARC because you don't think you want to read about a minor secondary character from the first books.

Let me say this, if you liked the first two books, read each following book, in order and trust me, trust me, you will not be disappointed. TRUST ME. I waited until the Queen trilogy to be released because the end of that ARC is a decent resting point.
Revised Dexter:

I know reading this saga is an undertaking. Erica doesn't write short stories that you can skim. You cannot read these books a few pages at a time. You won't finish them if you do this. If you have the time and like what you have read so far, continue on. Look at it this way, if you start this book and find you don't like it, stop reading. How hard is that? It's a Kindle Unlimited and for those of you who have that subscription can get the book for "free". No great loss.


The only thing I recommend is that you don't read this book if you are looking for light and fluffy. Read this when you are in a book slump. When you are desperate for something that will make you feel something after you finish. Read this when you want to read something with substance.

Ok, that's all.
Profile Image for Epiphany.
584 reviews8 followers
December 13, 2017
In the third installment of the Mistress and Master of Restraint series, we are more focused on Dexter and Monica plus someone or a group of someones is trying to cause major problems for the club and its patrons. Now each of the books in this series is full of emotional roller coaster riding. It is a mind twist that at times leaves me shaking my head. This book did not disappoint. Like I said in my review of Restraint if you are not into BDSM this book is not for you. But, if you enjoy an erotic read which gives the reader BDSM, love, hate and a well of other emotions this book is for you and you won’t be disappointed. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

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