Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Blindfold Club #2

Three Hard Lessons

Rate this book
I am the woman men pay thousands of dollars to sleep with. I do what I love and what I'm so very good at.

Then he walks in and drops $30,000. He wants to talk. And kiss. And take me home.

In a single night, this man turns everything upside-down and has me breaking every rule I've lived by to keep men at a distance. I'm about to learn some lessons the hard way.

Don't tease him. Don't give him boundaries. And don't think you get a choice in who you love.

287 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2015

826 people are currently reading
6211 people want to read

About the author

Nikki Sloane

42 books7,669 followers
USA Today bestselling author Nikki Sloane landed in graphic design after her careers as a waitress, a screenwriter, and a ballroom dance instructor fell through. Now she writes full-time and lives in Kentucky with her husband, two sons, and two super destructive cats.

She is a four-time Romance Writers of America RITA® & Vivian® Finalist, a Passionate Plume & HOLT Medallion winner, a Goodreads Choice Awards semifinalist, and couldn't be any happier that people enjoy reading her sexy words.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
3,047 (33%)
4 stars
3,537 (38%)
3 stars
2,006 (21%)
2 stars
421 (4%)
1 star
124 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 668 reviews
Profile Image for B(ea).
249 reviews132 followers
February 10, 2021
4 stars ⭐️
This was so damn cute 😭 i loved the first half more bc we get to see Dominic (H) being all shy and not knowing what to do whenever Payton (h) approaches him or makes a move on him. We love the more experienced heroine trope! liiike YASSS SHOW HIM HOW IT’S DONE SIS 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

There’s a slight similarity w book 1 but i didn’t really mind it. The second half was okay, i just wished they’d stick w Dominic being sweet and shy bc damnnn he definitely turned into an alpha the moment he caught up w Payton’s momentum.

Although I can def see how some ppl might not like Dominic bc he’s sO clingy. like....God-tier clingy bro—definitely not someone i’d date in real life 🥴 bc step the fuck back please, i need my space ✋🏻
He’s so attached to her and wants her close all the time and it can get suffocating but idk for some weird reason i was okay w that. Maybe it’s bc i imagined Henry Cavill wanting me by his side 24/7 and that fantasy didn’t seem all that bad yknow?

Steam: 🔥🔥🔥/3
(sO hot ofc🥵)
Profile Image for XxTainaxX Curvy and Nerdy.
1,561 reviews501 followers
September 4, 2016
While I really liked Dom awkward blushes and all, I've got to admit I'm not a big Payton fan. Was the book insanely sexy? Yes. Incredibly so. Yet I found myself wishing the h was someone else because there were things I just really didn't like about her. I'm not talking about her profession because I'm not going to judge anyone but her personality just grated. I did admit to seeing some growth in her as she fell more for Dom but by then, the impression I had made it harder for me to enjoy it. Dom was special. Honestly a really lonely guy in a foreign land wanting to feel a connection. Usually this screams desperate and I end up not liking this type of hero but I couldn't help but enjoy him. Especially as he started to get more and more comfortable with himself and seemed to relish in discoveries he hadn't had the chance to try before. He was sweet and patient with a mattering of dirty talk and dominant... Yet willing to let the h take charge sometimes too. Forget it ladies... I melted. Safety: This book, like the first, may test your comfort zone as there is definite sharing involved. There are FFM scenes, exhibitionism, and BDSM play. No rape or abuse.
Profile Image for Mojo_Mama.
1,586 reviews824 followers
February 9, 2017
I'd forgotten I'd read this series until it recently appeared in my GR feed.

I have never hated a heroine more. Like ever. Like I'm creating a new shelf for her. I'd like to go with: bitches-i-hate. But I'm a refined chick so I'm sure I'll eventually come up with something classy ;)

I read it cuz I had all three books in the series on my phone over a vacation. AND NOTHING ELSE...and no wifi. I was so pissed. Ugh.

This h instigated a threesome with the H/h of the first book in such a skanky way. I'm not positive the h of that book was really on board, it was a forced seduction thing...IMO. And the H in that book LOVED fucking her. Double ugh.

But the hooker with a vagina made of gold lands the American millionaire living in Japan.

Spare. Me. This. Bullshit.

This was a case of insta-lust-love-fuck...insta-something unbelievable. Though, after reading about her H, I could see why she became pussy on a pedestal. He was an idiot.

