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Dark Path #1
The Gate
A chance encounter between a successful author and a billionaire owner of an underground BDSM club, leads to the most pivotal relationship of their lives�
Erika Walsh has carried a torch for Christopher Milton, heir to her father’s publishing empire for years. After one steamy make out session she begins to wonder if it might develop into something more. But when M. L. Crawford, better known as Max, her father’s publishing rival, seeks her out at a society event, she’s drawn to his magnetic charisma and powerful demeanor. Their verbal bantering and innuendo laced overtones stir feelings she never knew existed, and soon Erika is consumed with knowing the real man under Max’s restrained public façade.
Erika’s sweet nature and naivety excites Max to near madness. He wants to train her in the art of seduction and make her succumb to his every wish and command…as his perfect submissive. Yet, Christopher is determined to keep Erika from becoming the latest victim of Max’s sinister sexual hungers. He knows all too well what Max hides in his black soul and will stop at nothing to reveal all of Max’s secrets in order to protect the one thing he holds dear above all else- Erika.
Max’s dark desires scare yet arouse Erika, as he opens her eyes to a new bold world full of passion and ecstasy she never imagined until him. But the biggest question Is Erika’s craving for Max just an illusion that transpires behind the walls of The Gate?
Erika Walsh has carried a torch for Christopher Milton, heir to her father’s publishing empire for years. After one steamy make out session she begins to wonder if it might develop into something more. But when M. L. Crawford, better known as Max, her father’s publishing rival, seeks her out at a society event, she’s drawn to his magnetic charisma and powerful demeanor. Their verbal bantering and innuendo laced overtones stir feelings she never knew existed, and soon Erika is consumed with knowing the real man under Max’s restrained public façade.
Erika’s sweet nature and naivety excites Max to near madness. He wants to train her in the art of seduction and make her succumb to his every wish and command…as his perfect submissive. Yet, Christopher is determined to keep Erika from becoming the latest victim of Max’s sinister sexual hungers. He knows all too well what Max hides in his black soul and will stop at nothing to reveal all of Max’s secrets in order to protect the one thing he holds dear above all else- Erika.
Max’s dark desires scare yet arouse Erika, as he opens her eyes to a new bold world full of passion and ecstasy she never imagined until him. But the biggest question Is Erika’s craving for Max just an illusion that transpires behind the walls of The Gate?
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 12, 2013
1 person is currently reading
507 people want to read
About the author
K.T. Grant
61books204followersKT Grant is a self-proclaimed eccentric redhead who not only loves to read a wide variety of romances, but also loves writing it. KT has a bad coffee and LEGO set addiction, and doesn’t shy away from voicing her opinion A proud native of New Jersey, KT is multi-published and writes Gay, Lesbian and Straight romance. KT has also been a top ten best-selling author at Amazon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
June 21, 2015
I can't do it! The author is trying too hard.
The book starts with the heroine in the car with her BFF and her dad going to an award ceremony for him. We find out that she’s sheltered and in love with her BFFs brother, and also that she has anxiety attacks. Not the most interesting starts, but I thought it will get better.
It didn’t. Next we meet the hero, who’s jaded and crass. We learn about his bisexual leanings(cool!) and his work and that he’s the business rival of Erika’s(the heroine) dad. The next scene is the heroine and her almost-anxiety attack. We also get some very interesting paragraphs about her “drop of pee� in/on her panties. That’s when I started to doubt the book some more. They finally meet at the bar of the award venue and talking ensues, she has no idea who he is. After that we meet the other love interest(yes, there is a love triangle) who’s jealous but also gives the feeling that he doesn’t want to commit, just wants the other dude not to have her. I read on till Erika and Max(the 1st hero) have another chance meeting at a restaurant where they have a drink together and he licks her forehead. That was the moment when I almost said that I’ll give up; who the hell licks foreheads? It’s just wrong! I told myself not to be a quitter, but it only lasted till Max paddled another chick and came in his pants thinking of Erika, that was the last drop[pun not intended].
I really tried liking the book, but I don’t like the characters and the author’s writing style. I can’t find the right words to explain why I don’t like how she writes, but it’s there.
In the end, it’s me not the book.
DNF 17%
The book starts with the heroine in the car with her BFF and her dad going to an award ceremony for him. We find out that she’s sheltered and in love with her BFFs brother, and also that she has anxiety attacks. Not the most interesting starts, but I thought it will get better.
It didn’t. Next we meet the hero, who’s jaded and crass. We learn about his bisexual leanings(cool!) and his work and that he’s the business rival of Erika’s(the heroine) dad. The next scene is the heroine and her almost-anxiety attack. We also get some very interesting paragraphs about her “drop of pee� in/on her panties. That’s when I started to doubt the book some more. They finally meet at the bar of the award venue and talking ensues, she has no idea who he is. After that we meet the other love interest(yes, there is a love triangle) who’s jealous but also gives the feeling that he doesn’t want to commit, just wants the other dude not to have her. I read on till Erika and Max(the 1st hero) have another chance meeting at a restaurant where they have a drink together and he licks her forehead. That was the moment when I almost said that I’ll give up; who the hell licks foreheads? It’s just wrong! I told myself not to be a quitter, but it only lasted till Max paddled another chick and came in his pants thinking of Erika, that was the last drop[pun not intended].
I really tried liking the book, but I don’t like the characters and the author’s writing style. I can’t find the right words to explain why I don’t like how she writes, but it’s there.
In the end, it’s me not the book.
DNF 17%
January 8, 2014
This story had potential. Despite a slow start, the story picked up in the middle with the introduction of Catherine and the subplot surrounding her. It was obvious that this author was a fan of The Original Sinners series by Tiffany Reisz.
However just when things started getting interesting, some things happened that made me want to chuck my eReader at the wall and that's never a good thing.
First, Erika was nearly raped by Chris, a man she trusted. As if that wasn't bad enough, Maxwell punishes her for almost getting raped. Seriously, how sick are these people?
To top it off, Erika's father dies and the two men turn up at the hospital, on the same day and nearly fight each other as they squabble over who has possession of Erika with no respect for the dead or the woman who has lost her father.
And if you think that's the worst thing, hang on for the kicker. Erika decides it's a good idea (after being persuaded by Catherine) to turn up at the BDSM club and do a sex scene in public. I would've bought it if she'd done it as part of her grieving process. But no, her only incentive was to prove to Max that he couldn't control her. Meanwhile, her father's cold body was still unburied and laying on a slab in the morgue. As I asked before, how sick are these people?
Any wisp of a connection I had with Erika before was totally severed after that point. I couldn't care less about her. In fact I think the best thing she did was walk away at the end of this book and if she had any sense, she'd stay away from both men. But according to the blurb of book 2 of the series, she didn't.
This is my first time of reading this author and she has an interesting writing style. While I'll be happy to read other books by this author, I won't be reading any more from this series.
However just when things started getting interesting, some things happened that made me want to chuck my eReader at the wall and that's never a good thing.
First, Erika was nearly raped by Chris, a man she trusted. As if that wasn't bad enough, Maxwell punishes her for almost getting raped. Seriously, how sick are these people?
To top it off, Erika's father dies and the two men turn up at the hospital, on the same day and nearly fight each other as they squabble over who has possession of Erika with no respect for the dead or the woman who has lost her father.
And if you think that's the worst thing, hang on for the kicker. Erika decides it's a good idea (after being persuaded by Catherine) to turn up at the BDSM club and do a sex scene in public. I would've bought it if she'd done it as part of her grieving process. But no, her only incentive was to prove to Max that he couldn't control her. Meanwhile, her father's cold body was still unburied and laying on a slab in the morgue. As I asked before, how sick are these people?
Any wisp of a connection I had with Erika before was totally severed after that point. I couldn't care less about her. In fact I think the best thing she did was walk away at the end of this book and if she had any sense, she'd stay away from both men. But according to the blurb of book 2 of the series, she didn't.
This is my first time of reading this author and she has an interesting writing style. While I'll be happy to read other books by this author, I won't be reading any more from this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2014
Maybe the hot weather that puts me in a bad mood is to blame, or maybe it's the book. Likely, both. Thus it's difficult to review K. T. Grant's The Gate without shouting or sweating, so have these lists:
ANNOYING TROPES
-Billionaire owns a BDSM club.
-Authors are best-sellers (rather than midlist).
-Virgin millionaire.
-Man declares woman "the one" the first time they root.
-Virgin and the switch are in love.
-Unprotected sex because virgins don't have diseases, and contraceptive pills ALWAYS work?
OVERALL PROBLEMS
-Info-dump via dialogue.
-Secondary character more interesting than main character. But then secondary character becomes less interesting, too.
-Main character is relatable, but not likeable or interesting.
-All the emotions seem false, so the relationships aren't believable. Like a soap opera - stuff happens, but you don't care.
-Blurred lines between rape and willing submission.
-Obvious foreshadowing.
-Main character's father just died, and her two d-bag men are fighting - verbally and physically - about her in the hospital. Insensitive on so many counts.
-Main character playing at being dominant is so not believable, like a little kid playing dress-up. Pretending to be a switch does not make you one. So this sequence is plain ridiculous.
All this said, should the sequel - like this - turn up on NetGalley, I will request it without hesitation. Because like a soap opera, it's addictive.
ANNOYING TROPES
-Billionaire owns a BDSM club.
-Authors are best-sellers (rather than midlist).
-Virgin millionaire.
-Man declares woman "the one" the first time they root.
-Virgin and the switch are in love.
-Unprotected sex because virgins don't have diseases, and contraceptive pills ALWAYS work?
OVERALL PROBLEMS
-Info-dump via dialogue.
-Secondary character more interesting than main character. But then secondary character becomes less interesting, too.
-Main character is relatable, but not likeable or interesting.
-All the emotions seem false, so the relationships aren't believable. Like a soap opera - stuff happens, but you don't care.
-Blurred lines between rape and willing submission.
-Obvious foreshadowing.
-Main character's father just died, and her two d-bag men are fighting - verbally and physically - about her in the hospital. Insensitive on so many counts.
-Main character playing at being dominant is so not believable, like a little kid playing dress-up. Pretending to be a switch does not make you one. So this sequence is plain ridiculous.
All this said, should the sequel - like this - turn up on NetGalley, I will request it without hesitation. Because like a soap opera, it's addictive.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2013
My rating: 3 of 5 ⭐️
Writer of children's books and daughter of a publishing mogul, Erika Walsh has always been a bit of a homebody. Uncomfortable in large crowds and prone to panic attacks she has lead a fairly sheltered life surrounded by a small number of friends. Including Christopher Milton, her father's successor and brother of her longtime friend Kim. Erika has always had a bit of a crush on Chris, but that seems to evaporate when she meets Max at the night of an industry event.
M. L. Crawford, or Max, is a rival in the publishing industry, one who is ruthless in the way he does business. He is somewhat of an enigma and prefers to stay out of the public view, preferrably at his secondary business interest, The Gate. A club where others like Max can come to live out their alternate and deviant sexual preferences. Max is instantly taken with Erika and spends some time with her at the publishing event, until they are interrupted by Chris. He seems to have some history with Christopher, the two men can't see eye to eye.
For all her innocence and inexperience, Erika responds to Max's sexual suggestiveness and prompting with a hunger and passion that is new to her. Max realizes he needs to be careful to ease her into the darkest of his desires, but he is determined to have her ultimately submit to him completely. Erika takes everything he dishes out like a fish to water, and opens herself up without question. Max is convinced he has found his match.
Determined to keep Erika away from Max, Chris attempts to convince her of Max's nefarious intent and his dark secrets, all the while trying to keep Erika for himself. Erika is torn between the comfort of familiar ground, and the passionate high of forbidden pleasures at the Gate.
****
An interesting first instalment for what I presume to be a trilogy. People, this is what they call a 'cliff-hanger", be prepared to be left dangling!!! I know there are some of you who prefer to wait until all in a series are available before you start reading......well, this is your warning.
Erika is a bit of a mouse, a daddy's girl, who stays at home, doesn't go out much, doesn't socialize much and it surprised me therefore, that when she starts talking to Max, she actually had quite the ability for banter. Something that is not necessarily easy to do when you are not socially exposed all that much, especially when faced with someone you are instantly attracted to.
For someone presumed to be an 'innocent' of sorts she responds quite enthusiastically to whatever Max exposes her to. I had a bit of trouble buying into that. I found the jump from two mediocre lovers at 29 years old, to pretty intense BDSM submission within one or two sexual encounters, a bit of a steep jump.
When Erika's stable home life suddenly crumbles, and she no longer has her solid base to guide her, she feels adrift and finally decides to step back and reassess what she wants for herself, instead of getting swept up iin the wishes and wants of one or the other strong male figure.......now that is something I can stand behind!!
