Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Tilly Cardinal’s world imploded when her Master, Cris, disappeared with no explanation other than a short, cryptic note releasing her as his slave. Five years later, she’s Mistress Cardinal, a vicious, successful pro Domme charging big bucks to dish out whatever abuse men will pay to take. Materially, she wants for nothing. Privately, she’s never felt more alone.

In walks Landry LaCroux, a handsome, rich man with a proposition—he wants Tilly to train his slave. Landry holds the key to Tilly’s past, and her future. She’s shocked to discover Landry’s slave is her former Master, Cris.

Landry has a secret—he has cancer and wants to make Tilly a deal. Marry him and help him through his recovery, and he’ll pay her handsomely for it. Love wasn’t supposed to be part of the bargain, but can the three of them find healing and a lasting happiness under Cardinal’s Rule?

Note: This book was previously published with another publisher.

 

Book Review

'Cardinal's Rule' is Tymber Dalton's second book in her 'Suncoast Society' series. Having thoroughly enjoyed the previous book, especially the author's handling of BDSM and Master/slave elements, I was excited to venture further into her world. I was very intrigued by the blurb, and had a suspicion that I might like this installment even better than book one.

As I've come to expect from this author, the story is always far more complex than the description hints at. It isn't as easy as Tilly was Cris's slave, he left her, now he's back, but he's the slave to Landry's Master. It's so much more convoluted than that. The reasons behind Cris leaving, why he didn't sit Tilly down and explain, like a good Master should've, and who Landry is to Cris. These three people's lives intersect in a heartbreaking and devastating manner, which leads them to where they are now—Landry proposing, Tilly reeling in shock, and Cris caught by his love, and his shame.

“He still loves you. I’m not a moron. I know he loves me, but he’s still in love with you and always has been. He didn’t leave you because he didn’t love you enough. He honestly thought I would die. So did I, for a while. He knew you had people who loved you and would help you. I didn’t have anyone. He made a decision for both of us without asking what we wanted.”

It wasn't as difficult a decision for Tilly as she thought it would be. Even though she had allowed her license to lapse, she was still a trained nurse, and helping to care for Landry while he was going through cancer treatment is exactly what she needs. Being a pro-Domme for the past several years hasn't allowed her to fulfill her own needs, and frankly, being a Domme has gotten old. She started doing it for the money, and as a way to take control so no one could ever collar her again. Plus, the more time Tilly and Landry spend together, the more she really likes him. Landry is equally surprised by how much he likes Tilly, although he shouldn't be. Cris would never have fallen in love with a spineless twit.

Thus begins an unusual married life. Landry and Tilly are husband and wife, and Cris is Landry's slave, who sleeps in the guest room. But it's not that simple, or black and white. Tilly is still angry at Cris, but she can't deny the love Landry and Cris share, regardless that Tilly and Landry are falling in love. And Tilly can see for herself the utter devotion Cris has to Landry, as his Master, is so much more powerful than Tilly ever had for Cris. This is confusing because Tilly truly thought that she and Cris lived a 24/7, Master/slave relationship. But now she can see that, in reality, Cris was her safety top. As time goes by, with Landry starting treatment, Tilly and Cris begin to mend some of their bridges, since they are each other's support and comfort during this time. But it all brings back thoughts and feelings Tilly isn't sure how to deal with.

Such fascinating characters these three people are. Tilly is so strong, whether she's the submissive or the Domme. She has a gentle soul, and a huge capacity for love. Cris is devoted and loyal, and will never forgive himself for hurting Tilly, no matter how much he loves Landry. And, Landry is more complex. He's a Dom and a sadist, but he loves Cris so very much, and the moments of tenderness he shows are beautiful. Three different people, who manage to create an incredible relationship.

A tremendous addition to the series which I enjoyed even more than the previous book. Thank you, Tymber, for another enlightening and educational journey into an area of BDSM which I'm not very familiar with. You made it real, and still tugged on the heartstrings.

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by Siren Publishing for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Novel, 292 pages/100281 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	18-June-2012
Price	$7.99 ebook
Buy Link	http://www.bookstrand.com/cardinals-rule