Seriously. This h doesn't deserve all the good shit that comes her way. She sure as fuck doesn't deserve the H bankrolling her for their HEA. Bitchy, but true, you know I'm right. I'll always call it like it is.

Kink factor: some BDSM couple sex where the women interact but not the men with anyone but their female. I mean, if you're gonna swing. FUCKING SWING. No OW/OM.

Unfortunately, this reminded me of a girl I knew in high school who moved to Japan to become a model...read: high class hooker, I mean companion. She had no idea until she got there. I think her story is way more interesting.

Back to why the h is suck-tastic

Unlike, in the h's BFF's book (the first one)...this h won't share her man sexually. Their threesomes are just him fucking her while she's with women. WTF? Really, that just pissed me off more than I can explain. I totally hated this h at that point and felt completely justified in my beliefs about her motivations in the first book when I got to the end. I really didn't want an HEA for her.
Sue me.

0 stars because I hate the h. She makes me want to call her the c-word. I never say the c-word. I have some fucking standards ;)

Profile Image for Beverly.
1,005 reviews789 followers
February 17, 2016
Three Hard Lessons is the second book in the blindfold series and features Payton, Evelyn’s best friend. We got to meet Payton briefly in Three Simple Rules and know she is anti-love and anti-commitment. She loves sex and she loves her job but isn’t looking for more.

Dominic is only in town for a few days before returning to Japan. After his friend cancels their plans he decides to check out the Blindfold Club at his friend's recommendation. That night Dom drops $30,000 for a kiss and companionship with Payton. I loved that about Dom, he is so attracted to Payton, but he challenged and wanted more than she was willing to give.



This story is fast paced and super sexy, I swear these stories are addictive. The stories are super erotic, but also have a lot of heart. These books are a perfect fix for when you are looking for something quick and sexy, but these books are more than smut. They still have an awesome storyline with a little bit of angst and drama to keep the story moving forward.

Teasers created by me with stock images purchased from depositphotos.


Profile Image for Jayme.
430 reviews466 followers
June 8, 2015
I don't know if this book deserves completely for five stars, but it definitely made that I'm a fan of Nikki Sloane.

“I’m going to be thinking about this, every night for the next year. Every night it will be you.”

***Quick Review:***

Series: Second in the Blindfold Club series. About Payton, secondary characters from the first part.
Grade: Erotic romance.
Main characters: We know Payton as a free spirit, she likes sex, she loves her job in the Blindfold Club. It exciting her. No regrets. Confidence. Beauty. It's all how can you describe her. Dominic lives and works in Tokyo, where he feels very lonely. He is charming, adorable and he will do everything for someone he loves. He is also a friend of Logan, who rents an apartment from him in Chicago.
Secondary characters: We don't have here actually new secondary characters. A little bit more of Joseph, owner of Blindfold Club. Also a few scenes with the main heroes from the first part.
Steamy: Hot. Highly sexual. A lot of sex scenes in all forms, bdsm.
Sensitive topic: Some sex scenes for someone, can be disturbing.
Love triangle:
Cheating:
Cliffhanger:
HEA:

For who I would recommend? Starting this book you must remember that it is a highly erotic book with bdsm scenes. There are a lot of various kinds of sex scenes but also love, trust and building a relationship. You have to like this type of book to enjoy it.

***

About the plot: Payton and Dominic come together in the Blindfold Club. He spends some time in Chicago and decided to visit the club. He feels lonely and looking for someone to who he can get close. There gets Payton. Their very strange close-up makes everything gets complicated and she is kicked out of work.

Dominic is complete opposite of a strong alpha male. But only at the beginning and very seemingly. During the book show you his strong side, there are no boundaries or impossible things which he could not overcome for someone he loves. Payton confidence and sexual liberation it is also only seeming. She simply in this way finds the feeling of love.

“Was that reaction fake or real?”
I couldn’t breathe, but I managed to speak on a shaky voice. “Real.”
“Then fucking kiss me."


He takes her to Tokyo, where they learn more about each other and trying new things. But they will have to find each other in the middle and out of their comfort zone to be able to build a relationship.

“You like watching her lick my pussy?”
“Yeah, but that pussy’s mine. It only comes for me, don’t forget.”


Why 5 stars? As I said I am not sure whether the book deserves a full five stars. Maybe a strong four? But my sudden love for the characters and the author, who created them overcome.

What I did not like, anyway? There were a few small reps. As schemas. But we have here entirely different heroes and completely different story.