Chris is a creep, I'm sorry. For years he doesn't pay much attention, even ties himself to someone else and then when he gets burned, he turns to nice, available Erika. When he finds her suddenly not there, he gets territorial and wants to stake a claim. Yeah.....nice. Not for me, if you have a real interest in a woman, you don't wait around until someone else moves in and then start pissing around the hydrant, give me a break!! Not liking this guy at all! Plus he goes where he is not wanted, and then prides himself on a physical response he gets? Some physical responses cannot be helped, they are a reaction of a central nervous system in action. Ugh.
Max I like, because he seems to be the one character I can get a bit of a read on in this story. His feelings are clearest to me, even though his context is not quite there, his needs and wants are. He also seems to be the most honest and straightforward, although he may not have been immediately forthcoming with all information, he never denied or avoided anything when asked. We get most of a sense of him through his interactions with his business partner, who herself is a bit of a mess, if I may say so. Probably enough so to provide material for another book! But I digress. My issue with Max is his focus on sex, as if the only criteria he looks at Erika with is wanting her beneath him and submitting to him.......nothing else. No mention of what he can do for her, and that disturbs me a bit.
I found the book to be well-written from a technical stand point, but was missing some depth in the characters. Perhaps it was me, not connecting with them, but I never quite engaged in the story. It didn't help that it was a cliff hanger.......not my favorite, especially for reviewing.
Some of the BDSM described is fairly hardcore, more S&M than dominance and submission, and involves some cutting. Not really my scene, but that's personal preference. In terms of coupling, you will see a little of everything here, the same with fetishes, there is a lot going on.
There is a good story underneath, one that I would have loved to see fleshed out a bit more.
✨A dark and deviant tale of innocence lost.�
**ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the author in return for an honest review.**
October 14, 2013
I have so many thoughts and feelings about this book. I hate Chris with a passion. He seemed nice to begin with then turned into a slimy douche with the mixings for an abusive boyfriend. I am continuously annoyed by Erika. She can't make up her mind and seems to ignore the obvious. Appears completely assertive one moment and then suddenly can't stand up for herself. She shows moments of fire but I just can't like her. There is something off about her character, I find that she jumps to conclusions too quickly, gets mad about the wrong thing and trusts the wrong people. Max seemed like the regular suave business man with a kink and sob story background yet he too comes off as an asshole. When is using sex as a weapon helpful ever in a fight? Someone is mad at you and you aggressively seduce them into having sex with you. They want it but they're still so mad at you that you get slapped at the end of it. I'm sorry but did that promote any kind of progress?? No.
Those things aside the story revolves around the love triangle and the kink Max needs but Erika is experimenting with. The shining stars are Catherine and Bryan whose mangled lives warrant a story of their own. I was drawn to them and their dynamic which was written beautifully with so much tension and fluent heat. Things that did not come through in the three miserable scrooges love triangle who seemed to bumble through everything with enough clout to knock out an elephant. The Gate sex club was a grand setting I just can't get past these characters and particularly one event in the book.
I really want her to come to her senses about Max and I want to know if they end up together but in all honesty I don't know if I can bring myself to read it. Not with Chris still gracing the pages of the novel.
Is this part of the plot? I don't know and if it is I dislike that I need to read the next book to receive some closure. I encourage you to read the novel and tell me what you think? Maybe I just read it wrong, who knows?
2/5
xxx
George
Those things aside the story revolves around the love triangle and the kink Max needs but Erika is experimenting with. The shining stars are Catherine and Bryan whose mangled lives warrant a story of their own. I was drawn to them and their dynamic which was written beautifully with so much tension and fluent heat. Things that did not come through in the three miserable scrooges love triangle who seemed to bumble through everything with enough clout to knock out an elephant. The Gate sex club was a grand setting I just can't get past these characters and particularly one event in the book.
I really want her to come to her senses about Max and I want to know if they end up together but in all honesty I don't know if I can bring myself to read it. Not with Chris still gracing the pages of the novel.
Is this part of the plot? I don't know and if it is I dislike that I need to read the next book to receive some closure. I encourage you to read the novel and tell me what you think? Maybe I just read it wrong, who knows?
2/5
xxx
George
June 2, 2015
Love KT Grant's Style
KT Grant is an amazing writer. I love her voice, her style, and she can craft a great story. The BDSM elements in The Gate are intense, extremely erotic, and well written.
That being said, I was let down by the story line. The gorgeous billionaire/Dom club owner/damaged soul meets and instantly falls for the beautiful but naive woman is a much overdone and predictable trope. And I found The Gate to be just that. There wasn't anything that surprised me as the story unfolded and plodded along. The characters were interesting enough; Max and Erika both moved forward, becoming stronger and opening up as they learned from each other, however, there seemed to be something missing. Their issues were reminiscent of too many other novels. Ms. Grant didn't throw any curve balls.
Chris...let's just say this guy is odd. Again, his actions are absolutely predictable.
In my opinion, the secondary characters (Catherine, Bryan, Raymond) had more potential for a unique story.
I was vexed by the cliffhanger ending because I'm not sure I want to go through another novel waiting for Max and Erika to sort things out.
Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
KT Grant is an amazing writer. I love her voice, her style, and she can craft a great story. The BDSM elements in The Gate are intense, extremely erotic, and well written.
That being said, I was let down by the story line. The gorgeous billionaire/Dom club owner/damaged soul meets and instantly falls for the beautiful but naive woman is a much overdone and predictable trope. And I found The Gate to be just that. There wasn't anything that surprised me as the story unfolded and plodded along. The characters were interesting enough; Max and Erika both moved forward, becoming stronger and opening up as they learned from each other, however, there seemed to be something missing. Their issues were reminiscent of too many other novels. Ms. Grant didn't throw any curve balls.
Chris...let's just say this guy is odd. Again, his actions are absolutely predictable.
In my opinion, the secondary characters (Catherine, Bryan, Raymond) had more potential for a unique story.
I was vexed by the cliffhanger ending because I'm not sure I want to go through another novel waiting for Max and Erika to sort things out.
Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
October 7, 2013
*ARC received in exchange of an honest review (Netgalley)*
I really liked this book, I enjoyed it a lot and was pleased to discover it! I found the heroine a little boring (at first especially) and I felt like the end was written just to have a second book. When the story picked up, however, I was hoooked until the end! I loved the characters. Catherine's story with Bryan added something to the book and I hope to read more about them! I definitely want them to be together! Well, in a sub/dom relationship anyway because he's really cute :). Just have to wait for Raymond to go away... About Max, well you could sometimes find him 'normal' with a little jealous/possessive side but it wasn't too overwhelming and I liked it. He wasn't cold and distant and that's a good thing. And Chris, damn. Why does he have to react only when she's with another man? I don't get it. Sometimes I liked him, but he could also be a jerk. I think I prefer if she end up with Max but well, I don't know. We'll see what happens next in the second book after
Happy reading. :)
I really liked this book, I enjoyed it a lot and was pleased to discover it! I found the heroine a little boring (at first especially) and I felt like the end was written just to have a second book. When the story picked up, however, I was hoooked until the end! I loved the characters. Catherine's story with Bryan added something to the book and I hope to read more about them! I definitely want them to be together! Well, in a sub/dom relationship anyway because he's really cute :). Just have to wait for Raymond to go away... About Max, well you could sometimes find him 'normal' with a little jealous/possessive side but it wasn't too overwhelming and I liked it. He wasn't cold and distant and that's a good thing. And Chris, damn. Why does he have to react only when she's with another man? I don't get it. Sometimes I liked him, but he could also be a jerk. I think I prefer if she end up with Max but well, I don't know. We'll see what happens next in the second book after
Happy reading. :)
October 7, 2013
Thank you Net Galley and the publisher for this ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book really had me hooked. I loved the characters and overall story line. I thought the author did a great job exploring both hero and heroines strengths and weaknesses. I thought Max was a great combination of hard and soft.
I thought the scenes were hot but not in an over the top way.
My only negative is the ending. Grr.. I hate that I have to wait until next year. The cliffhanger books are killing me lately.
This book really had me hooked. I loved the characters and overall story line. I thought the author did a great job exploring both hero and heroines strengths and weaknesses. I thought Max was a great combination of hard and soft.
I thought the scenes were hot but not in an over the top way.
My only negative is the ending. Grr.. I hate that I have to wait until next year. The cliffhanger books are killing me lately.
December 10, 2023
3.5 stars.
Erika starts off as a weak character, but grows throughout the story. She tends to have panic attacks when out in large crowds, but is strong enough to face her fears.
Chris, who is her retiring father's right hand man, starts of the story looking like the best guy in the world, but starts to show his true colors pretty quickly when Erika quits following him around with puppy dog eyes.
Max, who is her father's and family business's biggest competitor, starts off the book as the lesser of the two men. He talks about wanting to take over the company. When he first sees Erika, I'm thinking he was going to use her to help him achieve this goal. This is not the case.
Chris and Max have a past history. Max had dated Chris's older sister, who is also completely unstable. The question becomes, was she that way before or just after Max and her split up. Chris is pretty sure it she is unstable because of the sexual deviant lifestyle that Max introduces her to.
There is also Catherine, who is Max's business partner in The Gate, a BDSM club in Brooklyn. She is a great secondary character who I hope will get her own story told at some point. She has quite a history and I think her story is one that deserves to be told. I also hope she gets a happily ever after is some way.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. If you like Tiffany Reisz, you will notice many similarities, but no priest (damn). I could really see the influence that Tiffany had on this book. I could also see the small part that the Sleepy Beauty Trilogy had on the book as well. The pony play is very similar, but these are all willing individuals, unlike the Anne Rice books.
I give it 3.5 stars instead of 4 only because of the ending. To me it was not only a cliffhanger, but the ending really felt unfinished. I have way too many unanswered questions that I felt should've been answered in this book and not pushed to the next book. I'm not a fan of cliffhangers in any sense. They drive me crazy, but this seems more to me than that, like I said unfinished. I can't go into really anymore without spoilers for the ending.
All that being said, I did enjoy the book and can't wait for the next one. I hope see where all the characters go. I have some ideas in my head, where I think they are going. With some, I hope I'm right and with others, I hope I'm wrong.
**Book was provided to me by the author. This review is my opinion and was not requested or provoked in anyway by the author.
Erika starts off as a weak character, but grows throughout the story. She tends to have panic attacks when out in large crowds, but is strong enough to face her fears.
Chris, who is her retiring father's right hand man, starts of the story looking like the best guy in the world, but starts to show his true colors pretty quickly when Erika quits following him around with puppy dog eyes.
Max, who is her father's and family business's biggest competitor, starts off the book as the lesser of the two men. He talks about wanting to take over the company. When he first sees Erika, I'm thinking he was going to use her to help him achieve this goal. This is not the case.
Chris and Max have a past history. Max had dated Chris's older sister, who is also completely unstable. The question becomes, was she that way before or just after Max and her split up. Chris is pretty sure it she is unstable because of the sexual deviant lifestyle that Max introduces her to.
There is also Catherine, who is Max's business partner in The Gate, a BDSM club in Brooklyn. She is a great secondary character who I hope will get her own story told at some point. She has quite a history and I think her story is one that deserves to be told. I also hope she gets a happily ever after is some way.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. If you like Tiffany Reisz, you will notice many similarities, but no priest (damn). I could really see the influence that Tiffany had on this book. I could also see the small part that the Sleepy Beauty Trilogy had on the book as well. The pony play is very similar, but these are all willing individuals, unlike the Anne Rice books.
I give it 3.5 stars instead of 4 only because of the ending. To me it was not only a cliffhanger, but the ending really felt unfinished. I have way too many unanswered questions that I felt should've been answered in this book and not pushed to the next book. I'm not a fan of cliffhangers in any sense. They drive me crazy, but this seems more to me than that, like I said unfinished. I can't go into really anymore without spoilers for the ending.
All that being said, I did enjoy the book and can't wait for the next one. I hope see where all the characters go. I have some ideas in my head, where I think they are going. With some, I hope I'm right and with others, I hope I'm wrong.
**Book was provided to me by the author. This review is my opinion and was not requested or provoked in anyway by the author.
October 21, 2013
Erika and Max/Chris
Enjoyed this one. Max was the highlight for me and Chris, well I was not impressed with his actions. Darn cliffhanger too. Full review to come on
Erika has been a bit in love with Chris for most of her adult life. He is the heir to her father’s publishing empire and a cool, confident, successful man. Up until recently he has been engaged but it was called off because his fiancée cheated on him. Chris subtly moved his attentions Erika’s way but never came on strong enough to make Erika think he was too serious. So when Max, competitor to Erika’s father and enemy of Chris, spots Erika at an event there is nothing to stop him from moving in.
