For her, BDSM is just a fantasy… Until he makes it all too real…
Hannah has written dozens of BDSM romance novels, each one more successful than the last. There’s just one problem—she’s has no hands-on experience with any of the things she writes about.
When a good friend invites her to a collaring ceremony at The Enclave, a BDSM community known for its slave training program, Hannah leaps at the opportunity. Little does she dream that, before the night is over, she’s going to experience her own dungeon scene, including a delicious flogging at the hands of a tattooed bad boy.
Mason, chef at The Enclave and a hardcore player in the scene, is intrigued when he’s asked to handle the obviously clueless wannabe who’s clearly way out of her league. While the scene is hot, he shrugs off his attraction. He’s into knives, edge play and 24/7 submission, not BDSM lite.
When Hannah is offered—and accepts—a week’s stay for some D/s training, Mason watches from the sidelines, waiting for her to crash and burn. But there’s something there—a spark of genuine submission—that catches his attention and won’t let go. When he offers her the chance for a more intensive slave training experience, Hannah accepts.
Claire has been writing for nearly two decades, and has published over 85 novels. She writes BDSM romance and abduction tales, spanning both m/f and m/m genres. She has received numerous awards for her bestselling work, including the NLA-Int’l Pauline Réage Award and the Golden Flogger Award for best BDSM fiction.. Her darker works press the envelope of what is erotic and what can be a sometimes dangerous slide into the world of sadomasochism. Ultimately her work deals with the human condition, and our constant search for love and intensity of experience. Connect with Claire and get a FREE starter library! https://clairethompson.net
Claire Thompson’s stories are always a joy to read,and Claiming Hannah sounded wonderful,too. So,when Claire was so very kind to allow me to read the ARC,i couldn’t grab it fast enough. What i got was a beauty that’ll stay with me for a long time. A story of second chances,and a story that shows,yet again,why communication is só important.
Hannah was a woman after my own heart,she was so brave,so open to new experiences. Still dealing with the loss of her husband,she took the deeper sexual aspect out of her contract. Until Mason took over,the only one that stirred something….. You could feel her struggles when Mason became more than she expected. Her loyalty towards her late husband versus her growing feelings towards Mason. And at the same time her fear at not being able to live up to his expectations. Mason,in the meantime,was dealing with his own struggles,but he didn’t really show them. He wanted Hannah,but at the same time,he cursed her for being a wannabe. Trying to hold onto his idea of a Master/slave dynamic for too long nearly cost him everything.
The biggest problem these two had,was a lack of real communication. Hannah tried to see the appeal of what Mason wanted,was open to trying new things. But when it became too much,she ran instead of talking to him. And Mason couldn’t see past his expectations,what he thought he wanted. He didn’t consider Hannah’s point of view,didn’t want to talk or even think about it,until it nearly was too late.
This was a story of overcoming the loss of a loved one,and finding a way forward with someone new. Of opening your heart,and allowing yourself to be who you’re supposed to be and have a second chance at happiness. A story that shows you may think you know what you want,but life will show you what you need. A wonderful story,one that only Claire Thompon can deliver. A story i loved,véry much!!
Brief Summary Hannah discovered a masochistic desire to submit after marrying her beloved late husband. She is offered the chance to spend some time at The Enclave, a BDSM retreat with a Master/slave dynamic, where she meets Master Mason. The attraction is both instantaneous and incendiary but he wants someone experienced who is willing to become his 24/7 slave whilst she is earning her first stripes - literally - as a submissive. In her bid to find out just how far she is willing to go Hannah enjoys some very sexy times, and some very trying times.
Themes and Trigger Warnings The main themes are acceptance, friendship and starting again after the death of a spouse. There are explicit sex scenes that involve BDSM, but all are consensual in nature.
Star Rating This one earns a solid 4.5 stars from me. This was close to perfection, the BDSM scenes were very hot, the pacing was excellent, and the writing put me right into the story. It was a tad insta-love for me, but given the intensity of the situation AND the time spent in one another's company, I could forgive it.
The Characters Hannah and Mason are what made this book for me. That's not to say I didn't sometimes want to shake them - particularly Mason, but both characters showed great growth throughout the story. There was respect and, eventually, soul-baring honesty. Neither was perfect or all-knowing but they did learn from their mistakes.
The Plot Whilst this isn't a unique story (what contemporary book is?) it didn't feel like something I'd read a dozen times before either. It's fairly character-driven, which definitely helps make it stand out.