Final thoughts: I must say, most of the action happens in Tokyo! How awesome is that? And you can really feel that action is happening there. Therefore, once again well written. Although I think that it is less disturbing than the first, there are still strong sexual scene. And I once again completely fell in love with the heroes of this book. Beautifully kept action, relationship building, trust, love. For me very addictive story.

Next in the series? I can not wait for next book! You should see my total happiness when I found out that it will happen! The third will be about Joseph, owner of Blindfold Club. I think it's going to be a strong.
Profile Image for Rosaline (Rosaline's Rolls & Scrolls).
249 reviews196 followers
January 21, 2020
Smut level: A solid 4/5

I both liked this and didn't like it at the same time. The first half of the book was definitely much better, and had it gone the same way, I would've given it full 4 stars. However, the second half of the book kinda ruined stuff for me. It was not bad, it was just not for me.
I will tell you all the good and the bad.

 

What I liked:

☆ The MC☆

 

Okay, so usually contemporary romance books bore me to tears. They all have the same overall plot: girl with various levels of a problematic past meets boy with various levels of problematic past. They fuck and fall in love against someone's better judgment, not necessarily in that order. Something drastic happens, either an ex returns or a lie gets discovered or something in someone's past resurfaces, and girl gets mad at the boy and leaves. Boy begs, girl eventually forgives him. Make up sex. Either a marriage proposal with a flash forward to babies and pregnancies or simply a nice HEA guaranteed. The harder it is for them to eventually get together and admit their love, the bigger the marriage and pregnancies. So you can see why I'm not a huge fan of them. It's very hard to find an original one.
And because of this reason the characters play a very big role in my enjoyment of the contemporary romance genre. Most of the time, the characters are the same as well, with the shy, innocent girl who wants to discover herself and the Jackass dude who is all soft and mushy under his hard exterior (yeah right!). And with BDSM novels, this is even worse because she is now so small and unsure to make him look big and alpha, which just makes me feel like he's with his little girl! And can y'all characters just be with adults who are not mentally 4?
 

However, Peyton was a really fun MC to read about. She was not a little kid who stumbles upon things and goes in way over her head. She is a grown up woman who knows what she wants, and even though she was also kind of angsty like all contemporary romance characters, I still really liked her.
What also helped her case was that she was so weirdly similar to me in many aspects. The entire book I was like, "yeah, I get you girl. I understand that reaction... wow, I feel the same... Yup, what you did was totally justified... that is a very appropriate thing to say...", so I may be biased. Either way, she was awesome and I liked her.

☆No hating on women whatsoever☆

 
Imagine how much of such shit I've read to include something so simple into my positive points. But believe me when I say that in almost every contemporary romance novel there's one woman who is hot and gorgeous who is somehow also a "slut" and must be hated on 24/7! And she's usually successful too while our MC depends on her hunky man to provide for her. I don't know why this hate shit is still a thing in books, but I am not here for it!
In this book though, there was none of that. And I couldn't have been happier. I do feel like that might be because of the MC actually being attracted to women (which makes me sad to think that you either hate women or you're attracted to them in these books), but I am loving it and that's enough.

☆Enough amount of plot☆

 
Nikki Sloane doesn't mess around and add bullshit to the plot to make us beg for her to end the book already. She knows what her book is about and doesn't beat around the bush. She gets right to the point and makes us enjoy the ride.
I loved how efficient Three Hard Lessons was without any unnecessary drama or endless description of everyday stuff we all know all too well, because we're living it.

☆Love interest was actually hot☆

 
Oh yeah, I love me some shy and sexy Dom. How was he so damn cute? I want more men like him instead of the jackasses who think being a dick makes them an alpha!
He did, however, annoy me in the second half of the book, but eh.

☆The sex ☆

Shit was hot in this book. My panties left me almost as soon as I started reading. Goddamn, Nikki! And bossy Peyton is everything for sure.
 


What I didn't like:

☆The sex☆

Yeah, I know!
 
This is totally about my personal taste and has nothing to do with the quality of the book. But I really don't like menage. More than three people just bores me to tears and I was bored for the entirety of the second half of this book.

☆Breach of trust☆

 
BDSM is all about trust between the partners. In no way, shape, or form should you involve another person without talking to your partner first. That is the opposite of building trust and is just not okay no matter the reasoning. I don't care if she turns out to be okay with it, you should have the talk beforehand.

☆The rushed ending☆

Nobody knows what happens at the end, there were many loose ends. But it appears as though the MC leaves an awesome job that she totally deserved for dick. I am not okay with that. Why, honestly why?

