Dare to Love Again

Decadence L.A. #3

by Maddie Taylor

Five years is a long time to be alone, especially for a submissive. Despite a near-eternity without the protective, quiver-inducing touch of a master, Esme Spade remains on the sidelines -- even inside the walls of Club Decadence. Though several Doms would gladly have her, she can't seem to do anything more than watch, despite the club's unwritten 'no gawkers' policy.

Keiran Finnegan has no time to break in a new submissive. He's also a man who knows what he wants, and there's something about the obviously-wounded Esme that is exactly what he's been longing for. Will his skilled touch, quiet dominance, and unwavering persistence be enough to revive the spirited beauty? Or is it too late for this gorgeous, deeply scarred creature to set aside the painful grip of her past so he can claim her as his own?

Publisher's Note: Dare to Love Again is book three in the Decadence LA series but can be enjoyed as a standalone. It's a steamy, sexy romance intended for adults only. It contains elements of power exchange, sensual scenes, and adult language. If any of these offend you, please do not purchase.

Genres: BDSM, Romance, Suspense

283 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 4, 2018

About the author

USA Today and #1 International Bestselling Author, Maddie is a lifelong reader who became a romance junkie as a teen with her first romance novel, The Wolf and the Dove by Kathleen Woodiwiss. From then on, she was hooked and gobbled up everything she could get her hands on, whether contemporary, historical, paranormal, or sci-fi.

With over seventy published works, a quarter of a million books sold, and fifty million pages read, Maddie writes fast-paced, steamy fiction in multiple genres from contemporary to Sci-fi to historical western romance. Pour yourself a glass of wine, curl up in your favorite chair, and escape for a few hours in the rich worlds she creates. It will be time well spent.

***NEWSLETTER*** Sign up to receive a free book --> https://dl.bookfunnel.com/l2b0z0etex

Keep up with Maddie by subscribing to her monthly newsletter. Get author updates, info on upcoming books, book promotions, low and free book information, free content, and awesome monthly giveaways.

As always, Maddie thanks her readers for supporting and embracing her books. Please post a review so she knows what you're thinking. Constructive, earnest reviews are always welcome.

Reviews

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotionally and Erotically Intense!

With the third novel in the Decadence L.A. Series, Ms. Taylor offers up a beautiful and emotionally intense second chance romance situated once again within the sphere of Club Decadence. Much more than a standard BDSM novel, “Dare to Love Again” features meaningful characterizations, promising expectations and new possibilities. Professionally written and utterly engaging, “Dare to Love Again” is a tantalizing journey of hope, trust and ultimately love. The chemistry between Esme and Finn is palpable, strengthening the relationship as well as the character interaction. “Dare to Love Again” unfailingly delivers all the necessary criteria for a heartfelt, erotic romance.
Although part of a series, “Dare to Love Again” is a standalone novel and no prior reading required to fully enjoy the narrative.

Disclaimer: Children 18+ due to explicit sexual content within a power exchange relationship. No Kindles were seriously harmed while reading this novel.

Disclaimer for the Disclaimer… The term “seriously harmed” is not intended to include: overheating, scorch marks, minor melting or inconsequential fire that can be put out with an extinguisher. Fire retardant gloves highly recommended while reading. Reviewer is not responsible for run-on sentences, appalling grammar or questionable punctuation.

RATING DETAILS (Based on 1 to 5 Gold Stars):
Steam Factor: 5 Exceptionally Steamy Stars
Writing Style: 5 Professional Stars
Plot: 5 Emotional Stars
Engaging Characters: 5 Outstanding Stars
Satisfying Conclusion: 5 Very Satisfying Stars

[Greyling54 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy Maddie Taylor and this book is no exception. Esme and Keiran make a great couple.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dare to Love Again (Decadence L.A., #3) by Maddie Taylor  
Taylor has never been afraid to show her hand when it comes to risque, but there have been moments of lacking when it comes to emotion. Dare to Love Again is not one of those moments. Esme and Kieran's path to love is scattered with broken hearts, risky behavior, grief and fresh starts. Esme is learning to be whole again after a devastating loss shattered her world. The ghost of what was haunts her every waking moment even as it torments her dreams. Kieran is intrigued by the ice princess. He sees the pain that torments her and wants to be the light at the end of the tunnel for her. Can this brooding warrior melt the ice encasing her broken heart? Tempting.

[Jodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Http://jodiesbookreviews.blogspot.com
In Short
- Dare to Love Again is a lushful, sexy read.
- I couldn't help but fall for Finn
- I was kept sinfully engrossed throughout.

In Long
Dare To Love Again is was such a sexy, lustful read which had me right from the start. I loved seeing through Esme's eyes, experiencing the club through her but also getting to know her better by being there through her struggles and turmoil. You can't help but feel for her, she has been through a lot.

Finn straight away grabbed my attention. I adored his personality, he has a lot of depth to his character which I loved and, for Esme, he is just what she needs. I couldn't help but swoon over him throughout, his such a patient and caring character which you just wouldn't expect as such from a erotic book.

The storyline is perfectly paced, I was kept sinfully engrossed throughout.

Final Thoughts
This is the first book from the Decadence L.A. series I have read but it won't be the last. I really enjoyed it and didn't want to put it down!

Quotes
'When I see something I want, I don't veer from the course until I get it.'

'"Me or continue your search?" He asked patiently. "What's your choice?"
"You sir" '

[Kathleen R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's very difficult to rate and review this book. First, let's get the nitty and gritty out of the way: this is my first book by this author. Until i received the invitation to read and review Maddie Taylor's Dare To Love Again, i hadn't heard of her or her books, so the blurb absolutely drew me in because of not only the subject and the genre, but because of the way it was written. And plus, i'll admit it, the cover was absolutely pretty and everything.

And here's the part where i have more difficulties with reviewing this book. There is much to say when you get into the lifestyle and start writing a book about it, debunking so many aspects that people are absolutely stoned set against accepting. It's difficult. And i never envy an author who decides that they want to embark on that journey - mostly because readers are taken into a journey on what it means to let go of control and finding their balance. It's no easy feat. I absolutely respect this author for writing this story.

The other difficult part was the back story and history when it comes to Esme. That woman and her friend Pax have been through so much after Esme lost her husband that i'm not even sure how she survived it. It brought tears to my eyes thinking about it. And even more so that Esme and her late husband were part of a D/s relationship. That's a bond that can't be equaled.

And here's my last point making it difficult to rate - it's my first book by this author. I haven't read any of the previous Decadence LA series, even if i do own the first instalment (that i bought once i started this book), and it was an adjustment to her writing style. Which was both impersonal and very intimate. You feel almost like the proverbial fly on the wall looking in on what's happening between Esme and Kieran. Personally, i find it difficult connecting more with the characters and feeling all the tiny little chills running up my arms because of the fact that it's written in the third person. But then again, that's my personal opinion, and doesn't necessarily apply to every reader. Such as some prefer third person and despise first person and vice versa.

There are many reasons why i found it difficult to rate this book, forcing me to take a step back and evaluate what i loved and didn't like, but it also shows you just how much it takes for an author to lay their heart out on the line when they write their books, which is why there are not enough words in the world to thank them for it. So really, this is a book that i did enjoy, even with my own personal hiccups.

*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books

  Goodreads |    Amazon |    Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram  | Our Amazon Store|

Contact Us Today: smallgirlandherbooks@gmail.com

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked how this story dealt with trauma in a way not often appreciated. Kieran/Finn was a Master in more ways than one and did so much for Esmeralda allowing her to heal and grow as both a woman and a submissive. Kieran is the perfect Dom for her, after all he has the patience of a saint.

The emotion was tangible and felt by the reader exactly as Esmeralda describes it between Eric and Val. At times I had tears in my eyes, not because it was sad but because there was so much tenderness and hope.

The underlying story of the drug cartel and the murder were credible and well integrated into the book without detracting from the main story. Not everything is straightforward and Esme is haunted by her past again but the family at Decadence L.A. are there to catch her. A beautiful story full of compassion and passion and a lovely cat called Phineus I am sure the pun was intended.

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

DUBBED PATIENT AS A SAINT KEIRAN

I am sure there are other fans of Maddie Taylor’s books who would agree that she writes swoon-worthy characters and situations. From page one to the end was an emotional page-turner. While this story is part of the Decadence L.A. series, it will easily read well as a stand-alone and have key characters from previous Decadence stories. I loved the chemistry between Master Keiran Finnegan and the broken submissive, Esme Spade. Esme is struggling to return to the D/s lifestyle, but it can’t be with just anyone, and her months of being a voyeur but never participating and turning down every Dom has Master Dom Eric making an ultimatum, it will be up to Master K to help Esme move forward. The story is a sensual, but a painful journey of a submissive learning to let go and trust a new dom.