The Writing & World-Building The Enclave is a BDSM fantasy, but one that felt believable. If such a place exists in real life there is no way a fairly unknown novice sub would be so quickly accepted through the doors. But this is fantasy land and that kind of realism dampens the enjoyment! Hannah's reactions felt very honest, and I appreciated the compromises Master Anthony allowed to be made - they may have irritated Master Mason but they definitely pleased this reader. Anything else would have been too fanciful, but those allowances made sure the story stayed credible.
Claiming Hannah is a great story and perfect for those who enjoy a well-written, erotically charged romance.
BDSM romance novelist Hannah (h) struggles to write again after the death of her husband and finds herself attending a friend’s collaring at an intense BDSM community. Even though she’s very much a BDSM novice, her books are well like by many members of the community and she participates in a flogging scene which overwhelms her and the Dom Mason, who also serves as chef at the community. She agrees to a short-term live in BDSM lite version of the community’s slave training program, but her limits frustrate Mason who wants to explore much more with her, even as he struggles to maintain his own control with Hannah. He keeps pushing Hannah to more fully engage with the D/s relationship, but she’s torn with how far she wants to go and how she can balance her growing feelings for Mason with her feelings for her late husband. Ultra-hot and steamy BDSM with slave training, including punishments, knife play, needle play, piercings, impact play, blood play, anal play, and more. Really great to see Hannah and Mason explore what they wanted in their own relationship with one another.
Frustrating read. Some spoilers ahead so proceed with caution.
This writer gets a few things right (high protocol, slave mindset) then we stumble on idiocies like: "BDSM is sexual in nature". (The asexual subs are going to roll their eyes at this one). Or "safewords are useless". Because everyone knows Masters can read minds and have eyes and ears on everything at once... Or "hard limits are for fake slaves"... I'm not even going to reply on that one. It's annoying to see a supposedly Black Belt Master into edge play bad at communicating. And consent is not optional. At all. Throwing someone new into a scene without negotiation is a no no. Come on, negotiation scenes can be super fun and funny and cute and sexy: Including them in your stories would do a lot of good. I had a déjà vu moment at the scene with the heroine tested by a topping submissive chauffeur then realized belatedly that this book is a sequel to No Safeword, which has almost the same scene... The romance fell flat to me, more like falling in lust than being kindred spirits. What saves this book from 2 stars rating is the butchered (pun intended) knife play scene. Cause yeah, shit happens even to the best lifestylers & we need more stories that explore this facet of kink world & how to do damage control. Too bad we didn't have here a redo of that scene to help the Slave with her blocage-trauma. Or even some therapy in one form or another. I would have been fine with this as the heart of the story. The ending felt overall rushed and contrived despite the generous number of chapters. Reading this book was not a waste of time but I'm not going to read the next installments either. This writer too seems to need a new muse and some fresh material to work with.
This is the second book about the denizens of the upscale, hard-core BDSM dungeon, The Enclave. Here we get widowed romance-writer Hannah and jilted chef Mason. She's a newbie and eager to learn; he's experienced and eager to teach. Will he push too far, too fast? Note: It isn't necessary to read the first and if you have triggers, I don't advise it. I dnf and one-starred when a dom nearly killed a submissive in his care. His punishment? A mere slap on the wrist. It was unbelievable that any submissive would feel safe there after that. Unfortunately, those characters re-appear here, so I skimmed over that section since Lawrence should be in prison.
I did like this, though, for three reasons. First, and most importantly, the MC are in their 40s. As an older reader, I rarely find characters in this genre I can relate to since most are barely post-pubescent (particularly the MFCs). Second, Hannah's journey was more believable than that of the woman in No Safeword: she and her "trainer" actually have a connection, and, thankfully, she possessed both a backbone and a modicum of self-preservation. Finally, I prefer my dominants to not act like asses and actually admit when . Ultimately, this is a second-chance romance -- for both of them.
3 1/2 stars. I would have rated this more highly, but for the author's ret-con when it comes to Lawrence. And the ending, while touching, is a bit abrupt (what about ?). At times, the narrative is slow and the prose technical, but those looking for consensual, well-described erotic acts between likable adults who experience growth will probably enjoy this. I do want to warn potential readers that there is sharing (including with those in committed relationships), which is not to all tastes. 1st Note: I'd never trust someone who did all that Mason did while he was driving. 2nd Note: Loved the "Angelique Rose" and At His Mercy self-reflexivity!