Max sees an innocent Erika and wants to do very dirty things to her. He vows to take it slow with her knowing he can’t drag her to his club, The Gate, and force her into the S&M world. Erika doesn’t want to go slow though, she wants to take whatever Max has to offer even being up for the pain he likes to give out. Max and Erika are drawn to each other but there might be too many outside forces wanting to pull them apart for them to be together.
Erika was an interesting character and one that I liked but, at times, had great moments of frustration with. In the first couple of chapters the word girlish was used a lot, girlish pitch, girlish excitement, girlish quality, and it gave me a pause. When I think of my heroine, the one who will be doing many dirty deeds during the course of the book, the last thing I want to think of is her being girlish. Thankfully, that went away and we are able to view Erika in a not so girlish light. She has anxiety issues and I was never clear why the anxiety came about. She has problems with being in crowds and maybe that is just something that is part of her.
On one hand we have Max, who I thought was the clear favorite, and on the other we have the ultimate manipulator, Chris. If I am going to be honest, Max is also a manipulator but at no point did I feel he was being less than honest with Erika. Chris pulled several terrible moves when he knew Erika was with Max. There is one scene in the book that almost made my head explode with anger and frustration. I was really not happy with what was happening and I hope book 2 does not travel down that same path. The reader is given Max’s side of the story so maybe that is why we are more sympathetic to him. Chris, at no point, did I believe he truly wanted Erika. She seemed more of a means to an end.
Max was the really star in this book, for me. He is a kinky dude but he is not a effed up kinky dude, if that makes sense. He has a perfectly normal past and childhood with no hint of abuse or Mrs Robinson complex. I can really get behind a man who likes dirty, sadistic sex just because he likes it. He does it because he wants to and not because there is some demon inside him he is trying to drive out. Erika quickly becomes the one woman Max want to do these dirty things with and he opens up to her. I don’t see how she can resist him.
Erika, Max and Chris represent the main part of the story but there is also a secondary plot in the works. Catherine is Max’s partner at The Gate and she is a whole separate brand of messed up. Her story didn’t grab me like Max’s did however there are hints of an older man, who is her master, that we might see in the next book. There is cheating in this part of the story and that is probably why I wasn’t as into it. I have a feeling that once Raymond, her master, is brought into the picture my interest might change though.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Gate. It is the perfect blend of dirty, suspenseful and secretive with some characters that will keep me wondering what is next for them. The book does have a cliffhanger and it made me grumpy. It isn’t awful but I will be looking forward to the next book to find out what happens with these characters. Final grade- B
Favorite Quote:
“Did you know angry sex is the best kind?� he whispered. He dipped his hand in the opening of her shirt, his palm flattening over her breast.
Rising onto her toes, she dug her nails deep in his arm, scraping them across his skin.
“My precious wants to play?�
Enjoyed this one. Max was the highlight for me and Chris, well I was not impressed with his actions. Darn cliffhanger too. Full review to come on
Erika has been a bit in love with Chris for most of her adult life. He is the heir to her father’s publishing empire and a cool, confident, successful man. Up until recently he has been engaged but it was called off because his fiancée cheated on him. Chris subtly moved his attentions Erika’s way but never came on strong enough to make Erika think he was too serious. So when Max, competitor to Erika’s father and enemy of Chris, spots Erika at an event there is nothing to stop him from moving in.
Max sees an innocent Erika and wants to do very dirty things to her. He vows to take it slow with her knowing he can’t drag her to his club, The Gate, and force her into the S&M world. Erika doesn’t want to go slow though, she wants to take whatever Max has to offer even being up for the pain he likes to give out. Max and Erika are drawn to each other but there might be too many outside forces wanting to pull them apart for them to be together.
Erika was an interesting character and one that I liked but, at times, had great moments of frustration with. In the first couple of chapters the word girlish was used a lot, girlish pitch, girlish excitement, girlish quality, and it gave me a pause. When I think of my heroine, the one who will be doing many dirty deeds during the course of the book, the last thing I want to think of is her being girlish. Thankfully, that went away and we are able to view Erika in a not so girlish light. She has anxiety issues and I was never clear why the anxiety came about. She has problems with being in crowds and maybe that is just something that is part of her.
On one hand we have Max, who I thought was the clear favorite, and on the other we have the ultimate manipulator, Chris. If I am going to be honest, Max is also a manipulator but at no point did I feel he was being less than honest with Erika. Chris pulled several terrible moves when he knew Erika was with Max. There is one scene in the book that almost made my head explode with anger and frustration. I was really not happy with what was happening and I hope book 2 does not travel down that same path. The reader is given Max’s side of the story so maybe that is why we are more sympathetic to him. Chris, at no point, did I believe he truly wanted Erika. She seemed more of a means to an end.
Max was the really star in this book, for me. He is a kinky dude but he is not a effed up kinky dude, if that makes sense. He has a perfectly normal past and childhood with no hint of abuse or Mrs Robinson complex. I can really get behind a man who likes dirty, sadistic sex just because he likes it. He does it because he wants to and not because there is some demon inside him he is trying to drive out. Erika quickly becomes the one woman Max want to do these dirty things with and he opens up to her. I don’t see how she can resist him.
Erika, Max and Chris represent the main part of the story but there is also a secondary plot in the works. Catherine is Max’s partner at The Gate and she is a whole separate brand of messed up. Her story didn’t grab me like Max’s did however there are hints of an older man, who is her master, that we might see in the next book. There is cheating in this part of the story and that is probably why I wasn’t as into it. I have a feeling that once Raymond, her master, is brought into the picture my interest might change though.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Gate. It is the perfect blend of dirty, suspenseful and secretive with some characters that will keep me wondering what is next for them. The book does have a cliffhanger and it made me grumpy. It isn’t awful but I will be looking forward to the next book to find out what happens with these characters. Final grade- B
Favorite Quote:
“Did you know angry sex is the best kind?� he whispered. He dipped his hand in the opening of her shirt, his palm flattening over her breast.
Rising onto her toes, she dug her nails deep in his arm, scraping them across his skin.
“My precious wants to play?�
December 8, 2013
Title: The Gate
Author: KT Grant
Publisher/Year: CreateSpace Independant Publishing Group 11/5/13
Length: 268 pages
Series: Dark Path Trilogy #1
Overview
A chance encounter between a successful author and a billionaire owner of an underground BDSM club, leads to the most pivotal relationship of their lives...
Erika Walsh has carried a torch for Christopher Milton, heir to her father's publishing empire for years. After one steamy make out session she begins to wonder if it might develop into something more. But when M.L. Crawford, better known as Max, her father's publishing rival, seeks her out at a society event, she's drawn to his magnetic charisma and powerful demeanor. Their verbal bantering and innuendo laced overtones stir feelings she never knew existed, and soon Erika is consumed with knowing the real man under Max's restrained public façade.
Erika's sweet nature and naivety excites Max to near madness. He wants to train her in the art of seduction and make her succumb to his every wish and command...as his perfect submissive. Yet, Christopher is determined to keep Erika from becoming the latest victim of Max's sinister sexual hungers. He knows all too well what Max hides in his black soul and will stop at nothing to reveal all of Max's secrets in order to protect the one thing he holds dear above all else - Erika.
Max's dark desires scare yet arouse Erika, as he opens her eyes to a new bold world full of passion and ecstasy she never imagined until him. But the biggest question remains: Is Erika's craving for Max just an illusion that transpires behind the walls of The Gate?
My Thoughts
I was really impressed with this story. What we get here is not just a story of an overly successful and powerful dominant billionaire, but we get 2 parallel path stories that are really interesting to go through.
We meet Erika first - on the evening of a big event to honor her father who is the CEO of a publishing house. It's a tough night for her of course because she gets panic attacks when she's in large crowds, but she pushes through since it's for her father. The other piece is that her crush - Chris (who is also the next in line to become CEO when her father retires and is the brother of her best friend) is there too and makes her feel a bit more at east.
The same evening we meet Max who is ironically the 'enemy' and CEO of Walsh Media which is a company that is on the verge of acquiring Erika's father's company (unbeknownst to her).
So this story takes us on a bit of a journey where Max is really drawn in by Erika's innocence and she's drawn to him because he empowers her and takes her places emotionally and sexually that she never thought she'd go.
Where this story takes us on a split journey is to The Gate. which is the name of the BDSM club that Max happens to own in joint partnership with Catherine. We learn the background on this duo and it's heartbreaking - in the sense that Catherine was engaged to Max's younger brother who killed himself 8 years prior. Their circumstances brought them together in a way that actually works - as a brother and sister type relationship vs one that would potentially make people worry when they are dating the other.
Our introduction to Catherine brings about another story that's happening all at the same time. We learn of her complicated relationship with her master and see how that manifests in the club. we also see the sort of person that she is to Max and Erika even and hope that she's able to help when he of course will screw up.
There are a lot of great little sub-stories here, and quite a few triangles to deal with, none of which really detract from the story. Where they take us instead is to the great cliff hanger of an ending where you're not quite sure what will happen and who will end up together.
The nice thing that i've found with this author that i'm not actually familiar with is that there's immense heat and steam. I like to think that i'm pretty well versed in all things erotica, but i fee like this series really took us on a nice journey that was so hot and steamy and descriptive that I needed to cool off.
i hope you guys feel the same - and enjoy. I can't wait until 2014 to get the next installment and see where we can go with everyone.
Author: KT Grant
Publisher/Year: CreateSpace Independant Publishing Group 11/5/13
Length: 268 pages
Series: Dark Path Trilogy #1
Overview
A chance encounter between a successful author and a billionaire owner of an underground BDSM club, leads to the most pivotal relationship of their lives...
Erika Walsh has carried a torch for Christopher Milton, heir to her father's publishing empire for years. After one steamy make out session she begins to wonder if it might develop into something more. But when M.L. Crawford, better known as Max, her father's publishing rival, seeks her out at a society event, she's drawn to his magnetic charisma and powerful demeanor. Their verbal bantering and innuendo laced overtones stir feelings she never knew existed, and soon Erika is consumed with knowing the real man under Max's restrained public façade.
Erika's sweet nature and naivety excites Max to near madness. He wants to train her in the art of seduction and make her succumb to his every wish and command...as his perfect submissive. Yet, Christopher is determined to keep Erika from becoming the latest victim of Max's sinister sexual hungers. He knows all too well what Max hides in his black soul and will stop at nothing to reveal all of Max's secrets in order to protect the one thing he holds dear above all else - Erika.
Max's dark desires scare yet arouse Erika, as he opens her eyes to a new bold world full of passion and ecstasy she never imagined until him. But the biggest question remains: Is Erika's craving for Max just an illusion that transpires behind the walls of The Gate?
My Thoughts
I was really impressed with this story. What we get here is not just a story of an overly successful and powerful dominant billionaire, but we get 2 parallel path stories that are really interesting to go through.
We meet Erika first - on the evening of a big event to honor her father who is the CEO of a publishing house. It's a tough night for her of course because she gets panic attacks when she's in large crowds, but she pushes through since it's for her father. The other piece is that her crush - Chris (who is also the next in line to become CEO when her father retires and is the brother of her best friend) is there too and makes her feel a bit more at east.
The same evening we meet Max who is ironically the 'enemy' and CEO of Walsh Media which is a company that is on the verge of acquiring Erika's father's company (unbeknownst to her).
So this story takes us on a bit of a journey where Max is really drawn in by Erika's innocence and she's drawn to him because he empowers her and takes her places emotionally and sexually that she never thought she'd go.
Where this story takes us on a split journey is to The Gate. which is the name of the BDSM club that Max happens to own in joint partnership with Catherine. We learn the background on this duo and it's heartbreaking - in the sense that Catherine was engaged to Max's younger brother who killed himself 8 years prior. Their circumstances brought them together in a way that actually works - as a brother and sister type relationship vs one that would potentially make people worry when they are dating the other.
Our introduction to Catherine brings about another story that's happening all at the same time. We learn of her complicated relationship with her master and see how that manifests in the club. we also see the sort of person that she is to Max and Erika even and hope that she's able to help when he of course will screw up.
There are a lot of great little sub-stories here, and quite a few triangles to deal with, none of which really detract from the story. Where they take us instead is to the great cliff hanger of an ending where you're not quite sure what will happen and who will end up together.
The nice thing that i've found with this author that i'm not actually familiar with is that there's immense heat and steam. I like to think that i'm pretty well versed in all things erotica, but i fee like this series really took us on a nice journey that was so hot and steamy and descriptive that I needed to cool off.
i hope you guys feel the same - and enjoy. I can't wait until 2014 to get the next installment and see where we can go with everyone.
November 17, 2013
A copy of this book was provided by the author for an honest review at .
