“Deep breath, contented sigh, big smile on my face, warm fuzzy feeling in my chest… Yep, I finished reading Cherise Sinclair’s My Liege of Dark Haven.” ~ You Gotta Read Reviews[ Reprint ] Threatened by university cutbacks, Professor Abigail Bern’s only hope is to publish a provocative research paper–soon. Planning to covertly observe behavior in the notorious Dark Haven BDSM club, she takes a … club, she takes a receptionist job. When the owner calls upon her to assist in a demonstration, she’s appalled. Then fascinated. Under the unyielding hands of the master known as my Liege, she discovers a need to be more than an observer.
Xavier’s new receptionist is striving to keep an emotional distance, and he’s intrigued. Although she’s intriguingly intelligent, beautifully submissive, and sweetly vulnerable, her defenses keep her on the fringe of life. As he draws her into truly participating, she, in turn, begins to fill his world.
Ever since meeting Xavier, Abby questions everything she believes about herself. She’s falling for the stern owner of Dark Haven, and he’s beginning to care for her…until the day he learns why she’s in his club.
“The emotional and physical connection between the two lit the pages up, along with understanding, forgiveness, and courage. I will be reading this story again for sure…” ~ Siren Book Reviews
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Abby is a professor at a college. They are terminating positions and she positive hers will be the first to go. Her boyfriend breaks up with her because he’s into BDSM and she won’t try anything. She decides to write a paper about BDSM to be published and maybe she’ll be able to keep her job. She goes to the DARK HAVEN club and ends up as the receptionist but will have access to the club after her work is done. Xavier is a widow and owner of DARK HAVEN. He keeps his women separate and in different positions. He has his home slave, arm candy, and club woman. But when he meets Abby, there’s something different about her. He doesn’t know she’s there to write a paper but when he finds out he is disappointed. Until he knows what exactly she writing and then he punishes her and lets the club help. Xavier never meant to fall in love but he has with Abby. Can they make it work or will someone come between them?
Great story with sex, secrets, and an evil step sister. BDSM. I felt sort of sorry for Abby because of her past. She is really an introvert but slowly comes out of it. Xavier is handsome and self assured. Will leave you needing a cold shower.
I loved this book because it not your usual romance… FYI none of the books by Cherise Sinclair are but they are so good you won’t stop till you are done with each book and then you still want more.
The BEST book so far in the Mountain Masters and Dark Haven series so far…
For being a 393-page book, never did I once check to see how many more pages I had left. And it was definitely worth the time and commitment to slog through… and thoroughly enjoy it.
I always wondered what kind of sub would tantalize Xavier, the head of Dark Haven. And Abby did not disappoint. Nor did Xavier. For the first time, I had a chance to see what kind of man/master he could be. And by the time the My Liege finished, not only was I impressed by this individual and could recognize him anywhere in a heart beat, I also knew there was still so much mystery left in him that could fill yet another book or four still. Now that’s great character development!
Abby was also a joy to get to know. Definitely not too-stupid-to-live or just another copy of the overused heroine template who was body image issues. Well, she still has them, as will all women to a certain extent, but she was someone I would definitely would want to meet. And she was believable, just as Xavier was believable. And I could definitely understand her issues with her stepsister who only stabbed and kicked Abby’s self confidence.
I also loved how we still get to be involved with the characters of previous books. I hope we never lose them because they are still very special and should never be forgotten. (I hate it when writers ignore wonderful people they have crafted to just bloom for one title only and ne’er to be seen again. What a waste of creative energy!) Just because of subs of titles past have met their doms, it doesn’t mean that they don’t have something to contribute to this universe. And not just walk-throughs but real participants!
Again, the intimacy is wonderful in this book which is probably why I like this above them all. It is genuine and wonderfully executed. It isn’t romance or sexual chemistry that makes for a great romance novel. It is intimacy which doesn’t write itself nor can you take classes on how to craft it. Your characters must bring it to life… and I love it in this book. That’s why I will be reading and rereading this title again and again.
There are less editorial errors in this book compared to others… Good. Continuity isn’t interrupted or poorly characterized. (Especially when you’re keeping characters from previous titles alive and kicking.) World-crafting is still up and running, and I learned more about the actual layout of Dark Haven than in previous books. Oh! And we have a trip to Serenity Lodge yet to savor, too!
The storyline was quite good. Yes, I have seen the various plots and subplots done before, but how the characters responded to the setups were quite different… most of the time. This is probably why I enjoyed reading this book so much because the pathway least taken was finally chosen. FINALLY! So the bratty stepsister-as-an-adult no longer would be stealing one’s boyfriend like the many times before. Great! I never heard of someone like that accused of being a pedophile or trying to horn in on one’s super-young half sister’s boyfriend! Hahahahaha!!!! I never heard of that great attack on such a bully! Very original!
I can’t wait to see how the rest of the book go. Perhaps I was mistaken to believe that this writer could write herself into ruts.
Ratings (out of possible 5)
Character building:
World building:
Relationship building:
Romance:
Heat/steam:
Drama:
Action:
Suspense:
Dark:
Triggers: Issues about approaching unemployment. Family bullies.
POV: Multiple (4, I think…)
Ending: HEA most definitely
Length: Approximately 393 pages
Recommend: YES YES YES
Thank you, Liz K, a reviewer on Amazon!
I have been reading Cherise Sinclair for a long time. I have always found that she gives me a great story every time. This one is well written and I thought the characters were awesome. Please remember this is a BDSM story so if that isn’t something you like to read don’t get this one. I would encourage everyone to give this one a chance. I enjoyed this book. I will say it is a little different to other BDSM stories. I don’t do spoilers so go get the book and see what I mean. It is worth your time!!!
BDSM romance novel, part of a series. While reading in order is recommended, it can work as a stand alone.
Kept me wanting more!!
i hesitated to purchase this book because the story line was typical. However, the characters where intriguing making the story interesting. The author’s descriptions made everything very easy to visualize, therefore, you could effortlessly engross yourself in the story. Also, she gave what I thought was a good, clear understanding of the Dom/sub relationship.
I loved this book and the whole series. You will. Really enjoy reading it
An interesting look into the BDSM world. I greatly enjoyed the characters and storyline.
Luv this author she keeps everything interesting planning to read more of her stuff
Love love this author. Great read. Cute story.
This was the first book I read by this author. I loved it! I bought more by her – the Mountain Men and Dark Haven series. I enjoy books that are standalone, but have some intertwining of the characters from one book to the next. So far, I loved ‘my liege’ as a hero the best, but I am still working my way through all 8 or 9 in this series. It’s not really a dark BDSM novel, more BDSM as fun exciting romantic sex and emotional therapy too. I recommend!
Love that the author included a plus size heroine!
She has fast became my favorite writer
I thought this book was well written and moved me. Thanks for an excellent read.
Loved it! I bought all the other books in the series! The way she used the same characters in each book makes you feel like you really know get to know them.
What I loved best about this book was the way they portrayed the BDSM community. While the sex scenes were hot, the story was romantic. The characters were very human.
Loved it
I loved your characters so much that i felt i was right there with them in every move they made.
This is a great erotic book. I recommend it to anyone.