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Mountain Masters & Dark Haven #4.5
Master of Freedom
Series: Mountain Masters & Dark Haven, Book 7
Length: 9 hrs and 16 mins
Detective Atticus Ware gave up his beloved Idaho to start again in the mountains of California, close to his imprisoned brother. He has a rewarding job and friends, but the experienced Dominant wants more than the Do-Me submissives who flock around him. He needs a woman who will give her heart as well as her body.
Virginia, “Gin,” is damn good at her challenging career as a prison psychologist. However, one problem inmate is mired in misery and unable to overcome his guilt at causing a friend’s death.
To clear her mind, she joins a friend’s kinky backpacking excursion, planning to hide in her tent during the evening BDSM pursuits. But Atticus lures her into the activities. She’s read about BDSM, but submission under the hands of a powerful Dom is beyond anything she’d imagined. She doesn’t trust men, doesn’t want a relationship, and yet…wants more from him.
Finally, Atticus has found the woman he wants in his life. In his bed. In his cuffs. But she’s not only his brother’s therapist, but also works in a prison. How can he tolerate his woman walking into danger every single blasted day?
Gin knows she has no future with Atticus Ware, but still, hope is rising in her heart.
Length: 9 hrs and 16 mins
Detective Atticus Ware gave up his beloved Idaho to start again in the mountains of California, close to his imprisoned brother. He has a rewarding job and friends, but the experienced Dominant wants more than the Do-Me submissives who flock around him. He needs a woman who will give her heart as well as her body.
Virginia, “Gin,” is damn good at her challenging career as a prison psychologist. However, one problem inmate is mired in misery and unable to overcome his guilt at causing a friend’s death.
To clear her mind, she joins a friend’s kinky backpacking excursion, planning to hide in her tent during the evening BDSM pursuits. But Atticus lures her into the activities. She’s read about BDSM, but submission under the hands of a powerful Dom is beyond anything she’d imagined. She doesn’t trust men, doesn’t want a relationship, and yet…wants more from him.
Finally, Atticus has found the woman he wants in his life. In his bed. In his cuffs. But she’s not only his brother’s therapist, but also works in a prison. How can he tolerate his woman walking into danger every single blasted day?
Gin knows she has no future with Atticus Ware, but still, hope is rising in her heart.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2015
378 people are currently reading
1717 people want to read
About the author
Cherise Sinclair
67 books8,337 followersA 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 263 reviews
May 22, 2015
4 trust me stars
Virginia "Gin" ran away from not only her past but the woman she turned out to be. Determined to start over and no longer be the kind of girl always looking for approval and fighting everyday to keep the ones that should love her... Homesick and alone, she attempt to wash away the darkness that threaten to drown her after her long and depressing day as a prison psychologist in the mountains of California. When her new friend invites her on an weekend excursion, her wildest desires come to life, Atticus... he is tall, dominant and intoxicating.
She was only supposed to "watch and see", never in her dreams did she think that this kind of life was real and to be invited and used ignites something inside of her; bringing a sense of excitement and fear. For the first time in his life, Atticus wants more, and if giving her the sense of control by keeping this connection between them in the "friends with benefits" category, then so be it. Being the Dom he is, he can wait her out and show her just how beautiful surrendering can be.
As much as Gin wants to protect her heart, Atticus inserts himself in every which way into her life and soon she has to decide if he is worth the risk. But her work causes more damage to her work than she has ever signed on for. A conflict on interest has her passing on one of her patients to another therapist, all the while Atticus worries for her safety every time she steps foot into the place. As good of a therapist Gin is, she needs someone stronger to hold her and possibly love her...
Master of Freedom is a delicious tale full of thrills, about a highly intelligent woman who is trying to stand her own and come to terms with her natural submissive nature. Atticus is man's man, an honorable man known for his love of ropes. Together they provide the missing piece in each others life and must fight to keep it. It was fun to catch up with past couples that I've read passionately about, and while this is categorized as a novella, it didn't read like one. Atticus and gin held their own, with the rest of them, maybe not as heavily BDSM themed but still highly enjoyable. Not to mention a "hot tub interrogation scene that was HOT as hell!
“I’ll always come after you. I keep what’s mine.”
Virginia "Gin" ran away from not only her past but the woman she turned out to be. Determined to start over and no longer be the kind of girl always looking for approval and fighting everyday to keep the ones that should love her... Homesick and alone, she attempt to wash away the darkness that threaten to drown her after her long and depressing day as a prison psychologist in the mountains of California. When her new friend invites her on an weekend excursion, her wildest desires come to life, Atticus... he is tall, dominant and intoxicating.
“Why did I have the misconception that you were a gentleman?”
“I’ve got no idea, baby. Maybe because when the gentleman meets the Dom, the Dom wins?”
She was only supposed to "watch and see", never in her dreams did she think that this kind of life was real and to be invited and used ignites something inside of her; bringing a sense of excitement and fear. For the first time in his life, Atticus wants more, and if giving her the sense of control by keeping this connection between them in the "friends with benefits" category, then so be it. Being the Dom he is, he can wait her out and show her just how beautiful surrendering can be.
