Earlier this month, two very different BDSM erotic romances were released: Stacey Kennedy’s Restrained Under His Duty and Tara Sue Me’s Master Professor. I enjoyed both of these books very much.
 
Restrained Under His Duty is the third book in Stacey Kennedy’s Dirty Little Secrets series, a series with different romances but a connected series arc about someone who is blackmailing a group of prominent dominants in San Francisco. Ryan Blackwood is the dominant threatened in this book. The blackmailer goes after Ryan’s employer, a senator and the senator’s daughter, Hadley. Ryan has been lusting after Hadley for years, but has refused to allow himself to touch her. When he finds out that Hadley is in danger, however, all bets are off.

The sexual tension between Ryan and Hadley is off the charts - and their romance is steamy and naughty (two trademarks of Stacey Kennedy’s stories). I adored these two characters together. Watching the sparks fly back and forth made this romance a winner for me. Also, the sex is super hot although maybe not as kinky as I was hoping for.
 
 
It was also great to find out more about the people behind the suspense arc and the blackmail scheme that has been happening throughout all three books in the series thus far (although it is not over; there are still some surprises to come). There are some definite twists and turns in the story that definitely kept me guessing. In fact, everything may not have been exactly what it seemed. But Ryan does save Hadley and solves the mysterious threat against her father.

I am blown away! There just aren't adequate words to describe Restrained Under His Duty, except to say it was positively mind blowing! From the first chapters, I was mesmerized and on the edge of my seat. The plot drew me in and kept me reading straight through to the end! I think I held my breath the last several chapters. Phew! If you like suspense, angst, and mysteries, then this book has it to spare!

The characters were complex and likable, albeit frustrating at times. They felt incredibly real to me. Ryder is the owner of Blackwood Security and head security for Senator Winters. Hadley is the senator's daughter. She is off limits and a distraction...or is she something more? When Hadley was eight years old, she told Ryder, "We're going to get married." He hasn't been able to shake her since. Could she have been right? Or will Ryder's duty to the senator and his job keep them apart? And who is blackmailing Hadley and trying to force Senator Winters to retire?

This is my third book by Stacey Kennedy and the third book in the Dirty Little Secrets series. Although this is a series, the book can easily be read as a standalone. That being said, you will not want to miss out on the first two books, simply because they are outstanding. I can't wait for Cuffed by His Charm to be published. I need Gabe's story and to know how the author will tie up the final loose ends in the mystery.

Restrained Under His Duty is the third book in this series and they just keep getting better. Ryder falls for his boss's daughter Hadley, who has had him in her sites for a while, while trying to prevent a political scandal. This book has a little of everything, political corruption, sex scandal, hot steamy sex scenes and a love story that develops and brings it all back around. This book had my attention from start to finish and I just hated to put it down.

This is the third book in the "dirty little secrets" series which focuses on the members of the Blackwood Security team. In addition to being world class security agents and multimillionaires, the Blackwood security owners are also the owners of three private sex clubs where they indulge fantasies and dominate women. Ryder is also the long time security provider and closest confidante to one United States Senator. The Senator is the Father of Hadley who has been in love with Ryder since she was a little girl.

Ryder always felt like he couldn't be with Hadly because of his duty to the Senator. I'm not entirely sure it made sense but it seemed to me that for a long time Hadley was too young for Ryder. After Ryder got into a certain mode of responding to Hadley, it seemed difficult for him to switch and start responding to her as a soman who he wanted in a sexual way. But then all the members of the security team and Hadley are threatened by someone who appears bent on getting the Senator out of office. And the threats are not just any threats. Hadley has been up to some very very freaky side activities. Someone knows about what Hadley has been doing and they have photos and videos and are blackmailing Hadley.

All of the intense pressure that comes with Hadley being threatened forces Ryder to acknowledge that Hadley may have sought out the kind of activities she did because he continued to reject her. Ryder finally realizes it's time to give whatever is between him and Hadley a chance. Ryder is fiercely protective and once he claims Hadley, that's it. On the other side, I really like Hadley. She is strong and smart and stands up for herself. Hadley was involved in a lot of freaky side activity before Ryder but hey, she was young and single. I loved the dynamic between Ryder and Hadley after they got together. They were just a very good compliment for one another and a strong couple.

I'm sad that this is the first book in the series I've read. I will definitely check out other books in the series.

I honestly can not get enough of this author or this series.
Each book builds upon the previous book and each Dom has his own reasoning to who he is.
This book was a great with a nice change of pace with Ryder and Hadley.
I won't say more because I hate to give anything away.
Yes, the author stays with her bdsm genre and I for one am grateful. I love reading and following a series with some great alpha characters and the women or men who make them.

