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Librarian's Note: this is an alternate cover edition - ASIN: B007X6GZDK

I am Katya Waters.
A survivor of violence.
I fought death and won.
So why do I feel so dead inside?


Katya Waters is a small-town girl, mentally unprepared to deal with her deep, dark past. While walking in her sanctuary, her innocence was torn from her in the most brutal fashion- run to the ground as if she were an animal by a pack of vicious Hunters. After they wounded her spirit, they left her for dead.

How does one overcome a debilitating, tragic event? By strength, perseverance, and an unrelenting will to survive.

Out of desire, Katya no longer wanted to be the hunted. She hungered to be the hunter.

Finally taking her life into her own hands, Katya reached for what she’d earned, for the respect every human being so rightfully deserves.

By moving to a new city for the job of her dreams, Katya unwittingly brought her past nightmares to life, slowly drawing the repressed, dark memories into the light. With a deep desire to explore her true nature, Katya entered the BDSM Club, Restraint; never realizing there would be no escape from her secrets within the club’s walls. Katya’s entire existence turned into a living, breathing, never-ending therapy session from Hell.

The Boss pulled Katya into a thrilling game of Kat & Mouse as a way to force Katya to accept the truth of her past. Follow Katya’s heartbreaking journey as she connected the mystery of her past with her thrilling present.

… As long as I have a tomorrow, I can endure today.

454 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 23, 2012

53 people are currently reading
2193 people want to read

About the author

Erica Chilson

42 books438 followers
Erica Chilson does not write in the 3rd person, wanting her readers to be her characters. Therefore, writing a bio about herself, is uncomfortable in the extreme.

Born, raised, and here to stay, the Wicked Writer is a stump-jumper, a ridge-runner. Hailing from North Central Pennsylvania, directly on the New York State border; she loves the changes in seasons, the humid air, all the mountainous forest, and the gloomy atmosphere.

Introverted, but not socially awkward, Erica prides herself on thinking first and filtering her speech. There are days she doesn’t speak at all. If it wasn’t for the fact that she lives with her parents, giving her a sense of reality, she would be a hermit, where the delivery man finds her months after expiration.

Reading was an escape, a way to leave a not-so pleasant reality behind. Reading lent Erica the courage she gathered from the characters between the pages to long for a different life. Writing was an instrument of change, evolving Erica into the woman she is today- a better, more mature, more at peace thinker.

Erica has a wicked mind, one she pours out into her creations. Her filter doesn’t allow all of it to erupt, much to her relief. Sarcastic, with a very dark, perverse sense of humor, Erica puts a bit of herself into every character she writes.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
Profile Image for I ♥ Bookie Nookie (bookienookiereviews.blogspot.com).
1,028 reviews2,904 followers
July 2, 2015
Fantastic! I can't stop now - on to the next book!

Ok, I finally got it together enough to review this little treasure.


RESTRAINT – great title, but I exhibited very little of this while blowing through this fantastic world of mystery and intrigue that is the life of Katya Waters – I couldn’t even be bothered to stop and review it!

Katya Waters has been through hell and back in her relatively short life. She is beyond shocked to discover that the better part of her adult life has been carefully orchestrated by a wickedly smart and determined puppet-master. The adventure of self-discovery that she embarks upon in the world of BDSM is exciting, mysterious, sexy and sensual. I was on the edge of my seat with anticipation as I submerged myself into her story. I loved it!

Eric Chilson successfully sucked me into the story from the very beginning. The characters are all charming; even the sadistic ones ;-). I can’t wait to see what she does with the secondary characters in this series, there is so much potential. Chilson really has a way with words – I have a feeling she has a big hit on her hands with this series.

If you are looking for something fun and sexy that’s also a little dark with a lot of little mysteries to uncover, then you should definitely check this out. Prepare yourself, because you will want to get straight to book 2, UNLEASHED. I just couldn’t get to it fast enough - I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews

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Profile Image for Erin Kyle.
373 reviews
September 4, 2013
I have HUGE issues with this piece. HUGE.

First impression: this isn't a BDSM novel; this is stalker behavior. Sure, it has some rough and dominating elements, but this isn't about exploring limits *together* with a sense of shared trust. No; this is a man taking advantage of a woman who's been scarred by the past. It's like what Katya, herself, says: "There is no balance, and that balance is what drew me to BDSM in the first place." The *Boss* takes and takes and...that's it. There's no giving. No sharing. Just taking. And I don't care about the huge spoiler detail that is supposed to make that "okay."

