Tag Archives: Bound

Bound in Debt/Bound in Promise by Josephine Jade-reviews

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Bound in Debt/Bound in Promise by Josephine Jade-reviews

BOUND IN DEBT
Bound #1
by Josephine Jade
Genre: adult, contemporary, Mafia, romance
Release Date: August 23, 2024

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

I’ve always been a walking contradiction. After all, how many people do you know who are a violin maestro AND a mafia member?
Trying to distance myself from my past mob life, I’ve accepted an artist-in-residence position at Thronewood University.
Teaching privileged, barely-adult brats isn’t my idea of fulfilling, but at least it won’t end me back in the hospital or prison.
Been there. Done that.

But there’s something going on at this school that isn’t right. A chance meeting with one of my students, Victoria Waldorf, confirms it.
She’s beautiful, but not vain. She’s innocent, but not naïve.
And she’s a pawn in a game she’s not even aware exists.

I’m the last person on earth who should be protecting her. I’m too hard, too cold… hell, too old to even breathe the same air as her.
Not to mention my past is right in the middle of this mess.
But I’m not going to let anything happen to her.
Keeping her safe means keeping her close. And like it or not, the only way she makes it out of this alive is with my ring on her finger.
A vow I take seriously.

•••••••

REVIEW:BOUND IN DEBT is the first instalment in Josephine Jade’s contemporary, adult BOUND dark, Mafia, erotic, romance duet focusing on former Mafia assassin turned college music professor Dante Moretti, and twenty-one year old, student Victoria Waldorf.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Dante and Victoria) BOUND IN DEBT follows in the aftermath of the death of Dante’s brother. Dante has been hired as the artist in residence at Thronewood University but is about to come face to face with his future in the guise of student Victoria Waldorf, his nephew’s girlfriend, and a woman who is about to become payment for sins of the past. Forced into an arranged marriage she does now want, Victoria believes she can escape the inevitable until the local mob takes aim at our story line heroine forcing Dante Moretti to make a deal with the devil, a devil who is determined to get his due. What ensues is the acrimonious relationship between Dante and Victoria, and the fall-out when desperation threatens our story line heroine.

The world building focuses on the secrets and lies that have spiralled threatening everyone involved. In an effort to ‘protect’ his family, and our story line heroine, Dante is willing to go back to a life he no longer wants any part of.

The relationship between Dante and Victoria is a teacher / student, age-gap relationship in which Dante makes Victoria an offer she should not refuse . Victoria comes from a wealthy, prominent family, and in this, Victoria has been targeted for who she is. In an effort to protect Victoria from the sins of the past, Dante offers up a solution that places Victoria in the direct line of fire. The $ex scenes are intimate.

We are introduced to Dante’s sister in law Marissa, and his nephew Liam, as well as Victoria’s best friend Ellie, and Mafia boss Angelo Lombardi.

BOUND IN DEBT is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, betrayal and trust, desperation and determination. The premise is dramatic and intense; the romance is limited ; the characters are desperate and charismatic. BOUND IN DEBT ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

________

BOUND IN PROMISE
Bound #2
by Josephine Jade
Genre: adult, contemporary, Mafia, romance
Release Date: August 23, 2024

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

ABOUT THE BOOK:

I made Victoria Waldorf my wife even though she was too young, too innocent and too kind for the likes of me.
I did it to protect her.
I never planned to fall in love.

But the truth that a former mob enforcer’s weakness is his young bride has brought enemies I never even knew I had to the surface.
They’re out for blood.
If they can’t have mine, they’ll take hers.
Over my dead body.

•••••••

REVIEW:BOUND IN PROMISE is the second instalment in Josephine Jade’s contemporary, adult BOUND dark, erotic, Mafia romance duet focusing on former Mafia assassin turned college music professor Dante Moretti, and twenty-one year old, student Victoria Waldorf. BOUND IN PROMISE should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events and cliff hanger of book one BOUND IN DEBT. If you have not read book one, there may be spoilers in my review.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Dante and Victoria) BOUND IN PROMISE follows in the wake of the abduction of Victoria Waldorf-Moretti. Dante is desperate to find his young wife, a woman who is now payment for a debt. Calling in help from an old friend, Dante is determined to end the lives of everyone who has targeted our story line heroine but Victoria struggles with her lack of freedom, placing herself and the man that she loves in the direct line of fire. The past refuses to let go, and Victoria’s future plans to walk when everything is done.

