Kinky office relations always catch my attention. When I see Ms. Aicher's name, I'm immediately intrigued. I tried to get into this series and it is not exactly working for me. This is a novella between the main series. We learn about a few ancillary characters - Drake and Shelly. I mention these are ancillary characters because I feel like I'm being sexually edged with these teasing stories about the characters who are part of this illicit sex club. I want to learn about the one who started it all. I want to learn about him and the woman he can't have. Instead, I'm being placated with fanciful sexy interludes from minor characters.

Drake and Shelly are not bad. Their conflict is a realistic one. Their scenes are becoming more intense as there are emotions making it more complicated. It is not easy to have tangle free sex as Shelly is learning. And sharing is not all that is cracked up to be, as Drake is experiencing. Overall this is a decent erotic tale, just not exactly the one I'm hoping to finally read about. So why did I pick it up? Honestly, to get a little glimpse of the enigmatic founder of this erotic high stakes club. This erotic novella is recommended to readers who get a thrill from naughty behaviours in a business formal setting.

Took me forever to read this title. But it was well worth it. Burning hot, with likable characters. very quick read.

Short and erotic, that’s the whole theme of the Boardroom series. This was probably a little less intriguing than the previous novellas but nonetheless still very much in keeping with the whole kink and erotica theme. Still recommend this one.

In a room filled with a ton of other people, he only saw her. She was the one that made him hunger for more. He never thought he would have more but with her everything now seems possible. Their attraction for one another will grow hotter than they could’ve possibly have imagined.

Story about boardroom in sex club.
Shelley finds herself in the boardroom looking particular someone. She doesn't want the relationship so she seeks something different from the club. When she finds Drake in the same room, she wants to be with him. She is not sure if he feels the same way but rule of the club is that they can't continue outside of club.
Shelley and Drake both wants to explore outside of board room but will they be able to.

It was quick read. Thanks to Netgalley and HARLEQUIN - Carina Press for ARC in exchange for honest review.

I do like this author but I just couldn’t connect with this book. Sorry, as I really wanted to love this book too.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars
M/F Erotica

This has been my favorite snippet in this series, so far. Drake and Shelly have a steamy connection and it seems they are incredibly compatible in bed.

I liked how we saw from both perspectives in this short scene and how we were able to see that both wanted each other, without reservation and when the opportunity presents itself, they both take without reservation.

Steamy scenes and an incredible chemistry made this novella a great, short read.


Kris – ☆☆☆☆
I'm a big fan of the Boardroom! This short novella is a good one. I really liked Drake and Shelly.

They have played together before in the boardroom full of people and swore they'd never get involved. But they're drawn to each other over all others. Drake trades names with another dom in the room to get with Shelly again. He loves the way he knows exactly what she needs, and Shelly loves it too!

She's got a special kink that she doesn't like to talk about, but Drake knows her number.

Found this to be a very hot interaction along with the sweet moments the Boardroom series is known for. Quick, easy read!


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is an in-between novella in the series – whilst you don't need to have read them all, it would help you understand the dynamics better if you have read at least one!

As we have seen in previous books, the freedom of the Boardroom is wonderful, until someone catches one's attention, then it is an exquisite form of torture and anticipation – never is that more true than in this encounter. Shelly knows who she wants, but it will be down to chance. Luckily, Drake wants her back and ensures that they both get exactly what they want.

It is short, sexy, and has a satisfying outcome – what more can you want from a novella?

A quick and steamy novella, Free Trade continues Aicher erotic series. Overall, this story has every from developed characters to well written sex scenes. Be warned, this novel is pure erotica. Don’t go in expecting an earth shattering plot. Enjoy it for what it is versus hating it for what it’s not. Fans of erotica will love the chemistry between the leads and how well they work together. While it can be read as a standalone, fans of the series will agree that all entries should be enjoyed

This was a delightfully steamy little read. Aicher is not afraid to explore the darker side of sex, and it shows in her writing. I loved how she was able to weave in some backstory, while moving things forward to a very satisfying conclusion. The characters were well developed and well written. I could easily relate to Shelly's inability to speak about her desires, and I loved that Drake was so in tune with her that he was able to give her what she needed without being asked.

I had a little trouble following why she withdrew emotionally after their time together in the Boardroom, but the way it was worked out pushed that aside easily. And I'm not thrilled by the claim that this short story and the next are full-length novels at only 13,000 words, but that's a quibble for another day and has no bearing on the excellent writing style.

Having read Aicher's Power Play books, I'm pleased to find a whole new world of hers to explore.

Drake and Shelly are both to busy to think about being a relationship. They in enjoy the freedom of The Boardroom where their sexual needs are met without judgment. Soon however they only want each other and Drake trades names with another to be with Shelly. Fast-paced and steamy. I really liked it.

I've read every book in this series except for one and I can honestly say this is the one I liked the least. It lacked... significantly. About 70% of the book takes place over a couple of hours in the boardroom. There's very little back story provided on these two people and their "friendship" until then. We're given hints about it, but the details are few and far between. I would have loved to see this as a full length novel instead of a novella. I would have loved to see the development of their attraction.

The book finishes at about 85%, the rest of the book is a preview for another book in the series.