“...your willing surrender has a beauty I can’t explain.”
As much as Gin wants to protect her heart, Atticus inserts himself in every which way into her life and soon she has to decide if he is worth the risk. But her work causes more damage to her work than she has ever signed on for. A conflict on interest has her passing on one of her patients to another therapist, all the while Atticus worries for her safety every time she steps foot into the place. As good of a therapist Gin is, she needs someone stronger to hold her and possibly love her...
Master of Freedom is a delicious tale full of thrills, about a highly intelligent woman who is trying to stand her own and come to terms with her natural submissive nature. Atticus is man's man, an honorable man known for his love of ropes. Together they provide the missing piece in each others life and must fight to keep it. It was fun to catch up with past couples that I've read passionately about, and while this is categorized as a novella, it didn't read like one. Atticus and gin held their own, with the rest of them, maybe not as heavily BDSM themed but still highly enjoyable. Not to mention a "hot tub interrogation scene that was HOT as hell!
April 13, 2015
It’s always nice returning to the Mountain Masters series because you get heroes like Detective Atticus Ware who kind of reminds you of how great BDSM erotic can be. Needless to say, Cherise Sinclair is the queen at writing these great heroes and books and with MASTER OF FREEDOM, she has another winner on her hands.
Gin is looking for a little retreat after her job as a prison psychology begins to stress her out. When her friends invite her to tag along on this kinky backpacking excursion, Gin is more than ready to offer a helping hand during this time. However when Atticus asks her to help her demonstration something to a few learning Doms, she becomes well aware of the attraction they share.
One of the great things about Cherise Sinclair and her writing is that with every book, you feel like there’s a consistent level of romance and tension in her books. I think all her books continue to be above most standards and whether it’s a full length novel or a novella like this one, Sinclair always delivers a great love story with smoking hot sex. She is also able to incorporate new things into each book, surprising readers so that her loyal ones never once feel bored. If you could see me now, I’m applauding her because I know how hard that is to do. MASTER OF FREEDOM is another brilliant installment to the series.
*ARC provided by publisher
April 16, 2015
I adore Cherise Sinclair and usually love everything she writes. Unfortunately for me, Master of Freedom: A Mountain Masters Novella was my least favorite book out of all the series I have read from her. For some reason, I Gin and Atticus' relationship was very flat for me. There was no real "umph" that pulled me into the story. Their connection was not a strong one for me and I actually felt as if I was reading to get to the end as opposed to reading for enjoyment. The story was not totally unenjoyable. There were moments -- mostly between the primary characters and secondary characters -- that I enjoyed more that the moments between the actual primary couple. I adored Gin's connection with Sawyer and the prison scene where he protected her and the other counselor in the prison yard and what ensued after with Atticus coming to save Gin was the best part of the story for me. It contained pulse pounding action that kicked the story up a notch. I wish the rest of the story contained that much of a pull on my attention. Still, Cherise remains a favorite author and I will always look forward to seeing what's next for her.
May 7, 2017
3,5. A medida que avanza esta serie es cada vez mejor.
April 29, 2015
It has been a while since I last read a Cherise Sinclair book and reading this was like a big warm welcome-back-home hug. Cherise is known for writing magnetic and swoon-worthy Doms and she did not disappoint with Atticus Ware (plus he is an expert in rope play!). Yum. But deVries remains to be my favorite Dom in this particular series. Not a big fan of Gin until nearing the end of the novel. Cherise also decides to share a preview of Servicing The Target featuring Mistress Anne from Club Shadowlands - can't wait!
Gin is new to town and took on the job as a prison psychologist. She has been reading BDSM erotica and originally that it was not real, until her friend invites her to a lodge to watch a few BDSM classes in exchange for helping out in the lodge. The first time Detective Atticus caught sight of Gin he knew he wanted her, especially after hearing that Southern lilt. And they fight to find happiness which is with each other...
This has been a most enjoyable story - lovely set of characters, winsome plot, romance, kinky sex, some laughs and even a bit of suspense. It is an excellent addition to this series. I have yet to read any Cherise Sinclair book that I did not like (knock on wood, hopefully never!). ;)
Gin is new to town and took on the job as a prison psychologist. She has been reading BDSM erotica and originally that it was not real, until her friend invites her to a lodge to watch a few BDSM classes in exchange for helping out in the lodge. The first time Detective Atticus caught sight of Gin he knew he wanted her, especially after hearing that Southern lilt. And they fight to find happiness which is with each other...
This has been a most enjoyable story - lovely set of characters, winsome plot, romance, kinky sex, some laughs and even a bit of suspense. It is an excellent addition to this series. I have yet to read any Cherise Sinclair book that I did not like (knock on wood, hopefully never!). ;)
June 4, 2017
Now I remember why I no longer read these books...
The Good - it was nice to catch up with couples from other stories in the two series. Some of the earlier books in both series were genuinely fun reads. This story was very lightweight and often cute.