Esme is a shell of a woman, living the past five years in a living nightmare, and then come night time, her dreams haunt her, waking her screaming. She will leave Baltimore and move to Los Angeles by the urging of her only real friend, Ryan Paxton, aka Pax. After the death of her husband, Andrew Burton, she will have the money to move, buy a home, and find a job. Pax will encourage her to return to the BDSM scene that he and Andrew were both involved. Esme wasn’t only Andrew’s wife, she was his submissive, and he was her Master—a lifestyle she loved, craved, and wants again.

Master Keiran Finnegan is one of the members of Rossi Security, and running the LA office where most of the cases are upgrading security, security details to the rich and famous, yet he is overrun with work and no time for play at the club. His friend and partner, Eric Dupree, reminds him that all work and no fun—and then reminds him he needs to come to the club and be dungeon master at times too. When Eric approaches him with a special request to dominate a new sub, he really doesn’t want to until he learns it is a certain submissive, Esme, and then he is in the game.

The plot of the story is a reawakening for widow submissive Esme Spade and the Master Finn, as she calls him. He is a master dominant and knows what she wants, can read her face and expressions so well. He doesn’t allow her to control a scene and yet gives her exactly what she needs, and deep down wants, whether she can admit it or not.

“Beware the anger of a patient man. If you see it, you know things are serious! With you and me, Esme, we’ll shoot for smoldering.”

The story is the beginning of two people developing strong feelings for one another, and yet it is a battle of trust for Esme, especially learning more about Finn’s work. She has lost one man to a violent death; she can’t lose another. Will she trust him or will she run again? The feelings she is developing for Finn scare her, making her question her loyalty to Andrew and his memory.

“She felt a swirling mix of emotion. Hope, that finally, she might be able to move on, relief, that a good man like Finn existed to help her do so, and a nagging guilt because as good as sex had been with Andrew, never had it been like just now.”

What happens when things at work for Esme, a paralegal, start crumbling, the lead attorney in the office is erratic, and questionable things are happening? Esme believes it is time to look for a new job, and she suspects possible criminal activity. Her conversation with Finn will have him alerted too. But then the unthinkable happens, and it is now a matter of life and death—one that Esme might not survive and Finn must get involved.

“Come on. Let’s end this, so I can keep my promise, my woman, and her love.”

The story is full of mystery, suspense, accepting the past, and moving forward. There is plenty of detailed scenes inside Club Decadence that Esme will witness and crave, missing from her life with Andrew, but afraid to move forward without him. With a direct order from Master Dom Eric, it has become time to join in or leave, and with the help of Master Finn, she will step out of the shadows and into the limelight. The one thing that she didn’t count on was allowing her heart to become involved in the scenes. It is an erotic dance of man and woman, master and submissive, including cathartic discipline, voyeurism, exhibition, and explicit sex scenes, both inside and out of Club Decadence.

“Thank you, Finn. I mean for not giving up on me when I ran, and stood you up, and tried to push you away. I’d still be lost and going through the motions if you hadn’t. You brought me back to life.”

[Joanne Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am voluntarily writing this review for this book I received through
Booksprouts ARC.