 
 


I am evaluating this book in its genre, so I am not going to mention the Insta-love, lying used as a plot device, and the actual lack of a proper plot. The book was short enough that it didn't bother me and I knew what I was getting myself into when I started the book, so...

Overall, Three Hard Lessons is good enough if one is willing to look past its low quality. I, for one, enjoyed myself for the most part. However, I must get back to super awesome books immediately.
 
Profile Image for Elle ✟ Søren's ♡ (i'm too old for this shite).
690 reviews477 followers
March 6, 2016
2 HARD stars!

So this book is about Peyton; Evelyn's best friend. I really liked the first book about Evelyn and Logan. But I'm a bit disappointed with the second book because... too much 'meaningless' sex. And it isn't sexy at all. Honestly, I was intrigued with some chapters and curious about what will happen next.

Peyton is a professional high-class escort. She's wild, adventurous and proud of her job. Peyton love sex and never have problem with it. Dominic is her 'last' client and he's the one who made Peyton leave her job. Dominic live in Japan and came back to America to see his friend, Logan. Also for release his need for sex because according to him he doesn't have sex for a year. Peyton has her own three limits that she never break with client, but Dominic changed everything. Dominic made Peyton broke her own limit and he want Peyton.

description

The most shocking thing is when Dominic ask Peyton to live in japan with him for 2 weeks especially for sex. Dominic felt so amazing have sex with Peyton. Really? Peyton seems have 'magic pussy' that could made Dominic worship her. Yes, it's not possible for me. I thought I will see some development in their sex relationship, but nope. Chapter after chapter, there are a lot of sex. We will see their daily life in Japan and continued with insanely amount of sex from night till morning #facepalm. Skip skip skip...

description

I never mind with various sex scene but this time, it was too much and useless. I really want them to be together for real chemistry. Not in sexual content. I felt bored because there is nothing interest me beside sex. There is no development between Dominic and Peyton beside their needs to have sex (again) until end of the book. Suddenly Dominic pronounce that he couldn't live without Peyton? Geez. I don't buy it because they're just doing fun sex all the time. Sorry this book isn't my liking but you should read this if you wanna keep read the third book. Sst... It is about Joseph; Peyton's employer and the club owner.
Profile Image for ⚜️Charlotte⚜️.
442 reviews264 followers
February 10, 2016
4 sinful stars!

Another smokin hot read...I'm just loving
this series!
Nikki packs the heat again with Payton
& Dominic's story...

The perfect combination of seductive
sex and story that will leave you
panting for more.... ;)

M/F/F/M

Profile Image for Jacqueline's Reads.
3,051 reviews1,526 followers
June 16, 2016
5 Naughty but Fun Lessons

Three Hard Lessons is a standalone and is part of the Blindfold Club series. This is Payton’s and Dominic’s story. I seriously have mad love for this author and this series. Every time I pick up a book, it’s a five star read for me. She writes steamy and hot hot hot books.

Payton is Evelyn’s best friend. If you haven’t read the first book, you should (although you can read them out of order) but Payton’s personality is wild and big. I was on the fence with Payton’s story because I like the more timid shy Heroine, but once I started reading Three Hard Lessons, I was instantly hooked. I couldn’t put it down and I didn’t stop until I was finished.

I’m a mega Payton fan and I love her.

Payton works at the Blindfold club, which is a sex club. She’s blindfolded and a price is negotiated to spend a night with her. When Dominic walks into the room he doesn’t negotiate, he willing drop 30K for a night with Payton. Except when Dominic stays, he doesn’t do the typical things men do when they spend a night with Payton, for example, he wants to hold her hands.

I couldn’t get over Dominic! I love him so much. He just walks into the room and drops that cash and only wants to hold her hand? Doesn’t that sound fantastic? Payton doesn’t know how to make of this: she has rules, never fall in love, never kiss on the lips and never get attached.

I love the Dominic and Payton dynamics. They are so different and the push and pull they have towards each other is addictive to read. So when he offers Payton a trip of a lifetime, what does Payton do? She goes to Japan with him.

I love that the book is set in Japan, I wonder if the author has ever traveled there. It gives the book a little something extra and I love reading Dominic and Payton’s everyday interactions. And like I said, this book is hot, so I was on pins and needles waiting for the scene that would push the boundaries of the relationship and the author never disappoints me.

I can’t tell you how much I love his series and I can’t tell you how hot it is. You will be happy with this read.

