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White Collared #3
Revenge
In the third sexy installment of Shelly Bell's serialized erotic thriller, Kate will finally entrust Jaxon with her secrets, but the lies he's told have the power to break her heart … and threaten her life.
Motivated by honor…
After a gruesome discovery, the men in Kate's life unite to protect her from imminent danger, but Jaxon becomes consumed by the fierce desire to possess her fully. Kate trusts him enough to surrender to him in the bedroom, but she still fears the vulnerability of complete and utter submission.
Enslaved by pleasure…
Jaxon continues to push Kate's sexual and emotional boundaries, penetrating her defenses and crumbling the walls she has built around the painful memories of her past. But just as she opens her heart and accepts a future with Jaxon, the devastating truth about Alyssa's death shatters the tenuous bond they share, testing their relationship and propelling her directly into the path of a desperate murderer.
Motivated by honor…
After a gruesome discovery, the men in Kate's life unite to protect her from imminent danger, but Jaxon becomes consumed by the fierce desire to possess her fully. Kate trusts him enough to surrender to him in the bedroom, but she still fears the vulnerability of complete and utter submission.
Enslaved by pleasure…
Jaxon continues to push Kate's sexual and emotional boundaries, penetrating her defenses and crumbling the walls she has built around the painful memories of her past. But just as she opens her heart and accepts a future with Jaxon, the devastating truth about Alyssa's death shatters the tenuous bond they share, testing their relationship and propelling her directly into the path of a desperate murderer.
128 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 17, 2014
10 people are currently reading
756 people want to read
About the author
Shelly Bell
28 books644 followersShelly Bell is the author of the popular Shelly Bell is the author of more than a dozen romances. Her novels have collected numerous awards and have received starred reviews from both Publisher’s Weekly and Library Journal. An attorney for more than twenty-five years, Shelly lives with her family in southwest Florida. When she's not working, she enjoys teaching romance writing to aspiring authors, volunteering in her local community, and reading by the pool. To learn more about her books, visit www.ShellyBellBooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
July 18, 2014
In part three of this four-part series, which I (unofficially) co-read with my friend and co-GR Reviewer Donna J, series heroine Kate "Katrina" Martin finally explains her "bondage as a hard limit" issue to Jax: It's the result of having been handcuffed by the police when she was accused of killing her father, so it's all wrapped up in The Trauma That Has Warped Her Life. We also finally get the story of how her father died, and why she got accused of killing him () - and like a lot of stuff involving Authority Figures in his series, the Injustice Done To The Innocent is overdone and heavy-handed.
Like This - Only Less Subtle!
I know very well that miscarriages of justice often happen (not wanting this review to turn into a political rant, I'll spare you my examples for now). It's more that, in the cases we're presented with here, it's all Innocent Victim versus Torch-Wielding Mobs Led By Uncaring/Corrupt Authority, with no leavening whatsoever. Since all we get is Kate's PoV on her experience, I might be forgiven for thinking that her version of events is one-sided and self-serving - until a Heroically Tireless Social Worker comes along and uncovers evidence that exonerates her, there is quite literally nobody in Kate's backstory who is on her side!
It's part and parcel of Kate living in a crappy apartment in a bad part of town on her own, despite being able to afford law school, clothes suitable to appear in court in, and a Harley - she's poorly off enough to be always vulnerable, but well-off enough to present well at a major law firm, and it's never made clear how this is even possible.* There's a tone of Nobly Suffering Victimhood which underlies the entire series that I find hard to swallow, if I'm honest.
Simon Schama's THE POWER OF ART Does an Interesting Takedown of This Painting of Jean-Paul Marat's Death, and of David's Use of His Art as Propaganda - First For The French Revolution, and Later For Emperor Napoleon(!)
In any event.... Once Kate admits this to Jax, she also admits she's started to fantasize about bondage again, with him doing the tying. Jaxon Deveroux, being a very accommodating Dom, obliges her -
and of course, she loves it! (Well, how could she not...? :) )
He also uses a suede (less painful than leather or rubber) flogger on her for the first time, which she also loves - in fact, she basically takes a nap during the flogging! I realize this is the author's way of describing the concept of "subspace" to readers who either aren't sexually submissive themselves or have never experienced it - it's just that the way it's written becomes unintentionally comic....
With that out of the way, Kate goes to visit her (miraculously not-dead) former BFF Hannah (the one who was bleeding all over her crappy apartment at the end of the last book?) in the hospital. Her ex-boyfriend Tom (remember Tom - the charmer that Jaxon punched out near the end of Part One?) is also there, and he and Hannah inform Kate they're in love with each other,
a revelation that Kate takes with incredible equanimity, because really Tom never really lit her fire anyway. That Hannah quoted Tom slagging her as "frigid" upsets her more, honestly - because Hannah Is The Worst Friend Ever!
On her way from the hospital on her Harley
ANOTHER Kate Who Owns a Harley! Are Women Riding Overpriced, Overweight and Underpowered Ammurikan! Status! Symbol! Motorcycles Supposed to Impress Me, Somehow...?
Kate gets run off the road by a BMW (just like Jax drives - and everybody else with money in Detroit, apparently!), but recovers quickly enough to pull out the handgun both Jax and Nick insisted she carry with her everywhere as a Jeep pulls up - and out walks One of the Many Banes of Her Existence, Television Newstwinkie Rachel Dawson! Rachel does an abrupt face turn here (in all previous appearances in this series she's been the face of Irresponsible Bad Nasty Hurting Innocent People Yellow Journalism!), following Kate and the BMW that tried to kill her thus probably saving her life, offers her a ride home, and makes a deal with her to trade information for an exclusive. I have to say I like this sudden character twist more than I like most of the others - if anything, these characters need more shading whenever possible.
DIFFERENT Shading! VERY Different Shading...!
Anyway, Kate calls her Assholic But Hunky Boss Nick Trenton to tell him about the deal and what Rachel told her (that the cops thought they'd punched a hole in Jaxon's alibi and planned to arrest him the next day), and in the course of it lets him know how she and Rachel came to talk about this in the first place! Nick gets all Protective Dom on her - oh, and for once, Kate actually notices it as "Protective Dom" behavior, because part of her wants to submit to him, now!
Cazart! Could Nick Trenton Actually Be a Dominant...?
Jax comes over shortly afterwards, all Protective Dom himself, and tells her he wishes he'd collared her already because, and I quote,
Mind, They're Known Each Other For, What, A Week...?
Oh, yes - and then the story informs that Kate's shocked because she's, and I quote again, "A Feminist" -!
What follows is the first time Kate's ever done anything close to putting on the brakes to what's happening between her and Jax! Or her and Nick! Or her and - any Other Remotely Dominant Male! It comes out of the blue, essentially, this whole "I'm a Feminist - and won't give myself over completely to this man I've been pretty much surrendering sexually to ever since we first met!" issue. It feels less like something organic to Kate's character than something inserted to delay Jax's collaring her for a chapter or two. There's never any real doubt, given's Kate totally subbie personality, that she will become Jax's collared submissive - unless she becomes Nick's collared submissive first!
Again - let me say there are plenty of women, both in fiction and in reality, who are feminists in their regular lives and submissives in the bedroom. Most of the D/s romances I like are about women who balance this dichotomy - just about every Sindra van Yssel heroine qualifies, as does Chelsea in Natalie Anderson's BREATHE FOR ME, Lucia aka "Kitten" in Ann Mayburn's MY WICKED VALENTINE, Abby in Julia Devlin's THE BURN LIST, Zoey in Reese Gabriel's TIE ME, TEASE ME, and even Nichole in Kristen Proby's TIED WITH ME. In real life, one of the most sexually submissive women I know is a retired US Military Colonel in who served during both Persian Gulf Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and I know and know of submissive women who are filmmakers, attorneys, doctors, scientists and businesswomen. I think of myself as somewhat feminist outside the bedroom, honestly.
But Kate Martin doesn't read like that at all. Despite our having been told , at length, that she's considered a Top Catch for any law firm once she graduates and passes the bar (yes, all this is going on while she's still a law student and an unpaid intern!), she comes off more as a deeply damaged and easily-dominated dishrag than a strong. assertive woman who's discovered a yearning to sexually surrender. As I've consistently said throughout my reviews of this series, what we're shown of Kate is quite at odds with what we're told she's like!
Anyway, they go to Benediction that night "pretending" to be Dom and subbe (because of that whole "You can't collar me because I'm a feminist !" thing)
SURE You Are, Kate!
and Kate goes in alone to undergo electrical torture while questioning Anthony Rinaldi about Alyssa's "New Master". This is actually one of the best scenes in the series so far - Rinaldi's believably sadistic and dangerous, while at the same time quite helpful to the investigation, and the electrical play is written to be both painful and (for Kate at least) intensely erotic. Rinaldi also makes the interesting suggestion that perhaps Kate should consider becoming a "Lawyer to the Kink" - one of the point this series makes is that Michigan is a very kink-unfriendly state (according to an article in MOTHER JONES, "sodomy" - aka "deviate sexual conduct" - is still illegal in Michigan, despite the Supreme Court ruling over a decade ago that anti-sodomy laws are unconstitutional). The scene ends with Rinaldi, having slowly escalated his electric torment of Kate and seen that it just turns her on more, cranking the dials all the way up - !
which leads to Jax breaking into the room and having to be physically restrained from punching Rinaldi's lights out. For Kate's part, she almost came from the experience - thus making it clear she's not just submissive, but a masochist as well. When Jax carries her out, swooning and sopping, she realizes that yes, she does want to be his collared subbe, and tells him that....
