I love Club Decadence. I would really love to go there. Too bad it only exists in the mind of Maddie Taylor.

Esme has spent the last 5 years of her life barely living. After her husband and Master was killed and bled out in her arms, she just kind of went into stasis. She was existing, not living. She had nightmares, flashbacks, and just didn't cope all that well. When her friend Pax invited her to move out to LA, she decided that she would go. He signed her up for membership at Decadence, so that she could hopefully get a new Dom.

Master Eric has noticed that Esme has spent the last 3 months just watching what's going on, at least once a week. He knows that's not good, and he's had one person complain. So he lays an ultimatum on her, find a Dom or lose her membership. When she leaves, he calls his friend Kieran Finnegan in and tells him that he has the perfect sub for him, Esme.

Esme's story is all about a second chance. It's not that she is having a second chance romance with Finn, it's that she has a second chance at life itself and a second chance to love someone. She has so much trauma and stress that she has to work through so that she doesn't stay stuck. I feel so badly for her trying to deal with all that trauma. Finn really is a good Dom for her because he is so patient and stubborn, and doesn't mind chasing her when she tries to run.

Excellent book, beautiful story. ( )

Dare to Love Again (Decadence L.A., #3) by Maddie Taylor  
Taylor has never been afraid to show her hand when it comes to risque, but there have been moments of lacking when it comes to emotion. Dare to Love Again is not one of those moments. Esme and Kieran's path to love is scattered with broken hearts, risky behavior, grief and fresh starts. Esme is learning to be whole again after a devastating loss shattered her world. The ghost of what was haunts her every waking moment even as it torments her dreams. Kieran is intrigued by the ice princess. He sees the pain that torments her and wants to be the light at the end of the tunnel for her. Can this brooding warrior melt the ice encasing her broken heart? Tempting. ( )