Genre: BDSM Romance Heat Level: 3 Word Count: 29, 420 ISBN: 978-1-77130-533-4 Editor: Karyn White Cover Artist: Sour Cherry Designs

Taking Chances by S.J. Maylee

Heat Level 3
$3.99
SKU 978-1-77130-533-4
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Love Projects, 1

Lydia’s father walked away from her when she was eight. She’s struggled to not let him affect her, but fears she wasn’t lovable enough to make him stay. Jake wants to love one woman, but after scaring the last woman he met outside of the club, he doubts he has the right. She protects her heart by sticking with her fantasies, and he lives by a set of rules that excludes women who choose a vanilla lifestyle.

The two will be kept in a conference room working together until their special project is complete. If Lydia and Jake hold tight to their bland lives, they’ll always yearn for love that is out of reach. But together they can find common ground, passion, and a reason to take chances. Once they discover the grand possibilities of the love they desire, they find themselves in the very place they tried never to be again, facing unguaranteed love.

Be Warned: spanking, BDSM, public exhibition

 

Excerpt:

“Come on in, Lydia. I want to talk about a few things before we get started today. We need to make it quick, since we need to report to Keller at ten this morning.” When she remained in her spot he added, “Lydia, come here.”

Not wanting Gina to take anything further from her, she lifted her head and walked to Jake. She stopped at his desk, but felt instantly unworthy. Gina was more Jake’s style. She fought the need to lower her chin.

“Look at me, Lydia.”

He pushed her. “Why?” She shifted her gaze and hit him with her direct stare.

“Thank you. I needed to see your eyes.” He reached out and swiped a lock of hair from her face. He tucked the strand behind her ear, and let his finger drag down her face to her shoulder. All the while his gaze captured hers, not letting go. “How are you this morning?”

“I’m okay.”

“Okay? Hmm, maybe I should do something to improve your mood? What would you say to that?”

“Here?” she gasped and quickly turned to look out the door.

He grabbed hold of her shoulders, lifting her slightly off the floor.

“Yes, here.” He brought their bodies together, claimed her lips and swept his tongue through her mouth, awakening her sexual hunger.

She felt wanted. She felt claimed. Images from the night before swam in her mind. Silly challenges from the office mean girl were all forgotten. He set her down and nipped at her lower lip.

“We have a lot to do today. Unfortunately we cannot go any further, now.” He stepped back behind his desk as casually as if he’d just greeted the mail man.

“But you would want to?” Still looking at the papers on his desk, she didn’t think he heard her. She took a step closer. “You would repeat last night?”

Her words stopped him. His gaze searched her face. Placing his hands on the desk he leaned forward and said, “Lydia, I fully intend to further explore your body and mind. After all, there are a few places I haven’t yet completely inspected.”

Her mind ran through what he had done to her last night, and there was only one place she could think of. Warmth fluttered through her face.

“Now, that is a beautiful sight.” He returned to his papers. “I’m going to have to keep thinking of ways to shock you simply to see you blush again.” With the papers properly sorted, his attention returned to her. “Is Gina a problem?”

Gina was a lot of things, but she’d never thought of her as a problem. “I don’t think so.”

“Don’t be afraid to put her in her place. She likes that more than she lets on. She’s the type to push so she can be pushed back.”

“I hadn’t thought of her that way. Interesting.”

“Let me know if she becomes a problem.” His gaze drilled into hers, not letting her escape.

“Okay.”

“Okay?” His posture remained controlled, but the smirk couldn’t be missed.

She added her own version of the devilish grin, which ignited another blush before she even spoke. “Okay, Sir.”

“Trouble.” He stalked towards her and ruthlessly swept his hand under the hem of her skirt to press firmly along her panties. His lips pressed to her ear. “Hot and damp.”

The palm of his hand pressed on her clit, and he bent his knuckles, sending the tips of his fingers past the edge of her panties to drag along her slit.

“Be careful what you say to me, sweetheart, or you’ll shatter my control.” With one last drag of his fingers, he pulled away and walked from the room.