Told Ya So! Told Ya So!
So, Jax collars Kate with a sort of close-fitting necklace/choker, then has public anal sex with her on the stage in the middle of Benediction - unmasked ! Moreover, the head of the law firm Kate interns for, Miles Joseph, is watching one of his interns being buttfucked by one of his firm's clients (the one who's the prime suspect in the S-M style homicide of his own wife) in the middle of the private kinky sex club they're all at!
Remember how Kate was always supposed to be wearing a mask, to protect her identity? Remember also how Jax is claiming one reason he wanted to be Kate's Master is so he has the right to do whatever he thinks is appropriate to protect her? Well, publicly committing sodomy with his new slavegirl in front of God and Everybody without even the dubious identity protection of a mask is sure a great way to start off "protecting" her, isn't it?
The next morning in Jax's home, Kate gets a call from Nick that Jax's alibi is crap - a woman claimed she was with him on the night Alyssa died, they split up around midnight, and he was seen on security footage leaving the hotel then! Kate flips out again over One More Betrayal By Someone She Trusted, and doesn't give Jaxon a chance to explain before tearing into him about lying to her - though it's hard to tell if she angry about his lying about his alibi, or about his not touching another woman between Alyssa and her! She tells him she can't be with him any more - but still accepts his offer to borrow one of his cars to leave!
"I Never Hated a Man Enough to Give Him Back His Diamonds...."
In the car on her way home, Kate gets a call from Logan The Red Herring - turns out those threatening e-mails Kate got in WC2? So, guess what Kate Martin, Subbie Detective, decides to do next...?
There Are Not Enough Facepalms in All of Space For This One!
To his credit, even Logan suspects she's about do to something phenomenally boneheaded, and tells her to leave it to the cops. But of course she doesn't, and of course , and of course there's a confrontation and Gloating (but vague, since it's only the third out of four books!) Villain Speech, and of course when Kate pulls her gun to shoot she can't bring herself to pull the trigger, and of course - and of course
In my review of WC4, I'll address in more detail my major issues with this series (Lucky You! ;) ) - but I'd like to leave you with just one thought first: Kate Martin is a supposedly-brilliant woman in her final year of law school, who is by everything we've seen to date behaving like a two-year old running through the house with scissors. She doesn't need a Master - she needs a babysitter.
----
* I can't help remembering Hunter S. Thompson telling about his attorney friend Oscar Acosta, who washed dishes during the day while attending law school at night in order to became a lawyer - and advocate for Hispanic and Recreational Drug User rights.
Like This - Only Less Subtle!
I know very well that miscarriages of justice often happen (not wanting this review to turn into a political rant, I'll spare you my examples for now). It's more that, in the cases we're presented with here, it's all Innocent Victim versus Torch-Wielding Mobs Led By Uncaring/Corrupt Authority, with no leavening whatsoever. Since all we get is Kate's PoV on her experience, I might be forgiven for thinking that her version of events is one-sided and self-serving - until a Heroically Tireless Social Worker comes along and uncovers evidence that exonerates her, there is quite literally nobody in Kate's backstory who is on her side!
It's part and parcel of Kate living in a crappy apartment in a bad part of town on her own, despite being able to afford law school, clothes suitable to appear in court in, and a Harley - she's poorly off enough to be always vulnerable, but well-off enough to present well at a major law firm, and it's never made clear how this is even possible.* There's a tone of Nobly Suffering Victimhood which underlies the entire series that I find hard to swallow, if I'm honest.
Simon Schama's THE POWER OF ART Does an Interesting Takedown of This Painting of Jean-Paul Marat's Death, and of David's Use of His Art as Propaganda - First For The French Revolution, and Later For Emperor Napoleon(!)
In any event.... Once Kate admits this to Jax, she also admits she's started to fantasize about bondage again, with him doing the tying. Jaxon Deveroux, being a very accommodating Dom, obliges her -
and of course, she loves it! (Well, how could she not...? :) )
He also uses a suede (less painful than leather or rubber) flogger on her for the first time, which she also loves - in fact, she basically takes a nap during the flogging! I realize this is the author's way of describing the concept of "subspace" to readers who either aren't sexually submissive themselves or have never experienced it - it's just that the way it's written becomes unintentionally comic....
With that out of the way, Kate goes to visit her (miraculously not-dead) former BFF Hannah (the one who was bleeding all over her crappy apartment at the end of the last book?) in the hospital. Her ex-boyfriend Tom (remember Tom - the charmer that Jaxon punched out near the end of Part One?) is also there, and he and Hannah inform Kate they're in love with each other,
a revelation that Kate takes with incredible equanimity, because really Tom never really lit her fire anyway. That Hannah quoted Tom slagging her as "frigid" upsets her more, honestly - because Hannah Is The Worst Friend Ever!
On her way from the hospital on her Harley
ANOTHER Kate Who Owns a Harley! Are Women Riding Overpriced, Overweight and Underpowered Ammurikan! Status! Symbol! Motorcycles Supposed to Impress Me, Somehow...?
Kate gets run off the road by a BMW (just like Jax drives - and everybody else with money in Detroit, apparently!), but recovers quickly enough to pull out the handgun both Jax and Nick insisted she carry with her everywhere as a Jeep pulls up - and out walks One of the Many Banes of Her Existence, Television Newstwinkie Rachel Dawson! Rachel does an abrupt face turn here (in all previous appearances in this series she's been the face of Irresponsible Bad Nasty Hurting Innocent People Yellow Journalism!), following Kate and the BMW that tried to kill her thus probably saving her life, offers her a ride home, and makes a deal with her to trade information for an exclusive. I have to say I like this sudden character twist more than I like most of the others - if anything, these characters need more shading whenever possible.
DIFFERENT Shading! VERY Different Shading...!
Anyway, Kate calls her Assholic But Hunky Boss Nick Trenton to tell him about the deal and what Rachel told her (that the cops thought they'd punched a hole in Jaxon's alibi and planned to arrest him the next day), and in the course of it lets him know how she and Rachel came to talk about this in the first place! Nick gets all Protective Dom on her - oh, and for once, Kate actually notices it as "Protective Dom" behavior, because part of her wants to submit to him, now!
Cazart! Could Nick Trenton Actually Be a Dominant...?
Jax comes over shortly afterwards, all Protective Dom himself, and tells her he wishes he'd collared her already because, and I quote,
“I want the power to punish you when you’ve disobeyed me and to reward you for your obedience. I want what I didn’t have with my wife. Your total submission.”
Mind, They're Known Each Other For, What, A Week...?
Oh, yes - and then the story informs that Kate's shocked because she's, and I quote again, "A Feminist" -!
What follows is the first time Kate's ever done anything close to putting on the brakes to what's happening between her and Jax! Or her and Nick! Or her and - any Other Remotely Dominant Male! It comes out of the blue, essentially, this whole "I'm a Feminist - and won't give myself over completely to this man I've been pretty much surrendering sexually to ever since we first met!" issue. It feels less like something organic to Kate's character than something inserted to delay Jax's collaring her for a chapter or two. There's never any real doubt, given's Kate totally subbie personality, that she will become Jax's collared submissive - unless she becomes Nick's collared submissive first!
Again - let me say there are plenty of women, both in fiction and in reality, who are feminists in their regular lives and submissives in the bedroom. Most of the D/s romances I like are about women who balance this dichotomy - just about every Sindra van Yssel heroine qualifies, as does Chelsea in Natalie Anderson's BREATHE FOR ME, Lucia aka "Kitten" in Ann Mayburn's MY WICKED VALENTINE, Abby in Julia Devlin's THE BURN LIST, Zoey in Reese Gabriel's TIE ME, TEASE ME, and even Nichole in Kristen Proby's TIED WITH ME. In real life, one of the most sexually submissive women I know is a retired US Military Colonel in who served during both Persian Gulf Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and I know and know of submissive women who are filmmakers, attorneys, doctors, scientists and businesswomen. I think of myself as somewhat feminist outside the bedroom, honestly.
But Kate Martin doesn't read like that at all. Despite our having been told , at length, that she's considered a Top Catch for any law firm once she graduates and passes the bar (yes, all this is going on while she's still a law student and an unpaid intern!), she comes off more as a deeply damaged and easily-dominated dishrag than a strong. assertive woman who's discovered a yearning to sexually surrender. As I've consistently said throughout my reviews of this series, what we're shown of Kate is quite at odds with what we're told she's like!
