The WILD Boys are back! USA Today Bestseller Angel Payne continues the hotter-than-hot series with this sensual story featuring CIA special agent Daniel Colton.
A scarred hero...
Dan Colton was once the CIA’s golden boy, a get-things-done cowboy who believed forgiveness was better to ask for than permission. But performing the devil’s work was always easy with his angel’s face, a damn good asset to have whether he was charming agency superiors…or training submissives in his dark dungeon role plays.
Until his face was taken away.
An act of ultimate bravery has spit Colton back out as a bitter shell, unsure how to relate to the world without his physical calling card. His only condolence is dreaming of revenge on the bastard responsible for the fire that disfigured him, but when that plan backfires, he is a beast without prey—tormented by a beauty he cannot touch.
A willing submissive...
Tess Lesange, known around the CIA’s Vegas office as “The Laser”, has only one Achilles heel—in the form of the brooding agent who once wouldn’t give her the time of day. Since Dan Colton’s accident, they’ve become friends, even trusting each other with some of their kinkier secrets. What are friends for, right?
Wrong.
A dangerous masquerade...
Now Dan has become Tess’s greatest joy, toughest torment, and most sinful desire. Thoughts of surrendering to his rough brand of domination consume her, but Dan thinks of her as nothing more than the brainy analyst in the next office over.
Still seeking the submissive dream, Tess takes matters into her own hands and journeys in disguise to one of the desert’s most elicit kink clubs. When the Dominant she meets there is also beneath a mask, his voice so alluring and familiar, she wonders if karma has conspired to fulfill one of her deepest fantasies…and what price she’ll have to pay for it come true. Is she willing to sacrifice everything she’s built in a friendship with Dan, for one unforgettable night in his dungeon?
“Little rose.”
Tess jumped out of her chair. Literally. Not that it had been a particularly comfortable chair. She’d found another wingback in the second of Catacomb’s living room areas, hoping she’d have better results in here at the whole calm-down-and-talk-to-somebody-dammit efforts.
And did all that go for you, missie? Did changing rooms help you escape one drop of the feeling that you’ve showed up at Prom without a date, three damn nights in a row?
She’d given herself until eleven o’clock to get the stick out of her ass and strike up a conversation with somebody, or just leave. No use sticking around until midnight when she didn’t even have mice, a pumpkin, and glass slippers to worry about.
And all of a sudden, her fairy godmother of BDSM had gotten a huge clue.
And delivered a prince who defied her wildest, kinkiest dreams.
And not because he instantly reminded her of Dan.
Get off the Colton crazy train! Now!
It was his hair. It looked so much like Dan’s dark blond waves, she was initially captivated—though her perception was likely hindered by the thick velvet strings from his mask, tossing all kinds of shadows through his thick style.
And about that mask…
Dear God.
Sometimes great minds really did think alike. Though it covered half his face and transformed his eyes into daunting mysteries, she tilted a little smile. She was looking for daunting, right?
She’d just had no idea how much. And one look at this man, powerful and beautiful and looming before her in nothing but his huge black boots, faded jeans, and that mask, revealed he probably had a doctorate in daunting.
She’d only concentrated on his covered parts so far, too. The face she couldn’t quite decipher. The legs, endless and powerful, converging at a bulge beneath his zipper that stripped the moisture from her throat. But everything else was…
Dear God.
It bore repeating. Probably out loud. If she could only figure where the hell all her air had gone.
He was beautiful. Almost unreal. She’d only had this sensation a few times in her whole life, like the moment she’d gazed at her first Michelangelo statue in Rome, or gasped at a Cirque performer who supported three others in his palm. His lean but rock-hard build emphasized every captivating striation of his muscles: the hard ropes of his neck, the shoulders and arms that rivalled Red Rock for ridges, the abdomen that was another mountain range all on its own, as well. He moved a little closer to her with grace that reminded her of an eagle’s flight, deadly force honed for efficiency and grace.
Was he even real?
She yearned to reach out and learn that answer for herself.
She’d never been more afraid to move in her life.
She cleared her throat. Tried to straighten her stance—but then wondered if she should lower her head, instead. Or bow. Or curtsy? Or shake his hand? Hell. She was the girl who’d read every damn research book on dungeon etiquette, right? But now she really did feel like the girl at the prom with toilet paper attached to her heel.
“Hi,” she finally managed. “I—I mean hello. Hello, Sir. I—I mean—”
If she really had something to say after that, it would’ve have disappeared as soon as he lifted her hand between both of his and stepped closer, as if trying to figure her out more fully. His skin was firm and warm, his grip a steady command his eyes still impossible to read. “Ssshhh. Breathe, red.”
