Title: Playing Hard to Master
Author: Sparrow Beckett
First published October 20, 2015
237 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.06
Overview
After being abandoned by his former submissive, Ambrose has been hesitant to pursue any long-term relationships. But when he meets Everly, he’s immediately drawn to her confidence and refusal to be ignored.
However, telling her the truth about his wealth could ruin everything between them. Despite her reputation as a brat in their small kink community, Everly is quickly falling for Ambrose’s mastery and charm.
But Ambrose’s trust issues and secret keeping threaten to tear them apart. Can Everly convince him to take a chance on a real relationship, or is he too scared to commit?
Find out in the steamy and captivating novel, Playing Hard to Master, by Sparrow Beckett.
About the Author
Every night, two writers from different countries come together to form the unstoppable writing team, Sparrow Beckett. Before they start writing, they handle their busy households filled with kids and pets.
After changing out of their superhero attire, they sip on coffee and show off their tattoos while crafting stories that capture readers’ hearts. Their books feature strong heroes and the women who adore them.
These two imaginative writers don’t take themselves too seriously and infuse their kinky personalities into every page.
Editoral Review
“Playing Hard to Master” by Sparrow Beckett is a thrilling novel in the BDSM genre that explores the relationship between a master and his submissive. Sparrow Beckett is a pseudonym for two New York Times bestselling authors who have combined to bring their unique vision to this captivating novel.
Published on October 20, 2015, this book weaves together BDSM, romance, and suspense to create an irresistible story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The plot centers around Tara and August, two individuals with contrasting yet equally complex personalities.
Tara is a professional dominatrix who is looking for someone who can offer her more than brief sessions with clients. August is a successful businessman who has always been drawn to the world of BDSM but lacks the experience to be a good Dom.
When August hires Tara to teach him how to be a Dom, their relationship takes an unexpected turn. Despite their different backgrounds, the two develop a deep connection and embark on a journey of self-discovery and newfound pleasure.
The main characters of “Playing Hard to Master” are well-rounded and relatable despite their unconventional occupations. The chemistry between Tara and August is palpable, and their attraction to each other is electrifying.
The setting of the novel is also well-crafted, with the authors providing plenty of vivid descriptions of the BDSM community and its members. The conflict arises in the middle of the story, hinting at the suspenseful finale that awaits the reader.
The novel’s themes are centered on self-discovery, acceptance, and trust, which are common in the BDSM genre. Sparrow Beckett handles these themes with care and sensitivity, resulting in a thought-provoking and emotionally compelling story.
Furthermore, the writers’ use of BDSM as a backdrop creates a unique way to explore the dynamics of power exchange in human relationships. While the book has several strengths, it also has some weaknesses, mainly concerning character development.
Although Tara and August are well-rounded characters, supporting characters are not fleshed out enough, leaving the reader wishing for more depth. Additionally, the climax of the story may come off as predictable to readers who are familiar with the genre.
Despite the book’s limitations, “Playing Hard to Master” is a must-read for fans of BDSM and romance genres. The quality of writing is superb, and the pacing of the plot is well-executed, making it easy for readers to lose themselves in the story.
The novel’s biggest strength lies in the characters’ unique personalities and the way they complement each other. In conclusion, “Playing Hard to Master” is a captivating novel that explores the beautiful and complicated world of BDSM.
The book’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a book worth reading. The authors’ unique writing style provides a fresh take on a well-trodden genre, resulting in a relatable and emotionally charged story that leaves a lasting impact.
I would give this book a solid rating of 4 out of 5, based on its quality of writing, pacing, and theme exploration.
