I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. I did not care for this book as some of it was uncomfortable to read.

Sparrow Becketts' Master in Shining Armor is a humorous and sizzling novel to read. It reminded me a little of 50 Shades of Gray meeting Playing Dirty. I loved the dynamic duo of the two main characters. The plot of the story was decent and the dialogue was realistic. I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a little extra sizzle in their week.

(TW/CW: dubious consent, statutory rape, coercion)

Way back when, I started the Masters Unleashed series by Sparrow Beckett. The first book, Finding Master Right, got a B+ grade. I went on to read the next two books, which follow the initial hero’s two best friends. Each book was less enjoyable than the last. When I saw that the co-writing Beckett team would be returning to Masters Unleashed, I felt this was a great opportunity to get back into the series with hopeful results.

I was wrong and it earned a single star, which to me is even worse than a DNF (did not finish) grade. I had so many problems with this book that I don’t think I’ll ever return to the series, even if more installments are released.

The romance in Master in Shining Armor is between a Dom who runs a BDSM club and a woman contracted to do renovations on said club. At first, I thought this would be a super sexy renovation romance with plenty of kink. Doesn’t that sound awesome? Unfortunately, this book comes nothing close to my initial assumptions.

The heroine, Juliet, knows very little about the BDSM lifestyle, so the hero, Will, doubts her ability to assess what the club needs. Will has hired a construction/renovation company owned by Juliet’s family and Juliet is the one that ends of taking the contract. However, Will never really specifies to the company that he owns a BDSM club, as Juliet assumes she’s there to fix up a night club. Why he chooses this particular company is something I don’t remember being addressed. Now that I think about it, having a heroine who works in “kink fixer upper” construction would have been really neat.

While I agree Juliet needed to do some research on BDSM clubs, the actions Will takes to acclimate her to BDSM felt borderline abusive and predatory. He definitely had no business running a club for BDSM clientele, given how he treated Juliet. But the premise of the book is that Will needs to introduce Juliet to BDSM because of the renovations she’ll be managing, and, of course, he’s attracted to her “vanilla” innocence (VOMIT). He doesn’t think she’ll account for small details like the space required for “scenes,” for example, if she doesn’t fully understand how the equipment works. So he shows her through demonstration. This is a whole new level of “dubious” for me.

The main tenets of kink are that things should always be safe, sane, and consensual. I’d classify some of the interactions between Will and Juliet to be dubious in consent, simply because she just doesn’t have the experience or vocabulary to really know what is about to happen or what she’s gotten herself into. In my mind, she doesn’t know what she’s actually consenting to when it comes to BDSM.

Juliet has never done much experimenting with kink and Will frequently chides himself for being an established Dom and getting obsessed with someone so vanilla. Sexual compatibility is important and rather than taking things slowly or even realizing they aren’t sexual compatible and leave it at that, Will frequently pushes Juliet into extreme BDSM scenarios.

Their first time doing anything sexual, he has her tied up in his sex attic where he whips, flogs, and canes her to the point of her crying. She does have a safe word, but those things aren’t what I would choose for someone being introduced to BDSM. Juliet is left feeling humiliated. No actual sex was involved and she feels used, as if Will did this to embarrass her and exert his power over her. All of Juliet’s previous research via Google told her nothing of after care, subspace, sub drop, etc. Afterward, she hightails it home and winds up confused and feeling like she’s been hit by a truck. Her body is covered in bruises.

To me, this shows such sheer irresponsibility on the hero’s part. Nothing he did in the rest of the book would elevate him above assholes status.

I was never fully convinced that Juliet liked any sort of BDSM play. It always felt coerced, and repeatedly acquiescing to the sexual preferences of a partner is something I view as highly damaging.

And of course, they do have a working relationship. Will is her client. I understand that may squick people out, though that aspect of the romance didn’t really bother me. It’s, of course, a terrible idea, but I found it a little less aggravating given that it is Juliet’s company which was contracted by a client (Will), rather than it being a boss/assistant scenario.