This is a series you won't want to miss.

Thank you Stacey Kennedy for a wonderful series, “Restrained Under His Duty” is the third book in the Dirty Little Secrets series and a wonderful addition. I feel the book can be read as a standalone, but more pleasurable to read in order.
This story is about the very sexy multimillionaire BDSM sex club/Blackwood security owner, Ryder Blackwood and the daughter of the Senator he has sworn to protect, Hadley Winters. I loved the chemistry between these two, Ryder with his Dominate Alpha ways, Hadley all sassy and a brat as a submissive. Ryder was so patient with Hadley, understanding of her past and how it has caused her PTSD. But is he willing to risk it all for the one woman he can’t stop thinking about for the past year?
This story had sucked me in from the beginning and held me. The relationship between Hadley and Ryder was an addiction I’m proud to have; the story was fast paced with twists and turns to keep you guessing and a prefect mix of romance, suspense and incredible sex scenes.

***I voluntarily reviewed this ARC for an honest review via NetGalley, this is my honest opinion and has not been influenced by the author, Publishers or NetGalley in anyway.***

So far of all the books in the "Dirty Little Secrets" this one was the best. Ryder and Hadley have the best chemistry of all the couples. In spite of holding back as much as he did, Ruder is pretty much the only person who can read Hadley like a book. But the best part is that he knows his shortcoming even better and knows that he can't be what she needs with the current state of his affairs. Tying up loose ends and coming clean to the Dominants Council is his way of making a permanent place for her in his life.

I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from NetGalley for voluntary review consideration.

This is book three in the Dirty Little Secrets series. I have not read any other but this one and I was able to follow along just fine. I like the book, however, for me, it started off really slow. I found myself walking away and having to come back. I am so glad that I did because I ended up liking it, once it got moving. This story is political and taboo all wrapped into one explosive package.

This is the story of Hadley the daughter of a senator, and Ryder his lead security. Oh boy, there was so much going on. It is well written and I love the feisty Hadley to pieces. She is strong and confident and beautiful. She knows what she wants and doesn’t hide it. I even loved eight-year-old Hadley because when you know you know. She wants Ryder.

The book it fraught with political intrigue and drama as well as some violence and possible trigger warning. It has light hints of BDSM, nothing over the top if it isn’t your thing. It was hot though. Hadley knew what she wanted. It also finds her smack dab in the middle of gossip magazines as well as being blackmailed. Did I mention Hadley has wanted Ryder since she has met him? Ryder, I loved him. He is strong and passionate and loves his job, oh and he is a Dominant. He also wants Hadley but he isn't in a position to have her, seeing as he works for her father.

I don’t think I have ever been kept more on my toes to find out who did what and why. It was a good mix of who did it and why, along with politics and romance. There are lines crossed and some betrayal. Looking forward to the next in the series.

Restrained Under His Duty was my first Stacey Kennedy book and it will certainly not be my last. While it is part of a series, it can absolutely be read as a standalone. In fact, I didn't know it was part of a series until I started doing the review. Each book can be read as a standalone that focuses on different heroes with a different stories that are unique to each other.

Ryder has been in love with his Boss' daughter for over a year now, who happens to be the daughter of a prominent Senator. His loyalty to the Senator has convinced Ryder that nothing can ever happen between the two of them but the desire and the connection might just be too strong to keep him away.

Over the years, Hadley has made it very clear what she wants from Ryder. Including an innocent declaration when she was just a young child. While she has lived her life, she's always wanted Ryder to be the man in her life and she has seeked comfort in other places that just might be coming back to haunt her and her father's political career.

Someone wants Hadley's father out of the game and things get ugly. We get to watch Ryder not only struggle with keeping his Boss safe but he now has even more personal ties to keep Hadley safe and happy.

I enjoyed this book and I didn't expect there to be as much drama as there was. The danger revolving around the Senator and the protection that Hadley needs to not only keep her past life out of the spotlight but her own safety really did add to the overall storyline.

I just adored Hadley. She speaks her mind. She knows what she wants. She doesn't make apologizes for what she does. She owns up to it and eventually discovers why she did some of those things. She made it very clear to Ryder what she wanted and while there was times that you could see how vulnerable she could be, her strength always shines through.

Ryder's struggle was fun to watch. I know that sounds bad but I enjoyed watching Hadley go after him and make him have to work that much harder to stay away from her. He's extremely loyal to both Hadley and her father and he generally has a good heart. Add that one top of his dominant tendencies and he is one very desirable hero that will melt your heart, flush your skin and increase your pulse.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read more from this series. If you are looking for that taboo(ish) relationship with the bodyguard/protection theme, steamy times, dominant tendencies and fun banter, then this might be the book for you. I definitely recommend you read it.

