Breaking Free is the third book in Cherise Sinclair’s scorching hot Masters of the Shadowlands series. In this one, we have Beth who was deeply scarred both inside and out by her sadistic husband and now she’s on the run from him. The submissive in her craves a Master’s touch, but her fears won’t allow her to trust enough to genuinely let anyone in. As a consequence, she’s been picking all the wrong Doms to top her. After watching yet another painful scene between Beth and her latest Dom, Master Z, the owner of Club Shadowlands, has had enough and gives her an ultimatum: Accept Master Nolan, the Dom, he’s chosen for her or lose her club membership. Unable to contemplate the idea of not coming back, Beth reluctantly agrees. She’s fearful of the big Dom, but surprised by the gentleness of his touch. Master Nolan can see the scars all over her body and knows that someone abused her. He also realizes it will be a challenge to get the little sub to let him in, but he’s more than up for it. However, after dealing with a cheating ex, the one thing Nolan can’t abide is lying. When he finds out that Beth hasn’t been entirely forthcoming with him about her past will he be able to forgive the dishonesty? And when her bastard ex finally tracks her down, will Nolan be around to prevent him from killing her?

Beth has known she’s a submissive for several years, but she was still relatively inexperienced in the BDSM scene when she met the man who would become her husband. At first, things were okay between them, but soon she discovered just how sadistic he was. Several times, his abuse sent her to the hospital with serious injuries and he became more and more unhinged over time until he nearly killed her. That’s when she decided to go on the run. Now she fears that he will track her down and made good on his promise to end her life. So she’s done her best to fly under the radar ever since. Beth realized her dream of starting a landscaping and gardening business and ended up with Club Shadowlands as client. When the owner, Master Z, found out that she was a submissive, he offered her a free club membership as part of her payment. Beth feels much more comfortable at Club Shadowlands than she had at any of the BDSM clubs in Tampa, so she comes regularly. However, the abuse she suffered has left her unable to relinquish full control to a Dom. The men she’s been choosing have either been too inexperienced to really recognize her needs or too easily frustrated by her seeming inability to become aroused, so she simply can’t get off. When Master Z sees what’s happening, he offers her a choice between allowing his friend, Master Nolan, to top her or losing her club membership. Not wanting to give up the one place where she feels relatively safe, Beth reluctantly agrees. She’s frightened by Nolan’s size but his touch is surprisingly gentle, leaving her begging for more after just one session. But he sees too much of her and she isn’t sure if she can fully open up to him. Gradually he earns her trust, but when he finds out she’s been dishonest with him, it may spell doom for their burgeoning relationship. Beth is a sweet, tortured heroine who’s been through hell, but she’s still brave enough to put herself out there, searching for what she needs. After all she’d been through, I was so happy that she found the perfect Dom she could trust in Master Nolan who sees all of her and can bring her to heights of pleasure she’s never experienced before.

Like his good friend, Master Z, Nolan spent time in the military. He now owns a construction company and is very talented with tools in more ways than one.;-) He’s only recently returned from an assignment as a military contractor in the Middle East. Prior to going, he’d been in a long-term 24/7 Master/slave relationship, but realizing he wasn’t in love with her, he uncollared her before leaving. He also found the 24/7 aspect exhausting and isn’t looking for another slave. He isn’t even sure he wants a permanent sub right now, but when Master Z brings the little redheaded sub to his attention, she piques Nolan’s interest, while her extensive scars tug at his heartstrings. When Z asks him to top her, Nolan readily agrees, immediately recognizing her trust issues and inability to give full control to her Dom. He knows she’ll be a challenge, but it’s one he finds himself relishing. His masterful touch rouses long-dormant feelings in Beth that set her running again, but Nolan’s patience is eventually rewarded. However, after his ex cheated on him and lied when confronted about it, dishonesty is a hard limit for him. When he discovers that Beth hasn’t been entirely up front about her past, he’s ready to call it quits, but when Beth’s monster of a husband comes calling, it rouses every protective instinct in Nolan. I can be very picky about my Dom heroes, but Master Nolan is quite yummy and one of the best I’ve read. He’s kind and patient with Beth, gently pushing her boundaries to help her overcome the horrors of her past and find true healing and pleasure again.