This is the story of Hannah, a widower who writes spicy books for a living. She’s always been interested in BDSM but never experienced it, so when he friend invites her to a BDSM retreat she jumps at the chance.
The story toes the line between an introduction to BDSM and the differing opinions between experienced Doms who think they know best and the subs actual experience.
For Hannah she’s only ever been sexually active with her husband. They married young and had children but their sex life was always very vanilla. In this book Hannah has to come to terms with not just her sexual attraction to someone who isn’t her husband but the feelings moving on convey in her. Add to the fact she’s an older woman now who has lumps and bumps from having children and her confidence is lacking too. So mixed signals from Mason don’t help and he has his own issues too. Hurt by people in the past he thinks he knows what’s best and that’s to be a strict Dom and push things keeping emotions out of the situation. He’s convinced Hannah is just pretending at being submissive but as the book progresses you see him start to question if that’s true or if he just wants to believe that to keep himself detached.
This was a well written book, I enjoyed the raw emotions and the way it dealt with them as well as the family aspect that the BDSM retreat created.
Claiming Hannah is the sequel to No Safeword. While the setting is the same and we get to meet up again with all of the characters, it is also quite different. Because Hannah is not an experienced sub looking to become a slave, but an accomplished writer of all things kinky but no real-life experience at all. Invitated to stay on a 'BDSM light' contract, we get front-row seats to her excitement, her fears, her successes, her set-backs and ultimately, her greatest triumph. We also are reminded that the most experienced dom is still human, prone to make mistakes - especially when deep feelings threaten his control. Claiming Hannah is also much more of a romance than the first book. What made me smile and wonder was the fact that we have an author - Claire - writing about an author - Hannah - whose experience at The Enclave leads her to write about an author ... The story is so engaging, I couldn't put it down until I had finished in the early hours of the morning. The ending is a happy one, but leaves the door wide open for future stories. So, hopefully we get to go back to The Enclave soon! I was very fortunate to receive an advanced copy by the author and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.
Hannah has been writing BDSM stories, but she has no real experience in the lifestyle so when her good friend invites her to a collaring ceremony at The Enclave, a well know BDSM club she readily accepts. The people at Enclave are warm and welcoming to have Hannah a famous author at the house. She's hooked after her first experience with Master Mason the resident chef. I love how she's offered a week’s stay for some D/s training. Hannah has always felt the need and she and her husband dabbled a little, but it wasn't for her deceased husband. Now's her chance for an authentic BDSM experience to see where the Enclave takes her, as we see Mason watch her. mason has been hurt and wants nothing to do with a newbie, his form of play is much more intense than he thinks she can withstand. A captivating story of Hannah learning about herself, her desires and her willingness to embrace the slave training and Master Mason. I felt different emotions right along with her has her relationship with Mason grows, the desire, the love and acceptance she's been longing for from the Enclave community and Mason. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hannah's foray into Enclave is interesting, educational and powerful. The myriad of emotions she processes while she struggles to internalize what she instinctively wants and needs is fascinating. The prose is so wonderfully descriptive, drawing you in as if you were present, and not viewing the scene through Hannah's eyes.
I laughed quite a bit at some of Hannah's ideological viewpoints. Certain people had such a way with manipulation that she never saw it coming, leaving me wanting/not wanting to read more because I just knew she was going to be in way over her head, and nothing was going to be as she perceived.
I found Mason to be full of himself with some redeeming characteristics. No matter how thoroughly trained he thinks he is, he seemed to have lost touch with the reality of the outside world for awhile. But, a good dose of humility and some serious soul searching straightens him out to my satisfaction and I find, I quite like him.
If you loved your time at the Enclave first time round, this second story won't disappoint. Hannah and Mason's story differs in the fact they are not your classic Dom/sub couple. Their story evolves slower and much rockier than most. But like all good romances they get there in the end!
I loved the ideas here, the back story of Hannah as a writer and her being an older woman testing the BDSM waters for the first time. Her response to the BDSM lifestyle and reaction to her draw to it felt real and well explored/researched. On the other hand Mason came across as arrogant and presumptuous and I didn't like him until he finally saw the error of his ways!
As in book one, the story is well written, the ideas original, the characters are interesting - so interesting that I hope this series goes on for a while revealing all their lives before and at the Enclave!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow! What a wonderful Sequel to No Safeword. Bravo Claire Thompson!!!