The Bad - the sugar fluff BDSM storyline hit every single tired cliche and overused trope known to man. The book was a retread with parts cherry picked from the other stories. Worse, the D/s was just plain silly. I thought I was going to hurt my eyes from rolling them during some of the scenes.
Thanks to Liona for the loan...
The Good - it was nice to catch up with couples from other stories in the two series. Some of the earlier books in both series were genuinely fun reads. This story was very lightweight and often cute.
The Bad - the sugar fluff BDSM storyline hit every single tired cliche and overused trope known to man. The book was a retread with parts cherry picked from the other stories. Worse, the D/s was just plain silly. I thought I was going to hurt my eyes from rolling them during some of the scenes.
Thanks to Liona for the loan...
December 16, 2019
Okay, I liked it but not going to lie here - I laughed a lot throughout this novella.
Master of Freedom is an interesting novella within the 1001 dark night series. In it, you will meet Virginia, aka Gin - pretty bad ass nickname if you ask me, and Atticus. Gin is running away from her life and ex, because what girl wouldn't want to do this and ends up being a counselor to inmates.
Honestly, this job of her sounds so freaking interesting. I am in no way, shape, or form a people person (because I hate people in general) but I was giving her mad props for doing this. Mostly because I have no idea what would happen even talking to an inmate on personal stuff. So seeing how she was handling what was going on kept this a page turner.
Then there's Atticus, who meets her at a party. He moved to town to stay close to his brother. Was wondering how things were going to go down between these two and wasn't one bit surprised how it all started. Yet, their entire relationship (smutty or not) was pure gold. I loved how these two handled one another and basically ended up loving each other.
Master of Freedom is an interesting novella within the 1001 dark night series. In it, you will meet Virginia, aka Gin - pretty bad ass nickname if you ask me, and Atticus. Gin is running away from her life and ex, because what girl wouldn't want to do this and ends up being a counselor to inmates.
Honestly, this job of her sounds so freaking interesting. I am in no way, shape, or form a people person (because I hate people in general) but I was giving her mad props for doing this. Mostly because I have no idea what would happen even talking to an inmate on personal stuff. So seeing how she was handling what was going on kept this a page turner.
Then there's Atticus, who meets her at a party. He moved to town to stay close to his brother. Was wondering how things were going to go down between these two and wasn't one bit surprised how it all started. Yet, their entire relationship (smutty or not) was pure gold. I loved how these two handled one another and basically ended up loving each other.
November 20, 2022
This lost me when Atticus kept calling Gin "Virginia" despite being told she preferred Gin (and yes, Virginia *is* her name, but not what she preferred to be called. You're Dom, I get it, you can do what you want). I pretty much checked out once this happened (and he continued for a while). It's also weird calling someone you just met "sweetheart" and "cutie." They went from zero to hundred super fast as well, with very little setup (IMO).
April 13, 2015
Master Of Freedom is book number four in the 2015 1,001 Dark Nights lineup as well as book number five in author Cherise Sinclair’s Mountain Masters & Dark Haven series. Admittedly this is the first in the Mountain Masters & Dark Haven Series I’ve read and after finishing this novella, I will be adding the entire series to my to-read list. I loved every single word of this story. Every single minute I spent reading it. It was phenomenal.
New to town, Virginia Cunningham was thrilled to have met some new people. Especially the gals she was now chatting with. They were fun and interesting and had just informed her that the BDSM world she had only read about in her favorite books was, in fact, a very real thing, To say that piqued her interest would be an understatement. And they had just invited her along to the mountain retreat that hosted a BDSM getaway. Since moving to California and leaving her fiancée, and their relationship, in the dust, this was a welcome adventure. Something to explore. Yes, she liked her new position as a social worker in the prison system, and it was a departure from working with kids, a job she truly loved, but even that wasn’t enough. Right now, at this moment, what Gin realized she wanted more than anything was to give this trip a go. Head out with these women, meet their spouses, and see where this could lead. This could be just what the doctor ordered….
Detective Atticus Ware had noticed Gin immediately and was drawn to her. Clearly this was her first time being around the BDSM lifestyle and, as a Dom, that called to him on a different level. He wanted to teach her. Wanted to show her how amazing this world could be. He could tell she was curious, open to learning and experiencing, and right then he knew he would be the one to teach her. He was tired of the subs who didn’t really take things seriously. Tired of the fake. He wanted something real. Something meaningful. One that only a true D/s relationship can give. After meeting her that night, talking with her, and her willingness to submit to him, he knew Gin would fit him as comfortably as the ropes he loved so much fit in his hand.
