The Master (The Game Maker Series)

The Master was five stars hands down for me. Wow! There was a plot that kept me guessing, there was beyond steamy sex scence, and H and h that I fell in love with. The dialog was entertaining and keep me laughing and chuckling throughout the book. I love this book and stayed up all night devouring it. Can't wait/ hope for his brother Dmetri or Jess' story next. Off to go read both The Professional and The Master over again.

This book is fantastic! The Game Maker series is my new favorite! Kresley Cole is a superior writer and I can't help but find myself sucked into her stories. If you haven't read her, now's the time!

I liked book one so much I was really excited about book two. This didn't hold up as well. The plot was predictable although I will say it took too long to finally get to the husband. Jess is over the top to the point of ridiculous. With all of that, there are good parts to the book. The history of the family is important and I assume will play into book three.

Very different from the last book. You will not find a repeat of Aleks story here. Maxim gets his very own, and it could not be more different. I will say I loved Aleks best, the quiet broody thing really works for me. There was more angst in that story.

This one was much funner. I will admit the bouncing back in forth in spanish got a little overdone for me, but I loved Cat. She was a great survivor. I liked how she drew out Maxim and made him human. They were a very light story comparatively. A couple dark moments, but not horrible.

This book was mainly a sex a palooza with some story. Bunches and bunches of it. The characters made that tolerable. It seemed like they were always always doing it. They had some cute interactions. All in all, if i had read this book first I would not have pre ordered the next one. I liked it, but the all the sex scenes were kind of filler. I thought the book started getting really good in the last 70 percent. Characters were more developed, other things were going on.

This is a definite read if you loved the first book, there is more on Dmitri, which should be an amazing book. The characters were fun. This does not make it to keeper for me. I will not re read. Still enjoyable enough that I read it all cover to cover, just does not leave me with a burning desire to read another book from this author.

2.5 stars

Ok. I am a huge Kresley Cole fan. The IAD series is a must read for paranormal fans. I was thinking maybe I ONLY like her paranormal work after reading the first in THIS series but I did like The MacCarrick Brothers Series (Historical Fiction) so that's not it. I really thought about what was off about this book and it's not the erotica genre that's not working for her, it's her writing style is off. The way that Ms. Cole brings the whole package together is having uber alpha males that drive you crazy. But, they start to evolve and you get a glimpse inside their alpha heads. With the Game Maker Series, she's writing just from the heroine's point of view. No dual point of view to help move the story along. So, I felt like that left her with somewhat handicapped. I can't count how many times I got frustrated with Maxim and his behavior. He felt very 2 dimensional. And Cat has the attitude and backbone, but it rarely showed up, especially when she should have put her foot down. The last 15% I actually enjoyed. Overall, Did I enjoy it? Yes. Did I think some tweeks would have made this better? YES! Most definitely. I don't know if I'll read the next book in this series. I'm on the fence.

I loved The Professional. Aleks' character rocked my world and I loved Natalie's fire, sense of humor and strength. The Master focuses on Aleks' brother Maxim. Maxim is well.....a beautiful, charming, billionaire, Russian politician. I found Cat's character somewhat of a contradiction. She's spirited, don't get me wrong but there were points when she was weak regarding Edward that just didn't jive with how fearless she was with Maxim. Overall it's a good story, IMO the story part of this book in comparison to The Professional is lacking. There seems to be way more sex in this story but hey they had to do something in that hotel penthouse.
Good story, great characters, worth the read but liked TP better.

When I read the first five preview chapters I was left counting the hours to the release. OMG! Those few chapters were exceptional!....... then I read the book. Now listen I love kresley . I read a hunger like no other and became a lifelong fan. I have read everything she has written except the Arcana chronicles and the reason is that I like to read me a bit of adult literature. Therefore it is with a heavy heart that I say there was too much/frequent heat and not enough storyline. I wanted to hear more about Maxim's job. I wanted to meet the baby brother and I wanted more between him and his older brother. While undoubtedly one of the hottest books I have ever read I was left with too many questions. Please make the next book more balanced.

I loved The Professional series so much and I generally love all Kresley Cole books. She is an amazing writer. But I skimmed my way through this book. I liked Cat as a character and I liked Maksim as well. This book just seemed to check all the boxes. Cat is running from her past, forced to do something completely out of character for her (prostitution anyone) and her first client is the very hot and sexy Maksim. Who is a Russian almost billionaire who orders a new escort every other night. Cat is somehow different from all the other girls and so he must have her again, and again... Throw in some angst, misunderstanding and light bondage and a very short attack/rescue scene and there is our story. It was all very predictable. Not bad. But I have read this story before. Even the sex was pretty boring. I just skimmed it looking for more meat aka plot.

Maksim was kind of a boring guy. Apparently he is in the mafia. Who knew. He hints that he is. I think from the previous book we know that he is. But he is written as little more than a businessman with a reputation. We don't see him doing anything but Cat. In the professional books Aleksander was super hot and very dangerous. Maksim was apparently super hot and good with buying things. Just wasn't the same for me.
I am curious about the third book for Dmitri but I don't think I will one-click it this time around. I may look at more reviews first.

This one was disappointing to me. It was the typical older man young female plot. It was too easy to guess what would happen next and disappointing to be right. With a billionaire Russian mafia male there was only one way for this to end even with a prideful early twenty something female. Kresley's paranormal books seem to be much better than her human writings.

Maxium was not what I expected. Was he panty-melting hot like his brother? You betcha. But, if your expecting anything like the last book, you might be in for a surprise. The bdsm is there but super light compared to the last one. Now, that's not necessarily a bad thing, but after the first hot love scene, the temperature cools way down and doesn't really pick back up again. Its still a fun read, but after The Game Maker, few book boyfriends will ever measure up again.

I didn’t think it was possible to love a Russian more than I loved Aleks Sevastyn, but then I met his younger brother Maksim and well…Aleks might have been replaced. I have been waiting on this story for some time now and to say I loved The Master by Kresley Cole, would be an understatement. It was PERFECT in every way, and as much as I love Maksim, it was his Katya that stole the show in this book. My God what an amazing character she was. She had wit, she had charm, she had heart and she knew how to bring the heat.

The Master, book two in The Game Maker series, is the kind of book you fall in love with in the first few pages. I would say I read this in one sitting but I had a 6 hour lull where I did in fact need to sleep but promptly picked up as I awoke to finish it. In this story, we find Maksim our uber rich Russian politician/mafia boss hiring an elite escort for the night…a tall, blonde, Nordic looking woman who is up for a bit of kink. What he gets is a short, curvy, Cuban sex pot with a sassy mouth with no desire to delve into his kink at all. Within the first 10% of this book, you are hooked. The sparks that fly between the Dominant and his little Cat and their battle of wills, you are utterly captivated with where this story is going to go.

Kresley Cole is a Master herself at her craft….she so vividly brings the sights of the ocean and smells of the sea off the pages so you feel as if you are right there in the penthouse suite in Miami. As I felt everything in The Professional was dark, The Master is light personified. How she can continuously write such amazing characters in such different genres is beyond me. Katya could be one of my most favorite characters to date. She is the type of girl you want to be friends with if not to laugh and party with but to maybe even hop the fence for a night with her. She takes sexy Maksim and his controlling ways and bends him to her will without any apologies and without him even realizing at first what she is doing.

The Master has it all…scorching hot sex, an amazing plot, a bit of suspense, a little angst, a ton of humor and most of all two people from different spectrums of the economic world falling for each other. We also get visits from the cast of characters from The Professional and it was so good catching up with Aleks and Natalie and Jess continues to keep us in stitches. Even though this is the second book in the series, it can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend reading The Professional cause it was truly amazing as well. The Master literally has everything I look for in a book yet so much more. Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman has nothing on you Katya! 5 me encanto stars!

This book came with a lot of hype , unfortunately the story did not live up to it. I found the characters unlikable and the premise unbelievable. It usually takes me one evening to read a romance novel, this one was tough to finish as I kept putting it down because I was so bored with it.

The Master is the second book In Kresley Cole’s Game Maker series and should be at the TOP of your TBR pile or better yet, stop what you’re doing and read it now! It’s one of the best books of 2015 and is in a class all by itself. I would describe it as a modern day Pretty Woman - with a hot to trot Russian mobster and a spicy Latino with way more humor and lots more sexy time. I enjoyed the first book, was excited about this one (extremely excited that it wasn’t a serial) but was not at all prepared for just how much I would love it. I devoured this sexy gem in no time flat. Mainly because I couldn’t put it down to save my life. I have zero self-control when it comes to reading Kresley Cole’s books anyway. There’s no such thing as take it slow, savor the words, bask in the moments. NO-- MUST. HAVE. NOW. It’s a -I will chew your arm off if you try and take my Kindle away from me- kinda good. I don’t know what she did from the last book to this one, but how you say, took it up a notch or ten? Yeah, that’s what she did alright.

Catarina has come on hard times since she’s been in hiding after a relationship gone way wrong. After a few years on run, she’s basically hit rock bottom with no money, and decides to take a one-time job as an escort. She’s not only doing her friend/client a favor by taking the job, she also desperately needs the money if she’s to move on to the next town. I was a little worried about the whole prostitute thing, not sure if I was full on board with it, but KC had me sold within the first chapter. Catarina is going down as one of my all-time favorite heroines. Despite everything she’s endured in her young age, she doesn’t let it get her down. Girl is a fighter. Not only that, she’s feisty and smart, quick on her toes, yet kind and loyal. She is a sexual being and she owns it! I mean, she was very secretive and hard to get to know, but given what we know of her background, it’s understandable. However, her most endearing quality to me was her sense of humor. She cracked me up throughout the entire book.

Maxim. There are jerks and then there is this guy. He was so cold and rude and overbearing. I thought WOW, Kresley, you’ve got your work cut out for you with this one. Then, the setting clicked. Miami! It would take the Florida heat to unthaw this bastard. Oh boy, though, once he thaws out, he is a sweetheart and the sexiest character on the planet. When the story begins, he’s visiting the states on business, plus his brother is getting married and wants him to attend. It’s not a given that he would go, btw. You’ll have to read the first book if you want to know why. So, he’s in the states for a few weeks and has certain….proclivities he enjoys. However, he likes his women tall, slender, blonde, quiet, and submissive. Ummm….Cat equals the opposite of all that. Heehee. See, it’s perfect from the start.

The back and forth between Cat and Max was masterful. They are electric and funny, and once the walls come down it was one of the sweetest stories I’ve read in a while. As much as I laughed, it never dawned on me that by the end I’d be tearing up too. This story had it all. There is so much I loved about this book, I’d bore you to tears (if I haven’t already)so I’m just going to say, don’t miss out. The entire book was well-written and a must read for Kresley Cole fans. If you are not already a fan, just where the heck have you been? This book is not paranormal, it could be read as a stand-alone, it’s a full novel not a serial, and it is EROTIC romance. There’s lots of sex and praise be for it!
Brilliantly funny! Blazingly hot!

Review copy provided for an honest review

I have finally popped my Kresley Cole cherry thanks to the awesome recommendation from a wonderful book friend, who let's be honest bought me kindle copy of the book  (so many kisses Irene!).

This story had so many diverse, messed up, and hilarious characters that I loved them ALL! I am reading this series out of order and did not feel lost AT ALL! So I can confidently say that the books are standalone in this series.

Now moving on to important matters, Catarina Marín & Maksimilian Sevastyan! The pair of this domineering Russian mobster/billionaire business and spicy hot Cuban latina made a perfect combination of fire meets napalm (I can let you guess which one is which).

There is no such thing as a wimpy heroine in this book, oooh no, not even close. I bow down to the goddess of sass that is Cat. She gave so much lip to Maks, but I guess that is just what our broken badass/antihero/alpha needed in his life to shake him loose from his hobbyist (that is a man who pays escorts to show him a good time) lifestyle.

That is another thing that I loved the story for, the unconventional start to an HEA that went sooo far beyond just a traditional billionaire romance trope (BDSM included). Since I have mentioned BDSM... *fans herself* WOW! the hotness level that is brought on from the imagination of Mrs Cole in this book is Five-Bean!

So now I urge you to pick up your copy and play a little game with the Russian Antihero Billionaire and his Sassy perfect counterpart/other half Solnyshko. If that's not enough to entice you, then how about the thrilling suspense and certain danger factor that Catarina's past introduces to the series.

Okay now shhh... I'm going back to Book 1, The Professional, because I did meet the MC couple of that book in this book AND OMG I NEED THEIR FULL STORY NOW, NOW, NOW!

Until about 75 percent of this book it was a 5 star read, then it deteriorated. After that point, the story became so rushed as though the author realized that she needed to deal with the baggage that belong to the h. Prior to this point, the sex and the slow realization that they were beginning to care for read other, other than sexually of course, was very evident which made the story very enjoyable. Then the big rush that started with a needless controversy which led to the big reveal, the conflict resolution and the HEA.

Hands down this is a very talented erotic writer: however, IMO, this author needs to work on the emotional aspects of her character. Many of the issues of the characters could have been interspersed with the sex that would provide a more satisfying conclusion to the story. I felt cheated at the end and not inclined to read her other series which was the goal of reading these books....needed to see her style before investing time and energy into her series.

So if you like bdsm and the HEA is important, not critical, then this is a 5 star read. If you like bdsm and the HEA is as critical, then this is a 3 1/2 star read.

This is the first series and books that i've read by Kresley Cole and i was really blown away!!!

I love this series the first book was amazing but i have to say The Master was the best for me out of the three books... Maksim is my ideal Man, he is the typical alpha i will date, controlling, commanding, always in charge... he will be arrogant in someway but never in a bad way....he is definitely a Dominant man, you will see that whenever he talks and acts but lets get down to the story .... i love Cat like the author said at the end of her book it was one of the best characters I've ever read.. spanish is my first language and i enjoyed a lot how she was very sassy whenever she said something in spanish .. i laugh a lot with Cat .. but what i love about Cat was, that she was very strong and that she never let anyone step over her.. she was working all the time towards her goal and she was so determine to get it, she was a very smart character...i love the whole story, because in someway you didn't know where was going to lead.. when i first meet Maksim in book one i thought he was going to be a very bad guy and in this book he surprised me because he actually was beautiful and gentle in his own way... i love the fights they have, i love how their love grew slowly even if it was very fast how they felt in love .. you could feel how they were struggling with their own demons but at the same time it was beautiful because in their mind and silence they wanted to be together and be accepted no matter what .. you could se how much they love each other even if they didn't say it out loud ...

Cat was on the run as her husband was looking for her to take revenge and kill her ...he stole everything from her even killed her mother.. she had to spend her life running from town to town to be able to escape from him..... until she gets to Miami and meets Ivanna a super high profiled escort who suggest her to work at her agency as an escort to make more money to be able to support herself... and thats when she meets Maksim the love of her life, her soulmate...

Maksim a politician and a Mafia boss who happens to love escorts but have a rule to only book them once and then move on to another one... until he meets Cat, a fierce Cuban/American who has more sass and curves that he can handle.. as i said the story was amazing.. the characters i love them!!! you will laugh a lot with Cat, you will love her, you will love Maksim no matter what ... and well what can i say? Maksim was a sexy, hot God!!
if someone ever ask me what type of man i like.. i can easily say the Maksim type ....

I've read The Master already two times and i can't stop saying this has become one of my favorite books ... i may even buy the paperback as is a favorite to keep ... this are the great stories that are so hard to find... and are worth to get the paperback...

on a side note to Kresley Cole... i love the way you write and i love how you took your time in this book to describe their love scenes in so much detail, i could easily picture them and seeing her wearing all those amazing outfits and bikinis ... what i wanted to say is, please don't stop writing like this!! Maksim and Cat were amazing.. and they way you built their world was beautiful.. thank you for writing this story and for taking the time to create this two gorgeous characters..