And one thing I didn't expect (one of many) is the faithless men in the story. They have fiances/wives/girlfriends who don't know about their "women on the side." If the fiances/wives/girlfriends were okay with the scene, okay with their men exploring BDSM with other women, that'd be okay with me. But men cheating on their longtime ladies? No. Absolutely not. I have never -- will never -- knowingly glorify "the other woman" trope, and this book is no exception.

By nature, being a powerful Dom doesn't mean a man is manipulative. The reality of being a good Dom means being open and honest, communicating clearly to make sure everyone feels safe and is enjoying him/herself. I can't stand the manipulation going on in this book. 3 years of stalking? Seriously? Re-arranging Katya's life to fit Master Ez's purposes? Placing hidden cameras? Those limits are off-limits in any kind of scene except partnerships involving full-time D/s slave scenes.

"I just hope that I didn't confide in the wrong person [Master Ez] doesn't have the best track record: controlling, stalking, spying and recording, micromanaging, and adulterous....No way can he be trusted. I'm not sure he's entirely sane at this point." These are NOT thoughts a sub should have about his/her Dom. The D/s relationship is founded ENTIRELY on trust!!

I really wanted to like this story. I really did. But I don't. At all. There are dark erotica stories (some of which I love), but this is entirely different. Nothing like the novel's description. I'm sorry I paid money for it, and I advise you to think twice before buying.
Profile Image for Elizabeth (Liz).
682 reviews409 followers
January 26, 2013
Wow!! NOT what I was expecting AT ALL! *So* much better!

Katya Waters has moved to a new city for the publishing job she's always dreamed of. She's a tough boss, but only because she's exceptional at her job. Katya has always felt the pull of her darker side, and the longing to satisfy those needs leads her to a BDSM club called Restraint. Here she encounters a mysterious man they call the "Boss". He claims to know everything about her, but how can that be? Immediately, he pulls her into a thrilling sexual game which ends only when she is able to connect the trauma of her past to the potential of her present.

To be honest, when I first began reading Restraint, I was positive that within five minutes I would be DNFing this book. The very beginning of the book is not written to my taste. It seemed cheap and cliche. The original introduction to the character of Katya Waters was less than stellar. She came off way too hard and coarse. However, within a short period of time, during her first trip to club Restraint, I started to become interested in the story. The more I read, the more invested I became. The more the characters revealed of themselves, the more curious I became. Until, eventually, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough! The mystery of the connection between Katya's traumatic past and exhilarating present was riveting. I could not put this book down for anything, and I didn't want it to end!

Thankfully, I realized this is a series by Erica Chilson, and there are three other books out at the moment with more to follow. I'm currently reading book number two, and it's already got me hooked. I haven't given an awful lot of detail about this story, and I understand that may be a little frustrating. But, trust me when I tell you, the best way to experience this book is to simply START READING!

Sexy, edgy and addicting! Don't miss this!!


4.5 Stars!

Profile Image for Philisha Stephens.
105 reviews6 followers
June 19, 2013
I downloaded this book when it was free from Amazon. There's a reason it was free, it lacks structure and editing, it's very rough. This is NOT a romance, it is a lusty multiple sex with male or female book. To read this story is punishment. Don’t bother. I skipped ahead and breezed through the rest of the book confirming what my suspicisions said. The 3-guys (Ezra, Cortez, & Aaron) were forced to rape her when she was a teen and she ended up pregnant with Ezra’s child. In essence, the story and plot could have been really great, only problem is I didn’t like any of the people that were the characters. There were no good qualities shown for any of them. This isn’t a love story by any means, it is a… train wreck.

Chapter one starts off roughly. There is a group of 4 in a meeting talking about an author, 3-women 1-man. Then somehow in the course of the discussion, the main lady (later found out is Kat Waters) lust over one of her employees. Gross. I don’t know how old she is but she sounds/acts like a horny teenager. Then she accidently bumps into her boss and has similar reactions to him. When Kat gets called out on her leering, she responds much like a non-professional. How did she get to be a boss acting like this? So far the office screams of sexual harassment, not somewhere I’d want to work. I find myself not liking the main character. Then somewhere in there is a gay man who is offended and leaves, where did he come from, because I thought there was only four in the room?