There was another thing—one sentence really—that kept sticking with me throughout the rest of the book. The sentence wasn’t even THAT important and was merely a casual, throwaway line as a means of explaining how long the hero has been practicing BDSM.

TW for statutory rape discussion

He hadn’t been that patient since he’d been a fourteen-year-old kid misusing his knowledge of Boy Scout knots on the neighbor’s ecstatic eighteen-year-old daughter.

I interpreted this sentence as the hero, at age 14, was sexually active with an adult woman. For most states, the age of consent is around 16, and while I don’t know the hero’s home state, this sentence really bothered me. We’re supposed to assume that since the hero, as a kid, was the Dom, he wasn’t being taken advantage of by an older woman.

The fact that the hero’s inner monologue seems to take pride in this memory is even worse. Sexual abuse against men happens and this sentence perpetuates the myth that boys and young men can’t be abused by women. “He was a guy! He was the Dom here! He was tying HER up!” But it doesn’t delve deeper into the implicit power dynamics that come with being a child and dealing with an adult, especially in a sexual situation.

The book does have a secret baby element. It’s not a surprise as it’s in the book’s description. That part was fine, I guess. It’s one of my least favorite tropes, so I don’t think it’s fair for me to comment too much on that and it certainly doesn’t factor into my final grade. But in a book I already wasn’t enjoying, it was the last thing I needed.

When I read BDSM romances, I fully expect details to be correct. I want there to be safe kink practices where both parties enthusiastically consent and have taken every precaution so that it is an enjoyable experience. Romance, in general, includes positive (mostly) portrayals of body autonomy and sexual education and fulfillment. I can’t underscore how important that was to me as a reader. Seriously, I learned about sex and my sexual preferences through reading romance. It’s greatly helped teach me the language I needed to be open and honest with my sexual partners.

Master in Shining Armor was a huge misstep in that regard. Because of Will’s horrific ignorance of how to treat Juliet in her introduction to kink, there was no way that the two of them staying together would have been a happily ever after. Will’s sexual needs always took precedence over Juliet’s and I really hate the notion that a man knows a woman’s body better than she does. With Will’s constant pressuring of Juliet into BDSM scenarios, especially given her severe lack of beginner knowledge, I’d be worried this would bleed into other areas of their relationship. I’m not sure if the series is being continued past this book, but if so, I won’t be partaking.

I can't even with the dirty, sexy, smutty hotness. Chemistry for days and days between the characters. Once again Beckett nails the balance between kink and genuine emotion. Not all authors can do it, but Beckett has found the sweet spot giving the reader all the delicious dirty along with all the heart and feels. A must read series for sure!

It is the first of the series I have ever read and left me torn. I do have some issues with how Will treated Juliet in her first BDSM scene. It seemed more like something an untrained Dom would do. It wasn't shown in good light, at least in my opinion. Honestly I didn't like Will very much.  The book is well written and many others have enjoyed it so much. It simply isn't the book for me. Maybe if I had read one of the other first this one wouldn't have been such a dislike for me. I still suggest that anyone interested in this particular genre to give it a try. As you may love it. I am also planning on reading other books in the series to see if it is just this one I don't care for.

OMG this was completely unexpected!

I loved the slow, but realistic, development of the relationship between Juliet and Will. The scenes at the club were off the charts, but the development of the friendship was just as incredibly written.

And then we have the addition of the baby. WOW! That added such a unique twist to the story!

This was the first book in this series that I read. I would have loved to read an epilogue set a little into the future, but I'm guessing that was left out because we'll see our couple again in a later book.

Speaking of later books, can we please find out what is going on with Dex and Grant?!?!?!?

ARC provided by Netgalley.