Dare I say that this is my FAVORITE book of 2015 so far?!? I think I shall! OMGeee...believe me, I know how that sounds because it does the same way in my head right now and I seriously cannot help it! If you read this book, you will feel the same exact way!

I thought that The Professional was amazing? Well, it was, but it doesn't hold a candle to The Master. This book was seriously pure perfection for me. Why?!? Well, we had the hot, brooding, dominant, alpha male H, but also a Heroine with so much charisma, intelligence, charm, humor, light, love, lust, etc...that she has completely earned a big.fat.capital H in Heroine from me! Cat/Katya/Lucia was absolutely amazing and undeniably MADE this book for me! "Makeup: in place. Hair: best that can be expected. Conclusion: If I were a horny Russian lech, I'd do me." Ha, really? She brings it all and is so blunt about everything it is absolutely refreshing!

I loved the writing and the character interactions and the flow of the story so much that I literally could not put it down. So much so that I was still reading at 6am this morning when I finally decided that 'I had to go to bed!' I am passionate about this book and am completely enthralled with the H and "H." I only wish that we would get more of their story and more of them. Take this as a recommendation, Ms. Cole, as I think that you could go far with their story! I also hope that this isn't the last one in the series...

"Muchas gracias, Botox." My words exactly!

The Master reminded me a lot of Pretty Woman. You see, Cat is a newbie when it comes to being an escort. Like, this is her first time ever, newbie. She fills in for her friend and day-time employer to cover her “date” that night when her Botox ends with undesirable results. What’s only supposed to be a one and done thing, turns into an extended deal with Cat staying with him for the remainder of his time in Miami.

Cat’s been on the run from her estranged husband for three years. She never stays in a location longer than six months and she never gets close to anyone. Her latest stop is Miami, where she makes ends meet by cleaning houses and attending college classes. However, her time is running out in Miami and she’s severely short om the funds required to get new ID’s and start a new life somewhere else. So, when her employer is unable to go on her “date” that night, Cat decides to take her spot for her in the hopes of getting enough money to leave town. However, what she doesn’t plan is for the Russian to request she stay with him a little longer than the night and offer an obscene amount of money to do so.

Maxim is only in Miami to take care of business. He’s no stranger to the escort business and always orders a woman to satisfy his needs. However, his night is forever changed when the demure skinny blonde he ordered turns out to be a fiery buxom Latina instead. Rather than turning tail and running like he told her to, she tells him that she’ll show him what he really wants. And boy does she show him. Needless to say, she rocks his world and he reconsiders his love for blondes. However, he’s not stupid and he knows she’s hiding things, even if he didn’t have the lack of a background check to go off of. However, he has no idea that his Cat is not only a complete novice at her new “job” and is married, but she’s also on the run from a murderer.

Sure, Richard Gere’s character was a legit businessman while Maxim is a bit more shadier with his Mafiya ties. And while Julia Roberts’ character was really a hooker who was just in it for the money, Cat wasn’t really a prostitute leading up to her encounter with Maxim, and she’s got a deadly past looming over her head the whole time. However, the relationship between them is the same. A billionaire finds love with a prostitute on a business trip. I seriously loved this story. It’s right up there with my favorite movie. Ugh, I very well may need to go watch the movie now in order to get over this book hangover.

One problem I could see arising from this is if you speak Spanish. Since Cat is Cuban, she speaks both Spanish and English throughout the book. However, instead of just having her speak in Spanish and leaving it at that, she also repeats herself in English. So, if you speak/read Spanish, I could see you getting annoyed at all the repetitive dialog. Aside from that, I loved this story.

Seriously, if you are looking for an erotica with a lot of backbone to it, this is it. I remember reading the first book in the series a few years ago and loving that one, too. I daresay that I enjoyed this one much more, though. There was just so much going on with Cat that it balanced out all the steamy scenes nicely. However, if you are in the market for just smut, no worries there because this one has it in the bag. You will not be disappointed with this story.

One night is all Cat signed up for. One night to get the money she needs to get out of town, and start over…again. Cat cleans houses and one of her clients has clients of a different kind. After a Botox debacle, Cat agrees to fill in for her. One time only. Helps them both out right?

The sexy Russian politician/Mafia boss Maksim has a certain kind of proclivity in bedmates and bed play. The lovely young lady who just entered his world is nothing like his usual. AT. ALL. He is a dangerous man with ties to many types of people good and bad. He is not a man to be messed with yet the lovely Cat doesn’t seem to be frightened or timid. Again this is not the usual. It’s…. intriguing and unsettling.

What culminates is an erotically fresh, funny, and sensual pairing that promotes a complete and utter binge reading experience. I could not put The Master down. Not only is it erotic, but the flow and ebb of their path takes us on a journey for trust and love to be tested and shared. Neither Cat nor Makim have ever been able to fully trust anyone, but they must trust what they have together to become stronger individually. It’s totally captivating.

On a side note, I love, love, LOVE that this is a complete book verses the broken up segments of its predecessor, The Professional. THANK YOU for that!

5 Erotically sensual stars from me :)

T~

I read this series out of order. I started with the second book and loved it. I went back and read this book (the first) and was very disappointed. I could not stand the personalities of both main characters. He is not respectful of her and is borderline abusive. She doesn't know what she wants.

The second installment in the The Game Maker Series is as great as the first one, and that's rare in my book. It's different, and yet It's just as hot, just as witty, beautifully written and full of unforgettable moments.
Here's a taste: Chastity belt. And sorry if someone considers this is a spoiler.

The book:
• 417 Pages • Contemporary • Multicultural • Standalone • Happily Ever After • In A Series • First-Person Narrative • Her POV

The romantic theme:
• Mafia Romance

The read:
• Intense Read • Learned Something New • Page Turner • Made Me Laugh • Touching • Twists & Turns • Sexy • Provocative

Heat level:
• 4 / 5 (Includes lots of hot and explicit sex scenes) • MF scenes • Dirty Talk • Vanilla Sex • Beyond Vanilla Sex • BDSM hints

Story ingredients:
• "It's Just Sex" • Immediate Hookup • Instant Clash • Witty Banter • Romantic Pursuit • Unforgettable First Meeting • Heroic Rescue • Big Romantic Gestures • Big Secret • Billionaire Lifestyle • Mystery & Suspense

He is...
• Alpha Male • Bossy • Cocky • Possessive • Emotionally Unavailable • Hot • Fit • Billionaire • Manwhore • Troubled Past • Politician

She is...
• Stunning • Sassy • Brainy • Strong • Unconventional • Model Figure • Fit • Had Few Bed Partners • Married • Money Problems • Troubled Past • On The Run • Escort • Student • Maid

The Game Maker Series might be one of my favorites. They're all so different - as different as the brothers and their women - so it's hard to distinguish which one I like the best. Maxim and Cat/Lucia's story was so unlike any story I had ever read before (since I first read it, I've read the Duplicity Duet by Elisabeth Grace and while the initial premise is similar, the stories are unique), and I found myself reading it in one sitting, both times I've read it! Maxim and Cat are the exact sort of characters that I love without feeling like caricatures or archetypes. While there is an ABUNDANCE of hot HOT sex (more than the other two books I believe), somehow it manages to propel the plot and not distract from the story or feel gratuitous. I loved the balance of romance and suspense and intrigue. It was so delightful and satisfying to watch a man like Maxim fall for Cat. I wholeheartedly give The Master 5 out of 5 wine glasses - and I know I'll be reading it time and time again!

The Master was one of my top favorite books of 2015 – I loved it THAT much, y’all. To be honest, I never expected to love it so much, because I was less than impressed with the first book in the Game Maker series. So to say The Master took me by surprise is an understatement – but I’m so glad I took a chance on it even though I didn’t love the first one. This book simply AMAZED me. The hero is alpha perfection, the heroine is sassy and badass, and their romance swept me away… I loved every single thing about The Master!!!

Catarina Marín is on the run from her murderous husband. She never stays in any place for too long, but with no money to her name, she joins an escort agency in Miami. Her first client is a gorgeous, sensual, wealthy Russian politician named Maksimilian Sevastyan – who turns out to be an arrogant ass. She’s not his type, he’s too egotistical for his own good, and they couldn’t be more different or unmatched… but the insane chemistry between them is off the charts and the connection between them in undeniable. Soon enough, Cat gets her first paycheck from her first client, and she’s ready to leave with her thousands – but Maksim isn’t ready to let her go.

The Master might be one of the few books where I’m completely in love with the hero – and I love the heroine even more. Maksim is SUCH an arrogant SOB, but I love him anyway. The way he wields control, especially over Cat’s body, is the hottest thing EVER, and there is some seriously dirty stuff going on in this book. He’s a jealous, possessive alpha-male to the max, and his character pushed all the right buttons for me. He was the perfect sort of over-the-top hero that I love. Cat, though, is definitely the star of this book. She’s such a relatable girl – she’s fun and fiesty, yet totally down-to-earth and resilient. She’s the perfect match for Maksim, even if it didn’t seem so at first glance. She never lets him walk all over her, and ends up making him as obsessed with her as she is with him.

Somehow, everything that didn’t work in The Professional totally WORKED in The Master. I was addicted to the possessive hero, the heroine blew me away with her strength, and the romance was to die for. Who wouldn’t want to be romanced by a gorgeous billionaire who’s completely gone for you!? The Master is erotica perfection – I’ve reread this book maybe 20 times, and I love it just as much every time. It’s one of the few books that I automatically go to reread, that’s how much I adore this book. If you love romances with an alpha hero who would die for the heroine and tons of kinky sex, I can’t recommend The Master enough – go read this if you haven’t already!!!

This was one of those books that you pick up and just cannot put it down until you are done. As such I was very glad I started it in the morning.

Our heroine Cat, is on the run from her murderous husband and needs money to leave this town.

Her employer/friend Ivanna a high priced escort calls her to take a job for her after she has a reaction to Botox. It's a lot of money, so after much consideration, she decides to do it, just this once.

Maksimilian Sevastyan is a billionaire used to getting what he wants when he wants it. He is not pleased when he opens the door to find Cat who is the exact opposite type in looks and, as he soon finds out, disposition.

As she is about to leave Maksim calls her back, and what ensues is some major negotiations, followed by a scene that starts of as steamy and ends up a major fireball.

Their next encounter becomes one of broken trust on both their sides and Cat ends up Maksim's virtual prisoner. I can't say more about that cause it's more fun to read it. Cat ends up with him for Christmas Eve, and since there is a magnificent kitchen in the suite she decided to cook dinner for Maksim and his security staff.

The snark from Cat and Maksim's responses are well shall we say "interesting". With both their histories, I kept waiting for that "something" to go wrong, on edge all the time, turning page after flaming, smoking, sizzling page.

I never in a million years thought anyone could write a book that turns a escort-ordering mafioso into a drool-worthy, enticing hero, but that is exactly what Ms. Cole has managed in THE MASTER. From the first couple of chapters, I was honestly thinking that there was no way I was going to enjoy this book – the heroine just agreed to become an escort with no discernible reason to do so and the hero is one of those uber-macho, control-freak types who (at that point) has no redeeming qualities. Boy was I WRONG!! This book was amazing!

Cat is a quick-thinking, loud-mouthed heroine with a big, fat secret. Call it bluster or bravery, she isn’t afraid to stand up to Maxim and take precisely what she wants. Maxim is a man used to getting exactly what he wants – tall, blonde, and compliant – so when Cat shows up on his doorstep, he’s thrown for a loop. He’s a no-nonsense business man who definitely doesn’t do romance. Until Cat.

The chemistry between these two is off the charts! Sex comprises a hefty portion of this book and the scenes are smoking hot. Yet I never felt like the sex scene compromised the plot – Cat and Maxim’s sex sessions always made sense within the narrative (not like some books which just seem to have a sex scene for the purposes of having a sex scene). In fact, sometimes it seemed like sexposition – important plot points told through the action of the sex scene. And, of course, these characters engaged in one of my favorite romantic tropes, the love/hate dynamic.

Incredibly hot and such a fun read! I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys this genre. And you don’t have to read the first book in the series to enjoy THE MASTER.

Originally posted at Plot Twist Reviews [dot] Com

Oui Maks. I didn't think I would enjoy him as much as I did. He seemed like the easiest of the three brother's and I thought for sure that I would be able to handle him without tears... HA! Yeah right, I totally forgot I was reading a Kresley Cole book. Notorious for making me sob like a baby in EVERY immortals after dark book. Not one left me not screaming, crying, and kicking things in frustration!

In this installment of the Game Maker series, we get to dive head first into Maksim, brother to Aleks aka Roman. Roman was one heck of a challenge and I didn't know how I could possibly get more frustrated with a man. Well, then you enter someone that is very arrogant and instead of just making it easy on everyone and saying, "Hey I like you, let's see how this works." Maks has to go the long way round. Which I believe actually helped Cat to fall in love with him all the more because she was under the impression it was based on one thing, when in fact we know Maks knew pretty much most of the truth the whole time, atleast that she wasn't really an escort lol.

Krelsey Cole is the master of the Alpha male, I read one of her books and then I go to another and the men all pale in comparison and I'm left disappointed and thinking about rereading the IAD series because I know I'll get some hella barbarians in that series. Oh the demon men....

Oh, wait, Russian Mobsters, right.

So, I know we are all in for it with Dimitri's book. He seems like he got the worst of them all and is the most bitter. I'm just not sure what woman you could toss at him where he wouldn't just totally break her, he seems pretty--well--scary.

*I read a copy via Los Angeles County Library Overdrive System*

Kresley Cole amps up the heat in Miami with this incredibly hot, erotic read! Having fallen in love with Ms. Cole's breed of erotic, contemporary romance in the first book of the Game Maker Series, the Professional, I just could not pass up the opportunity to dive back in to the sexy Russian mafia world in The Master. Boy am I glad I did! I have to say that there are very few writers who can write hot passionate scenes like Ms. Cole. The chemistry between Mafiya Boss Maksimilian Sevastyan and the formerly rich, now turned fugitive and escort, Catarina Marín is off the charts!

When it comes to women Maksimilian is a "hobbyist", who only "dates" tall, blonde, submissive escorts who are willing to follow his script. So imagine his surprise when he opens the door expecting his usual and a small mouthy, hot as sin brunette walks in. He almost calls it off immediately but is perplexed by how she makes him feel. Daring to touch him in ways he has never let another, and expecting passion in return that he never knew he would care to give, she opens up a whole new world of desire to him.

But Cat has her own rules, precipitated by her own unfortunate sordid past which has her on the run, and no matter how sexy and incredible Maksim makes her feel, she must stick with her plan. Denying him and refusing to play by his dominant rules, however, only makes him that much more determined to conquer what he already considers as his.

Thus ensues some of the most scorching hot encounters I have ever had the pleasure of reading. During this time Cat and Maksim discover just what it is like to play a game with no defined rules. The closer each comes to thinking they may just both win in the end, however, the more apparent it becomes that they are not the only two players in this game; and soon even the most powerful Russian Mafiya Boss will have trouble keeping Cat safe and will have to prove that he is the strongest opponent in the end.

I absolutely love the Game Maker series! Without a doubt, it is erotica at its best. In fact, I would say that the first 3/4 of this book or so was a definite top-read. However, I held back and opted to rate it 4.5 stars overall, solely because I felt like the crucial conflict resolution points in the last quarter of the book could have been fleshed out a bit more.

