He’s hurt her once, and terrified her. He holds her future in his hands. Can she trust him with her body too? Desperate to escape her past and start over, Ashley McAllister cuts her ties with her old life and heads for the wild landscape of West Yorkshire, the perfect place to reinvent herself. And her carefully laid plans are working, until she encounters her nemesis—the one man she’d hoped never to see again—Tom Shore, the man she and a gang of thugs attacked and robbed, and who swore he’d make her pay. He owns the cottage she’s made her home and adores, and now he wants his pound of flesh. So he takes it. Intimidated and beaten by her sexy and dominant landlord, and totally confused by her intense physical response to him, Ashley needs Tom to guard her secrets. But will he and his enigmatic and terrifying friend, Nathan Darke, allow her to leave her past behind and start again? Having survived her first explosive and humiliating encounter with Tom, Ashley struggles to get her new life back on track. But Tom wants her. His demanding, persuasive, sensual charm is almost irresistible, his mastery of her assured. But—can she submit to Tom’s dominance? Should she? Ashley has escaped one violent and abusive relationship. Is she about to be sucked into an even darker and more dangerous liaison?
This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers.
This novel was previously released as three separate books, Unsure, Sure Fire and Sure Thing in the series Sure Mastery. In this volume the three books in the Sure Mastery trilogy are published as one combined novel, under the title, Sure Mastery with new cover art, no cliffhangers and a HEA.
Until 2010, Ashe was a director of a regeneration company before deciding there had to be more to life and leaving to pursue a lifetime goal of self-employment.
Ashe has been an avid reader of erotic romance for many years—historical, contemporary, fantasy—you name it. Now, at last in control of her own time and working from her home in rural West Yorkshire, she has been able to realise her dream of writing sexy and compelling stories herself.
She draws on settings and anecdotes from her previous and current experience to lend colour, detail and realism to her plots and characters, but her stories of love, challenge, resilience and compassion are the conjurings of her own imagination. She loves to craft strong, enigmatic men and bright, sassy women to give them a hard time—in every sense of the word.
When she’s not writing, Ashe’s time is monopolised by her role as grandma to a lively toddler. She shares her writing space with a tortoise called Teefer.
What an incredible book. Ashe Barker has taken the term "slow burn" to a whole new level. The interactions between Ashley and Tom just keep building with a plethora of emotions from their very first interaction with each other, and you'll be surprised by what that is. The twists and turns of the plot within the storyline will keep you on edge wondering how it will play out and what the consequences are. PLUS, there's the introduction to BDSM, which from a beginner's standpoint was quite exhilarating. This is one to be put on the TBR list and followed up on quickly. You won't be disappointed.
First, let me say that if, like me, you want to stop reading during the first couple of chapters, please don't. The beginning is very unpleasant: not only, of course, the graphic description of Tom's beating, but also the the awful way that Tom and his best friend, Nathan, treat Ashley. The latter, however, get much better.
Ashley, her then-boyfriend, and his gang brutally beat and rob Tom, leaving him for dead. A couple of years later, Ashley, now out of prison and an aspiring photographer, inadvertently rents a house from her victim. Recognizing her, Tom wants his pound of flesh. He terrorizes her verbally, but ends up only spanking her and insisting that she work as his maid until her debt to him is repaid. Soon, they enter into a consensual D/s relationship (I appreciated the discussion of safe words). Slowly, Tom finds out more about Ashley, including the fact that she was badly abused by her boyfriend, really more of a victim than a perpetrator. As they fall in love, however, her past comes back to nearly ruin it.
There's a lot to like about this book: Ashley's growing strength and independence (I appreciated her refusal to be anyone's "punching bag" anymore); Tom's devotion to her (after a rocky start); and the writing (the dialogue isn't as stiff as Ms. Barker's usually is, probably because she's not trying to sound "old-fashioned" as she does in her historicals).
I didn't appreciate Nathan, who was a bully (how else to describe his stealing Ashley's camera, which was so childish and cruel that I have absolutely no desire to read his book) and never redeemed himself. Side note: Once Nathan and Tom found out how young Ashley was when she committed her crimes (really just a teenager), their attitude towards her should have changed much faster than it did. I also thought that Ms. Barker was a little heavy-handed with all that happens to Ashley (almost like reading about Job): her . Really it was enough.