It was fun to read, but somewhat forgettable after I was finished.

As always thanks go first to Random House Loveswept and NetGalley for providing us with a copy of this book so that we could bring you this review.

I still think there is something going on with the 4 members of the DC... and we still haven't gotten to the bottom of who is really behind the leak of all their information. Hopefully we get that final piece with Gabe's story... but lets get down to Ryders... I like that Hadley is so bad ass and doesn't give up so easily. She fights for what she wants and that thing is Ryder. Now she also has to deal with a lot of crap since her dad is the senator and all, but I think she fights through it all very well. The one that doesn't fair as well through everything is Ryder actually. The guy carry's a lot of guilt. He also carry's a lot of responsibility with not only his job but his friends. I am glad that he learns a little of how to let go of some of it. The only thing I wish these books had was more BDSM.

I give this book 4 protective kisses...

Happy Reading... Adri

"Restrained Under His Duty" the third book in Ms Kennedy's dirty little secrets , is just as captivating of a read as the first. This book is focused on Ryder , a member of the Dominant council, secret owner of a BDSM club and owner of a successful private security agency. Though Ryder has reached the point in his career he does not need to be personally doing any of the protection detail , for one client in particular he still does. Ryder Blackwell has a sense of duty that runs deep and so he still runs protection for the man who helped him start Blackwwod security, his father's former law partner and now Senator Winters; a job that has been of late getting harder to do and it has nothing to do with the Senator himself , but all to do with the Senator's daughter Hadley, the feisty,smart luscious women who has had him lusting after her for over a year, the worst part he can't touch.
Ryder's rule of. Oh touching however is about to be challenged and broken when Hadley is blackmailed over a video; a video of her participating in a threesome that if released will destroy not only her reputation but injure her father's career. Ryder's dominant side is only brought to the surface more having to view that video multiple times looking for hints or evidence of who the blackmailer may be, his mind and body demanding that he claim Hadley as his own.
The blackmail combined with the e issues the Dominant Council have been dealing with , with their private information being leaked to the gossip rags is starting to look like they are crossing paths and the danger level ratchets up;Ryder does not leave Hadley's side and temptaion becomes too much. The passion and desire have been building for a year and when the last wall breaks down the pages sizzle .
Will Ryder back away. Return to his duty ? Will Blackwood security solve who the blackmailer is before any consequences ? Will the dominant council figure out who their leak is?
So many questions and so many answers to be read.
Much like the other books in this series I loved the story and the characters ; which are well written relatable and create a fast paced wonderfull read!

Arc provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review .

Stacey Kennedy continues to blow me away with her incredibly sexy and complex romances. This series has been hit after hit, and Restrained Under His Duty might be my favorite. (Please don't actually make me choose.) Ryder and Hadley had amazing chemistry, and I loved how he supported her throughout the story. He's the perfect alpha-male, and I can't wait for the next book in the series.

I love, LOVE the Dirty Little Secret series by Stacy Kennedy. Each story was erotic, hot and full of suspense. This story is no different and I loved this story because of the bodyguard storyline.
Ryder has his work cut out for him because of who he is guarding –his client, the Senator, comes along with a daughter that he has secretly wanted for many years but has kept his distance. Then Ryder is sent a scandalous photo of his client’s daughter in a compromising position with a threat attached to it. This picture was secretly taken in an underground sex club. For Ryder, he and some of his friends have a secret business in a Sex Club. It seems Hadley, the client’s daughter is being used and Ryder and his friends also have been targeted and been spying on them.
The attraction and the chemistry with Hadley and Ryder was wonderful, it was hot, and it was compelling. Hadley has never forgotten her young love which turned into a deep love for Ryder. She felt him pull away from her and she never understood it so she threw herself into the underground sex club scene. Because of that ,she is being threatened. There are complications, threats, secrets, blackmailer, and oh so much more. But the biggest is Ryder’s inability to deal with the lust he has for Hadley. Will he be able, in time, to figure out what and who is important or will he lose the most important person in his life—forever?

My rating: 4.7 stars ****
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***

Dirty Little Secrets is definitely a series that has only gotten better as the mystery of these intriguing friends is revealed. Ryder and Hadley’s characters were interesting and provided an exciting and gripping read.

Ms Kennedy has ensured her readers will continue coming back for more, and I for one look forward to reading more of this series.

Interesting plot and twists.