Esme has had a reoccurring nightmare that would make her wake up screaming. Esme called Pax when she woke up screaming to talk to him. Pax was her husbands best friend and when her husband died Pax was there for her. Pax told her to move out to LA he found a club but, Esme couldn’t think about being with another DOM since Andrew died. Esme is now living in Los Angeles . At the club Esme was watching a scene played out. Not realizing that she had to wear the ribbon they gave her. A dom name Carlos grabbed her because she had no collar and no ribbon and he started to drag her and she starts to scream Red Red Red until there seem to get the DM came over to help. When he saw her with no ribbon she took It out and put it on and when the Dom saw the color he knew he should not have approached her. Esmeralda went back to the club another few times and Master Eric told her to find a Dom she would want to play with otherwise he will have to revoke her guest membership Any Dom she asked refused her because when they had approached her before she denied them. Eric ask Keiran to please help with Esme the new sub to the club and told him that she had been asked to the club by Pax. Keiran had seen her before when he helped her with that nasty Dom that pawed at her as she tried to getaway. Esme had been checking Keiran but he told her he would find her another dom she had her hopes dashed. Friday came and Keiran had told Eric that he will take her under his wing as a favor Pax. Esme went to meet with Keiran which opened her up. Keiran starts to see how he could help his little sub Esme. Esme always on the way to freaking out finds out the Keiran dealt with the some terrible people. Her flashback to her husband lying there with a bullet wound to his throat. She thought if she stuck with Keiran it could happen to him and she couldn’t take it again so she ran again. Esme is falling in love with him even though she only known him for a couple of weeks. Twists, Turns murder and attempted murder. Good hot read.

[Janine - The World Was Hers for the Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Esme Spade is struggling to pull her life back together after the tragic loss of her husband five years ago. Not only were they married, but she was also his submissive, leaving her feeling even more lost and alone without the guidance she needs. Suffering from nightmares and panic attacks, her late husband’s friend and partner in the FBI convinces Esme to move to LA to be closer to him so he can help her in finding her way again . . . part of which is introducing her to Club Decadence.

While she finds comfort just being in the club, Esme isn’t quite ready to move forward other than watching those around her, the no lurkers policy threatens her membership. She has no choice but to find someone to connect with or lose the one thing helping to hold her together emotionally.

Keiran Finnegan is too busy with work helping to run a security and protection company to break in a new submissive. But, from the first moment he sees Esme, he knows there is something special about her. He knows he can be the man she needs to help bring her wounded soul back to life with the patience, caring and dominance she craves.

Esme is terrified to love again, and Keiran’s dangerous profession has her wanting to run for the hills, but neither can deny their attraction and deeper connection. Will she be able to deny their love or will a ghost keep them apart forever.

This was my first foray into Maddie Taylor’s writing and I really enjoyed it. Esme is such a beautifully broken character. She tries to be string and move on, but she needs more. But, it is easy to see why both Kieran’s affections and especially his job terrify her after all she has been through.

Kieran is truly one of the most patient and caring book boyfriends I have ever read. He knows exactly what Esme needs and helps her begin the healing process showing her she can love again.

While this amazing slow burn of a love story is happening, the author throws in an unexpected suspense element that will leave readers reeling. It adds the perfect amount of drama and intensity to this story to make it a page turner right up to the finish. 4.5 stars!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Esme was a widow still living with the horror of her husband’s traumatic death…..
Esme has been trying to overcome the horrors she experienced when her husband was shot before her eyes, in fact she had held in her arms whilst he took his last breath a fact that has left her with a half-life of sorts, terrible nightmares and no social life.
Pax her husbands’ partner had been her only real friend he understood what she was experiencing and he had taken her terrified phone calls and also had finally encouraged her to move to Los Angeles hoping that distance might help her recover. He had reintroduced her to the BDSM community sponsoring her as a member to Club Decadence, unfortunately he had then had to leave to go on to an undercover mission.
Esme had ventured to the club on a two or three time a week basis, watching all the scenes and immersing herself in the club experience and also unknowingly she had gained the title of “Ice Queen” because of all the Dons she had turned down when they asked her to join them.
Esme had then been pressurised by the 90 Day period and told that if she failed to find a Dom he would have to suspend her membership, she had been paired with Finn a Dom of many years that had actually unknowingly already met Esme when he rescued her from Carlos, a Dom that had been ejected from Decadence.
Their relationship had some ups and downs but it was obvious that there was something very special between them and when a terrible situation happened at her work Finn and his Comrades all came to her assistance, keeping her safe and demonstrating that she was his sub if he wanted her….
This was a beautiful read that held my attention for the total duration of the book and I cannot wait to read and review her next book in this series, I had to read it in one go as it was simply impossible to put down until I reached the end.
I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Esme has known terrible pain in her life, but after her husband was brutally murdered in front of her, she's just had enough, and has been floating through life the past 5 years. Their best friend finally talks her into moving near him, and he takes her to his club, Decadence, but she's still been a sub without a Dom through her first 3 months, until one of the owners lets her know that she has to find a Dom or he won't give her a permanent membership. Keiran Finnegan is another owner, but doesn't have the time to train a new sub, as his other business provides more work than he can do, but somehow, he's talked into it, as there's something about the pain filled Esme that calls to him. So they start on a new journey. Their chemistry is something to behold, as their scenes are HOT, while the sexy times threaten to burn everything down around them. But it's the emotional that I loved, as Esme is so hurt that Keiran has to have a lot of patience for, because there were bumps in the road. Especially since his job can be dangerous, and she swore that she wouldn't have another Dom in such a dangerous environment. Little does she know that it's not his job that will have her in danger, so it made for some f-bomb worthy twists. Thankfully, there's a cast of secondaries who help Keiran with helping Esme, as they added some more depth with a realistic feel. I have come to love Maddie Taylor's talented writing style which is very addictive, even to an alpha female like myself, and her hero is one that I would give my control up to. CANNOT WAIT for more of this series, and HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!