If you're looking for a consensual BDSM book where the H isn't a Neanderthal and the h isn't a doormat, you will probably like this. I do recommend it as I did like both characters and rooted for their HEA.
Note: I adhere to the ratings system as laid out by ŷ: 2 stars = it was okay; 3 stars = liked it; 4 stars = really liked it; 5 stars = it was amazing. I gave this book 4 stars because I liked Ashley's resilience even though I thought the plot was overdone. I do not think that every book I read is "amazing;" further, I think that it cheapens the rating system to always assign 4 or 5 stars. If a book really earns the 4 or 5 stars (and I realize that this is, to some degree, subjective), I'll give them -- but it certainly shouldn't apply to every book. YMMV, and everyone should enjoy/rate these books as they wish.
Additional Note: I did not receive this book as an ARC; I'm not another author who hosts or is hosted by other authors in this genre on our websites; and I'm not friends with the authors IRL, "friends" on this site, or friends on any social media site.
Tom& Ashley Ashley runs away from her old life and ends up in West Yorkshire, the perfect 2 hideout Take care of herself. And everything works out in tune one faithful day. She encounters. Her nemesis a man who terrorizes her Cut her deeply in before. Can she trust him again? Wow, this is one sizzling. Tantalizing heart pounding heart-wrenching deliciously, sexy chanting book I thoroughly enjoyed every word!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is only my second novel by this author. The other I read was a historical romance written collaboratively.
This certainly was different, and in a genre I am drawn to.
There was so much to keep my mind and emotions occupied. The main characters were well fleshed. This is a dark romance. Be prepared for very vivid, tough to read pages.
I will definitely check out more in this genre by this author. I'm glad I decided to read!
Can past events ever truly be forgiven? In her former life, Ashley McAllister was a woman who cowered, allowed herself to be used and abused, and did things she deeply regrets. But a fresh start in the West Yorkshire wildness may just be her escape. Unless the man who knew her before has other plans? Will her future become a nightmare of pain and remorse? Or will a little restitution go a long ways to making amends?
"Sure Mastery" delivers a tantalizing blend of passion and power. The second Book in The Black Combe Doms series is a steamy ride of romance and dominance. With simple yet evocative prose, Ashe Barker crafts a compelling tale where desire meets control. The characters are magnetic, the chemistry sizzles, and the plot keeps you turning the pages. If you're into spicy romance with a dominant twist, this book is a must-read. It's a straightforward, sexy escape that doesn't disappoint.
Ms. Barker's Black Combs Doms series is a joy to read. Tim and Ashley's story is intricate and deeply satisfying. Full of great characters, a strong plot line, suspense, building a deep D/S relationship, and a wonderful ending. It made me cry. Looking forward to the next book.
At times it seems as though Tom, the lead Dom is manipulative, but this is a good story. Lots of BDSM in this book so only read it if that’s your genre. Anal sex too. I will read the next one in this series.
Simply the best, I loved that Sharon/Ashley was a complete novice to BDSM and how Tom and friends took the time to really explain things to her, that she had choices, after the horror her life had been with Kenny she had found everything she wanted and needed where she least expected it. Oh wow more of this please.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loved the book, the story was well written and the characters were intriguing. Once I started I could not get enough, from the start till the end I was engrossed I was even on the edge of my seat with twists and turns, hot and steamy, lust and passion, strength, happiness with a happily ever after. Do yourself a favor and buy the book you want be disappointed. Thank you for allowing me to review your book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a wonderful story that takes a while to read so get ready for a good few hours as you sit there absorbed by the way this author writes and tells her story. I became so engrossed in reading this that the time flew by. It’s a really wonderful read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
� Coming full circle with the harsh and exacting Black Combe Dom �
�>>> The second installment in this series brings Ashley back into Tom Shore’s life in a wholly unexpected manner. Having participated in a rough mugging of Tom while he was out enjoying a walk one evening in town, Ashley finds herself face to face with the very man she, her ex-boyfriend, and his gang had attacked and robbed…and she now finds herself very much at his mercy. Anger and suspicion fuel their first encounter when Tom recognizes the woman renting his cottage, and it darkly colors their association with many questions, mainly from Tom who is rightfully distrustful of her presence on his property. Freeing herself from her past has already taken an exacting toll on Ashley, though, and the new start she had set out on for a brighter future gets a rude and vengeful roadblock by one very harsh and domineering man, out to make her pay for her past actions. If he was utterly honest with himself, though, he finds himself very much drawn to this woman, more than he wants to admit.
