The Masters’ Mistress, book one in The Angel Eyes series, has been on my radar ever since I read the prequel, Jake’s Redemption. However, time did not permit before now. I had an interesting time visiting the world created by the author. I looked forward to returning to it in Masters’ Mistress.
The Angel Eyes series introduces a post-apocalyptic world in which women were ruthless slave owners and men their slaves. In this world, men are considered sub-human, but not all women agreed with the atrocities meted out to them. Their reach, however, lacked the power needed to stop the inhumane treatment. In their meagre attempt to make a difference, they used their resources to create a private sanctuary. In this sanctuary, men, despite their loss of freedom, can experience a modicum of independence. One such woman was Angel Aldridge.
Bret Masters spent his most of his adult life trying to escape the clutches of slavery. Hiding out where possible to prevent capture by sadistic slave traders. He did well so far until one unfortunate night when they captured him. Suddenly, he is plunged into a torturous situation with no end in sight. Enters Angel, who has a favor to Brett’s best friend, Jake, purchased him to save him from further torture. Brett, however, refused to accept this as a benevolent act, despite the stellar treatment he received since his arrival on Angel’s ranch.
Brett and Angel shared a contentious relationship steeped in vengeance, mistrust, secrets, and betrayal. I am still recovering from the severe case of whiplash suffered from their acrimonious and passionate interactions. They each had chips on their shoulders so huge it would require a jackhammer to chip it away. Their past blinded them preventing from seeing the opportunities the present offered.
The pacing of this story was rather slow and, for a book of 490 pages, it became tedious to get through sometimes. This is a book you one need to be in the right frame of mind for. The disclaimer at the end of the synopsis suggested this would be a steamy read. It did not live up to this disclaimer. The single passionate scene may have been intense, but that on its own would not classify this as a steamy read. Unless one counts the sexual tension, which needed a sharp knife to cut through it.
Don’t go into this story expecting happily ever after or a happy for now situation. The story ended with a major cliff hanger, of which I am not a fan. Despite my curiosity regarding what’s in store for Brett and Angel, I am not quite ready to pick up the next book as yet. I need a break from all the angst that comes with their interactions.
I enjoyed coming back to this unique world the author created. Despite the issues with the pacing and the angst, Masters’ Mistress was an interesting and emotional read.