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Serve #1
Owned by Fate
A sexy category romance from Entangled's Brazen imprint...
Her mind rejects his world. But her body knows its master.
Journalist Caroline Preston arrives at Serve, New York City’s hottest BDSM club, with one goal—to hate it. If her brother wasn’t trying to turn the family’s respectable financial magazine into a publication that features “lifestyle” pieces for the wealthy and adventurous, she wouldn’t even be there, trying to write an article about a world she doesn’t understand. But then she sees him.
Jonah Briggs doesn’t leave his post for just anyone. As the owner of the club, his sole purpose is to ensure that his clientele get everything they need, but when he sees Caroline, his only thought is what he wants—to dominate the sexy little reporter and give the most exquisite pleasure she’s ever experienced.
Caroline has no intention of entering that particular lion’s den—not with her family’s reputation at stake—no matter how dark, sexy, and complex the lion in question may be. But with every encounter, she craves more, and with every slide of his lips, she realizes Jonah might just be the man to break down all her defenses…if she’ll let him.
Her mind rejects his world. But her body knows its master.
Journalist Caroline Preston arrives at Serve, New York City’s hottest BDSM club, with one goal—to hate it. If her brother wasn’t trying to turn the family’s respectable financial magazine into a publication that features “lifestyle” pieces for the wealthy and adventurous, she wouldn’t even be there, trying to write an article about a world she doesn’t understand. But then she sees him.
Jonah Briggs doesn’t leave his post for just anyone. As the owner of the club, his sole purpose is to ensure that his clientele get everything they need, but when he sees Caroline, his only thought is what he wants—to dominate the sexy little reporter and give the most exquisite pleasure she’s ever experienced.
Caroline has no intention of entering that particular lion’s den—not with her family’s reputation at stake—no matter how dark, sexy, and complex the lion in question may be. But with every encounter, she craves more, and with every slide of his lips, she realizes Jonah might just be the man to break down all her defenses…if she’ll let him.
200 pages, ebook
First published September 27, 2014
About the author
Tessa Bailey
88 books54.7k followersNew York Times Bestselling author Tessa Bailey can solve all problems except for her own, so she focuses those efforts on stubborn, fictional blue collar men and loyal, lovable heroines. She lives on Long Island avoiding the sun and social interactions, then wonders why no one has called. Dubbed the “Michelangelo of dirty talk,” by Entertainment Weekly, Tessa writes with spice, spirit, swoon and a guaranteed happily ever after. Catch her on TikTok at @authortessabailey or check out tessabailey.com for a complete list of books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 466 reviews
October 29, 2014
4.5 Dirty Talking Dom Stars
If you've read any other book by this author, then you already know that she writes books with heroes that can deliver some panty evaporating dirty talk. I swear to you, with every new hero of hers I meet, I keep thinking that they only get better. So what can I tell you after Jonah Briggs? Just one thing:
All hail the queen of dirty talk!
Sweet mother of all that's pervy. I needed to ice my ovaries after this one in the worst way possible.
Caroline is an Ivy League graduate, award winning journalist, and heir to a legendary financial publication first started by her father. Unfortunately, the magazine is now in trouble and her brother has come up with an idea that will either make them or break them; to feature “lifestyle” pieces for the wealthy and adventurous inside the world of an elusive BDSM club. This is why she reluctantly finds herself sitting at Serve with her best friend, sipping on a lollipop martini, with every intention of hating it.
Enter Jonah Briggs; Serve owner and resident Dom. One look at the dark and sexy Jonah, and Caroline simply can't deny the chemistry that instantly sizzles between them. For a woman that lives her life in black and white and straight vanilla, she can't help but take him up on the offer that his mere presence promises.
After sharing an unforgettable encounter, Caroline knows that no matter how much she wants it, with her reputation at stake she simply can't handle more. Too bad that Jonah is determined to wear her down by any means necessary, and he's not exactly going to fight fair.
I am so happy to finally get a Dom (outside an actual BDSM romance) that truly lives up to the title and isn't merely some domineering ass with some spanky tendencies. While I would really qualify this as BDSM lite, it still managed to hit all the right spots for me. It was a sizzling hot romance with some BDSM elements and a sexy as sin hero that you'll never want to stop talking.
Jonah absolutely made this book for me. While Caroline was a great heroine, she did have a few moments where I wished I could shake some sense into her. Mainly in her treatment of Jonah in the very beginning. Though I must say, she more than made up for it at the end.
Everything about this book just worked for me, especially the secondary characters. I'm so excited to get a book for Caroline's brother, Oliver, and her best friend next. Oliver, Oliver, Oliver... I am so ready for you...
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews visit
So a respected financial journalist and an award-winning interior designer walk into a BDSM club..."
"And?"
"And nothing. That's the entire joke."
If you've read any other book by this author, then you already know that she writes books with heroes that can deliver some panty evaporating dirty talk. I swear to you, with every new hero of hers I meet, I keep thinking that they only get better. So what can I tell you after Jonah Briggs? Just one thing:
All hail the queen of dirty talk!
Sweet mother of all that's pervy. I needed to ice my ovaries after this one in the worst way possible.
Caroline is an Ivy League graduate, award winning journalist, and heir to a legendary financial publication first started by her father. Unfortunately, the magazine is now in trouble and her brother has come up with an idea that will either make them or break them; to feature “lifestyle” pieces for the wealthy and adventurous inside the world of an elusive BDSM club. This is why she reluctantly finds herself sitting at Serve with her best friend, sipping on a lollipop martini, with every intention of hating it.
Enter Jonah Briggs; Serve owner and resident Dom. One look at the dark and sexy Jonah, and Caroline simply can't deny the chemistry that instantly sizzles between them. For a woman that lives her life in black and white and straight vanilla, she can't help but take him up on the offer that his mere presence promises.
After sharing an unforgettable encounter, Caroline knows that no matter how much she wants it, with her reputation at stake she simply can't handle more. Too bad that Jonah is determined to wear her down by any means necessary, and he's not exactly going to fight fair.
"You are, Master."
"That's right. Thank me for your punishment.
I am so happy to finally get a Dom (outside an actual BDSM romance) that truly lives up to the title and isn't merely some domineering ass with some spanky tendencies. While I would really qualify this as BDSM lite, it still managed to hit all the right spots for me. It was a sizzling hot romance with some BDSM elements and a sexy as sin hero that you'll never want to stop talking.
Jonah absolutely made this book for me. While Caroline was a great heroine, she did have a few moments where I wished I could shake some sense into her. Mainly in her treatment of Jonah in the very beginning. Though I must say, she more than made up for it at the end.
Everything about this book just worked for me, especially the secondary characters. I'm so excited to get a book for Caroline's brother, Oliver, and her best friend next. Oliver, Oliver, Oliver... I am so ready for you...
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews visit
September 29, 2014
4.5--Yes, Master--Stars!!!
Holy Hell! This book was HOT!
Seriously,
Jonah was simply drool worthy and here's why:
Oh....you want to know what the book is about??
Please refer to the above quotes!
Very well written. Highly entertaining. Low drama and angst. BDSM lite. Dirty talking hero. Eh, maybe a slightly annoying heroine at times. Insta-love. Off the charts HOT sexy times!
Holy Hell! This book was HOT!
Seriously,
Jonah was simply drool worthy and here's why:
“If I sit across from you much longer, I’m going to pull you astride my lap and kiss your superbly formed mouth until you soak straight through my pants."
“It wouldn’t take long, sweetheart. I can do amazing things with my tongue.”
“Maybe it’s better that I don’t fuck you. This impossibly tight pussy would involve a lot of time and trouble for me.”
“I’d need to eat you, baby. For hours. Just to get you ready. And even then, I’d have a motherfucker of a time sinking as deep as I require.”
“Would you be worth my trouble, Caroline?”
“I knew all about this mouth the second I saw you. Knew you’d be a dirty girl if I got you kneeling. Suck it hard and prove me right.”
Oh....you want to know what the book is about??
Please refer to the above quotes!
