A human woman with a low-down, double dealing, ex-husband and a special needs son, Sadie knows that she can earn the cash she desperately needs working at Raven’s Keep. But can she protect her supernatural secrets while working at Tulsa’s exclusive paranormal BDSM club. She quickly finds a home at the club and is dubbed Mistress Vanilla but the Masters of the Keep are determined to help Sadie tread the path to true freedom in a sexy pair of heels, if only she doesn’t let her stubborn pride deprive them all of a happily ever after.

This paranormal BDSM story really captures Sadie’s story as she learns to let go of all her preconceived notions of the lifestyle and pushes her boundaries. The characters are strong, bold and very convincing as they draw readers into the story which is full of sizzling chemistry and scorching passion but this story is more about woman and her coming into her own that about the actual lifestyle. Sadie, Anton and Roi’s relationship is a slow burning one full of emotional issues and the need to convince Sadie that can indeed be mated despite them being doms.

The plot proceeds a steady pace that keeps the suspense, the passion and the emotions building throughout the story that readers can’t possibly put the book down. With secrets being revealed, lots of fascinating characters, startling twists and an enemy plotting in the wings, this romance is one thrilling, exciting, emotional and seriously hot but also sweet and sassy reading experience.

“You're a writer? Don't you just love Writing Down the Bones?”

This is one of those books that people just assume you've read when you have an MFA in writing. I had heard quite a bit about it, but I hadn't actually read it until now. But since this book has clearly been highly praised and circulated within the writing community since the 1980s, it's no surprise that I've come across so much of Goldberg's sage advice throughout the years.

The problem with a book like this is that I have heard it all before. It's a testament to what Goldberg had to say on the subject of writing, but my mind was certainly not blown by reading this. And so I'm not sure if my overall lack of love for this book is indicative of an overpraised lackluster book, or a wonderfully brilliant book that has been dulled by its successors. Frankly, I think it is both.

Some of Goldberg's ideas are golden. She's very much into the “let go” mentality of writing. She has really great advice for how to achieve this. Many of her thoughts on mindfulness are the words I have heard and appreciated over and again. But when you look at the whole of this book, you find that that really is the summation of the author's advice. Sure, she has a small exercise here and a tidbit of non-zen based advice there, but so much of this book is about writing mindfully. Writing mindfully is exactly what I need, but reading this book thirty-two years after its original publication, it is mostly stuff I've heard before.

Writing Down the Bones is excellent for the beginning writer or the writer who wants to approach their work more naturally. It should probably be required reading in undergrad writing programs. But for a broader, more modern perspective of the writing craft or for solid inspiration, I'd look elsewhere. Personally, I loved McCann's Letters to a Young Writer. It's a slim volume and McCann surely will not teach you “everything you need to know about writing” or even come close to doing so, but it features a great mix of topics that are 100% inspiring (though many of those ideas were probably inspired by Goldberg's book).

 

An instant and heated reaction that wound its way through his soul and warmed his skin. The inexplicable connection was broken as fast as it began. Emily has a son. Jasper doesn't "do" kids. 

 

When her life spirals out of control, will Jasper be able to let go of his tragic past and save Emily and her son? Or has the Special Forces Soldier found his weakness - a history he cannot let go of?

 

Emily Jenkins lost her husband on the battlefield and was left to pick up the pieces of her broken heart while finding a way to raise her son alone.

 

Jasper Walker is known for being the playboy of his team. Professionally, he is a tier one assassin - a trained killer. Personally, he blows through women giving them no more than a week in his bed as he privately struggles to move on from the woman that is forever lost to him. 

 

When their lives collide, Jasper finds out he's not the only one with secrets. There is more to the black-haired beauty Emily than a widowed single mother. 

 

 

 

 

Freeing Jasper: A Black Ops Romance by Riley Edwards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book #2, in the Black Ops/707 Freedom Series. This book can be read as a standalone novel. For reader enjoyment, and to avoid spoilers - I recommend reading this series in order.

Emily has been through so much in the past. She is actually surprised to find herself attracted to Jasper in the first place. With her future looking uncertain, she is cautious in her reaction to him.

Jasper is made of protective alpha male. Even if he didn't work in a dangerous field, he would always want to serve and protect. Now that he needs to protect Emily, his chance with her has arrived. Now, if only he can convince her.

This book was kind of a slow burn. Even with the fast pace of the story, the romantic and sexy side was kind of like sweet chocolate melting on the tongue. With a sexy weave throughout, the characters really show us how even while life throws you a curve, that love can heal.


***This ARC copy was given in exchange for an honest review only.

View all my reviews

 

 

 

What people are saying about FREE - A Black Ops Romance...

"Riley Edwards knows how to keep her readers on the edge of their seats. This is one of the best books I have ever read about how men who serve our country give up much of their personal lives. Character development is awesome you know and care about these people." - Amazon Reviewer VC

"First book I've read from this author and definitely won't be the last. Story grabbed me from the first page and didn't let go until the end. In fact, I was sorry to reach the end, it was captivating." - Amazon Reviewer

"Another five star hit from Riley Edwards." - Amazon Reviewer

Nightstalker - A Red Team Novel -  https://books2read.com/u/4DAMYO
Unbroken part 1 -  https://books2read.com/u/brglpZ
Unbroken part 2 - https://books2read.com/u/mgKQzD
The Gift -  https://books2read.com/u/4EWVYE
The Awakening - https://books2read.com/u/4DAMBD
Free - (Lenox) A Black Ops Romance - https://books2read.com/u/bP1W0Y
Freeing Jasper - A Black Ops Romance - https://books2read.com/freeingjasper
Finally Free - (Levi) A Black Ops Romance -  Coming January 2018

Follow Riley Edwards

This is book #2, in the Black Ops/707 Freedom Series.  This book can be read as a standalone novel.  For reader enjoyment, and to avoid spoilers - I recommend reading this series in order.

Emily has been through so much in the past.  She is actually surprised to find herself attracted to Jasper in the first place.  With her future looking uncertain, she is cautious in her reaction to him.

Jasper is made of protective alpha male.  Even if he didn't work in a dangerous field, he would always want to serve and protect.  Now that he needs to protect Emily, his chance with her has arrived.  Now, if only he can convince her.

This book was kind of a slow burn.  Even with the fast pace of the story, the romantic and sexy side was kind of like sweet chocolate melting on the tongue.  With a sexy weave throughout, the characters really show us how even while life throws you a curve, that love can heal.  I give this book a 4/5 Kitty's Paws UP!

***This ARC copy was given in exchange for an honest review only.