Official Review: The Mastermind by Victoria L Trenton

[Sam Ibeh]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Mastermind" by Victoria L Trenton.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Ever heard of BDSM? Well, I didn't know about this until I read The Mastermind by Victoria L Trenton. Most of the actions that took place in this book bordered around the concept of BDSM.

Chrissie is a wild young woman who learned to be tough and hardened by the things she experienced. Three years after she was sent to prison, Nick shows up to break her out. With the help of his partner in crime, Judas, he was able to break Chrissie out of prison. As a result, they had to leave the United States to hide in Mexico. On the side of Judas, he had feelings for Chrissie that makes Nick jealous and uncomfortable. Though Chrissie's relationship was riddled with many troubles and bitter-sweet experiences, she was subdued into sticking with Nick. All hell broke loose when Judas tried to steal Chrissie away from Nick. Will Chrissie eventually leave Nick after all they've been through together?

The Mastermind by Victoria L Trenton is the second book in The Outmate Trilogy. Though I'll advise that the first book in this trilogy be read before this one, it doesn't change the fact that The Mastermind had a unique plot of its own. I didn't struggle to know the background story as the author provided flashbacks at strategic points in the book. Though I would have preferred a synopsis or backstory at the beginning, the flashbacks were not out of place. I didn't get distracted from the main theme of this particular installment because of the flashbacks. As a matter of fact, the author did well to connect the past to the present beautifully.

The structuring of this book is what I liked most. There was consistency such that I knew exactly what the author intended to achieve with the structuring. For instance, each chapter was dedicated to a particular major character's narrative. However, every other character's narrative was in the first-person except for Nick. Though I was confused at first as to why the author didn't stick to a particular writing style. However, when I noticed the consistency, I concluded it was intentional and added some level of creativity to the delivery of this fast-paced romantic thriller.

At the beginning of this review, I told you that this book bordered around the concept of BDSM. As earlier stated, I never knew about this before I read this book. In my research, I discovered that it's a term used to describe the way women were brought to sexual submission. It has to do with the male dominance over their female counterparts in matters of intimacy. This concept aptly described Chrissie's relationship with Nick. On countless occasions in this book, Chrissie addressed Nick as “my lord” after every sexual escapade or whenever Nick tells her what to do. Beyond this, the author did well to create a balance for the benefit of people who are averse to the BDSM concept. Judas' relationship with Chrissie showed equality while Marshall's showed female dominance. I like the fact that the author made this balance, though the bulk of this book projected the BDSM concept.

This book was well written and professionally edited. There were only a few negligible errors. I rate it 4 out of 4 stars. I recommend this to all lovers of action-packed romance thrillers.

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The Mastermind
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[Letora]

This sounds like the book was written well, and made sure to tell a whole story. While it does sound like it is action-packed, I am not one to read romance, or books with sex in them. Given this one is based around BDSM, I would say it is not for me. Thank you for reviewing!

[Stephanie Elizabeth]

I read and reviewed the first book so I am definitely interested in how this one pans out for Chrissie.

[Ria710]

Thank you for the review, it sounds like a very interesting book. I’m definitely going to be checking it out.

[Sam Ibeh]

This sounds like the book was written well, and made sure to tell a whole story. While it does sound like it is action-packed, I am not one to read romance, or books with sex in them. Given this one is based around BDSM, I would say it is not for me. Thank you for reviewing!

You're welcome Letora and thanks for your comment.

[Sam Ibeh]

I read and reviewed the first book so I am definitely interested in how this one pans out for Chrissie.

Fantastic, I would be reading the first book as soon as I clear my desk of other books I've lined up to read. Thanks for your comment.

[Sam Ibeh]

Thank you for the review, it sounds like a very interesting book. I’m definitely going to be checking it out.

Awesome! I believe you'll enjoy the book. Thanks for your comment.

[That Reviewer]

I would have loved to read this book. But, I'm discouraged that it's based on BDSM. I really don't appreciate relationships where people are broken to submission. I'll take a pass on this one. Thanks for the honest review.

[En+kay]

Great review but the overall theme of the book action filled romance tinged with the idea of BDSM is a no for me but the review may make me reconsider

[Cynthia_Oluchi]

The BDSM concept is a new one for me. Though it doesn't look like am all at home with the concept, I would love to know more about it. Thanks for reviewing.

[praise+anyi]

The part that really got me thinking was where Chrissie was subdued into sticking with her boyfriend. Wow... Great review by the way but this is a turn off for me though.