Very well written. Highly entertaining. Low drama and angst. BDSM lite. Dirty talking hero. Eh, maybe a slightly annoying heroine at times. Insta-love. Off the charts HOT sexy times!
August 11, 2022
it took me 7 years to finish this lol. i started reading it back in 2015 😂
September 29, 2014
4.5 Sexy Loving Stars
LIVE NOW! Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk
Owned by Fate is a provocative story about SERVE New York City's HOTTEST BDSM club, a feisty heroine, her family's failing magazine and a sexilicious-dirty-talking hero. I LOVE Jonah!
It’s about happiness, understanding the needs of others and accepting you inner most desires. Let fate lead the way.
Journalist Caroline Preston visits Serve. Her aim... to write an article about a world she has no desire to understand. She's completely judgmental in her approach and wants to prove that her brother's plan, of adding 'lifestyle' articles to the family magazine, is not the best way to save the business and maintain respectability.
Jonah our swoony, sexy talking hero and owner of SERVE, finds himself unusually drawn to Caroline. He wants to do wondrous things to her and pleasure her body in ways she never knew existed. I adore his naughty brand of humour and the way he swoon talks to Caroline. He made me catch my breath with the confident words that fell from his mouth. He oozes charismatic confidence and charm with his powerful aura.
Caroline finds herself having a date with a Dom.
Jonah is so much more than the owner of a BDSM club. His character is beautifully developed with multiple layers and a wonderful back story that brings the emotional feels to the heart of Owned by Fate. Everything about him provides depth, soul and gorgeous, tender beauty.
He’s deliciously dominant. Caroline never before wished to submit. Never realised it could be so good. He makes her feel and want things she never thought possible, not from someone like him. Her mind says NO.
What happens when the body overrules the mind?
What happens is AMAZINGLY HOT chemistry. They sizzle when they're together. It's a whole lot of yummy, erotic, dirty talking HOTNESS! The romance, the eroticism and the possibility of LOVE is stunning!
She wants to hate the experience, and he wants to let her go....
They both fight it.
This story has it all for me. Plausible conflict, a sexy charismatic, masterful hero, a sassy heroine who's confident to speak her mind and shows strength of emotion. I love that the characters are perceptible in regard to each other’s thoughts and feelings. I understood exactly how the characters felt on an emotional level which was extremely divisive in me connecting to them. It’s not in an overt way but their inner thoughts offer great movement in the story, driving our emotions, and endearing us to the hero and heroine.
Caroline reflects my early reading thoughts on BDSM way back when I first delved into this genre. Like her, I didn't know I'd like it so much but I removed my reading judgement, immersed myself in the fictional world and devoured. Owned by Fate is not a hardcore BDSM read which makes it perfect for a first step into the world of kink, as well as perfect for those who regularly love a little alternative, sexy pleasure in their reading.
Owned by Fate is a sexy, erotic treat and a wonderful story for lovers of being swept off their feet by a dashing dominant master. I loved the self discovery of pleasure uncovered by both characters. I recommend this book to all lovers of erotic romance.
Complimentary copy provided by the publishers, Entangled, for an honest review.
LIVE NOW! Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk
Owned by Fate is a provocative story about SERVE New York City's HOTTEST BDSM club, a feisty heroine, her family's failing magazine and a sexilicious-dirty-talking hero. I LOVE Jonah!
It’s about happiness, understanding the needs of others and accepting you inner most desires. Let fate lead the way.
Journalist Caroline Preston visits Serve. Her aim... to write an article about a world she has no desire to understand. She's completely judgmental in her approach and wants to prove that her brother's plan, of adding 'lifestyle' articles to the family magazine, is not the best way to save the business and maintain respectability.
Jonah our swoony, sexy talking hero and owner of SERVE, finds himself unusually drawn to Caroline. He wants to do wondrous things to her and pleasure her body in ways she never knew existed. I adore his naughty brand of humour and the way he swoon talks to Caroline. He made me catch my breath with the confident words that fell from his mouth. He oozes charismatic confidence and charm with his powerful aura.
Caroline finds herself having a date with a Dom.
Jonah is so much more than the owner of a BDSM club. His character is beautifully developed with multiple layers and a wonderful back story that brings the emotional feels to the heart of Owned by Fate. Everything about him provides depth, soul and gorgeous, tender beauty.
He’s deliciously dominant. Caroline never before wished to submit. Never realised it could be so good. He makes her feel and want things she never thought possible, not from someone like him. Her mind says NO.
What happens when the body overrules the mind?
What happens is AMAZINGLY HOT chemistry. They sizzle when they're together. It's a whole lot of yummy, erotic, dirty talking HOTNESS! The romance, the eroticism and the possibility of LOVE is stunning!
She wants to hate the experience, and he wants to let her go....
They both fight it.
This story has it all for me. Plausible conflict, a sexy charismatic, masterful hero, a sassy heroine who's confident to speak her mind and shows strength of emotion. I love that the characters are perceptible in regard to each other’s thoughts and feelings. I understood exactly how the characters felt on an emotional level which was extremely divisive in me connecting to them. It’s not in an overt way but their inner thoughts offer great movement in the story, driving our emotions, and endearing us to the hero and heroine.
Caroline reflects my early reading thoughts on BDSM way back when I first delved into this genre. Like her, I didn't know I'd like it so much but I removed my reading judgement, immersed myself in the fictional world and devoured. Owned by Fate is not a hardcore BDSM read which makes it perfect for a first step into the world of kink, as well as perfect for those who regularly love a little alternative, sexy pleasure in their reading.
Owned by Fate is a sexy, erotic treat and a wonderful story for lovers of being swept off their feet by a dashing dominant master. I loved the self discovery of pleasure uncovered by both characters. I recommend this book to all lovers of erotic romance.
Complimentary copy provided by the publishers, Entangled, for an honest review.
December 1, 2016
4 'Lollipop' Stars!
When I am on the mood for something extremely hot, emotional, with amazing wrting and a dirty dirty hero, of course, Tessa Bailey does not disappoint!
Loved this story, the characters (even though Caroline got on my nerves sometimes) and their off-the-charts chemistry (this woman and her dirty talkers!!!!). This was my first BDSM story by Tessa and now I can say it will not be the last. I definitely recommend it if you haven't read it!
When I am on the mood for something extremely hot, emotional, with amazing wrting and a dirty dirty hero, of course, Tessa Bailey does not disappoint!
Loved this story, the characters (even though Caroline got on my nerves sometimes) and their off-the-charts chemistry (this woman and her dirty talkers!!!!). This was my first BDSM story by Tessa and now I can say it will not be the last. I definitely recommend it if you haven't read it!
September 15, 2014
4 - "Are you going to suck it? Or just play with it all night? Stars!
It’s safe to say that Tessa, has literally Owned the first book in the Serve series. I could not put it down; it started out decadently dirty, and kept me panting, sorry I meant reading, right up to its end!
”When was the last time you were properly fucked Caroline?” … “Never. The answer is never, because I’ve never fucked you.”
I think that anyone who has read a Tessa Bailey book knows that she has mad-skills when it comes to her dirty-talking alpha males. Jonah Briggs is no exception, and he is in my opinion the embodiment of the dirty-talking Dom, with a heart of solid gold. Your pleasure is his to devise, deliver and control… and give it he does, imaginatively and vigorously!
His name might be Jonah, but it was the only biblical quality he possessed.
”This isn’t over until I’ve been buried in you.”
There is always a risk with an opening book in a series, in that the characters that the story is meant to be around are somewhat diluted with the introduction of future characters and side plots. There is definitely the inclusion of secondary characters to Jonah and Caroline’s book, but they do not in any capacity detract from the story that is still wholly their own.
”Who you are… what you do… you’re not healthy for me.”
I loved Owned by Fate it is a sexy, dirty and imaginative read, but there is also quite a familial feel too it as well, with the development and direction that the story takes. Elizabeth fights almost up to the end of the book to deny her true feelings and inclinations with regards to Jonah and his sexual preferences, and I loved the feelings and the emotions that were bought into play with the both of them as they work through their issues separately and together.