Anyway, they go to Benediction that night "pretending" to be Dom and subbe (because of that whole "You can't collar me because I'm a feminist !" thing)
SURE You Are, Kate!
and Kate goes in alone to undergo electrical torture while questioning Anthony Rinaldi about Alyssa's "New Master". This is actually one of the best scenes in the series so far - Rinaldi's believably sadistic and dangerous, while at the same time quite helpful to the investigation, and the electrical play is written to be both painful and (for Kate at least) intensely erotic. Rinaldi also makes the interesting suggestion that perhaps Kate should consider becoming a "Lawyer to the Kink" - one of the point this series makes is that Michigan is a very kink-unfriendly state (according to an article in MOTHER JONES, "sodomy" - aka "deviate sexual conduct" - is still illegal in Michigan, despite the Supreme Court ruling over a decade ago that anti-sodomy laws are unconstitutional). The scene ends with Rinaldi, having slowly escalated his electric torment of Kate and seen that it just turns her on more, cranking the dials all the way up - !
which leads to Jax breaking into the room and having to be physically restrained from punching Rinaldi's lights out. For Kate's part, she almost came from the experience - thus making it clear she's not just submissive, but a masochist as well. When Jax carries her out, swooning and sopping, she realizes that yes, she does want to be his collared subbe, and tells him that....
Told Ya So! Told Ya So!
So, Jax collars Kate with a sort of close-fitting necklace/choker, then has public anal sex with her on the stage in the middle of Benediction - unmasked ! Moreover, the head of the law firm Kate interns for, Miles Joseph, is watching one of his interns being buttfucked by one of his firm's clients (the one who's the prime suspect in the S-M style homicide of his own wife) in the middle of the private kinky sex club they're all at!
Remember how Kate was always supposed to be wearing a mask, to protect her identity? Remember also how Jax is claiming one reason he wanted to be Kate's Master is so he has the right to do whatever he thinks is appropriate to protect her? Well, publicly committing sodomy with his new slavegirl in front of God and Everybody without even the dubious identity protection of a mask is sure a great way to start off "protecting" her, isn't it?
The next morning in Jax's home, Kate gets a call from Nick that Jax's alibi is crap - a woman claimed she was with him on the night Alyssa died, they split up around midnight, and he was seen on security footage leaving the hotel then! Kate flips out again over One More Betrayal By Someone She Trusted, and doesn't give Jaxon a chance to explain before tearing into him about lying to her - though it's hard to tell if she angry about his lying about his alibi, or about his not touching another woman between Alyssa and her! She tells him she can't be with him any more - but still accepts his offer to borrow one of his cars to leave!
"I Never Hated a Man Enough to Give Him Back His Diamonds...."
In the car on her way home, Kate gets a call from Logan The Red Herring - turns out those threatening e-mails Kate got in WC2? So, guess what Kate Martin, Subbie Detective, decides to do next...?
There Are Not Enough Facepalms in All of Space For This One!
To his credit, even Logan suspects she's about do to something phenomenally boneheaded, and tells her to leave it to the cops. But of course she doesn't, and of course , and of course there's a confrontation and Gloating (but vague, since it's only the third out of four books!) Villain Speech, and of course when Kate pulls her gun to shoot she can't bring herself to pull the trigger, and of course - and of course
A hero’s worried face flashed in front of her.
The gunshot thundered in her ears.
And everything went black.
In my review of WC4, I'll address in more detail my major issues with this series (Lucky You! ;) ) - but I'd like to leave you with just one thought first: Kate Martin is a supposedly-brilliant woman in her final year of law school, who is by everything we've seen to date behaving like a two-year old running through the house with scissors. She doesn't need a Master - she needs a babysitter.
----
* I can't help remembering Hunter S. Thompson telling about his attorney friend Oscar Acosta, who washed dishes during the day while attending law school at night in order to became a lawyer - and advocate for Hispanic and Recreational Drug User rights.
June 16, 2014
4 STARS
Although I still think I know who did it, this is a twist I didn't expect. Why do people not tell the truth? I don't understand why people tell little white lies that always come out and will get them in trouble. Jaxon should have opened up to her before he committed to her. He should have made sure everything was out in the open. He demanded honesty and openness from her, but wasn't willing to give it himself.
But, I get whats going on now. And my hunch, I still think is right. Joseph tried to tell her, but she was too focused on what she believed to be the truth, then to listen to him.
I'm still having an issue with the switch to from first to third person and back. But I'm liking the mystery mixed with the great BDSM moments.
Although I still think I know who did it, this is a twist I didn't expect. Why do people not tell the truth? I don't understand why people tell little white lies that always come out and will get them in trouble. Jaxon should have opened up to her before he committed to her. He should have made sure everything was out in the open. He demanded honesty and openness from her, but wasn't willing to give it himself.
But, I get whats going on now. And my hunch, I still think is right. Joseph tried to tell her, but she was too focused on what she believed to be the truth, then to listen to him.
I'm still having an issue with the switch to from first to third person and back. But I'm liking the mystery mixed with the great BDSM moments.
January 18, 2016
Fab continuing story. Fab series! PASSION next and I couldn't wait because I knew the mystery wasn't solved yet.
Kate is discovering she enjoys the world Jaxon is showing her but she still can’t bring herself to succumb completely to it, especially with her past rearing its ugly head at nearly every turn. Having thought she’d put it completely behind her, she’s coming to realize that it doesn’t take much to bring it screaming back to the forefront…just a little investigative ingenuity. When the truth of Alyssa’s death and the time leading up to it is revealed, Kate isn’t sure what or whom she can trust anymore.
This installment ends with Kate learning she’s not the dangerous person she’s come to think she is.
The White Collared series by Shelly Bell is an extraordinary, exciting, steamy hot as all get-out story line, and definitely makes FIFTY SHADES OF GREY pale in comparison. This is the real emotion, psychology, and excitement of the world of BDSM. Shelly Bell has done an incredible job of presenting this hidden world in a way that we can all understand and hopefully, appreciate. Whether it is your cup of tea is up to you but as a reading experience, it rocks big time. This is a series that most certainly has to be read in order to capture the full impact of the story, the mystery, the romance, and the eventual happily-ever-after.
I highly recommend each book in the White Collared series by Shelly Bell, MERCY, GREED, REVENGE, and PASSION because one without the others would be a travesty in reading. Take a walk on the wild side and trust me, if you even half-way liked FIFTY SHADES OF GREY, you’ll fall head over heels in love with Shelly Bell’s works because that other one looks so dull in comparison.
***copy purchased for my personal reading, but I'm sharing an honest & unscripted review.
Kate is discovering she enjoys the world Jaxon is showing her but she still can’t bring herself to succumb completely to it, especially with her past rearing its ugly head at nearly every turn. Having thought she’d put it completely behind her, she’s coming to realize that it doesn’t take much to bring it screaming back to the forefront…just a little investigative ingenuity. When the truth of Alyssa’s death and the time leading up to it is revealed, Kate isn’t sure what or whom she can trust anymore.
This installment ends with Kate learning she’s not the dangerous person she’s come to think she is.
The White Collared series by Shelly Bell is an extraordinary, exciting, steamy hot as all get-out story line, and definitely makes FIFTY SHADES OF GREY pale in comparison. This is the real emotion, psychology, and excitement of the world of BDSM. Shelly Bell has done an incredible job of presenting this hidden world in a way that we can all understand and hopefully, appreciate. Whether it is your cup of tea is up to you but as a reading experience, it rocks big time. This is a series that most certainly has to be read in order to capture the full impact of the story, the mystery, the romance, and the eventual happily-ever-after.
I highly recommend each book in the White Collared series by Shelly Bell, MERCY, GREED, REVENGE, and PASSION because one without the others would be a travesty in reading. Take a walk on the wild side and trust me, if you even half-way liked FIFTY SHADES OF GREY, you’ll fall head over heels in love with Shelly Bell’s works because that other one looks so dull in comparison.
***copy purchased for my personal reading, but I'm sharing an honest & unscripted review.
December 28, 2016
Gah!! This is so good
Full review to follow
Full review to follow
June 19, 2014
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
**3.5 Stars
In this third installment, my list of suspects got shorter. But the question still remains in my mind, is he the real killer? Or was my main suspect this whole time the actual killer?
So in this book we become one hundred percent sure that the killer is out to get Kate. This causes Nick's (over)protective instincts to go all out. At this point, I don't trust him at all and at times makes me uncomfortable on how close he gets to Kate. I know they are friends, I guess, but come on! Getting major creepy vibes from him at this point.
We also get more information on what causes Kate's panic attacks and what was it that happened in her past that traumatized her so much (which is actually connected to her panic attacks). I had been coming to my own conclusions about it through this series, so it was nice to finally have the complete story.
Jaxon also comes clean about his connection to one of the victims and I sighed in relief. Even though I hadn't connected much to him in book one, I absolutely adore him in this one.
By the end of the book, I knew there was more to who killed those women, or is there more to it? I don't know. I'm still reeling from that twist at the end, so anything can happen in the next and final White Collared installment!
Also, I do wish the BDSM aspect of the book would've been taken to the next level in this one, but I'm looking forward to see what happens between Jaxon and Kate in the next one.