[Serena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Esme is scared after moving to LA, and, being without a Dom for five years since the death of her husband, but, watching a scene in the club reminds her of what she had and wants again.
When a Dom makes her use the club safe word, the DM that helps her gives her tingles that she hasn’t felt in years.
When Eric tells him the woman he has been watching is Esme, and she has to find a Dom by the weekend to keep her membership, Keiran is surprised, realising that is Esme who he’s friend wants him to help.
Esme was anxious to meet the Dom that Master Eric said would help her, and, relaxes slightly when she works out it’s Master Finn or Keiran, from the other night, that she thought didn’t want her.
When Finn tells her, they have been in the room two hours shocked Esme, but she realises that was because of how comfortable she was with him and he explains how much he learnt about her.
When Esme tries to leave, Hawkeye Finnegan, sets her up, he wants to know what spooked her. Finn can see that she wants him as much as he wants her, but, has a few of her walls to break down.
She could feel hope creeping into her heart, and, decided that moving forward with Finn was best and could only hope it would turn into more, is Esme finally ready to start a new beginning with Finn, who is everything she could want.
Everything is perfect until Esme finds out something that make her run, from Finn, the club everyone, will Finn be able help Esme realise the could have something extraordinary and move on from her past.

[Mary Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Esme is a widow, and frankly, she’s in a self-destructive rut after her police-officer husband’s murder. But more than that, he was her dom and she his submissive, and despite the guidance of his best friend, Esme’s adrift. She’s wandering in so many ways, she risks losing her membership in Decadence, the club she joined when she moved to LA. It will take someone special to help her find her way forward, so thank heavens for Finn, the dominant she finally accepts when confronted by an ultimatum from the Decadence leadership.

Esme is a rich character, and her suffering and circling back to old issues is vibrantly portrayed. Finn is a bit perfect in that he’s willing to address Esme’s many concerns that most real-life guys would avoid while being a fantastic dom. But the chemistry Taylor builds with these two characters is explosive and is a major factor in why this story works so well.

It’s great to revisit old characters from earlier books of Taylor’s, and I liked that some of the problems in the book, like Esme dealing with Finn’s profession, didn’t become giant roadblocks. The villain of the story kind of came out of nowhere at the end of the book, and I wish there had been a bit more continuity with him from the beginning.

But the characters of Esme and Finn are wonderful, and I loved how they found a dynamic with the Decadence club environment that fit them and didn’t shift their behavior and interactions to suit the club. Taylor is doing a fabulous job with this series, and Dare to Love Again is a wonderful part of it.

[Rose Howse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED THIS BOOK! I felt Esme's fear of entering Club Decadence alone, her friend Pax has gone on assignment but she went to the club anyway, just to watch. A dom named Carlos tries to force her to scene but after yelling red, she is saved by a dungeon monitor. Master K aka Keiran Finnegan saves her but then tells her if she needs a Dom, he could suggest some. Esme is given an ultimatum,find a Dom or her temporary membership at the club will be rejected. Esme is a widow and has faced trauma that won't allow her to move forward, she is also facing stress at work when her boss is acting weird, demanding work that she already completed and being a jerk in general. The club is really her only kind of socializing, even though she only watches and has refused every dom and domme
that has approached her. Finally, Esme must submit to Master Finn or lose her membership. I adore how patient and understanding Finn is and how he uses BDSM to help Esme free herself from all her bottled up stress and trauma. It will take time but Finn thinks he knows how to deal with Esme, and he does, quite thoroughly! The scenes between Esme and Finn were super hot, he knew how to take and give Esme what she needed and if not for other unforseen complications, he would have won the fight for her sanity a lot sooner. I also liked seeing the other characters from the club as they come together to try and help Esme along in her healing. There is also lots of sex, affection and understanding from Finn, I would love a Finn of my own, what a man!

