I Will Not Beg (Mountain Masters & Dark Haven Book 9)

Although I looked forward to reading the latest Cherise Sinclair novel, “I Will Not Beg” disappointed me. Like other reviewers have noted, the author seems to be recycling plot elements and character traits. In Piper we meet yet another submissive who loves to bake (Lindsey from “Edge of the Enforcer” is a baking enthusiast) and who has started her own domestic-service type business (though not quite the same business model, Andrea from “Lean on Me” runs a cleaning service).I might have been inclined to overlook this tendency to play what is starting to feel like mix-and-match with plot points and characters if I were not starting to get frustrated by a message Ms. Sinclair seems to be conveying: the majority of her submissive characters who are drawn to kink typically have abandonment issues, feelings of worthlessness, or have been victims of abuse at some point in their lives. Piper is Ms. Sinclair's latest depiction of a woman who comes from a dysfunctional family and, unfortunately, ends up mistaking an abuser for a dominant. Although Cherise Sinclair seems to be working hard to write kink-positive stories, by virtue of setting up her submissive characters as individuals who have been abused, traumatized, abandoned, and/or who suffer from poor self-esteem, she may in fact be inadvertently working against the cause of trying to normalize kinky desires. By incorporating these troubled backstories into so many of her characters, it is as if Ms. Sinclair is suggesting that the majority of individuals who are drawn to kink are in some way damaged or are victims. Given that it is only the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), that depathologized consensual kink, incorporating so many characters who would be prime candidates for receiving counseling and mental health services may actually be undermining the strides that have been made in presenting kink as something engaged in by well-adjusted individuals.Aside from my serious qualms about how many of Ms. Sinclair’s characters have experienced abuse, trauma, etc., I also found myself shaking my head at the end of “I Will Not Beg” during the final confrontation between Piper’s abuser and the Dark Haven doms. The entire conversation and scene felt so farcical, all I could think was that it read like something concocted by someone who still plays with a Dream House (just with slightly more adult themes). When I started picturing Xavier and deVries as action figures being held in someone's hands while scolding an action figure-sized abuser, I realized this fantasy series is done for me.I will keep my eye out other books by Ms. Sinclair in some of her newer series, but, sadly, my days of eagerly anticipating new releases in the Dark Haven and Shadowlands series are over.

It's about 8:30pm on June 25th, and I have spent most of the day thoroughly enjoying myself, my nose deeply buried in this book. I have read almost everything this author has written and while I liked them all, it's been a long time since I liked a book of hers this much. I didn't skip a chapter, a line, a word.I believe part of the reason was that Ms. Sinclair took her time with this story. She let both her main characters completely speak their minds. They spoke to us and they spoke to each other. They didn't wallow in the bad stuff. They didn't overreach when good stuff happened. They moved through the upsets and kept communicating.Now don't misunderstand. This is a Cherise Sinclair/Dark Haven book. There were terrific sexytimes, including some really good rope play. And there was lots of visiting and interactions with old friends. (BTW, why have none of them had kids?) There was humor and smartass and plenty of BDSM-lite. There was even a plot which addressed consent and abuse and the responsibility the community has to take care of itself.But the highlight of I WILL NOT BEG was the magic between Ethan and Piper. Perfect, swoony, loving, safe. These two were everything from the start. And while they each had stuff to work out for themselves, neither of them ever really doubted that they should be together.Nor should you doubt that this book is worth your time. It is. Read it now.

It has been a while since I've read in this part of Cherises universe, and apart from a few places which triggered me on a personal level, it felt like I was coming home. Wrapped in the comfort of the Masters and their subbies, we were taken on a journey from where it almost couldn't get any worse (Still Sir Ethan was there doing what a Master does best) to free floating in subspace by way of Sir Ethan. I have a newfound respect for Master Ethan for the way he took Piper in hand from the first moment, over being utterly human to the final scene.It was good catching up with rest of the gang, and I dare say it feels like my favorite sadist deVries has mellowed a little bit. (Don't tell him I wrote that.)

This is my favorite of the Dark Haven/Mountain Masters Series. Sir Ethan gets his story and finds a new love in Piper. Piper story is not comfortable. She ran away from an abusive Master and made a place for herself and start a business in San Francisco. Keep the tissue handy. Please read there is an hea

The gang is all together in this novel. Our favorite Doms and subies that we loved from her previous books are all gathered together to address a common enemy. It was so fun to learn how Dixon and Stan were doing, the Enforcer and his brave little sub, Protective Simon and his equally loving and protective sub..and supporting them all My Liege who provides a safe and sane space, where love, dominance and surrender takes place. If you haven't read Cherise's three series you are in for a treat and I envy you the discovery of her worlds. Every time while eagerly waiting for her next book; i am drawn to go back and visit my old friends over and over. Thanks Cherise.

It seems like I have been waiting for Cherise Sinclair’s I Will Beg, the latest in her Dark Haven forever, and it was SO worth the wait. She has delivered an absorbing thought provoking BDSM romantic suspense story. There were moments that tugged at my heartstrings and others where the budding relationship and sexual chemistry between Ethan and Harper just made my heart sing. I loved the part the secondary character from Dark Haven played in the story. It’s always such fun to see what some of my favorite couples from previous books are up to. This book easily reads as a stand alone but I urge you to read all the books in this (and her other) series. You’ll be happy you did. I can hardly wait for the audio to come, I just can’t get enough of this book.Hopefully Cherise is busy on her next book, I will wait patiently, anticipation growing as her books are always worth the wait.

This is a story of a woman who has been abused, but rebuilt her life, found her niche, her strength and eventually her new master.Sir Ethan, is a man with a title, a large bank balance and a kind if dominant heart.These two had a lot of history to overcome but with the help and support of friends, the Dark Haven Doms and Subs, and their own inner integrity they challenged themselves and dealt a blow to some bad guys.Meanwhile the incredibly appealing Dixon is experiencing a bit of a crisis. And his Dom isn't seeing it. As a secondary thread in this book, it worked really well.This author is excellent at writing emotional BDSM romance, realistic and believable sex and even more credible people. I loved this book. A really enthralling read, well written and with unexpected turns. I advise reading the series from the beginning to get the most out of this tale but it does stand alone.Highly recommended.

WOW what an amazing story. In this story you are introduced to a strong independent young woman with a sordid past . I found it difficult at first but as you read this book you are literally in the with the Dark Haven gang. Sir Ethan is everything I was hoping for. He's got endless patience but also some heavy baggage himself. This story is everything I was hoping it to be and more. Well done Cherise you've done it again. I had tears from sadness to tears from laughter. Thank you. X

Yet again Cherise Sinclair draws you into the world of Masters and Subs. A damaged sub and a darling quintessential British dom. Ethan and Piper have a brief history and a long future. Enjoy the unfurling of fists, emotions and needs as you journey with them. Cherise's writing pulls you into the story, into the pain and joy and freedom. Another beautiful story in the Mountain Masters and Dark Haven series.

A long awaited new novel in the Dark Haven series, this one was so worth the wait. The story of an abused "slave" in the BDSM lifestyle, Piper is rescued by Sir Ethan, yet another wonderful, caring Dominant from Dark Haven. A touching story, written with Ms Sinclair's usual panache. It was great to meet some of our favourite characters again and see their relationships developing too. I couldn't put it down. Definitely a great add to the series.

If you like your romance with Doms and Subs, Cherise always delivers. This is based around a former slave Piper and Sir Ethan and the trials and tribulations of coming out of an abusive relationship. The secondary characters particularly Dixon are key to the tone of the book and if a bit of kinky is your thing then I highly recommend this.