The world building continues to focus of payment for a debt, a debt owed by someone else but our couple have become fodder for a man more powerful than most. Victoria’s need to run threatens everything Dante has put into place, and in doing so, their lives are at risk, every step on the way.

The relationship continues to be acrimonious. Dante married Victoria to keep her safe, and Victoria known their time together comes with an expiry date. Refusing to fall in love, Dante finds himself losing his heart to a woman meant for someone else. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative.

Once again, we are reintroduced to Dante’s sister in law Marissa, and his nephew Liam, as well as Victoria’s best friend Ellie, Dante’s ‘fixer and friend’ Enzo, and Mafia boss Angelo Lombardi.

BOUND IN PROMISE is another story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, secrets and lies, obsession and madness, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is dark and gritty; the romance is challenging and seductive; the characters are determined and dynamic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Bound (Blood Brothers #1) by Samantha Wilde-a review

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Bound (Blood Brothers) by Samantha Wilde-a review

 

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 11, 2021

One of the most dangerous men in the country just became her only ally.Investigative journalist Lexi Ivanov needs one thing to crack the most important case of her career: the top-secret ledger belonging to Lionsgate Kinship—the organization that murdered her family. And it’s in the possession of Nash Holmes, the elite brotherhood’s enforcer. Fighting her attraction to the man she needs to dupe, she drugs Nash before their romp in the bedroom goes too far. And then, with the ledger in hand, she runs.Having a woman drug and steal from him is the ultimate shame. Nash fell for the sexy seductress’s trick and now he has to pay the price. To save face and his reputation, as well as protect the brotherhood, he must stop the lying vixen before she sells their secrets to the media. Once he finds her his job is far from over. It’s expected of him to kill her, but something about Lexi strikes a weakness he didn’t know he carried. When a hit is put on her head, the game changes. and their lives are in danger.Nash quickly learns she has something much greater than what he’s after, and not just a smokin’ body—information so disturbing that he’s forced to investigate. If she’s telling the truth, everything he’s ever known has been a lie.

•••••

REVIEW:BOUND is the first instalment in Samantha Wilde’s contemporary, adult BLOOD BROTHERS dark, erotic, criminal underworld romance series focusing on the Holmes brothers-Nash, Cole, Dallas and Dare. This is Nash Holmes, enforcer for the Lionsgate Kinship, and investigative journalist Lexi Ivanov’s story line.

WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Nash and Lexi) BOUND follows Alexi ‘Lexi’ Ivanov in the aftermath of the theft of a ledger containing Lionsgate secrets, secrets that once revealed will show a dark and dangerous past. Lexi Ivanov is investigating the murder of her parents, and the disappearance of her brother Brooks, a murder she blames on the Lionsgate Kinship. Her father Yuri, and her brother Brooks were once highly respected members of the Brotherhood but Lexi’s father discovered an anomaly in the bookkeeping, and his life was forfeited along with the rest of her family. Hoping to get revenge, Lexi seduces Lionsgate enforcer Nash Holmes in an effort to steal the ledger that will reveal the secrets of the Lionsgate group but Lexi’s escape to Russia is followed by our story line hero, and in the ensuing days and weeks Nash will fall for his intended target. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Lexi and Nash, and the potential fall-out as Lexi and Nash discover the true depths of depravity of the Lionsgate sins.

Nash Holmes is the adopted son of the man in charge but Lexi’s revelations are about to show Nash that he never really knew the man he once called father.Lexi is desperate to prove that Lionsgate is responsible for the death of her family but convincing Nash means to destroy the man he worshipped and adored. Lexi Ivanov knows that once the truth comes out,she may find herself with an even larger target on her back than the one on her back, now.

The relationship between Lexi and Nash begins as enemies when Lexi seduces, drugs and steals an important ledger from the Lionsgate group. Nash has been ordered to search for, and take down our story line heroine but something about Lexi calls to his heart. Lexi knows that if she is caught, there are no second chances but proving to Nash that the man he calls father is not the man he has come to respect, means getting up close and personal with the dirty side of life. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

We are introduced to Nash’s brothers Cole and Dallas, as well as his ‘mentor’ and ‘father’ Conrad, Lionsgate enforcers Drew and Leith.

BOUND is a story of betrayal and vengeance; secrets and lies; revelations and deception; family, friendships, relationships, and love. The character driven premise is dramatic, haunting and tragic; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are edgy and dynamic.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Bound (Tangled Web #3) by Aleatha Romig-Review tour

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Bound (Tangled Web #3) by Aleatha Romig-Review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 13, 2019

With danger lurking around every corner and my life turned upside down, I struggle with who to believe and who to trust.