Atticus and Gin start off on a journey of self discovery that builds into a bond that neither one had expected, but both had longed for. But before they can revel in their new bond, things are put to the test and Atticus and Gin will find themselves not in a fight for a relationship, nut instead a fight for Gin’s life…
I had the chance to interview Ms. Sinclair about this book and one of the questions I asked was if she ever found it difficult to write the beautiful combination of emotion that goes into a true D/s relationship. I asked that particular question because, in my opinion, she is one of the best there is when it comes to that. This novella was no exception. The trust and bond that builds between Atticus and Gin is painted in beautiful brushstrokes of love and patience. Curiosity and understanding. Respect and adoration. This wasn’t a bumbling and immature fumble through BDSM, this was journey that I enjoyed every minute of. Gin is an amazing gal who is honest with herself and isn’t afraid to give her trust over to Atticus, especially in the very beginning stages. I loved that about her. Atticus is patient and easy to trust. Easy to talk to. He’s also sexy as hell with a delicious Alpha streak that had me swooning. I absolutely loved them together. The heat and passion were palpable and jumped off the pages. Totally delectable! Of course, they both have their own issues to work through before they can truly give themselves to one another, but it just made me love them even more. I couldn’t get enough of them and I was so sad I read their story as fast as I did.
Now, I have to add a little bit about the suspense element to this story. Holy hell, talk about one hell of an ending! I can’t give anything away but I will tell you that I was reading the last few pages wide-eyed and with sweaty palms. Don’t worry though….Ms. Sinclair ended things just perfectly!
I also have to mention that Atticus’ brother, Sawyer, has a part in this story and I really hope we get to see more of him! I loved him almost as much as I loved Atticus *dreamy sigh*.
Thank you. Ms. Sinclair, for once again writing one a story that combines a ton of heat, raw emotion, and a healthy dose of suspense that had me devouring every word written on the pages. I will be anxiously awaiting more (and crossing my finger, hoping for Sawyer!).
September 25, 2022
Reread 2022
Enjoyed this one on the reread. I had the same issues as previously especially with Logan and Jake (was none of their business) and I liked how Atticus put a stop to that very quickly.
Ok
3.75 ⭐️
In someways I really enjoyed this one and in others I was disappointed.
I didn’t like Atticus a number of times in the first half of the book. he made up for it in the end. I understand that he had his own hang ups but he judged Gin a couple of times that were unfair. Same with Logan and Jake. Didn’t like Logan in this one. So he overheard a fight between Gin and Atticus (which was none of his business) and then cut her because he was the one who introduced her and he felt bad. So what happens if she decided she didn’t want to be a sub was she then not good enough for you.?
I really liked Gin and loved how the author used books and portrayed how it is different from the books. I liked that she worked through her need to serve people but at the same time not to be a doormat. She fought when she was scared and when it was needed. I felt like with her profession she could see both sides in most arguments, but I wished she had of taken people to task more and not forgive them all so easily.
Now on to Sawyers book
Enjoyed this one on the reread. I had the same issues as previously especially with Logan and Jake (was none of their business) and I liked how Atticus put a stop to that very quickly.
Ok
3.75 ⭐️
In someways I really enjoyed this one and in others I was disappointed.
I didn’t like Atticus a number of times in the first half of the book. he made up for it in the end. I understand that he had his own hang ups but he judged Gin a couple of times that were unfair. Same with Logan and Jake. Didn’t like Logan in this one. So he overheard a fight between Gin and Atticus (which was none of his business) and then cut her because he was the one who introduced her and he felt bad. So what happens if she decided she didn’t want to be a sub was she then not good enough for you.?
I really liked Gin and loved how the author used books and portrayed how it is different from the books. I liked that she worked through her need to serve people but at the same time not to be a doormat. She fought when she was scared and when it was needed. I felt like with her profession she could see both sides in most arguments, but I wished she had of taken people to task more and not forgive them all so easily.
Now on to Sawyers book
April 15, 2015
I think I’ve said this about the last few books from Cherise but I love that they shows the characters in their jobs and lives away from the Dom/Sub situations. I know these books are fiction but they are written so it feels like you are reading real life situation that could really happen. I love that about Cherise’s writing. The characters all have flaws even the Dom’s which makes it so much more real. Virginia, “Gin,” job a prison psychologist defiantly showed the scary side of what that job would entail. It was also nice to see that even though Gin was a psychologist and was good at seeing others problems she wasn’t very good at identifying her own and needed some help. Atticus was a perfect Dom for her. He too had a few issues that needed to be worked through but had to problem owning up to any mistakes he made with Gin and apologizing. Never a dull moment with the bondage scenes, the prison scenes that had plenty of drama and suspense, and then getting to catch up with all the Mountain and Dark Haven characters.
April 17, 2016
Sinceramente, el destello de Atticus en el libro anterior de la saga no nos prepara para nada al momento de verlo dentro de su propia historia.
Atticus tiene un gran pasado detrás y las razones por las cuales está en Bear Flat son más que honorables, así que no es de extrañar que durante su estadía se haya unido al gran grupo familiar que conforman los Hunts y los Mastersons, más allá que comparta el estilo de vida.
Virginia, sin embargo, ha llegado a Bear Flat escapando de un pasado que la ha dejado con muchos líos, y lo único que quiere es volver a empezar, pero no se espera que un Dom experimentado empiece a interesarse en ella.