”Everywhere reminds me of you, Caroline. Everywhere.”
Can’t wait for more from this series!
ARC generously provided by Entangled, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
It’s safe to say that Tessa, has literally Owned the first book in the Serve series. I could not put it down; it started out decadently dirty, and kept me panting, sorry I meant reading, right up to its end!
”When was the last time you were properly fucked Caroline?” … “Never. The answer is never, because I’ve never fucked you.”
I think that anyone who has read a Tessa Bailey book knows that she has mad-skills when it comes to her dirty-talking alpha males. Jonah Briggs is no exception, and he is in my opinion the embodiment of the dirty-talking Dom, with a heart of solid gold. Your pleasure is his to devise, deliver and control… and give it he does, imaginatively and vigorously!
His name might be Jonah, but it was the only biblical quality he possessed.
”This isn’t over until I’ve been buried in you.”
There is always a risk with an opening book in a series, in that the characters that the story is meant to be around are somewhat diluted with the introduction of future characters and side plots. There is definitely the inclusion of secondary characters to Jonah and Caroline’s book, but they do not in any capacity detract from the story that is still wholly their own.
”Who you are… what you do… you’re not healthy for me.”
I loved Owned by Fate it is a sexy, dirty and imaginative read, but there is also quite a familial feel too it as well, with the development and direction that the story takes. Elizabeth fights almost up to the end of the book to deny her true feelings and inclinations with regards to Jonah and his sexual preferences, and I loved the feelings and the emotions that were bought into play with the both of them as they work through their issues separately and together.
”Everywhere reminds me of you, Caroline. Everywhere.”
Can’t wait for more from this series!
ARC generously provided by Entangled, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
August 3, 2015
3.5 Licorice stars
I’l keep this review short
Bad thing:
1. 3rd person POV
2. Confused Heroine
3. Sexual frustration
Good thing:
HOT DIRTY TALKING ALPHA HERO
“When is the last time you were properly fucked, Caroline?”
“Never. The answer is never, because I’ve never fucked you.”
Final Verdict
This was well written engaging story with great characters, lite BDSM elements and sizzling chemistry. All in all I enjoyed it.
October 16, 2014
3.5 Mixed Feelings Stars!
Caroline Preston, financial journalist, against her better judgment, has to visit Serve, a local BDSM club to 'research' for a column. Her family magazine is nearing bankruptcy and a merger with a lifestyles magazine could save it. Part of this requires her to open her mind to this lifestyle write her column in favor of it, instead of condemning it as dark and sadistic.
What Caroline doesn't bank on is meeting the elusive owner of Serve, Jonah Briggs. She's drawn to his alpha, controlling mannerisms. It doesn't take her but 1 shared drink for her to allow him to take her up to "the upper levels."
*************
I'm going to divide my review into what I liked and disliked about this book because, instead of being somewhere in the middle, there's things I LOVED and things I HATED.
I LOVED-
***Jonah's alpha character (especially in the 'Master' bedroom situations-pun not intended). Tessa Bailey can write some seriously hot heroes. Not needing a lot of character development, she gets the reader swooning within a few sentences out of his mouth. Talk about a hot, dirty talker!
***The premise of Serve as a series promises to be HOT. Can't wait for the future Doms that come our way...mainly Caroline's brother Oliver. I'm sensing a story between Oliver and her BFF.
***Sex scenes were scorching hot. I mean...SCORCHING! Talk about sex on a stick.
I HATED-
***The heroine. With passion. Omg. She was such a snooty bitch where Serve was concerned. I get that she thinks this isn't her cuppa, but she was so nasty to Jonah (after completely having her world rocked by him). She is basically too good for him, her reputation too esteemed to be linked to such debauchery. If she didn't keep coming back for more hot sex, then turning around and treating him like someone beneath her, I'd have some sympathy. In the end she redeemed herself a bit but not enough to change my sour attitude towards her.
So, she goes from this BEFORE sex-
“Trust me to know what I want. I want this, Jonah.”
He kissed her mouth hungrily once, then pulled back to trap her with a penetrating look. “Trust me, Caroline, to know what you need.”
To this AFTER sex-(the very same scene as above)
“I can’t be associated with you. It would be bad for my career. Bad for me personally.” She raised her hand and let it drop. “You brought me here tonight to enlighten me, but one night doesn’t make it something I could consider permanently. Or condone publicly.”
(Mixed signals, anyone?) Then she does an ultimate BITCH move after that encounter.
***Plot could've been a bit deeper. Story in itself was pretty basic.
***I hate when we get the whole, "he set eyes on her thru the security camera and HAD to have her." Breaking all his rules by bringing her upstairs with no background check. Or her, dropping all her issues with BDSM clubs and jumping into an elevator to embrace her inner submissive. Nope. Didn't buy it. It's kind of like that whole insta-love thing. Nope.
I overall enjoyed the book okay. It had a fair amount of steam (otherwise I'd have given up) and some angst. Looking forward to the next installment, with hopefully a less judgmental bitchy heroine.
And I thank you!
Caroline Preston, financial journalist, against her better judgment, has to visit Serve, a local BDSM club to 'research' for a column. Her family magazine is nearing bankruptcy and a merger with a lifestyles magazine could save it. Part of this requires her to open her mind to this lifestyle write her column in favor of it, instead of condemning it as dark and sadistic.
What Caroline doesn't bank on is meeting the elusive owner of Serve, Jonah Briggs. She's drawn to his alpha, controlling mannerisms. It doesn't take her but 1 shared drink for her to allow him to take her up to "the upper levels."
*************
I'm going to divide my review into what I liked and disliked about this book because, instead of being somewhere in the middle, there's things I LOVED and things I HATED.
I LOVED-
***Jonah's alpha character (especially in the 'Master' bedroom situations-pun not intended). Tessa Bailey can write some seriously hot heroes. Not needing a lot of character development, she gets the reader swooning within a few sentences out of his mouth. Talk about a hot, dirty talker!
***The premise of Serve as a series promises to be HOT. Can't wait for the future Doms that come our way...mainly Caroline's brother Oliver. I'm sensing a story between Oliver and her BFF.
***Sex scenes were scorching hot. I mean...SCORCHING! Talk about sex on a stick.
I HATED-
***The heroine. With passion. Omg. She was such a snooty bitch where Serve was concerned. I get that she thinks this isn't her cuppa, but she was so nasty to Jonah (after completely having her world rocked by him). She is basically too good for him, her reputation too esteemed to be linked to such debauchery. If she didn't keep coming back for more hot sex, then turning around and treating him like someone beneath her, I'd have some sympathy. In the end she redeemed herself a bit but not enough to change my sour attitude towards her.
So, she goes from this BEFORE sex-
“Trust me to know what I want. I want this, Jonah.”
He kissed her mouth hungrily once, then pulled back to trap her with a penetrating look. “Trust me, Caroline, to know what you need.”
To this AFTER sex-(the very same scene as above)
“I can’t be associated with you. It would be bad for my career. Bad for me personally.” She raised her hand and let it drop. “You brought me here tonight to enlighten me, but one night doesn’t make it something I could consider permanently. Or condone publicly.”
(Mixed signals, anyone?) Then she does an ultimate BITCH move after that encounter.
***Plot could've been a bit deeper. Story in itself was pretty basic.
***I hate when we get the whole, "he set eyes on her thru the security camera and HAD to have her." Breaking all his rules by bringing her upstairs with no background check. Or her, dropping all her issues with BDSM clubs and jumping into an elevator to embrace her inner submissive. Nope. Didn't buy it. It's kind of like that whole insta-love thing. Nope.
I overall enjoyed the book okay. It had a fair amount of steam (otherwise I'd have given up) and some angst. Looking forward to the next installment, with hopefully a less judgmental bitchy heroine.
And I thank you!
October 1, 2014
4-4.5 STARS
Caroline is a financial journalist and works for her father’s financial publication, “Preston’s Daily Finance”. The magazine is tanking, so they need to do something to save it from bankruptcy. Her brother comes with an “insane” idea, to add lifestyle articles, combining finance with more exotic articles, adventurous themes, BDSM included.
