Reviews for

MASTERS OF THE SHADOWLANDS 3: BREAKING FREE

Five Delightful Divas from Dark Divas Reviews.  Jen says: Breaking Free is one wild ride! The action doesn’t let up from beginning to end, compelling you to turn page after page to find out what happens next. What excellent and creative characters Cherise Sinclair has developed in her Shadowlands series.

Beth’s character is damaged, but she is one of the strongest women I have read about in quite a while. Ms. Sinclair balanced all this with the strength of Nolan’s magnetic and intuitive  personality, leaving us with two incredibly compelling characters; and those are merely the main characters. The supporting cast is just as compelling and innovative.

The sexual and sensual scenes throughout the book drive the plot, allowing us to get inside the heads of these characters – not to mention these scenes are rated ‘oh my’ hot in my opinion. The plot is intriguing and while it appears at first glance to not be original – abused woman finds masterful man to help her recover – that isn’t the case in any way. Breaking Free has extremely original plot elements that not only keep you guessing as to what will happen between Beth and Nolan, but also what will happen with Beth’s husband. Getting a happily ever after is important, and clearly we get one here, but what a ride it was to find out how they would get there. And ultimately, the trip made the ending – or should we say beginning – all the more satisfying.

I highly suggest picking up your copy of Breaking Free today. I am enthusiastically and impatiently waiting for the next in the series. I wonder if we’ll get to hear Collin’s story next – crossing my fingers!

Shannon from The Romance Studio gives Breaking Free 5 Hearts and says: Cherise Sinclair showcases her talent for taking her readers on a sensual journey of delights and dark taboos opening their eyes to the compelling and intriguing world of the Masters of the Shadowlands. The tightly wound and riveting plot will have the reader's heart pounding with its dramatic, emotional, and passionate edge. The detail and insight into the characters captures their insecurities, fears, and desires making them leap off the pages and come alive. Beth and Nolan are characters who will stay with the reader long after the last page is read. The D/s relationship is complex and intense with hot and steamy sexual chemistry that adds emphasis to the enjoyment that the Nolan and Beth get from their kinky play. Each scene BDSM scene is fascinating and exhilarating, working to evolve the characters relationship proving how important trust is in a relationship. It is truly delightful to watch Beth come alive under the capable and loving hands of the Master. The return of previous characters from the first two Masters of the Shadowlands books is a true joy and works well to further the story along. The sexual delights are wickedly sinful and electrifying. The added touch of brutal and suspenseful terror offers a shocking look at how and what a D/s relationship isn't.

Prepare to be lured to the world of the Shadowlands! Always fresh, intelligent, and emotional Ms. Sinclair knows exactly how to captivate her readers and she delivers it with stunning results once again. Her vivid descriptions bring each scene alive transporting the reader directly into the story for lots of thrilling fun and heat. This is a must read story! 

4.5 Stars from Natalie of Romance Junkies who says: Not for the faint of heart, BREAKING FREE, the third book of Cherise Sinclair's MASTERS OF THE SHADOWLANDS series pulls no punches. In this latest installment, Nolan and Beth are unlikely mates. Their passion is dark and very erotic.

The suspense in BREAKING FREE wraps itself around you and engulfs you in its embrace. Passionate and powerful scenes of Beth's submission to Nolan winds its way to your heart. I felt my breath clench more than once and my palms were often sweaty. I wanted Nolan to wrap Beth in silk and keep her safe. Nolan, however, gave Beth what she needed - someone strong enough to catch her when she fell. BREAKING FREE is one of the most spell-binding and intimate books I have ever read. I loved every single word. 

Melissa C. of Fallen Angel Reviews gives Breaking Free 5 Angels and says: This third book of the series was just as erotically and emotionally compelling as the previous book. I am always amazed when I read a well written BDSM book, because despite the odd dynamics of the relationship, it seems that the Masters care more and are more in tune with the needs of their subs than in a "normal" relationship. Breaking Free fit that bill perfectly, with a seemingly menacing Master Nolan, who not only sees the person that Beth is, not just her scars, but also cares enough to tune himself into her every expression and movement. If we could all be so lucky!