If you're looking for a sexy, mysterious, and quick read that will have you second-guessing who the killer is, this one is for you!
**3.5 Stars
In this third installment, my list of suspects got shorter. But the question still remains in my mind, is he the real killer? Or was my main suspect this whole time the actual killer?
So in this book we become one hundred percent sure that the killer is out to get Kate. This causes Nick's (over)protective instincts to go all out. At this point, I don't trust him at all and at times makes me uncomfortable on how close he gets to Kate. I know they are friends, I guess, but come on! Getting major creepy vibes from him at this point.
We also get more information on what causes Kate's panic attacks and what was it that happened in her past that traumatized her so much (which is actually connected to her panic attacks). I had been coming to my own conclusions about it through this series, so it was nice to finally have the complete story.
Jaxon also comes clean about his connection to one of the victims and I sighed in relief. Even though I hadn't connected much to him in book one, I absolutely adore him in this one.
By the end of the book, I knew there was more to who killed those women, or is there more to it? I don't know. I'm still reeling from that twist at the end, so anything can happen in the next and final White Collared installment!
Also, I do wish the BDSM aspect of the book would've been taken to the next level in this one, but I'm looking forward to see what happens between Jaxon and Kate in the next one.
If you're looking for a sexy, mysterious, and quick read that will have you second-guessing who the killer is, this one is for you!
January 28, 2016
I received the book from Harper Collins for an honest review.
This story just gets better and better. From the first book the author had the ability to draw you into the world of bondage, murder and mayhem. The characters remained true to their personalities as you learn more about them. The deeper you go the better you understand and it really feels as if you know the people on a personal level.
The sex is of course mind blowing, but the romance that it generates is pure with so many doubts and fears that Jaxon and Kate have to work through that you wonder if they ever will come into a place of contentment.
I really love this series and can recommend it to any reader that loves a steamy novel with lots of drama and suspense in between. I love the pace she has set the story and although short you get enough that it didn't feel it was rushed. The author kept the flow of the plot suspenseful throughout the books and it will be wise to read from book 1. You will miss a great deal if you jump in the middle.
Thanks for the opportunity.
This story just gets better and better. From the first book the author had the ability to draw you into the world of bondage, murder and mayhem. The characters remained true to their personalities as you learn more about them. The deeper you go the better you understand and it really feels as if you know the people on a personal level.
The sex is of course mind blowing, but the romance that it generates is pure with so many doubts and fears that Jaxon and Kate have to work through that you wonder if they ever will come into a place of contentment.
I really love this series and can recommend it to any reader that loves a steamy novel with lots of drama and suspense in between. I love the pace she has set the story and although short you get enough that it didn't feel it was rushed. The author kept the flow of the plot suspenseful throughout the books and it will be wise to read from book 1. You will miss a great deal if you jump in the middle.
Thanks for the opportunity.
August 26, 2014
I can't even bring myself to care enough about this story to write a proper review for this instalment. I won't be reading part 4 because I've already tortured myself more than enough for one lifetime thank you.
My complaints for this series were pretty much covered in my reviews of the first two instalments:
Part 1: Mercy
Part 2: Greed
It probably goes without saying that the main character continues to act like a moron as well as moon over pretty much any male she comes into contact with. The plot has more holes than Swiss cheese and there is not a single thing that anyone can say that would convince me that it will improve in the final instalment. I'm done.
My complaints for this series were pretty much covered in my reviews of the first two instalments:
Part 1: Mercy
Part 2: Greed
It probably goes without saying that the main character continues to act like a moron as well as moon over pretty much any male she comes into contact with. The plot has more holes than Swiss cheese and there is not a single thing that anyone can say that would convince me that it will improve in the final instalment. I'm done.
August 26, 2014
OMG, this series......Like seriously.....I love it. SO much suspense,....Jaxon is so damn hot!!! Just in love with this series. I still think I may know who the killer could be, but I can't wait to see how it all ends. Just everything I love in a book. The suspense and danger, the amazingly hot steamy scenes, hot bossy alpha men. It just keeps me hooked and wanting for more.
August 3, 2016
Another thrilling instalment. With some electricity play to boot! This author sure knows how to steam up the pages AND keep you in suspense!
I can't wait until all is revealed in the fourth and final instalment.
I can't wait until all is revealed in the fourth and final instalment.
June 18, 2014
I just when I thought this book can't get any better, Revenge kicks it up another notch. Shelly Bell kills it.
Read
June 2, 2014Yeah, I never would have picked him for the killer!
January 26, 2020
This series is getting better and better not sure whats going to happen next, he friend gets hurt because the killer thinks it is Kate because the two friends look alike so much. She is still working undercover to get answer for this case. Another murder from years ago pops up and more evidence points towards Jaxon.
February 24, 2018
You cannot read each book in the White Collard series individually. The ending of one book bleeds right into the next book. I am not rating each book individually but the entire story. What happens to Nick is heart wrenching. I like the chemistry with Kate and Jaxon.
November 10, 2017
It gets better and better.
June 25, 2014
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for an honest review at The Romance Evangelist
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for an honest review.
If you read my reviews with any regularity or follow me on Twitter, you’ve already heard how I’ve soured on most serial romance novels, especially when some seem to go on forever, with a total cost well beyond the price of a comparable full-length novel. But as with so many other romance trends I claim to dislike, there is always another writer out there who can prove me wrong and make me love the thing I’m convinced is no longer for me. Today that writer is Shelly Bell and the romance serial in question is WHITE COLLARED.
Nothing I hate about most serials is here, as Shelly Bell and her publisher have done everything right. There are only four parts to this romantic suspense story. They have been released only a week apart. And each only costs 99 cents in the US. Normally I try not to let cost influence the content of my reviews (because hello, I’m often fortunate enough to get an Advance Review Copy) but when the entire story can be purchased within one month’s time for under $5 USD, I think it’s notable enough to include here as another point in its favor.
Still, just because it’s affordable and a reasonable length and you don’t have to wait months for a conclusion doesn’t mean you should go out and read it all yourself. What does mean you should go out and read WHITE COLLARED is that it’s an amazingly addictive erotic romance between two characters from entirely different worlds who meet under terrible circumstances and then must track down an unknown killer so they can live long enough to find their HEA. And when I say it’s amazingly addictive, I mean exactly that. I was given the opportunity to read the first part before deciding to review the entire story, and was hooked so completely that it was all I could do not to jump up and down until I received the other three parts the next day.
Kate Martin is a determined young lawyer with a secret past she thought she’d buried for good. She may be crushing on her handsome boss, Nick Trenton, but they both need to keep clear heads if they’re going to exonerate Nick’s good friend, Jaxon Deveroux. Jaxon’s wife has been found tortured to death in their mansion while he’s allegedly been out of town on business, so naturally he’s the only suspect. Kate first meets her new client as he’s being interrogated by the police, and he soon has her head in a spin. It’s wrong that Kate is so attracted to a man being accused of the worst sort of murder, and yet it’s all too obvious that the feeling is mutual. She knows Jaxon can’t be guilty, but if it wasn’t him, then who did it? Their deepening attraction could be as potentially fatal to Kate as the danger that threatens to engulf them both. But who wanted Jaxon’s wife dead, and why does this person seem to know so much about what Kate would like to keep hidden forever?
I’m always a bit skittish about romantic suspense stories, if only on account of so many misplacing the romance along the way, but also because I don’t have a particularly strong stomach for excessive violence. So i was even more wary about WHITE COLLARED, until I read the scene where Kate meets Jaxon in the police station. From that point on, until the very last page of Part 4, I was gone – hook, line, and sinker. Every moment, every flashback, every interaction down to the most seemingly innocuous detail is essential to the story. It seemed like both Kate and I were over our heads at first, but as she did her best to juggle her desire for Jaxon with her still-active attraction to Nick, all while working to find the real killer, I just let myself sit back and enjoy the ride. Even when I was sure I’d figured out whodunit, WHITE COLLARED wasn’t content to let me gloat in comfort, throwing a few last curve balls near the end that almost made me change my mind more than once. Best of all, when the murder mystery is solved, it still isn’t all neat and tidy, as there are more than a few villains in this story, and only one of them murdered Jaxon’s wife. WHITE COLLARED reminded me of the Glenn Close / Jeff Bridges movie “Jagged Edge” but with an entirely different sort of ending, and I loved every minute I spent reading it.
I will warn readers that there is some hardcore BDSM in this story, and a few scenes between the hero and heroine that may appear to flirt with dubious consent. But it is not torture porn by any stretch, and Kate’s consent was made obvious at least to my own satisfaction as the story progressed. If such themes are not what you prefer in your romance reading, then you should probably pass. But if you enjoy seeing good defeat evil in the middle of a white-hot sexually charged romance between a perfectly matched Dom and sub, then WHITE-COLLARED is the story for you. I hope you enjoying inhaling it in large satisfying gulps as much as I did. 5 stars for all four parts.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for an honest review.