So, Caroline visits “Serve”, a BDSM Club. Caroline is not interested to try this lifestyle, she’s a vanilla girl; she’s only wants to write an article, to describe what she sees. Sitting and drinking a martini, she is approached by Jonah, the owner of the Club.
Jonah is mesmerized by Caroline. He breaks the club’s rules and his own rules and goes to talk with Caroline, even if he realizes she’s a beginner and she disapproves everything she sees at “Serve”. He can’t stay away.
Jonah is dark, sexy, enigmatic and a dirty talker. He wants Caroline, he wants to teach her what excatly means BDSM and he wants to pleasure her. He wants to satisfy her in every possible way.
Caroline is attracted and affected by Jonah. He makes her hot, he confuses her, but she’s determined to stay strong. They have a “moment” at the Club, but Caroline fears about her and her family reputation. She doesn’t want to be associated with a BDSM Club owner.
She knows Jonah is wrong for her, but she also knows their chemistry is strong and nobody affected her before like Jonah does. Jonah wants Caroline and he’s determined to prove her that they’re good together.
This was hot!!! I want Jonah for myself!
I really like this book! It had a great storyline and capture my attention from the first chapter. I couldn’t put it down! The characters are great, even if I only liked Caroline. She’s annoyed me and frustrated me big time! She’s at first a judgmental little bitch, but in the end somehow she redeems herself.
I loved Jonah! First because he is a dirty talker and who doesn’t love a sexy dirty talker?
He is charismatic, mysterious, possessive, confident and I’m sure the perfect DOM. I’m only sure because the BDSM aspect is light, so I’m pretty positive everybody will enjoy this, even those who usually don’t read BDSM. Just try and you will be hooked!
I found Jonah's character more developed than Caroline’s character. He’s an alpha male, that’s for sure, but he also is loving and responsible. He cares for Caroline after all her judgment, criticism and rejection. She's so lucky...
Their chemistry is sizzling hot and the sex...OMG...fantastic!
All in all, “Owned by Fate” is a sexy erotic romance with endearing characters, great storyline and a wonderful love story!
Caroline is a financial journalist and works for her father’s financial publication, “Preston’s Daily Finance”. The magazine is tanking, so they need to do something to save it from bankruptcy. Her brother comes with an “insane” idea, to add lifestyle articles, combining finance with more exotic articles, adventurous themes, BDSM included.
So, Caroline visits “Serve”, a BDSM Club. Caroline is not interested to try this lifestyle, she’s a vanilla girl; she’s only wants to write an article, to describe what she sees. Sitting and drinking a martini, she is approached by Jonah, the owner of the Club.
“Components of him were imperfect, but somehow when combined, he was…extraordinary.”
Jonah is mesmerized by Caroline. He breaks the club’s rules and his own rules and goes to talk with Caroline, even if he realizes she’s a beginner and she disapproves everything she sees at “Serve”. He can’t stay away.
“His name might be Jonah, but it was the only biblical quality he possessed.”
Jonah is dark, sexy, enigmatic and a dirty talker. He wants Caroline, he wants to teach her what excatly means BDSM and he wants to pleasure her. He wants to satisfy her in every possible way.
“When is the last time you were properly fucked, Caroline?”(…)
“Never. The answer is never, because I’ve never fucked you.”
Caroline is attracted and affected by Jonah. He makes her hot, he confuses her, but she’s determined to stay strong. They have a “moment” at the Club, but Caroline fears about her and her family reputation. She doesn’t want to be associated with a BDSM Club owner.
She knows Jonah is wrong for her, but she also knows their chemistry is strong and nobody affected her before like Jonah does. Jonah wants Caroline and he’s determined to prove her that they’re good together.
“I bet you’d like it now, wouldn’t you? You’d like me to unzip my pants and fuck you so hard you won’t be able to speak for a week?”
This was hot!!! I want Jonah for myself!
I really like this book! It had a great storyline and capture my attention from the first chapter. I couldn’t put it down! The characters are great, even if I only liked Caroline. She’s annoyed me and frustrated me big time! She’s at first a judgmental little bitch, but in the end somehow she redeems herself.
I loved Jonah! First because he is a dirty talker and who doesn’t love a sexy dirty talker?
Are you going to suck it? Or just play with it all night?
He is charismatic, mysterious, possessive, confident and I’m sure the perfect DOM. I’m only sure because the BDSM aspect is light, so I’m pretty positive everybody will enjoy this, even those who usually don’t read BDSM. Just try and you will be hooked!
I found Jonah's character more developed than Caroline’s character. He’s an alpha male, that’s for sure, but he also is loving and responsible. He cares for Caroline after all her judgment, criticism and rejection. She's so lucky...
Their chemistry is sizzling hot and the sex...OMG...fantastic!
All in all, “Owned by Fate” is a sexy erotic romance with endearing characters, great storyline and a wonderful love story!
November 21, 2014
Can Tessa Bailey write something bad? NO! I don't think she can!
This is fabulous. 200 pages of great heat between two smart characters. It's a taboo love story where two people are in deep mind-consuming lust! Just one night...yeah, that's not gonna happen!
Jonah is off the charts amazing and Caroline is smart and quirky fun. both are easy to love and quite perfect together!
This is fabulous. 200 pages of great heat between two smart characters. It's a taboo love story where two people are in deep mind-consuming lust! Just one night...yeah, that's not gonna happen!
Jonah is off the charts amazing and Caroline is smart and quirky fun. both are easy to love and quite perfect together!
October 1, 2014
Reading the description for Owned by Fate you’d expect for it to be a fiery hot romance, and it was, but I didn’t expect some of the tender and heartbreaking emotions I felt. A steamy romance is always welcome but I appreciate it when an author makes me feel for the characters, and makes it more than just sex. Tessa Bailey pulled that off brilliantly here.
Caroline must write an opinion piece on Serve, a successful bar/BDSM club that caters to a lifestyle she looks down on with every fiber of her being. But her brother convinced her to write the article to help her family’s floundering magazine and business. As part of her research, Caroline visits the club expecting to be disgusted but instead she’s intrigued and a bit overcome. She meets Jonah, the Serve’s owner, and her attraction to this forbidden man is overpowering. He convinces her to go against her better judgment and find out exactly what happens upstairs in the exclusive part of the club.
Jonah has no idea Caroline is there to write an article on his club, he just knows that the minute he spied her on the club’s security feed upstairs he had to come down and meet her. It’s immediately apparent that Caroline’s there with the intention of hating everything about the lifestyle he embraces, but he senses her conflicted feelings. As much as Caroline wants to despise his club, Jonah can tell she’s a little thrilled by what she’s labeled as deviant.
Caroline was so judgmental through much of this story, and even though I was frustrated a few times with her, the flashes of guilt and honesty made me more tolerant. I could see the gradual shift in her opinions as she got to see “the man” Jonah instead of just her preconceived ideas. Through it all Caroline had sympathy others feelings, especially Jonah, and so it was easy to like her.
I completely adored Jonah. He wasn’t your typical “dominant” you’d find in a BDSM novel. Yes, he liked to dominate in the bedroom behind closed doors, but that was hardly the main feature of his personality. He was sweet, and caring with a vulnerable side. Jonah is intensely attracted to Caroline, she has a pull on him like no other, but at the back of his mind is the fact that she wants him in spite of herself. Caroline makes it clear that she takes no pleasure in the fact that she’s drawn to him and his lifestyle, and this hurts him, makes him feel less for his tendencies.
There were sexy times that had me squirming in my seat. Tessa Bailey knows how to write scenes that could light your panties on fire!
“If I sit across from you much longer, I’m going to pull you astride my lap and kiss your superbly formed mouth until you soak straight through my pants.—“It wouldn’t take long, sweetheart. I can do amazing things with my tongue.”
I enjoyed the steam, but I loved witnessing Jonah gradually burrow his way into Caroline’s heart and mind, even more. I don’t think there’s a female out there that could resist his pull.