La historia de estos dos personajes tiene de todo, tira y afloje, amor, drama, y sin embargo es todo eso lo que hace que sea una gran historia que merece la pena ser leída. Y por supuesto, a lo largo de las páginas que las componen también vemos un poco de la vida de las parejas que ya hemos conocido con anterioridad.
Aún tengo ganas de leer muchas más historias de la autora. Muy recomendable.
Atticus tiene un gran pasado detrás y las razones por las cuales está en Bear Flat son más que honorables, así que no es de extrañar que durante su estadía se haya unido al gran grupo familiar que conforman los Hunts y los Mastersons, más allá que comparta el estilo de vida.
Virginia, sin embargo, ha llegado a Bear Flat escapando de un pasado que la ha dejado con muchos líos, y lo único que quiere es volver a empezar, pero no se espera que un Dom experimentado empiece a interesarse en ella.
La historia de estos dos personajes tiene de todo, tira y afloje, amor, drama, y sin embargo es todo eso lo que hace que sea una gran historia que merece la pena ser leída. Y por supuesto, a lo largo de las páginas que las componen también vemos un poco de la vida de las parejas que ya hemos conocido con anterioridad.
Aún tengo ganas de leer muchas más historias de la autora. Muy recomendable.
April 15, 2015
Gin left her old life when she was betrayed by the one she loved, finding a new place in Idaho. A total newbie to the BDSM scene, she finds friends who introduces her to all the fun. One of the Doms at the getaway in the mountains is Atticus. A detective who moved to support his brother, and he quickly takes to the cute, curious woman. But both have baggage and old ghosts getting in their way..
Suspense, feelings and smutty fluff in a great combo, loved returning to the Mountains!
Suspense, feelings and smutty fluff in a great combo, loved returning to the Mountains!
December 13, 2015
Great addition!
February 21, 2019
I couldn't finish listening to this, the voice was so not conducive to a romance, it was dispassionate and academic or a female voice for that matter and that southern accent was really bad. I'll think about getting the kindle version later on, but the audible recording is very hard to get thru. I won’t rate it on account of the voice and the fact that I barely got to chapter 5.
May 8, 2025
5.0 star Review Master of Freedom (Mountain Masters)by Cherise Sinclair
This series is one of my all-time favourites. I was not disappointed by the latest addition to the series.
Cherise doesn’t write novellas, that is proven with this book. I have to say that I really love Atticus and Gin. Throw in the fact that there is BDSM involved and I was anxious to read this book.
Atticus is a detective who has moved to the mountain town to be closer to his brother who is an inmate at the prison where Gin is a social worker/counsellor. Gin moved to get away from her cheating ex-fiancé.
They initially meet when Gin volunteers to help her friend at a BDSM camping weekend she and her husband run. Atticus is there as an instructor. He sees the need in her and asks Gin to be his assistant.
Gin finds freedom in the ropes and Atticus believes that she is a submissive at heart. Although feisty should be her middle name.
What I especially like about reading a Cherise Sinclair book is that you know even if it is only briefly mentioned that you get to catch up on the characters from her previous books. That is always fun and this book was no exception, I really love the dynamic these friends have with each other and it was great to see how Gin was accepted into the group.
Gen has often felt the pull of the BDSM lifestyle and Atticus, a very strong and dominant Master sees beneath the surface and offers to teach her. Gin has been told in the past that there is no such things as BDSM, only what she reads in her novels and Atticus is determined to show her where her passions lie.
Both have issues that have haunted them from their past and it takes determination and communication to get to their HEA. Naturally love doesn’t run smoothly and a desperate situation places Gin and Atticus’s brother in extreme danger, but Atticus knowing that he has finally found “the one” mounts a rescue with his friends. I read with bated breath hoping that what I feared most wouldn’t eventuate. Luckily for all involved Gin was rescued. Again the aftermath was dealt with care and concern for the characters, a trait I admire in Ms. Sinclair’s books.
I anxiously await the next instalment from the supremely talented Cherise Sinclair.
This series is one of my all-time favourites. I was not disappointed by the latest addition to the series.
Cherise doesn’t write novellas, that is proven with this book. I have to say that I really love Atticus and Gin. Throw in the fact that there is BDSM involved and I was anxious to read this book.
Atticus is a detective who has moved to the mountain town to be closer to his brother who is an inmate at the prison where Gin is a social worker/counsellor. Gin moved to get away from her cheating ex-fiancé.
They initially meet when Gin volunteers to help her friend at a BDSM camping weekend she and her husband run. Atticus is there as an instructor. He sees the need in her and asks Gin to be his assistant.
Gin finds freedom in the ropes and Atticus believes that she is a submissive at heart. Although feisty should be her middle name.
What I especially like about reading a Cherise Sinclair book is that you know even if it is only briefly mentioned that you get to catch up on the characters from her previous books. That is always fun and this book was no exception, I really love the dynamic these friends have with each other and it was great to see how Gin was accepted into the group.