Chapter two, Kat is standing in line to get into a club and mentally degrading everyone else in the line. If none of those in line are worthy to get in, then what makes her so positive that inside is any better. Supposedly she knows so much about the clubbing but then states she’s never been to any club before. The book is written in first POV, from Kat’s view. She sounds narcissistic describing herself: “I…exhibit and aura of power. I could wear a feed sack and people would stumble from my path.” Then she goes on to mock “Boss” on her being let in. She talks a big talk to herself, but then once she’s in she has to “pull up her big girl panties.” Does she have multiple personalities?

Then still in chapter two she meets a dominatrix named Queen where some of the conversations are mixed between Kit & Queen and I couldn’t tell who was talking. Personally, I really don’t like Kat by the time chapter two is finished. The question at this point is, do I even want to read further? No, I don’t want to but it is a book. Just like a train wreck, I’m powerless to not watch, or read in this case.

Chapter 3, I’ve already figured out the EZ is Mr. Zeitler at the onset of this chapter and it is confirmed by the end of Chapter 4. Though I don’t know why he has to hide who he is unless it is to build sexual tension. Really hard to do when I don’t like any of the characters. The only emotion shown is lust. There is no love, desire, or respect with any of the characters.

Chapter 5 – What the F? The scene is something out of a thriller. She’s not freaked out that this man is in her home with his hand over her mouth, then inflicting pain on her? Uh HELLO… this is psychotic behavior, not the beginning of love. I would anticipate this guy having a deep freezer full of girls who said no. This girl is so messed up in the head. She is obviously not getting anything out of this the way she thinks, so why bother?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Bec.
159 reviews20 followers
March 23, 2015
This review is for the first edition of Restraint


I'm downloading the next one straight away. Not what i was expecting at all.
I haven't read many BDSM book but the ones I have have mostly been from the sub's or an onlooker's perspective. I'm still trying to put it into words, you get sucked in with the mystery, the characters are not annoying (I know that doesn't sound great but it seems hard to come by these days). There's a LOT of sex but there was real plot and it blended well, not like a few others I've read lately that just seem to put it in for jollies.
I think that's all I wanted to say. Loved it, loved unleashed & Dexter, onto Dalton now. Can't wait for the rest ;-)
Profile Image for Dee.
2,012 reviews105 followers
October 17, 2014
Loved this story, and the characters. Nice to see a strong female who chooses to be a survivor, not a victim.

The only thing that keeps my screams at bay is the thought that I didn't scream, beg, or fight. Even though he took my body, I didn't give him my pain or pleasure. He didn't break me!

The story was so wonderfully written that I became truly invested in all of the characters.

I hate books that end with cliff hangers so you HAVE to buy the next book, this is not one of those. IMO this one makes you WANT to follow the characters! That said, I immediately downloaded book 2 upon finishing this story.

Profile Image for Tara.
Author 71 books10.3k followers
August 11, 2012
Wow! Not what I was expecting at all. I figured this would just be a quick, dirty read. It was dirty, and I read it quick because I couldn't put it down. Freaking awesome, taboo story to go along with the smut. The build up to the end of the game was just phenomenal. Can't wait to read the next book & find out where these characters will go.
Profile Image for Di Covey/TwistedBookReviews.
1,114 reviews215 followers
February 14, 2015
5 Stars!

(M&M Series Book #1)
Warning: Contains Non-Con & Mind Fuckery.


A story of one's brutal past and overcoming the struggle in an completely unconventional way. Hold on to your ass, you will not want to stop once you start. Katya's story is dark, disturbing and utterly consuming.

"My feet pound the ground with such force it reverberates up my legs and trails up my spine. The sharp snap of twigs breaking under the impact echoes in my ears, along with the deafening tattoo of my panicked heart. My terror-filled breath saws out my lips, exhale clouding the air across my face as I run- Run for my life."


This is the final print version for Restraint. I've read every copy, and even though I thought it was perfect the first time, Erica Chilson didn't. I didn't write reviews when I first read Restraint, I'm glad I didn't because now I feel more close the story, the characters, and now I can properly review.

"I am Katya Waters. A survivor of violence. I fought death and won."


Katya moves to a new town, bound to start a new life. Trying to overcome her tragic past. But she never thought she would have to face the harshness of her past full force with the help of three strangers. Someone is stalking her, playing a sadistic yet sexual game of Chess. Are they helping or condemning her to a life of total terror? Who can she trust, who is playing the game, and what's the ultimate outcome?