Beth is a strong and pretty woman, though her beaten self-image will not allow her to see that. Her climb up from that nearly self-loathing pit to finding herself and her confidence again made for a touching story.

Ms. Sinclair has proved to me that she is a master at writing, drawing her readers in and keeping their attention throughout her story with realistic people in realistic situations and flowing descriptions making everything seem more like a movie than a book.

5 Stars and an (O)rgasmic heat level from Stefani Clayton of Just Erotic Romance Reviews who says:  Breaking Free took me on an emotional rollercoaster, and I loved it! Beth has been through hell, although she keeps the details to herself, bits and pieces reveal itself despite her silence. Nolan is the ideal Dom for a sub with trust issues, and with every patient explanation, I fell in love with him more. The storyline is heart wrenching, and at times, I wondered how Beth could even consider staying in the lifestyle after her past Dom, but then Nolan would appear and I just knew. This story is not for the faint of heart. There are several scenes of violence, and torture, as well as tethering, spanking, and anal play. There were secondary characters throughout this story, but they managed to remain secondary allowing Beth and Nolan to remain the primary focus.

This is an exceptionally well thought out story with all the kinky sexual scenes that you expect but with very serious undertones, I highly recommend Breaking Free. 

5 Nymphs from Amazon Nymph of Literary Nymph Reviews who says: Ms. Sinclair’s continues the Master of the Shadowlands series in Breaking Free. Nolan’s patience with Beth is very helpful in allowing Beth to overcome a lot of her fears and showcases the trust needed within a Dom/sub relationship. The scenes between Nolan and Beth will require cold showers and ice-cubes, as they are that scorching hot. Ms. Sinclair continues her showcase of the BDSM lifestyle; however, this story is about some of the abuses that can happen within the community. I feel Ms. Sinclair deserves kudos for this series and I will be reading it again. Anyone who enjoys reading about BDSM should add this to their collection of books.

4 Hearts from Dawn of Loves Romances & More Reviews who says: MASTERS OF THE SHADOWLANDS 3: BREAKING FREE is an emotional story as it is a very sexual one. It has a heroine who is scarred from a man she had trusted and it takes a strong man to show her how sweet pleasure can be again. I highly enjoyed Nolan’s story and Ms. Sinclair definitely delivers a highly emotional one at that. Here you meet some of the previous characters again and their submissives’ in and out of the Shadowlands, an exclusive BDSM club. With some very erotic scenes, Ms. Sinclair shows the reader how trust is built in a Dom/sub relationship as Nolan builds Beth’s trust back up and shows her the pleasure an experienced Dom can give her again. The writing was tight and a fast paced storyline kept me glued to the pages. I highly enjoyed the sub-plot of Beth’s husband coming after her. It keeps the reader flipping the pages wondering what happens next.

BREAKING FREE is the third book in the Masters of the Shadowlands series and I recommend reading them in order so you can get an idea about who the Masters are and the other secondary characters mentioned throughout BREAKING FREE. I do want to mention this is highly graphic and it may not appeal to everyone. If you enjoy a highly erotic and emotional story then grab BREAKING FREE and settle in for an enjoyable time at Club Shadowlands. I am looking forward to seeing another Master find love with a submissive in the future; I just hope Ms. Sinclair doesn’t make me wait too long for it. 

Fern from Whipped Cream Reviews gives Breaking Free 4.5 Cherries and says: Breaking Free is the third in Cherise Sinclair’s Shadowlands series, and this newest installment doesn’t disappoint. In this story, we are offered something vastly different and intriguing. There is no submissive newly introduced to the lifestyle with an experienced Dom to guide the way - Beth and Nolan have been into the scene for years - but the process of gaining and maintaining trust is very much the same. Beth is wonderfully written, as is Nolan. Watching as they evolve as Master and sub, as well as a man and a woman, is a true pleasure. Each needs to trust, having experienced betrayal in the past, and find what they seek in one another. Of course, no story would be complete without conflict, and there is plenty offered here. Just be sure you devote enough time in the reading chair for this one. You won’t want to stop turning those pages.

