Review: Beyond the Black Curtain – Hayley White

Whips, chains, and genuinely masterful men are merely the stuff of fantasy stories, such as the one Ever is writing. That’s what Ever thinks—before her chance encounter with the charming and worldly Stroud. When he presses his card into her hand, Ever can’t resist the temptation to step beyond the threshold of his dark realm. Under Stroud’s meticulous domination, Ever begins to realize the happiness that has eluded her, but she’s not prepared for the uncharted territory ahead. When Stroud introduces the brash, young Brooke into the relationship, Ever must quickly adapt, as the fantasy of domination by two masters becomes reality. Stroud embarks on a strict training program to prepare Ever to accommodate the younger man’s brutish assaults, but this young master’s tendency toward violence drives Ever to the brink. Stroud and Brooke find themselves in a struggle, not only to keep Ever from leaving the triad, but to be the one who ultimately secures her devotion. As the plot of Ever’s own novel unfolds, there appears to be a shift in power and the leanings of her heart.

Series:
Release Date: August 8th 2014
Publisher: Pink Flamingo Publications
Source: Provided by Author/Publisher via Manic Readers
Reviewer: Victoria
Rating:

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Reviewer’s Thoughts

Ever is a writer in her spare time dreaming of a world filled with whips and chains and all different aspects of BDSM.   It seems that Ever thought that kind of life was beyond her reach.  Ever works as a telemarketer trying to survive.   It seems that one chance encounter with Stroud and her world changes at a speed beyond her control.  Ever does try to untangle herself when she thinks she is in too deep.

Stroud is a rich man who lost his wife several years ago.  He is well versed in BDSM and is willing to train and show Ever all the different aspects of that kind of life.  Stroud is a complicated and mysterious man.  While he introduces a young Dom into Ever and his play time, its hard to understand his motives.

Brooke is a young Dom learning how to be a Dom.  The more time he spends with Ever the more he is enchanted with her.  The attraction is so bad on his side that he seeks her out outside the weekends.  In many aspects without Brooke’s interference I am not sure a relationship between Stroud and Ever would not have happened.

Even after I finished the book, I was still at a loss as to Stroud’s feelings about Ever.  I think he really only wanted her because Brooke was interested in her.  I wonder if she did not call Stroud back home if he would have come home at all.   It was apparent that Ever had feelings for Stroud and playing with Brooke whether Stroud is present or not complicates her feelings.  Brooke made his feelings on the matter present almost from the beginning.

I found this book well written with a very believable plot.  The main and secondary characters were interesting.  The ending of the book kept me on my toes. I kept wondering how it was going to end.  Overall, this was a great book.