Discovering Desire (Shattered Embrace Series) by Alyndra Quinn – Review by Stephanie Runyon

Discovering Desire by Alyndra Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The third book in the Shattered Embrace Series, Discovering Desires, features the points of view of Derek, Jordan, and Justine.

Derek is head of Nightshade Security and has taken on the task of removing Lucian Clareno from leadership of the Clareno Crime Syndicate. He meets with four of the syndicate’s lieutenants to discuss Lucian’s poor judgment. Since Derek’s brother, Zach, is the oldest, the lieutenants suggest that Zach take over the syndicate. Derek advises them that Zach doesn’t want to be the leader since he has become the head of the Ingram conglomerate. Because Lucian’s actions are putting his family and the syndicate at risk, he proposes a plan to eliminate Lucian. The men agree to support him during the operation.

Justine is writing a dissertation on sexual authenticity for her master’s degree. Zach has allowed her unlimited access to the BDSM club, Shattered Embrace. He agrees to her demystifying lifestyle, stipulating that he read her dissertation prior to submission. She also cannot reveal any member identities in her work. Originally, before Zach became attached to his submissive girlfriend, Ashton, he had been a dominant mentor for Justine. However, now Derek is her mentor. While she is fascinated with Derek, she doesn’t think she is submissive.

Jordan, a switch, enjoys her time with Derek. She has never been monogamous, though she has begun to entertain the idea of becoming Derek’s devoted submissive. However, she also sees the possibility of including Justine.

Derek, Justine, and Jordan have no idea how far their boundaries will be tested as the insane Lucian Clareno begins targeting everyone close to Derek.

This is an intense book that builds tension at the perfect pace. Despite being the third book in a series, it is easily capable of being a standalone. An element of danger adds to the building suspense from the first page to the last. Zach and Derek are opposites outside the club. Zach doesn’t engage in the criminal world; Derek has the intestinal fortitude to do battle without flinching. Intertwining Justine and Jordan inside and outside of Shattered Embrace takes readers on a roller coaster ride, seen through the eyes of three exceptionally developed characters. The plot twists are captivating. The balance between steamy scenes and action is beyond remarkable. A perfect 5-star story sure to entice any romance reader without fail.

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