Overall, very disappointing.

ARC provided by Netgalley

I'm familiar with this series and it goes to say its no different from the rest with full steam ahead with another different way. (Did that even make sense?) I've heard Drakes name pop up a time or two in the first book so I'm a bit familiar with his character for some reason I thought it would be a douche but this book he seemed different. This book was plain old steamy scene and lacked much of anything else. The two have been attracted to eachother for a while now and will see if they can as the description says more then just one boardroom night. It was nice enough. I like my books with more to the story but this was a novella and can't expect too much from it.

Free Trade by Lynda Aicher is book 3.5 in The Boardroom series. This is the story of Shelly Carrigan and Drake Hanson. This can be a standalone book. Shelly and Drake have known each other and have even worked 'scene' together in The Boardroom but this book covers their story of coming together.
This was a quick hot read!

3.75-4 stars
****

This is a good read! This is Drake and Shelly's book. Both are very busy with their high pressure, professional jobs and have been too busy to even think about being in a relationship. To relieve sexual tension, they both are members of The Boardroom, a club of sorts that meets up in businesses at night while they are closed to partake in sexy times. Generally, partners names are chosen out of a hat. Drake and Shelly have done lots of scenes together, and with others separately, but secretly they both prefer each other. They are friends outside of The Boardroom and they secretly have developed feelings for each other. On one particular night, their feelings come to the surface and they move into a real relationship with each other.

I really like this series. It has such a sultry, but emotional atmosphere. I have read and really enjoyed all the books in this series and was happy to see there was a new book out. I guess I somehow missed the fact that this book was a novella. But I still really liked it. It didn't feel like it was too short, but I wouldn't have minded it being longer. I liked Drake and Shelly. I could feel that they had true feelings for each other and would make a good couple.

Overall, Free Trade was super sensual and sexy with good depth and emotion. I enjoyed this short, easy read and look forward to more from this series!

Seriously sizzling hot

Lynda Aicher's The Boardroom series has provided me with hours of enjoyment. "Free Trade", the most recent "Memo"(think encounter) is a seriously sensual short story of 3 powerful scenes. The chemistry between Drake and Shelly is through the roof. I loved how they both come to the same realization of what they really meant to each other. A short fun read.
I received an advance reader copy via Netgalley.

Before I knew it, I was reading the epilogue from Free Trade by Lynda Aicher. This is a hot and sexy novella about two people who prefer sex with no strings attached. They are members of the Boardroom, an exclusive sex club for very successful people looking for an evening of play. Shelly and Drake have been partners in the past and overtime time their lust has evolved into much more. If you are looking for a quick read full of steam, heat and discovery, pick up a copy of this little gem.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

Drake and Shelly, the couple in this novella, have been popping up in the background of the series for a while, sometimes together, sometimes separately. The basic gist is that while Shelly is pretty kinky, she’s unable to actually express what she wants in the middle of sex. There’s one man, whoever, who seems to be the sexual mind reader she needs – Drake. She’s been low-key stalking him – signing up for scenes he’s participating in – and while she wants more, she knows that’s not part of the rules of The Boardroom. Luckily for her, Drake’s noticed her interest, and definitely returns it. Are they both brave enough to try a relationship outside The Boardroom?

“What did she want? When had the enticement of the Boardroom faded and the desire for something deeper grown?
Something long-term and exclusive with Drake?”


As usual, the sex is super steamy and kinky. A butt plug as a declaration of interest? Sure, why not! While Drake has had a little bit of characterization outside The Boardroom previously, Shelly’s appeared only in scenes. I suppose that’s my biggest gripe for this story. While there’s a decent amount of characterization for what’s basically a 50-page long sex scene, I wish there had been a little more. So, overall, while I enjoyed it, it’s not my favorite of the novellas. It’s definitely whet my appetite for the next full-length novel, however!

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Quick(ish) Review

It’s a novella that’s high on heat and delves into some of their emotions, but I would have loved for a wee bit more time to be spent on the developing the story. However, if you’re looking for some smoking hot chemistry and love with two people who love their kink, you may enjoy this.

Lynda Aicher has done it again! We are back in the Boardroom and talk about steamy!! Woo wee! Shelly and Drake are the focus in this Boardroom quickie! Both are high powered business types who frequent the Boardroom to just let go with no strings attached. Only those rules get a bit hazy as these two seemed to have gotten some stickiness with strings-or at least wanting some strings!

Sexually super charged, Free Trade hits all those boxes with such a well written short story! Very vivid writing, I felt like I was on the sidelines watching the festivities! I have absolutely loved this series and this book is an addictive read! A great addition to the Boardroom world!

reviewed by Deb

Hella hot yet sweet too.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you love amazingly heated, descriptive sex in your books, then you have to read The Boardroom series of novellas. Every one of them have been hella steamy with drool-worthy men along with a lovely HEA.

This one is a bit different from the others in that it is a super short story that falls in the middle of the series. Steamy from page one and it never lets up. I love how Drake inherently knows what Shelly needs and wants. Super sexy. Plus he knows what he wants and that is her.

Lynda Aicher has a knack for writing these flaming hot novellas and this one is a winner too! The heat seems to come right off the pages! My only complaint... too short!!!!!!!