Three Simple Rules (Blindfold Club, #1) by Nikki Sloane Three Hard Lessons (Blindfold Club, #2) by Nikki Sloane Three Little Mistakes (Blindfold Club, #3) by Nikki Sloane Three Dirty Secrets (Blindfold Club, #4) by Nikki Sloane

Three Simple Rules #1 AMAZON
Three Hard Lessons #2 AMAZON
Three Little Mistakes #4 AMAZON
Three Dirty Secrets #4 AMAZON
Profile Image for Milinas Library.
335 reviews914 followers
August 15, 2021
3.5 - 4 stars

This was extremely hot, and i loved the relationship development and plot line but i didn’t feel super super invested in the characters. This could be because I listened to the audiobook, though. I still really enjoyed- Payton deserved her love story and wow Dom was so obsessed and devoted to her from the get go and i loved it
Profile Image for D.L. Howe.
Author 25 books590 followers
March 22, 2022
We met Peyton in the prior book and I really liked her. She’s a spitfire that both serves as a submissive in her job but is equally good at dishing out the dominance. And honestly I wanted more dominance from her.

This is mostly because Dom paled as a Dom, even if he came with the right name for it. It’s understandable because he’s inexperienced but it isn’t just in a S&M setting that he didn’t feel dominating enough. He at one point even said he was weak and I hate to agree but dang it he totally is.

I wish the chemistry out of bed was better because I couldn’t enjoy this one as much without the emotions. They tried but it just didn’t click with me, I’m pretty sure this is a me thing.

In the bedroom or the table or against a wall … wherever they got down was almost always hot af. I’m especially standing by my statement that Ms Sloane is a master at girl on girl action. And we got even more of that in this which I loved, it was no doubt my favorite parts.

Especially when it involved the Japanese Dom and his sub. Peyton and that sub was delicious, they had the best chemistry out of everyone.

I also enjoyed all the Japanese food and culture that we were treated to. I was stoked that we took this one out of Chicago and across the world.

In the end it didn’t give me everything I desired but it was still pretty good. Im super excited for the next one. I know Joseph is gonna be the Dom I’ve been dreaming of.
Profile Image for Heather / Obsessed With Myshelf.
483 reviews84 followers
October 2, 2015
Dirty, sinful and downright filthy. Oh, I loved it. Every boundary pushing word of it. Three Hard Lessons is more than just sex – although there is a lot of sex. This book pushes limits while building love.

It also turned me the fuck on.

Payton makes no apologies for who she is: a woman who loves sex & who gets paid to have it. She works at the Blindfold Club, a high class illegal brothel of sorts, and while she loves her job she’s hasn’t quite been feeling satisfied. When Dominic walks into the room and demands hand-holding and talking before fucking, she immediately knows that she’s in over her head. She doesn’t do intimacy. She doesn’t do love. She doesn’t do connection – even though she wants it so badly it hurts.

Lucky for us (and Payton), Dom ignores all of her rules. What’s most surprising is that Payton lets him. This story is so wonderfully written that while you feel the conflicting emotions & tension, Nikki doesn’t leave you dangling in angstville. The story flowed incredibly well and I was transfixed to the pages while the characters were locked on each other – and in each other (and uhhh some other people).

If you’re wary about threesomes or other group play, Nikki handles these scenes with grace. Yes. Group play can be handled with grace. You heard it here. What’s great about these scenes are that you never feel like the connection between the two main characters is lost – in fact, somehow it actually increases. There isn’t a feeling that it’s ‘cheating’, but rather an expansion of pleasure. And there are clear lines drawn that everyone respects.

There’s a scale of possessiveness and domination in this book that tilts both ways, making for an unpredictable story and seriously erotic scenes. Dominic is dominant and open-minded yet also easily embarrassed, sweet and vulnerable while Payton is a fierce and strong woman whose fight against falling in love is a losing battle. She’s had plenty of orgasms, but never a heartgasm…untli Dom.

The story just works – and it works well. This is one-handed reading at its finest. If I could come from just words alone – like our girl here – this would have done it. Definitely real. And definitely a #MustRead for any erotica lover. 5 stars!