I highly recommend The Master and The Professional (if you have not yet had the very satisfying and deeply pleasurable experience of meeting Maksim's older brother, Aleksei, then I highly recommend you also make his acquaintance)! The Doms in the Sevastyan family are really beyond compare! I imagine the next story in the series will focus on the youngest Sevastyan brother who we hear briefly about in The Master. I can't wait for Ms. Cole to steam up my Kindle again with the next book in the Game Maker series!

Source: Review copy provided in exchange for an honest review.

The Master by Kresley Cole
Contemporary Romance -Feb. 17th, 2015
4 ½ stars

The Master is part of the author's sexy Game Maker series about tough Russian men with dark pasts and a taste for BDSM. This book can easily be read by itself. But watch out it! It will make you want to read the other book in the series- guaranteed!
Catarina Marín is on the run, working under an assumed name as a maid. She is desperate for more money to move to the next city to hide. And takes a one time job as a high paid escort as a favor to the real escort that can't show. But the man in question prefers tall, thin blondes. And Cat is a curvy, brunette spitfire. When they first meet sparks fly. Cat is nervous and unsure but the arrogant, if handsome and wealthy Maksimilian Sevastyan pushes all her buttons. And soon Maksim is trying to persuade her to stay when Cat is ready to walk out on him! After the best sex of her life Cat vows to never see him again. But soon he is harassing the escort company to find her and book her for another night, and then another. Cat finds herself overwhelming attracted to Makim and torn between fleeing and staying with the most fascinating man she has ever met. She knows must leave the city before she is discovered by her deadly pursuer. As Cat tries to run from her past she increasingly puts the man that she may be falling in love with and herself in increasing danger. Will she be able to find love and happiness before in an impossible situation?

At first, I wasn't sure if I would like this book. I am a big fan of the author's paranormal books but contemporary romance was a bit change, especially since it has some BDSM. I didn’t think it would be my cup of tea. But was I wrong! The characters in this book sparkle of the page. I can see them in my mind- they seem that real. Cat is a smart, sexy woman that has been burned by one bad decision when she was very young. Now is paying, maybe with her life. She has had to learn the hard way to lean only on herself and when she finds an uncontrollable man that wants her to stay in his life, she is afraid. She has had to live in hiding she doesn't know if she can trust him with her secrets. Maksim is a man used to getting what he wants all the time. He isn't used to being told, 'No.' But Cat challenges him and their sex is off the charts. But he suspects she has another man and tries to find ways to control her, but Cat is not someone he can tame. Frustrated and in love he doesn't know how to behave. This was a thrilling romance because the sparks between the two of the main characters are so hot. Their dialogue is exhilarating to read especially as they try to outsmart each other. Cat is not one to be bullied by a man no matter how rich or attractive. The scenes in bed are even hotter than they dialogue. This is definitely one erotic, steamy romance. Readers will find this a rewarding departure from the author's paranormal genre.

Hot, sultry and outrageously entertaining this erotic book will surprise and delight readers.

Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club

PJV Quickie: Kresley Cole has a gift for storytelling – whether it’s young adult fantasy, paranormal or historical romance, or an erotic contemporary romance featuring Russian Mafia heroes, you know it’s going to be good. And The Master is good. Really good. As soon as I finished the last page of The Professional I have been waiting for The Master – Kresley Cole has rewarded my patience.

Review:
Catarina “Cat” Marin is a woman who is running from her past. She’s got a list of six rules to live by that keep her safe. The most important rule: Stay in one place no longer than six months. Her six months in Miami is almost up and she doesn’t have enough cash to leave, so in desperation she agrees to fill in for her sick friend – as an escort – one night only and then she’ll have enough money to leave.

Maksimilian “Maksim” Sevastyan is a politician in his home country of Russia who also has ties with the Russian mob. (His brother is Aleksandr from the first book in the series, The Professional) He’s in Miami on business and has hired an escort for the evening – he’s requested the same type he always asks for: tall, blonde, submissive. What he gets is a fiery Latina who challenges him at every turn and surprises him when he realizes he wants to see her again.