Breaking Free was yet another excellent read in this series. Beth is a sweet woman who’s been deeply traumatized, but underneath, she has a backbone of steel that has helped her survive. She’s also brave to allow Nolan into her life and learn to trust him with both her body and her heart. Nolan is a Dom with a heart of gold and patience to spare. I adore him for the way he treats Beth like a precious gem and helps her regain her confidence. I feel like these two were the perfect couple who were made for each other. The author maintains a slight air of suspense by giving readers short scenes from the POV of Beth’s husband as he hunts her down. But mostly it’s all about our main couple and their scorching hot, sexy times, which just about set the pages on fire. I enjoyed seeing more of Master Z and Jessica (Club Shadowlands) and Master Dan and Kari (Dark Citadel) who all support both Beth and Nolan. The club’s bartender, Master Cullen, also factors as a prominent supporting character. I love his outgoing, laid-back personality and can’t wait to read his book, Lean on Me, which is the next in the series. Overall, Breaking Free was another wonderful read in this series that left me with a sweet sigh and a satisfied smile on my face, and I was excited to discover that I’ll get more of Beth and Nolan in Book #11, Protecting His Own.

Note: This book contains explicit language and sexual situations including BDSM elements, voyeurism/exhibitionism, sex toys, anal play, a M/F/M menage scene, and a BDSM party with some partner swapping (no intercourse with others involved though), as well as a frightening non-sexual scene of kidnapping and sadistic torture, all of which could be objectionable to sensitive readers. ( )

[b:Breaking Free|22796919|Breaking Free (Masters of the Shadowlands, #3)|Cherise Sinclair|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1420511163s/22796919.jpg|6710065] by [a:Cherise Sinclair|2882485|Cherise Sinclair|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1432767804p2/2882485.jpg]
Genres: Adult, Erotica, Romance, Suspense
4.5 stars

This one has some great and very well written action/suspense and fantastic adult steamy romance.

Both MC's, Beth and Nolan are truly awesome characters. I couldn't get enough of them.

From the setting of Florida, to the BDSM world build and the two amazing main characters, you will be entranced.

Beth has some very dangerous secrets. You will find yourself rooting for her, sometimes wanting to hug her and other times wanting to shake her. But no matter what, you will love her.

Nolan is more than up to the task to take up the challenge of Beth and dig out her deadly secrets. He is also intelligent and strong enough to protect her. His character is so well written you will wish for your own personal 'Nolan'.

My only 'grip' is there was a small section that seemed to repetitive. It was in Beth's thought processes. But, it was enough to cost the story a 1/2 star and that rounds it down to 4 instead of 5 stars.

I am really hard pressed to say which I liked better, Master of the Shadowlands or Breaking Free, but I'm leaning towards Breaking Free.
It is that awesome! ( )

I enjoyed this one much more than the first one I read in this series which was number 1. I think the writing was better and the focus of the book was firmer. Also I tried hard to set my squeamishness about public sex aside and just accept the club aspect. No point in getting my nose bent out of shape over a book/subject I chose to read. I really felt that the relationship between the hero and heroine was honest and helpful and real within the realms of the subject matter at hand. ( )

Beth and Nolan's story. Beth escaped abusive husband and Nolan is strong protector type. This is one of my favorite in the series. I love how Beth and Nolan come together, how patient and calm Nolan is with Beth. I like how Beth struggles to trust and how she makes friends with not only Nolan but with the other submissives at Shadowlands. I really enjoy this type of plot so this story hits all the points for me, but for others this may not be a good book. ( )

I'm loving the Shadowlands series and this was no exception. In fact, Beth is my favorite heroine so far. Watching her overcome her fears through Nolan's gentle guidance was sweet and rewarding. While Beth was the star of the show I wish we found out more about Nolan. Recently back from a contracting gig in Iraq, it seemed he had scars of his own that needed healing and I wish Sinclair had shown some of that.

Kyler, Beth's former Dom was a righteous bastard, but I found him a little too one dimensional. I prefer the more rounded out villain as opposed to homicidal maniac.

Best part was the play party. Sexy, kinky and fun.

With every story, Sinclair keeps making me want to find this Club Shadowlands and get a sexy Dom of my own. ( )