While on the trail of a madman, Antonio Starabba finds something unexpected—the killer’s next victims, tortured, in pain, but alive.
Leila and Karl are both members of The Masters’ Admiralty, the same powerful secret society Antonio is sworn to defend as a security officer—aka assassin. Rescuing them means letting the killer escape, and once they’re safe, Antonio is overcome with a deep need to … deep need to protect them, and takes them to one of his family’s villas to rest and recover.
As the weeks pass feelings develop between the three of them, but there’s a problem. The killer is still out there, eluding capture, and he’s made it clear that his next victims will be Leila, Karl…and Antonio.
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Romantic suspense + menage? Sign me up!!
Damn I love these stories! Both the Trinity Masters and Masters’ Admiralty series rank among my all-time favorite books. They are complex, involved, amazingly crafted, mysterious, and intense stories with the oh, so very sexy addition of a menage marriage!! What more could you ask for? This book involves what at first glance may seem random kidnapping and torture of Masters’ Admiralty members. The first was of a trinity and led to their brutal murder. Antonio Starrabba, a security officer of Rome, felt a burning need to search for the killer of the trinity. This miraculously led him to the right place at the right time for another unexpected find that impacted his life. But who was behind these atrocities? They knew so much about the secret society! Would the Masters’ Admiralty task force ever find those responsible? Read this exciting book and find out why they are so eagerly awaited!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
So when I was asked to review “Pleasure’s Fury” and realized it was a part of a continuing series, I thought it best to go back and read all the books in both the “Trinity Masters” and it’s spin-off series, “Masters’ Admiralty”. I have to say, by the third book, I didn’t have a lot of hope that the stories were going to be anything but a chore to get through and I nearly pulled my ARC review commitment for this book.
I’m glad I muddled through and stuck it out. I was surprised at how thoroughly I came to look forward to reading more of the series and just how much I enjoyed “Pleasure’s Fury”!
In the first few books, you could totally feel that there were two different writers contributing to the story. The transitions were super rough and you could hear the two different voices pulling at the reader in different directions. It was a pleasure to see that Carr and Dubois pulled it together and finally found their duo writing rhythm. It’s really hard to mesh two succinct styles, so kudos ladies!
As for the meat of the stories…
I understood what they were going for with the plot device of the arranged ménage marriages and gave them some slack at first, but after a while, the story progression felt forced and the character development was nearly non-existent. The almost instant deep feelings had me doing mental eye rolls.
A lot of the “expertise” related by the characters also felt forced. It felt like I was getting mini lectures based on a quick Wiki scan, that often left me wanting to just skim through the knowledge portion of some of the exposition/monologues. And all of it felt like it was just preamble to excuse calling the books erotica instead of kinky ménage/BDSM porn. Which, nothing wrong with that, if that’s what you’re looking for but for those of us that need a little more on the bone… I was left a bit hungry.
Eventually, this too is resolved and you start looking forward to the technical aspects of the reveal. I find myself totally agreeing with Franco. “Story time” is my favorite part now.
Though the characters in the Masters’ spin-off get their HEA’s, unlike their Trinity counterparts, they all have to work a bit harder to get their “Happily’s” and some of them don’t escape their conflicts without paying a serious price. Therefore, the sacrifices during the resolution of the romantic angst, was a lot more satisfying and for me, seriously evoked “the feels”.
I really appreciated the fact that Carr & Dubois didn’t use that typical and highly artificial nonsense of going through 2/3rds of a book, listening to all the reasons why a relationship(s) couldn’t work, due to a character’s self-described flaws, until *poof* … it all magically gets resolved with a twisted, sideways epiphany that some writers like to employ. (Won’t name-shame but you know who you are!)
Though some of the progression in both series is a bit predictable, it isn’t until you reach “Pleasure’s Fury” that it becomes a true nail-biter! Nothing can be taken for granted. Will they? Won’t they? You’ll have to read on to find out…
~~~ *Spoilers* (ish) ~~~
Not from me sillies, read the book 😉
But seriously, I really enjoyed Antonio, Leila and Karl’s story.
I appreciated how their “trinity” grew organically and I became invested in their well-being. I found myself rooting for them and genuinely disliked anyone that appeared to stand in their way or threatened their relationship.
I also found myself drawn deeper into the mystery of the “Mastermind” and am really looking forward to following the bread crumbs (read: hoping for some hearty bread chunks in the next book).