If you read my reviews with any regularity or follow me on Twitter, you’ve already heard how I’ve soured on most serial romance novels, especially when some seem to go on forever, with a total cost well beyond the price of a comparable full-length novel. But as with so many other romance trends I claim to dislike, there is always another writer out there who can prove me wrong and make me love the thing I’m convinced is no longer for me. Today that writer is Shelly Bell and the romance serial in question is WHITE COLLARED.
Nothing I hate about most serials is here, as Shelly Bell and her publisher have done everything right. There are only four parts to this romantic suspense story. They have been released only a week apart. And each only costs 99 cents in the US. Normally I try not to let cost influence the content of my reviews (because hello, I’m often fortunate enough to get an Advance Review Copy) but when the entire story can be purchased within one month’s time for under $5 USD, I think it’s notable enough to include here as another point in its favor.
Still, just because it’s affordable and a reasonable length and you don’t have to wait months for a conclusion doesn’t mean you should go out and read it all yourself. What does mean you should go out and read WHITE COLLARED is that it’s an amazingly addictive erotic romance between two characters from entirely different worlds who meet under terrible circumstances and then must track down an unknown killer so they can live long enough to find their HEA. And when I say it’s amazingly addictive, I mean exactly that. I was given the opportunity to read the first part before deciding to review the entire story, and was hooked so completely that it was all I could do not to jump up and down until I received the other three parts the next day.
Kate Martin is a determined young lawyer with a secret past she thought she’d buried for good. She may be crushing on her handsome boss, Nick Trenton, but they both need to keep clear heads if they’re going to exonerate Nick’s good friend, Jaxon Deveroux. Jaxon’s wife has been found tortured to death in their mansion while he’s allegedly been out of town on business, so naturally he’s the only suspect. Kate first meets her new client as he’s being interrogated by the police, and he soon has her head in a spin. It’s wrong that Kate is so attracted to a man being accused of the worst sort of murder, and yet it’s all too obvious that the feeling is mutual. She knows Jaxon can’t be guilty, but if it wasn’t him, then who did it? Their deepening attraction could be as potentially fatal to Kate as the danger that threatens to engulf them both. But who wanted Jaxon’s wife dead, and why does this person seem to know so much about what Kate would like to keep hidden forever?
I’m always a bit skittish about romantic suspense stories, if only on account of so many misplacing the romance along the way, but also because I don’t have a particularly strong stomach for excessive violence. So i was even more wary about WHITE COLLARED, until I read the scene where Kate meets Jaxon in the police station. From that point on, until the very last page of Part 4, I was gone – hook, line, and sinker. Every moment, every flashback, every interaction down to the most seemingly innocuous detail is essential to the story. It seemed like both Kate and I were over our heads at first, but as she did her best to juggle her desire for Jaxon with her still-active attraction to Nick, all while working to find the real killer, I just let myself sit back and enjoy the ride. Even when I was sure I’d figured out whodunit, WHITE COLLARED wasn’t content to let me gloat in comfort, throwing a few last curve balls near the end that almost made me change my mind more than once. Best of all, when the murder mystery is solved, it still isn’t all neat and tidy, as there are more than a few villains in this story, and only one of them murdered Jaxon’s wife. WHITE COLLARED reminded me of the Glenn Close / Jeff Bridges movie “Jagged Edge” but with an entirely different sort of ending, and I loved every minute I spent reading it.
I will warn readers that there is some hardcore BDSM in this story, and a few scenes between the hero and heroine that may appear to flirt with dubious consent. But it is not torture porn by any stretch, and Kate’s consent was made obvious at least to my own satisfaction as the story progressed. If such themes are not what you prefer in your romance reading, then you should probably pass. But if you enjoy seeing good defeat evil in the middle of a white-hot sexually charged romance between a perfectly matched Dom and sub, then WHITE-COLLARED is the story for you. I hope you enjoying inhaling it in large satisfying gulps as much as I did. 5 stars for all four parts.
August 7, 2014
*****5- Oh my damn -Stars*****
~this review may contain spoilers from books one & two~
“I see how he looks at you. He's in love with you. It killed him to let you go home with me.”
“But he did. If he loved me, don't you think he'd fight a little harder?”
“Is that what I am to you? A red flag to wave under the bull's nose to get his attention?”
“No, I told you. I have real feelings for you.”
“But you don't trust me.”
“I'm here aren't I? I've let you spank me with my brush and fuck me at a sex club. What else do I have to do to prove to you that I trust you?”
The action, drama, tension and danger of this series just gets more intense by the book, all leading up to cliffhangers that will leave you screaming NO NO NO!!!
In this installment, we pick up right where we left off with Kate coming home to find her former best friend lying in her apartment with a knife sticking out of her back....literally, which has everyone worried that the real victim was meant to be Kate. Jaxon and Nick are in HIGH 'protect Kate' alert and the stakes have never been higher. Meanwhile, Jaxon is pushing Kate's boundaries every chance he gets, determined to make her his completely. While Kate has no problem with his dominance in the bedroom, she is actually discovering her deep need for it, she does however show some resistance when in comes to his commanding nature outside of closed doors. Jaxon wants her complete and total submission and Kate is unsure of weather or not she can give him what he wants. She trusts him with all that she has, and still believes in his innocence, but she still gets the feeling that he is keeping things from her even though she is slowly opening up to him more than she ever has with anyone. And just when she opens herself fully to him, exposing herself and feeling more vulnerable than ever, secrets are revealed that shake the very foundation of their entire relationship, sending her directly into the path of a killer.
She needed to submit. Needed him to help her release the guilt and the shame of sneaking off to see Martha Webber and causing Hannah's assault. Needed to prove to him that she trusted him with more than her body. Needed to prove she'd chosen him.
This series has not not slowed down since book one and every time I think I know what is going on, a new revelation smacks me in the face making me question everything and everyone I thought I knew. The steam just gets hotter and more explosive with each installment and I am still sticking with my initial vote of #TeamJaxon...that man is just so damn hott, but it's more than that. Yes, it is clear he is hiding things, but I truly believe he is not responsible for his wife's death. He is far too protective of those he cares about and he is just looking for someone he can truly be himself with-someone who wants him for him and doesn't want to try to change him. This doesn't mean that I don't understand #TeamNick is just as worthy of a following, he is also protective, kind, sweet & sexy....he is just not Jaxon ;)
But seriously, these endings are starting to kill me! Thank Gawd we don't have too long to wait for the next book or Shelly Bell would have some crazed stalkers on her hands. As it is, I am dying to see how this all plays out in the final installment of the series, but at the same time-I desperately do not want this to end. Ms. Bell has certainly earned a hard-core fan in me and I am more than ready to see what she bring me next.
“What do you want from me?”
“Everything. Every breath. Every thought. Every smile. Every damned tear. I won't share you. Not with Nick. Not with anyone. If another man breathes the same air as you, I want to rip his lungs out. Break his nose so he can't inhale the sweet perfume of your arousal. Blind him so he won't see you smile. Burn his hands so he'll never touch you. I want all of you.”
***Click here to see my full review***
Happy Reading xo Jenn
August 7, 2014
*****5- Oh my damn -Stars*****
~this review may contain spoilers from books one & two~
“I see how he looks at you. He's in love with you. It killed him to let you go home with me.”
“But he did. If he loved me, don't you think he'd fight a little harder?”
“Is that what I am to you? A red flag to wave under the bull's nose to get his attention?”
“No, I told you. I have real feelings for you.”
“But you don't trust me.”
“I'm here aren't I? I've let you spank me with my brush and fuck me at a sex club. What else do I have to do to prove to you that I trust you?”
The action, drama, tension and danger of this series just gets more intense by the book, all leading up to cliffhangers that will leave you screaming NO NO NO!!!
In this installment, we pick up right where we left off with Kate coming home to find her former best friend lying in her apartment with a knife sticking out of her back....literally, which has everyone worried that the real victim was meant to be Kate. Jaxon and Nick are in HIGH 'protect Kate' alert and the stakes have never been higher. Meanwhile, Jaxon is pushing Kate's boundaries every chance he gets, determined to make her his completely. While Kate has no problem with his dominance in the bedroom, she is actually discovering her deep need for it, she does however show some resistance when in comes to his commanding nature outside of closed doors. Jaxon wants her complete and total submission and Kate is unsure of weather or not she can give him what he wants. She trusts him with all that she has, and still believes in his innocence, but she still gets the feeling that he is keeping things from her even though she is slowly opening up to him more than she ever has with anyone. And just when she opens herself fully to him, exposing herself and feeling more vulnerable than ever, secrets are revealed that shake the very foundation of their entire relationship, sending her directly into the path of a killer.
She needed to submit. Needed him to help her release the guilt and the shame of sneaking off to see Martha Webber and causing Hannah's assault. Needed to prove to him that she trusted him with more than her body. Needed to prove she'd chosen him.
