Had I read this book perhaps in the early 2000s, before I have read that many kinky BDSM books, I may have rated this book better. As it is, it is just "okay". I struggle with the writing style of this book. There is a bit too much inner dialog bouncing back and forth between Lincoln and Sasha's point of view. Whilst I like the training concept of this story, the execution of it leaves me with a slight distaste in my mouth.

Why? Because Lincoln is going in with ulterior motives and I didn't like it. The hypocrisy from Lincoln and Sasha's brother causes me to be disappointed. I understand this is the main conflict. I understand that many romances are about best friend's little sister and how it is a problem. When it comes to BDSM, I think these kink of tropes should be left in the dust. Or rather, for those in the lifestyle, these kinds of tropes are cringe worthy. Why? Because of the inherent lack of trust and communication. These head games are not something I prefer in my lifestyle story. It is more than Sasha being a bratty sub. Sasha is fine. Her character is one who is admirable because she is honestly trying to learn. She wants to see what it can be. That she wants Lincoln and isn't forthright about it? That is okay. Not my cup of tea, but okay. Want to read about healthy siblings dynamics in the lifestyle? Try Dakota Trace and her Chicago Doms series.

For Lincoln who is supposedly so well learned and mentored under an "amazing" dom, he should know better. Yeah, yeah, yeah, his personal feelings towards Sasha clouded his judgment. I call BS on that one. He could have handled it better. And Sasha's brother is a jerk about it. Does this happen in real life? Probably. I have been fortunate that the people I know in real life who have parents in the lifestyle or family members ... siblings and children who are getting into the lifestyle have never been this way. They are the opposite of how Sasha's brother and Lincoln behaved. Whilst this is a fictional story, because it is more contemporary romance versus non-con spank material, I am going to grade it a bit harder.

From a kink perspective, it is okay. The scenes are what one would expect for new to BDSM. Nothing in here is shocking. A little of it is erotic but each reader's mileage may vary as I have read an extensive amount of BDSM across all spectrums and tend to be a little jaded. The chemistry between Sasha and Lincoln seem to be just lust adversaries types which doesn't really trip my trigger. Overall, this story whilst interesting in concept fell flat in delivery for me.

This contemporary romance is recommended for kinky readers who like best friend's sister themes.

This book has an interesting take on BDSM and I quite enjoyed it. I was intrigued ever since I first read the blurb. I was convinced that this book was going to explore some new aspect of BDSM, and in a way I was right. Sasha and Lincoln have a really interesting relationship, an explosive one, but one that doesn't start on the right foot.

When Sasha and Lincoln meet, Sasha is underage. Upon finding that out, Lincoln runs for the hills and does everything he can to make Sasha ignore him. I will admit that I had a little bit of a hard time with the way the book started. There was nothing overtly sexual, there was just a sexual awakening that young Sasha experienced at seeing this new sex god, Lincoln, and slight flirting from Lincoln's side until he finds out Sasha is underage and then skedaddles. My issue was more with the surprise of having that beginning to an erotic novel.

Thankfully, we quickly jump forward 5 year or so and we get to Sasha being utterly in love with Lincoln and trying everything to get his attention. Since he proves to be more than a little stubborn, Sasha decides to find herself a Dom that will introduce her to the lifestyle, which spells trouble all around. This is when things get interesting, and Lincoln agrees to train Sasha, but without having sex with her. I was really intrigued by the idea of BDSM explored without the added sex element, and I would have wanted to see more of that aspect be developed, even though I understood the reasons behind not exploring it as much.

It was interesting to see how Lincoln uses this experience as a way to "punish" Sasha; he's more interested in trying to push her away and to convince her that she doesn't actually want to be in the lifestyle, than trying to know her and explore whatever it is they have. I can't say I fully agreed with this quest of his, so I was really happy seeing Sasha giving him hell. At the same time, Sasha is willing to do anything in her power to get him to want her and accept her, even become someone that she's not and accepting his really harsh rules. It was an interesting experience seeing them try to have a BDSM relationship without being fully honest with each other, but having really honest reactions to one another. I liked that aspect of their relationship.

All in all, I enjoyed this book, even though I did felt the need for more honesty between the two main characters. The ending teases at another pair that will find their way towards each other and I'm curious to see how will that go, so I'm definitely planning to read the next book in the series.

I cannot get enough of Becca Jamesons stories. She is amazing in her writing style and use of words. This one captivated me from start to finish. The BDSM and the chemistry between the characters are so well described. The characters are likeable and develops well through the story.
A story about romance, love, lust and the need for the person who makes you feel hole again.
Absolutely a story that I only can recommend if you like your romances with a bit more.