K.T. Grant is a new author to me, although I’m familiar with her alter ego @KatieBabs on Twitter and have shared conversations with her before about other people’s books and book blogging in general. When I found out she had written her own BDSM Billionaire erotic romance, I had to read it for myself to see how she would handle this still popular but increasingly overdone trope. I’m happy to say that The Gate is one of the better examples of the genre and although it also has the prerequisite cliffhanger, it’s one that worked well within the context of the story.
Erika Walsh is the classic sheltered woman who has spent her whole life in the shadow of her outgoing magnate father, preferring to stay at home instead of chancing a panic attack in public. She has a modest career of her own, writing successful children’s novels, and is seemingly content with her quiet single life. The one wish she allows herself is that someday she might be swept off her feet by Christopher Milton, the man who will one day take over her father’s publishing house. He’s never really said he’s interested in her, but they did share a few passionate kisses in private once and Erika hopes that perhaps one day he’ll make the next move.
M.L. Crawford is a media magnate in his own right, and a direct competitor of Erika’s father. If the stories Christopher tells are to be believed, Crawford is looking to steal Walsh Publications away, and is a man who cannot be trusted. But the sins of M.L Crawford aren’t of any interest to Erika, as she’s never met the man in person. That’s because much like Erika herself, Crawford prefers to stay in the shadows, allowing others to be the public face of his company.
It was only under duress that Erika agreed to attend the public gala where her father was being presented with a major award, and when he insists on bringing her up on stage with him, she’s sure she’ll have one of her panic attacks. What she doesn’t know is that the darkly handsome man at the bar who spotted her on that stage will change her life the moment she lets him pay for her drink. His name is Max.
The best thing about The Gate for me was the relationship between Max and Erika, which is as it should be with a romance novel. Max needed her sweetness and sheltered innocence just as much as Erika needed his confidence and determination. Together they helped each other grow in the direction that had been lacking in each of their lives apart. It wasn’t just Max rescuing Erika from a half-lived life and the potential of a terrible marriage with Christopher, who was far from the white knight Erika had imagined. Erika rescued Max from an equally half-lived existence, one where he never permitted himself to experience true love after the tragic loss of so many other people he’d loved and cared for. By the time The Gate ends, they are both better people and better for each other, but they aren’t quite where they need to be - hence the “To Be Continued� ending.
There was a secondary plot in The Gate involving Max’s close friend Catherine that often threatened to take center stage away from Max and Erika, and kept me from loving the book more than I did. Catherine’s past is thoroughly entwined with Max’s in a way that can’t be explained without spoiling the story, and I understand why she needed to be a part of his story. Yet I couldn’t help thinking that the way her Master (a man we never actually saw) was portrayed made him sound like an abusive stalker, and I kept wondering why she didn’t just cut ties with him once and for all. I hope that Catherine is able to find the answer to her ongoing dilemma in the next book, but that the focus will remain on Erika and Max, which is where it should be.
The Gate is a great read with a hero and heroine worth caring about, and an ongoing story that I want to stay with through the final book. It’s refreshing to see that K.T. Grant has indeed taken the BDSM Billionaire erotic romance trope and made it her own. The next book in the Dark Path series is one I can’t wait to read.
K.T. Grant is a new author to me, although I’m familiar with her alter ego @KatieBabs on Twitter and have shared conversations with her before about other people’s books and book blogging in general. When I found out she had written her own BDSM Billionaire erotic romance, I had to read it for myself to see how she would handle this still popular but increasingly overdone trope. I’m happy to say that The Gate is one of the better examples of the genre and although it also has the prerequisite cliffhanger, it’s one that worked well within the context of the story.
Erika Walsh is the classic sheltered woman who has spent her whole life in the shadow of her outgoing magnate father, preferring to stay at home instead of chancing a panic attack in public. She has a modest career of her own, writing successful children’s novels, and is seemingly content with her quiet single life. The one wish she allows herself is that someday she might be swept off her feet by Christopher Milton, the man who will one day take over her father’s publishing house. He’s never really said he’s interested in her, but they did share a few passionate kisses in private once and Erika hopes that perhaps one day he’ll make the next move.
M.L. Crawford is a media magnate in his own right, and a direct competitor of Erika’s father. If the stories Christopher tells are to be believed, Crawford is looking to steal Walsh Publications away, and is a man who cannot be trusted. But the sins of M.L Crawford aren’t of any interest to Erika, as she’s never met the man in person. That’s because much like Erika herself, Crawford prefers to stay in the shadows, allowing others to be the public face of his company.
It was only under duress that Erika agreed to attend the public gala where her father was being presented with a major award, and when he insists on bringing her up on stage with him, she’s sure she’ll have one of her panic attacks. What she doesn’t know is that the darkly handsome man at the bar who spotted her on that stage will change her life the moment she lets him pay for her drink. His name is Max.
The best thing about The Gate for me was the relationship between Max and Erika, which is as it should be with a romance novel. Max needed her sweetness and sheltered innocence just as much as Erika needed his confidence and determination. Together they helped each other grow in the direction that had been lacking in each of their lives apart. It wasn’t just Max rescuing Erika from a half-lived life and the potential of a terrible marriage with Christopher, who was far from the white knight Erika had imagined. Erika rescued Max from an equally half-lived existence, one where he never permitted himself to experience true love after the tragic loss of so many other people he’d loved and cared for. By the time The Gate ends, they are both better people and better for each other, but they aren’t quite where they need to be - hence the “To Be Continued� ending.
There was a secondary plot in The Gate involving Max’s close friend Catherine that often threatened to take center stage away from Max and Erika, and kept me from loving the book more than I did. Catherine’s past is thoroughly entwined with Max’s in a way that can’t be explained without spoiling the story, and I understand why she needed to be a part of his story. Yet I couldn’t help thinking that the way her Master (a man we never actually saw) was portrayed made him sound like an abusive stalker, and I kept wondering why she didn’t just cut ties with him once and for all. I hope that Catherine is able to find the answer to her ongoing dilemma in the next book, but that the focus will remain on Erika and Max, which is where it should be.
The Gate is a great read with a hero and heroine worth caring about, and an ongoing story that I want to stay with through the final book. It’s refreshing to see that K.T. Grant has indeed taken the BDSM Billionaire erotic romance trope and made it her own. The next book in the Dark Path series is one I can’t wait to read.
October 29, 2013
* I received an ARC of this book courtesy of KT Grant, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*
4 1/2 stars
The Gate is not what I was expecting. Reading the synopsis I was expecting another light fluffy but enjoyable billionaire Dominant and bad boy romance where the BDSM is a mockery of the real thing and the heroine needs a good smack upside the head. The story ended up being a dark journey of discovery filled with drama, heartbreak, and every other emotion in between. The more intense sides explored in a collection of unforgettable characters.
Publishing under a pseudo name Erika Walsh writes children's books while also working for her father's publishing company, Walsh Publishing. At an awards ceremony honoring her father she runs into a sexy stranger who takes her by surprise. She wasn't expecting for the man who introduces himself as Max, to be the infamous M.L. Crawford, her father's competitor and not on friendly terms. After that first meeting she still finds herself drawn to the enigmatic character, and after running into him again by chance she decides to put aside her past stereotype and explore her feelings. What she never expected was to be taken into a world of darker sexual pleasures and dominating men. When she finds her growing relationship with Max tested at every turn, she's forced to grow up and ask herself things she never predicted.
Erika Walsh starts out, and I guess remains to a point, a wallflower. She's the girl who has a small group of friends and has social anxiety when in large crowds. She really grew as a person on the pages of this book and I found myself completely captivated by her hidden strength and emotional honesty. By the end of the book I really felt like I got to see the inner workings of her character and reveled in her brave choices in the end. I did have issues with her at times, especially how she acted with the Chris scene towards the end, the fact that she takes blame and then forgives Chris like he did nothing wrong, continuing to be blind to the real him, but it all made her a more realistic character and added more emotion as a reader.
Max Crawford fit the role of sexy Dominant. He was harsh at times, controlling and even manipulative. Other times he was the rock that held characters together, supportive, and caring. At one point he's described as damaged but while he's flawed I didn't see him as some damaged man that needs saved, I saw him as a person that will grow with experience and progression. I loved getting glimpses from his POV and a sneak into the inner workings of his mind.
Christopher Milton is apparently going to still be in the running for her affection in the next book. I'm pretty sure this character has worked into my non redeemable side but we'll have to see! Not much I can say without spoilers except his character did a 180 on me I was not expecting. His interactions with Erika have turned chill worthy.
Catherine was a very confusing character. I was surprised that we got so much of her story and felt like it did take away from Erika & Max's to a point. Her character was so broken and back and forth that I didn't connect with her but could understand her to a point. With Max and her sharing such a history she did lend more development to his character, but I would have preferred to hear it more from the source through dialogue and action.
You can have the most interesting characters in a story but if the delivery is poor it's all a moot point. The Gate's writing runs smooth, descriptive but not excessive, and a great delivery that has the pages speeding by. Almost enough to make me forgive the cliffhanger, almost. This next book can not come soon enough.
4 1/2 stars
The Gate is not what I was expecting. Reading the synopsis I was expecting another light fluffy but enjoyable billionaire Dominant and bad boy romance where the BDSM is a mockery of the real thing and the heroine needs a good smack upside the head. The story ended up being a dark journey of discovery filled with drama, heartbreak, and every other emotion in between. The more intense sides explored in a collection of unforgettable characters.
Publishing under a pseudo name Erika Walsh writes children's books while also working for her father's publishing company, Walsh Publishing. At an awards ceremony honoring her father she runs into a sexy stranger who takes her by surprise. She wasn't expecting for the man who introduces himself as Max, to be the infamous M.L. Crawford, her father's competitor and not on friendly terms. After that first meeting she still finds herself drawn to the enigmatic character, and after running into him again by chance she decides to put aside her past stereotype and explore her feelings. What she never expected was to be taken into a world of darker sexual pleasures and dominating men. When she finds her growing relationship with Max tested at every turn, she's forced to grow up and ask herself things she never predicted.
Erika Walsh starts out, and I guess remains to a point, a wallflower. She's the girl who has a small group of friends and has social anxiety when in large crowds. She really grew as a person on the pages of this book and I found myself completely captivated by her hidden strength and emotional honesty. By the end of the book I really felt like I got to see the inner workings of her character and reveled in her brave choices in the end. I did have issues with her at times, especially how she acted with the Chris scene towards the end, the fact that she takes blame and then forgives Chris like he did nothing wrong, continuing to be blind to the real him, but it all made her a more realistic character and added more emotion as a reader.
Max Crawford fit the role of sexy Dominant. He was harsh at times, controlling and even manipulative. Other times he was the rock that held characters together, supportive, and caring. At one point he's described as damaged but while he's flawed I didn't see him as some damaged man that needs saved, I saw him as a person that will grow with experience and progression. I loved getting glimpses from his POV and a sneak into the inner workings of his mind.
Christopher Milton is apparently going to still be in the running for her affection in the next book. I'm pretty sure this character has worked into my non redeemable side but we'll have to see! Not much I can say without spoilers except his character did a 180 on me I was not expecting. His interactions with Erika have turned chill worthy.
Catherine was a very confusing character. I was surprised that we got so much of her story and felt like it did take away from Erika & Max's to a point. Her character was so broken and back and forth that I didn't connect with her but could understand her to a point. With Max and her sharing such a history she did lend more development to his character, but I would have preferred to hear it more from the source through dialogue and action.
You can have the most interesting characters in a story but if the delivery is poor it's all a moot point. The Gate's writing runs smooth, descriptive but not excessive, and a great delivery that has the pages speeding by. Almost enough to make me forgive the cliffhanger, almost. This next book can not come soon enough.
October 16, 2013
From the back flap:
Erika Walsh has carried a torch for Christopher Milton, heir to her father’s publishing empire for years. After one steamy make out session she begins to wonder if it might develop into something more. But when M. L. Crawford, better known as Max, her father’s publishing rival, seeks her out at a society event, she’s drawn to his magnetic charisma and powerful demeanor. Their verbal bantering and innuendo laced overtones stir feelings she never knew existed, and soon Erika is consumed with knowing the real man under Max’s restrained public façade.
Erika’s sweet nature and naivety excites Max to near madness. He wants to train her in the art of seduction and make her succumb to his every wish and command…as his perfect submissive. Yet, Christopher is determined to keep Erika from becoming the latest victim of Max’s sinister sexual hungers. He knows all too well what Max hides in his black soul and will stop at nothing to reveal all of Max’s secrets in order to protect the one thing he holds dear above all else- Erika.
Max’s dark desires scare yet arouse Erika, as he opens her eyes to a new bold world full of passion and ecstasy she never imagined until him. But the biggest question remains: Is Erika’s craving for Max just an illusion that transpires behind the walls of The Gate?
The above is publicized synopsis; however, the story itself comes across quite a bit differently.