The answers are much clearer now than they were in the first version, but you still feel the betrayal, the hurt, the total shocking aspect of the story. It will consume you. I know the outcome, I know the 'GAME,' but nothing prepared me for the emotional rollercoaster ride I would endure. My feelings were magnified, intense because of the closeness I feel for the characters. Erica Chilson brings every one of her characters to life.

As the story unfolds, the picture is painted with clarity. Katya has blocked some of the events of her attack, you learn the truth right along with her, adding to the mystery of the story. There's so many twists that will have you gasping. I kept thinking, this can't be right, no way...OMG.

I'm not going to give anymore. Just be prepared for complete addiction, this is just the beginning.

Welcome to the game.

"I have a motto for our little gang- Hunter's pack. Don't ask for permission- ask for forgiveness."
Profile Image for Jenni.
26 reviews10 followers
August 16, 2012
Wow, I have a mixed bag of emotions about this book. I couldn't put it down, but I don't know if that should be taken as a compliment or not. I kept reading with that kind of pull you get when you see a horrific crash and you should look away, but morbid curiosity gets the better of you. I am almost relieved to find that this is not a stand alone book, because frankly if it was I would be very disturbed by where this story ended. This book was an interesting read, but it was one of those books where they try to build the mystery of what is going on, while being so ridiculously obvious that if the outcome had been different that might have actually shocked me. As it was I saw the plot twists coming from miles off. I did enjoy the characters, but what actually disturbs me the most about this book is the actual premise of the entire plot. I can't even describe what bothered me so much without giving away the entire plot. However, all of that said, I can't say I totally hated this book. Now would I recommend it to everyone I know? No probably not, but I do have a few friends that might enjoy this book. It is just for a more select crowd.
Profile Image for Candice.
2,954 reviews135 followers
January 20, 2015
It's 3am. I just finished. I will write a review later.

Okay, first off I think I got this for free or .99. I was NOT expecting this. It was seriously incredible. NOT for the faint of heart as it deals with rape, kidnapping, BDSM, menege trois, stalking, control issues, etc.

Erica Chilson, I could NOT put this down. I don't know what time I started it (late), but I didn't stop until I was done at 3am. I wanted more. Well done. Great story, great pace, incredible everything.

I would give it 10 stars if I could.
Profile Image for Heather in FL.
2,063 reviews
July 20, 2012
This was a group read and before it became a group read, it was hyped a bit by I {heart} Bookie Nookie. And she generally has good taste. Plus, it was free, which was nice. :-)

This was darker than I thought it would be. I'm not sure I really knew what to expect going in. I didn't realize the main character had been raped, not based on the blurb. Her reliving it over and over was painful to read. I'm not saying that it was bad. It was definitely necessary to the story, and it evoked an emotional response from me, so the author definitely got her point across. In many scenes. I kind of didn't like Katya at first, because she seemed so cold, but then as the story progressed, more of her was revealed, and I came to somewhat understand her actions and personality.

Ezra and Cortez and Aaron were great. It was so strange, reading the story, with little bits being revealed at a time, to understand how they all fit together and how they fit with Katya. I read the two stories back-to-back, so what happened when may be a little hazy (was it the first book or the second?) but generally, I'm happy with where everyone ended up. I sort of guessed the situation early on, but it's OK because the rest of the story just rolled out in little bits and sometimes throwing curve balls, wondering if I was right or wrong.

While this book is explicit, it's not steamy, at least not for me. It's very raw sex. Some of it is emotional; a lot of it seems like it's merely for release.

At it's core, this is a happy story of people coming together to support each other. It's surrounded in a bunch of mystery and darkness and some sadness. But ultimately it was a very interesting story. Interesting enough for me to buy the second one to see where the heck it was going, lol.