Owned by Fate was a sizzling romance with a strong emotional pull to make you root for Caroline and Jonah’s HEA! Another win by Tessa Bailey!
A copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Caroline must write an opinion piece on Serve, a successful bar/BDSM club that caters to a lifestyle she looks down on with every fiber of her being. But her brother convinced her to write the article to help her family’s floundering magazine and business. As part of her research, Caroline visits the club expecting to be disgusted but instead she’s intrigued and a bit overcome. She meets Jonah, the Serve’s owner, and her attraction to this forbidden man is overpowering. He convinces her to go against her better judgment and find out exactly what happens upstairs in the exclusive part of the club.
Jonah has no idea Caroline is there to write an article on his club, he just knows that the minute he spied her on the club’s security feed upstairs he had to come down and meet her. It’s immediately apparent that Caroline’s there with the intention of hating everything about the lifestyle he embraces, but he senses her conflicted feelings. As much as Caroline wants to despise his club, Jonah can tell she’s a little thrilled by what she’s labeled as deviant.
Caroline was so judgmental through much of this story, and even though I was frustrated a few times with her, the flashes of guilt and honesty made me more tolerant. I could see the gradual shift in her opinions as she got to see “the man” Jonah instead of just her preconceived ideas. Through it all Caroline had sympathy others feelings, especially Jonah, and so it was easy to like her.
I completely adored Jonah. He wasn’t your typical “dominant” you’d find in a BDSM novel. Yes, he liked to dominate in the bedroom behind closed doors, but that was hardly the main feature of his personality. He was sweet, and caring with a vulnerable side. Jonah is intensely attracted to Caroline, she has a pull on him like no other, but at the back of his mind is the fact that she wants him in spite of herself. Caroline makes it clear that she takes no pleasure in the fact that she’s drawn to him and his lifestyle, and this hurts him, makes him feel less for his tendencies.
There were sexy times that had me squirming in my seat. Tessa Bailey knows how to write scenes that could light your panties on fire!
“If I sit across from you much longer, I’m going to pull you astride my lap and kiss your superbly formed mouth until you soak straight through my pants.—“It wouldn’t take long, sweetheart. I can do amazing things with my tongue.”
I enjoyed the steam, but I loved witnessing Jonah gradually burrow his way into Caroline’s heart and mind, even more. I don’t think there’s a female out there that could resist his pull.
Owned by Fate was a sizzling romance with a strong emotional pull to make you root for Caroline and Jonah’s HEA! Another win by Tessa Bailey!
A copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2016
I can say with sureness now that I am an official fan of Tessa Bailey's works even if this is my first book of hers. As I'm already finishing this and starting her newest Worked Up right away.
I already expected TB to be the queen of dirty talkers that I know she is but I didn't get how much her writing is so good and her characters are so entertaining until I read it myself.
Here we have the introduction to Serve, Our New York City’s hottest BDSM club. The club owner Vs The respected financial journalist.
Although this isn't a forbidden romance, it felt like one to me.
How she struggles under her own response towards Jonah and his life style even though she's sure that this is unacceptable and even hated.
"Her mind rejects his world. But her body knows its master"
“I knew all about this mouth the second I saw you. Knew you’d be a dirty girl if I got you kneeling. Suck it hard and prove me right."
There is no doubt how hot this book was. But it has also a lot of elements to it involving work and family relationships.
“It doesn't matter which room we’re in or where we are, Caroline. You’re going to get it rough every single time because that’s how we both like it. Isn't that right? You like that pussy punished, baby."
"He’d reached the point where being around her and knowing she didn’t find him good enough was equal to the pain of being without her"
Over all I loved the book so much that I decided to continue the series to find more about the side characters and who more will be associated with the club.
December 10, 2014
3 LoLiPoP StArS
*KINKY* *DIRTY* *HOT*
No one does hot, dirty talking males like Missy Bailey....No ONE!!
Another great read.
*KINKY* *DIRTY* *HOT*
No one does hot, dirty talking males like Missy Bailey....No ONE!!
Another great read.
March 1, 2015
Caroline doesn’t want her family’s publication to fail, but she also doesn’t want it associated with the BDSM lifestyle. When an offer is made that could save the publication, Caroline is placed in the middle between her brother, who wants to accept the offer and her father, who doesn’t want his family name sullied. Writing an article to test the waters brings Caroline to Serve, the BDSM club where she meets Jonah.
Jonah’s been plagued by his connection to his club and his lifestyle. No one sees beyond the Dominant to see the man that lurks beneath. Caroline is no different. He knew that getting her to go upstairs was pushing her beyond her comfort zone, getting her to admit that she wanted what he had to offer was damn near impossible. But he also knew that when her mind may scream no, he could get her body to beg for it.
In one night, Johan takes everything that Caroline thought about passion and sex and turns it inside out. But it isn’t enough to keep her from running for the hills. Luckily Jonah isn’t one to give up to easily.
This was my first Tessa Bailey read and even though I’ve seen quite a few positive reviews of her prior books from friends, I was a little hesitant to pick this up at first. After trying to find a book that satisfied my thirst for something a little bit kinky, a little mix of instant chemistry and desire, and let’s face it... a dirty talker... I ended up taking the leap and dove right in.
What I absolutely loved about this was Jonah. From his dirty mouth, the vulnerability that showed itself every now and then and the way he was ready to take what he wanted. There was one particular part of the story around 64% where I was cheering out loud.
“No, he couldn’t take this. Couldn’t sit there and watch her enjoy the company of any other man besides himself. It went against the voice shouting in his head. The one chanting, Mine, mine, mine, on a loop until he almost bellowed it out loud.”
Throw in a growly-possessive “Mine” and my knees go weak. And let’s just get to the dirty talking.
“Spread those legs, sweetheart. Show me where the paddle made you wet.” I died.
When it comes to a romance, no matter what box it fits into – I need a hero that I can love. Rarely will the heroine make the story work for me. And there was just something about Jonah that hit all of those buttons.
“Why don’t we start with your name?” ...
“The one I was given at birth or the one I’d prefer you to call me?” ...
“Both.” ...
“Jonah.” ... “Master.”
Caroline wasn’t a weak link, but I would have preferred her to be a little more confident in her own feelings. She was conflicted between what she thought was right and what her body wanted, but she also was not fully admitting her true feelings to herself. She tried to bury the feelings of anything beyond pleasure from her mind.
The story was well put together, the characters were developed beautifully and the scenes were sizzling. I can’t see myself passing up one of her books now that I’ve seen what all the fuss is about. I look forward to the rest of this series and to picking up a few of her previous releases. If you are a fan of BDSM reads that are not solely focused on the play of the couple, but rather the exploration of the story of two lovers experiencing it; this is a great book to pick up.
September 23, 2014
This book should come with a combustion warning.
Owned by Fate owned me by the end of the second chapter. Tessa Bailey is royalty when it comes to bringing us a man who exudes charm, wit, confidence yet vulnerability, a confident lady who doesn't make his life easy and who you would want as your best-friend and page-burning, panty-busting, time-for-a-cold-shower passion. Jonah Briggs and Caroline Reynolds were no exception.
I seriously loved this couple, their chemistry was exquisite and Jonah is a Master...of a paddle, a whip and dirty dirty talk. If BDSM isn't your thing then don't let that deter you, because whilst Jonah is a Dom in the true sense of the word, he isn't cold or callous with it. I adored him. 10% in and I was getting the side-eye from the husband for the groans of sheer appreciation I was emitting.
“That hot, throbbing feeling. The one between your legs. I know it’s there, sweetheart, and it needs me. Come with me now and I’ll bring it screaming out of you.”
Caroline's dislike of the lifestyle yet curiosity felt realistic and natural and Jonah treated her fears and reticence in the most perfect way whilst staying true to his own needs and desires. They absolutely sizzled together and in true Tessa Bailey style, heartfelt, touching content was injected along the way. Her Line of Duty series is in my top ten favourite reads. Owned by Fate is of the same standard - the writing style, the character voices, the storyline, they were all perfect for me. My cup is overflowing with love, my pants have melted and I have absolutely zero doubt that you will fall head-over-heels in love with Jonah and Caroline. Whilst BDSM club based stories don't always work for me, I've been left desperate to return to Serve.