Sasha Easton has had her eye on Lincoln Walsh for five years. But all he does is scowl at her and reject her every shy advance.

Lincoln tires to discourage Sasha because he doesn't think she is his type. He thinks that she is too innocent. But Sasha is not as innocent as Lincoln thinks.

Title: Training Sasha
Series: Zodiac Book #1
Stand Alone Title: yes
Author: Becca Jameson
Genre: Romance, Erotica
Blurb: His friend's little sister... Sasha Easton has had her eye on Lincoln Walsh—the owner of Club Zodiac—for five years. Unfortunately, he does nothing but scowl at her and reject her every shy advance.

She's not right for him... Lincoln doesn’t have a choice but to discourage Sasha because the truth is that he’s a sadist. And Sasha is no masochist. No matter how much he might want her in his bed, he can’t change the type of Dom he is.

She's not as innocent as he thinks... Determined to get Lincoln to see her as more than his business partner’s little sister, Sasha delivers an ultimatum—let her join Club Zodiac or she’ll explore her submission elsewhere.

Can he train her and let her go? Watching the only woman he’s ever wanted play with another Dom is more than Lincoln can bear, so he finds himself agreeing to train her himself. After all, he’s confident if he pushes her hard enough, he can protect her from the lifestyle and himself from admitting the truth about his feelings.
Thoughts: If you happen to be looking for a little erotica along with your romance - if you enjoy Tara Sue Me’s The Submissive series, Roni Loren’s Loving On The Edge series, Cathryn Cade’s Club 3 series, or –yes- the infamous Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L James - then Training Sasha is the perfect book choice for you! Training Sasha really gets into the nitty-gritty of BDSM, while giving a sweet touch at the same time. With my favorite added troupe of the best friend’s little sister, you can’t get more perfect than this. I loved it! We also get introduced to a few characters that you can see the series developing around.
A great addition by Becca Jameson! Though it is not for the faint of heart, so approach with caution…
Rating: A

A young woman who kinda grew up in an S&M club still has the hots for the new owner after five years, even though he treats her horribly. But then she’s a submissive, so that seems to work for her. Unfortunately he’s a dom into pain rather than sex, so he doesn’t want to have anything to do with such an innocent, even if she is curious about the lifestyle. It doesn’t help that her brother works at the club.
Like some of the most annoying of this genre, it does the “I can’t!” mental speech over and over. The fact that it’s the man doing it doesn’t make it any less annoying. Even worse, I do believe this is a new record for the most stubborn, stupidest character I’ve ever read, and that is saying so much. . .
I know I harp a lot about misunderstandings and no communication being so overdone in romances—there really wouldn’t be any without them—but it’s particularly sad when one party for the most part isn’t allowed to voice her thoughts anyway.
I didn’t think I was going to end up liking the ending, but thankfully the author did a masterful job of redeeming what looked to be the biggest asshole in literary history. Still wish the ride there had been more enjoyable, though.

I'm so glad that the author had the main characters have a connection before this story took off. Had it been one of those stories where two strangers meet and then went through everything in this book I definitely wouldn't have given it 4 stars. It's a fast paced book; I think in total two weeks pass by from the start of things until the end of the book. But because of their past, you don't feel like things were rushed between the characters.

My only complaint about this book that prevented me from giving it 5 stars was that it didn't have an epilogue. I wanted something beyond that last chapter; perhaps we're going to see the couple again in a future book.

Loved the incredible connection between Sasha and Lincoln and that it was truly years in the making. An incredible book that shows that people can be open minded but can also change.

Great erotic romance novel. Strong, likable characters. Will read more from this author.

Great start to a new series. Sasha has wanted Lincoln for years. Lincoln is the owner of Club Zodiac and knows as a sadist, Sasha is not the one for him. Sasha threatens to go to another club to explore her submission if she isn’t allowed to join Club Zodiac. Lincoln can’t bear to watch her with another Dom so he agrees to train her, can he push her hard enough to want to leave? Great characters, steamy chemistry and a story that held my interest throughout. Loved it!

Sasha and Lincoln's story began when they met when she was 17. Five years later, Sasha still has feelings for the object of her teenage crush, but little did she know that Lincoln returned those feelings. Add to the mix a protective brother who is Lincoln's partner in a BDSM club and you have a recipe for trouble, and lots of steamy sex scenes.