Hannah is a BDSM Author in her own right. She has done her research both on the internet and witnessing scenes. However, she is a BDSM Virgin. Her late husband was her one and only. He didn't share her interest in BDSM. Hannah is a mature woman and self conscious of her imperfect body. So imaging her stress after getting an invitation to stay at the Enclave as a writer in residence. Which includes a modified version of slave training.
Please follow Hannah's incredible journey into real life BDSM Slave training. Does she have the courage to see this through? Or has she bitten of more than she can chew? Is there a special someone in her future? Well you are going to have to read this book to find out.
Thank-you Claire Thompson for a another awesome read. I think you have out done yourself with this one.
Two points about this book - 1) There needs to be a warning with the book description. This subject matter could trigger sensitive readers and the subject matter is definitely age 18+. 2) The book needs an epilogue. The reader is left asking too many plot questions when the story ends. If the book is presented as a standalone it needs to be wrapped up.
I liked the premise of the story, recently widowed erotic author Hannah was fascinated with the BDSM lifestyle decides to explore her fantasies. Her journey from tourist to active participant is very well written. The possibility of a relationship with Mason is a great tease throughout the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hannah has always been intrigued and fascinated by BDSM. Using the pen name Angelique Rose, Hannah has done internet research and observed at a BDSM Club before writing her erotic stories. Unfortunately, her husband was only a fan of vanilla sex. While slowly recovering from his death, her best friend Charlotte invites her to a collaring ceremony followed by dungeon play. Putting myself into Hannah’s mindset, I would feel excited, yet also a bit anxious to attend and scene. Yet, her body and even her mind was eager to experience the pleasure and pain she had longed to encounter for so many years. Will she allow herself to accept a man, other than her husband, to bring her to fruition? Will she be willing to open her inner being to explore and learn more? What a frightening and turbulent adventure she has begun!
I found Hannah’s story full of inner escalation and eventual acceptance of her submissive masochism. Her gradual growth and understanding of her limits filled me with joy and elation. I highly recommend this book.
I found this story to be quite a rough ride but not in a bad way. The constant push me pull me underlying personal turmoil between Hannah and Mason was all over the place along with their own internal struggles which just made the story so much better. I have thoroughly enjoyed everything that Claire Thompson has written to date and will continue to do so far into the future. Please grab yourself a copy you will NOT be disappointed. I only have one complaint and it’s minor. I had a hard time picturing Hannah as someone in their late thirties or early forties with children. Even mentioning the children at any point in the story could have been omitted all together. I just got the feeling that she was much younger and more innocent from the way she approached life in general with her relationship to Andy to her warring thoughts towards Mason. In my opinion the the few mentions of her children could have been left out entirely.
Hannah is a successful BDSM author, but going to her friend's collaring ceremony gives her the chance to try a lite version of The Enclave's slave training program. Hannah does not see herself as a slave type personality but she is attracted to Mason, a committed BDSM Master. Mason doesn't approve of Hannah being allowed to try a lite training version, but he is attracted to her. He suggests that he trains Hannah but will he change his expectations of a slave relationship?
I really enjoyed seeing how the relationship developed between Mason and Hannah. This book gives an interesting look at the difference between being a sub and a slave without being dark. Another great Claire Thompson read.
I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.
This was a highly intense story to read. To me, it seems Hannah is an anomaly and everyone around her agrees. Mason is as swoon-worthy as any other guy I have read, if not more so. I love it when a man can recognize he made a mistake and try to fix it.
I hate when girls just run away without saying anything. Despite that, this story was woven together to make a masterpiece with amazing chemistry. I am voluntarily leaving a review after receiving an ARC.
Although I gave it three stars, I’m comparing it to all the books I’ve read. For this genre it’s a 4/5 stars. I’m an avid reader and immerse myself into a storyline. I know the premise of these books are driven around the BDSM, rather than full on romance, but the one thing that struck me at the at end was, “what next?”. I know it was written that they were just feeling out their relationship and following their own set of rules, but as a reader I wanted to know what was next….does Mason stay on as a trainer? Would Hannah mind him being with the other Submissive’s? Where would they live? etc etc. They went through some turmoil to get to where they were, I would’ve just liked a small epilogue where we got a bit more information. I dislike having such huge questions at the end of a story, as for me personally it feels unfinished. It did however, make it clear that the lifestyle can be adapted safely, couples can make their own rules that are right for them for their wants and needs.