My copy had lots of errors that pulled me out of the story frequently -- strange conventions in terms of continuing conversations with the same person... word usage... tenses changing... Unfortunately, my brain can't skip over those things. If it's just a couple times, not a big deal, but I felt like it happened a lot. BUT the story was still very good.
Profile Image for Optimist ♰King's Wench♰.
1,822 reviews3,973 followers
January 26, 2013
Ms. Chilson's writing style leaves a lot to be desired-the phrase 'freak out' is used entirely too often & someone needs to show her how to use spell check & maybe proofread. I can't say much because anything & everything I have to say would probably spoil it. What I can say is I don't get this game the four of them are playing. Not one little bit. I don't understand why anyone would go to such extraordinary lengths, seems ridiculous to me not to mention melodramatic. AND the killer is said person that's instigating this game & going to all these extraordinary lengths is a psychiatrist! OMG! Another thing I can say is Katya purports to be this strong, domineering woman when all I see is a sniveling & daft little girl who's an emotional train wreck. Every single time I think she's figured it out, she hasn't. A 2 yr old could figure this out but not her. I actually wanted to draw her a picture or perhaps a flow chart at one point. So she finally, FINALLY figures it out then it ends? WTH? And don't even get me started on the BDSM in this thing. The cherry on top of this sundae is there's all these unanswered questions which translates into me having to read the next one just so I can try to understand these nutbags! Tip of the hat, Ms. Chilton.
Profile Image for S.M. Harshell.
Author 5 books46 followers
February 13, 2015
**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**

REVIEWING 2015 RE-RELEASED COPY

In April of 2013 I was asked if I wanted to do a review for a book that I had never heard of. I was up for a challenge so I agreed. That book was Restraint and I fell in love. This genre was new to me. I loved the BDSM aspect, the darkness, the mind games. I loved the puzzle that was Restraint. Now two years later Ms. Chilson is definitely one of my top five authors.

2013 Original Review

When I first started reading I was expecting the usual BDSM story line but was pleasantly surprised on the level of suspense the story line carried throughout the book. Don't get me wrong there are some great scenes that will leave in awe. Making you want to reread them. I loved how in depth the characters are, seeing what pushes them into this lifestyle that they have chosen. Seeing how twisted and dark their minds are. It is definitely a must read. Any one that has enjoyed any books from this genre should add this to their list. Can't wait to see what the rest of the series holds for Katya, Cortez and Ezra!

2015 Review

A lot of what I said in that review still stands. This book isn't for the faint of heart. There are some emotional triggers scattered throughout the read. You have to go through the dirty, unspeakable things to see why Katya is why she is. Why Ezra thinks like he does. Why Cortez and Aaron have their own issues.

When I found out Ms. Chilson was rewriting I often wondered why, after reading this final version I know. The things that were added/changed simply made this story. She took something that was a good read and made it fantastic. She had the ability to completely change my opinion of Katya. In the original I didn't have sympathy for her or her situation. I felt she was living the way she was because she did that to herself. Now I see the pain, the rawness about her. Why she can't walk away. Ms. Chilson maybe driving herself mad while rewritng but the end result is amazing. I can't wait to see what she does with the rest of the series. It's still the characters and the game I fell in love with but better...so much better.

Wicked Reads Review Team

Profile Image for Daisy Sloan.
776 reviews115 followers
August 17, 2012
Follow this review and others at http://www.mysecretromancebookreviews...

Ladies and Gentlemen, please make sure you seat backs and tray tables are in their upright and locked position and that your seatbelts are securely fastened. It’s gonna get bumpy!

This is one sick, twisted, F-ed up story! And I loved every minute of it. The prologue had me hooked in the first two sentences. Then when I actually got into the novel I couldn’t put it down. Ms. Chilson’s imagination is wicked and this is one F-ed up story! I’m going to have to read the next one in the series because I have to know more!

Katya is a switch and visits a local BDSM club, for the first time. When she arrives there she finds that everyone who works there knows her and has instructions to take care of her, watch over her. While she’s there, she’s shoved into a dark room and pinned to the wall. The Dom who has shoved her into the room places a bracelet on her wrist. He takes ownership of her. When Kat gets home, she tries to take the bracelet off, only to find she can’t, no matter what! Thus begins the game of Kat and mouse. Master Ez tells her, he will reveal himself to her when she figures out who he is.

Katya finally figures out who Master Ez is but the game of Kat and mouse continues. There’s more to this story than meets the eye. Katya continues to use her investigative skills to work through the puzzle and reach the end game. To quote Katya “Game on, Bastards”.

Part way through the story I figured out the end game. I figured out what Katya was supposed to figure out. I was crushed for her. I was also thinking OMG! This is so F-ed up! I was literally screaming on the inside (I couldn’t scram out loud as my family was asleep and I didn’t want to wake them up).