[Badh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Club Decadence. I would really love to go there. Too bad it only exists in the mind of Maddie Taylor.

Esme has spent the last 5 years of her life barely living. After her husband and Master was killed and bled out in her arms, she just kind of went into stasis. She was existing, not living. She had nightmares, flashbacks, and just didn't cope all that well. When her friend Pax invited her to move out to LA, she decided that she would go. He signed her up for membership at Decadence, so that she could hopefully get a new Dom.

Master Eric has noticed that Esme has spent the last 3 months just watching what's going on, at least once a week. He knows that's not good, and he's had one person complain. So he lays an ultimatum on her, find a Dom or lose her membership. When she leaves, he calls his friend Kieran Finnegan in and tells him that he has the perfect sub for him, Esme.

Esme's story is all about a second chance. It's not that she is having a second chance romance with Finn, it's that she has a second chance at life itself and a second chance to love someone. She has so much trauma and stress that she has to work through so that she doesn't stay stuck. I feel so badly for her trying to deal with all that trauma. Finn really is a good Dom for her because he is so patient and stubborn, and doesn't mind chasing her when she tries to run.

Excellent book, beautiful story.

[SBee Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

~ A promising choice for the Ice Princess ~

Master K is ordered to take an unclaimed sub under his wing and either take over from her unavailable sponsor or finds someone willing to engage and play with her. But over the past three months, she has unknowingly earned a reputation for herself as the “Ice Princess,” and for a club like theirs, it is not a good thing. Now with her trial membership coming to an end, the owner has asked for her decision to either stay or go.

When Keirnan realizes the sub in question is the beauty he has already met and found to be very enticing, he slowly finds himself becoming more obsessed with Esme, but her reluctance to become involved really tries his patience, as she blows hot and cold in turns.

Esme felt ready finally to move on, but she has apparently exhausted all opportunity at Club Decadence. However, something about Keirnan has captured her interest from the start, and she is drawn to say “Yes, Master” to him. But when the real world triggers a past she has worked so hard to move on from, will she be willing to go forward or run again from the world which has finally begun to open up for her, a world which she now needs to be whole again?

Excellent relatable characters, both main and secondary, with scenes between Kiernan and Esme raising to combustible heat levels! More, please!

[Louise Car · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this deep dive by Ms. Taylor. It was raw, suspenseful, and consuming. It's such
an emotionally charged second-chance romance rich in spirit. There had never been
a shortage of the elements of BDSM in this series, Ms.Taylor also managed to capture the emotional toll suffered by Esme as she barely clung to her relationship with Keiran.Her grief was palpable and hard to read. She was an empty shell, unable to move forward. I liked Keiran’s character as he always put Esme’s needs first and took things slowly.

Esme was an experienced submissive plagued by nightmares and grief who could not let go of the past. Encouraged by friends, Esme found herself at Club Decadence. She tried to hide in plain sight and fly under the radar until confronted by Master Eric who gave her the push she needed. Find a Dom or stop going to Club Decadence. Keiran was given the task and stepped in and, with a lot of patience, coaxed Esme out of her shell. He was the only person who managed to shatter her barriers and help overcome her demons.

This story was action-packed with elements of danger. It is a beautiful balance between fine writing and kink that ozzed substance and quality. The emotional growth of Esme was the beauty of the book, for Me. A well-descriptive story that kept me entranced from start to finish.

[Terri Trawets · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! I love this book and this author. This is one of the most beautiful erotically stimulating stories I have read in a while. Only a short time into the first chapter and I was hooked. I could not put this book down. The descriptions of the activities taking place at Decadence, a BDSM club, are so sensual and alluring that I just lost track of time and became totally immersed.