She turned around and watched him go. Her heart pounded. All she could do was follow him, but she couldn’t move. The exchange with Jake left her bones unsettled, and the all too familiar ache tried to set-up shop in her chest. She hadn’t expected him to crave more from her, and now she couldn’t deny he did. Was she going to deny herself the pleasure of getting to know him?

 

Product Reviews

Score: 5 out of 5 (based on 9 ratings)
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5/5
Night Owl Reviews
Written by Sandiebuck on 19th Nov 2016

I pretty much love anything S.J. Maylee puts out. When I noticed this book was available to review I snapped it right up. I’m so glad I did. This is actually a different series than the one I have been reading from her. I was interested to see if my excitement would wax or wane any based on series. After trying this new series I still love her books. I really like the fact I’m in on the first book of the series and I have the others to look forward to. The prospect of a BDSM matchmaking boss is pretty hysterical. I kind of wish I’d had one of those myself! But alas, no kink fairy godfather for me. I had to do it all on my own. I love that Lydia had this huge crush on Jake and all sorts of fantasies. They get assigned to do a project together and then the sparks start to fly. Jake knows of his boss’ reputation as a matchmaker. They are both doms at the same club. Though boss man denies it, Keller smirks at him. Lydia calls him Sir and the heat is on! As usual, someone always tries to interfere and we have Gina from the office doing so. Gina’s story comes later. Plus we get the family issues and misunderstandings. In the end we get a wonderful story.

5/5
Taking A Chance On Love
Written by Liz Castillo on 15th Oct 2015

"Love is a strange and beautiful thing with smooth and rugged edges." Lydia has been dealing with abandonment issues ever since her father left her and her mother when she was eight years old. Most people would say that she is shy and meek, but little they realize there is more then meets the eye. Jake is strong and very easy on the eyes. His dominate side always seems to make an appearance; he likes to be in control in every aspect of his life. A new project has come up at work and Jake has been put in charge. He must pick someone to work with and he picks Lydia, much to her surprise. The sparks fly between these two but both are scared to act on it. However as the day progresses, Jake sees something in Lydia that his dominant side can not forget. After work, he accompanies her home and pushes Lydia's limits and to her surprise she enjoys it. As the night progresses, Jake comes to realize that Lydia may be just what he is looking for and someone that can make him forget his rules. These two are electric and even through their stumbling blocks, they become stronger. Jake give everything to her and Lydia lets go of her past and gives completely to him. This book was very steamy read that I couldn't put down. Sexy, intriguing, electric, passionate! I cannot wait to see what Ms. Maylee has to offer next!

4/5
Take a chance
Written by KT on 22nd Jun 2014

Lydia is quiet and doesn't trust easily. However, she is interested in Jake and hoping he will take notice of her. When they are thrown together on a project, Jake takes notice and suddenly the conference room starts heating up. Jake has so many rules he never breaks. But Lydia pushes him to break those rules. I enjoyed the interaction between these two and loved that Jake wasn't heavy-handed with Lydia when her past insecurities got in the way. I think he found the right balance with his discipline. One refreshing note about this story is that even though Jake is a member of a BDSM club there were no dungeon scenes. Rather refreshing, I'd say. This is my first time of reading this author's book and I've already bought the next book in the series.

5/5
Romancing the Book
Written by undefined on 30th Mar 2014

Taking Chances is the first book in The Love Projects series by S.J. Maylee. I chose this book because after reading the blurb I was intrigued. I wanted to see the journey this book would take the reader and how this book would turn out. Lydia is good at her job but she lacks confidence to voice herself at work therefor not many people know how talented she really is. Lydia struggles with her confidence every day after her father left her at the age of 8, and that made her feel unlovable. She does not even attempt to date happy to daydream about love. Jake is a Dom and Lydia’s co-worker. He is a hot and sexy man who intimidates Lydia. They have similar thoughts and opinions after their boss bout them together to work on a project. I loved how Jake managed to build up Lydia’s confidence and become her Dom at the same time. The chemistry between Jake and Lydia is blistering. The sex scenes were scorching. These two are a wonderful match as long as Lydia continues to open up to him. It also makes you wonder about fate and how funny it is at times. I found this book very well written. This author does a good job of drawing the reader into the story. I had a hard time putting this book down. The main and secondary characters are not just interesting but realistic as well. Overall, this was a fabulous book. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. I do hope we get to see these characters again.