Juliet got a job to revamp Catacombs which she thought was a restaurant or something but turns out it’s a kink club and she was ready to refuse when she as Will the owner what’s his thoughts were. Well Juliet is a very vanilla woman and has no interest of doing anything but saving to go to France but she agrees to let William show her what the club is about. Juliet is embarrassed that she let a stranger do those things to her but she really liked it to so she agrees to see Will but then his life gets an upheaval and she isn’t sure about that. Will can’t stand to be away from her so they compromise but they are both getting attached but the chances of a BDSM Master and a very Vanilla woman succeeding in a relationship is nuts. I loved how the story was told it added a lot to the situation.

Hold the damn phone!!!!! You mean to tell me that this is the 4th installment in a series? WAAAAAAA???? Now I have to go back and read the others. Geez....twist my arm...LOL

Juliet is the main face of the family business. So it's not unusual for her to meet the clients face to face, sell them the remodeling ideas and establish a relationship with them. It IS unusual for her to walk in to a building that's used as a BDSM club and having to come up with ways to remodel and improve upon it, knowing absolutely NOTHING about the lifestyle. Let's add in the fact that one of the owners is extremely good looking. Yep, she's in for a world of hurt.

Will is one of the club owners. The older brother who manages the back end of the business and who's responsible for getting the club remodeled and up and running again. But when a smoking hot vanilla woman walks in to his club, he can't help but push her limits...and his. And although pushing limits is part of the game, an unexpected gift has him second guessing a lot in life. So now what?

Considering this is my first read by these authors and this series, I was extremely impressed. The immediate chemistry between Will and Juliet works pretty well. Knowing that Will is a Master and not just a Dom, makes the urgency in training and behavior more believable. I have to admit that the unexpected gift through me off at first, but when I stuck with it, it turned out to be just the right amount to keep me engaged.

Overall, the scenes were extremely hot and spicy. The chemistry between ALL of the characters was good and even entertaining at times. And the moral of the story was perfect. I need some more brother and Norwegian men though...DAAAAAANG!!!!!

reviewed by Chris

*Due to the rather sensitive nature of the topic discussed, this review is not intended for those readers under 18.*

The dynamic duo that is Sparrow Beckett seems to be making quite the splash with this latest offering in the Masters Unleashed series.
Making every effort to temper the masterful dominate that is one William Ellis, with not one, but two life altering events in rapid succession.
The first of which being his meeting the love of his life. One very vanilla, Julliet Callahan. When she and her brothers are hired to revamp Catacombs. William's very exclusive BDSM playground.

The second, and most life changing event by far, however.
His becoming a full time father to the infant daughter of his now deceased ex.

What's a Dom to do?
I can't say for sure what one is to do. But based on some very reckless behavior on the part of Will with one very initiated Juliet.
I can certainly say what one doesn't.
And Will's ill prepared, unprofessional, and very unsafe handling of Juliet's first BDSM experience both with him, and in the whole of life...
A definite HELL NO!
He was far more interested in how turned on that he was by her submission than her safety, her care, or her well being.
Offering her only a cursory explanation of safe wording, no prior knowledge of what was to take place in the scene, and pushing her well past her adrenaline threshold with no aftercare.
Not only is this line of play dangerous. It is highly unethical.

It is very difficult for me as a reviewer to chalk this major faux pas on the part of these authors up to a simple case of lack of knowledge. Given the fact that this is the 4th book of a BDSM series. And more importantly.
The mistakes that Will makes in this book would never be made by an experienced Master or Mistress.

Moreover.
The fact that such ill treatment of a novice is presented in a positive light in this read.
Insane.

And therein lies the heart of my problem as a reviewer.
The book was well written.
The story and characters very engaging.
The ending very "happily..."

But can I condone the portrayal of unsafe handling of a "novice".
No.
Particularly not in the case of said novice also being one's love interest.
It is the opinion of this reviewer that this book be marketed as a DARK EROTIC ROMANCE.
Rather than the "feel good" romance that it seems to be aiming for.