When Maksim makes Cat an offer she (literally) can’t refuse, she knows it’s going to force her to break more than one of her rules, but he makes her feel safe and that’s something she hasn’t felt in a long time. Maksim wants to know her secrets, but keeping her secrets is what’s kept her alive…

~~~~~

Let me start off by saying that The Master should be sold as a ‘combo pack’: a copy of the book and an insulated cup to ensure you have a cold beverage nearby while you’re reading. (Seriously, Gallery Books, design a cool ‘Game Makers’ cup and I’ll buy it) Kresley Cole’s Game Maker series is, for me, pure escapist reading. I know I shouldn’t be lusting over mafia killers, but I just can’t help it – Maksim is so male, so alpha, so sexy! He’s the ice to Cat’s fire and when they get together I’m the one who melts.

Be forewarned, there is a LOT of sex in The Master. But believe it or not it moves the plot forward: these two spend a lot of time together and the intimacies they show slowly bring their characters closer together. That being said, there’s more to it than just sex: throughout the story we get glimpses into Cat’s past and that kept me wondering what was going to happen to her and how she was going to get out of her situation and maybe stop running, because I knew there was no way she and Maksim could have a HEA with all those threads left dangling…and these two NEED an HEA together.

If you haven’t read the first book, The Professional, then you’ll be surprised by Maksim’s childhood; once you read about his childhood you will immediately see him as a more sympathetic character instead of an ice-cold killer. We also learn a bit about the third brother, Dimitri, who is the most damaged of the three brothers. I cannot wait to read his story!!!

Something else I liked about Maksim and Cat was that they both had different native languages and when they were carried away with passion (whether it be angry, frustrated, or sexual) they would blurt out things in their native language. And there is a LOT of passion between them. Every time she calls him “Ruso” (“Russian”) and he calls her “Katya”, I can hear it in their sexy accents and I melt.

Recommendations:
If you like erotica and romance, or elements of suspense, kidnapping, and a hint of mafia life, I would definitely recommend The Master. If you’ve read and enjoyed other books by Kresley Cole but want something with a little more ‘fire’, hit the 1-click button now, you won’t regret it!

This is the second book in this authors trilogy about three Russian brothors with singular tastes and and a truly awful back story. This time it's the turn of Maksim to have his well ordered world well and truly rocked! He doesn't do relationships and instead hires escorts to satisfy his needs but the woman who knocks at his hotel door in Miami is definitely not his usual type.
Cat is on the run and keeps moving. Fearing that her past is catching up she needs money quickly to get out of town. The chance to be an escort for the night just might solve her problem but this client is far more challenging than Cat expected. Not content to follow his rules Cat pushes Maksim's boundaries but the games have only just begun!
I will be frank and say more than half this book seemed to be about the sexual encounters between the couple and if erotic stories not your thing this might not be the book for you. But, if you enjoy seeing a couple push their boundaries whilst engaging in a battle of wills then this book will truly entertain you. Never judge a book by its cover is something Maksim really needs to learn and misunderstandings abound. His preconceived ideas and lack of faith come back to bite him where the sun don't shine! I loved Cat winding him up and I chuckled at her antics but this couple both have trust issues( with good reason) and seeing them fall in love was a beautiful thing.
I was lucky to get a copy of this from my local library and can't wait for The Player to be released on April 12th 2016

✦REVIEW: The Master (The Game Maker Series, Book 2) by Kresley Cole http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-24a
Publication Date: February 17, 2015
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 5 Stars

This Master is just incredible! I love everything about it! I love it even more than I loved The Professional which is saying something because I raved about the first book and told everyone they had to read it to experience the hotness of The Siberian. Maksim is even hotter! He's just the perfect mix of sexiness, intelligence and alpha maleness! Cat was so much fun and doesn't let Maksim get away with anything. The plot has some twists and turns that kept me on edge and flipping the pages. Kresley Cole is a master storyteller and once again out did herself. The Master is scorching hot and makes the reader experience a full range of emotions. I laughed and I cried. Not many stories can make me do that. Go get it! The Professional was on my list of favorites in 2014 and The Master will be on my list in 2015.

*Review copy provided by Gallery Books in exchange for an honest review.

"Are you going to be wicked with me?"

Earlier this week I posted my review for The Professional, book one in the Game Maker Series, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Well while I was surprised by that, I was flabbergasted by how much I enjoyed The Master. This book is the closest I've come to my first 5 star read of the year! The Master is Maksimilian, he is the brother of Aleks from The Professional, and Catrina Marín, a hotheaded Cuban vixen with a sorrid past, story and it is scorching!

"I can't tell which of your personalities I like better–the fiery Cat who comes out claws bared, or my sweet Katya, who steals between my legs so she can lap at my $%^& for a treat."

Máxim, how Katya refers to him as, is my favorite kind of hero; one of the jerk variety. He is rude, crude and yet underneath it all you know he has a heart of gold. Cat is a little more complicated. She is feisty and gutsy, and I loved how despite Máxim trying to intimidate her, she constantly took what she wanted from him. Be it attention or pleasure. The only had two issues that prevented me from rating a perfect 5. One was Cat and her Spanish. Now, I do not speak the language but sometimes she would say something like ay dios mio and it just sounded a tad stereotypical? And it wasn't her just saying things like this once or twice, it was constant and a little annoying. The second thing I would have loved would have been Max's POV. Maybe I'm spoiled but I would have loved to see where his head was at, especially since we already knew where Cat's head was, so there was no real element of surprise. Despite those two minor issues I really did enjoy reading this book. I'm especially excited for what I assume book three will be about: Aleks and Max's brother Dimitri and Natalie's friend Jess. It sounds like a hot, sexy, mess waiting to happen!

4.5 stars

I was a little leery of this one at first. After hearing everyone talk about how good it was going to be, I was afraid that it wouldn't live up to expectations. I was completely wrong. There was very little I would even consider changing in the book. I was drawn in from the get go and it just never let me wander too far away from it. I just had to keep reading.

Maksimilian (Maxim), is a hard man to crack. He has his way of doing things and well, that's all there is to it. So when Catarina (Cat) wanders into his life, well, he's in for a surprise. Cat is brutally honest while not ever telling him everything. She's running for her life and sees his pocketbook as a way to get the heck out of dodge. Being her first (and only) escort job means things don't go the way either of them planned.

There was a great mix of suspense and romance in the story. While there isn't necessarily a lot of action, we can feel the cloud hanging over Cat the entire story. But it isn't the center point all the time. We get to see Maxim and Cat fall in love, learn to trust, and just have a ton of fun together. Watching them experience joy together for the first time was the best part of the book.

Then ending was equally suspenseful and satisfying. A lot happens in the last couple chapters but it really takes everything and pulls it together masterfully before giving you a blow out of a HEA. I will be picking up the first book in the series as soon as my wallet gives me permission.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

I love a good stripper/call-girl sort of story, and this was very sort of "Pretty Woman" with a spunky, ballsy but sweet heroine, which I love to read. I also liked that Cat's a woman on the run, and when circumstances call for it, she decides to make some quick cash the old-fashioned way by becoming a high-class escort for the night, and her first and only client? A hot Russian mobster who ordered tall, blonde and thin but was knocked for a loop when a short, curvy and sexy Latina showed up instead.

Cat is funny and quippy and bold. She's only twenty-two, but is so determined, passionate, and full of sass. I liked how she played off Maks' character. He's cold and ruthless at first, but unable to resist the pull of Cat's charm and how she doesn't fawn over him. He's that moody Russian hero I like to read, all dark and broody, even scarred, and it was sexy seeing Cat soften his rough edges. I loved how he was a goner for her.

The story is heavy on the erotic. A lot of hot sex, a lot of good sexual chemistry. I'd call the bdsm element light. Some light spanking, some light bondage, some hot anal, but best of all, one very possessive, jealous Russian lover who wants his pretty woman at his beck and call indefinitely. No sex clubs, no sharing, just one-on-one hot sex with two people who can't seem to keep their hands off each other.

A fun read, super hot and sexy, one of those sit-kick-back reads that required no fuss from me. An easy read, moves quickly, and provides enough believable romance so that I didn't feel so guilty about how much I enjoyed the erotica side of things. Loved Aleks, loved Maks, and now I'm eager to see how the last brother's story turns out. I think poor Dmitri might be the most damaged one of all.

I've got a new book boyfriend and his name is Maksimilian Sevastyan...just saying his name puts me in the mood to read this fabulous book all over again!! Let's call him Maxim for short. He's a mega rich Russian mob boss/ politician and he's just come to Miami to invest in shoreline property. Maxim does not believe in dating or any type of intimacy. He has ordered an escort to come to his room for the night. But he gets far more than he can handle.

Cat is a survivor! Life has dealt her a crap hand but she fights to get a second chance. She's on the run and is not looking to make connections or settle down. She just needs a little extra cash so she can get out of town quick because her life is at risk. Her friend works as an escort but is unable to keep her appointment, so she begs Cat to take her place. A few thousand dollars will be more than enough for Cat to escape danger, so she agrees.

But life is full of surprises and sometimes it's FUBAR. Like when the escort BLOWS Maxim's mind and he wants more of her than she is willing to give. I loved Cat. Did I mention that she is one of my favorite heroines? She takes a lickin' and keeps on ticking'. She sets limits with Maxim and it drives him Mad...with Lust!!

I absolutely loved these two. They had passion and fire. They fought and loved with such intensity that I couldn't get enough. As soon as I finished this book, I dialed it back to page one and started it all over again!!

Ok, so I feel obligated to say that this book has a lot of sex...But I never got bored or skimmed the love scenes. So save this one for when you are in the mood for a VERY Adult Pretty Woman and you won't be disappointed one bit.

I thought I loved The Professional, book #1 of this series, but this book just blew that one out of the water!!

I have been meaning to continue w/ this series for quite some time as I absolutely loved The Professional and Aleksei. It's been so long that I didn't remember quite how steamy the first book was!

Cat Marin is on the run from her con man husband, Edward. Hiding out in Miami and cleaning houses for money, she is convinced to give the escort business a try when her friend Ivana has a bad reaction to botox and needs a stand in. This brings Cat to the penthouse of The Master.

Maksimilian Sevastyan is a billionaire politician bratva boss. He is also a hobbyist - a hobby which includes ordering up thin/blonde/Russian escorts for some impersonal BDSM play. When he ordered Ivana, he definitely was not expecting a 5'2 curvy Cuban mamasita.

At this point, the story pretty much devolves into sex over substance and remains that way for about 2/3 of the book. The plot conflicts during this part were mainly spats between Maksim and Cat... though some of the arguments and behavior did elicit some chuckles from me. Arguments aside, this part of the book was very VERY H.O.T.

Then the last part of the book speeds back up with the suspense involving Cat's husband. This part of the action and suspense was excellent and kept me listening quite late in the night. I was quite emotionally invested in Cat's character... which surprised me because I usually don't care for escorts as heroines.

I give the audio performance 3 stars. The accents were off for me at times, particularly during intimate scenes when Cat's voice devolved into a caricature of a high-pitched hispanic timbre. I think this book would have been performed better with dual narrators... particularly Iggy Toma, who does a wonderful Russian accent.

4 stars / 5 flames.

So well written and great series ! I love the intricacies of the Sevastyan family! What makes them what they are and how they turn out. And the women that they chose are strong yet capable of being giving and soft at the same time for their men.
Maksimilian is a hard man. He is Russian Mafiya and thinks he is incapable of love and caring. He has shut himself off from feeling for any other but his family and those in his inner circle. He is ruthless about his dealings with women and his longest relationship with a woman is one hour. He goes through escorts like water. But then he meets Cat.
Catarina "Cat" Marin was hard up. She needs money fast and a lot of it. So when a friends asks her to take her place as a escort for one night she agrees because the money is to tempting to turn down. But she is no escort and has a problem with the idea but tells herself she can do it just the once. But then she meets Maxim and all bets are off.
There starts an affair full of misunderstandings and accusations that can be brutal and hurtful. But they cannot stay away from each other. And he knows that she's an escort but he cannot stay away from her. She can name her price and he will pay it. He accuses her of trying to trap him. He accuses her of stealing. He kidnaps her and so much more, just to have her. But he refuses to admit it to himself, so he keeps on tormenting her. But she also lets him while at the same time use's her own brand of torment on him.
Is there anyway these two can ever end the torment before they rip each other to pieces?
Full of twists and turns, hot romance and sensual love as well as suspenseful storylines.

4/4.5 Stars | White-Hot Steam

Having adored the shocking and scandalous perfection of THE PROFESSIONAL, I was counting down the days until THE MASTER would gloriously appear on my e-reader. And, let me tell you nothing—and I mean nothing—could have prepared me for the blissful onslaught of intense carnal pleasure and sigh-worthy delights served in this dazzling novel. Provocative, passionate and wickedly primal, Catarina and Maksim’s incendiary affair is a non-stop sensual feast of sex, sin and surrender that held me captive and deliciously charged page after sizzling page.

Easily one of this year’s hottest reads, I devoured this wickedly audacious romance in one sitting—savoring every breathless encounter the inspired lovers shared. Not only does THE MASTER deliver incomparable and dizzying lust-fueled fantasies, but it gifts the reader an enduring, unforgettable and soul-stirring adventure in true love.

A sumptuous addition to the top-notch Gamemaker Series, Catarina and Maksim’s combustible and ecstasy-inducing tale is an erotic gem that shouldn’t be missed!

Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review.

Did anyone else think that Maksimilian was gonna end up with Jessica?

Clever author person.

I started by being bummed that we were getting Cat as our leading lady, my money was on Jessica. But, by the middle of chapter one I forgot all about Jessica getting her sum-sum.

Cole is one of my top 3 authors.... (JR Ward and Karen Marie Moning share that stage) She delivers another great read with this one.

Maxim is in Miami on business, and as a hobbiest, he needs a tall european blonde to let off some steam. What he gets is short, sassy, curvy Catarina Marín. Maksim is her first client as a newly recruited escort. She is hoping to up-sale her services for the night so she can get out of town quick. She has a demented husband on her heels, clients from her maid service ready to call INS to get her deported, a landlord giving her the creeps and final exams coming at school.

In one night she doesn't give Maksim what he wants, she gives him what he needs..... and Maxim cannot get enough.

After a night of unprotected sex, Maxim holds her hostage in his hotel suite. He believes she is trying to get pregnant on purpose to trap him and his billion. After insuring that this cannot happen, he decides to keep her until he gets tired of her. While hiding out in Maxim's suite may seem like a ghastly ordeal, when you are on the run, being with a Russian crime lord just might be the safest place for her. Still, our sassy Cat makes him pay for his treachery!

While hiding out/ held as prisoner in his suite, she orders food and clothes and shoes and food and a treadmill and food in attempts to piss Maxim off. (As well as his cranky bodyguard) She is determined to make a dent in his billion dollar bank account in order to gain her freedom or the upper hand. Using a marker to hash mark out her captivity, we soon learn that Maxim wants to keep her permanently, he has love and forever in mind. He tries relentlessly to get to know Cat better, she is not giving up anything personal beyond the booty, period.

After attending the wedding of Aleksei and Natalie (from book #1) You get the impression that both are headed for HEA! But, Maxim pulls a bold move and it just might cause him to lose Cat and drive her might into the arms of a mad man. HEA just hit a speed bump!

Cat is a super-strong woman, perfect for Maxim. I thought the sizzle was used up on Aleks in book one, but Masim brings his own sort of irresistible hotness, and Cat is woman enough to put a saddle on him! The book was well written and had a spot on plot. Makes me wonder what she has in store for Dmitri! As always, Kresley Cole's humor is top notch, her sex scenes fevered, and her characters are unforgettable. I just know she has something planned for Jessica too and I cannot wait for the next one!

A MUST READ!

Happy Reading!

::4.5 Stars::

Though I didn’t read The Professional, the first book in The Game Maker series, it didn’t hinder my reading experience in the least. The Master can be read as a stand-alone, however I do believe it would enhance the story a bit if you do choose to previously read book one.

The Master of this story is Maksimilian Sevastyan, brother of Aleks (The Professional) and a supreme politician and mob boss.
On one of his routine “meetings” with an escort, he comes face to face with a woman with more personality than even he may be able to handle. She’s fierce and nowhere near intimidated by this powerful Russian lion.
Catarina Marín has been on the run from her past for years and when she’s in need of some quick cash, fate points her in the direction of a man who could possibly be the only one with the ability to help her in more ways than one.

There’s only one other modern book heroine that has made this level of a great impression on me, and Cat is perfect company for her.
Cat hasn’t had a pleasant past. She overcame a lot already in the first part of the book and yet her struggle still wasn’t over. Cat certainly had vulnerability to her that she let slip through occasionally, but she was a strong woman and extremely driven. Her charisma and sarcasm really made her that much more enjoyable.
I loved the way she challenged Maxim every step of the way when no one else dared to. When he foolishly thought he held the reins to their relationship, Cat let it be known who was really in charge. She called the shots from the moment they met and that made her his perfect counterpart.

Maxim started off as a disrespectful and vulgar man, and he then allowed himself to show a kinder, loving side of him. Cat chiseled away at his walls and made him feel safe enough to let the remaining ones down for her.

These two had such a powerful connection that may have started with sex, but it slowly blossomed into something deeper than just physical. There was so much passion streaming between them; sex, arguments, conversations, all so very passionate!
Their pet names for each other, while they may seem raunchy or rude, were adorable in context.

I’m not one to blush over sex scenes, but I will say this book managed to have me blushing scarlet red through practically the entirety of it.
While I did think the sexual scenes between Maxim and Cat were done well, and the writing was fantastic, I was hoping for more of the story to be brought to the forefront. I felt as though the sex took priority and overshadowed the story through a good portion of the book. Cat’s past did lend a really strong mysterious presence to the story. I really liked the underlying suspense that lingered. Bits of information were given slowly and it added to the mystery. The pacing overall was done really well.