We see many characters from the first book Dark Melodies, as they live in close proximity, but the story is quite a welcome interconnection and continuation of Nathan Darke’s story as well. Their unlikely romance begins with retribution and then slowly blossoms into something very real as Ashley feels her way with a man she slowly learns to trust to take care of her fragile heart, mind, and body as well as well as grow into the woman she never got the chance to become until belonging in Tom’s arms.
Ashe Barker is a master in her own right, she writes brilliant books that leave you speechless and just wowed. The first book in this series did just that and in this book what can one say but brilliant! Emotional, sexy, erotic just a few words to describe the book, but the characters themselves, they are just perfect for each other. Ashley just needed to get away, so she thought she had found the perfect place to go, only thing is the the man whose cottage she is renting out is the man she never wishes to see again, part of her past. But when Tom sees her it takes a minute to discover who she really is, and isnt pleased to see her at all. But all Ashley wants is what happened in the past to stay in the past, and she gets put over Toms knee for a spanking. Despite how they first met these two characters are attracted to each other, and what follows is an highly erotic and explosive relationship but will it last and they both get their HEA?
A book certainly not to be missed, and it really is something that you can put in your must reads list. Its a book that is rated over 18 and be warned if you dont like kink and BDSM then its not for you. Enjoy ladies because i sure did!!!
Another trilogy re-released as a single book. I hadn't quite realised that fact when I started this, but having read the first book in this series knowing it was the case in that instance, I soon began to suspect this one might be too. Again this is a very long book at close to 650 pages, and I do think it would have benefited from being condensed and streamlined during its makeover as I personally found that it got a bit long winded. I can't count the number of times I looked at my progress and thought, 'really, I'm only 50% - or whatever - in?' That aside it is a good book, well written, with a good plot & plenty of steamy scenes. (Possibly too many, since a lot of them really don't do anything to move the plot along and just came across as filler) That aside, I enjoyed the story and liked the fact that it was set in the UK and used good, solid English words and phrases. I will certainly read this author again.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Absolutely loved this story. It is very long and not a quick read but because of this, every event, every sexual interaction between Tom and Ashley is in such great detail it causes you to be drawn into the story and leaves you wanting more. The story deals a lot with Ashley’s introduction to the BDSM lifestyle that Tom is so into and how she slowly learns her limits and the bond that develops between the two of them. There is also danger lurking in the story that involves an ex-boyfriend and the violence that he is so quick to inflict on others. In the end there is a HEA for Tom and Ashley but a lot happens first. Like I said, it is long but so worth reading that I would highly recommend this as a great read. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story will grab you and keep you reading. The heroine just wants a place to hide and be safe. The Hero has no idea who he is about to see when he goes to meet his new tenant. The past comes back to bit both of them. Tom does not know the whole story and Ashley is not offering it all anyway. These two heat up the pages while trying to keep seperate. Is there anyway for them to get past that one awful night? Does Ashley have that option or will her past hold her down forever? Is there a chance for these two or are they doomed before they start. This story is action packed with lots of hot and steamy scenes you will love. Go get the book and read for yourself.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Oh my....talk about all the feels...this book had everything.
Tom and Ashley did not get off to the best of starts. Their two meetings had left Tom battered and bruised, and Ashley traumatised.
It was doubtful whether they could lay the past to rest, let alone achieve a HEA.
These characters were well rounded, their backstories detailed, their emotions believable.
The book is well written, the plot moves at a steady (and appropriate) pace, and meticulous research leads to a convincing portrayal of the BDSM thread.