Can my heart convince my mind that what was bound long ago is where I’ll find love, safety, and security?

Or are the memories simply an illusion?

•••••••••

REVIEW: BOUND is the third and final instalment in Aleatha Romig’s contemporary, adult TANGLED WEB dark erotic romance, psychological suspense trilogy focusing on scientist Dr. Laurel Carlson, and assassin for hire Mason ‘Kader’ Pierce. The Tangled Web series is set in the same world as the author’s WEB OF SIN trilogy (Sterling Sparrow) but you do not have to have read the original series to understand or follow Tangled Web. BOUND should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events of book two OBSESSED.

SOME BACKGROUND: Dr. Laurel Carlson, along with her colleague Dr. Russell Cartwright are missing, and part of their scientific discovery is currently on the black market, auctioning off to the highest bidder. Imprisoned by an assassin for hire, Laurel struggles with her attraction to a man whose end game is to take her life.

Told from several first person points of view including Laurel, Kader, Mason and Jack using present day and memories from the past, BOUND picks up immediately following the events of book two OBSESSED wherein our heroine discovers the true nature of Kader’s obsession and abduction: an obsession that reveals a mutual history but an abduction meant to eliminate Laurel Carlson. With Laurel’s research missing, and her former colleagues missing or dead, Laurel struggles with issues of trust believing her time with Mason comes with an expiry date- a hit ordered by an unknown source hoping to eliminate our story line heroine. Renewed threats force our couple on the run, threats meant to destroy both Kader and Laurel.

Sterling Sparrow and his team make a cameo appearance as Mason/Kader struggles to protect the woman with whom he has fallen in love. We are re-introduced to Sparrow’s wife Araneae; his men and former members of Mason’s platoon- Reid Murray and his wife Lorna, and Patrick Kelly, as well as Kader’s commander Clifton ‘Jack’ Jackson. Patrick’s story is next in the Web of Desire Series.

BOUND is a complicated and edgy story of betrayal and deception; vengeance, secrets and love; a tale of power and control. The premise is intriguing, captivating and thought-provoking; the characters are colorful, energetic and charismatic; the romance is passionate, seductive and intense. BOUND ends on a happily ever after for now, but saying that there are still a few unanswered questions, and the conflict resolution was cursory and disappointing.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Twisted
Obsessed
Bound

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

NEWSLETTER | WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE | GOODREADS
INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | PINTEREST

Aleatha Romig is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Together with her high-school sweetheart and husband of over thirty years, they’ve raised three children. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she’s not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns or her new lighter side, she likes to spend her time with her family and friends. Her pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams!

Sign up today to receive her monthly newsletter  and /or text message alerts stay informed.

And if you’re new to ALEATHA, check out her FREE books.

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Bound (Magnus Blackwell Series #2) by Alexandrea Weis-Review,Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

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BOUND (Magnus Blackwell Novel #2) by Alexandrea Weis with Lucas Astor-Review, Excerpt and Giveaway Tour

BOUND
Magnus Blackwell Series #2
by Alexandrea Weis with Lucas Astor
Release Date: April 17,2018
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, thriller

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N /

About the book: Release Date April 17, 2018

Magnus Blackwell’s past is about to catch up with him.

An evil force has seized New Orleans. Pestilence, suffering, and darkness cloak the city. The citizens are scared and need their mambo to guide them, but Lexie Arden can’t help anyone. A diabolical presence has taken Lexie’s power and severed her ties with the other side.

Magnus Blackwell is fighting demons of his own. Torn between his devotion to Lexie and a spirit from his past, Magnus’s loyalty is put to the test. He must revisit his sins to uncover the key to the hatred ripping the city apart. If he doesn’t, Lexie’s reign as mambo will end.

Their search for answers leads them deep into the darker realms of voodoo—until a desperate Lexie does the unthinkable, and Magnus can do nothing to spare her from her fate

••••••••••

REVIEW: BOUND is the second full-length instalment in Alexandrea Weis’ (and Lucas Astor) contemporary, adult BOUND paranormal, mystery thriller, Voodoo fantasy series focusing on New Orlean’s Voodoo Mambo Lexi Arden, and her spirit guide Magnus Blackwell. BOUND can be read as a stand-alone but for cohesion and back story I recommend reading the series in order.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Lexi and Magnus) BOUND follows Lexi and Magnus on the hunt for a killer. As Lexi slowly begins to lose her capacity as the reigning Mambo, a number of powerful Voodoo priests and priestesses become the victim of a serial killer, not of this world. Lexi begins to investigate the how and why of her missing powers, when a being more dominant and forceful makes Lexi an offer she should have refused. Without her powers, the spirits of the dead begin to descend upon the people of New Orleans, including two ghosts with close connections to Lexi’s spirit guide. Our heroine is determined to uncover the truth but in doing so walks a fine line between good and evil, wherein the darkness begins to override her soul. Not one to follow the rules Lexi will come face to face with a malicious spirit who is willing to do anything to bring Lexi to the dark side.