Who is the story really about? The love triangle between Erika, Max, and Chris is presumed to be the main point but a large portion of attention in the book is taken by a sub-plot with Catherine, Raymond, and Bryan. Catherine is a switch and part owner of The Gate. Raymond is her master and Bryan is a switchy submissive newbie completely infatuate by her.
While I can see the influence from Tiffany Reisz, it doesn’t come across as successfully. The characters and plot feel unfocused and erratic. It took a significant amount of reading before I could figure out it lacks transitions. People and narratives go from point A to point B with no way of getting there.
Erika is initially presented as naïve and almost childlike but then like a flip of a switch is completely open sexually to whatever and then back to being innocent and gullible. About halfway through she states this is her first relationship with a man and perhaps it’s why she will do anything to keep him, unfortunately this emanates an unhealthy bond. How is it Erika has extreme social anxiety in large groups or even in restaurants but is completely relaxed on her first trip to a crowded sex club? Or to have a sexual act with another man in front of a large audience?
The overall theme includes BDSM elements but leans towards being heavily sadistic and masochistic but the manner in which it’s presented sometimes has the impression of not being responsible BDSM and bordering cruelty. Never have I read this type of book where an introduction into BDSM includes not wanting to scare the submissive but telling her you’re going to whip her until she screams her safe word.
The storyline, while not always effective, is still intriguing. The last half of the book does make you understand where the first tries to get you. It does markedly get more captivating even while seemingly dropping the ball regarding details of subplots. It’s too soon to tell if these will be picked by up in the next installment. It appears this will be written in a trilogy. I’m already having a love/hate relationship with the synopsis for the next book but I have this itchy feeling I’ll read it anyway.
~Received ARC in exchange for honest review.~
Erika Walsh has carried a torch for Christopher Milton, heir to her father’s publishing empire for years. After one steamy make out session she begins to wonder if it might develop into something more. But when M. L. Crawford, better known as Max, her father’s publishing rival, seeks her out at a society event, she’s drawn to his magnetic charisma and powerful demeanor. Their verbal bantering and innuendo laced overtones stir feelings she never knew existed, and soon Erika is consumed with knowing the real man under Max’s restrained public façade.
Erika’s sweet nature and naivety excites Max to near madness. He wants to train her in the art of seduction and make her succumb to his every wish and command…as his perfect submissive. Yet, Christopher is determined to keep Erika from becoming the latest victim of Max’s sinister sexual hungers. He knows all too well what Max hides in his black soul and will stop at nothing to reveal all of Max’s secrets in order to protect the one thing he holds dear above all else- Erika.
Max’s dark desires scare yet arouse Erika, as he opens her eyes to a new bold world full of passion and ecstasy she never imagined until him. But the biggest question remains: Is Erika’s craving for Max just an illusion that transpires behind the walls of The Gate?
The above is publicized synopsis; however, the story itself comes across quite a bit differently.
Who is the story really about? The love triangle between Erika, Max, and Chris is presumed to be the main point but a large portion of attention in the book is taken by a sub-plot with Catherine, Raymond, and Bryan. Catherine is a switch and part owner of The Gate. Raymond is her master and Bryan is a switchy submissive newbie completely infatuate by her.
While I can see the influence from Tiffany Reisz, it doesn’t come across as successfully. The characters and plot feel unfocused and erratic. It took a significant amount of reading before I could figure out it lacks transitions. People and narratives go from point A to point B with no way of getting there.
Erika is initially presented as naïve and almost childlike but then like a flip of a switch is completely open sexually to whatever and then back to being innocent and gullible. About halfway through she states this is her first relationship with a man and perhaps it’s why she will do anything to keep him, unfortunately this emanates an unhealthy bond. How is it Erika has extreme social anxiety in large groups or even in restaurants but is completely relaxed on her first trip to a crowded sex club? Or to have a sexual act with another man in front of a large audience?
The overall theme includes BDSM elements but leans towards being heavily sadistic and masochistic but the manner in which it’s presented sometimes has the impression of not being responsible BDSM and bordering cruelty. Never have I read this type of book where an introduction into BDSM includes not wanting to scare the submissive but telling her you’re going to whip her until she screams her safe word.
The storyline, while not always effective, is still intriguing. The last half of the book does make you understand where the first tries to get you. It does markedly get more captivating even while seemingly dropping the ball regarding details of subplots. It’s too soon to tell if these will be picked by up in the next installment. It appears this will be written in a trilogy. I’m already having a love/hate relationship with the synopsis for the next book but I have this itchy feeling I’ll read it anyway.
~Received ARC in exchange for honest review.~
February 17, 2014
Really 3.5 Stars
FTC : I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Although I talk to the author on twitter, I did not let my good opinion of her influence this review.
When I first picked up this book, it took me several weeks to get into it but I’m not sure why. I love this authors work so I persevered and I’m glad I did. This book does contain some of the tropes familair to the BDSM genre at the moment but the author does a lot to rectify some of the sticking points that exist in them, the bits where readers take a step back and wonder just how much reality they have to suspend to enjoy a book. There are still points that I may have rolled my eyes at slightly but, overall, I found myself hooked. It’s a little bit crack-ish.
Max is a Millionaire who runs a kink club. A playboy, he runs through subs, but doesn’t seem to stick to one. Here’s what I liked about Max
*He actually quite likes his playboy ways. He isn’t shagging away his “emptiness� but rather enjoying the fact that he owns a sex-club.
*He quite likes Erika’s spunkiness�. he doesn’t see it as her “challenging� his Domliness or being bratty because she wants a spanking.
*When she tells him to do one, he does.
Max then meets Erika at an event. He is immediately attracted, yet rather conflicted, as he is currently plotting a hostile takeover of her Father’s business. Yes, to people Max does not know very well, he is a massive arse. In some ways he is an arse with Erika but that’s the thing with Alpha heroes; they are arseholes.
Erika is at the event to support her Father. A best selling children’s author, she finds crowds difficult but is immediately charmed by the mysterious Max. She doesn’t immediately know who he is but gives him a chance to prove himself by his actions rather than rumors (from Chris� the douche). Here’s what I like about Erika:
*She makes up her own mind about someone
*She calls Max on his over-handed behaviour- he is possessive, he is a bit of an arse but she calls him on all of it
*She isn’t afraid to try out his kinkiness
*She isn’t “broken� and she likes BDSM ‘cos she likes it .. end of!
This story is the story of Erika and Max starting a relationship, despite all the barriers that are in their way. He is the family enemy, everyone wants her to be with the other dude �. there is a lot of issues and, realistically, they shouldn’t work. It is a little bit Romeo and Juliet and I liked it!
The side story of Catherine and her millionaire (billionaire?) virgin was fantastic. Here’s a disclaimer though; you have to be OK and familiar with the Master/slave relationship to enjoy this particular plot-line. Only then will you understand the angst and impossibility of this situation for her.
Chris is a complete and utter wanker. In no way should he be anywhere near her, in no way would I ever consider him a friend for her. He is stalkerishly possessive, he doesn’t take no for an answer, he is high-handed in his behaviour towards her as he “knows best�, he expects to be forgiven for all of his actions as it was for her own good�. he is every Alpha-hole Dom I’ve ever read about, just slightly more exaggerated. I don’t know if this was done on purpose, I don’t know if the author wanted me to chose between these two heroes (the stalky alpha hero vs. the alpha Dom hero) but I chose Max. Every. Single. Time.
This is a sexy, angsty BDSM sex club romance that could become my crack. Although not every part of this book resonated with me, overall I enjoyed it and want to read more.
FTC : I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Although I talk to the author on twitter, I did not let my good opinion of her influence this review.
When I first picked up this book, it took me several weeks to get into it but I’m not sure why. I love this authors work so I persevered and I’m glad I did. This book does contain some of the tropes familair to the BDSM genre at the moment but the author does a lot to rectify some of the sticking points that exist in them, the bits where readers take a step back and wonder just how much reality they have to suspend to enjoy a book. There are still points that I may have rolled my eyes at slightly but, overall, I found myself hooked. It’s a little bit crack-ish.
Max is a Millionaire who runs a kink club. A playboy, he runs through subs, but doesn’t seem to stick to one. Here’s what I liked about Max
*He actually quite likes his playboy ways. He isn’t shagging away his “emptiness� but rather enjoying the fact that he owns a sex-club.
*He quite likes Erika’s spunkiness�. he doesn’t see it as her “challenging� his Domliness or being bratty because she wants a spanking.
*When she tells him to do one, he does.
Max then meets Erika at an event. He is immediately attracted, yet rather conflicted, as he is currently plotting a hostile takeover of her Father’s business. Yes, to people Max does not know very well, he is a massive arse. In some ways he is an arse with Erika but that’s the thing with Alpha heroes; they are arseholes.
Erika is at the event to support her Father. A best selling children’s author, she finds crowds difficult but is immediately charmed by the mysterious Max. She doesn’t immediately know who he is but gives him a chance to prove himself by his actions rather than rumors (from Chris� the douche). Here’s what I like about Erika:
*She makes up her own mind about someone
*She calls Max on his over-handed behaviour- he is possessive, he is a bit of an arse but she calls him on all of it
*She isn’t afraid to try out his kinkiness
*She isn’t “broken� and she likes BDSM ‘cos she likes it .. end of!
This story is the story of Erika and Max starting a relationship, despite all the barriers that are in their way. He is the family enemy, everyone wants her to be with the other dude �. there is a lot of issues and, realistically, they shouldn’t work. It is a little bit Romeo and Juliet and I liked it!
The side story of Catherine and her millionaire (billionaire?) virgin was fantastic. Here’s a disclaimer though; you have to be OK and familiar with the Master/slave relationship to enjoy this particular plot-line. Only then will you understand the angst and impossibility of this situation for her.
Chris is a complete and utter wanker. In no way should he be anywhere near her, in no way would I ever consider him a friend for her. He is stalkerishly possessive, he doesn’t take no for an answer, he is high-handed in his behaviour towards her as he “knows best�, he expects to be forgiven for all of his actions as it was for her own good�. he is every Alpha-hole Dom I’ve ever read about, just slightly more exaggerated. I don’t know if this was done on purpose, I don’t know if the author wanted me to chose between these two heroes (the stalky alpha hero vs. the alpha Dom hero) but I chose Max. Every. Single. Time.
This is a sexy, angsty BDSM sex club romance that could become my crack. Although not every part of this book resonated with me, overall I enjoyed it and want to read more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2015
Seduction and Secrets
Sweet-natured and reserved Erika Walsh has no idea how her life is about to spin out of control. Erika thinks things are perfect in her life- she’s a successful writer, her father’s publishing company is a success, she has the perfect best friend, and the guy she has thought herself in love with for years finally seems interested in returning her affections. And then Erika meets Max� He is gorgeous, funny, captivating- and her father’s biggest competitor and sworn enemy of the man Erika thinks she’s in love with, Christopher. But despite Christopher trying to warn Erika away from Max by revealing he owns a private sex club she can’t deny her attracted to him. But when Christopher starts to produce more and more evidence of Max’s nefarious deeds Erika starts to question exactly what she can believe and who she can trust. When tragedy strikes Erika decides it is time to get away and reevaluate the direction of her life. Max vows he will never let Erika go- but he might not have a choice.
I have to say that if Ms. Grant was trying to create great conflict in her readers about who Erika should end up with, she failed with me- I knew my choice for Erika immediately. But having my mind made up early made the story more dramatic and emotional for me. This book wrapped me right up in all of its drama, sadness, sensuality, and anger. Ms. Grant writes emotional conflict incredibly well- and there is plenty to go around in this book. Aside from the main conflict of Christopher-Erika-Max, there is a subplot happening between Max’s best friend, Catherine, and a young men determined to become involved with her despite the fact that she is promised to another. Catherine is scared and sad and tortured by all of her feelings- and as the reader I experienced that journey right along with her. Love them or hate them, all of the characters are conflicted, flawed, and fit perfectly into their roles in the story. Even when the characters are making potentially bad decisions you have enough of their background story to understand their behavior.
The plot flowed fairly smoothly. There were times when I felt that the Catherine subplot was distracting from the main story- even though I loved reading it. I actually can’t wait to see how things progress there, if at all. I think the ending is absolutely perfect- the conflict is at an all-time high and the reader is left wanting more. Of course if I didn't know there was a second book I would not be pleased with the ending. The drastically different relationship dynamics helped with the conflict- Erika and Christopher have been friends for years with Erika quietly pining away for Christopher while Erika and Max have an instant spark from their first encounter. The fact that Max is a business enemy to Erika’s father adds another layer in the already deep emotions and conflict. You can’t turn a page in this book without finding conflict- but I believe the author did a good job of keeping the conflict real and understandable and didn't allow it to overwhelm the story. I can’t wait to see where the story and characters go next.
Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
Sweet-natured and reserved Erika Walsh has no idea how her life is about to spin out of control. Erika thinks things are perfect in her life- she’s a successful writer, her father’s publishing company is a success, she has the perfect best friend, and the guy she has thought herself in love with for years finally seems interested in returning her affections. And then Erika meets Max� He is gorgeous, funny, captivating- and her father’s biggest competitor and sworn enemy of the man Erika thinks she’s in love with, Christopher. But despite Christopher trying to warn Erika away from Max by revealing he owns a private sex club she can’t deny her attracted to him. But when Christopher starts to produce more and more evidence of Max’s nefarious deeds Erika starts to question exactly what she can believe and who she can trust. When tragedy strikes Erika decides it is time to get away and reevaluate the direction of her life. Max vows he will never let Erika go- but he might not have a choice.
I have to say that if Ms. Grant was trying to create great conflict in her readers about who Erika should end up with, she failed with me- I knew my choice for Erika immediately. But having my mind made up early made the story more dramatic and emotional for me. This book wrapped me right up in all of its drama, sadness, sensuality, and anger. Ms. Grant writes emotional conflict incredibly well- and there is plenty to go around in this book. Aside from the main conflict of Christopher-Erika-Max, there is a subplot happening between Max’s best friend, Catherine, and a young men determined to become involved with her despite the fact that she is promised to another. Catherine is scared and sad and tortured by all of her feelings- and as the reader I experienced that journey right along with her. Love them or hate them, all of the characters are conflicted, flawed, and fit perfectly into their roles in the story. Even when the characters are making potentially bad decisions you have enough of their background story to understand their behavior.
The plot flowed fairly smoothly. There were times when I felt that the Catherine subplot was distracting from the main story- even though I loved reading it. I actually can’t wait to see how things progress there, if at all. I think the ending is absolutely perfect- the conflict is at an all-time high and the reader is left wanting more. Of course if I didn't know there was a second book I would not be pleased with the ending. The drastically different relationship dynamics helped with the conflict- Erika and Christopher have been friends for years with Erika quietly pining away for Christopher while Erika and Max have an instant spark from their first encounter. The fact that Max is a business enemy to Erika’s father adds another layer in the already deep emotions and conflict. You can’t turn a page in this book without finding conflict- but I believe the author did a good job of keeping the conflict real and understandable and didn't allow it to overwhelm the story. I can’t wait to see where the story and characters go next.
Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
October 23, 2013
Dark, sultry and raw sexual attraction ignite the pages of The Gate by K. T. Grant, book one of the Dark Path Series. When a wealthy, socially shy, author and daughter of a publishing giant meets her father’s biggest rival, their attraction is immediate as their banter carries a multitude of sexual innuendo. Erika has always wanted Chris, her father’s corporate “heir apparent� but when she meets Max, her inner siren must be awakened because the normally quiet female goes toe to toe with the sexy and powerful man. Meanwhile, Chris, who has never really thought much about Erika as a romantic interest does everything he can to discredit Max, who happens to be part owner in a BDSM club called THE GATE. Do we have a sexual triangle? Is Erika ready for the demands max wants to make on her? Has Chris gone too far with Erika? What is her attraction to these two men who easily overpower her every senses?
The Gate is not a pretty story, its dark, the world these characters gravitate to isn’t warm and sensual, there is brutality and animal lust, a quest for dominance with few barriers. The language is crude, the acts demeaning, and personal pleasure seems the dominant theme. K. T. Grant has created a powerful stage for her players, there is not a sight or scent that is forgotten, the detail is very involved. No need for pretending to imagine the scenes, they are graphic. The focus is on sex.
Ms. Grant boldly defines her dominant characters and their desires, there are no heroes here, and the Erika seems to be the one paying the price. I did want more depth in the characters, there has to be more than sex to focus on, more than the need for power with sex. I’m not sure these characters couldn’t have used some therapy. I did find Ms. Grant’s writing style to be crisp, and it fits the theme well, no shying away from the main thrust of the story, no sugar-coating each character, it is very bold and intense.
I received a review copy as part of K. T. Grant's THE GATE Virtual Tour & Giveaway stopping at Tome Tender October 27, 2013.
Publication Date: October 12, 2013
Publisher: K. T. Grant
ISBN: 9781301198238
Genre: Adult Erotica/BDSM
Page Count: 254
Available from:
For more reviews check out or find us on .
The Gate is not a pretty story, its dark, the world these characters gravitate to isn’t warm and sensual, there is brutality and animal lust, a quest for dominance with few barriers. The language is crude, the acts demeaning, and personal pleasure seems the dominant theme. K. T. Grant has created a powerful stage for her players, there is not a sight or scent that is forgotten, the detail is very involved. No need for pretending to imagine the scenes, they are graphic. The focus is on sex.
Ms. Grant boldly defines her dominant characters and their desires, there are no heroes here, and the Erika seems to be the one paying the price. I did want more depth in the characters, there has to be more than sex to focus on, more than the need for power with sex. I’m not sure these characters couldn’t have used some therapy. I did find Ms. Grant’s writing style to be crisp, and it fits the theme well, no shying away from the main thrust of the story, no sugar-coating each character, it is very bold and intense.
I received a review copy as part of K. T. Grant's THE GATE Virtual Tour & Giveaway stopping at Tome Tender October 27, 2013.
Publication Date: October 12, 2013
Publisher: K. T. Grant
ISBN: 9781301198238
Genre: Adult Erotica/BDSM
Page Count: 254
Available from:
For more reviews check out or find us on .
October 16, 2013
The Gate. Dark Path Series Book 1. KT Grant
Arc received via Netgalley.
I was looking forward to reading this book, the author mentions being inspired by Tiffany Reisz' Original Sinners series which I love. Sadly Soren and Kingsley would have a fit at some of the BDSM practices in this novel.
Anyway, as the book description says the story centres around Erika, Chris and Max mainly. I liked Erika to a degree, she was very open and innocent but sometimes she was just too innocent and its hard to believe anyone could get to nearly thirty and have the juvenile innocence that she shows at times. Then she meets Max and all that gets thrown away? While being annoyed that he holds secrets, and Chris her long held crush, gets thrown by the wayside and he's keeping secrets too � about Max but I suspect he's skewed the truth because of his personal grudge. In all none of these characters were really ones to love, and I couldn't really get on-board and emotional about what happened to them, I felt detached really from the story.
The club � well as I said Soren and Kingsley would be ashamed...the first time its mentioned I think is when ?Max goes in one evening and there's a line something like “the familiar smell of sweat and sex� eurgghh. There shouldn't be any unsavoury smells but then when we're later told someone picks up a towel to wipe a seat in case there's anything unsavoury on it, ditto the floor which is described as sticky with semen stains and other fluids.....well I just was totally put off. The BDSM practices as a whole were nothing like the well organised ones of K & S Underground - 8th Circle, but seemed to be done on an ad hoc basis with very little discipline. That really meant the sex scenes were less erotic that they could have been, Tiffany manages to make whips, straps and chains sexy, sadly here they were the opposite for me.
So overall I didn't gel really well with this book, didn't really bother that much about the characters as I didn't really understand or like them much. There is a follow up book, and the story had enough interest in that I might read it � I do want to see where the story is going, clearly despite my thinking I didn't enjoy the book it had enough to lure me into book two. That looks to have more drama in it, with some of the secrets being revealed, and given what we've learned and the characters public positions that could be an interesting storyline and make it a better book that this one.
Stars: well, I did like parts, and am curious about what happens next so two and a half- to three. Its kind of more than didn't like but a bit less than OK
Arc received via Netgalley.
I was looking forward to reading this book, the author mentions being inspired by Tiffany Reisz' Original Sinners series which I love. Sadly Soren and Kingsley would have a fit at some of the BDSM practices in this novel.
Anyway, as the book description says the story centres around Erika, Chris and Max mainly. I liked Erika to a degree, she was very open and innocent but sometimes she was just too innocent and its hard to believe anyone could get to nearly thirty and have the juvenile innocence that she shows at times. Then she meets Max and all that gets thrown away? While being annoyed that he holds secrets, and Chris her long held crush, gets thrown by the wayside and he's keeping secrets too � about Max but I suspect he's skewed the truth because of his personal grudge. In all none of these characters were really ones to love, and I couldn't really get on-board and emotional about what happened to them, I felt detached really from the story.
The club � well as I said Soren and Kingsley would be ashamed...the first time its mentioned I think is when ?Max goes in one evening and there's a line something like “the familiar smell of sweat and sex� eurgghh. There shouldn't be any unsavoury smells but then when we're later told someone picks up a towel to wipe a seat in case there's anything unsavoury on it, ditto the floor which is described as sticky with semen stains and other fluids.....well I just was totally put off. The BDSM practices as a whole were nothing like the well organised ones of K & S Underground - 8th Circle, but seemed to be done on an ad hoc basis with very little discipline. That really meant the sex scenes were less erotic that they could have been, Tiffany manages to make whips, straps and chains sexy, sadly here they were the opposite for me.
So overall I didn't gel really well with this book, didn't really bother that much about the characters as I didn't really understand or like them much. There is a follow up book, and the story had enough interest in that I might read it � I do want to see where the story is going, clearly despite my thinking I didn't enjoy the book it had enough to lure me into book two. That looks to have more drama in it, with some of the secrets being revealed, and given what we've learned and the characters public positions that could be an interesting storyline and make it a better book that this one.
Stars: well, I did like parts, and am curious about what happens next so two and a half- to three. Its kind of more than didn't like but a bit less than OK
October 13, 2013
This was a fantastic read. Not what I was expecting at all�.
I’ll be honest, based on how the book started off I wasn’t sure I’d like it. OMG! I more than like it�. this was such a nice surprise. I was way more engrossed in this than I thought I ever could be. (and, it’s smuttier than I expected too!!)
You might be reading the synopsis and thinking I’ve had my fill of alpha male dominant kinky billionaires. If that’s you, DON’T!!! This story will have you hooked.
Max is the business rival of Erika’s father, the owner of a publishing company. In business and his personal life, Max gets what he wants; and, after seeing Erika at an award ceremony decides she’s want he wants. Max and Erika couldn’t be more opposite. Max is the owner of a BDSM club and isn’t a stranger to the lifestyle. Erika is a somewhat shy social recluse and would rather sit on her couch watching tv than be out on a weekend. But sometimes opposites attract, and Max is determined to prove that theory true.
Max goes after Erika and ultimately seduces her. He introduces her to the world of BDSM, and boy is it a sensual and erotic ride. Max pushes Erika’s limits, and she’s more than willing to let him. But, while Erika falls into this new lifestyle, her best friend's brother, Chris, is adamant about ‘saving� her from it. Max and Chris aren’t strangers to one another and, in fact, have history. The battle between Max and Chris and their fight to see who wins Erika heats ups and proves to quite interesting.
The transformation we see Erika go through is great. She becomes a stronger and more confident woman. She’s not weak or wishy-washy and isn’t afraid to challenge Max. It’s a nice change of pace to see a strong main female character (even if that’s not how she started out).
There were only 2 things that bothered me about this one:
1. CLIFFHANGER!!!!! Argh. But, in all honesty the book ended in at a good place for a cliffhanger (if there’s ever a ‘good place� for a cliffie).
2. The word GIGGLE. Erika is almost 30 years old. Women LAUGH they do not GIGGLE. I know Ericka is supposed to be somewhat shy and awkward, but use of the word giggle turned me off. It gave the feeling like Erika was younger than she actually is and that she’s very immature (which isn’t the case).
This is a really great start to a new and intriguing series. I CANNOT wait for the next book!!!!!
(ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review)
I’ll be honest, based on how the book started off I wasn’t sure I’d like it. OMG! I more than like it�. this was such a nice surprise. I was way more engrossed in this than I thought I ever could be. (and, it’s smuttier than I expected too!!)
You might be reading the synopsis and thinking I’ve had my fill of alpha male dominant kinky billionaires. If that’s you, DON’T!!! This story will have you hooked.
Max is the business rival of Erika’s father, the owner of a publishing company. In business and his personal life, Max gets what he wants; and, after seeing Erika at an award ceremony decides she’s want he wants. Max and Erika couldn’t be more opposite. Max is the owner of a BDSM club and isn’t a stranger to the lifestyle. Erika is a somewhat shy social recluse and would rather sit on her couch watching tv than be out on a weekend. But sometimes opposites attract, and Max is determined to prove that theory true.
Max goes after Erika and ultimately seduces her. He introduces her to the world of BDSM, and boy is it a sensual and erotic ride. Max pushes Erika’s limits, and she’s more than willing to let him. But, while Erika falls into this new lifestyle, her best friend's brother, Chris, is adamant about ‘saving� her from it. Max and Chris aren’t strangers to one another and, in fact, have history. The battle between Max and Chris and their fight to see who wins Erika heats ups and proves to quite interesting.