Breaking Free is another must read from Cherise Sinclair.

4.5 Kisses and a Reviewer’s Choice award from Lila of Two Lips Reviews who says:  Cherise Sinclair once again has done a wonderful job with Masters of the Shadowlands book three, Breaking Free. These novels are stand alone, but in my opinion are much more enjoyable when read in order. I fell in love with Nolan in Dan’s book, because he was dark, mysterious, and had that you won’t mess with me attitude. I will say that Sinclair has really broadened out with Breaking Free; this is a much darker novel than her first two. We really get to see another side of BDSM, the side that sometimes isn’t so pretty.

Sinclair’s writing had me hot all night long while reading about Nolan and Beth, which is no surprise to me. She has yet to disappoint in the steamy sex. My only issue with this novel was that there was some sharing of partners, and this I found to not really fit into my mind as romance, but that is my hang-up and in no way takes from the story. I still have been looking forward to this one for a very long time and I must say once again I’m not disappointed. I am anxiously waiting to see who will get the next story from her and hope that she revisits The Shadowlands again. 

Tonya from You Gotta Read Reviews says:  Ms. Sinclair is never disappointing. She always delivers way beyond your wildest imagination. I have personally read all three books in this series and they are terrific. Breaking Free has a very intense and full plot, but it isn’t overwhelming whatsoever. The author knows how to unlock your deepest passions with her characters. The emotions between the characters are there and evident. This isn’t your typical BDSM read. Sure there is a Master and a submissive, but they have feelings for one another. Nolan sees Beth and he sees that she has had a hard time and he can feel what her ex-husband has done to her. Nolan wants nothing more than to take Beth under his command and show her how things could be—how they are supposed to be.

It’s a story any BDSM fan will love and one you should most definitely add to your list.

Maura from Coffee Time Romance & More gives Breaking Free 4 Cups and says: This is an exceptionally well written BDSM story. The violent past of the heroine could be upsetting to some but is integral to the plot. Beth is a strong person despite her past and I like that she never gives up or really gives in, except to Nolan who only has her best interests at heart. Nolan is a great character, a big tough guy with a sense of honor. His friends are all like him too so I will have to read the rest of this series. The plot is full of twists and turns and the danger that Beth’s husband poses adds suspense to the plot. The love scenes are both hot and tender, and the climactic scene is a real nail biter to say the least.

Terri from Night Owl Romance Reviews gives Breaking Free 4 Hearts and says: I found this book interesting from several different aspects. This is part of a series of books based around the Shadowlands. You do not need to read any of the previous books to enjoy this one.

The characters were very well done and had enough depth to make them interesting. You got glimpses of Nolan and Elizabeth’s past but you were firmly based in the present. Their strengths and weakness were expressed to give them a real feel.

I liked that the subculture of BDSM was explored, the good and the bad. Not all Doms are the same and that was starkly clear with this story. Elizabeth was abused by a Dom who didn’t care about his sub. He cared only about his needs and wants. Nolan portrayed an good Dom. He put his subs needs before his and took care of her. Elizabeth admits that she couldn’t tell that her ex was abusive until they were well into their relationship. Nolan also mentioned moving to FL from TX in part due to his sexual desires and admits that his family doesn’t approve.

One of the best things that I liked was safety was stressed. This was true not only in the story but the author wrote a note to her readers before the story started. In the story, a safe word was emphasized. Shadowlands had monitors at all their scene stations to ensure that no one got carried away. At no point was safety ignored.

The ending was perfect…..and that’s about all you’re getting.