Readers will note that there is a decided lack of a review for the rather "run of the mill" and baby makes three plot line.
This is because Will's interest was elsewhere for the majority of the read.
And frankly so was mine.

Juliet and William are terrific characters. I think her overwhelmed reactions were realistic and made for a terrific relationship arc. I particularly liked the addition of Beau and the complications from having her in William's life. Having William be genuinely sad about the death of his ex was excellent - this book avoided stereotypes in many ways and this was one example.


I went and purchased more from this author as I loved this book. I'm looking forward to future books in the series. Thank you for letting me read it!

Master in Shining Armor was AMAZING! It is a combination of a sexy BDSM erotic novel and a feel-good instant-dad romance novel. What an interesting and genius combination. I enjoyed the stark contrast of a sexy BDSM master and his alter ego, a new "dad." If you think that men taking care of babies is sexy AND/OR enjoy BDSM romances, YOU MUST read this book! One of my new favorite authors.

*I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

It’s been a couple of years between books in this series but it was so worth the wait. Will and Juliet’s chemistry is off the chart and I love their back and forth banter. There has to be a book 5 for Grant and Dex, cuz you know that is going to happen. ARC provided by Netgalley and publisher for a honest review.

Wonderfully sexy, fun BDSM romance

It's been a little while since the writing team that is Sparrow Beckett has added a book to the Master Unleashed series but Master in Shining Armor was well worth the wait. Juliet and Will are an amazing couple with chemistry that is off the charts. At first I wasn't sure about Will as a caring Dom but he really won me over by both his care of Juliet and Beau. I found the storyline very creative
and the characters well developed. I am really hoping that secondary characters Grant and Dex get a story.
I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley.

Juliet is really sweet, pretty and completely vanilla. That is until she lands a contract to remodel a BDSM club and meets with Will. Her ideas for changes to the club don't really mesh with Will's so he asks her to come to the club when it's open for business so she can get a feel for the place when people are there and see how it's used. What she isn't expecting is to find her inner submissive too willing to do what Will asks of her once she's there and the sparks between them start to fly.

Will is a busy guy, so when miss prim and proper Juliet shows up to talk about remodeling his club, he knows that she has no idea what kind of club it is or how her ideas just won't work so he asks her to come see the place that night when people are there using it. He's not expecting her to find the activities so arousing or to find her so accepting of what he's wanting to do to her.

Will came on too strong, pushed her too far and scared her even though every time she thinks about what they did she's not sure whether to be embarrassed, humiliated or turned on. After their night together she wants to slow down and keep their relationship a strictly working one but when he doesn't return her phone calls she has no other choice but to drop in on him and find out what the problem is. She's not expecting to find him with a baby at the club but that's exactly what she finds.

After a tragedy he finds himself taking care of a baby and he can use all the help he can get. Juliet doesn't want to be a mother after helping to raise her siblings. She wants to have a childless adult life...that is until she's around Beau and falls for the child. Every time Will talked about giving the baby up for adoption, I cringed. I really wanted him to want to keep the baby but I wasn't sure he would since the baby wasn't his.

I loved these two characters. They were so damn good together even though they were so different. Watching them get to know one another and slowly fall in love was so much fun. I ate this book up in one day. I hardly wanted to put it down long enough to make a cup of tea, it was just that much fun.

This series is a longtime favorite of mine and I could not be more excited that there was an additional.book in the series. I thought Juliet and Will were sexy and had the perfect chemistry. I love that their perceived differences made it seem like they were so different and yet their fiery chemistry and unforseen circumstances ultimately brought them together. This story was amazing and will be one to reread!

The Delight
This series seemed to get a little of a reboot during the break between books. It looks like a new set of characters with some remembrances to past characters. Pull up a seat and watch the show that these two new characters are going to give as they wonder into a relationship that isn't a relationship.


Review
Jumping right into Master in Shining Armor, I had no idea who was left in this world of Doms to get their own story. Now we have a new slate of characters to fall in love with again! 