Another factor that kept my rating from reaching a full five stars was the issue with Cat’s Spanish. I’m not fluent, but I get the gist. That being said, I think some phrases were overused a bit much. Listening back to the audio version made that all the more obvious. I also would’ve liked to have seen more words and phrases that were better equated to actual Cuban mannerisms.

If you’re not comfortable with or simply don’t like too much sex in your romance books, I suggest stepping away from this one. Or perhaps just wait for the right mood to read it. If however, you don’t mind that and welcome it, take out your wallet and buy up Maxim and his feisty Cuban as soon as possible!

Forewarning: If you are not into the BDSM scene, please step away from the thought of buying this book and find something that would better fit your reading style. It’s nowhere close to being fair to the author if you rate/review her book low based off your dislike of the genre.

After coming off two very emotionally deep books, Maksim and Katya were exactly what I needed. The Master contains A LOT of dirty, dirty sex, and is one hell of a wicked fun read. I love when a book leaves me smiling and swooning the ENIRE time. As with The Professional, The Master was also a light, uncomplicated erotic read. Maksim’s story was undoubtedly filled to the brim with kink, filth, and steam; just the way I like my men.

First time escort, Catarina, and longtime hobbyist, Maksim have bitten off way more than they can chew upon encountering each other. He is clearly a man who doesn’t go back for seconds, yet he couldn’t seem to get enough of this “hot Mami.” She is just looking to make a few extra dollars to get the hell outta dodge, experiencing Maksim's brand of kink had never crossed her mind. These were two protagonists so far out of their comfort zone; they did not have a clue what to do with each other. From the moment they met, the sparks flew effortlessly off the pages. The connection and chemistry between these two, holy *&%# was it smokin’ hot in and out of the bedroom. Maksim and Cat left me eating up the pages; I could not devour their interactions quick enough.

I cannot wait for you to meet Maksim. Our hero was cold and intimidating, yet underneath that, he had a heart of gold (well when it came to his girl anyway). I delighted in the fact that Cat gave Maksim a hard run for his money. I loved how this dominating man was cut off at the knees by the one “insignificant” woman he never saw coming. What made me love Maksim so much? I rather have a weakness for brooding, hot as all get out, bad boys with an inclination for some heavy-duty kink! If you’re like me and this is your type of speed, then sit back and enjoy this carnal and sensual ride because our man is one naughty, naughty Russian. My advice to you, make sure your significant other is around or your BOB is handy. Maksim isn’t one to disappoint when it comes to leaving around wet panties.

Katya had absolutely no issues engaging me—completely. I adored her from the second I met her and not once did that adoration falter. If you have read any of my reviews, you know that is major coming from me. I struggle A LOT with the female leads. Not this one, though. She had everything I look for in a female protagonist. She held strength, boldness, wit, and sass in spades! Katya clearly had spunk; I will give her that. I, honestly, don’t know how she was able to stand her ground as much as she was able to with Maksim, because let me tell you, that man had me squirming in quite a few ways, mainly though he had me wanting to drop my panties and obey. Catarina was an all-around kickass heroine. Katya was Maksim’s ideal equal. In the end, they balanced each other out. It seemed as though she was built specifically for this brooding mobster.

Although I really, really adored Maksim and Katya, there were moments, I was a bit disappointed in the lack of depth surrounding Katya’s past. I thought Ms. Cole had a great premises going with it; however, she dropped the ball on actually flushing it out. There were sooo many different ways she could have taken this story line and made it that much better. I mean, Russian Mafiya family—hello. In the end, the execution fell a bit flat in this area.

With that said, everything else totally worked. I can see plenty of rereading in my future. Maksim will make one more smoldering sexy man to add to my obsessing over.

I am a major fan of this series, as well as this author's writing style. I love knowing I can pick up one of her books and just sink right into them. With each new story Ms. Cole writes, I find I love it just a bit more than the last. Between Kresley Cole and J.R. Darhower, I’m really starting to see the allure to Mafiya books. This romance sub-genre is easily becoming one of my ultimate favorites. Maksim will definitely leave you craving the urge to find your own hot Russian.

"I have received a complimentary copy of The Master as a member of the XOXperts, XOXO After Dark’s official street team, in exchange for an honest review

The Master by Kresley Cole
Series: The Game Maker #2
Genre: Erotica
Age Group: Adult
Length: 417 pages
Release Date: February 17th 2015
Source: XOXO After Dark
Steam: Nuclear
Overall Rating: 4 STARS

Review:
This is my first novel by Kresley Cole. I’ve heard amazing things about her so I was curious to see what all the hype was about. I was definitely impressed with this one! I mean who doesn’t love a hot Russian mafiya billionaire, right?

“They say I’m heartless and manipulative, that I amuse myself by playing with others’ lives. They aren’t wrong.” —Maksimilian Sevastyan

Catarina “Cat” meets Maksimilian “Maksim” on her first escort gig. She is desperate for money because she is running from her past, so her escort friend gives her a referral. Cat figures the guy will probably be old and/or ugly but she goes anyway thinking of only the money. She couldn’t have been more wrong.

Maksim is a hobbyist, which means a man who has frequent flyer miles in the escort business. When Cat takes a look at the smokin hot Russian she is to sleep with she realizes this gig won’t be so bad after all. She’d sleep with his hot a$$ for FREE!!!

However, when Cat realizes Maksim is into BDSM she wavers. She’s never done anything like that before and she has trust issues so she can’t imagine starting now. Instead, Cat takes control and ROCKS Maksim’s world. After she just walks out. ;)

Maksim can’t stop thinking about Cat so he does the one thing he’s never did before–orders the same escort twice. He felt a connection to Cat and he wants to explore it further.

What surprised me the most about this one was the graphic sex. Don’t get me wrong, I thought it was smokin hot, but I was not expecting it. Like I said, I had never read a book by this Author so I really didn’t know what to expect.

Maksimilian was a smokin hot alpha-male hero with a dirty mouth that had me squirming. I mean where is my Maksim at??

“Do you need me inside you, Katya?” His voice was so husky it made me tremble.

“Spread your legs.” When I did, he stared at my p*$$y. “This is mine now.” He met my gaze, telling me, “I own it. Just as I own you. I’m your master now, Katya.”

Cat was a strong heroine that didn’t let Maksim push her around, unless of course she wanted him to in the bedroom. She wasn’t as impressed as I was with his good looks and his money, and she let him know it. Not to say he didn’t affect her because of course he did. Seriously, he is a smokin hot Russian mobster, not being affected would be an impossibility. ;)

As Cat and Maksim become closer their truths and scars are revealed and they help each other heal, but it is not all smooth sailing. They are both tortured characters.

I did have a few problems with this one though. First, the storyline felt a bit generic in that –> hero never slept with the same woman twice–but falls for heroine after sleeping with her once–then chases after her, etc… It has been done before, but this one added a little “Pretty Woman” into the mix with a Russian mobster so I liked it anyway. Meaning there was just enough uniqueness to make it fun.

There was also a conflict at the end that I thought was unwarranted and based on something that could have been easily communicated–but was not for reasons unknown. And I am a huge critic of unneeded drama.

Overall, I did really like The Master and would love to read the next book in the series which I’m guessing is about Maksim’s younger brother. The first book is the story of his older brother (The Professional) and I just went and purchased it because HELLO–hot Russian hitman!!! HOLA! :-p

StacyHgg of Books Unhinged
#XOXperts

5 Seductive Stars!!

In the words of Cat Marin The Master is a SMBAOTH (Sensual Mind Blowing Affair Of The Heart)!

Kresley Cole is one of my favorite authors because she is a master storyteller. Her books have action, excitement, and steamy romance that keep me coming back for more. And The Master went beyond my expectations. This book is so steamy it had me blushing and unable to put down! This is an erotic novel so the sex scenes are scorching hot. You get a taste of BDSM which maybe shocking but the focus is on the passion they feel, so please do not let this delay you from reading The Master. It is the story of Cat and Maxim that had me captivated.

Cat Marin is in hiding and is trying to rebuild her life. She fears her husband has found her so she is desperate to leave Miami. But she needs more money so she reluctantly becomes an escort. Her first client is the sexy Russian billionaire Maksimilian Sevastyan (which Cat prefers to call Maxim). From the moment they meet there is intense chemistry. Maxim is a dominate and used to getting his ways but his world gets turned upside down the moment Cat walks into his penthouse. Cat is intelligent, beautiful, independent and a smart ass which makes her one of my favorite female heroines! Maxim is completely thrown off with her feisty comebacks but he can’t help but be drawn to her. The scenes between Cat and Maxim are funny and passionate. They both have a painful past and are afraid to trust anyone, so besides the physical attraction there is the emotional connection that is strong between them. The Master isn’t just about sex. This is a story about two people healing and moving forward to a future with love and trust. I loved The Master but I do wish it was written as a dual point-of-view. I would have loved to hear what was going on in Maxim’s head, especially early in the book. But despite that I would read this book over and over again!

The Master is the second book of The Game Maker series but it can be read as a standalone. You do get introduced to characters from the first book, The Professional, which will tempt you to read. Trust me you will not be disappointed if you do read both books!!

I received this book as a member of the XOXperts, XOXO After Dark’s official street team, in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed the Professional, but I absolutely adored The Master! Kresley Cole definitely upped the steaminess in The Master! This is one of the hottest books I’ve read in a few months and am still getting over how amazing the book was!

I thought I loved Aleks but then I met his brother Maksim and fell head over heals in love with this Russian! Just reading the first few chapters had me falling in love with this brooding man and unable to put my book down!

In The Master, I found myself liking Cat’s character almost immediately. There was something about her that had me laughing, and feeling horrible for her. She has this sass and snarkiness about her that makes you fall in love. The fact that she doesn’t bow down to Maksim is also a plus. Seeing how she interacted with him the first night, I knew we were in for a ride of our life!
Cat and Maksim’s relationship starts out with sex (super hot sex), and then develops into more. When these two are together there is nothing but hotness and steaminess between them. Watching the two of them interact outside of the bedroom was hilarious. Cat doesn’t put up with Maksim’s crap, and Maksim doesn’t know what to do with her. She keeps him on his toes at all times and I loved watching this guy fall to his feet, even if he didn’t realize it yet.

I loved getting to know more of the Sevastyan brothers story from Maksim’s point of view and what Maksim and Dimitri went through when Aleks had left. My heart broke even more for these brothers and hopefully we will get Dimitri’s story one day as well.

I also enjoyed getting more and more of Cat’s back story as the book progressed, it definitely explained why she was the way she was, why she had her rules, and why she was desperate for money. What this girl has gone through for being so young is horrible and makes you want to just grab her and hug her and tell her everything will be “OK”.

From the very first few pages you can tell that Maksim and Cat are meant to be together, and that nothing can stand in their way once they realize how much they mean to each other. There is this chemistry between them that just jumps off the pages! I loved watching Cat push Maksim, and Maksim’s punishments for her. When she walked through his meeting in the room in her bikini, I was laughing out loud as well as anticipating the things Maksim would to do her for punishment.

Cat and Maksim’s story isn’t easy, and you will definitely want to pull your hair out a few times with both of these characters, but I wouldn’t change a thing about it. I adored these characters and their story was just beautiful.

These characters changed so much throughout this book, and it was amazing to watch them grow, let their guards down, and find out who they really were and what they wanted in life. I think these two definitely brought out the best in one another and made each other better.

The ending of this book was SO good! I just wish we would have gotten more in the epilogue. I really hope we will be getting more of all of these characters. I have fallen in love with all of the characters in this series, and definitely want to see more of wild and crazy Jess!

If you’re looking for a steamy read with an amazing story to tell, The Master should definitely be moved up to the top of your list!

I have received this book as a member of the XOXperts, XOXO After Dark’s official street team, in exchange for an honest review.

Desire and domination…..both are the driving force behind Maksimillian Sevastyan’s life. The Russian is complicated, rich, a politician, and a Mafiya boss. A man that will stop at nothing to protect what is ‘his’. This is a man that is used to his commands being followed. His wishes granted. No one dreamed of questioning the Russian….until he met Cat.

Some would say Maksim was a creature of habit. He liked his women blonde, tall, slim, and young. This was one of the requirements he demanded to meet his needs. Maksim expected his requests to be met and never asked for the same woman twice.

Catarina Marin was living life on the run. Escaping a past that continued to invade on her life. When money became the focus to get out of the town she had settled in, Cat was introduced by a friend to life as an escort. Her first client was expecting something else. After all, Maksim had a ‘type’. Cat decided changing Maksim’s mind was her way out of town.

One night…..that is all it was suppose to be for Maksim. Then the smart-mouthed Cuban that walked through the door turned his world on its axis. Cat was nothing like Maksim expected. For once - the Russian could not escape the thoughts of the passion that that one night held. Determination sets in and Maksim decides he must have Cat in his bed until he decides to let her go.

Oh my goodness…..let me tell you about ‘my’ Russian. Whew!! I literally cannot get enough of Maksim. I soaked up every single word in Cat and Maksim’s story. In fact, each time I started my review and wanted to highlight certain parts of the couple’s relationship, I would find myself reading The Master all over again. Seriously - I have read this book 4 times already. Each time I close the last page with a smile on my face!!

Alright….The Master is the second book in the Game Maker series. I loved the first book, but now I have decided Maksim is my favorite hottie!! The dominant side of his character is so appealing. Even more so when he collides with Cat. While their meeting was definitely ‘one for the books’…their romance was off the charts HOT!!! (Can I take her place???) Each layer to these two characters just added more depth to their romance ….as if Maksim needed any help in that department!!

Seriously - I adore this series!! There are just no other words for it! Kresley Cole grabs you and pulls you into the world of The Master. The journey will leave you wishing for a Master of your very own!! What’s in store for the next brother?? Only time will tell….but I know I will be working on MANY re-reads with the sexy and captivating Maksim!!

Maksimilian Sevastyan is a master of all that he touches and as an obscenely wealthy politician/Mafyia boss he fully expects for anyone he comes into contact with to obey him and certainly not openly defy him. So you can imagine his surprise when the escort he hires for the evening doesn’t act like every other woman has – she’s not impressed by his money and doesn’t even pretend to be interested in more than their one encounter. It’s a heady experience and ‘Maxim’ wants more – much more.

Catarina Marin is a woman whose life has been dictated by self-imposed rules since her husband’s betrayal sent her fleeing for her life. One of those rules is to never remain in one place longer than six months and without funds that rule is going to be broken, unfortunately the only way to make a lot of money fast is by filling in for her friend as an escort – she never imagined her ‘date’ would be so intriguing or would make her long to break the rules that have made survival possible for her.

Maxim isn’t at all happy that the woman who arrives isn’t what he’d ordered. He has a particular type and Catarina is pretty much the exact opposite – which is probably why he’s so captivated by her. Well, that and the fact that she’s not afraid to tell him off in several languages. If he’s expecting her to cater to his every whim then he’s in for a surprise because Cat believes that pleasure should be mutual and she is definitely going to enjoy every moment of her defiance – which includes touching the man who purposely insists on a hands off session.

Maxim and Cat are captivated by each other but they have personal issues that make pursuing any sort of relationship practically impossible – and neither of them is even fully considering the possibility. Cat’s only concerns are getting her college degree and having the money to move on before her husband finds her and Maxim’s focused on maintaining his stoic attitude and not let anyone get to know the real him. It’s going to be a battle of wills of epic proportions with plenty of insults, endearments, frustration and scorching sex. Can either of them come out of the situation unscathed and is a happily-ever-after even a remote possibility?

I’m thrilled to confess that I loved Kresley Cole’s THE MASTER and can’t wait to read the other GAME MAKER books. THE MASTER pushes all the right buttons, the sex is hot and steamy and I loved Maxim and Cat’s interactions, especially during more tense moments, when they’d incorporate their native languages (Russian and Cuban Spanish). The beginning of the book starts off pretty spicy but then the storyline expands and you begin to get to know the characters and understand their situations and in all honesty they just win you over. THE MASTER is infused with raw emotion, humor, frustration, friendship, plenty of scorching sex and extremely satisfying comeuppance to a few people who definitely deserved it. This is definitely a great read I’d recommend to anyone who likes their reading material to be spicy and a little edgy.

So far there is one other title in the GAME MAKERS series but I’m hopeful that there will be another one soon for Maxim’s younger brother, Dmitri, but you can dive into his older brother, Aleksandr’s, story in THE PROFESSIONAL. After ‘meeting’ him in THE MASTER, I’m extremely curious to know more about him so I’ll certainly be picking up a copy of THE PROFESSIONAL myself.

Chrissy Dionne (courtesy of Romance Junkies)

Summary

Catarina Marin, had everything going for her. Then she married the wrong man, and now instead of the world and opportunity at her feet she is on the run for her life. She is on the move, but there is one thing she is determined to have…her degree. She made a promise to herself, to make sure she got an education, no matter what. But she is in need of funds, so that she can finish up, and since she plans on moving on soon, she reluctantly agrees to be a call girl for one night. But she never thought it would be to a man who would overwhelm her in ways she can’t imagine. Rich Russian politician Maksimillian Sevastyan, knows exactly what he wants. He loves control, and he likes it that way. He prefers his women slim, blond and tall and obedient. A woman who will do what he asks, when he asked with no complain. But while visiting the states, for his brothers wedding, the woman he gets for one night, is the opposite. She disobeys, she is bold and daring, and climbs atop him…he only like taking his women from behind. But she is the first woman that makes him feel. Once he shares a passionate night of sheets and sex, he knows that there is something more to her and decides to keep her. But Cat has a past, and that past could destroy them both…will Maksimillian’s power be enough to protect the woman he loves…
The Hero