I only had a couple of problems with the plot.
The “fake-out” of trying to make you believe that Antonio’s father was somehow involved with the conspiracy against the Admiralty. It would have been very satisfying due to the fact that Antonio’s father is a real piece of work, but it’s dismissed so quickly that it feels like it should have found its way to the editing floor or started a book or two sooner.
Also involving Antonio and his father, I felt that the attempt to resolve the conflict between father and son was left a little too late into the book. With the father’s survival now a part of the cliff hanger, it felt a little manipulative.
But other than those two issues, the book was really good. The pacing was solid. All the characters were relatively flushed out and each carried their equal weight. I’m truly looking forward to the next installment of the Master’s Admiralty!
Side note:
If you were drawn to these books due the ménage, some light BDSM and the exploration of D/s relationships, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the seamless way the authors weave in discussions regarding fluid sexuality, gender equality, wealth disparity and some of the other geopolitical and socio-economic debates that are currently happening in our society. It’s not easy to do this without sounding “preachy”. Carr & Dubois pull this off beautifully. So, bravo!
While I had a small problem getting into this story, it was definitely worth getting through those beginning chapters to the end of the story. Antonio, Leila and Karl were definitely a force to be reckoned with and they proved their love for each other even though they thought they would never be placed in a triad together. But, it became impossible to deny just how well they worked together and what kind of benefit they will be to the Master’s Admiralty if they are kept together.
Antonio was one broody man. I wasn’t sure if he protecting Leila and Karl out of duty or if there was more to it than that. I wasn’t sure if he loved his family or despised everything about them. But, in the end, it all became clear.
Even though Leila and Karl met under the most extreme conditions, you knew that, somehow, they would end up together … whether it be from Stockholm Syndrome or respect, the belonged together. Along the way, Antonio became just as important to them as each other and there was no denying that they all belonged together.
Without giving away any of this story, I do have to say that this installment of the Master’s Admiralty was one of the most gruesome that I have read. Both Mari and Lila have written wonderful, suspenseful stories throughout both these series but nothing as descriptive as this one. Boy do they have some interesting imaginations. Now, the problem that I had in the beginning of Pleasure’s Fury was that it was very “wordy” and this is something that I am not used to with these authors. But, as the story progressed, it became clear why it had to be wordy. We would not have understood what was going through Antonio’s mind, why Leila was the way she was and just where Kurt fits in to this menage. And, again, Mari and Lila did it again … they gave us an interesting and tense story jam packed with mystery, love and some really hot sex.
Wow! Just wow! This was an intense and gripping book. It was one of the best books I have read. Ms. Carr has an outstanding talent. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book in exchange for a free copy.
This is another good and enjoyable story in the “Masters’ Admiralty” series. This is a great story and series. These two authors are a really great team. This is a steamy romantic suspense story with some great characters.
Buckle up and hold on because you are about to be taken on such an action packed ride your head will be spinning and your heart pounding. Antonio is a knight hunting the killer that is plaguing the Masters’ Admirality. During his hunt he finds the killers latest victims still alive, but to save them he has to let the killer escape. The journey these three take starts with kidnapping and torture and ends with love. You will also experince murder, bombings, arson, and additional mayhem on this journey. This adrenaline filled story will keep you turning the pages and wanting more. These two authors have our done themselves in the latest installment of this series. I can’t wait to read more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Received an advance copy through BookSprout.
I love the Master’s Admiralty series as much as the Trinity Masters series. This book grabs you from the beginning and won’t let go until you are finished reading it. Antonio, Leila, and Karl are wonderful together. Some heartbreaking moments in this book that had me in tears.
Leila, Karl, and Antonio are three of the Masters Admiralty. Their love and devotion towards each other, their countries, and their cause will get them through anything.
Filled with heartache, lust, hot sex, comedic snide, and terrifying plot twists; this book will seriously keep you going for more! Mari Carr and Lila DuBois sure do know how to keep a person enthralled. I cannot wait for the next one!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Pleasure’s Fury is the third book in the Masters’ Admiralty series. It could be read as a stand alone but I highly recommend reading books one and two (at least) to understand what is really going on.
Pleasure’s Fury brings together Antonio, Leila and Karl. Each one of these characters are great and watching them come together.