This series has not not slowed down since book one and every time I think I know what is going on, a new revelation smacks me in the face making me question everything and everyone I thought I knew. The steam just gets hotter and more explosive with each installment and I am still sticking with my initial vote of #TeamJaxon...that man is just so damn hott, but it's more than that. Yes, it is clear he is hiding things, but I truly believe he is not responsible for his wife's death. He is far too protective of those he cares about and he is just looking for someone he can truly be himself with-someone who wants him for him and doesn't want to try to change him. This doesn't mean that I don't understand #TeamNick is just as worthy of a following, he is also protective, kind, sweet & sexy....he is just not Jaxon ;)
But seriously, these endings are starting to kill me! Thank Gawd we don't have too long to wait for the next book or Shelly Bell would have some crazed stalkers on her hands. As it is, I am dying to see how this all plays out in the final installment of the series, but at the same time-I desperately do not want this to end. Ms. Bell has certainly earned a hard-core fan in me and I am more than ready to see what she bring me next.
“What do you want from me?”
“Everything. Every breath. Every thought. Every smile. Every damned tear. I won't share you. Not with Nick. Not with anyone. If another man breathes the same air as you, I want to rip his lungs out. Break his nose so he can't inhale the sweet perfume of your arousal. Blind him so he won't see you smile. Burn his hands so he'll never touch you. I want all of you.”
***Click here to see my full review***
Happy Reading xo Jenn
October 25, 2015
**Please note that this is the third part of a story that is divided into four parts, each comprising its own book. White Collared Part One: Mercy and White Collared Part Two: Greed need to be read before this book in order to fully appreciate the plot, and this review contains spoilers for these prior installments.**
Shelly Bell continues to enthrall her readers with White Collared Part Three: Revenge. Both the passion and mystery reach new heights! I can't wait to read the fourth and final part, White Collared Part Four: Passion, to see how this erotic thriller concludes!
In this third installment, we begin to see Kate Martin's character evolve as she begins to get more acclimated with her BDSM relationship with Jaxon Deveroux, who also happens to be her client. Kate is a legal intern, who along with Jaxon's best friend, Nicholas Trenton, is defending Jaxon against allegations that he killed his ex-wife.
At a time when trust is of the uppermost importance, the threats against Kate also begin escalate. The tension this elicits combined with Jaxon's increasing alpha demands, cause Kate, a previously independent and a completely self-reliant woman, to have serious doubts about ever being able to engage in a long-term relationship with a Dom like Jaxon.
Nicholas, on the other hand, while also protective and seemingly as interested in Kate as Jaxon, would never require her total submission. All of her doubts cause Kate to begin withholding more and more information from Jaxon and Nicholas, as she desperately works to solve the case, and to figure out who her heart truly belongs to. Leaving Kate in greater and greater danger.
Who will Kate ultimately trust her heart to? Who is the killer, and can Kate figure it all out before the danger escalates beyond threats and failed attempts on her life?
I love how Shelly Bell continues to tow the line between Kate's desire for submission and her strong personality traits. She does a remarkable job of describing how an otherwise independent, and self-reliant strong heroine, could find power and satisfaction in submission. However, I'm not quite as certain about the developments in Jaxon's character. While in prior installments, he seemed to exemplify the perfect alpha hero (ie, embodying the protective qualities without being completely overbearing), Jaxon's domineering nature seems to have ratcheted up a few notches in this installment. Perhaps it is just a reaction to the increased danger, or maybe he is the true villain in the story. But I truly hope the later is not the case. I can't wait to read the final part, White Collared Part Four: Passion, to find out!
Source: A review copy was provided by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Shelly Bell continues to enthrall her readers with White Collared Part Three: Revenge. Both the passion and mystery reach new heights! I can't wait to read the fourth and final part, White Collared Part Four: Passion, to see how this erotic thriller concludes!
In this third installment, we begin to see Kate Martin's character evolve as she begins to get more acclimated with her BDSM relationship with Jaxon Deveroux, who also happens to be her client. Kate is a legal intern, who along with Jaxon's best friend, Nicholas Trenton, is defending Jaxon against allegations that he killed his ex-wife.
At a time when trust is of the uppermost importance, the threats against Kate also begin escalate. The tension this elicits combined with Jaxon's increasing alpha demands, cause Kate, a previously independent and a completely self-reliant woman, to have serious doubts about ever being able to engage in a long-term relationship with a Dom like Jaxon.
Nicholas, on the other hand, while also protective and seemingly as interested in Kate as Jaxon, would never require her total submission. All of her doubts cause Kate to begin withholding more and more information from Jaxon and Nicholas, as she desperately works to solve the case, and to figure out who her heart truly belongs to. Leaving Kate in greater and greater danger.
Who will Kate ultimately trust her heart to? Who is the killer, and can Kate figure it all out before the danger escalates beyond threats and failed attempts on her life?
I love how Shelly Bell continues to tow the line between Kate's desire for submission and her strong personality traits. She does a remarkable job of describing how an otherwise independent, and self-reliant strong heroine, could find power and satisfaction in submission. However, I'm not quite as certain about the developments in Jaxon's character. While in prior installments, he seemed to exemplify the perfect alpha hero (ie, embodying the protective qualities without being completely overbearing), Jaxon's domineering nature seems to have ratcheted up a few notches in this installment. Perhaps it is just a reaction to the increased danger, or maybe he is the true villain in the story. But I truly hope the later is not the case. I can't wait to read the final part, White Collared Part Four: Passion, to find out!
Source: A review copy was provided by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
June 12, 2014
These serialized erotic romances are taking the Romance World by storm! Every time I log in to Facebook or other social media, I see more and more coming out! Ever since then, I have been devouring these like crazy! I LOVE them! If you want a sexy, suspenseful, quick read, a serial series is the way to go. The WHITE COLLARED Series by Shelly Bell had me gagged, bound, and held hostage from Part One and on. I was lucky to receive all four parts all at once, and let me tell you, THANK GOD! I’m not sure if I could have waited a single day in between parts. Luckily for fans, you do not have to wait too long to have the next part available to you.
❝We all carry scars. Some are just more visible than others.❞
Ms. Bell had me hooked by the end of Chapter One. Holy Shit! My heart was racing and I immediately wanted to know who, what, when, where, and why?! We get a great sense of each character and what their background is. Kate, Nicholas, and Jaxon are AMAZING characters, and they each bring such complexity and raw emotion to the table. You instantly crave more and more of their story. With each part of this series unfolding, the more intense it gets. Erotic isn’t enough to cover what this series was for me. Don’t get me wrong, White Collared is a SCORCHING read, but along with that came the thrilling suspense, and the emotional downfall of certain events. With every page and every chapter came new ideas, new questions, and new plot twists. I couldn’t turn away from these words that left me speechless at the conclusion of each part. This was a VERY WELL DONE serial, and it has created another Super Fan for this incredibly talented author. I’m keeping this series close to me, because when I’m feeling in a funk, and I need a pick me up, I believe re-reading the White Collared Series will be my DRUG OF CHOICE!
*Gifted copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Read more of my reviews at Shayna Renee's Spicy Reads
❝We all carry scars. Some are just more visible than others.❞
Ms. Bell had me hooked by the end of Chapter One. Holy Shit! My heart was racing and I immediately wanted to know who, what, when, where, and why?! We get a great sense of each character and what their background is. Kate, Nicholas, and Jaxon are AMAZING characters, and they each bring such complexity and raw emotion to the table. You instantly crave more and more of their story. With each part of this series unfolding, the more intense it gets. Erotic isn’t enough to cover what this series was for me. Don’t get me wrong, White Collared is a SCORCHING read, but along with that came the thrilling suspense, and the emotional downfall of certain events. With every page and every chapter came new ideas, new questions, and new plot twists. I couldn’t turn away from these words that left me speechless at the conclusion of each part. This was a VERY WELL DONE serial, and it has created another Super Fan for this incredibly talented author. I’m keeping this series close to me, because when I’m feeling in a funk, and I need a pick me up, I believe re-reading the White Collared Series will be my DRUG OF CHOICE!
*Gifted copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Read more of my reviews at Shayna Renee's Spicy Reads
June 29, 2014
I reviewed this at MustReadBooksOrDie with my friend Shelley!
Shel: Part three continues to move this series at a rapid pace; some of the puzzle pieces are starting to fall into place and we are getting closer to the murderer! Court: I started making some predictions...and omigosh things were seriously steaming up my kindle!!!
Shel: Meanwhile Kate and Nick and Jaxon are continuing on in this somewhat strange situation. It's obvious that Nick has feelings for Kate, Kate has feelings for Jaxon, and Jaxon has feelings for Kate. It's also obvious that as they are in the middle of trying to prove Jaxon innocent, this is NOT good for his case. So that's happening as well.
Court: With all of the media scrutiny on him, I'm honestly shocked that they haven't been outed so far. It is pretty intense on that front, but the legal team story is still continuing with even Nick in the dark. Things are getting more intense sexually with this installment, and also with the mystery. I am again floored by the layers that are present here with the murder mystery, the BDSM club, and the friends/wife/lover scenario we have going on.
Shel: I'm still a little hung up on the pace and the telling vs. showing aspect in this series. I guess I just feel that it has potential, but it feels rushed...but maybe that's just me. Court: I felt it less in this installment than the previous two...but that may be because we're getting information people! Getting information!!!!!!! But there is still soooo much that could happen before the end that I am scared!!! Can't freaking wait!