Reviewed for Read Your Writes Book Reviews.
Copy received courtesy of Entangled Publishing for an honest and unbiased opinion.
Owned by Fate owned me by the end of the second chapter. Tessa Bailey is royalty when it comes to bringing us a man who exudes charm, wit, confidence yet vulnerability, a confident lady who doesn't make his life easy and who you would want as your best-friend and page-burning, panty-busting, time-for-a-cold-shower passion. Jonah Briggs and Caroline Reynolds were no exception.
I seriously loved this couple, their chemistry was exquisite and Jonah is a Master...of a paddle, a whip and dirty dirty talk. If BDSM isn't your thing then don't let that deter you, because whilst Jonah is a Dom in the true sense of the word, he isn't cold or callous with it. I adored him. 10% in and I was getting the side-eye from the husband for the groans of sheer appreciation I was emitting.
“That hot, throbbing feeling. The one between your legs. I know it’s there, sweetheart, and it needs me. Come with me now and I’ll bring it screaming out of you.”
Caroline's dislike of the lifestyle yet curiosity felt realistic and natural and Jonah treated her fears and reticence in the most perfect way whilst staying true to his own needs and desires. They absolutely sizzled together and in true Tessa Bailey style, heartfelt, touching content was injected along the way. Her Line of Duty series is in my top ten favourite reads. Owned by Fate is of the same standard - the writing style, the character voices, the storyline, they were all perfect for me. My cup is overflowing with love, my pants have melted and I have absolutely zero doubt that you will fall head-over-heels in love with Jonah and Caroline. Whilst BDSM club based stories don't always work for me, I've been left desperate to return to Serve.
Reviewed for Read Your Writes Book Reviews.
Copy received courtesy of Entangled Publishing for an honest and unbiased opinion.
March 7, 2018
I liked this a lot. I thought it was a great book about a woman's entry into the world of BDSM without being too over the top.
The hero genuinely cared for the heroine, and her feelings regarding his lifestyle, so it was a lot easier to believe a relationship was born out of their circumstances.
Of course, with this being a Tessa Bailey novel, the dirty talk is always the best, but the heroine and her inner monologues and give and take with our hero was just as likable.
The hero genuinely cared for the heroine, and her feelings regarding his lifestyle, so it was a lot easier to believe a relationship was born out of their circumstances.
Of course, with this being a Tessa Bailey novel, the dirty talk is always the best, but the heroine and her inner monologues and give and take with our hero was just as likable.
June 28, 2017
OH MY GOD.
Such a beautiful, wonderful book.
"Owned by Fate" is the first book in "Serve" series, and what an amazing start to it!
Caroline is a journalist, who decides to write an expose article about the notorious BDSM club Serve , to save her family magazine "Preston".
Going to the club with her best friend Elisa, she runs into the club owner Jonas, and instant sparks lead to blazing fire.
The book has Caroline constantly making and fighting her preconceptions, and pushing Jonas away only to go back to him- and Jonas treating her like his lifeline. There was a lot of emotional conflict and pushing away by the heroine..But the hero.
Oh Lord Jonas definitely goes into my vault of book husbands. The obsession, devotion and love he had for Caroline is insane. His craving for her, for a sense of normalcy, for his estranged daughter Gabby and especially for her acceptance makes this book a worth reread. I FLOVED HIM!
The BDSM aspects are mild, the couple is in a sort of? D/S relationship, but the heroine denies it until the very end.
Worth the read, all because of Jonas and super heavy an heartbreaking angst.
Cant wait for more in this series.
Safe
4.5/5
Such a beautiful, wonderful book.
"Owned by Fate" is the first book in "Serve" series, and what an amazing start to it!
Caroline is a journalist, who decides to write an expose article about the notorious BDSM club Serve , to save her family magazine "Preston".
Going to the club with her best friend Elisa, she runs into the club owner Jonas, and instant sparks lead to blazing fire.
The book has Caroline constantly making and fighting her preconceptions, and pushing Jonas away only to go back to him- and Jonas treating her like his lifeline. There was a lot of emotional conflict and pushing away by the heroine..But the hero.
Oh Lord Jonas definitely goes into my vault of book husbands. The obsession, devotion and love he had for Caroline is insane. His craving for her, for a sense of normalcy, for his estranged daughter Gabby and especially for her acceptance makes this book a worth reread. I FLOVED HIM!
The BDSM aspects are mild, the couple is in a sort of? D/S relationship, but the heroine denies it until the very end.
Worth the read, all because of Jonas and super heavy an heartbreaking angst.
Cant wait for more in this series.
Safe
4.5/5
July 25, 2023
First, please note this is NOT a BDSM book. He might own a club, but there's nothing in this book about it other than her calling him Master and him spanking her. That's it.
Caroline (reporter, hypocritical, self-righteous b*tch) is looking into a BDSM club that her brother wants to introduce to her family's financial magazine (that's the short version). She meets Jonah (owner of club, single dad) at his club and he falls for her instantly. She judges him at every single turn. Criticizes and insults him. She thinks he's disgusting for owning that type of club and she's not going to sink to his level, but guess what, she still wants to f*ck him. Unfortunately, Jonah can't let her go. He keeps pursuing her even when she continually hurts him.
He also has a kid that he just found out about and he's trying to get visitation with. Nothing puts a halt on sexy times like kids.
Anyway - the story was ruined by Caroline. Hated her. She didn't deserve him. The 2 stars are for Jonah.
Caroline (reporter, hypocritical, self-righteous b*tch) is looking into a BDSM club that her brother wants to introduce to her family's financial magazine (that's the short version). She meets Jonah (owner of club, single dad) at his club and he falls for her instantly. She judges him at every single turn. Criticizes and insults him. She thinks he's disgusting for owning that type of club and she's not going to sink to his level, but guess what, she still wants to f*ck him. Unfortunately, Jonah can't let her go. He keeps pursuing her even when she continually hurts him.
He also has a kid that he just found out about and he's trying to get visitation with. Nothing puts a halt on sexy times like kids.
Anyway - the story was ruined by Caroline. Hated her. She didn't deserve him. The 2 stars are for Jonah.
March 14, 2015
I'm in the minority on this one. Sorry, guys.
I just couldn't stand the heroine and it ruined the book for me. She gave a lot of lip service to being an objective journalist, but from the get go she was biased. She was a complete bigot. It made it impossible for me to root for her and had me wondering why Jonah would even want her, given her beliefs and the way she continually treats him.
Not my cuppa. Sorry.
I just couldn't stand the heroine and it ruined the book for me. She gave a lot of lip service to being an objective journalist, but from the get go she was biased. She was a complete bigot. It made it impossible for me to root for her and had me wondering why Jonah would even want her, given her beliefs and the way she continually treats him.
Not my cuppa. Sorry.
Read
October 25, 2014DNF @29%
Bored
Bored
September 29, 2014
“You got into the elevator with me after the things I said to you?” He braced his hands above her head.
“I don’t know whether to be grateful or pissed off.”
“Go with grateful,” she breathed.
A muscle in his jaw flexed. “I don’t understand you, Caroline. You seemed so cautious and level-headed, then you follow me in here, knowing I want to fucking debauch you.” His mouth brushed over hers and he groaned. “I have a weakness for inconsistencies.”
“Join the club.” She tried mightily to steady her voice. “It’s why I followed you.”
“Is that so? Curious girl.”
She nodded shakily. “Why don’t we start with your name?”
He dragged his tongue across his teeth. “The one I was given at birth or the one I’d prefer you to call me?”
Caroline swallowed hard, already regretting her answer. “Both.”
“Jonah.” He pressed his hips forward. “Master.”
3.75 RATING -Owned by Fate is the first book in the Serve series by author Tessa Bailey and is told through dual points of view of the two main characters, Caroline and Jonah. Owned by Fate should be considered a stand-alone, as each book in the Serve series will focus on different characters.