I don’t want to give too much away but this book was just an absolute great addition to this series and I can’t wait to see what else these two authors have in store. I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
An action packed and suspenseful book that will hook you from beginning to end. This book is very well-written and intriguing to say the least. The main characters are flawless and exciting. Their story is captivating.
I received a free copy of this book via…
This is such a captivating story!
I like that Leila, Antonio, and Karl met was unorthodox for The Masters’ Admiralty.
This was filled with action which is the best in the series yet!
I fell in love with how Leila, Antonio, and Karl comforted each other in their distressing times.
I received an advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an unbiased , honest review.
Can’t believe what I’ve been missing…
Let me start by saying “I’ve been bad”. I read the first three books in the “Trinity Masters” years ago and then stopped. I know… what was I thinking?!? I knew these two talented authors had started a spin-off series- “Masters Admiralty”. After reading this story, I can’t believe what I’ve been missing! My TBR list just got a lot longer. Leila, Karl and Antonio, while not a sanctioned triad, were perfect for each other.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
a fantastic book! This book is just so well written . It’s a lengthy read but it’s a joy to Read! The Master’s Admiralty is so intriguing to read about, all the secrets! Karl and Lelia are being tortured when Antonio finds them. The bond that forms between the three of them will only get stronger! There are some very intense moments in this book but some of my favorite are those unspoken moments of love between the three. This is an amazing book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is an intense action packed thriller with a helping of steam.
Karl is being held captive and tortured.
He calls him Six.
He’s joined by Leila and they are both held.
They are both in the same super secret society. Anthony comes looking for Leila, well for Six, but he rescues Karl and Leila.
Action, mystery and suspense.
Another fantastic book.
Karl, Leila, and Antonio are the main characters in this story, Karl a professor, double PhD member of the Admiralty, Leila a sniper in the Admiralty, and Antonio son of the Admiral of Rome, a Security Officer, to follow in his father’s footsteps.
This is their story as part of this series, it is stand alone, but does mention prior book info and sets up next.
If you like love, action and super sion you’like love this book and series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed this book because not only are you getting a story about some sexy guys and a girl engaged in…well, sex. You also get a wonderful story with suspense and mystery as well. If you like a little more than just sex scenes in a book, this is for you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is an intriguing and dramatic story as well as containing plenty of steamy bits. Karl and Leila were being held by madman until Antonio cane to the rescue. From there they try and uncover who is responsible and catch them, as well as deal with the feelings that develop between them all.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I must say that this story just totally grabbed me and would not let go until I turned the last page. It had intrigue, mystery, comedy (had me chuckling at Karla and Leila’s banter) and of course swoon-worthy romance.
The book begins with a kidnapping, lots of twists and turns for our trinity of Antonio, Karl and Leila. Very vivid storytelling and amazing characters that just jump out at you by Author Tag Team Carr and Dubois. I was biting my fingernails towards the end of the story, so suspenseful.
The chemistry between Antonio, Karl and Leila is off the charts, I love their banter right from the start. They got to know each through trying circumstances, pretty much at their worst, it could only get better. As they start falling for each other, they also have to find a killer, lots of adrenaline pumping, which leads to other matters…and the sexy scenes are sizzling.
I hope you join us that have read the series, even though the book is standalone, we also get glimpses of previous characters. Get ready for some fast-paced action, both in and out of the bedroom.
Ok, I’m certain now. Lila and Mari are trying to kill me. Wow!
I love, love, love Pleasure’s Fury! So many breadcrumbs to follow. So many mysteries to be solved. Three special characters to adore.
I was so excited that Antonio was getting his own book, but I was delighted with Karl and Leila, as well. I think Antonio, Karl and Leila are three of the strongest characters in the Trinity Masters and Masters Admiralty, to date.
I love the TM/MA series so much, and Lila and Mari have captivated me again – I was on the edge of my seat! I think the books get better and better as they go on! The twists and turns in this book fed my need for a good mystery. I found myself gasping out loud at several developments. It was thrilling to see some old friends, and I am eagerly anticipating seeing some old friends in the next book, also.
The storyline was fascinating and mysterious. I was kept guessing throughout the book. The scenes between Antonio, Karl and Leila were hot and funny and emotional. As a matter of fact, I found my heart breaking at certain events.
This book has everything: love, romance, angst, laughter, pain, tears, and danger on the way to a HEA.
(I would recommend not reading this story as a stand-alone. There is too much backstory.)
I cannot wait for the next book in the series!!!