This is an amazing story and Ms. Chilson has one sick, twisted imagination. I loved every minute of it. I loved it so much; I stayed up until the week hours of the morning to finish it! Now on to the second one in the series: Unleashed. Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for your attention, you may now return to your regularly scheduled reading.
Profile Image for Christina.
238 reviews33 followers
September 5, 2012
6 Absolutely Amazing Stars!!!!

Holy eff!!! My head was spinning after I read this book! In fact it was so awesome that I had to continue with the next 3 books in this series! I honestly couldn't even come up for air...let alone write a review. My god this was unlike anything I have ever read before. I haven't been this this enthralled with a book since Fifty. I was absolutely captivated, breathless, in a trance and spiraling. God I still can't put into words how I felt about this book.

I won't go into details about the plot...you honestly have to read it because my words won't do it justice. This was a book filled with so much eroticism in every sense of the way. There is so much mystery and always kept me guessing. Just when I thought I figured it out ...it would take a turn and drop my world out from under me. It was shocking!! This was a masterpiece of words put together! This book is a little bit similar to Fifty...but honest to god so much more. It has eroticism, mystery, lust, passion, longing, sex, love and crazy turn of events.

I am writing this after I have read the first 4 books in the series and I can tell you I will never forget! What the hell?! I have been on the craziest, most shocking, anything goes, spinning journey of my life after reading these books. They are very sexually explicit but yet the author writes it so well, that I as a reader, completely understand all the craziness. It just never ceased to amaze me. I was shocked so many times but I Could Not Put These Books Down!!!

This series is heavy into BSDM...you really get a sense into the lifestyle. I feeel like I am part of this family and all the characters. I feel very empty right now because I have finished book 4 (Dalton) and that is the last one released so far. I feel lost and feel like my characters have left me. I want so much to read the next ones. God I can't wait!! I don't want to let them go to read something else in the mean time.

Love it! Love it!

I may add to this review as I remember more things I wanted to say.



1,008 reviews8 followers
February 11, 2015
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

This is a review for the February 2015 edition of Restraint.

Katya's story had my emotions and thoughts all over the place. The horror that Katya went though as a teen had me desperately wanting her to become stronger and come out on top as she forges her new life. I liked her strength and her will to survive even though sometimes she came off a bit full of herself. As more is revealed I realised Katya has quite a negative view of herself and I wanted to challenge those views. She doesn't realise her worth.

The cast of characters in Restraint, particular her boss Ezra, behave in the most appalling ways and I wanted to strangle them, even though I loved them. More than once I wanted to yell at Katya to run far, far away from all these crazy people or climb into the book and protect her from their manipulative ways.

Katya's internal monologues sometimes went on a bit too long for me and I wanted to get out of her head and repetitive thoughts and back to the story, desperate to find out what was going on.

Restraint isn't your typical book and as the story unfolds you are never really sure what kind of ending your going to get which I loved.

Restraint is the first book in one of my favourite series and I eagerly await the re-release of the next book, Unleashed.

Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for Lisa X.
157 reviews
June 27, 2012
Although I gave this book 4 stars, I really don't know what to think about it. Half the time I was reading this book I felt it was the stupidest piece of garbage I've ever read and the other half had me so completely hooked. There were a few times I almost didn't finish reading it but I was so compelled to keep reading it because I didn't know where the story was going. It was also a bit taboo with all the characters screwing each other and the relationships that every character had with one another. Surprisingly, their really isn't much sex in this book for being erotic literature but that's not saying it's not sexually explicit.

Bottom line, this book has so many holes in the plot and is so unbelievable unrealistic yet the author does a great job establishing connections with the characters. I will be continuing the series to see where Chilson takes us next.

FYI: This book is free if you have an Amazon Prime account so it's worth a shot to read.
Profile Image for Renee Nicole.
299 reviews215 followers
July 17, 2012
I was iffy about this book at first. Katya was a little too "hard" for me, if that makes sense. But once the story started to develop, I found myself unable to put it down! I think I have a thing for emotionally flawed characters, and Erica Chilson created them so well. Everyone in this book is messed up, and I kind of loved that.

The mystery that was woven into this story was pretty exhilarating. Even when I KNEW what was going on, there was still a part of my brain that told me I could be wrong; that things weren't what they seemed. Perhaps this is why I instantly bought the second book. There were too many unresolved issues for me to put this story to rest in my mind.