A good review into what the M/s relationship could be. It is very unique and quite different than the D/s relationship. Master/slave is very intense and there are a lot of different feelings that encompass this type of relationship. It can contain dehumanization, degrading, and demeaning to an extent.
You have to be in a very submissive mindset for this type of relationship and it takes very special people for this. It is rewarding to both the Master and slave.
Claire describes this type of relationship, and it is not for everyone. The story gives a very detailed description of what this type is and whether you are ready for it or not. Especially for someone who fantasizes about and then jumps into reality. It makes you realize the difference between the two and whether this is right for you. A good experience in BDSM and all that it is about. Thanks Claire!
I bet that would be many an authors dream, fulfilling all those dreams, those longings for real. But of course the "real" reality is not quite what both of the participants expected. There just is no "one size fits all" in the BDSM spectrum and when the right partner comes along - no - rather crashes into your set lifestyle; long held convictions begin to change and that is beautiful to watch. As always, Ms Thompson lets her main characters go through a titillating array of scenes before they find their very personal set of rules. One complaint though: the man on the cover has too much hair on his head! ;-)
This story is unlike others in the Enclave stories I've read because Hannah is older, widowed, and had already raised two children. In her search for knowledge and inspiration for her books and to explore her needs as a masochist, she had agreed to "BDSM-lite" rather than the really intense training that was the norm within the compound. I won't spoil the story, but I was really pleased with the way that things progressed and then were finally resolved, and I loved all of the supporting characters.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Wow. I am so glad Claire Thompson went back to the club. This explores an erotic romance author getting to experience what she has been writing about for years. But how far will Hannah go? She captures the eye of Mason. He is the chef at this retreat. He thinks she is just a dabbler into the community. But there is a spark between them. Can he train her to be his perfect companion? Will she open her heart to this new relationship?
This story has all the feels: lust, anticipation, fear, love and more. I could hardly put this down. I did receive an advance copy for my honest review.
Wow, what a good read. Ms Thompson sure does weave an irresistible love story between Hannah and Mason. From the first paragraph, you’re hooked and just have to keep reading to hear, whether Hannah can raise to the occasion of being the perfect 24/7 slave that Master Mason thinks he’s looking for. As you read the book, the character’s emotions are penned in such a real and engaging way that you feel like you’re part of the story. You won’t put the book down until final Master Mason and his beautiful submissive craft their own path and not conform to the standard of The Enclave. I can’t wait for the next story in the series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was easy to identify with Hannnah, she was not a young girl, but rather a mature woman who had fantasized about a BDSM lifestyle for years but her husband was vanilla. Hannah expressed herself through her books as a hugely successful author. When her husband dies and her best friend shows her what a Master/slave relationship is, she knows she is not ready for all of it but did try it on a limited basis with Master Mason as her pseudo master. Neither she nor Mason were prepared for what happens, but it leads to a clarity and understanding that ultimately leads to a delightful ending.
I really enjoyed this story. The dynamics between Mason and Hannah were complicated but you could feel the chemistry between them. I really liked getting glimpses of the Enclave members and finding out how they are. I found this romance sizzling but sweet.
I received a free advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest review.
Claire has gotten inside my head and my dreams again. It is uncanny how she can write as if I was experiencing the scene. The intense feeling of surrender to a dome are so clear it makes the heart ache. The characters are those i want to be in the scene I want to experience. It is a welcome home and not to be missed
Wow, I love Claire Thompson books. She really knows how to hit home with her writing. This story touches on a bit of everything included in this lifestyle. Mason and Hannah go on a journey of learning together what works for them.........its getting there thats the hard part. As Hannah learns quickly, this is not for everyone to live a m/s life with full submission.
as always with Claires books, this is a no brainer one click!
This story didn’t go as expected, and I loved that about it! Hannah has been BDSM adjacent forever. Mason is well established in BDSM and knows his wants and needs. When these two meet, the sparks are there, and that drives them both to new and different experiences. When it all falls apart instead of coming together, they both do some soul searching to figure things out. Steamy and emotional, this was a great read about being careful what you wish for!
What happens when a die hard 24/7 Master meets an appealing newbie?!?! Sparks fly and things heat up rapidly! A brilliantly written tale of sexual exploration, expectations, hopes and dreams! Hannah's journey makes for compelling reading, I didn't want to put it down! Highly recommended.
Follows 'No Safe Word' but could be read as stand alone. I liked this book better but I think that reading in order does give a better feel for the enclave. well written, good character development. A great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.