BOUND is an intriguing story of dark and white magic; of the influential lure of power, and the resulting repercussions of selling one’s soul for the ultimate prize. From priests and priestesses, spirits and ghosts, to Damballah (The Sky Father/ Primordial Creator of Life) and Kalfu (Master of malevolent spirits/ controls the evil aspects of Voodoo), Alexandrea Weis pulls from the Haitian and African history of the practice of Voodoo, the spiritual folkway of those who follow and believe. BOUND is a detailed, complex and enchanting story of mystery, suspense, drama and magic. The premise is entertaining and compelling; the characters are colorful and tenacious. The world building continues to take the reader on a journey through the fantastic as one determined and head-strong woman battles to regain control of the spirits, and the power within.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Blackwell
Damned
Bound

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

BLACKWELL: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / BAM /

DAMNED: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca /Amazon.uk / B&N / KOBO / ibooks /

BOUND:  Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N /

Confounded by what was happening, Magnus went to the green water at the swamps’ edge along the side of the house. Raindrops created ripples on the stagnant water. Their concentric circles grew, intersecting in swells, releasing voices in their wake.
Magnus paced at the slimy green bank, attempting to make sense of the strange sounds. The cries of men, women, and children rose up and overwhelmed him.
“Save us!” a woman shrieked.
“Please, help me. I want to be free,” a man’s husky voice entreated.
“Take me away from this hell,” a high-pitched wail begged.
The voices built around Magnus, crowding his ears, imploring him to rescue their tormented souls. He had never heard such noises from anyone.
A vision of his Frannie hurtling over the cliff’s edge at Altmover Manor replayed in his head. The sound she made as she toppled to the rocks below resembled the pitiful cries of the spirits around him. Magnus closed his eyes, disgusted by the memory.
When his eyes opened, he scampered backward. In the boggy water, hundreds of bodies floated in various stages of decomposition. Arms, hands, legs, and torsos bobbed on the surface. The woman in black he’d seen with Lexie stood at the water’s edge, calling to the dead to wake from their soggy tombs.
Horrified by the agony he saw on their contorted faces, Magnus wanted to obliterate the vision by returning to his shadowy realm, but he couldn’t tear himself away. The images of body parts and broken souls held him captive as bitter waves of anger and anguish rolled off the water.
“Your master’s in danger.”
Magnus spun around.
A little girl in a long white nightgown trimmed in yellow ribbon stood next to him. Down the front, a stain of burnt red went all the way to her bare feet. She held a dirty teddy bear in her arms, but when she peered up at him, a gaping wound across her throat exposed the bone underneath.
Magnus didn’t know if he could believe the phantom before him. Spirits had never reached out to him before. This was Lexie’s realm. Why did he suddenly have her gift?
“Are you real?”
“Yes, sir. Very real, just like you.”
He knelt down beside the child. “What is your name?”
“Mattie. I died in the swamp when I was six. The mistress has me enslaved to do her bidding.”
He touched the nose of the teddy bear in her arms. His fingers passed through the toy. “What mistress?”
“The Lady La Fay. The one who called your master to her side.”
Magnus examined her gray skin and sunken eyes. “I don’t have a master.”
She pointed to the cottage. “You’re bound to the woman who went inside. She’s your master and the one who controls your fate. We are all bound to those who work the dark realm. You’ll see.”

FOLLOW: Goodreads / Website/ Facebook/ Twitter

From New Orleans, Alexandrea Weis was raised in the motion picture industry and began writing stories at the age of eight. In college she studied nursing and went on to teach at a local university. After several years in the medical field, she decided to pick up the pen once again and began her first novel, To My Senses. Since that time she has published many novels. Infusing the rich tapestry of her hometown into her award-winning books, she believes that creating vivid characters makes a story memorable. Her work has been critically acclaimed and has been continually growing in popularity.

Alexandrea Weis is also a certified/permitted wildlife rehabber with the La. Wildlife and Fisheries. When she is not writing, she rescues orphaned and injured wildlife. She is married; they live in New Orleans .