I love this book....it made me smile, laugh, cringe, and, yes, cry.
Sure Mastery by Ashe Barker. This is Book 2 in the Black Combe Doms Series and I found it to be full of highly descriptive and engaging scenes that made this book quite enjoyable for me. Asley has not had an easy life, with a trouble past she is overcoming many obstacles and painful memories to build a new life for herself. Little did she know she was walking right back into her past and Tom is not about to let her forget let alone forgive her. This book is filled with a good mix of drama, personal conflicts, strong willed characters, and plenty of steam. I would recommend this book and author to others. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What an incredible book. Ashe Barker has taken the term "slow burn" to a whole new level. The interactions between Ashley and Tom just keep building with a plethora of emotions from their very first interaction with each other, and you'll be surprised by what that is. The twists and turns of the plot within the storyline will keep you on edge wondering how it will play out and what the consequences are. PLUS, there's the introduction into BDSM, which from a beginner's standpoint was quite exhilarating. This is definitely one to be put on the TBR list and followed up on quickly. You won't be disappointed.
I absolutely loved this book. At the beginning I thought Tom and Nathan were horrible and even though I loved Nathan in Darke he seemed so different. Sharon/Ashley was so sweet and it was so great to see her grow and become the woman she deserved to be. There were times I had tears in my eyes and sometimes I was just a puddle. There is so much in this book from the very first chapter to the last word and talk about sexy I almost melted along with the popsicle. I loved Darke and Sure Mastery is every bit as good and has all the characters I loved in Darke plus more. Fantastic book.
Slow burn to an overflowing boil. This story will sweep you away to the moors to the point where you can actually feel you are immersed in the landscape as one of the characters. I loved how the relationship between Tom and Ashley grew from meager beginnings to the point where their paths were inextricably entwined. I became so enthralled with the story that I didn’t want to put it down as Tom’s mastery comes right off the pages into my imagination. A well-written, emotional, sensuous tale that will warm your heart. A definite five-star read.
Tom and Ashley don't have the best first meeting. She robs him. When they meet again he recognizes her and is righfully angry and demands she works to repay him. As she works for him they get to know one another and the attraction between them grows. The author also explores a consenual dominant and submissive relationship between Tom and Ashley. This was a good story with a strong plot. There is suspense, romance, mystery and danger.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is not a short story. Very long book in fact but excellent. Everything you look for in a book is here, suspense, mystery, steamy sex, wonderful characters. This book is a page turner from the very beginning. It will hold your attention until the last page. I love how Ashley and Tom finally get to know each other the second time around more so than the first time they meet. This book is just as good as book one in this series. Absolute must read. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the second book in the series and it can be read as a stand-alone. Ashley once robbed Tom and he vowed to make her pay. She ends up trying to leave her past behind her and instead it catches up with her as she happens to rent a cottage from Tom. She doesn’t understand her attraction to Tom but know she must do as he requests or she will lose her new home. Will she be able to submit to him? Fast-paced read with intense chemistry and steam. The characters have lots of depth and the story draws you in from beginning to end. I loved it!
This is book two in The Black Combe Dom series. This is Ashley and Tom's story. With the past that these two have, it is highly unlikely that this is going to end well. However, have they found an area they both are passonate about and can use it as a common ground? A great story that provides an emotional ride and journey. Loved it. Enjoy!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really love this series. I seldom reread books but just finished a second reading. Ashe Barker is a skilled writer who I always enjoy reading but sometimes she is really really good and this series transcends genre fiction and deserves wide recognition. I look foreword to all future books.
Sure Mastery by Ashe Barker is a wonderful story to read. This is book number two in this wonderful series writen by a brand new author for me to read. I highly recommend this wonderful story to everyone who loves reading about dark, erotic and contemproray romances.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story of Tom and Ashley was full of emotions and it impressed me because it showed how people can change their life for the better and have a chance at happiness. Ashley is also discovering her sexuality and learns her limits in the BDSM world. I would definitely recomand this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a very long book. While in some ways this left some encounters over-detailed, for the most part i felt a slave to this detail and needed every moment i could grasp. Not every moment was happy, but the moments ended happily. Enough said?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.