One of the HOTTEST books I’ve ever read.

This has been a very educating book for me, even though I haven’t fully understood the BDSM lifestyle after reading this book I have been given great insight. I now understood why many people with this lifestyle got mad with Fifty Shades of Grey. I read an article where the people said it’s nothing like the actual lifestyle and now I agree with them. I never knew there were lots of kinds of subs and doms maybe too, and it never crossed my mind that it actually isn’t a 24/7 thing.

I am not putting shade on the Fifty Shades trilogy nor to E. L. James . I enjoy reading the books and I must say it’s the first contemporary adult romance book I ever read. I still have to read the final book before the movie comes this February btw.

“You are a true Master Sadist. They are rare and precious in the community.”

It took me so long to understand what Carter and Rowen were trying to explain to Lincoln about his lifestyle. When people were trying to make Lincoln understand my level of understanding and information processing was with him. I literally made temporary creases on my forehead.

“I don’t know what it takes to break down your walls and get inside, but whoever manages to do it better come with explosives because that stubborn wall is high and thick.”

I don’t think a club for BDSM exists in our country but I’d be pretty interested to look around if there is one. My curiosity is at it’s peak.

With that said, I fully enjoyed every bit of this book and I cannot wait to get into the sequels with the hopes and expectations of learning more about this lifestyle because false information and assuming things is just wrong.

Training Sasha by Becca Jameson is the first book in the series called "Club Zodiac" This is the story of Sasha and Lincoln. This was a pretty hot read and somewhat different take on the little sister in love with her brother's friend.
Sasha was taken in by her brother when their parents died. Which sometimes meant going to the 'Club' where he worked...of course she was not in the part of the club where the subs/doms would be. Even though Sasha was kept out of the main activates of the club she became more aware of the clubs actives the older she got. Sasha has always has a crush on Lincoln but he and her brother Rowen see her as a young innocent but she out to prove that isn't the case. Which leaves it hard for Lincoln to stand his ground on how he treats her.
Looking forward to more books in this series!!

To get Lincoln to realize that she is all grown up and ready for anything he can dish out Sasha does whatever she has to. As Sasha explores her roll as a submissive can she convince Lincoln to realize he is what she needs?

great character development that gives all the feels.

This is an incredibly lighthearted and refreshing romantic read. There is a sense of fun throughout and the love shared between the characters heightens the hotness of the sex.

Hot, Hot, HOT!!!

Training Sasha had me considering a membership to explore. Seriously, I had to wonder of I need a Dom. This book is hot. The exploration of sexuality and the ever popular brother's best friend...

Yeah, you know your naughty self is thinking about it. She wants to see if she's a submissive. He, against his better judgement, tries to show her she isn't. But not everyone is happy and both can't be right...

Enjoy the deliciously naughty journey of Sasha's experience. I dare you to finish it with dry panties.

Once upon a time there was a little girl who lost her mom and dad but her older brother took her in and raised her. He worked part time in a BDSM club and rather than leave her home alone he brought his sister to the club where she stayed upstairs away from the action. When she was 14 she took a peek and was intrigued. When she was 17 the club changed ownership and she was banned. Now she is 22 and wants back in.
I loved the fact that Sasha knew what she wanted and went for it. I absolutely adored the role reversal where the big bad Dom was the angsty one. This is a sexy, sometimes sweet tale of love and lust.

I really liked this book. I liked both of the characters and the story was believable. Can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

Training Sasha is a compelling story with a romance at the heart of it.

Holy heck! This book gave me ALL the feels. I was so pleased reading this from start to finish. Sasha and Lincoln are two amazing d/s characters for me. I loved seeing the difference between them in the BDSM world and how they made it work for themselves. The romance was perfection, the drama was interesting and that ending made me excited for the companion sequel.

Sasha seems to be this innocent woman, but she is far from it. I loved how determined she was in getting noticed by Lincoln and getting her brother Rowen to understand she's a woman now. She was snarky, bold and innocent. She was a virgin which gave this book an interesting twist. She was a sexual submissive which added some extra interest in the romance aspect.

Lincoln is tall, dark, domineering and also a Master Sadist. He doesn't do relationships, doesn't have sex with subs and he doesn't do sexual submissives. He tried to keep his distance for years from Sasha, but a chance encounter puts them together and unraveling their feelings. I loved Lincoln and how sweet he was. He definitely had his asshole moments, but his heart was pure. Loved him!

Excited to read the companion novel Obeying Rowen when it get's released.