The transformation we see Erika go through is great. She becomes a stronger and more confident woman. She’s not weak or wishy-washy and isn’t afraid to challenge Max. It’s a nice change of pace to see a strong main female character (even if that’s not how she started out).
There were only 2 things that bothered me about this one:
1. CLIFFHANGER!!!!! Argh. But, in all honesty the book ended in at a good place for a cliffhanger (if there’s ever a ‘good place� for a cliffie).
2. The word GIGGLE. Erika is almost 30 years old. Women LAUGH they do not GIGGLE. I know Ericka is supposed to be somewhat shy and awkward, but use of the word giggle turned me off. It gave the feeling like Erika was younger than she actually is and that she’s very immature (which isn’t the case).
This is a really great start to a new and intriguing series. I CANNOT wait for the next book!!!!!
(ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review)
January 2, 2016
3.5 stars.
Erika starts off as a weak character, but grows throughout the story. She tends to have panic attacks when out in large crowds, but is strong enough to face her fears.
Chris, who is her retiring father's right hand man, starts of the story looking like the best guy in the world, but starts to show his true colors pretty quickly when Erika quits following him around with puppy dog eyes.
Max, who is her father's and family business's biggest competitor, starts off the book as the lesser of the two men. He talks about wanting to take over the company. When he first sees Erika, I'm thinking he was going to use her to help him achieve this goal. This is not the case.
Chris and Max have a past history. Max had dated Chris's older sister, who is also completely unstable. The question becomes, was she that way before or just after Max and her split up. Chris is pretty sure it she is unstable because of the sexual deviant lifestyle that Max introduces her to.
There is also Catherine, who is Max's business partner in The Gate, a BDSM club in Brooklyn. She is a great secondary character who I hope will get her own story told at some point. She has quite a history and I think her story is one that deserves to be told. I also hope she gets a happily ever after is some way.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. If you like Tiffany Reisz, you will notice many similarities, but no priest (damn). I could really see the influence that Tiffany had on this book. I could also see the small part that the Sleepy Beauty Trilogy had on the book as well. The pony play is very similar, but these are all willing individuals, unlike the Anne Rice books.
I give it 3.5 stars instead of 4 only because of the ending. To me it was not only a cliffhanger, but the ending really felt unfinished. I have way too many unanswered questions that I felt should've been answered in this book and not pushed to the next book. I'm not a fan of cliffhangers in any sense. They drive me crazy, but this seems more to me than that, like I said unfinished. I can't go into really anymore without spoilers for the ending.
All that being said, I did enjoy the book and can't wait for the next one. I hope see where all the characters go. I have some ideas in my head, where I think they are going. With some, I hope I'm right and with others, I hope I'm wrong.
**Book was provided to me by the author. This review is my opinion and was not requested or provoked in anyway by the author.
Erika starts off as a weak character, but grows throughout the story. She tends to have panic attacks when out in large crowds, but is strong enough to face her fears.
Chris, who is her retiring father's right hand man, starts of the story looking like the best guy in the world, but starts to show his true colors pretty quickly when Erika quits following him around with puppy dog eyes.
Max, who is her father's and family business's biggest competitor, starts off the book as the lesser of the two men. He talks about wanting to take over the company. When he first sees Erika, I'm thinking he was going to use her to help him achieve this goal. This is not the case.
Chris and Max have a past history. Max had dated Chris's older sister, who is also completely unstable. The question becomes, was she that way before or just after Max and her split up. Chris is pretty sure it she is unstable because of the sexual deviant lifestyle that Max introduces her to.
There is also Catherine, who is Max's business partner in The Gate, a BDSM club in Brooklyn. She is a great secondary character who I hope will get her own story told at some point. She has quite a history and I think her story is one that deserves to be told. I also hope she gets a happily ever after is some way.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. If you like Tiffany Reisz, you will notice many similarities, but no priest (damn). I could really see the influence that Tiffany had on this book. I could also see the small part that the Sleepy Beauty Trilogy had on the book as well. The pony play is very similar, but these are all willing individuals, unlike the Anne Rice books.
I give it 3.5 stars instead of 4 only because of the ending. To me it was not only a cliffhanger, but the ending really felt unfinished. I have way too many unanswered questions that I felt should've been answered in this book and not pushed to the next book. I'm not a fan of cliffhangers in any sense. They drive me crazy, but this seems more to me than that, like I said unfinished. I can't go into really anymore without spoilers for the ending.
All that being said, I did enjoy the book and can't wait for the next one. I hope see where all the characters go. I have some ideas in my head, where I think they are going. With some, I hope I'm right and with others, I hope I'm wrong.
**Book was provided to me by the author. This review is my opinion and was not requested or provoked in anyway by the author.
December 10, 2013
I can't discuss what bothered me so much in this book without including certain details which aren't revealed until late in the book, hence the warning about spoilers. Please avoid this review if you don't want to be, er, spoiled about things.
This review will be really short because I ended up not caring for this book very much. Don't get me wrong, some of the sex was great and there were some great moments between Max and Erika. I felt there was a real passion between them and it could have had a long, healthy relationship.
I had real issues (as in my emotional connections) with the characters. I felt like secondary Catherine was in an abusive relationship (yes and no, and I know there are many depths to a master/slave relationship, but she seemed to become a major doormat to her Frenchman). I didn't like the fact that Chris practically rapes Erika but then part way through his decidedly unwanted (in the beginning) assault, she suddenly massively gets turned on and is willing to bounce him. I really didn't like that Catherine supposedly loved her Frenchman (no matter my previously mentioned feelings about the issue) yet she went and had sex with Bryan.
The ending, for me, utterly didn't work. I liked some of it, when Max and Erika were possibly moving past their problems and healing the relationship. And then .... the ending came, out of the blue, and apparently this is an ongoing series about Erika's relationship with Max and Chris. I went into the book expecting a romance (erotic romance, but romance just the same), and I got no happily ever after in this book. Not even a Happily For Now ending. I feel that's a fundamental betrayal of the author/reader bargain. Because of that, I will be very hesitant to try Ms. Grant's work again, no matter how much I enjoyed the great sex scenes (and there were some great ones, my issues with the characters involved notwithstanding).
I appreciate Ms. Grant's work and her in-depth knowledge of her subject, but this book just really didn't work for me.
Thank you for allowing me to read this.
This review will be really short because I ended up not caring for this book very much. Don't get me wrong, some of the sex was great and there were some great moments between Max and Erika. I felt there was a real passion between them and it could have had a long, healthy relationship.
I had real issues (as in my emotional connections) with the characters. I felt like secondary Catherine was in an abusive relationship (yes and no, and I know there are many depths to a master/slave relationship, but she seemed to become a major doormat to her Frenchman). I didn't like the fact that Chris practically rapes Erika but then part way through his decidedly unwanted (in the beginning) assault, she suddenly massively gets turned on and is willing to bounce him. I really didn't like that Catherine supposedly loved her Frenchman (no matter my previously mentioned feelings about the issue) yet she went and had sex with Bryan.
The ending, for me, utterly didn't work. I liked some of it, when Max and Erika were possibly moving past their problems and healing the relationship. And then .... the ending came, out of the blue, and apparently this is an ongoing series about Erika's relationship with Max and Chris. I went into the book expecting a romance (erotic romance, but romance just the same), and I got no happily ever after in this book. Not even a Happily For Now ending. I feel that's a fundamental betrayal of the author/reader bargain. Because of that, I will be very hesitant to try Ms. Grant's work again, no matter how much I enjoyed the great sex scenes (and there were some great ones, my issues with the characters involved notwithstanding).
I appreciate Ms. Grant's work and her in-depth knowledge of her subject, but this book just really didn't work for me.
Thank you for allowing me to read this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2013
Night Owl Review
Original Review Published here:
The Gate is the first book in the Dark Path series by K. T. Grant. Erika Walsh has been in love with Christopher Milton for a while but never acted on it. She meets M. L. Crawford at an event, not knowing he is her father’s rival. She gets to know him and is drawn to him. Max is interested in her and wants to know more about her. She manages to get underneath his skin like no one else can. Christopher is determined to keep Ericka from Max including steeling her phone.
Erika seems to live a sheltered life, and she is an author of children’s books. Upon meeting Max, he seemed to spark something inside her. The more time she spends with him the more out of her shell she becomes. She is becoming more adventurous with Max. She also seems to trust him.
M. L. Crawford also known as Max is Erika’s fathers revival. While he knew of Erika he had never met her until recently. He is enthralled with her, more than even he seemed to expect. Max is a hot and sexy man. Max wants to protect Erika and expand her horizons as well.
The chemistry between Max and Erika is blistering hot. I loved that Max and Erika both did not expect to have as much chemistry between them as they did. While Christopher wanted to keep Erika away from Max, that did not deter them from spending time together. The sex scenes were hot and spicy as well as adventures.
Overall, this was a wonderfully hot book. This book sucked me in and did not let go until the very end. I found it very well written. The main and secondary characters were realistic and interesting. I am hooked and I cannot wait until the next book in the series comes out.
Original Review Published here:
The Gate is the first book in the Dark Path series by K. T. Grant. Erika Walsh has been in love with Christopher Milton for a while but never acted on it. She meets M. L. Crawford at an event, not knowing he is her father’s rival. She gets to know him and is drawn to him. Max is interested in her and wants to know more about her. She manages to get underneath his skin like no one else can. Christopher is determined to keep Ericka from Max including steeling her phone.
Erika seems to live a sheltered life, and she is an author of children’s books. Upon meeting Max, he seemed to spark something inside her. The more time she spends with him the more out of her shell she becomes. She is becoming more adventurous with Max. She also seems to trust him.
M. L. Crawford also known as Max is Erika’s fathers revival. While he knew of Erika he had never met her until recently. He is enthralled with her, more than even he seemed to expect. Max is a hot and sexy man. Max wants to protect Erika and expand her horizons as well.
The chemistry between Max and Erika is blistering hot. I loved that Max and Erika both did not expect to have as much chemistry between them as they did. While Christopher wanted to keep Erika away from Max, that did not deter them from spending time together. The sex scenes were hot and spicy as well as adventures.
Overall, this was a wonderfully hot book. This book sucked me in and did not let go until the very end. I found it very well written. The main and secondary characters were realistic and interesting. I am hooked and I cannot wait until the next book in the series comes out.
October 10, 2013
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book is not a stand alone novel. The next book is due sometime in 2014. This is a BDSM novel. Be forewarned, it is not a light and fun bondage book. The scenes are a little heavy (but enjoyable).
Erika Walsh is a children's book author and social recluse. With acute anxiety she avoids heavily crowded areas and most social scenes. However, her father's award ceremony has her venturing out with her long-time crush and her best friend.
Erika has had the hots for her best friend's brother for years. After his broken engagement the two share a steamy night together. Which has Erika very happy until she meets Max Crawford.
M.L. Crawford is a ruthless alpha male who has very distinct sexual tastes. He is the owner of many businesses which happens to include a sex club called The Gate.
Max becomes enamored with Erika when he meets her at her father's award party. He then initiates a planned seduction of Erika. Through his seduction, he introduces her into the world of BDSM.
Erika comes into her own in this book and tries to think for herself. Max is demanding and pushes her to her limits. Chris comes across as a little bit stalkerish and sexual predator. He has some very questionable tactics that are somewhat bothersome.
The book ends in a cliffhanger!!!! GRRRRRRR! So I will be unhappily waiting until 2014. I really hope its January 2014 and not oh say June! OH well, tis the price we pay. I recommend giving this book a read. It will keep you on your toes and has a really good subplot.
Happy reading smut puppies!
Erika Walsh is a children's book author and social recluse. With acute anxiety she avoids heavily crowded areas and most social scenes. However, her father's award ceremony has her venturing out with her long-time crush and her best friend.
Erika has had the hots for her best friend's brother for years. After his broken engagement the two share a steamy night together. Which has Erika very happy until she meets Max Crawford.
M.L. Crawford is a ruthless alpha male who has very distinct sexual tastes. He is the owner of many businesses which happens to include a sex club called The Gate.
Max becomes enamored with Erika when he meets her at her father's award party. He then initiates a planned seduction of Erika. Through his seduction, he introduces her into the world of BDSM.
Erika comes into her own in this book and tries to think for herself. Max is demanding and pushes her to her limits. Chris comes across as a little bit stalkerish and sexual predator. He has some very questionable tactics that are somewhat bothersome.
The book ends in a cliffhanger!!!! GRRRRRRR! So I will be unhappily waiting until 2014. I really hope its January 2014 and not oh say June! OH well, tis the price we pay. I recommend giving this book a read. It will keep you on your toes and has a really good subplot.
Happy reading smut puppies!