[I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review]
This review looks prettier on my blog: http://obsessedwithmyshelf.com/2015/1...
Profile Image for Neermboop.
260 reviews45 followers
January 30, 2023
I really enjoyed Dom & Payton ❤️

Dom is in town to find relief after a year of celibacy in Japan and Payton happened to show up to work on her night off. 😏

Lots of fun kinks in this one! 🥵
Dirty, dirty talk, blindfold, restraints, nip clamps, total sensory deprivation, voyeurism, spanking, COC (cum on command) dom/sub & switch
MF, FFM
Profile Image for Merve Well.
109 reviews16 followers
August 7, 2019
Well, I really don't know where to start. Since Payton was introduced in the first book, I immediately checked if she'd got a book for herself and when I saw the second book was about her, I was literally doing mental somersaults! 😋

This book was really really hot just as the first one. Every page contains different level of sexiness and it totally goes up on the scale by each turn. 😅

I really loved the plot, Payton and Dominic and the dynamic between them and I believe their story deserved five stars but there is something off with Nikki Sloane's writing that prevents me from giving all the stars. The couples meet, start a relationship, have an amazing sex life, everything goes fantastic but then, when the passion is at peak, out of the blue, a nonsense happens which cause a serious problem between the couple and this bothers me. It happened in the first book as well. I really hate that the couples argue or break up upon really stupid things because to me it does not feel very natural or real. I think Nikki develops really good storyline but this makes me roll my eyes while reading the break up or argument pages.

Overall, I loved the book better than the first one and will definitely read the rest of the series!
Profile Image for Meggie.
579 reviews115 followers
April 20, 2019
4.5 stars!

I really, really like this author. She writes good stories, great sex, and excellent heroes while also pushing boundaries to keep the reader guessing. There’s little doubt this has cost her readers, as a good chunk of the people that prefer this genre are quite picky about what they consider acceptable. I have a massive amount of respect for Nikki Sloane’s ability to not give one single fuck. One of her books was even banned from Amazon, and she still never changed. So, with my gushing out of the way, on to the review...

Don’t tease him.
Don’t give him boundaries.
Don’t think you get a choice in who you love.


Our heroine is Payton, who we know from the first book. She’s a tough nut to crack. Not only is her body for sale at Chicago BDSM club, but she has some serious emotional walls around her heart. I liked this about her, though. She is strong and independent, so when she falls in love with Dominic, the reader knows it’s for real. And Dominic... Jesus. He’s just the right mix of loving, playful, and dominant. He’s exactly what Payton needs. He meets her when he comes into the club, but his reason for being there is kind of adorable. He’d been overseas for his job, and the crushing loneliness is killing him. Sparks fly that very first night, and they embark on a tentative relationship that challenges both of them and scorches up the pages. These two are not opposed to experimenting, and with them, it works. I had reservations in the first book because their encounter didn’t seem like it would appeal to the heroine. But Payton is a lot more open, so I didn’t doubt she’d enjoy extra players in the bedroom. Finally, they were always so focused on each other that anything or anyone else was just an added bonus. They liked giving each other new experiences, and I understood the appeal in that.

This body is mine. It does exactly what I tell it to do.” He inched forward. “I’m going to show you what you’re capable of.”

The only reason I didn’t give this one five stars is because it isn’t anything groundbreaking or emotionally deep. That being said, it is light and fun without being predictable. For me, it was yet another enjoyable read from this author!
Profile Image for Yahaira.
557 reviews55 followers
April 17, 2015
Hot Damn!!!!

This series keeps getting steamier. I was #TeamPayton from book 1. That woman owned her shit and she's here to prove how she owns it.

Then there's Dom. He comes off a little odd and inexperienced but he's pure sex. That man can make you come without touching you. Really. Ask Payton.

If you're looking for new characters, none of those whinny females and overly stressed alphas, some sizzling sexy times, more than 3 people involved (@.@) or looking for a fun new read, this is the series you MUST get into. I promise you will feel it in all the right places.

And now we await the next book. This is going to be interesting.

*An arc was provided by the author in exchange for an honest opinion.*
Profile Image for Gerda.
774 reviews
April 18, 2015
The book started ok, I downloaded it because of the interesting cliffhanger from the prequel. There is chemistry between Dominic and Payton, and she goes with him to Tokyo.
The author describes the first few weeks there well with sightseeing and the different culture in regard to shopping, eating and traffic, but then there is only sex. One scene after the next and although she tries to vary it with a Japanese Dom/Sub it gets boring. No description of their travel to Mount Fiji, or a detailed narration of the Ryokan, which was supposed to be a special experience for Payton, from the book it sounds like a b&b with a futon and a tub in the room. Why travel for six hours for something so ordinary?
Back in Chicago SEX, SEX, SEX, and the reconciliation is a threesome.
I am very disappointed.
Profile Image for Pam Nelson.
3,778 reviews120 followers
September 11, 2018
Book One was Smoken, Book Two Lit the pages on FIRE!