Read it. Enjoy it. Be prepared to continue on to Unleashed, because the story does not end here.
Profile Image for Leila DeSint.
Author 14 books79 followers
June 2, 2012
A carefully woven web of deception is set in motion by a King aided by a Rook and Bishop to put the Queen into play. But are they from the darkness or the light? I leave that for each of us to discern for ourselves.

As the threads unravel the Queen moves closer to the truth, her own truth, one she had locked away in the far reaches of her mind. Deep unspoken desires many cannot accept are lay bare. The thrill of being hunted. The excitement of being the hunter. Blisteringly decadent sexual exploration ensues for The Queen (Kat). She must face herself.

A blend of serene and frantic imagery is brought together as The Queen pieces together the ghosts of her past. She is seduced ever closer to Bishop and Rook while the King waits...
Checkmate!

Enjoyable? Absolutely.

I can't wait to read the next installment.
Profile Image for Kris.
844 reviews8 followers
August 16, 2012
I cant wait to read the next book! Katya is a very interesting heroine with a dark background. She exudes confidence but with just the right touch of insecurity/self loathing in a main character to make her someone I can relate to & get behind. this book has great plot twists and OMG revelations that keep you from putting it down! Definitely worth the read!!! not to mention a plethora of interesting hot male characters! :-) reminiscent of good old Anita Blake to me...i'm a fan!

5 reviews1 follower
March 13, 2015
I'm not sure why I originally picked up Restraint, but I did and I have never looked back...oh wait...yes I did....I looked back to read 2 more times! and I do not reread books. I love this book. It does what books are meant to do, allows me to escape life for a while. I recommend this book, as well as the rest of the series to everyone!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
354 reviews
July 30, 2012
This book could be a kick ass movie. I loved the suspense and trying to figure out the secret. I did very well and got it by the second play on the chess board. I am gonna have to get the next book. I have to know how this all ends.
Profile Image for BookAddict  ✒ La Crimson Femme.
6,917 reviews1,439 followers
July 22, 2013
I'm mixed on this story. The writing is stilted for me. Is it because the lead character is all confused? The repetition of a scene while makes a point throws me out of the story because it feels awkwardly inserted. If this was a movie, one could tell it's another dream/memory sequence. It a book, it doesn't come across the same way.

Katya is obviously a survivor of something traumatic. As the story unfolds, it's pretty evident what is going on, who the perpetrators are and why they are involving Katya again. This mind fuck is pretty cool and I enjoyed that piece.

What disturbs me at times is the fact that each of these main characters is fucked up with some kind of mental problem/instability and they are into BDSM. At one point, they even claim only a sick fucked up person would be into BDSM. That is a pet peeve of mine and I don't appreciate this message. It's true these characters have issues they seem not to be able to resolve.

What to say about the characters? I liked Katya. Even though she's different from me and this is written in first person (which I don't like) it worked. It would have worked better for me if it was in her point of view but not in first person. That's my preference. Ezra and Cortez are both a bit enigmatic and it's why I like them. Ms. Chilson does a good job of making her characters unique so it's not possible just to swap their names and the story would still make sense. It helps me care more about each of the characters. The only thing really bugging me is the nonchalant attitude with the cheating infidelity. I don't like it.

The BDSM scenes in here are decent. There's obviously been some research. The club nearly pushes this into a GlitterKink book but it's not the focal point of the story so I'm leaving it off. There is a lots of mixed messages here. The D/s portrayed here is off kilter since trust is a key component yet it's constantly being broken. This entire book is watching train wreck survivors crawling out of the wreckage and understanding what happened and why. It does make me want to read the next book in this series. Recommended for kinky readers who enjoy a mind fuck.
Profile Image for Shelby.
584 reviews8 followers
February 14, 2015
*I received a free copy {the 5th edition} to read & review for Wicked Reads*
I have read 3 different "editions" of this book, with the final being my absolute favorite. I've also added a star to each version as the story has indeed been enhanced.

Welcome to Dominion, NY! This city is full of opportunity, it's full of life, and it's full of DEVIANTS.
Follow Katya on her journey from victim to survivor. Please don't expect this to be a quick jaunt, this journey to self discovery has many bumps along the road. Her escort(s) are introduced as Master Ez and she is left to decided who this "master" truly is. Hints are given, but this is no easy task...