Gen has often felt the pull of the BDSM lifestyle and Atticus, a very strong and dominant Master sees beneath the surface and offers to teach her. Gin has been told in the past that there is no such things as BDSM, only what she reads in her novels and Atticus is determined to show her where her passions lie.
Both have issues that have haunted them from their past and it takes determination and communication to get to their HEA. Naturally love doesn’t run smoothly and a desperate situation places Gin and Atticus’s brother in extreme danger, but Atticus knowing that he has finally found “the one” mounts a rescue with his friends. I read with bated breath hoping that what I feared most wouldn’t eventuate. Luckily for all involved Gin was rescued. Again the aftermath was dealt with care and concern for the characters, a trait I admire in Ms. Sinclair’s books.
I anxiously await the next instalment from the supremely talented Cherise Sinclair.
April 13, 2015
Shadow's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Remember that tall, dark and handsome cowboy you imagined as a teenager-the one who swept in on a white quarter horse and stole you away to live happily ever after? Meet him again in the form of Atticus Ware, the hero of Cherise Sinclair’s newest addition to the Masters of the Mountain series, Master of Freedom.
I loved Atticus as much as any of Cherise’s Doms-and since I’d love to have any of them as a book boyfriend, he’s in good company. A detective in Bear Flats, he moved to the California mountains to be close to his brother, who has been incarcerated for in the nearby prison for two years.
My only complaint about the submissive Atticus wants to claim as his own is she’s too perfect. Virginia “Gin” Cunningham is a beautiful woman with a southern accent, a desire to serve, and the ability to make friends quickly. She is smart, a talented counselor, and her main flaw is the overwhelming need to keep her man happy, to the point she becomes a doormat. Because of that, she is wary of becoming too close to Atticus and losing herself in the process.
But the Dom isn’t going to take “no” for an answer-not when he has finally found a woman he wants to keep forever. Can Atticus convince this charming little submissive that the off the charts sex they share isn’t all either of them wants or needs? And keep her safe from the dangerous element at the prison where she works?
As with other Cherise Sinclair books, as soon I finished this one, I wanted to turn around and read it again. From catching up to the characters in the other books in the series to the rope work that Atticus uses on Gin, this is a delightful romp into the psychological makeup of a Dom to die for and a charming submissive Add in some really bad guys and suspense, and you have a classic story that will keep you captivated from first page to last.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
Remember that tall, dark and handsome cowboy you imagined as a teenager-the one who swept in on a white quarter horse and stole you away to live happily ever after? Meet him again in the form of Atticus Ware, the hero of Cherise Sinclair’s newest addition to the Masters of the Mountain series, Master of Freedom.
I loved Atticus as much as any of Cherise’s Doms-and since I’d love to have any of them as a book boyfriend, he’s in good company. A detective in Bear Flats, he moved to the California mountains to be close to his brother, who has been incarcerated for in the nearby prison for two years.
My only complaint about the submissive Atticus wants to claim as his own is she’s too perfect. Virginia “Gin” Cunningham is a beautiful woman with a southern accent, a desire to serve, and the ability to make friends quickly. She is smart, a talented counselor, and her main flaw is the overwhelming need to keep her man happy, to the point she becomes a doormat. Because of that, she is wary of becoming too close to Atticus and losing herself in the process.
But the Dom isn’t going to take “no” for an answer-not when he has finally found a woman he wants to keep forever. Can Atticus convince this charming little submissive that the off the charts sex they share isn’t all either of them wants or needs? And keep her safe from the dangerous element at the prison where she works?
As with other Cherise Sinclair books, as soon I finished this one, I wanted to turn around and read it again. From catching up to the characters in the other books in the series to the rope work that Atticus uses on Gin, this is a delightful romp into the psychological makeup of a Dom to die for and a charming submissive Add in some really bad guys and suspense, and you have a classic story that will keep you captivated from first page to last.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
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June 30, 2023Love this series
Here is a series, written by Cherise Sinclair, who has to be one of my favourite writers in BDSM romance genre.
I read several of her books at a time, then try to leave some for those down days where readers want that story with hope, warmth, and lots of hot kinky sex. This didn’t let me down.
The story between Virginia, submissive sexually, and service sub through her care and work as a psychological counsellor in a male prison, and Atticus, police detective, Alpha male, and sexual dominant...but both have their own psychological hang ups from past life experiences.
I like the logical and illogical ways the story unfolds. How Gin can counsel others yet not recognise or proper analyse her own problems until drawn out by Atticus and situations faced. He has his own past horrors to face up to and come to terms with too.
Well thought out by Cherise. Referred to others for help, not muddled through to put right by herself as self treatment is no recommendation. Or should I say on the road to living a fairly normal, and a bdsm life.
The rope bondage theme was good. Though I’d have liked more of how Virginia felt as she submitted and was bound.
Always carried out in presence of DM’s, even if they are very much in the background.
Cherise always plays the safe sane and consensual bdsm scenes and acknowledges the dangers that can and do at times happen to those lacking caution in play partners.