Payton isn’t my favorite character but that is ok because the man oh the man that finds her is exactly who she needs.

I mean holy hell, shyish and possessive yes please he was everything Payton didn’t know she needed and so so much more.

There are a few scenes in this book you are going to blush and blush HARD because they are sexy as all get out.
You wouldn’t think it would be that way because of how many people are in the scene but it works and it works in a big big way.

I love the writing of both books and can’t wait to dive into Book 3 I think the paired with the narration these are some of the best Erotica I have ever listened to. So if that is your thing get to listening ASAP!
Profile Image for Bella.
531 reviews210 followers
April 6, 2015
Oh Nikki how I love your books and how I love how you delver such hot intense crazy love in each one of them. Three Hard Lessons is just another addicting read filled with sex, love, heartache and a journey you don’t want to miss out on!
From page one I couldn’t put this one down, I was sucked in so bad I am not sure I moved from my spot till almost half way through! LOL



Payton and Dominic’s story is AWESOME! After their first interaction at the club, where Payton works, life will forever change for these two people who live to guard their hearts but will take the journey to find life together. Payton will walk away from it all and move to another country to see how life could be with this hot sex of a man she is starting to fall for. But will it be something that will bring these two together or will it only end in disaster and will love be enough?


UGH this is a hard review to write, and I am having this trouble a lot lately because books are just so good and so much goes on that you don’t want to give too much away in you review. This one was so intense, I loved Dom he was an amazing guy with some crazy darkness in him that was itching to come out and when he and Payton are together she is the perfect girl for him and the perfect girl to help bring out HIM and who he really is. Payton, well I loved her in Three Simple Rules so when I seen she was getting her own book I was excited because this girl is sex on a stick, so when she found Dom I was so giddy while I read their story. The sex is HOT in this one, very hot like fan yourself while you read hot!!!!!! Yep the best kind right!!


I really LOVED watching these two fall for each other it was so remarkable to read. They will test the limited in everything they know and you will SO want to experience it with them. Nikki delivers another fascinating read filled with love, heartache and an ending that will leave you breathless!

There is M/F, F/F, M/F/F and more in this one! Teehee!!


 photo 2da99568d2d58fd37c0a7a9e73ef2ef4_zpsfvvgofsc.jpg

Profile Image for Gretchen.
1,007 reviews150 followers
April 9, 2015
So, this was hot. Like, hot HOT! Holy wow hot. It was also a really great story with likable characters and I totally enjoyed it.

Besides being hot, this story was also fun and playful and had a really nice build. I thought it was a great read! While there is intensity from the sex I felt myself drawn to these characters. Dominic was so sweet and seemed almost timid but oh man, he comes out of his shell and demanding Dominic is awesome! I liked Payton a lot too and this journey she went on with Dominic, she was in denial of so many things, so watching her barriers get broken down was really entertaining. I loved the two of them together, great connection! There's a bit of light drama and emotion mixed in as well helping to round out the story. I also really liked getting to see Evie and Logan from book 1, Three Simple Rules and how the connection to them was set up.

This was an easy, fun and enjoyable read filled with super sexy times! Just a really good story. If you want hot and fun, you're definitely going to get it with this story.

Complimentary copy received for honest review.
Profile Image for Joy.
384 reviews78 followers
January 1, 2016
So if I loved Three Simple Rules. I ADORED Three Hard Lessons. I always enjoy storylines where the heroine has a bit more experience. Payton's a prostitute so she's quite experienced. But Dom, because of extenuating circumstances, has spent the last year with his hand and lots of porn! He's ummmm just a little, rusty. But omg is Dom A-dorable. He blushes like a school girl but still manages to burn things up between the sheets. He knows Payton has him dead to rights with the whole sex thing but that doesn't stop him from learning new tricks and adding a dimension to their sex life that is even new to Payton. And although there is more to this story than sex this aspect of Dom is what makes me love his character so much. He's willing to go out of his comfort zone to create new experiences with Payton so he isn't intimidated by her past. All the while making Payton realize that she is worthy of the love of a good man and deserves to be happy.
Profile Image for Sofia.
60 reviews
December 29, 2022
Sexy smut with a sprinkle of some dom/sun scenario. Highly recommend to people that like to play and sway with control. Do you like being in control? Being controlled? Or a little of both? This book has it.
Profile Image for Sarah.
93 reviews27 followers
April 4, 2015
I was very kindly provided with an ARC of Three Hard Lessons to read and review by the author.