Juliet Callahan has been hired to renovate a club named Catacombs. With no idea it is a private BDSM club, she shows up to a meeting very unprepared for the dominant man late to his own meeting. Slowly they walk through the club, Juliet gathering information to design the renovations, while the owner shocks her at every turn. He does it to provoke a reaction, but also to try to get the stick out of her ass.

William Ellis owns a BDSM club that he started in a warehouse with bare bones funding. Now with the help of his brother and a friend, he is renovating the club. He doesn't want a submissive after his last one cheated on him and literally breaking his heart. Guarded friendship builds between his ex and him when he finds out she is pregnant from the one night stand she cheated on him with. Conflicted, he can't seem to bring himself to cut her from his life, but neither does he involve himself much in it either.

Juliet grew up in a house filled with siblings and wants no children of her own, now or ever. Her changing diaper days are over! When William pushes her buttons to get a reaction, she can't stop craving what he can give her while also trying to be the proper daughter in a family business. Will invites her to tour the club and Juliet submits to his dominance.

Just when Will is trying to decide what he wants, he is called to provide care for his ex's daughter, he thinks it's going to be temporary. With Juliet's feelings on kids and his responsibility building, Will has some decisions to make, but so does Juliet.

The story is heartwarming as well as brutally passionate in a very naughty way. Will has been hurt and needs to come to terms with the healing process as he also starts to lose his heart to two different females for two different reasons. He grumbles, he spanks (only Juliet), he cuddles, and he examines his own reasoning for things and what he truly wants. Either choice could cost him either female and its a gamble his heart will have to make weather it wants to or not.

Juliet for her part has to learn that even though she took care of so many of her siblings, taking care of a baby not her own isn't always the same. You see her with her twin nephews and think she would be great, but that is all she wants: to be the doting aunt. Her best friend married her sister, and also works for the same family business. So it all gets a little funny as they start renovating the club while Juliet's sister takes her out to make her realized having kids isn't a bad thing.

The two have a chemistry that makes you sigh. The uptight woman, who needs the release only submission can give her to the laid back, bossy man, who wants to love someone and be loved back (only he doesn't realize it at first). The two evaluate their ultimate goals in life and have to decide truly what they both want. It's a give and take negotiation. 

This new world has a younger brother to Will who seems to be hiding something, but also you can tell he has a thing for someone with no idea how to express it. There is also a female friend to Will who is a switch and fun to watch. She's not afraid to tell Will or his brother what she thinks, but then also run off with a band to be their submissive (as a group) for the night. She's no doormat.

I loved also seeing Varushka and Konstantin again as Varushka has had a baby boy and is now pregnant with her second child. Lots of advice is given to Will and it all just brings about why I loved Varuska so much.

I loved getting into this world again and I noticed it was quite some time between book 3 and 4. I hope book 5 doesn't take so long, because I am in love with this world and want to see the brother fall...hard!

Juliet Callahan has no idea what she's gotten herself in to when her family's company sends her on their latest design project. She may look like money and carry herself in an uptight, professional manner but being the oldest of 9 kids means she's raised enough children in her lifetime and she has to be in control all the time. Cue Catacombs club owner/operator/Dom Will. Both he and his brother, Grant have been shunned by their rich family and now he shuns anyone who looks like they could look down their noses at him. Juliet is not what he wants at all but something about her calls to him. After a crazy night, he's got a taste for her and she's got the hots for him and the lifestyle but then a twist of fate is placed in Will's life. His ex's baby daughter, Beau, the baby that should have been his but was another man's, is now his responsibility. Now he's got to save Beau, himself and keep the love of his life.

Cute story, nice sub-plots/intrigue and interesting characters. It was a quick read with twists and turns to draw you in and make you keep turning the pages.

I liked the synopsis of this book but not the story itself so much. The characters felt flat, the dialogue stilted, and I couldn't finish it.