Red. Though she liked playing up the unique color of her hair, she always cringed when someone used the too-typical nickname. But
on his lips, the words were transformed into something new. Magical. “Breathe. Right. Okay…right. God. I am so sorry. You must think I’m so—” She injected a weak laugh. “I’m normally better at the whole stringing-a-sentence-together thing, I promise.” Why was she blowing this so bad? And why did he make it worse with his disarming grin and his tightening hold? And the simple force of his presence. And the intensity of his nearness. And the potency of his scent. How could the combination of Scotch and dust suddenly smell so incredible? “Why are you sorry? I’m the one who intruded.” “Oh, yeah. ‘Intruded.’” She blew out a pseudo raspberry. “Because there was so much going on here in my corner to intrude on.” “There would have been.” His mutter edged so close to an animal’s timber, she shivered a little. Tess had listened to enough radio spy chatter over the years to know the small disc on his neck was a voice distorter of some sort, which should have raised her wariness—instead, it only added to his allure. Her pulse thrummed, a current strange yet wonderful. While she felt at once safe, she also knew she shouldn’t…not this much, not this fast. The conflict only hastened to her reckless heartbeat, especially as he added, “Then I would’ve had to bounce a few skulls together.” “Why?” She knew how stupid it sounded. The possessive snarl beneath his words spoke enough meaning for anyone to figure out—except, perhaps, for her. The “protective” thing was usually her gig, a default when one was looking out for sisters who were “the pretty one” and “the smart ass,” so grasping the concept that anyone wanted to look after her in the same way… Weird. Very weird. But ohhh…so nice. Really nice. Still, she braced herself for his teasing chuckle. Maybe some sarcastic quip at what a “silly subbie” she was for not comprehending his intent. Once more, the man turned her expectations sideways. No. Fully upside-down. Her senses careened as he released a hand, lifting it to her jaw, yanking up her whole face for the focus of his fathomless gaze. “Why?” he repeated. “Because I’m pretty well set on having you all to myself tonight, rose.” His fingers pressed in. “Unless you aren’t interested in what you see?” She laughed. She couldn’t help herself. “You’re kidding, right?” “At the risk of being trite, do I look like I’m kidding?” “At the risk of being obnoxious, do I look like a nun? Because that’s the only situation I can imagine you being turned down, Sir Sexy.” Air pushed past his smirk. His thick stubble disguised the exact edges of his lips but the flash of his teeth briefly showed her that they were curved and lush…and maybe a little wicked. Wicked. Right behind daunting on what she’d come here looking for.
on his lips, the words were transformed into something new. Magical. “Breathe. Right. Okay…right. God. I am so sorry. You must think I’m so—” She injected a weak laugh. “I’m normally better at the whole stringing-a-sentence-together thing, I promise.” Why was she blowing this so bad? And why did he make it worse with his disarming grin and his tightening hold? And the simple force of his presence. And the intensity of his nearness. And the potency of his scent. How could the combination of Scotch and dust suddenly smell so incredible? “Why are you sorry? I’m the one who intruded.” “Oh, yeah. ‘Intruded.’” She blew out a pseudo raspberry. “Because there was so much going on here in my corner to intrude on.” “There would have been.” His mutter edged so close to an animal’s timber, she shivered a little. Tess had listened to enough radio spy chatter over the years to know the small disc on his neck was a voice distorter of some sort, which should have raised her wariness—instead, it only added to his allure. Her pulse thrummed, a current strange yet wonderful. While she felt at once safe, she also knew she shouldn’t…not this much, not this fast. The conflict only hastened to her reckless heartbeat, especially as he added, “Then I would’ve had to bounce a few skulls together.” “Why?” She knew how stupid it sounded. The possessive snarl beneath his words spoke enough meaning for anyone to figure out—except, perhaps, for her. The “protective” thing was usually her gig, a default when one was looking out for sisters who were “the pretty one” and “the smart ass,” so grasping the concept that anyone wanted to look after her in the same way… Weird. Very weird. But ohhh…so nice. Really nice. Still, she braced herself for his teasing chuckle. Maybe some sarcastic quip at what a “silly subbie” she was for not comprehending his intent. Once more, the man turned her expectations sideways. No. Fully upside-down. Her senses careened as he released a hand, lifting it to her jaw, yanking up her whole face for the focus of his fathomless gaze. “Why?” he repeated. “Because I’m pretty well set on having you all to myself tonight, rose.” His fingers pressed in. “Unless you aren’t interested in what you see?” She laughed. She couldn’t help herself. “You’re kidding, right?” “At the risk of being trite, do I look like I’m kidding?” “At the risk of being obnoxious, do I look like a nun? Because that’s the only situation I can imagine you being turned down, Sir Sexy.” Air pushed past his smirk. His thick stubble disguised the exact edges of his lips but the flash of his teeth briefly showed her that they were curved and lush…and maybe a little wicked. Wicked. Right behind daunting on what she’d come here looking for.
4 stars
I received this Book for an honest review.The WILD Boys continue and this is the story of CIA special agent Daniel (Dan) Colton and Tess Lesange also known as The Laser in the CIA’s Vegas office.