I say this every time I read a book by this author but by golly is the woman a genius. Once again she has produced something that has cemented her even further into my all time favourite author spot and stolen my all time favourite book spot. This can easily be read as a standalone but as the previous book in the series, Three Simple Rules, is so fabulous and will give you a greater insight into Payton I highly recommend giving the first book a go first.

This time around we get the story of Payton, Evie's best friend from Three Simple Rules and Dominic, the best friend of Logan. Working in the club that she introduced Evie to in 'Rules', Payton is the star attraction of the business and until recently really quite happy with her lifestyle choices. But what happens when the feeling of discontent takes root inside of her and she wants a piece of the happiness that she's witnessing everyone else around her finding for themselves?

Payton is one tough cookie. She's independent, funny, fierce and takes no prisoners with no exceptions. But she's also incredibly human. Shaped by such a monumentally crushing moment in her younger years she spends her life with such a headstrong feeling of never needing another person to make her life feel complete. Payton tries her best to get over it but some kinds of hurt and betrayal aren't so simple to move on from. That is until the irresistible Dom crosses her path in a mix up one evening and she gets a chance to see that not everyone is out to use her purely for their own gain. From her emotions to reactions to her sex appeal this is one flawless character. I identified with Payton in ways that almost crushed me but the way Nikki Sloane has written her journey has given me hope that there is such a thing as happily ever afters after all.

I flopped down, turning over in a huff, and heard him settle back down. I knew this was stupid, and if I ever wanted to belong to someone else, I was going to have to let them in. Yet I’d only done that once in my life and been burned so spectacularly, I couldn’t stomach the thought of trying again.

His eyes were captivating, and stunned me motionless. His serious expression spoke volumes. Like he sensed how crossing this physical threshold was really crossing a greater one for me. Letting him not just get his way, but letting him get . . . close.

" It destroyed me.”The only person I thought truly loved me, abandoned me. “I don’t do love. It’s just a lie.”


Dominic is sweet, caring and with a hidden highly kinky side, it's possible that he's actually kinkier than Payton and I never thought I'd ever be able to say that. He was absolutely fantastic in every way, he could be sweet enough to make you sad of the fact that he's fictional and hot enough to make you angry. Payton wasn't the only one with issues but I loved that Dom wanted them both to progress and to learn to love as a unit. As much as he wanted to push Payton's boundaries and to break as many of her rules as she owned, he was only ever patient and caring towards her, even when he was messing up. How can you not love him, you really won't be able to resist all of his charms when you read this.

“No. I’m never going to do that again.”Another lesson he probably thought he’d learned the hard way with me. Two for him, but I’d learned three. Don’t tease him. Don’t give him boundaries. Don’t think you get a choice in who you love. All of my struggle against falling for him had been pointless. I was his, and he was mine. My body had known it from the moment his hand brushed my fingers our first night together, cluing me in with those unexpected sparks.

Nikki Sloane can write scenes hotter than lava so when reading this I highly suggest having a man, woman or a lot of batteries (maybe all three!) and most definitely an ice cold drink close to hand to quell all the hotness you'll be experiencing. But this isn't just one long sex session, Nikki has written a book filled with heartfelt moments of love and pain so touching and realistic that I once or twice found myself with tears in my eyes and a deep ache in my heart. Payton and Dom may be fictional characters but they are as three dimensional as their tales. Not only can I not recommend any of Nikki's books enough but this one especially has become without a doubt my favourite and will stay with me for the rest of my life. I've already reread this twice and I swear it gets better every time. If you like books with super hot sex, emotional cores, flawless writing, three dimensional characters and storylines and a good few chuckles thrown in then 'one click' this right this minute, I promise you won't regret it!

And lastly thank you to the amazing Nikki Sloane for my copy of and for writing this book, because I don't think I remind her enough how wonderful she is!
Profile Image for Jen's Quick & Dirty Reviews.
627 reviews67 followers
February 22, 2023
Read this if you like a VERY hot romance where the main 'lesson' is (spoiler) LOVE. 
Avoid this if you don’t like just a touch of bonkers, but I totally bought the main character. She's an absolute hottie bad ass. 
Spice level 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 Explicit and plentiful (multiple and adventurous scenes)
Standalone or part of a series? Part of a series but can be read alone if you don't mind a slight spolier to book 1.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 668 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.