October 22, 2013
I kindly received this book from Netgalley - thank you!
This book was really enjoyable - think of a cross between with bits of and hints of . Now two out of three of those books are some of my favorites, this book isn't quite at that level, but it has elements of each which made it an enjoyable read.
It's a bit more erotic/S&M than I have read in a while (there are minor references to pony play, knife play, and blood play) - thankfully not too illustrative. Not enough to turn me away, but be forewarned. Good pacing and plot development, maybe a bit too quick in having Ericka and Max get together, would have liked to seen a bit more cat/mouse, but enjoyed seeing their relationship unfold. There also is a minor character, Catherine, who has her own demons and love interests to juggle which added another element to follow (why don't we see Raymond though?) Especially liked the vulnerability displayed by Max, as seen in bits of his POV.
Definitely enough intrigue to warrant a sequel, and cliffhanger is there however not too irksome.
This book was really enjoyable - think of a cross between with bits of and hints of . Now two out of three of those books are some of my favorites, this book isn't quite at that level, but it has elements of each which made it an enjoyable read.
It's a bit more erotic/S&M than I have read in a while (there are minor references to pony play, knife play, and blood play) - thankfully not too illustrative. Not enough to turn me away, but be forewarned. Good pacing and plot development, maybe a bit too quick in having Ericka and Max get together, would have liked to seen a bit more cat/mouse, but enjoyed seeing their relationship unfold. There also is a minor character, Catherine, who has her own demons and love interests to juggle which added another element to follow (why don't we see Raymond though?) Especially liked the vulnerability displayed by Max, as seen in bits of his POV.
Definitely enough intrigue to warrant a sequel, and cliffhanger is there however not too irksome.
December 19, 2013
Well I started this book first thing this morning knowing full well I had many errands to run preparing for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Needless to say, once again an impressive book grabbed hold of my good intentions and I stayed with the book most of the day. Whewwww
These character are fully developed and the details are astounding. I swear there were times I had to look up from the book just to make sure I had not joined them in New York. Kinky....oh heck yea...kinkier than most you will ever read with lots of good lovin to boot. Now there is some SM which I am personally not a fan of, but it worked for this book.
Max and Erika are drawn to each other immediately after meeting each other and burn up the sheets. Max is convinced that she can the one that he has looked for his entire life. Just when the relationship begin to develop, Erika former boyfriend gets involved and does everything in his power to break them up by discrediting and attacking Max's character. Erika leaves town and needs time away to make a decision by her future with Max when the book ends. OMG, I need book 2 tonight
Ms Grant promises that in book 2 Erika returns to NY and is now a up and coming erotic writer. When she left town eight months prior she was writing children's stories. Boy Max really lit up her world and gave her some wonderful material to fill in all those naughty book. I loved this book and you will too if you love a potential HEA and lots of good kinky loving.
Reviewed by Geri
*Free copy provided for honest review
for more reviews visit welovekink(dot)com
These character are fully developed and the details are astounding. I swear there were times I had to look up from the book just to make sure I had not joined them in New York. Kinky....oh heck yea...kinkier than most you will ever read with lots of good lovin to boot. Now there is some SM which I am personally not a fan of, but it worked for this book.
Max and Erika are drawn to each other immediately after meeting each other and burn up the sheets. Max is convinced that she can the one that he has looked for his entire life. Just when the relationship begin to develop, Erika former boyfriend gets involved and does everything in his power to break them up by discrediting and attacking Max's character. Erika leaves town and needs time away to make a decision by her future with Max when the book ends. OMG, I need book 2 tonight
Ms Grant promises that in book 2 Erika returns to NY and is now a up and coming erotic writer. When she left town eight months prior she was writing children's stories. Boy Max really lit up her world and gave her some wonderful material to fill in all those naughty book. I loved this book and you will too if you love a potential HEA and lots of good kinky loving.
Reviewed by Geri
*Free copy provided for honest review
for more reviews visit welovekink(dot)com
October 27, 2013
***4.5 out of 5 stars***
Release date 10/12/13 KT Grant
I was given a copy of The Gate as a gift from the author. I've read a number of books by KT Grant and have always enjoyed them. However, I think The Gate is her best book yet.
I loved both Max and Erika separately from the moment each appeared on the page. I'll be honest and say I didn't get Erika's attraction to Christopher from early on in the book, and pretty much hated him by the end of the book. Add in the smoking hot chemistry between Erika and Max from their very first meeting, and I really didn't get the whole Christopher attraction.
Max has certain needs that fall under BDSM. I've said this before and I'm sure I'll say it again. While I don't always understand the lifestyle, I say to each his own as long as the partner is up for it. Max really didn't want to freak Erika out in the beginning and I loved how he started out slowly talking and showing her what he needed. I really loved that Erika could tell he needed more and was willing to try new things because of her trust in Max.
Ms. Grant has the Dark Path Series set as a trilogy, so of course there was a cliffhanger of an ending. Big life changes happened with Erika, Max, and even Christopher and I'm already counting down until the release of the 2nd book, The Key.
Release date 10/12/13 KT Grant
I was given a copy of The Gate as a gift from the author. I've read a number of books by KT Grant and have always enjoyed them. However, I think The Gate is her best book yet.
I loved both Max and Erika separately from the moment each appeared on the page. I'll be honest and say I didn't get Erika's attraction to Christopher from early on in the book, and pretty much hated him by the end of the book. Add in the smoking hot chemistry between Erika and Max from their very first meeting, and I really didn't get the whole Christopher attraction.
Max has certain needs that fall under BDSM. I've said this before and I'm sure I'll say it again. While I don't always understand the lifestyle, I say to each his own as long as the partner is up for it. Max really didn't want to freak Erika out in the beginning and I loved how he started out slowly talking and showing her what he needed. I really loved that Erika could tell he needed more and was willing to try new things because of her trust in Max.
Ms. Grant has the Dark Path Series set as a trilogy, so of course there was a cliffhanger of an ending. Big life changes happened with Erika, Max, and even Christopher and I'm already counting down until the release of the 2nd book, The Key.
October 29, 2013
This book was phenomenal! I could not put it down and I am delighted it is a series! This is a BDSM, erotica romance, heavy on the S/M as a lot of the scenes center themselves around The Gate.
Max is a dominant, owner of a publishing company, and part owner of the BDSM club he trained in, The Gate. He controls his life, work, and at night takes his tensions out at The Gate. He falls for his rivals daughter and slowly introduces her into his world of sexual desires. Tormented by losing someone he loves, he is dark, brooding, and into S/M but will it scare Erika away?
Erika is an children's author, timid, sweet, and has problems with anxiety. She is caught between two men who say they love her, but which one will prevail? Can she maintain her self identity or will it be lost when she choses?
Love this book! Do not miss this one- I think the series will be awesome! This book contains several relationships, but is easy to understand as the characters are memorable. I fell in love with more than one relationship in this book, and was captivated from the different plots going on throughout.
I love a great ending and this one will bring you to your knees, begging for more! You will not be disappointed in this one, so worth it! Thank you so much to the publisher for the advanced copy I received through Netgalley.com.
Max is a dominant, owner of a publishing company, and part owner of the BDSM club he trained in, The Gate. He controls his life, work, and at night takes his tensions out at The Gate. He falls for his rivals daughter and slowly introduces her into his world of sexual desires. Tormented by losing someone he loves, he is dark, brooding, and into S/M but will it scare Erika away?
Erika is an children's author, timid, sweet, and has problems with anxiety. She is caught between two men who say they love her, but which one will prevail? Can she maintain her self identity or will it be lost when she choses?
Love this book! Do not miss this one- I think the series will be awesome! This book contains several relationships, but is easy to understand as the characters are memorable. I fell in love with more than one relationship in this book, and was captivated from the different plots going on throughout.
I love a great ending and this one will bring you to your knees, begging for more! You will not be disappointed in this one, so worth it! Thank you so much to the publisher for the advanced copy I received through Netgalley.com.
December 17, 2013
Max is planning a hostile takeover of Erika's father's company. When he sees Erika, he's instantly attracted to her, but at first he doesn't realize exactly who she is. He only knows he wants her and wonders if she'll be able to fit into his world at The Gate. When he finds out who she is, he puts his takeover plans on hold, not wanting to drive her away from him. Instead he focuses on introducing her to the other, more important part of his life, The Gate.
Overall, I liked The Gate and gave it 3.5 stars. The characters did need to grow on me because I really wasn't liking the hero and heroine at the very beginning. Erika doesn't strike me as ever fitting into the BDSM world and it was very difficult for me to put her into that role, even as it was happening. As the story progressed, I kind of just went with the flow until it started to work for me a little bit more. The sex seemed a bit more harsh than I'm used to reading, stretching the BDSM to the far end of the realm in my opinion. Max is not the most likable hero, but seems to truly succumb to Erika's heartfelt emotion. By the end of the story I was really getting more involved in the story, but I felt disappointed the ending left me hanging in the balance. The sex is explicit and most definitely for adult audiences. I'll be back for the continuation of this story and look forward to seeing how it will progress.
Overall, I liked The Gate and gave it 3.5 stars. The characters did need to grow on me because I really wasn't liking the hero and heroine at the very beginning. Erika doesn't strike me as ever fitting into the BDSM world and it was very difficult for me to put her into that role, even as it was happening. As the story progressed, I kind of just went with the flow until it started to work for me a little bit more. The sex seemed a bit more harsh than I'm used to reading, stretching the BDSM to the far end of the realm in my opinion. Max is not the most likable hero, but seems to truly succumb to Erika's heartfelt emotion. By the end of the story I was really getting more involved in the story, but I felt disappointed the ending left me hanging in the balance. The sex is explicit and most definitely for adult audiences. I'll be back for the continuation of this story and look forward to seeing how it will progress.
April 22, 2015
Only the First Step
Erika Walsh is way out of her league with Max, but even the discovery that he is one of her father's competitors can't kill the attraction.
Author KT Grant delivers a smashing hit with THE GATE. In it, she takes the characters into the world of BDSM and does so in a very skillful and experienced fashion. From the very first kiss to the interlude at Max's penthouse, it is clear that the two characters have a definite connection. It is interesting to watch how Erika evolves from a somewhat innocent woman into someone full of confidence. At the same time, the writer takes a strong dominant master and renders him a slave.
There is a solid cliffhanger that leads readers to the next installment in the Dark Path series. I found this story to be the first step in what promises to be an exciting adventure. The erotic element was well blended into the storyline with just the right amount of heat.
With all that is familiar on one side and the darkness that is Max on another, Erika finds herself in a whirlwind. This makes for some very interesting reading, each chapter darker than the next.
Review copy provided via in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Rachel's Willful Thoughts
for
Erika Walsh is way out of her league with Max, but even the discovery that he is one of her father's competitors can't kill the attraction.
Author KT Grant delivers a smashing hit with THE GATE. In it, she takes the characters into the world of BDSM and does so in a very skillful and experienced fashion. From the very first kiss to the interlude at Max's penthouse, it is clear that the two characters have a definite connection. It is interesting to watch how Erika evolves from a somewhat innocent woman into someone full of confidence. At the same time, the writer takes a strong dominant master and renders him a slave.
There is a solid cliffhanger that leads readers to the next installment in the Dark Path series. I found this story to be the first step in what promises to be an exciting adventure. The erotic element was well blended into the storyline with just the right amount of heat.
With all that is familiar on one side and the darkness that is Max on another, Erika finds herself in a whirlwind. This makes for some very interesting reading, each chapter darker than the next.
Review copy provided via in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Rachel's Willful Thoughts
for
July 1, 2015
Who, exactly, has enslaved whom? That is the main question in this book where each character seems to be embroiled in angst-ridden emotional turmoil at every turn. Erika has had a crush on Chris for years. That is, until she meets Max at a party honoring her father -- owner extraordinaire of one of the nation's largest publishing houses. Can Max convince her that his interest in her is genuine and not the result of his premeditated takeover of her father's business? I for one, certainly hope so! The plot swings back and forth with Erika (often times literally) being pulled in two opposite directions by her leading men. As the owner of a BDSM club called The Gate, Max gently introduces Erika into the lifestyle in the hopes that she is the woman who can fill the empty spot in his life and heart. Chris loathes the other man, and his anger causes a drastic change in his own behavior. While there are some explicit scenes, I felt that they were very tastefully written. The sexual content was not so much the focus of the story that the plot and characters became secondary, as is the case in other novels of similar genre. The story ends with a bit of a cliffhanger. "The Gate" is Book 1 in "The Dark Path" Series, and I cannot wait to read Book 2!
*** Note: I received an e-copy of this book from the author/publisher via Reading Alley in exchange for a fair and honest review. ***
*** Note: I received an e-copy of this book from the author/publisher via Reading Alley in exchange for a fair and honest review. ***
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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