Maksim, is quite the hero. After seeing him in the previous book, I was really excited for his story, because frankly he was so tempting. Maksim, is powerful, has more money than any man on earth, and is master of his universe and everyone elses. Maksim, has a past which started out poorly, but he had the love of his brothers. Maksim, is the type of hero that you swoon for. Oh boy…does he create heat…heat…understatement of the century…he is the embodiment of sex and sensual delights. He thinks he knows what is good for everyone, and is arrogant and sure of himself, but he himself has never known a woman’s love. He doesn’t know about true passion until he meets Cat.
The Heroine

Cat, is a woman who even though she is in danger of her life, is still a woman of passions and dreams. She inherited an empire from her parents, but then she thought she fell in love, married, and the man she married, was using her for money, and being a fool in love, she lost everything, except for one thing…her family’s island. The one thing her husband would do anything to get his hands on…and will kill her to get it. She knows that she must stay on the run, and not keep to one place for too long. Cat was a truly great heroine. She is passionate, sweet and caring, but fierce and fiery. She fights back, and is everything you imagine in a match for Maksim. She says how it is, and doesn’t give in to Maksim’s demands. She holds her ground, and what I adored about her character was how much she stands up to him. She tends to be a bit too headstrong and holds onto her secrets for too long, but I think that added mystery to the story. She definitely is a heroine you don’t want to miss out on knowing.
Plot and Story Line

The Master is the second book, and the most latest release by Kresley Cole. It just came out a little over a week ago. When I saw that, I knew I had to grab it up. The Master is quite the story, and has a “Pretty Woman” theme to it, but also has its own variations to the story that makes it an original story. Now this story is erotic, but has other elements that gives off the feeling of “more”. There is quite a bit of sex in here, so warning you all, but at the same time it has a pretty steady plot. The character development is very substantial, and moves steadily with the pace of the story line. The beginning scene is hilarious, and Maksim…big bad dangerous Mafiya boss, gets put in his place. Which its very obvious that it never ever happens. Cat holds her own with him, even when he practically holds her captive in his suite. What really keeps you engaged, is the big secret of her past that she hides from Maksim. As you read, you wonder when it will come out, and did it come out in the worst way possible. But I will tell you that they good their HEA…they just have to work through certain issues first. There are many misunderstandings that happen between Maksim and Cat, but in the end they eventually work out…but what fun it is seeing them try to work it out. They tend to stumble on each other emotionally, and their story isn’t easy or simple. There are many hidden depths to the story, and I loved the way the story developed with each chapter. It does have some BDSM elements, but its lighter than the previous book (at least for me I thought it was), but the sex scenes were scorching and this author knows how to write a winning erotic novel that makes you crave exactly what is in this story. Another aspect was the climax of the story, and the added intrigue and danger elements that really keep you on edge with the characters.
Cover

This cover is similar to the previous book, but is different too. It gives off that Mafiya boss look, with the hint of danger and mystery. But this time, the model is in a full suit (which is so sexy), and we see a cigar in his hand. Which goes with the stereotype of a Master Boss right?
Overall View

The Master is a kick ass romance, that has amped up sex, compelling characters, and a plot that never gives up. If you love Kresley Cole, and some delicious sexy fun…this is a story for you!! Get ready to get burned and then some.

Have you ever read a book that was absolutely perfect.....where the hero was perfect, the heroine was perfect, the writing was perfect and the story was perfect? Well.......The Master by Kelsey Cole was Absolutely Perfect!!!!

A Hot, Sexy Russian Man and A Saucy, Beautiful Cuban Woman......and from the first page to the last, it was Sassy, Sexy, Witty, and Absolutely Fantastic. Everything just clicked. There was perfect drama, perfect sex, perfect banter, perfect chemistry and I absolutely loved every minute of this read.

The blurb gives you the perfect outline. If it entices you, well then, you will be completely engaged and blown away. There was nothing to pick apart, it was just a great storyline that kept me wanting more and more throughout the entire read. The dialogue was a give and take that made you fall in love with both the hero and the heroine.

So.......I know this was a fan girl review but I can't help it, I LOVED LOVED LOVED The Master!!!! Kelsey Cole crafted a magical story and I highly recommend that everyone pick up this book!!!

As a rich Russian mafiya boss/politician Maksimilian ‘Maksim’ Sevastyan is used to getting what he wants. And what he wants is a tall blonde who will fulfill his desires, no questions asked. So when Cat, an outspoken and highly defiant, brunette arrives at his hotel Maksin isn’t quite sure what to do with her. Although he’s not about to let her.

Catarina Marín isn’t an escort, but when you’re running away from a murderer and short on funds, one night with Russian doesn’t seem so bad. However, Maksim is unlike anyone she’s met. He wants to bend her to his will and she’s going to give him a fight he’s not soon to forget.

Oh, Maksim, you beastie thing you. Why do you have to be so bloody alluring? Seriously, I’m still searching for that ‘claim your own sexy Sevastyan’ sign-up sheet. Having read The Professional, I was expecting Maksim to come off a little more forceful than he did but I think it was his firm yet gentle approach that made him so lovable.

I would love to be friends with Cat. She’s strong yet vulnerable and heaven help anyone who gets in her way. She was ready and willingly to go against Maksim’s wishes and it made this book such a fun read.

The chemistry was amazing. It practically sizzled off the pages. And I liked the suspense aspect. It felt a little more fleshed out than the first book. I also liked that both of the characters had secrets of their own.
This is BDSM book. With that being said, the BDSM is very light as is the kink.
Unlike the first book, the mafiya aspect of this book is toned down. While it’s still apparent that Maksim’s a mafiya boss—or a vor—, it’s not as in your face as the first book.

While I enjoyed this book, I felt a bit of the start, especially some of Maksim’s traits, was repetitive from the first book. Thankfully, the book finally came into its own.

Overall, Kresley Cole delivers another fantastic addition to her Game Maker Series. I cannot wait to read the third book from this series.

first thought

Whether it’s YA, Paranormal Romance or Erotica Romance, Kresley Cole never fails to bring her A game. I’ve come to expect 100% Guarantee satisfaction when it has the name Cole attached to it.

the plot

Pretty Woman, Kresley Cole style.

Catarina (Cat) is down on her luck and on the run from her husband. She never stays in one place longer than six months. Why? because her husband, Edwards wants to kill her.

Maksimilian is a million/billionaire (depending on how the market is doing that day) Russian mob boss and brother to Aleksandr (hero from book 1, The Professional). Mak is not quite as scary as Aleksandr but he can still command a room and is feared.

Now here comes the Pretty Woman part. Cat and Mak meet when she comes to his hotel room (ah the penthouse FLOOR! not room) to be his escort for the night. Cat is not a career girl, she’s filling in for her friend that’s the true escort. Mak is Cat’s first and only client. Her six months in Miami is almost up and she needs some fast cash to get her out-of-town before Edward finds her.

After their first night together they can can’t the other one out of their mind. After being drawn back to each other the couple go through a wild ride both sexually and emotionally.

the emotions

The Master is not use a sex filled romp. There’s may emotions involved from lust, love, fear and heartbreak and I felt every one of them while listening. Both Mak and Cat have a sad past and it loved how Cole let their stories unfold through the plot.

last thought

I’m so glad that The Master was not released in serial format! Bring on Dimitri’s book and I have all my fingers and toes crossed that his heroine will be Jess!

Not all eroticas are created equal. The Master by Kresley Cole establishes a new standard in the genre. Unparalleled talent brings a new integrity to erotic storytelling, and you won't be able to stop reading. Cole weaves a captivating in-depth story that exposes a reader to an assortment of feelings, triggering pleasure, excitement, and yearning. The Master is a rush and your heartbeat will quicken.

The Game Maker series has become a favorite, one that is discussed in detail with fellow bookworms. The Siberian brothers will leave readers breathless. Cole is endearing with her ability to bring to life characters that are savory and not the norm. Aleksandr is captivating in the first book, but Máxim is bewitching as The Master.

I wish there had been as much conflict and action as in the first book in the series. I am delighted that this work is published as a entire book and not as a serial as the previous book was. The waiting was agony! With glimpses of what is to come, readers will be awaiting news of the third book on pins and needles.

The story line was great too.
From the very beginning Cole sucked me in. Then she swished me around like mouthwash, spit me out - wetter, dirtier and hotter.

First off - I LOVE a truly barbaric Alpha. A man's man - no, scratch that, an Alpha's man. This was our H, Maxsim.
I also adore a sassy, feisty, hard headed - but falls anyway - heroine. One that can go toe to toe with a cocky Alpha when needed - even if it's just out of pride.

The things our h sacrificed to get back a life that was stolen from her were awful. This is her story of clawing out of rock bottom.
Our H was sweet, DRY, charming, ARROGANT, sexy, BULL HEADED, tender and OTT Possessive - aka The BAMF.

I recommend this to anyone that loves a good Alpha tale that's exciting, sexy and fun to read. A story of two people coming to their HEA - kicking and screaming while humping the whole way.
I did not read book # 1 first, but mark my words, I'm doing it soon!
I don't feel like I missed anything because I skipped # 1.

My Review:
There are a few things that I really don't enjoy in my romance novels. One is infidelity. The other is the whole powerful, billionaire hero. Well, this book was sent to me by the publisher and I quickly discovered that it had both of those things in the first few pages. I'll be honest...I considered DNF'ing it because of that. But the author is Kresley Cole and although I've never read her books, I've heard good things. Also, I felt like I should give the publisher a few more pages since they sent me the book.

Then I couldn't set the book down. For the rest of the day. Within 15 pages, I was hooked and could not tear myself away from this book. Yes, there's infidelity, but there is SO MUCH more to the story to that. Yes, there is a powerful, ego-driven billionaire, but there is SO MUCH more to him below the surface. And when he meets Cat, she's the first one to touch that area below the surface that NO ONE else ever gets to see.

It was such a good book!! Cat is an incredible character. She's cuban and has that fiery latin temper. She's terrified of this first escort experience, but she doesn't let Maxim cow her in any way. I loved that about her and how she constantly mouthed off at him. She was tough and resilient and all through the end, I cheered her on for standing up for herself in some of the worst circumstances. She may be lying about everything, but she's also so incredibly honest. I know...that makes no sense, but that's who she is. She is constantly on her toes trying to stay ahead of things so nothing can ever entrap her...again. She's learned her life lessons well and even though it was easy to see her downfall coming, I couldn't blame her for the choices she made...any of them. I loved her.

And then there's Maxim. When his whole story comes out, it's simply heartbreaking. The whole story is told from Cat's POV, but I still feel like we got great insight into his character. The author did a great job of revealing him through Cat's sight.

While I'll admit that the sex in this one got to be a bit much - (I had a few scenes where I just wanted them to stop screwing like bunnies) - every scene in the book was important to the story. There wasn't sex on the page just for the sake of having sex on the page and that erotica rating. I can respect that and it did make for an incredibly sexy novel.

Now, I need to go back and read the first book in the series. And I just hope and pray that Dmitri's story is next. When Maxim's story is revealed, so are a lot of the horrific details about Dmitri. We haven't even really met him, and already he has my heart. I look forward to seeing who truly is his match.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Plot: B
This book had a pretty good plot. It wasn't as eventful as The Professional, but it was still good. The plot was a bit predictable once we find out the character's secrets. Like you knew there were going to be feelings of betrayal, knew that things weren't going to go as characters planned,and that everything would work out in the end. BUT, some things were surprising. I just wish things hadn't been wrapped up so quickly and so late into the story.
Characters: A
I LOVED Cat. She had such balls. No whimpering or being run over from her. The things she said! Totally awesome. And it surprised me that she was so willing and took the money, sometimes in books the h feels regret or disgust by her actions and doesn't take the money. Not so here. She feels little to no regret, takes the money and is going to use it. I liked this about her. Macksimilian was hot and cold, and a bit of a jerk. I liked him though. I did like that his past was so glossed over, but oh well. I liked how possessive he was. How he made his intentions known. Overall they were great together. Cat pushed all his buttons and broke down all those icy walls.
Heat: A
The heat! Oh the varied, descriptive, plentiful scenes. Oh em gee. All kinds of hot. Not as kinky as the professional, but did contain the unconventional...including a chastity belt...which was new to me.

Overall a great book. Some humorous parts,tons of heat, and great characters. Can't wait for the next story.

Holy hotness this book is combustible! It made me laugh. It made me want, and it very nearly made me cry! Maksimi and Cat, just wow. He is divine, sexy, smart and oh so commanding, and then you get that accent. Oh My!
Cat is tough, fun and also exceptionally smart and very beautiful.
Both have pasts that have left imprints on them. For Cat, hers rule her decisions, and her past is keeping her moving and always second guessing. Needing money quickly she becomes an escort, and her very first brings her to rich, irresistible Russian politician/Mafya boss Maksimilian Sevastyan, a man with particular tastes that run to tall obedient blondes, not petite brunettes who are completely disobedient.
Fire and ice meet in this hot book, where danger stalks, and if Maksimi and Cat have a chance of happiness they must open up to one another, something they are unable to do. After all trust is something that neither of them no how to do.
I love, love, love The Game Maker series. These books are so hot, and the characters so vivid. A must read book and series, I seriously can't wait to read the next book.

This book! OMG! Many thanks to my reading bestie Irene for introducing me to these two awesome, alluring, and captivating characters. The world Kresley Cole created with The Master entertained from the very beginning and didn't let go even after I read "The End".

An exciting plot coupled with hot sex and amusing banter made this book a true gift for me. Additionally, these characters are perfectly molded together into a relationship that's controlling, fun, and sexy. Max and Cat demand much from each other. Both witty, intelligent, fearless, and funny Max and Cat lead thru a whirlwind romance. Max is domineering to Cat's submissive nature however she never lets him forget she's there or succumbs to being a meek heroine - she's just as strong-minded as he.

There's so much to love about The Master. Kresley Cole's writing brilliantly entrances you. Her words and tone are exquisitely orchestrated to captivate her audience. You'll be hooked on this erotic love story right from the start.

I LOVED This book!!!! LOVED IT!!! It is rare when I finish a book I want to start reading it again immediately but this book did that for me!

To start I was so happy that this didn't wind up being a Serial novel the way Professional started. I hate serials! So you can imagine how happy I was that the second installment in The Game Maker Series was a full length novel! Yay!

What do we get? One sexy, uber alpha billionaire Russian mafia/politician Maxim and by far one of the best Heroines Kresley Cole has written to date in the form of Cat! I loved her, sass, her attitude, and mostly that she was a survivor. Cat and Maxim's chemistry and verbal banter was so awesome! Oh do they burn up the sheet throughout the book! Goodness you will need a fan, this is Erotica!

"A nanosecond after you nut, you'll be wondering what I'm still doing there. I'll start reaching for my clothes as soon as your balls tighten. It'll be like a fire drill."

This book has tons of hot, sexy, vibrant, leading characters. We revisit characters form the First Game Maker book (although you can totally read this alone) However, now that The Professional has been released in one Novel. I would definitely recommend that one as well.

Again 5 stars for The Master, I think I am going to re-read it right now!......Sara

Yet another addition to The Game Maker Series!!!

You can do nothing wrong with a steamy Alpha Russian billionaire.
Drool Maksim Maksim Maksim!!!!
Oh yes he's some kinda pain in the ass, arrogant, son of a gun and yet you will still adore him!
Maksim has the kind of power that will makes women crave him. Oh he's a manwhore to.

Then enters his Katya a feisty Latina with a mouth on her. She has a no holds bar type of personality.
Seriously they are perfect together. The banter between the two will have you falling off your seat. They are like fire and ice. Oh then the sex is some seriously hotness! There is even some BDSM!!!
A must read!!!!!

I can always count on books by KC to keep me entertained and usually I finish them pretty quickly. The Master exceeded all my expectations and I DEVOURED it in less than 12 hours (had to fit some sleep in at some point). I didn't think I could like this book like I did The Professional, but I was totally wrong. Usually I roll my eyes at a plot like this one: a down-on-her-luck, beautiful, young girl meets a mysterious billionaire; they have an electric connection and, despite some difficulties, find out they're soul mates. HEA, the end. But Cole takes this story and makes it so much more!

I loved both of the main characters, and even though Maxim's mood swings got a little old, I still rooted for the couple and loved their interactions. Some of the sex scenes were a little much for me, but they never felt stale or forced and overall added to the storyline. The ending felt a little rushed- I could have used more interaction from Maxim and Edward, and less of the lovefest at the hospital. But all-in-all, I LOVED this book. Enough that I wouldn't hesitate to re-read it immediately if I didn't have other books I put aside for this one. I'm intrigued by the insight we had into Dmitri and look forward to pre-ordering the next in the series.

The Professional was one of the first books that I read by Kresley Cole. It didn't disappoint and I was pleasantly surprised that The Master was just as wonderful!

Ms. Cole does an amazing job drawing you in with unique & complex characters. I adored Cat! From the moment that you meet her in chapter 1, you can't help but be drawn to her sassy nature. She made the perfect counter balance to Maksimilian and I loved that she showed off some of her fierce Latin flavor. I couldn't help but laugh at some of her inner dialogue. She is definitely NOT a pushover.

In the beginning, I wasn't sure if I would love Maksimilian because he comes off as cold and brutish, but that quickly melted away revealing a truly mouth-watering alpha male. This filthy man was everything Cat needed and vice versa. I loved his kinky side! I couldn't stop grinning when he made Cat wear a chastity belt.

Overall, I LOVED this story. There were definitely some HOT (and I mean HOT) bedroom scenes in this book. If you're looking for some delicious filth, pick this baby up. It definitely got me out of my book funk. ;)

Complimentary ARC provided by publisher.

After 50 Shades of Gray it seemed like BDSM was the new normal for any type of romance/relationship book. There is an older rich man and
a young naive girl that the the man always tutors in the dark world of BDSM. Well, this book turns that notion on it's head. We do have a rich,
very troubled with a terrible past hero, but our heroine is the real star of the story, Max orders his usual tall, slender, European blond to tie up,
gag, etc and when she has a reaction to a Botox treatment, in comes her friend to fill in who needs money. Cat has no experience being an