I enjoy HFN stories, with realistic and plausible plot lines and am happy to take this as if it could be real.
4.5 stars from me.
Here is a series, written by Cherise Sinclair, who has to be one of my favourite writers in BDSM romance genre.
I read several of her books at a time, then try to leave some for those down days where readers want that story with hope, warmth, and lots of hot kinky sex. This didn’t let me down.
The story between Virginia, submissive sexually, and service sub through her care and work as a psychological counsellor in a male prison, and Atticus, police detective, Alpha male, and sexual dominant...but both have their own psychological hang ups from past life experiences.
I like the logical and illogical ways the story unfolds. How Gin can counsel others yet not recognise or proper analyse her own problems until drawn out by Atticus and situations faced. He has his own past horrors to face up to and come to terms with too.
Well thought out by Cherise. Referred to others for help, not muddled through to put right by herself as self treatment is no recommendation. Or should I say on the road to living a fairly normal, and a bdsm life.
The rope bondage theme was good. Though I’d have liked more of how Virginia felt as she submitted and was bound.
Always carried out in presence of DM’s, even if they are very much in the background.
Cherise always plays the safe sane and consensual bdsm scenes and acknowledges the dangers that can and do at times happen to those lacking caution in play partners.
I enjoy HFN stories, with realistic and plausible plot lines and am happy to take this as if it could be real.
4.5 stars from me.
August 4, 2017
(Apr) I'm a huge fan of CS, but I'm finding I'm starting to get a little tired of these books. Or maybe it's just the novellas that don't quite work for me. I liked this well enough, and CS can write great bondage scenes. You also always believe the love between the Dom and his (her?) sub. My biggest issue here was when Atticus and Gin first got together, she, a total novice and not exhibitionist, was completely ok being dominated and partially stripped in front of a group of strangers. Sorry, just doesn't happen that way!
May 29, 2015
Yet another good read from the pen of Ms Sinclair, not as good as others she has written but still that means just a shade off brilliant. Enjoyed catching up with everyone from the previous books in the Dark Haven and Mountain Masters series.
The best news was at the end and learning that I get an extra special present this birthday!!!!! Thanks Cherise!! A new Shadowlands book is released on 28 July this time featuring Mistress Anne. What a great present.
The best news was at the end and learning that I get an extra special present this birthday!!!!! Thanks Cherise!! A new Shadowlands book is released on 28 July this time featuring Mistress Anne. What a great present.
April 21, 2015
Another addition to my second favorite series by Cherise Sinclair. As always, it's a well written story which revisits old friends and introduces new ones. Nothing earth shattering or particularly different, but a fun read that kept my interest through to a satisfying conclusion.
June 15, 2015
loved it. 4-1/2 stars if I could. Atticus is fantastic, best Dom since Galen.
April 19, 2015
Great like every book by Cherise Sinclair!!
August 23, 2016
I don´t know why I hesitated starting this one....I mean...its Cherise Sinclair for goodness sakes!!!
♥
♥
March 23, 2016
3.5 stars
May 13, 2020
Actually 3.75 stars.
Detective Atticus Ware has moved to California to be close to his brother, Sawyer, a former soldier with PTSD who was involved in a tragic drunk driving accident that killed his (also drunk) friend. He hates Sawyer's prison psychologist, who seems to be making the survivor's guilt and PTSD worse. What Atticus does like is BDSM newbie Virginia, whom he meets at a BDSM retreat.
When social worker Virginia Cunningham fled a disastrous relationship, she took a new job far away from home -- as a prison psychologist. She mostly hates her new job and her uncaring colleagues, but sticks with it for the few bright spots, like her new patient, Sawyer Ware. However, prison employees aren't supposed to date inmates' family members, and Atticus dislikes psychologists. But even after they sort that out, a prison break will threaten the lives of everyone involved.
So, unlike many Lexi Blake books, this book is less about the BDSM and more about the relationship between the characters -- both between Virginia and Atticus, and Atticus and his brother. The suspense plot definitely takes precedence over the romantic plot (at least, after the beginning weekend retreat), leaving it unbalanced, though that is somewhat countered by the deeper psychological explorations of the characters. It's still a good book, though maybe not as good as it could be.
Detective Atticus Ware has moved to California to be close to his brother, Sawyer, a former soldier with PTSD who was involved in a tragic drunk driving accident that killed his (also drunk) friend. He hates Sawyer's prison psychologist, who seems to be making the survivor's guilt and PTSD worse. What Atticus does like is BDSM newbie Virginia, whom he meets at a BDSM retreat.
When social worker Virginia Cunningham fled a disastrous relationship, she took a new job far away from home -- as a prison psychologist. She mostly hates her new job and her uncaring colleagues, but sticks with it for the few bright spots, like her new patient, Sawyer Ware. However, prison employees aren't supposed to date inmates' family members, and Atticus dislikes psychologists. But even after they sort that out, a prison break will threaten the lives of everyone involved.