Caroline Preston’s family business is on the edge of bankruptcy. As a last ditch effort to increase sales of the financial magazine her family publishes, Caroline agrees to write a story on the BDSM club, Serve, to gauge interest from their subscribers in more titilating subject matter. She’s against the idea but is desperate and willing to do anything to save her families magazine. That’s where she meets the Jonah Briggs…
Jonah Briggs has his hands full, managing Serve and trying to work through some unexpected family issues. He doesn’t need anything distracting him and usually has no problems keeping his head in the game, until he meets Caroline…
God, he didn't know what about this girl inspired him to leave his self-discipline in the dust, but he intended to find out. His instincts told him she needed him, even if she didn't know why. And hell if he didn't need her, too.
Fans of Tessa Bailey will appreciate the dirty talk hero and the overall sexiness of the story. The writing was solid and the pacing good. The story is everything you’d expect from a Tessa Bailey/Entangled Brazen title. That being said, Owned by Fate wasn’t my favorite story from this author. I think one of the main reasons why I struggled with the story is I didn’t care for the heroine for most of the book. I found her uptight and judgemental. I also thought she was spineless in her dealings with her brother and father regarding the business and she came across as selfish and even hurtful to Jonah with a few of her comments. Because of my dislike for the heroine, I had a hard time rating this. I finally settled for 3.75. A solid four for the writing and quality but a 3.50 for how much I liked the story.
Overall, Owned by Fate was a sexy quick read and I did enjoy it but not as much as I was expecting based on this author being one of my favorites. I recommend for readers that enjoy BDSM ultra-lite stories, dirty talking hero’s, and all Tessa Bailey fans.
Thanks to Entangled Publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
October 1, 2014
ARC generously provided by entangled publishing in exchange for an honest review..
4 Your hand, my ass stars
Caroline Preston finds her journalistic journey taking her into a BDSM club called Serve. Her families financial magazine was on a downward spiral, heading straight for bankruptcy, until her brother, Oliver, had a preposterous idea. He had found a potential backer who specialised in lifestyle magazines, and thought a mix of finance and adventurous themes may be a hook that landed them a wealthy clientele.
So here she was..looking down her nose with disdain, and wondering who on earth leads a life like this.
Jonah Briggs is Serve’s owner, and when he first spots Caroline sucking on a lollipop martini, he makes it his mission to show her his way.
The liquorice smelling dominant had me in a puddle from the very beginning. Tessa is a master at portraying a dirty talker, making it very easy for me to exist purely on her books alone *nirvana*.
I loved, loved Jonah and all his wicked ways, delivered with care and deliciousness. Caroline was a fighter, fighting her latent urges, so much so that I did feel a little sorry for Jonah, given her constant rebuffs.
A fantastic start to another series by a favourite, go to author. Too excited for the rest of the series, and Oliver next..!!
4 Your hand, my ass stars
”So a respected financial journalist and an award-winning interior designer walk into a BDSM club..”
Caroline Preston finds her journalistic journey taking her into a BDSM club called Serve. Her families financial magazine was on a downward spiral, heading straight for bankruptcy, until her brother, Oliver, had a preposterous idea. He had found a potential backer who specialised in lifestyle magazines, and thought a mix of finance and adventurous themes may be a hook that landed them a wealthy clientele.
So here she was..looking down her nose with disdain, and wondering who on earth leads a life like this.
”Caroline concluded the owner must have an odd sense of humour. One would have to, she reasoned, to build a business model on the foundation of spankings.”
Jonah Briggs is Serve’s owner, and when he first spots Caroline sucking on a lollipop martini, he makes it his mission to show her his way.
”The man didn’t walk. He prowled"
The liquorice smelling dominant had me in a puddle from the very beginning. Tessa is a master at portraying a dirty talker, making it very easy for me to exist purely on her books alone *nirvana*.
”Sweetheart, I’m thick and unforgiving. You’re going to feel every merciless inch"
I loved, loved Jonah and all his wicked ways, delivered with care and deliciousness. Caroline was a fighter, fighting her latent urges, so much so that I did feel a little sorry for Jonah, given her constant rebuffs.
”He’d grabbed hold of her libido and shaken it like a snow globe."
A fantastic start to another series by a favourite, go to author. Too excited for the rest of the series, and Oliver next..!!
September 12, 2014
You know how when you find an author that truly delivers everything you want in the books you love reading? An author that keeps you on pins and needles, waiting for a snippit of her next book? You've read them all, loved each and every one of them, read them twice, thinking it just can't get any better? Yeah, that one.
Oh, You've read Tessa Bailey, too? Well, my friend, you ain't read nothing, yet.
I love when one of my favorite authors blows my expectations out of the water. I love watching their level of creativity grow, the debth of their characters take on new heights. I love when a book reaches in and takes hold of my emotions.
This is that book.
Yes, this book has Ms. Bailey's signature mouth-watering, put-on-your-#ShamwowPanties-'cause-you're- sure-as-hell-gonna'-need'em, Alpha male...but Johan, oh, Johah! The tortured hero, the damaged Dom with a dirty mouth and sex appeal oozing from every mouth watering inch of his...glorious body. And Caroline--the strong, independent female, torn between wanting a man whose lifestyle goes against everything she believes in, yet pulls her helplessly to him, and saving her family business.
I'm not going into the plot, which I must say worked extremely well, because you're going to get that rundown many, many times. I'm just going to say that this is one of Ms. Bailey's finest works to date, and very well worth the wait.
An ARC was generously provided by the publisher in return for an honest review and in no way influenced my opinion or enjoyment of this book, and as soon as my One-click preorder downloads, I'll be reading this gem again.
**Full credit to my fellow Bailey's Babe (you know who you are) for the #ShamewowPanties!
Oh, You've read Tessa Bailey, too? Well, my friend, you ain't read nothing, yet.
I love when one of my favorite authors blows my expectations out of the water. I love watching their level of creativity grow, the debth of their characters take on new heights. I love when a book reaches in and takes hold of my emotions.
This is that book.
Yes, this book has Ms. Bailey's signature mouth-watering, put-on-your-#ShamwowPanties-'cause-you're- sure-as-hell-gonna'-need'em, Alpha male...but Johan, oh, Johah! The tortured hero, the damaged Dom with a dirty mouth and sex appeal oozing from every mouth watering inch of his...glorious body. And Caroline--the strong, independent female, torn between wanting a man whose lifestyle goes against everything she believes in, yet pulls her helplessly to him, and saving her family business.
I'm not going into the plot, which I must say worked extremely well, because you're going to get that rundown many, many times. I'm just going to say that this is one of Ms. Bailey's finest works to date, and very well worth the wait.
An ARC was generously provided by the publisher in return for an honest review and in no way influenced my opinion or enjoyment of this book, and as soon as my One-click preorder downloads, I'll be reading this gem again.
**Full credit to my fellow Bailey's Babe (you know who you are) for the #ShamewowPanties!
September 16, 2014
**I received an ARC courtesy of the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
This is my first Tessa Bailey book! I was impressed...and a bit turned on.
Jonah is the owner of the nightclub/BDSM club, Serve. He's sexy and sweet. He smells like licorice and he's a filthy talker. He also just recently found out he has an eight year old daughter who he is desperately trying to get rights to see. One Friday night while watching the monitors at Serve, a lovely caramel-haired, glasses-wearing, slightly uptight woman catches his eye.
Caroline is a journalist for her father's financial paper, Preston's, and she is at Serve to hopefully do a "3rd floor" story, one she's certain will be negative. But she wasn't expecting Jonah.
This book is hawt right out of the gate. Caroline is receptive but then propriety kicks in and she runs. The story was somewhat predictable and cliché at times. I liked what Caroline did at the end. She grew some lady balls and stepped up. Enjoyable read. I'll be looking into reading more from Bailey.
This is my first Tessa Bailey book! I was impressed...and a bit turned on.