escort and when she comes to Max's apartment he is not happy to see a curvy, short Cuban woman with a major attitude and a mouth that won't quit. When she sees his BDSM equipment and he tells her his plan for the evening that's when the true fun begins. Instead of the usual young naive girl getting "trained", Cat says "no way" and starts training Max instead. It was not only funny how she ran circles around him but actually refreshing to have a strong minded woman take charge of her fate. There was still plenty of steam (HOT! HOT! HOT!) and angst with Max's past plus Cat's own troubles that are still following her but her attitude is what really takes this book beyond the norm. Reading "The Professional" first is helpful because you meet up with the characters again but you could read this as a stand alone. I can't wait for the next book featuring the most tortured and angst ridden of all the brothers, Dmitri. Just really hoping that Natalie's uber crazy friend Jessica is the heroine, she is one of the funniest friends I have read in a long time and I can't imagine how Dmitri could ever handle her. Definitely spend your money for this book, you will enjoy and reread it a number of times, I'm sure.

You all, this book was so hot it singed my eyebrows off. It was one of my first forays into erotica, and I was surprised by how much I liked it. When the book opens, Cat has decided to accept money for sex, and her first client is Max. This isn’t my favorite trope but Cole does something really wonderful with it. The characters are rich and layered and their chemistry is unbelievable. Max is one of my favorite character types—a wounded, intense man who redirects that intensity into a passionate love affair. So good!

Hot damn! What a freakin ride I just went on! Ok so two things, firstly I'd never read Kresley before and secondly I stupidly read this out of order.. I read book 2 before book 1 - buuuuuut, I am diving straight into book 1 like right now!

Bloodeeeeeeee Hell this was a read and a half. Extremely well written, hawt as hell, soft and fluffy, sassy and witty, dirty and devilish and just generally had everything that delivers me a first class read.

The suspense of her marriage and what Edward may do, brilliant, the suspense of Maksim and what he does, brilliant. The suspense of her not lying but Maxim not knowing the full picture, brilliant.

Only one scene in the whole book I wanted to smack Cat for, I'm not saying at all but I was near screaming at her at my kindle!

This really is romance and a half, dirty sex, dirty love and dirty lies, choc full of bad characters, great characters and OMG did I love Jess too!

Cannot wait to backtrack and read book 1 LOL - which I'm right off to do do now.

I recommend this book immensely for all the peeps that like what I read, it's a darn, fine, worthy absolutely epic read ☺ - but I do appreciate that these books are very high priced and therefore that brings forth huge expectations, for me it delivered but I'd be mighty cross if it hadn't. Even in UK terms this was extremely expensive I am so just glad it delivered.

I enjoyed this book even more than The Professional. I definitely like that Cole didn't dish it out in installments.

Cat is currently living in Miami. She's on the run, avoiding her murdering, con artist husband. She's working as a maid but she needs to move again soon so she needs to make more money faster. Cat's friend talks her into taking her "client" for the evening because she had a bad reaction to botox.

Maxim (Aleks' brother) is in Miami for business and escorts are perfect for his no-touch, scripted sex that he prefers. But he's thrown for a loop when, instead of a tall, obedient blonde, he gets a short Latina with an ample booty and lots of attitude.

The story takes a predictable path with almost too much sex but Cole's writing, along with their hilarious banter make The Master a fun read. Well done!

I'm still so in awe of it that I can't really put in words how awesome that book is! It is awesomely written. It's a page turner from page 1. You are sucked in and get lost in the story.
Cat is one feisty woman that gives the big bad controlling Russian a run for his money. She has rules to survive and is not afraid to take what she wants. Not expected to fall for the Russian, she tries to save her heart reminding herself there's a deadline, over and over again.
Maxim is, well, hot, Russian, dominant, and oh so HOT! He's always been in control and never allows any backtalk. But right from the beginning Cat gets under his skin and breaks down his walls bit by bit.

A wedding, misunderstandings and a life-and-death-situation let both realise what's really important in life for them.
I really couldn't get enough and can only recommend this highly!

The Master by Kresley Cole is the second book in the Game Makers series. This one is quite a bit different then the first book, The Professional. Mainly, the bulk of this story takes place in Florida, they don’t step foot in Russia. Another big difference is that there is barely any mention of the Mafiya, though the hero, Maksimilian (Maksim), is a Mafiya boss. I was curious about that part of his life and wanted to find out more.

The Master is a highly erotic story that centers around sex and the gradual forming of a romantic relationship between Cat and Maksim. I enjoyed their slow descent into falling in love. It wasn’t easy for either of them to open their hearts, made harder by the nature of their relationship and Maksim’s preconceived opinion of Cat. But, Cat’s number one rule is to not give out any information that could lead to her true identity, so she tells Maksim very little about herself and her past.

Cat is on the run from a husband that wants to kill her and has been for the last three years. She took a onetime Escort job, in place of her friend, as a way to earn some quick cash so she can leave town. She only allows herself six months in one place before she moves on and her time is up. But when she gathers her courage and knocks on that hotel door it’s Maksim that opens the doors and it’s not long before he derails all of her plans.

Overall, I quite liked The Master. The abundance of sex didn’t bother me as it was appropriate to the plot. Plus the sex was varied enough that it wasn’t repetitive. The romance was woven in as an undercurrent that dictated the flow of their relationship. I liked both Maksim and Cat and I really enjoyed seeing them come together. Cat was able to soften Maksim and bring light and joy to his life. Something he had been sorely lacking. And with Maksim, Cat was able to take a breath and relax, to feel safe for the first time since she went on the run. Their romance isn’t without challenges and obstacles but these two smart, proud and determined characters are up to the task. The journey was engaging, sexy and interesting. It held my attention from the beginning and I look forward to reading the next book.

The Master is recommended to fans of the series and fans of Erotic Romance.

*ARC (Advanced Review Copy) received from the publisher, Gallery - Pocket Books, via NetGalley.

So, our heroine, Catarina Marín AKA Cat is on the run from her husband who’s closing in fast and Cat needs money to run again. She cleans houses but it’s not enough to start over again, so she decides to step in for her sick friend who happens to be an escort. One night, one John, what can go wrong….right? Well, turns out the John is none other than a Russian Mafia Politician named Maksimilian Sevastyan and she is not what he ordered. He likes them tall, blonde and submissive. Cat is short, Latina and totally not submissive but she’s a survivor and like any good survivor, she will make this work. He just doesn’t know what he’s missing.

As the two tango (yep, totally went there!) they get tangled up in their desire to consume one another but they also the need to keep their secrets. Is this just a convenient fling before the two move on or will it become more?

Alright, so I love me some Kresley Cole and loved the first book in the series. When I heard she was continuing it, I couldn’t be happier. So I guess I’m saying I had high expectations which ultimately let me down, hard! Is it a quality read? Absolutely. Is it a meaty story? Not so much. Ok enough with the cryptic crap. Here’s the jist of it……

Boy and girl meet. Girl changes guys mind about his type and the two commence with the nookie. Sex, sex, I like him, I like her, sex, sex, sex, sex, sex, sex, sex, sex, sex, sex, sex, sex, sex, sex, sex, sex, sex, sex, sex, sex, sex, sex, sex, sex, sex, sex, sex, sex, he’s the devil, she’s a witch, sex, sex, sex, sex, sex, sex, sex, sex, sex, sex, sex, meet my family, sex, sex, sex, sex, you suck I’m leaving, you don’t love me, (bad stuff happens), marry me, and sex.

Honestly it’s like 80% sex (hot as hell sex) and 20% story. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still Kresley Cole and better than a heck of a lot of other stuff out there but what I love about the first book is that it was the opposite, 80% story and 20% hot as hell sex. I loved Max in the first book and was hoping to get more of his back story, more about the Russian mafia, more about the politics of the world Kresley built and more about his life. What I got was his sex life and a quick blurb about his messed up childhood. *sigh*

Anywho, still pick it up, you’ll probably like it.

I LOVED this book. Seriously loved it! This book was the perfect combination of things that make a great book - a kick-ass, strong and funny heroine, a sweet and commanding hero who goes after what he wants and appreciates it once he gets it, lots of hot and dirty sexy times and a little suspense and drama. I did not want this book to end because I did not want to say goodbye to these characters. I loved this one so much - I'm adding it to my all-time favorites list and I can't wait to read more by this author.

BEST.BOOK.EVER
I’m so excited to write this review. I absolutely loved this story. I was unable to pick up another book for a few days because I couldn’t get this one out of my head!! Best. Feeling. Ever! THE MASTER is book 2 in The Game Maker series (Book #1 is THE PROFESSIONAL).

Catarina “Cat” Marin is on the run from her husband. She has 6 rules for survival, one being to never stay in one place for more than 6 months. Needing quick cash to get out of Miami, she agrees to be an escort for one night. She didn’t realize how much would change after meeting Maksimilian Sevastyan.

Politician/ Mafiya boss Maksimilian Sevastyan is very specific about the women he spends his time with. Expecting a tall slim blonde, he is shocked when a short, curvy, brunette walks through the door. Even more surprised when he can’t stay away from her. Her quick tongue and flippant attitude fascinates him.

***

I LOVED THIS BOOK! I mean it. I feel for it so hard, I had to pick it back up and reread parts of it right away. Maxim is such an intriguing character. Even with his extremely bad attitude, you can’t help but love him!

He curled his fingers, buffing his nails. “I know, baby girl, I’m that good.”

Cat was a perfectly written female character. She was tough. She was smart. She knew what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. With as much that was dumped on her, she dealt with it. And, she was just so damn funny!

I’d just reached Sevastyan, so I paused and draped myself over his back. “Oh, there’s no sharing. I’m Maxim’s alone. Isn’t that right, mi Tesoro?” My treasure. “I’m his baby-mama. Or I would’ve been. So close,” I sighed to the men, my words heating Sevastyan’s ear. His muscles tensed against me. “You see, I’m not very bright. Someone like me wasn’t able to discern the manifest economic inutility of a woman my age getting pregnant with a strange man’s kid. “I giggled. “As my island grandmother always advised. ‘Don’t use your brain, mi preciosa. Use your uterus.’”

I’ll definitely be rereading this very soon. I laughed (a lot). I cried. I swooned. I was on the edge of my seat the whole entire time. THE MASTER, to me, was the perfectly written story!

The Master, unlike The Professional (the first book in this series), is a more "classic" romance novel. This, however, doesn't go to the detriment of the story. On the contrary, it made me appreciate it more. I really liked the first installement but this one is better. Obviously, this is only a matter of preferencies. ;)
The main characters are beautiful, whole, complex. The story itself is very good... more focused on feelings than events...or better places. In fact the book is full of events but Maksim and Cat's story takes place only in a few locations, unlike the first book where the couple went from America to Russia and then to Paris and back.
I really like this series and I'll wait, hopefully, for another book.

I may be one of the few males to read this book. I'm 52 years old, been married for 29 years and am a us navy veteran. Too say I've seen and heard it all would be an under statement. Erotic thrillers are not exactly my genre of choice (as I delve into mostly sports and military related books). Well folks, I am so damn glad I went outside my comfort zone and read The Master. Holy Sh*t -- if the goal of Ms. Cole was to turn faces red and turn up the heat (despite the arctic chill most of us are experiencing on the east coast), then she clearly achieved that result. The Master is much more than an erotic thriller because it has a great story line -- which I found to be very easy to follow. The character development is exceptional and will leave the reader grasping for air, biting there nails and laughing. This one is a real page turner, so make sure you've got adequate time to read this one because once you start -- you won't want to stop. The Master is the best fiction book I've read in years!!!! 5 Stars doesn't do this one justice. I should also note, even though this is Book 2 -- you do not need to read the first one to enjoy this.

I wish i could give more than 5 starts cause this book 2 is excellent...I love it from the start to the end...I could not get enough of this story..i read in one setting soon i got it cause i was dying for it...I did not put it down for nothing....i was sucked in it and you got to love Holy HOTNESS Maksim!and of course Cat....This are the 2 characters added with previous too from book 1 The Professional..This series is so well written and this characters are amazing.....This is a super hot hot hot hot series and love it....I can wait for more and more...Now you will find hot sex scene,suspense,plot,fun line,mouthy,twist.......and more....This story who hook you up until the last page..I read it twice already and can't tell enough how much is SO GOOD SO GOOD!!!!!!!!!!Now can't wait for the next installment,really........Keep them coming author Kresley Cole ....Super WELL DONE.... I cannot wait on Dmitri's book!and more of this series!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!hurry hurry....

Politician/Mafya boss Maksimilian Sevastyan is a man who is used to being in control in and out of the bedroom. He's always preferred tall blondes who are obedient but then he meets a disobedient brunette who goes by the name Cat who's real name is Lucia and she isn't afraid to tell it like it is. If you thought his brother Aleksandr and his woman Natalie had chemistry that was off the charts wait until you read about these two!

(No cheating, No O/M, O/W)

I loved this so much! I loved the first one too. So I knew I would love this one as well! The series is that good!
For the fans of erotica this is seriojsly steamy as f***!!

I loved the friend Jess from book 1 as well! She is so much fun! Cat is also very funny and sassy!

I'm off to the next one, now I still have a bit of vacation!

Finishing the book I realized that over half of the story is happening in Maxim's suite, but when I read the book I managed to not find it weird or dull. I loved that we got to see Nat and Alex's wedding and see how they are after the end of their book.

Maxim could use a little kick in the arse sometimes to get him straight and I know that it requires trust, but I wanted Cat to speak to Maxim about her past. As a masochistic person I loved the angst and everything was delivered nicely. If you liked The Professional you will love The Master.

I hope that Dmitri's book will be next. If it is, then I would like to see how his woman will bring him to his knees.

4.5 STARS

Maksim and Cat were awesome. I loved really loved Cat, she was funny the banter between her and Maksim was great. She stayed true to herself through everything she went through with Maksim, and the troubles she was running from. I listened to this through audible and the narrator was fantastic. My only complaint would be the amount of sex. I know that sounds crazy and it was crazy steamy but sometimes it was just too much. I hope we are getting a story for Dimitri next.

"Por favor, why do this?"
"To make you crave me as much as I crave you," he bit out, his expression dark, his eyes fierce....
"I'll steal you from the other. Seduce you from him."

Hot, smoking hot. The book made me pause several times because Maksim and Cat were sizzling hot. If you love Cole's paranormal romance books, know that this new series has everything you came to love about her books: strong alpha, intense love and incredible steamy scenes, strong females and healthy family dynamics. You get the whole package.

I was INHALING this book and couldn't get enough of these two nor could I read fast enough!
While he is feared by everyone, due to his reputations, and hard edges, Cat is the polar opposite. A soft Latina that brightens a room wherever she goes. She has killer curves and he a body build like a god - no wonder they ripped their clothes off in no time.

But Cat is no extraordinary escort, well, actually she's no escort at all and only helps out a friend hoping to make good money fast. She's her own agenda: never stay in the same city longer than six months. Be always on the move.
Maksim who is used to do his memorized script with the typically blondes he orders didn't expect Cat when opening the door - a short, curvy, feisty but very sensual and smart woman who'd shortly bring him the most intense sexual encounter he's ever experienced.

Both have a past they're not proud of.... one is hiding the past while the other is battling through it every single day.

"He believes a man knows his woman because he begins to evolve for her, to become what she needs. You told me if the incentive was strong enough, some men could change.... I sensed something was different about you before we touched, solnyshko. "

Slowly these two grow closer, seeking not only the others touch but enjoy everything else. Maksim was pretty clever keeping Cat with him, and by keeping I mean he half kidnapped her, this sneaky Russian. But with every lie the past was about to catch up, so was Cat's and it was about to get ugly.

In a nutshell this book had it all and I devoured it. I loved watching their relationship grow and how they were willing to move past everything in order to enjoy their happiness. Cole perfectly captured their moments of adoration, love, trust, and the promise of a future together.

** copy received by Gallery books in exchange for honest review - XOXperts **

If you read book #1 of the Game Maker Series you have then started to understand why these Russians have us ladies fanning ourselves. They are just to hot and to alpha. The Master is book #2 in the Game Maker Series and it is not less amazing than book #1. I probably sound like I am rambling and perhaps I am but this book was so hot I had to walk away a few times.

The Master is Maksimilian Sevastyan story, a story that isn’t less intense, or less heart breaking than that of the Syberian. Maksimilian (Maxim) is a man who knows pain, psychological and physical but that hasn’t stop him from becoming a very powerful, dangerous rich man. Maxim (as Cat’s calls him) is sexy, powerful business man. A man who enjoy sex and the kinks of submission and domination and he prefers them tall, blonde and submissive. That’s until he meets a sexy witty and spicy Latina.

I enjoyed this story so much for many reasons, one is that I think everyone who reads this story will be able to relate to Cat Martinez (Ana Lucia). She is funny, smart, mouthy and isn’t afraid to call it like she sees it. She has a playful spirit but behind that veil of sexuality and witty remarks hides a woman whose heart has been broken and is just looking to survive.

This story explores the what if’s in life, while allowing the reader to measure their own decisions and consequences. It explores the reality of many people, the contradictions of life, the obstacles and the ultimate reality that we have the reigns of our own destiny only if we are ready for it. It also takes us into the world of a woman whose past keeps hunting her, and even though Cat is young, she has suffer deeply and her loses have been great. I enjoyed reading about her, her mind and her feelings were beautifully exploit. Author Cole was able to transport us into Cat’s world, a world new to her but a world that opened the door to an escape, to a possible future and shot at a second chance.

I really enjoyed the dynamics between these two characters. Each character had a very different background but their differences brought them together. Each brought something unique to the story, Maxim gave us power, richness, dominance and control, while Cat gave us witty humor and a spicy personality that would put many other characters to shame. She was sensual, beautiful and with a great heart. The interaction between these characters was explosive, beautifully developed and well played out. I enjoyed their sexual escapades and scenes, the details, their dialog and their dirty talk was explosive.

Each character gave the story a certain balance, each with their own story to tell and each found on one another the needed support that made it all happen. Of course not without going through the aggravations and conflicts that would make it all worthwhile at the end. This story is fun, perhaps more dramatic than that of The Professional but not less intense and sexual. There was a sense of reality in this story that made it fresh and interesting perhaps not so much on the male side of the story but Cat’s story could easily hit home for some readers. Perhaps it was her background, or perhaps her need to hide her feelings, I am sure that many will identify with her and would love her no less than they love Maxim.