••••••••••

Lucas Astor is from New York, has resided in Central America and the Middle East, and traveled through Europe. He lives a very private, virtually reclusive lifestyle, preferring to spend time with a close-knit group of friends than be in the spotlight.

He is an author and poet with a penchant for telling stories that delve into the dark side of the human psyche. He likes to explore the evil that exists, not just in the world, but right next door behind a smiling face.

Photography, making wine, and helping endangered species are just some of his interests. Lucas is an expert archer and enjoys jazz, blues, and classical music.

One of his favorite quotes is:  “It’s better to be silent than be a fool.”  ~Harper Lee (To Kill a Mockingbird)

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the rafflecopter giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the tour provider.

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Bound to the Bounty Hunter by Hayson Manning – a Review

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Bound to the Bounty Hunter by Hayson Manning – a Review

 

Bound to the Bounty HunterAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
Harlan Franco, Colorado’s busiest bounty hunter and security expert, lives by his own rules: be in control, be detached, and never mix business with pleasure. These rules are tested when the woman he’s being paid to secretly guard is none other than the sexy, unpredictable, pain in the butt, Sophie Callaghan––a woman determined to stay away from him. If Sophie finds out he’s in her life on an assignment, he’ll never get the info he needs. But those lips, those curves, that attitude… If he could only have her for one night where she’d play by his rules.

Freedom-loving private investigator Sophie Callaghan is on a mission. The daughter of a con-artist is not going to be used by a man again. What she doesn’t need is hot, broody, and controlling Harlan barging into her life. Her brain may say no, but her body craves this bad boy.

After a night where both live out their darkest desires, Sophie tries to fight the explosive chemistry between them. But the ties that bind her heart to this bounty hunter are tight and tangled.



Review:

Bound To The Bounty Hunter is book one in the Bound Series by Hayson Manning.

Sophie Callaghan is a private investigator.  And she is bound and determined to correct the wrongs of her con-man preacher father who has passed away.  She works several jobs along with her investigating business to repay all the victims one by one that were swindled by her father. Her latest investigation takes her to Hostage, a local sex club that she is hoping will lead her to more information on Vladimir Petrov, billionaire shipping magnate. For some reason she found a journal dedicated to Petrov in her father’s belongings. And she will stop at nothing to find out what the connection is.

While at Hostage, her worst nightmare walks in, Harlan Franco, bad ass bounty hunter. She despises him with a passion – and she has every right to. Eighteen months earlier –  when they were tailing the same bounty – she was caught off guard and found herself in Harlan’s arms. When they returned to his hotel room – what started as hot and heavy – ended with Harlan locking her in the bathroom in her underwear  just so he could snag the bounty.  As much as Sophie despises him – her body betrays her every time she is near him. But little does she know, Harlan’s new assignment is her. And he is going to use everything thing in his power to get the information he needs from her.

But will she finally open up to the man she so hates?  Will he even be able to break the surface of who she is? And at what cost will it be if she finds out he is just doing a job?

Sophie is headstrong, stubborn and more than anything in control of her life and herself.  She doesn’t mess around and isn’t afraid to even go one on one in the boxing ring with a man.  But every fiber of her being cannot stand Harlan.  She wants more than anything to hate him.  But every time she is in his presence her body betrays her.  She cannot control herself around him, and in turn makes very bad decisions when he is around.  I loved Sophie!  She is funny and strong and will kick butt if she needs to.  She isn’t afraid to step to Harlan or anyone else who steps to her.  Her back story is tragic and her father scum – but she is doing everything she can to correct his wrongs – even though she shouldn’t have to.  I loved her snarkiness with Harlan – and their relationship builds into an amazing crescendo.

Sophie life hasn’t been easy and it’s hard for her to let anyone in – but you can tell more than anything that she wants and needs these kinds of relationships in her life.  As hard and rough as she can be at times I loved when she melted into Harlan and her whole demeanor became soft and gentle.

Harlan is a tall, dark and handsome drink of water – the stuff book boyfriends are made of.  You know a character and a story is good when you give him a real life persona (Trace Adkins in this case) in your own mind and go with it for the entirety!  I loved Harlan – from the first moment you meet him – you wanted to know more – to tear away his layers and his clothes all at the same time.  He tried everything to resist the temptation of touching Sophie.  God knows that is all he thinks about.  Wanting her, touching her, tasting her. When her life becomes endangered he realizes that he will do anything to protect her – and that anything includes moving in with her.  Sophie realizes she may be over her head with whoever is after her and reluctantly agrees to allow Harlan to move in for the time being. What ensues with them spending more time together was magical.  If they were separated for any length of time, you can’t wait for them to be back together.