5/5
BDSM Book Reviews
Written by undefined on 19th Feb 2014

Taking Chances by S.J. Maylee is a beautiful story about one Dominant finding his way to loving away from the rules he once set for himself. But what makes this story even more special is the journey that one submissive has found herself on with the help of her Dominant boss. The two learn to work their way through to find themselves in a loving relationship that is wrapped up in a bow of BDSM. S.J. Maylee’s story is one of beauty and well researched or perhaps well experienced. The journey that is embarked upon is gently done instead of pushed. Though a short story, this is well developed and the BDSM scenes are well written. It is not often that a short story can convey the beauty that a Dominant and submissive relationship can have. It is with a great deal of honor that I give this spankalicious story a five out of five paddles. If I could give a higher rating this book would so deserve it. Enjoy the story and remember always to be Safe, Sane, and Consensual.

4/5
4.5 stars - really enjoyed
Written by Angie on 2nd Dec 2013

Jake picked Lydia to work on a project with him not realizing what Lydia was like. Lydia knew the work and had secretly admired Jake. Watching them work through their issues and Lydia working through everything with her dad and brother. Jake was great not letting Lydia hide from him. It was an enjoyable story.

5/5
Smokin' Hot Debut!
Written by Sandra Bunino on 25th Sep 2013

Taking Chances was one of those books where you see the story play out in your mind. I was there with Lydia in the conference room with her demanding boss and then alone working with Jake. I loved how Ms. Maylee gives the reader both of H/h’s POV as the scenes changed. Jake’s view of Lydia eating lunch complete with her innocently licking barbeque sauce from her fingers was memorable! Ms. Maylee does a fantastic job of hooking the reader from the beginning of the story. I found myself caring about Lydia and Jake and rooting for them to get together. Oh yes, and Jake, Jake, Jake…May I just say he’s my type of man. He knows what he wants and where he wants it. Three words: Over. The. Sofa. Hot! (Okay, that was four words) I loved how he both dominated Lydia but at the same time empowered her to make her own decisions. I won’t give too much of the story away but I will say S.J. Maylee’s debut book, Taking Chances, is a must read for anyone who wants a great story, well written, smoking hot smexy scenes and an oh so hot hero. I can’t wait for more from Ms. Maylee.

5/5
Sweet with kick of kink!
Written by Cara Bristol on 16th Sep 2013

Lydia is as quiet and unassuming as a church mouse. Jake is a "no-commitments" Dom who frequents the clubs for recreation. She fantasizes about him; he's attracted to her, but knows she's hands off. When their boss assigns them to the same project and they're forced to work side-by-side, passion bubbles up. But will Lydia be able to speak up for herself? Will Jake be willing to break his own rules? SJ Maylee has crafted a BDSM "light" story about a seemingly vanilla girl who comes to embrace her submissive nature and a gentle Dom eager to show her the ropes. What I enjoyed most about this story (besides the hot sex) was the character of Lydia and how she expresses her natural submissiveness, yet gets her needs met. I enjoyed the interaction at work between the two of them as well as the "extracurricular" activities. Taking Chances is SJ Maylee's debut novel and she does an excellent job of creating interesting characters searching for connection while providing enough kink and spice to heat things up.

5/5
I loved this book
Written by sarki on 16th Sep 2013

I loved this book, its well written, there's no slw moments and it packed full of hot sexual tension between the quiet almost shy Lydia and the strong willed Jake. These two both carry scars from their pasts but work through them. Of course there are always obstacles that will try to stop their progression.

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