Katya finally makes a life for herself: She just starts a job at Edge Publishing, moves to the big city into a furnished apartment, and takes a leap of faith and checks out the BDSM club: Restraint. (The club isn't the main focus of this story, just an important location) Her life is finally "coming" together...
until she meets the Boss, or as she's instructed to call him- "Master Ez". (AND HOLY MOLEY is that scene BEYOND hot!!!!) This is the start of the game between these two...

While this book is about Katya, many other characters are introduced -all of varied importance, but each providing entertaining value.
I don't want to "spoil" this story and am not going to delve into the other characters -as they all have their own story to tell.

Katya's mind and heart are at war with one another, and she is a very introspective person. This book was able to convey the constant struggle's she faced with herself. I couldn't help but feel helpless as her truths came to light. I wanted to show up in the book and try to help her (crazy, right?).
The true Mind-F*ck this series provides, starts HERE> this time, though, I really empathized with Katya.
I CAN NOT WAIT to read the revised edition of Unleashed!!!

Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for Ruthie Taylor.
3,723 reviews40 followers
February 13, 2015
"I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads"

I first read this in its previous edition (it is even better now), and then read everything I could find by Ms Chilson, as I think she is a genius. The complexity of the plot, the interweaving of relationships; the intensity of the mind-games, let alone the raw, wild, controlled, mad sexual passion ... are stunning.

I have read this book a number of times, because there are so many layers that I needed to 'try' and straighten it out in my mind. To be honest, I have concluded that I am along for the ride and I have to trust Ms Chilson to reveal the complex machinations of her mind as I continue through the series. I have read enough of her work to be confident that there is a Mistress plan. The story is just a beginning in a huge adventure that is played out amongst some of the kinkiest, most desirable people you will ever meet. As each book gives up its secrets, the next twists everything you believe upon its head - genius, no other word for it.

ps - you could just read this as a hot book and enjoy it greatly for its top layer, but I dare you to read it and not want more!

Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for Michelle.
439 reviews20 followers
Read
May 21, 2015
Spectacular game of Cat and Mouse.

So I finally understand why they call Erica Chilson the Wicked Writer!! This book was filled with mystery, BDSM, erotica and lots of turn paging moments. It's a little on the darker side as Kat is learning how to deal with emotions from something tragic that happened in her past that she is unable to fully remember. The first half of the book was a little slower for me, but once I hit 40%, I was captivated with these characters and the game. I loved Kat and how she got stronger as the game unfolded. Her dominant side shined. The trio intrigued me. I didn't know who to love or hate more! I had so many emotions!!!! And the sexy scenes were off the charts hot. This book was from Kat's point of view. I would love to see more from other pov as I so wanted to see what was going on in Ez, Cort and Aaron's head so many times! I cannot wait to sink my teeth into the rest of this series and see what else these characters have in store for us.
Profile Image for Lisa.
901 reviews
July 17, 2012
Wow... I'm not sure what I was expecting when one of my goodreads friends recommended this book to me, but whatever my expectations were it certainly wasn't what I received when I read this book. This is a very dark erotica with very little romance but loaded with turmoil and emotions. It will take you on the journey of Katya Waters life and the dark revelations she discovers when she takes a new job in a new city. She will soon find out that her life has been manipulated by a man that was used as a tool to destroy her life when she was just eighteen years old. Lots of very intriguing characters in this book, and I'm anxious to start on book #2. I'm hoping I get a HEA in the second book if there can be such a thing as HEA for this heroine, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed!
Profile Image for Sarina Asheford.
Author 7 books6 followers
April 25, 2012
As an erotica writer and fan I like to think that I am open to just about any sort of story. Most dark erotica comes across to me as serious and intense and dangerous. There's plenty of that in Restraint, but there's also a humor and snark that makes the characters very believable and shows their personalities outside of the sexual context. Katya and the Boss are exciting to read, their interactions are at time shocking, at times sweet but always most intense. The other characters are much more than filler- their personalities, needs and desires are also exposed and you'll find that they are just as interesting and deep as Katya and the Boss.
Profile Image for Erica Chilson.
Author 42 books438 followers
Read
February 12, 2015


For those who have purchased a copy of Restraint in the past, and wish for it to be updated, please visit Updated Editions for details.

Do NOT attempt to update via Amazon until February 14th, 2015, when the Kindle edition will be available for both purchase and update. Until then, only D2K from the author is available.

Thank you, and I apologize for the inconvenience.
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