The storyline dealt with the pain and fear of a young woman who was forced to survive after the heartbreaking loss of her husband. I love the gentle yet stirring words this author used to capture the magnificence of a strong, stubborn Dom who was able to slowly, carefully, determinedly coax this frightened sub out of her tragic past and into a new and fulfilling future. I am amazed by how such a fragile situation could also be filled with anticipation, sensuality and excitement.

This is the third book in the Decadence LA series, but the first that I have read. Although it is definitely a standalone, it has made me anxious to read more—much, much more.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Esme once had a happy life with her husband/master till one day when he was shot in front of her very eyes, she has reoccuring nightmares, her friend Pax invites her to come to LA away from it all, she does for her own sanity. One year later sees Esme at Club Deadence, walking around the Club just watching, but she is been watched, the owner is now giving her a choice either play or go. The Choice is taken away from her when she agrees to meet up with a Dom, Master Finn who goes slowly with her but also knows what she needs. But she finds out who and where Master Flinn works for and has the need once more to run again.
These two were made for each other, this great book is great, i really felt for Esme, but i have to say that Maddie has really given this Character a wonderful HEA, one that she deserves, along with her Wonderful Dom, Master Flinn.

I have to say, i havnt read the other books in this series but after reading this they are certainly on my list of books to read. Thank you Maddie for a wonderful wonderful story.

[Louise H's Book Thoughts · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heart warming story of overcoming our fears, learning to love again and patience

This is a wonderful story that takes a very SSC approach to the kink, and what scorching hot kink it is! Esme was a wonderful heroine, I understand her reticence in committing to a relationship though who in their right mind would turn down Keiran Finnegan? Gosh I've really found a new book boyfriend in him! His kindness and commitment to freeing Esme from her self imposed prison was fantastically portrayed.

Whilst this is book #3 in the series it can very easily be read as a stand alone story. Any back story you need to know is covered within this story. I enjoyed reading it from start to finish and would happily recommend this to anyone who enjoys a hot, action packed and kinky read. It has two very likeable main characters, some good supporting characters and a well written plot that moves at a good pace.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Esme Spade lost her master and husband Andrew five years ago in the line of duty. His best friend and fellow Dom, Pax had been looking out for her ever since but when he is called away for work she is left floundering. For 3 months she has wandered around Club Decadance observing what goes on but refusing any offers to play until the owner, Master Eric gives her an ultimatum, find a dom and learn to play again or your membership will be revoked. 


Eric does this knowing it is the best thing for this sub and enlists the help of fellow club owner Kieran Finnegan. Kieran helps her to find herself and deal with the trauma along the way. 


This is another great book in the series and i loved it.  If you love strong alpha males and sassy subs, a great storyline with strong characters and believable characters which reads really well then you will love this book. 


I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the chemistry between the two main characters. It was immediate but he tried not acknowledge it because of his workload. She was broken...still shattered by the loss of her husband. The author gave us a very intriguing story with a couple of stories within the main story which will keep you mesmerized. The addition of known characters from previous books as well as interesting new characters made this a great read. I loved how he was tender yet dominant (the author does this so well). I wish these were real characters because they feel real. They are relatable. They're not perfect but they are very interesting and their journey is full of hot steamy scenes with a blend of drama mixed in. You will love the twists in this book. The author wrote with descriptive prose and I felt for the female lead when she had to deal with the drama in the end. The reactions as written by the author, were so believable, it had me cringing as I tried to read it.

[Laid-Back Book Bitches · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much. I could not put this book down! I was drawn in right away, this book kept you entertained to the very last page.The story just flowed so easily you really get lost inside the pages. The chemistry between Master Keiran/Finn and Esme was off the charts. I was happy that Esme had Pax I loved him right away. I found myself pulling and hoping for a HEA for Finn and Esme. Esme had faced a trauma and was having a hard time getting over it. Finn was so patient and understanding, I found myself falling so hard for him. Mostly because he reminds me so much of my husband. There was some sizzling scenes that will have you not able to sit still. Esme and Keiran's story will have you falling in love right away. This is a must read! I recommend this book to anyone and everyone.

[Marie Brown (Marie's Tempting Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marie's Tempting Reads ARC Review:

A SPARKLING, SEXILICIOUS ROMANCE THAT MADE MY KNEES WEAK AND MY HEART FLUTTER! This is my very first read my Maddie Taylor and I couldn't be happier with this story and personally, I can't wait to read more books from her. This story captured my attention right from the start to the VERY end. Keiran and Esme immediately piqued my curiosity and I found myself eagerly turning the pages to find out what would go down with them next.