So, unlike many Lexi Blake books, this book is less about the BDSM and more about the relationship between the characters -- both between Virginia and Atticus, and Atticus and his brother. The suspense plot definitely takes precedence over the romantic plot (at least, after the beginning weekend retreat), leaving it unbalanced, though that is somewhat countered by the deeper psychological explorations of the characters. It's still a good book, though maybe not as good as it could be.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2019
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This was a short, enjoyable read and I was impressed that Sinclair managed to fit so much action (a prison breakout and kidnapping being among the action scenes) into such a short novella, since she also managed to fit in dealing with Gin's emotional issues, her introduction to BDSM, Sawyer (Atticus's brother) being in prison and the mandatory hot, kinky sex. This little book was packed! :-)
A really good addition to the series, although there's not much else I can say besides the usual - good writing, great characters, interesting plot... wonderful sex scenes!
This was a short, enjoyable read and I was impressed that Sinclair managed to fit so much action (a prison breakout and kidnapping being among the action scenes) into such a short novella, since she also managed to fit in dealing with Gin's emotional issues, her introduction to BDSM, Sawyer (Atticus's brother) being in prison and the mandatory hot, kinky sex. This little book was packed! :-)
A really good addition to the series, although there's not much else I can say besides the usual - good writing, great characters, interesting plot... wonderful sex scenes!
October 11, 2019
A good escape read.
October 18, 2020
Delicious Drama
Sex, drama, dominance, and sexy men.
What more can any reader want?
Queen of BDSM romance hits the mark yet again.
Sex, drama, dominance, and sexy men.
What more can any reader want?
Queen of BDSM romance hits the mark yet again.
February 19, 2020
The Delight
Bring on the Cherise Sinclair BDSM Club. Oh, wait, there is already a name for this group. Well, I am an adoring fan of almost anything she writes. We head back up the mountain to see a Master take on a new skittish submissive. Their careers intersect, but in the bedroom they are just chemistry students. Mild BDSM, with a side of action romance. Enough to satisfy any romance lover.
1001 Dark Nights is a group of stories what a narrator is telling a man who kills his wives the morning after the wedding. But one wife tells a story each night and enthralls him into letting her live another day. So each story is one of the collection of stories told from the woman to save her life. So they have to be good stories, right?
Virginia Cunningham needs to put her past behind her and move on from her broken engagement to a cheating bastard. Taking the first job she finds, she heads out from New Orleans to the mountains of California to council inmates in a local prison. Not the best job by far as the inmates aren't really polite nor civilized at times. One inmate though has touched her soft heart for the depth of his sorrow for causing his friends death, but not all inmates have a story of regret. Not believing BDSM is a real thing, she accepts a friends offer of a backpacking adventure where couples learn the basics of BDSM while outdoors camping. Intending to be a watch, not a participant, she can't resist the call of a alpha Dom who wants to get to know her better.
Detective Atticus Ware (what a name!) has moved to California to be closer to his younger brother who is doing time for a stupid mistake he made. While he has enjoyed the submissives just looking for a good time, he is looking for more, or the one who he can have a connection with. Teaching BDSM keeps him involved and he loves teaching couples to be closer. When arrives to a weekend retreat of BDSM couples, he is taken with the shy, but fiery Gin. After he learns she is not taken, she shows her what BDSM can be for a woman and then ruins it all when he learns she is his brother's councilor at the prison.
And so it goes that Atticus likes to piss off the submissive that he wants. He does it more than once and I wanted to Gibb smack him a few times. Atticus is a nice guy who likes control. He's not into being a sadistic, but he likes to spank his woman and then drive her to heaven with pleasure. So it goes that they start a friends with benefits relationship where Atticus is a man and we women want that man, but we also want him to stop being the stupid man. Saving people is his job, so when things get rough for Gin, he wants her to quit, but knows there's not much else around for her to do.
Now Gin has her own issues to get over. Her father left her family as a child and she has this complex of always wanting to please the people in her life. She goes the extra mile thinking that is what will make them stay. After her break up with her ex-fiance, she decides she isn't going to be that person any more. The downside...well, she is a service submissive. She likes taking care of people, so when she realizes she is starting to give everything to Atticus (and he is giving back), she freaks out and pulls away.
These two unfortunately need a crisis in their lives to get them to realize a few things. Their good people with bad pasts making silly decisions without really thinking it through. I loved it! Throw in something going on at the prison and you have a little suspense to get through along with some really *panting* sexy times in the bedroom.
This is more on the light side of BDSM, which I really am beginning to appreciate more. There are group gatherings, and Cherise loves the hay piles in the barn kind of playing around. We see past characters from all the Master of the Mountains and Dark Haven series. It's a spanking good time in the mountains!
Their issues are real and at times got in the way of the story, but that's real life. I loved how they kept the BDSM lighter, like probably more relationships, but they also did interact with other lifers. The chemistry was there, but at times it felt muted. Overall, it's a good story to read in an afternoon all snuggled up in the mountains!
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