Wicked

As a legendary Dominant in the local sex clubs, Karl Dawson never lacks for a willing playmate. But lately, he has begun to feel as if something is missing. He has a successful career, a great house, good friends - everything a man could want, right? So he thinks, until the sassy Lara Fox walks into his life. The irreverent Lara is the greatest challenge a Master like Karl could hope for - a natural submissive who hasn't yet discovered that part of herself. It will take all of his skill as a Dom to tame this little firecracker, but Karl is more than up to the challenge! Sasha White knows how to write a mean BDSM romance! OK, not mean as in evil - no, mean as in wickedly naughty in the very best ways! But I need to stress that romance is very much the operative word here. Yes, these stories are heavy in the BDSM department, but they are definitely about two people in loving relationships. They just happen to have Dom/sub tendencies. There is no degradation, no real pain that is present in any of the acts this couple share together, and both the reader and the submissive feel safe at all times in the hands of the author and her Dominant hero. Fans were first introduced to Karl Dawson in Bound, and met him again in Trouble, but readers who haven't yet read those books will easily slip into this world without issue. Wicked is a self-contained story that acts perfectly as a standalone novel, but will definitely make you curious about the other stories connected to it. Throughout the journey we take with Karl and Lara, the readers enjoy an omniscient view, affording them insight as to Karl's thoughts as he learns how to train his unrealized submissive. I was intrigued to `listen' to his thoughts as he considered the best way to simultaneously train Lara, pleasure her, and break through her considerable defenses regarding relationships and commitment. Because Lara is most certainly commitment phobic. Having been on her own since her mid-teens, this independent woman learned early to fend for herself and not depend on others. Her very survival demanded it. Forming few attachments, she even keeps her closest friends at arms' length. Watching as she learns to trust and love without reservation is absolutely heartwarming. I think this is one of the things that most draws me to BDSM romances - the trust building. It absolutely fascinates me to read about two people who can give themselves to each other so completely. OK, so the sex in Wicked is pretty dang hot, too, truth be told! But it wouldn't be without the trust and love that Sasha White shows between our couple. For a touching story that beautifully exhibits the true meaning of the term `BDSM Romance', pick up your own copy of Sasha White's Wicked. Connected Stories: Bound Trouble Wicked

Wicked is the first book of Sasha White's that I read, and I've since bought three more: Bound, Trouble, and Gypsy Heart. Her stories are erotic AND romantic, with realistic strong protagonists, female as well as male. Women who know what they want and who they want and take the risks to reach for it is Ms.White's strength. And men who are mature enough to realize that relationships are built on more than just sex and take time to build. Karl is the strong alpha male whose gentleness and lovingness are the basis of his sex appeal and Dom character. He takes Lara in hand to guide her in his lifestyle, showing her that following his lead, submitting to his love, discipline,and protection are what makes a lasting relationship between two people like them work. By the end of the book, Karl makes his vulnerablility known to Lara, finally crumbling her destructive walls of defense, and the two of them are able to start building a mutually satisfying relationship. Ms. White's secondary characters depict a loving gay relationship that has its own troubles to work through, and the end result is ... well, that would be giving away one of the best parts of the book. Her books are sexy, real, and satisfying journeys to the HEA's we all want. They are on my Keeper Shelf.

Lara Fox is fiercely independent, having fended for herself since the tender age of 15. She's a hard-working young woman who is self-assured in everything she does, but she'll be the first to tell you that when it comes to love, she's a non-believer. Life has dealt her one too many low blows and while she has managed to get back up after each one, the emotional scars remain. When her good friend Graham introduces her to his boss, attorney Karl Dawson, she can't help but flirt with this arrogantly intriguing man. When he gives back as good as he takes, she knows the two of them could sizzle together. Karl is a well-known Dom and when he introduces Lara to the ways of a true submissive, neither is certain that she will ever be able to relinquish complete control, although she desperately she wants to please him. Karl is fascinated by Lara from the moment he spies her sweet little butt peeking out from under Graham's desk. He tries not to be interested, thinking that her headstrong nature would make any sort of relationship just too much work, despite the fact that he has tired of his current playmates and their sexual games. A violent attack against Lara has Karl on the defensive, and when the attacks escalate, he wants to keep her safe, but Lara has been on her own for too long to give up her independence. Karl begins to tutor Lara in the ways of dominance/submission and while she is eager and a fast learner, there's a slight hesitance on her part that leaves Karl confused. He is even more confused by the emotions he is beginning to feel for Lara and, because he believes in love even less than Lara does, is unsure of just how to manage them. Lara and Karl are very interesting characters. Their personalities are excellently written and there is never a question as to the reasoning or purpose behind any of their actions. Sasha White allows readers glimpses deep inside her characters in a way that few authors are capable of and there's never a disappointment in her books. Karl and Lara are so wonderfully written, and their personalities delved into so completely, and I loved their story very much. The two are almost instantly attracted to each other - they didn't want to be, mind you, and they did fight it - those deep emotions come into play and make for an absolutely beautiful story. A side M/M romance is sweetly written, and the return of familiar faces as secondary characters is a bit of a bonus. I give WICKED a strong recommendation, and ask that even if you aren't a fan of edgier sex scenes, you consider giving it a try because the love story it tells is so deliciously well written.

Trouble was one of my favorite books of last year and it introduced Karl Dawson. Karl is the best friend of Valentine (the wonderful and sexy hero of Trouble) and a sexual dominant. He was a very intriguing character and I have been waiting anxiously to read his story. I loved it! Karl has numerous woman at his beck and call (literally!) and is growing bored of it all. Then he meets Lara, his administrative assistant's housemate and the sparks fly. The chemistry between them is electric and reminded me of the wonderful old movies with Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. Lara's been on her own for a long time and doesn't believe in long term relationships. Karl is a Dom and used to being in charge. He challenges her to try anyone once as she said she would and Lara's eyes are opened to a whole new world of sexual exploration and to the possibility of love. What I especially love about Sasha White's books is that they are always extremely erotic AND beautifully romantic stories. Always a great combination in my opinion. :-) There's also a terrific secondary love story about Graham and Peter, Lara's housemates. Wicked is another winner and highly recommended!