This book kept you guessing throughout who could it be and what they could want. It seemed kinda lame why it all came about, but I guess when one wants power and money they will do anything.

Hadley was ok. I know woman should be free to have sex with whomever they want just like men, but she drove for the cliff and went off it. Sex with two complete strangers? That is just a tad out there for me. At least there was no really "judging" of her.

Ryder was hot and sexy. Again a hero with honor on his brain, he took things in stride and was a total bad ass when the action came up.

The end was a twist and the person responsible for the bugs and pictures was revealed! Can't wait to see how the last book will play out. Gabe is not a happy camper.

Good read. Received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

This book starts off running and just doesn't stop. This is an amazing story with plot twists and turns and kept me on the edge of my seat! I am as always baffled by the way this amazing author writes. I am always extremely eager to get my hands on a new release from Stacey Kennedy. She's an absolutely amazing writer. Each book of hers just holds me in and lets me escape back to the amazing worlds she creates. I can extremely excited for the next book in this series.

Ryder and Hadley are both great characters. The story has plenty of drama and suspense, a very entertaining read.

Hadley and Ryder are awesome! Hadley is the daughter of a senator and is enamored by her dad's bodyguard. She's been chasing after him for a year. And he's been avoiding her as best as possible but he is slipping fast because he can't get her out of his head. This was a wild ride of a story. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happens next. There is so much action and drama it's great. This series just keeps getting better and better. All the secrets are beginning to come together in each book of the series. Can not wait for Gabe's story next and finally tie everything together. I voluntarily read an advanced copy.

The Delight

Ryder's story is probably the last one I really wanted. He turns out to be a complex guy, but really I am not sure his character needed that level. While the author feels Hadley's actions were wild, I felt they were actions made by a woman coping with something no one wanted to address. In general this delighted me to allow two damaged souls to find each other and start the healing process.

Review

So this series is about the four Dominants' Council men that control the four big BDSM/Sex Clubs in town. While I thought this series would be more focused around BDSM, please note that it isn't. In fact, each story moves us away from that genre. While there is some mild BDSM like tying her down, it doesn't delve in deep.

So each of the four is being taken down for love, while in the background someone is spying on them and they aren't sure why or for what end. Micah fell in love with a young and upcoming realtor who was hiding secrets that she was Micah's best friend's little sister in Bound Beneath His Pain. Next came Darius, the older brother re-kindling a love affair he broke off years ago in Tied to His Betrayal. And then there were two: Ryder and Gabe. Now I will admit I am wanting Gabe's story more than ever, but I had to stick with Ryder for now.

Ryder has a family he loves, but he was focused on his military career and afterwards the security firm he built from the ground up. One man helped him above all others, Senator Winters. Senator Winters has been a mentor, best friend and father figure all wrapped up in one, but now someone is threatening him and his family. Ryder feels he is connected, but also starts to see things about the one woman he can't have, Senator Winters' daughter, Hadley. Getting involved with her is a big mistake, but he can't fight the attraction any longer.

Hadley is the beloved daughter of a Senator. While as a child she walked up to Ryder and proclaimed they would be married one day. Something Ryder never believed or cared. A tragic accident in her teens leaves her emotionally scarred. So scarred she has turned to BDSM to make herself feel again. Now a sex tape has shown up with her in a very compromising position that could end her father's career.

You guessed it! Ryder to the rescue. Now he is faced with coming to terms with what he feels and what he should do instead. Being Hadley's bodyguard comes with troubles and benefits.

I struggled to understand why Ryder was so hesitant to fall for Hadley. He had the Senator's blessing, the desire to fuck her and the common sense to like her for her. He pushes her away to the point it starts to really hurt Hadley, then goes in gung ho like he deserves it. Protection is in his soul and he does a good job of trying to protect Hadley. When he learns of what she went through as a teen, he tries in a way to heal her, which seemed half-assed at best.

Hadley for her part seemed spoiled rotten. Not that I didn't like her, but whooo to be a rich kid of a lawyer/politician who covered up everything. One thing he didn't do was figure out she never quite healed emotionally. While I don't judge what she did to get through as it wasn't bad, she was just a little reckless in what she gets caught doing to help herself. Something every submissive should not do of course.

This isn't a long story, so I won't go on and on about it. I just want to say I am not sure I like the tone of this series as if the men know better and must fix everything. There is some suspense that felt a little corny, but for the plot it was needed. The suspense isn't something you will right away know about because you aren't introduced to them until it's in motion.

Overall, this was a good story with some plot holes that left me feeling let down. The lovemaking was passionate, the love needed some tending too and the suspense needed to be flushed out more.