I enjoy a good D/s romance. And this one had so much heat and made me earn for something just as incredible as Keiran and Esme's chemistry. This romance swept me away on a tidal wave of bliss and pleasure that was really hard to deny. I am blown away by the magic of this book!

Dare To Love gets a WHITE HOT FIVE BLISSFUL STARS!

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good romance with lots of heat. ❤️️😍🔥❤️️

This book will pull you in really quickly and hold you there to the end. 💖

Esme is having a rough time getting over the loss of her husband. She's having nightmares and it's affecting her daily life to the point where her best friend, Pax, finally convinces her to move to California to be near him and away from her past. Finn, on the other hand, is so busy working that he's not engaging with life outside of work. But when they get thrown together to help Esme, the chemistry is off the charts. 💞💗💞

This is the third book in the Decadence L.A. Series but it easily reads as a standalone. 😉

It's one steaming hot romance that is set in the BDSM lifestyle but it's an amazing tale of healing and love. 💕💗💕

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book by Maddie Taylor takes the reader on a most enjoyable emotional rollercoaster ride of highs and lows as her scarred, flawed and scared main character, Esme, attempts to put her life back into today's world instead of being afraid of her past. Under this intense trip, the main characters enter their favorite world of BDSM, which Esme has been out of for nearly 5 years due to her fears of moving on from her past. Enter a strong and yet gentle understanding dom, Finn, who is more than willing to help her move on and re-enter the BDSM world and all its sexual and sensual pleasures. And, if that wasn't enough, Maddie also threw in a subtle yet intense sub-plot thriller that explodes with drama. This is a voluntary review of an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Blushing Books.

[Carol orr · Rating 4 out of 5]

BDSM romantic thriller

No plot spoilers
There is a potential trigger relating to assault and attempted rape.
There are numerous errors including mixed tense, incorrect words etc.
The characterisation is really good, with the reader able to form a connection to the characters.
Master K, otherwise known as Finn, is well crafted and immensely likeable.
Esme is absolutely delightful, with a tragic past that haunts her present.
Much of the 'action' takes place off page which is a bit frustrating but there's enough follow up explanation that the book doesn't feel rushed.
There are some sex scenes of a BDSM nature.
There is quite a lot of swearing.
I gave four stars even though the errors really irritate because the characterisation is so good.
If you are a fan of the genre I have no problem recommending the series.

[Margaret Center · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG Esme, she's stronger than she realizes! She has a really good friend in Pax, to answer anytime she needs a shoulder or an ear - even when he is trying to process the past as well. Then to be brave and move forward, trying to move past her traumatized past, definitely brave. Kind of wish we had lifestyle counselors in real time in my neck of the woods. This story is sweet, tragic and strong. Makes you wish you had a Rossi guy in your corner. Finn, strong and patiend; Eric, also strong but blunt; Val sweet and relateable; Thomas also blunt and professional; Tristan is a good friend can pick up the ball and roll with what needs to be. All good men to have in your corner. You're gonna love this book ... I NEED/WANT more!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hope W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what an engaging and well paced addition to this wonderful series! The plot is one that shows a young widow, Esme, trying to heal and move through her grief while learning to live again. As though that is not hard enough, there is a crime that pulls her into a mystery with plenty of action. However, when Master Finn and the dominants of Club Decadence enter the picture, fireworks fly. There is plenty of friendships (old and new), lust, erotic sex, some hard core activities with edge play, a twist I didn't see coming, and much more in this truly emotional ride. I found this book a compelling read and highly recommend this for a heartwarming and yet exciting night that you won't want to miss! I voluntarily received an arc copy of this book.

[Lalaland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This third in the series about Club Decadence LA is a great read. Esme has been traumatised by the seeing her husband shot to death right in front of her five years before. She is plagued with nightmares and cannot move on. An experienced submissive Esme regularly visits Club Decadence but finds herself unable to play or scene with another Dom since losing her husband. When Esme is issued with an ultimatum either submit or scene with a picked Dom or her membership will be suspended she is forced to allow Keiran to become her Master. This is their story. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and read this book in one sitting, mainly because I didn't want to put it down. Five big stars from me.