Kresley Cole has given us a great second installment in the Game Maker Series, one that will shatter your heart and put it all together with bits of passion and steamy sex. Have a fan and cold water on the ready, you will need it.

My Thoughts:

The Game Maker Series is part of the upper echelon when it comes to steamy, sensual, and invigorating erotica. If you are looking for a naughty escape in to the under world of BDSM, the Russian Mafiya, and where the powerful, wealthy, and dangerous make their own rules, you need to read this series. In The Professional, we got the oldest Sevastyan brother, a Mafiya enforcer, Aleksei's story. While I enjoyed The Professional, I absolutely LOVED, The Master. In, The Master, we get the middle Sevastyan brother's story, a powerful and wealthy Russian politician with Mafiya ties, Maksimilian's story.

These books can be read as standalone stories, but you get so much more out of reading them in order. The Game Maker Series has been very informative about the world of BDSM. I have learned a lot about this life style, and find it intriguing. The Master was lighter concerning BDSM, than The Professional. These Sevastyn brother's are so intriguing. They are strong, alpha males, but have that vulnerability that makes your heart melt.

Maksimilian had an abusive and traumatic childhood. This has shaped the man that he has become. He cannot stand to be touched, and must be in control sexually. He thrives in the world of BDSM, and has never had an intimate relationship with a woman. Instead, he uses prostitutes to fulfill his sexual needs and has very specific rules for how their experience will play out.

When Maksimilian is on business in Miami Florida, he arranges for a prostitute. He is suppose to get a tall, thin, blond, and instead, a short, petite, cuban brunette shows up at his door. He is very upset by this. Catarina "Cat" is on the run from her con-artist/dangerous husband. She switches locations every six months to hide from the man who took everything from her, and plans to kill her. In desperate need of money, she switches places with her escort friend, to be an escort for the night. When she see's the gorgeous Russian, she is blown away. Cat is a strong, independent, and sassy woman, who is the first person to not give in to Maksimilian or "Maksimo," as she fondly calls him. Cat intrigues him, and once he gets a taste, he craves her. Cat becomes addicted to "Maksimo," but time is running out, and Cat needs to move quick before her deranged husband finds her.

The Master was an alluring, hypnotic, and titillating read. I loved the character growth that "Maksimo" underwent. Cat made this serious, staunch, aloof man, happy. She made him smile, enjoy his life, and brought out such a wonderful side to him. Cat was such a fun and feisty character. Sexually, she lit a match for her "Maksimo," and turned their passion in to a blazing, all-consuming inferno. We got to read about the main and secondary characters from the previous book, and I enjoyed catching up with Aleksei and Natalie. I really want a story on Natalie's best friend, Jessica. She is bawdy, but I appreciate how she always says what's on her mind, is full of comedy and fun times! I'm glad that I got to learn a little bit about the youngest Sevastyan brother, Dmitri, in this segment. He has the most issue's out of all of the brother's, and I would love to meet the woman who is going to turn his life around!

My Rating:

I believe fans of The Fifty Shades of Grey Series, are going to love and devour, The Game Maker Series. Ms. Cole has a way of weaving a spellbinding, sensual and seductive web in a reader's mind. She paints pictures with her words, and you end up feeling like you are in the story with the main characters. I give The Master by Kresley Cole, 5 Provocative, Carnal, Kinky, and Addictive Stars!!!

I loved The Master. This is the second book in the Game Maker series and it was so much fun! I loved Cat so much. Brave, funny, strong and incredibly smart. She was a heroine I could cheer for. All of her scenes with Maxim were excellent and their chemistry was smoking. This was an awesome read and one I plan to re-read again in the future. I definitely recommend to fans of Cole to give this a shot.

Holy cow...what a great read. Kresley Cole is an auto buy for me..whatever she writes I will buy..if it's a grocery list I'll take it! She doesn't disappoint and The Master is no exception. I waited and waited and waited for this one (dam* you Cole) but it was worth it. Are you thinking about buying it? Well then move on because Cole isn't for you if you have to 'think' about it. I loved the hero and the take no prisoners 'Katya' was a hoot. She's my kinda girl. If he thinks he's going to be the boss of her...well then she's just going to go shopping is what she's going to do. I was on a four hour flight laughing my head off for most of it. Ok I know you want to know about the sex scenes? No spoilers here just to say that I was covering my iPad more than once thinking oh.....my.....god.....nuff said. You'l just have to read it and then read it again. Keep them coming Ms. Cole.

I am in love with Maxim and Cat. I never thought I'd say this, but I think they have replaced Lothaire and Elizabeth as my favorite Kresley Cole book couple and I've read Lothaire about 5 times. This book is freaking awesome! The fun banter from the both of them was enjoyable. The love scenes were toe-curling. This was just a really well written book. I loved that he was supposed to have all this control and dominance and she just made him lose hisself. I can't say enough about this book. I guess I'll give it about a month and re-read it again. Well done Ms. Cole, again.

Just to say I absolutely LOVED this book! I have read every book by Kresley Cole and this book doesn't disappoint in any way!! Not only did I love Maksim but I loved Cat and her mouth!! This book is not a paranormal so if you are looking for one of her paranormal's this isn't it! But take it from someone who usually only reads paranormal's that this book was well worth the read. Cannot wait for the next book! Hope the one about their little brother is just as good as the ones about Aleks and Maksim! Thank you for another great read!!

Ok, this may just have been a little hotter and sexier than the first one with big brother Aleks. Maks is definitely one sexy hunk of a man. It will be interesting to see how the book on Dimitri turns out. My impression of Dimitri - kind of a wuss. Yeah, I'm sure that because of his childhood he will turn out to be this tortured soul but, I don't know, he's not really catching my interest. We'll see because I am definitely going to finish this trilogy.

Better than the first book in the series, partly I enjoyed the characters Maksim and Cat more and I also liked their situation of Maksim thinking he knows Cat but really he has no idea. The set up made for some funny and very sexy confrontations. We get a glimpse of what Natalie and Alek (the couple from book one) are up to. The combination of Maksim and Cat's personalities and what they bring out in each other are what make this book worth reading.

Wow, KC can write a story.The master is a fast paced,utterly brilliant book filled with intrigue, humor and wit. I started reading The Master this morning and could not put it down until I finished. This book is seductive and compelling. I think Cat is going to be one of my all time favorite heroines. Kresley Cole weaves a story that just pulls you in and doesn't let go. She has a incredible gift for writing and is one of my all time favorite authors. This book is a must read.

Cole is a master at sexy vamps, shifters and everything of the paranormal persuasion and it turns out...Russian mobsters too. Hot dayum! Yes. Cole totally rocked it once again.

I missed book one and started with The Master and whew I will so be going right back to book one. I had such a good time with these two. Sexy as hell, a tiny bit edgy with a little light BDSM, danger, awesomely frustrating and volatile characters that were just fantastic together. It was a pretty captivating and thrilling read.

Possibly not the most realistic...however, as I have no idea about the Russian Mafia, maybe it was REALLY realistic. But I liked the premise, and I liked the characters and their interactions with one another, so that made it fun.

It was hot and steamy with fun characters...in fact, I thought the characterizations of both of them were better than usual for the genre, hence the 4 stars.

I'm not a fan of FSOG (don't shoot me) but this book is amaaaaazing. KC has ways with words that not all bestselling authors possess. That's what made the characters so alive, lovable, unforgettable. Even the cheesy lines sounded utterly hotly romantic. I never wanted the book to end. Please Maksim, drop by anytime. I'm halfway through The Professional (don't ask- I went with my instincts and read the Master first) and just thinking big brother Aleks might just be a tiny bit hotter. Big, big Siberian sigh...

So don't get fooled by the title. Maxim was not into the bdsm lifestyle like his brother. He was not serious with it and the first chance he got, he pretty much chunked it out the window. I was okay with that. He didn't need it. He had all the hotness he needed without it. I loved, loved, loved the way the heroine went right over the wall he had up and did her own thing. There was some points where the author lost her a little bit but she still worked it.

Exceptional! Magnificent! Outstanding! Superb!
It is impossible to say enough good about this book! You are snatched into the story from word one & not released to the absolute very end. You physically can NOT put it down!! This book is the personification of writing at its best. I am thoroughly impressed with Kresley Cole and this series! No matter your gender, nor genre preference, this series it a MUST READ!

I just finished reading it and I loved it. It's a refreshing plot, and the chemistry between Cat and Maxim is sizzling but at the same time, touching. I expected it to have page after page of just sex, and yes it does, but it has an interwoven page turner plot as well. Also, the Spanish words were well placed within the context. This is a highly recommended read.

The thing I love about Kresley Cole books (ANY of them) is that you're guaranteed to say three things: 'Whoa.' 'I Can't Believe They Just Did THAT', and 'Holy Sh*#, That's Awesome!' Her books are such roller coaster rides, and I'm screaming with glee! the entire time. I LOVE THAT. This series is amazing. Wicked hot sex. Emotional depth. I couldn't put this book down (same with book 1 in the series), and I cannot wait for Dmitri's book.

I enjoyed this story. Everything flowed well and nothing was too farfetched. At no point in this story did I really call bs. However I will say this book had a lot of sex scenes. Not sure if that's normal for this author, but I did find myself skipping some. It took away from everything else that was happening in my opinion.

If the imagined sound of a Russian accent is not sufficient to make you swoon, the steamy scenes in this book will most definitely do it. The chemistry between Cat and Maxim launches off the pages and sucks you in on page one. Not only does this book deliver a fantastic and also realistic love story involving some light BDSM elements, the subtext of human emotion is superb. I cannot wait to read the first book in the series and am psyched to see how the next one turns out.

Kaitlin Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More - See more at: http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/BookReviews/themasterbook2bykresleycole.html#.VQR2kY39Ocw

Holy. Cow. Sooo Good. These two characters are phenomenal, especially when they're together. Smirk. Lol They've definitely broadened my fantasies while I'm with my husband. The love they form for each other is so special.

THIS KEPT ME TORMENTED AS DID THE FIRST BOOK. NEVER KNOWING WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT. STILL LEANING TOWARD THE UNKNOWN. WHAT SAFE WORD WOULD I USE? COME ON DON'T MAKE ME WAIT TOO LONG FOR BOOK 3. WORDS CAN'T DESCRIBE THE INTENSITY OF THIS NEW SERIES.

BRAVO AGAIN

This is by far one of the best books I've ever read. I continually find myself in awe of Ms. Cole's writing. At no moment could I predict where the story was going to go - it was so well thought out. The plot is so rich! The first book was good, but this one...oh man. I am having a hard time thinking the third book will top this - I hope to be wrong, but even if I'm not, I know it will be good!

I really enjoyed this book. It had witty dialogue, great scenes, and laugh out loud moments. I particularly enjoyed how different the hero is from his brother from the first book. He definitely stands out on his own. What I didn't like was how long it took her to trust him and reveal herself. I honestly think she waited too long. What I'm looking forward to is reading the third brother's book. Hopefully, he's with the one girl who can't be controlled. :)

Just brilliant! I loved every second of this book. I did listen to the Audible version and the narrator did a great job! Great story and very hot, steamy sex. I loved the first book as well. I am hoping this series continues!

If you like steamy romance then this book is a must read. Kresley Cole has done it again in the second installment of her Game Maker series. I couldn't put this one down. Hot Russian billionaire meets spicy Latina and the result is explosive. Forget Fifty Shades of Gray, this one's in color.

Could NOT put it down. Ignored my family for a day while reading. It was every man for himself because I wasn't stopping til I was finished. Kresley Cole always wins me with her humor but this combined with the super hot steamy scenes was amazing. A definite reread in my future.

Loved this book!! I didn't think Kresley Cole could invent a character I would like anymore than Regan The Radiant, "Dreams Of A Dark Warrior" but in "The Master", I fell in love with Ana-Lucia 'Cat' Martinez. Wit and balls to spare! Keep these strong confident women and sexy alpha males coming! Looking forward to the next edition in "The Game Maker Series".

KC turned up the heat in THE MASTER! You will be just as hooked as you were with THE PROFESSIONAL. I wish the ending's weren't so rushed.....Dimitri's story next????

KC --> Don't be afraid to write more or ADD to THE GAME MAKER SERIES.

I liked this, and it was some of the fastest 350-odd pages I've read in a while.

That said, here is some pertinent info:

1. For a book not titled "Fifty Shades of Gray," this book has a lot of striking similarities. Feisty 22-year-old heroine, with a smart mouth and very brainy (in this case, about finance and real estate--because, you know, she's read a lot of books on the subject and taken classes in college, so of course she proves to be just as smart as folks who've been out in the world dealing with actual finance and real estate transactions for years). Oh, and how does she meet her billionaire who, by the way, just happens to be into BDSM and has the toys? Well, someone who is an escort can't make it to the billionaire's booty call appointment at the last minute, so our heroine is called to fill in (sound familiar?), even though she's not an escort. (She needs the cash, though, so she takes the appointment.) And guess what, surprise surprise! Our hero can't stand to be touched. Awful childhood, etc.

I expected Cat (the heroine) to at least ask Maxim (the hero) "Are you going to go all Christian Grey on me?" Seriously, Kressley Cole, it's the least you could have done--or some other sort of shout-out--since you clearly got so much inspiration from 50SoG. In fact, I would not be surprised if, when you pitched this book, you pitched it as "like 50SoG, but with a Latina heroine and a broody Russian".

2. This book is about 80% sex--some of it pretty darned hot--and 20% key external plot point for the heroine. She is the one with the problem that ultimately almost proves fatal. But this problem--which we know about early on--isn't dealt with until almost the end of the book. So if you need more external plot with your sex, this might not be the book for you.

Me, I enjoyed the interactions between Cat and Maxim. Oh, not the 50 million times Maxim declares "I own you! You're mine! Mine!" I mean, the little games between them. It's been a while since I read 50SoG, and I do like it when the powerful mogul is at a lost as to how to truly bend the feisty little heroine to his will.

3. Little peeves: I did not enjoy Maxim's weird English. When I say "weird," I don't mean it's broken or poorly translated English. I mean "no one in 21st-century anywhere talks like that." There's an artificial quality to it. (If you have the Kindle version, just do a search on the word "laden". I rest my case.) Oh, I also rolled my eyes at the fact that Maxim can apparently learn Spanish at record speed.

4. You should know that Maxim is part of a Russian mafia family. The author has sanitized things so that he seems to be more of a real estate/business wheeler-dealer and not someone possibly involved in ruthlessly eliminating folks who get in his way. Still, it's odd that Cat, who has had a past traumatic experience with guns and killing, doesn't seem overly concerned with Maxim's mafia connectedness.

5. The events of the book span a 2-to-3-week period. During that time, I found it fascinating that Maxim's goons can easily find out information about anyone--because money talks--yet they are completely unable to find out an iota of information about the heroine, who is keeping her real identity under wraps. (That much they do know.) At one point, Maxim asks his goons to stop investigating Cat, because he's sure she will open up to him, but still, their failure to dig up more info on her mystified me.

As always, my opinions are my own. YMMV (less)

The Master is the hot sequel to The Professional. This time we have an introspective hero and a crazy latina heroine who tries to seduce this bad guy from the first time she lays eyes on him. A great reading for one sitting Kresley Cole pens an erotic romance with her branded sass, and yet, doesn’t lack to be funny and sexy.

I tend to like my romances with a little more angst, as the conflict was predictable and their relationship clearly only needed time to turn into something more. For once the amount of sex bothered me. I wanted to see the story flow and sometime in the middle of it, sex didn’t add much to the table when it was time for some emotional development.

Comparing to her other works, like the epic LOTHAIRE, you can see this isn’t Cole at her best, but an erotic romance with her unique voice. She makes it so delicious to fall in love with a bad guy! No doubt much lighter than The Professional, The Master convinces, entertains and scandals!

I love reading Kreseley Cole's books and am a fan of her writing. I pre-ordered this book and was excited to get it early in the morning. I commute about a hour and a half to get back and forth to work. I plug my Kindle in to listen to it on my way to work and surprise it can't be listened to. My Kindle stated not available yet. I like to both listen when commuting and reading at home. I have been so pissed what I haven't read it. I do know that this book is available on Audible.com. I listened to the narration and did like the voice or want to spend the extra money. Every so often I check to see in my Kindle is able to yet.
I will not be pre-ordering another Kreseley Cole book.

I hate to say this, but this book wasn't good. I'm a huge Kresley Cole fan, have been for years, and maybe it's because she's written so many novels lately, but this one was just bad. The storyline was threadbare with no variation in POV, which is something I normally love about her novels. Her ability to show both characters' thoughts so seamlessly is one thing at which she truly excels. Why deviate from what works? Cat's story of a murderous husband intent on revenge had so much potential with little development, and the arrogant Russian gangster? Well, we rarely see him in gangster mode. In fact, all we do see is hanky-panky. Not surprising given the genre, but shouldn't there be SOMEthing else?

A billionaire (on some days) wants to tie up a brand-new hooker and spank her.

Wow! What an original idea! I bet there's a movie in this!

To reinforce the idea this is Mr. Rich, he stays in a hotel suite costing $32,000 a night. There are suites at that price but I suspect the --really-- rich don't use them. I think Warren Buffett (#2 richest US, $66.4 billion per Forbes) would laugh at the idea.

If you can get past the derivativeness, this is a readable book--poor girl in trouble squired by rich dude.

Note: the sex in the book is explicit, more so than in any mainstream book I can recall reading. If that's an issue, need to skip this one.

It made me hyper reading it. It felt like everything but the kitchen sink had to be included. Serial killer husband....ck, thieving neighbor...ck, mother killed....ck, escort substitute for one night gets DDG billionare.....ck, great misunderstandings....ck, being held against one's will....ck...and the list goes on. And all this is connected by endless sex. Don't get me wrong, I love the sizzle but this just felt empty. It was such a waste of my time.

Kresley, I've loved your books forever, but when "The moment I saw these pouty nipples" is a serious statement, it makes me sad because you're a fantastic writer and I can't stand this series. I love your IAD series and I can't imagine how you ended up going from that to this.