Amy's 5 star ARC Review of Not Negotiable (A Trident Security Novella Book 3.5) by Samantha Cole

Shelby Whitman beat cancer several years ago, but the resulting physical and emotional damage left her feeling like less than a real woman. The comfort she found in the BDSM community brightened her world again, however, she kept the Doms at a distance. Play was fine. Relationships were not. And that was fine until Master Parker caught her eye. Now, her cancer has returned and she refuses to be a burden to anyone...especially the one man who has crawled his way into her heart. 

Parker Christiansen has craved the perky sub for as long as he can remember, but Shelby has refused to negotiate a scene with him and he has no idea why. When he finds out she is secretly going through chemotherapy, he insists that she move in with him. She needs a Dom to take care of her and he is more than up for the task. 

Can Parker convince Shelby that he loves her no matter what and if they only have this time together, they should make the best of it? 

18+ Adult Content.

5 beautiful stars

If you aren’t reading the Trident Security series than I have no time for you! The release of this beautifully written novella; Not Negotiable is no exception. Do NOT skip this book. Anyone who has been that warrior, that survivor will understand. Anyone who has been forced on the sidelines while watching a loved one suffer will understand. If you are fortunate enough that you haven’t experienced either then you are blessed beyond words. In my opinion this is the story of the worst pain possible from both points; the one who is fighting, battling the pain and the one who loves that warrior more than their own life while witnessing the suffering unable to take it away. Cancer survivors and angels are a family. We stick together whether or earth or in heaven through the worst and the best; the joys and our hearts being shattered beyond repair. This is more than a novella; this is a small glimpse into a time when a few simple yet horrific words will change your life forever. 

Shelby Whitman slammed cancer back to hell before. She won. She owned that bitch disease but the damage was done. Unable to have children she feels less of a woman and undeserving of love much less being someone’s wife. The Covenant has given Shelby some sort of solace as she can keep everyone at arms length not getting close to anyone. Playing in the club took her away from what she considered her shortcomings for a bit, taking her away from the loneliness. If she was a deserving woman she would have allowed Master Parker to have her maybe even be his one and only but she could never do that to him. A man so pure, so caring, deserved a complete woman; not a woman like her. Shelby didn’t consider herself worthy of someone like him. She had said no to him numerous times and that’s how it had to stay especially now that her cancer was back. Shelby would win her fight again but at what cost. There was nothing else for the cancer to take other than her life. She wouldn’t be a burden to her family or her friends. Shelby would do this alone. 

Parker Christiansen wonders why this spectacular woman wants nothing to do with him. The “incident” with his brother occurred months ago but even prior Shelby refused to play together. Its been two weeks since she has been at The Covenant and he has to know if its because of him. Heading to her apartment, Parker has no idea what he is about to witness. He has no idea that his heart is about to get ripped from his chest by a few brutal words. 

As always I wont divulge the details. But I do have to mention a Bullmastiff, who is a rescue, named Spanky. It seems Parker found him through a wonderful lady named Tori and her Bullmastiff rescue. (LOVE it and LOVE following her page. Big shout out from one rescuer to another.) I hope that Beau and Spanky will have their own POV books one day. Wouldn’t you love to know their thoughts on the Sexy Six Pack and friends? In seriousness in truth in the devotion that Spanky instantly develops towards Shelby is exactly what happens with a four legged family member. They protect you with their life making sure you receive unconditional love. Just make sure you deserve that love and return it. 

There is so much joy and heartbreak in this book. Cancer survivors become our inspiration. They become soldiers who we strive to mimic, wishing for their strength and fighting spirit. Cancer is not a dirty word but it’s a word we must learn to stand up to. Those who win need to know they are still worthy of a full life, love, children, a future. Its our responsibility to remind them every day that THEY are heroes. The souls who cant fight anymore and know its time to say goodbye allow us to exchange a piece of ourselves with them. They live within us, carrying on their determination of a better tomorrow for the next person who will hear those unexpected life changing words. 

Thank you Samantha for writing this book .. for every part of it. Its worth so much more than a star rating … Oh and readers .. make sure you pay attention to Carter. Being who he is ... its one of the greatest lines written in the Trident series thus far. 

I was provided an ARC for an honest review. Review to post on Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets. Thank you Samantha for giving me the honor of being one of the first to experience Parker, Shelby and Spanky.