This story is fast paced and definitely a page turner. I enjoyed it from start to finish. The secondary characters were amazing and I am hoping and praying that each of them has their own story to be told.  And I am not afraid to admit that this story had one of the best intimate scenes that I have ever read. Steamy, hot and erotic is an understatement, completely left me wanting more.  I look forward to more books in the Bound series and I will never forget Harlan Franco.

Reviewed by Erin

Copy provided by Publisher

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Bound by Lorelei James-Review and Giveaway

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Bound by Lorelei James-Review and Giveaway

BOUND Giveaway Banner

Bound
The Mastered Series #1
by Lorelei James
Release Date: February 4, 2014

Bound

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository

About the book: Release Date February 4, 2014

Former small-town girl Amery Hardwick is living her dream as a graphic designer in Denver, Colorado. She’s focused on building her business, which leaves little time for dating—not that she needs a romantic entanglement to fulfill her. When her friend signs up for a self-defense class as part of her recovery after an attack, Amery joins her for support. That’s where she meets him.

Ronin Black, owner of the dojo, is so drawn to Amery that he takes over her training—in public and in private. The enigmatic Ronin pushes Amery’s boundaries from the start, and with each new tryst, Amery becomes addicted to the pleasure and to him. But when Amery senses Ronin is hiding something, she questions her total trust in him, despite the undeniable thrill of his possession.

••••••••••••••••••

Oh my sweet Jesus………..I.LOVED.THIS.BOOK. Amery was raised by very strict, very Christian parents and is still, in a sense, still trying to discover who she really is. She’s already pretty accomplished in her professional life, but she feels that her personal life is lacking. Enter Ronin Black. I have not been this enthralled with the hero of a book in a long time. And, evidently, neither has Amery! *snort* He is sensual personified. And, once they lock onto each other, things really get steamy.

They begin seeing each other and things go pretty quickly. Amery’s friends are a little wary of Ronin, but Amery just brushes it off. He’s hot and into her. What could be wrong with that?? But, she soon realizes that there is more to the mysterious Ronin Black than meets the eye. He disappears from time to time, not for too long, but enough that she begins to question things and he’s evasive, which doesn’t sit well with her. She begins to distance herself, but Ronin will not have it. Yep, he’s a man used to getting what he wants. And? He wants her.

There is so much I want to say about this book. It is wonderfully written, grabbing you from the beginning. Ronin Black was a very pleasant surprise for me. He, at least for me, is different from the others in this genre. He’s used to getting what he wants, but not as “hard” as others I’ve read about. He, like I said before, is sensual personified. Amery is a great heroine and I love her as well. These two fit together better than any pair I’ve read about in a long time. And, I knew that there was something big that we didn’t know about Mr. Black, but holy cow!!! I did NOT see that coming at the end of the book. I also didn’t know that this was a series devoted to the two of them, or at least, I’m guessing that’s what it is. Because the book ends with a major revelation and I can’t wait for the next installment. This is the first book I’ve read by Lorelei James, but, my friends, I guarantee you that it won’t be the last. I am chomping at the bit for the next one. If you read this one, you will be too!!! Very well done Lorelei James, very very well done!!!

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Reviewed by Vickie M.

About The Author Black and Yellow

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Lorelei JamesWhen I’m not squirreled away behind my laptop writing fun, sexy, contemporary erotic romances set in the modern day Wild West, I can be found reading everything under the sun, practicing yoga until I’m a pretzel, shootin’ my .22, watching the Professional Bull Riders tour on Versus, and running a kid’s taxi service, all in the guise of avoiding housework and rustlin’ up vittles.

Why do I have a particular fondness for all things western? Well, I’m a fourth generation South Dakotan, living in the Black Hills, which is chock-full of interesting characters, including cowboys, Indians, ranchers, and bikers. The geographical diversity of the surrounding area showcases mountains, plains, and badlands. Living in and writing about rural settings gives me a unique perspective, especially since I’m not writing historical westerns. Through my fictional world, I can show the ideals and the cowboy way of life are still very much alive.

Giveaway-Black and Yellow

Lorelei James and Penguin Groups are offering a paper copy of BOUND to one lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. Please register using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in please post your email address with your comments.

3. Giveaway open to USA only.

4. Giveaway runs from January 28 to February 1, 2014

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