Shel: The steam is there and the urgency to see what happens in the end is propelling me to PART FOUR...see ya next week! Court: Muah!
Shel: Part three continues to move this series at a rapid pace; some of the puzzle pieces are starting to fall into place and we are getting closer to the murderer! Court: I started making some predictions...and omigosh things were seriously steaming up my kindle!!!
Shel: Meanwhile Kate and Nick and Jaxon are continuing on in this somewhat strange situation. It's obvious that Nick has feelings for Kate, Kate has feelings for Jaxon, and Jaxon has feelings for Kate. It's also obvious that as they are in the middle of trying to prove Jaxon innocent, this is NOT good for his case. So that's happening as well.
Court: With all of the media scrutiny on him, I'm honestly shocked that they haven't been outed so far. It is pretty intense on that front, but the legal team story is still continuing with even Nick in the dark. Things are getting more intense sexually with this installment, and also with the mystery. I am again floored by the layers that are present here with the murder mystery, the BDSM club, and the friends/wife/lover scenario we have going on.
Shel: I'm still a little hung up on the pace and the telling vs. showing aspect in this series. I guess I just feel that it has potential, but it feels rushed...but maybe that's just me. Court: I felt it less in this installment than the previous two...but that may be because we're getting information people! Getting information!!!!!!! But there is still soooo much that could happen before the end that I am scared!!! Can't freaking wait!
Shel: The steam is there and the urgency to see what happens in the end is propelling me to PART FOUR...see ya next week! Court: Muah!
June 5, 2014
3.5 stars
White Collared started with an intriguing start that only builds with each installment to the story. While I was intrigued from the start, I wasn't completely satisfied with what I found, wanting more from both the characters and the storyline.
Mercy really served as an intro to the lives of Kate, Jax, and Nick, and served to set up the situation that will soon unravel.
The secondary characters were the ones who really rang true for me with this e-serial. I loved Logan, Camille, and several of the others. Kate as a main character irked me slightly, mainly to do with her taking a pill for anxiety what seemed like about every other page. While there is some resolution to this by the end of the book in a way, I still thought it was a very unsafe habit, particularly since to have that amount of pills for panic attacks seemed a bit unlikely to me, and had a hard time connecting with her because of this.
The romance between Kate and Jax was slightly rushed, yet as I saw them dive deeper into it, it became very authentic. I loved the scenes between the pair of them and continuously wanted more.
The whole situation with Nick was a bit interesting since throughout the entire book there was this constant allusion to something building between the three characters.
I'm quite curious to see what else Shelly Bell has written as I did enjoy this one. The suspense was there with the crimes as the actual killer was quite a shock to me. There were just some elements were I was left feeling like things were not completely tied up and was hoping for a bit more.
White Collared started with an intriguing start that only builds with each installment to the story. While I was intrigued from the start, I wasn't completely satisfied with what I found, wanting more from both the characters and the storyline.
Mercy really served as an intro to the lives of Kate, Jax, and Nick, and served to set up the situation that will soon unravel.
The secondary characters were the ones who really rang true for me with this e-serial. I loved Logan, Camille, and several of the others. Kate as a main character irked me slightly, mainly to do with her taking a pill for anxiety what seemed like about every other page. While there is some resolution to this by the end of the book in a way, I still thought it was a very unsafe habit, particularly since to have that amount of pills for panic attacks seemed a bit unlikely to me, and had a hard time connecting with her because of this.
The romance between Kate and Jax was slightly rushed, yet as I saw them dive deeper into it, it became very authentic. I loved the scenes between the pair of them and continuously wanted more.
The whole situation with Nick was a bit interesting since throughout the entire book there was this constant allusion to something building between the three characters.
I'm quite curious to see what else Shelly Bell has written as I did enjoy this one. The suspense was there with the crimes as the actual killer was quite a shock to me. There were just some elements were I was left feeling like things were not completely tied up and was hoping for a bit more.
July 23, 2014
5 'UNBEARABLE SUSPENSE' STARS
Review after reading all 4 parts
Oh man... This book was awesome. Suspense. Romance. BDSM. Alpha men. Kick ass heroine. You name it, you got it. PLEASE DON'T READ ANY SPOILERS ON ANYONE'S REVIEWS UNTIL YOU'VE READ THE BOOKS
It was really, really amazing. I've never read a book with this combination. Her style of writing was also awesome. This is the first time I've read Shelly Bell and it most certainly won't be the last.
The suspense was breathtaking till the very end. Unlike most romantic suspense novels (that aren't really all that suspenseful for us), this one portrayed the true meaning of the word suspense.
I'm not saying this book was perfect. It took place over a short span of time - just 14 days. I would have preferred it, if the whole book had been spread over a couple of months. It would have made everything more believable. Especially the romance and collaring part.
Also, Kate kept prancing around alone everywhere despite knowing she was in danger. Now, who do we know who does that? Stupid heroines in horror movies. That's who! Which totally contradicts everything about her character. Yeah..., so those were the things that didn't sit right with me.
But I wouldn't let it stop you from reading 'White Collared', it has some of the most excellent plotting I've ever read!
Review after reading all 4 parts
Oh man... This book was awesome. Suspense. Romance. BDSM. Alpha men. Kick ass heroine. You name it, you got it. PLEASE DON'T READ ANY SPOILERS ON ANYONE'S REVIEWS UNTIL YOU'VE READ THE BOOKS
It was really, really amazing. I've never read a book with this combination. Her style of writing was also awesome. This is the first time I've read Shelly Bell and it most certainly won't be the last.
The suspense was breathtaking till the very end. Unlike most romantic suspense novels (that aren't really all that suspenseful for us), this one portrayed the true meaning of the word suspense.
I'm not saying this book was perfect. It took place over a short span of time - just 14 days. I would have preferred it, if the whole book had been spread over a couple of months. It would have made everything more believable. Especially the romance and collaring part.
Also, Kate kept prancing around alone everywhere despite knowing she was in danger. Now, who do we know who does that? Stupid heroines in horror movies. That's who! Which totally contradicts everything about her character. Yeah..., so those were the things that didn't sit right with me.
But I wouldn't let it stop you from reading 'White Collared', it has some of the most excellent plotting I've ever read!
June 17, 2014
I was provide a copy of the book by the Author for an honest review.
WOW I just finish reading this book, and let me tell you I am loving this series, I love the characters, and love the way how this story is going, I am gone keep this short since I don't want to give anything away.
The story begging with the unknown killer, fantasying about things that he would love to do to Kate, while on the other end Kate just got home, but what she found when she open the door, was Hanna cover up in a pool of blood, she when straight to shock without knowing what was Hanna doing there, she call nine one one to report what had happened, after they took Hanna to the hospital, Jaxon found her shaking and scared, and asked her what had happened after she told him, he call Nick and once Nick show up and the police show up, she started to freak out. Nick and Jaxon where angry cause she did not called them to tell them that she was going. Now that she realized that the one that was meant to be hurt was her, Jaxon told her that she was going home with him. Will they discover who the real killer is, or will it be to late for Kate.
I am loving reading this series, this series had kept me on the edge of my bed, wondering what would happen next, Author Shelly Bell THANK YOU for this Amazing series and this wonderful characters love it.
WOW I just finish reading this book, and let me tell you I am loving this series, I love the characters, and love the way how this story is going, I am gone keep this short since I don't want to give anything away.
The story begging with the unknown killer, fantasying about things that he would love to do to Kate, while on the other end Kate just got home, but what she found when she open the door, was Hanna cover up in a pool of blood, she when straight to shock without knowing what was Hanna doing there, she call nine one one to report what had happened, after they took Hanna to the hospital, Jaxon found her shaking and scared, and asked her what had happened after she told him, he call Nick and once Nick show up and the police show up, she started to freak out. Nick and Jaxon where angry cause she did not called them to tell them that she was going. Now that she realized that the one that was meant to be hurt was her, Jaxon told her that she was going home with him. Will they discover who the real killer is, or will it be to late for Kate.
I am loving reading this series, this series had kept me on the edge of my bed, wondering what would happen next, Author Shelly Bell THANK YOU for this Amazing series and this wonderful characters love it.
June 25, 2014
MICHELLE'S REVIEW
So I loved this installment so much that I immediately started reading Part 4. But I promise I won't spoil anything.
Here is what we know to be true by now. The sex is hot. Jax and Kate will wear out your vibrator/husband cause this shit is hot. Basically this happens:
The twists and turns are really starting to pick up and at the end of this book there is a major one. Of course we know there is one final installment so it can't all be solved and sure enough- there is still more mystery to be had.
I have to say at this point- Kate is kind of a golden vagina but where I usually hate ladies like that- I still love Kate. I think it's because she is really strong and independent even though all these alpha males want to take care of her. The golden vag stare down:
As usual- I can't say much without giving things away. But what I love about this installment is we finally see some of Kate's past and it will make you love her even more. And we also see that voyeuristic sex is HOT. So hot. The sex. I can't. Too hot.