Dan was badly burnt in his last mission and has withdrawn from most of his family, friends. colleagues and the lifestyle he loves. Prior to the mission he used his good looks to complete his missions successfully. Now that he is scared he has withdrawn from life and hides in the shadows.
Tess has always had a thing for Dan and when he was injured she finally had an opportunity to be noticed and became the friend he needed, even though Dan remained in a vanilla sexual relationship with Brynn. Dan and Tess are very good friends and have emotionally connected.
Brynn has no interest in the BDSM lifestyle than Dan has lived and so he turns that side of himself off. I felt he casually discarded Brynn and that is not something I would have expected from Dan.
Tess on the other hand is intrigued and desperately wants to submit. So much so that she has read “all the books”. She actually asks Dan if he will be her Dom and he refuses. Intent on exploring the lifestyle she goes to Catacomb, a club run by one of Dan’s friends.
Tess meets a masked Dom who reminds her of someone, but as his voice is as masked as his face, she has no idea that it is in reality Dan. Tess is desperate to experience submission as it is calling to her very soul. Dan cannot stand the thought of another Dominant touching her and so he connects with Tess offering her one night. Tess accepts and is led off to a themed room. Her masked Dom hands her the key to unlock the room (symbolic on so many levels) and so begins their night.
Perhaps if Dan had left it as one night I might not have minded so much but he contacts Tess again arranges another intense night at Catacomb with Tess to continue their journey together into Dominance and Submission.
Sadly it is based on a lie. Tess really has no idea that it is Dan even though at times the masked Dom seems familiar. I have to say I really didn’t feel that Dan’s actions were appropriate. I truly understand his desire to give Tess what she so desperately needs but I really felt it went against his character which has been shown to be so honourable throughout the series. But then that is just my opinion. Perhaps it is because they had emotionally connected as friends on such a deep level I was incensed that Dan would contemplate masquerading as someone else. I felt that Dan was being dishonest, not only in lying by omission to Tess but to his own integrity and hiding who he really is, not just physically but emotionally. Both have scars from their pasts that need to be addressed before either of them can move forward.
The sex is certainly intense and being honest it was scorching. But I kept thinking “what will happen when Tess finds out it was Dan all along?” and that distracted me a bit. I was fully invested in Tess’s feelings and her submission. As always these scenes of BDSM were beautifully and sensually written, so much so that I wished to be Tess, I freely admit.
When danger rears its ugly head in the form of a group of assassins hired to take out all of the men and their families from the last mission, Dan has no choice but to destroy his friendship with Tess and
admit that he was the masked Dom at Catacomb. Tess is totally devastated and feels betrayed and rightly so.
I felt that this section let this book down. The danger and subsequent outcomes seemed rushed and when Dan announces to the world publicly that he is taking over his families company and leaving the CIA I felt it was all a bit too hurried. Tess suddenly forgives Dan (all because he holds a rose at his press conference, s symbol that only Tess would understand) for his behaviour and goes to him and all is forgotten. A bit too easy for me, I felt that Dan should have worked for Tess’s forgiveness and I was disappointed that Tess who had showed so much bravery in going after what she wanted would suddenly cave without demanding more form Dan. I wanted to see them work out their differences and how she overcame her feelings of betrayal. I wanted to see how they got to their HEA and I felt let down that I didn't get that. Of course all of this is just my opinion.
Having said all of that, I can assure you that if I see the name Angel Payne, then it will always be an automatic purchase. I always love catching up with The Wild Boys and I enjoyed it and cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
AMAZON US I AMAZON UK I BARNES & NOBLE I KOBO I iBOOKS I ARe IGOOGLE PLAY
Bestselling romance author Angel Payne has been reading and writing her entire life, though her love for romances began in junior high, when writing with friends on “swap stories” they’d trade between classes. Needless to say, those stories involved lots of angst, groping, drama, and French kissing.
She began getting a paycheck for her writing in her twenties, writing record reviews for a Beverly Hills-based dance music magazine. Some years, various entertainment industry gigs, and a number of years in the hospitality industry later, Angel returned to the thing she loves the most: creating character-based romantic fiction. Along the way, she also graduated with two degrees from Chapman University in Southern California, taking departmental honors for English, before writing five historical romances for Kensington and Bantam/Doubleday/Dell.
Angel found a true home in writing contemporary-based romances that feature high heat and high concepts, focusing on memorable alpha men and the women who tame them. She has numerous book series to her credit, including the Kinky Truth series, the Secrets of Stone series (with Victoria Blue), and the popular W.I.L.D. Boys of Special Forces series, as well as several stand-alone titles. TheCimarron series and the Once Upon a Sin series both launch in 2015.
Angel still lives in Southern California, where she is married to her soul mate and lives on a street that looks like Brigadoon, with their awesome daughter and Lady Claire, the dog with impeccable manners. When not writing, she enjoys reading, pop culture, alt rock, cute shoes, and hanging at the beach with family and friends.
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