Jonah is the owner of the nightclub/BDSM club, Serve. He's sexy and sweet. He smells like licorice and he's a filthy talker. He also just recently found out he has an eight year old daughter who he is desperately trying to get rights to see. One Friday night while watching the monitors at Serve, a lovely caramel-haired, glasses-wearing, slightly uptight woman catches his eye.
Caroline is a journalist for her father's financial paper, Preston's, and she is at Serve to hopefully do a "3rd floor" story, one she's certain will be negative. But she wasn't expecting Jonah.
This book is hawt right out of the gate. Caroline is receptive but then propriety kicks in and she runs. The story was somewhat predictable and cliché at times. I liked what Caroline did at the end. She grew some lady balls and stepped up. Enjoyable read. I'll be looking into reading more from Bailey.
January 6, 2016
This was OK. Caroline goes to a BDSM club to do "research" and meets Jonah. She walks in w/ a bad attitude thinking this lifestyle just isn't her thing. I'm sure you can see where this is going.
I liked Jonah, we was dominant but had a serious soft side. Caroline, however got on my nerves with the whole "we can't do this," "I can't see you anymore" blah, blah and yet keeps going back for me.
Also, the whole magazine business...how the whole merger with a "lifestyle" magazine story...just didn't do it for me.
Having said that, it was a quick read w/ some pretty hot sex and dirty talking!
I liked Jonah, we was dominant but had a serious soft side. Caroline, however got on my nerves with the whole "we can't do this," "I can't see you anymore" blah, blah and yet keeps going back for me.
Also, the whole magazine business...how the whole merger with a "lifestyle" magazine story...just didn't do it for me.
Having said that, it was a quick read w/ some pretty hot sex and dirty talking!
June 18, 2015
What more do I need to say. As usual Tessa Did not disappoint.
Loved it. can't wait to read the next one
October 3, 2014
3.5 stars
This one was predictable but it was still pretty hot...
This one was predictable but it was still pretty hot...
January 28, 2018
Every goddamn time I read a book by Tessa Bailey I am put through the wringer. My god. This lady sure knows how to pull on my heart strings and hit me hard. All. The. Feels.
Caroline Preston is doing a feature story about the new rage in kinky sex since it became mainstream since a particular book was published. The piece is to see if those kind of topics would turn her family magazine around from bankruptcy. I couldn't understand how she became this award winning journalist when she lacked objectivity. From the get go she was dead set against going to the BDSM club, Serve and was reluctant, doubtful and skeptical every step of the way. She may claim to be there for the facts but she had her nose upturned for most of the time that I felt like hitting her upside the head!
Her obvious disdain grabs the attention of the clubs owner, Jonah Briggs, who makes an unexpected trip downstairs to speak to her. Their magnetism and chemistry was off the charts. Ms Bailey's descriptions alone were, as usual, beyond freakin hot.
Don't be dissuaded by the BDSM - it was actually light by all accounts. Its the growth and development of the two main characters that suck you in and packs the punch.
I've said this before and will probably say this for every book I read by Tessa Bailey: I LOVE HER!
Caroline Preston is doing a feature story about the new rage in kinky sex since it became mainstream since a particular book was published. The piece is to see if those kind of topics would turn her family magazine around from bankruptcy. I couldn't understand how she became this award winning journalist when she lacked objectivity. From the get go she was dead set against going to the BDSM club, Serve and was reluctant, doubtful and skeptical every step of the way. She may claim to be there for the facts but she had her nose upturned for most of the time that I felt like hitting her upside the head!
Her obvious disdain grabs the attention of the clubs owner, Jonah Briggs, who makes an unexpected trip downstairs to speak to her. Their magnetism and chemistry was off the charts. Ms Bailey's descriptions alone were, as usual, beyond freakin hot.
Don't be dissuaded by the BDSM - it was actually light by all accounts. Its the growth and development of the two main characters that suck you in and packs the punch.
I've said this before and will probably say this for every book I read by Tessa Bailey: I LOVE HER!
November 23, 2014
Buddy read with Aly (who thankfully enjoyed it more than I did!)
As a huge fan of Tessa Bailey's dirty talking heroes in her Line of Duty series I was incredibly excited to find out that she was co-writing a new series set in a BDSM club and couldn't wait to read Owned by Fate. I had such high hopes for this story but if I'm honest I only just managed to finish it which was a real disappointment.
I think my main issue was that I really hated the heroine so as much as I liked Jonah Caroline pretty much ruined the book for me. Caroline is a journalist who helps run her family financial magazine, the last thing she wants is to make the magazine more edgy but sales are falling and they need to do something drastic if they want to save the business. She agrees to write a piece about one of New York's hottest BDSM club but she goes into it completely prejudiced against the lifestyle and determined to hate every minute of it. I found it pretty impossible to believe that someone who was so anti all things BDSM would then go on to have a one night stand with a Dom on her very first visit to the club. I could have forgiven that if her attitude had started to change but she goes on and on about how she's a respectable woman and BDSM is wrong and quite frankly I wanted to punch her in the face.
Caroline is basically a stuck up snob who thinks she's way too good for Jonah, she constantly looks down her nose at him but even when she is judging his lifestyle choices negatively she still can't help herself from falling into bed with him. Jonah was much more likeable but I couldn't for the life in me understand what he saw in Caroline. There was nothing about her that made it believable he would fall for her and the more he let her get away with treating him like crap the harder I found it to respect him. He starts the story as a pretty decent Dom (who is also the owner of the club she keeps knocking!) but he pretty much rewards her for looking treating him like crap and then begs her to spend time with him. I can't see any self-respecting Dom acting like that and it was just too much for me.
Although I didn't enjoy Owned by Fate as much as I expected to I do still have hope for the series and have bought the next book because I like Caroline's brother Oliver and her friend Eliza. Since my main problem with this book was the fact I hated Caroline I'm hoping I'll have more luck with those two! I know I'm actually in the minority not liking this book so don't let me put you off giving it a go. The sex scenes are hot, the dirty talk is great and if you can ignore the judgemental heroine you'll probably enjoy this much more than I did.
As a huge fan of Tessa Bailey's dirty talking heroes in her Line of Duty series I was incredibly excited to find out that she was co-writing a new series set in a BDSM club and couldn't wait to read Owned by Fate. I had such high hopes for this story but if I'm honest I only just managed to finish it which was a real disappointment.
I think my main issue was that I really hated the heroine so as much as I liked Jonah Caroline pretty much ruined the book for me. Caroline is a journalist who helps run her family financial magazine, the last thing she wants is to make the magazine more edgy but sales are falling and they need to do something drastic if they want to save the business. She agrees to write a piece about one of New York's hottest BDSM club but she goes into it completely prejudiced against the lifestyle and determined to hate every minute of it. I found it pretty impossible to believe that someone who was so anti all things BDSM would then go on to have a one night stand with a Dom on her very first visit to the club. I could have forgiven that if her attitude had started to change but she goes on and on about how she's a respectable woman and BDSM is wrong and quite frankly I wanted to punch her in the face.
Caroline is basically a stuck up snob who thinks she's way too good for Jonah, she constantly looks down her nose at him but even when she is judging his lifestyle choices negatively she still can't help herself from falling into bed with him. Jonah was much more likeable but I couldn't for the life in me understand what he saw in Caroline. There was nothing about her that made it believable he would fall for her and the more he let her get away with treating him like crap the harder I found it to respect him. He starts the story as a pretty decent Dom (who is also the owner of the club she keeps knocking!) but he pretty much rewards her for looking treating him like crap and then begs her to spend time with him. I can't see any self-respecting Dom acting like that and it was just too much for me.
Although I didn't enjoy Owned by Fate as much as I expected to I do still have hope for the series and have bought the next book because I like Caroline's brother Oliver and her friend Eliza. Since my main problem with this book was the fact I hated Caroline I'm hoping I'll have more luck with those two! I know I'm actually in the minority not liking this book so don't let me put you off giving it a go. The sex scenes are hot, the dirty talk is great and if you can ignore the judgemental heroine you'll probably enjoy this much more than I did.
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