Ok - go read so you will be in preparation for part 4!!!
So I loved this installment so much that I immediately started reading Part 4. But I promise I won't spoil anything.
Here is what we know to be true by now. The sex is hot. Jax and Kate will wear out your vibrator/husband cause this shit is hot. Basically this happens:
The twists and turns are really starting to pick up and at the end of this book there is a major one. Of course we know there is one final installment so it can't all be solved and sure enough- there is still more mystery to be had.
I have to say at this point- Kate is kind of a golden vagina but where I usually hate ladies like that- I still love Kate. I think it's because she is really strong and independent even though all these alpha males want to take care of her. The golden vag stare down:
As usual- I can't say much without giving things away. But what I love about this installment is we finally see some of Kate's past and it will make you love her even more. And we also see that voyeuristic sex is HOT. So hot. The sex. I can't. Too hot.
Ok - go read so you will be in preparation for part 4!!!
June 25, 2014
MICHELLE'S REVIEW
So I loved this installment so much that I immediately started reading Part 4. But I promise I won't spoil anything.
Here is what we know to be true by now. The sex is hot. Jax and Kate will wear out your vibrator/husband cause this shit is hot. Basically this happens:
The twists and turns are really starting to pick up and at the end of this book there is a major one. Of course we know there is one final installment so it can't all be solved and sure enough- there is still more mystery to be had.
I have to say at this point- Kate is kind of a golden vagina but where I usually hate ladies like that- I still love Kate. I think it's because she is really strong and independent even though all these alpha males want to take care of her. The golden vag stare down:
As usual- I can't say much without giving things away. But what I love about this installment is we finally see some of Kate's past and it will make you love her even more. And we also see that voyeuristic sex is HOT. So hot. The sex. I can't. Too hot.
Ok - go read so you will be in preparation for part 4!!!
So I loved this installment so much that I immediately started reading Part 4. But I promise I won't spoil anything.
Here is what we know to be true by now. The sex is hot. Jax and Kate will wear out your vibrator/husband cause this shit is hot. Basically this happens:
The twists and turns are really starting to pick up and at the end of this book there is a major one. Of course we know there is one final installment so it can't all be solved and sure enough- there is still more mystery to be had.
I have to say at this point- Kate is kind of a golden vagina but where I usually hate ladies like that- I still love Kate. I think it's because she is really strong and independent even though all these alpha males want to take care of her. The golden vag stare down:
As usual- I can't say much without giving things away. But what I love about this installment is we finally see some of Kate's past and it will make you love her even more. And we also see that voyeuristic sex is HOT. So hot. The sex. I can't. Too hot.
Ok - go read so you will be in preparation for part 4!!!
June 19, 2014
5 suspenseful and gripping stars!
Once again another five stars from me. I have been gripped by this series and this instalment is once again revealing yet suspenseful enough to keep me totally fascinated as to how this I all going to end.
I am now again thrown into a frenzy as to who may or may not be involve in the murder of Alyssa and also the incidence of mistaken identity at the end of the last instalment!
In this part we find out who dunnit and yep I WAS SOOO wrong and yet there are still so many unanswered questions to this and once again a holy mother of a cliffhanger! And Jaxon is worth reading for too! The intimate scenes are getting hotter and Kate's adventures into the world of BDSM getting deeper too!
The main thread that is keeping me in suspense is Kate's relationship with both Nick and Jaxon although we also find out a lot more about her past too. I am absolutely loving being in the thick of this series and seriously cannot wait to find out how this all ends! Roll on part four!!!!
Once again another five stars from me. I have been gripped by this series and this instalment is once again revealing yet suspenseful enough to keep me totally fascinated as to how this I all going to end.
I am now again thrown into a frenzy as to who may or may not be involve in the murder of Alyssa and also the incidence of mistaken identity at the end of the last instalment!
In this part we find out who dunnit and yep I WAS SOOO wrong and yet there are still so many unanswered questions to this and once again a holy mother of a cliffhanger! And Jaxon is worth reading for too! The intimate scenes are getting hotter and Kate's adventures into the world of BDSM getting deeper too!
The main thread that is keeping me in suspense is Kate's relationship with both Nick and Jaxon although we also find out a lot more about her past too. I am absolutely loving being in the thick of this series and seriously cannot wait to find out how this all ends! Roll on part four!!!!
July 28, 2014
This review will be for the whole series (four books)!
I discovered Shelly Bell by beta reading for one of her books, and since i am addicted! But White Collared is now one of my favorite!!! Well written with a story that is deep, interesting and well put together, full of plots and twists, it will blow your mind! The characters are broken and strong, interesting but mysterious, sexy and hot without lacking brain cells! I loved most of them and hated a few! The writting style is so amazing that you will feel all the emotions that Kate goes through and you will think that you unraveled the whole plot at every twist just to have another one pop up to point you in another direction! The thrilling factor will make you addicted, the deep and emotional (sometimes a little taboo) subjects will make you sad, shocked, compassionate and even angry! The whole series is an amazing roller coster ride!!!!! I did't want it to end!!!! I loved every minute of it and am putting my two thumbs up high in the air!!!!!!
I discovered Shelly Bell by beta reading for one of her books, and since i am addicted! But White Collared is now one of my favorite!!! Well written with a story that is deep, interesting and well put together, full of plots and twists, it will blow your mind! The characters are broken and strong, interesting but mysterious, sexy and hot without lacking brain cells! I loved most of them and hated a few! The writting style is so amazing that you will feel all the emotions that Kate goes through and you will think that you unraveled the whole plot at every twist just to have another one pop up to point you in another direction! The thrilling factor will make you addicted, the deep and emotional (sometimes a little taboo) subjects will make you sad, shocked, compassionate and even angry! The whole series is an amazing roller coster ride!!!!! I did't want it to end!!!! I loved every minute of it and am putting my two thumbs up high in the air!!!!!!
Read
September 10, 2016White Collared is a serialized, stand-alone erotic thriller that ultimately ends with a HEA. Each installment is 100 pages and will be released weekly throughout the month of June. Revenge is the third installment. You must read Mercy and Greed first.
"Shelly Bell is a fresh new voice in erotic romance. She brings the heat!" ~ Lexi Blake, NYT and USA Today Bestselling Author
"White Collared takes you on a thrill ride of danger, murder and lust, leaving you hungry for the next installment." ~ Stacey Kennedy, USA Today Bestselling Author of BARED
"A rollercoaster ride of jaw-dropping sex, heated anticipation, and a perfect dash of suspense, all tied together with flawless writing. When I wasn't clenching my thighs, I was frantically flipping pages to find out what would happen next! I can't recommend this series enough. Buy it. Devour it." ~ Alessandra Torre, USA Today Bestselling Author of BLINDFOLDED INNOCENCE
"Shelly Bell is a fresh new voice in erotic romance. She brings the heat!" ~ Lexi Blake, NYT and USA Today Bestselling Author
"White Collared takes you on a thrill ride of danger, murder and lust, leaving you hungry for the next installment." ~ Stacey Kennedy, USA Today Bestselling Author of BARED
"A rollercoaster ride of jaw-dropping sex, heated anticipation, and a perfect dash of suspense, all tied together with flawless writing. When I wasn't clenching my thighs, I was frantically flipping pages to find out what would happen next! I can't recommend this series enough. Buy it. Devour it." ~ Alessandra Torre, USA Today Bestselling Author of BLINDFOLDED INNOCENCE
Read
August 25, 2016White Collared is a serialized, stand-alone erotic thriller that ultimately ends with a HEA. Each installment is 100 pages and will be released weekly throughout the month of June. Revenge is the third installment. You must read Mercy and Greed first.
"Shelly Bell is a fresh new voice in erotic romance. She brings the heat!" ~ Lexi Blake, NYT and USA Today Bestselling Author
"White Collared takes you on a thrill ride of danger, murder and lust, leaving you hungry for the next installment." ~ Stacey Kennedy, USA Today Bestselling Author of BARED
"A rollercoaster ride of jaw-dropping sex, heated anticipation, and a perfect dash of suspense, all tied together with flawless writing. When I wasn't clenching my thighs, I was frantically flipping pages to find out what would happen next! I can't recommend this series enough. Buy it. Devour it." ~ Alessandra Torre, USA Today Bestselling Author of BLINDFOLDED INNOCENCE
"Shelly Bell is a fresh new voice in erotic romance. She brings the heat!" ~ Lexi Blake, NYT and USA Today Bestselling Author
"White Collared takes you on a thrill ride of danger, murder and lust, leaving you hungry for the next installment." ~ Stacey Kennedy, USA Today Bestselling Author of BARED
"A rollercoaster ride of jaw-dropping sex, heated anticipation, and a perfect dash of suspense, all tied together with flawless writing. When I wasn't clenching my thighs, I was frantically flipping pages to find out what would happen next! I can't recommend this series enough. Buy it. Devour it." ~ Alessandra Torre, USA Today Bestselling Author of BLINDFOLDED INNOCENCE
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