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Compound #1
The Compound
Prepare to submit, body and soul, to the total immersion BDSM training experience that is The Compound.
Craving the truly definitive submissive experience she has yearned for all her adult life, Alexis Stewart marshals her courage to commit to a month of training at The Compound. There she is placed in the hands of Master John, a stern Dominant with the reputation as an uncompromising taskmaster. Despite rigorous 24/7 sexual submission, erotic torture, endurance training and punishment, Alexis smashes again and again against self-imposed walls of resistance that keep her from attaining her goal.
Master Paul Evans is well aware of The Compound rule never to get involved with the trainees, and that’s never been a problem—until now. From the moment he sees the lovely Alexis, he feels the powerful allure of her sensual beauty and submissive spirit. Will he risk everything to steal her heart? This smoldering mix of dark, edgy BDSM and hidden desires threatens to combust into a firestorm of forbidden passion, lust, and ultimately, love.
Craving the truly definitive submissive experience she has yearned for all her adult life, Alexis Stewart marshals her courage to commit to a month of training at The Compound. There she is placed in the hands of Master John, a stern Dominant with the reputation as an uncompromising taskmaster. Despite rigorous 24/7 sexual submission, erotic torture, endurance training and punishment, Alexis smashes again and again against self-imposed walls of resistance that keep her from attaining her goal.
Master Paul Evans is well aware of The Compound rule never to get involved with the trainees, and that’s never been a problem—until now. From the moment he sees the lovely Alexis, he feels the powerful allure of her sensual beauty and submissive spirit. Will he risk everything to steal her heart? This smoldering mix of dark, edgy BDSM and hidden desires threatens to combust into a firestorm of forbidden passion, lust, and ultimately, love.
248 pages, Paperback
First published January 30, 2013
119 people are currently reading
475 people want to read
About the author
Claire Thompson
197 books1,164 followersClaire has been writing for nearly two decades, and has published over 85 novels. She writes BDSM romance and abduction tales, spanning both m/f and m/m genres. She has received numerous awards for her bestselling work, including the NLA-Int’l Pauline Réage Award and the Golden Flogger Award for best BDSM fiction.. Her darker works press the envelope of what is erotic and what can be a sometimes dangerous slide into the world of sadomasochism. Ultimately her work deals with the human condition, and our constant search for love and intensity of experience.
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https://clairethompson.net
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https://clairethompson.net
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
January 5, 2025
Whilst this was missing somewhat in the romance department, it is still a great read and one I would recommend to those who enjoy a good BDSM story. I loved following Alexis' journey into true submission where the emotions, the desires, the need to submit were all wonderfully portrayed. This book is worth reading just for experiencing Alexis' experience!
Alexis has so much more grit and determination than me, 😜😊😊! I would have said "blow it" on so many occasions where she found an inner strength and determination to endure. I found Master John to be more of a sadist then I was comfortable with, but then Alexis was more of a masochist too! So despite my initial reservations they seemed to be ideally suited in a 'training' aspect. Whilst there are plenty of BDSM 'scenes', Alexis is at The Compound for just that, training, and unlike a lot of kink books this didn't automatically mean the trainer had sex with the trainee. So there were some scorching hot scenes, but without penetration. In fact there is very little actual sex in the whole book.
I occasionally got a 'one true way' vibe, mainly in what makes someone a 'proper' submissive. I really don't believe it was the author's intent to do that, nor did I feel she was sending a message or expressing fixed opinions. I think it was just a consequence of the restrictions involved in writing a story, it's a piece of entertainment and the beginning needs to connect to the middle with needs to flow through to the end. There isn't always the possibility of including 'everything' to make it totally realistic - plus that would make it boring!
There were two things I needed, in order for the book to have gained that extra star. The first was more conversations between Alexis and either the other submissives or Master John on the more mental aspects of submission. Several times Alexis was expected to be able to do or achieve something with no explanation or support from Master John. If she could do it on her own she wouldn't have been at The Compound in the first place! The other was that whilst there is a love interest in this book, there was a lack of significant relationship building. It was all far to insta-love for me. Throw me a bone in the form of a few 'real' conversations, a genuine way to form a connection because all I saw was lust and one scene. It wasn't enough.
We did get enough from the Hero's viewpoint for me to believe in his attraction to Alexis AND for me to get a feel for him as a person. The author did a great job of allowing us to know and understand him in a fairly limited number of viewings. Great writing in that aspect alone.
Now before you forget I DO recommend reading this and I will definitely be continuing the series!
Alexis has so much more grit and determination than me, 😜😊😊! I would have said "blow it" on so many occasions where she found an inner strength and determination to endure. I found Master John to be more of a sadist then I was comfortable with, but then Alexis was more of a masochist too! So despite my initial reservations they seemed to be ideally suited in a 'training' aspect. Whilst there are plenty of BDSM 'scenes', Alexis is at The Compound for just that, training, and unlike a lot of kink books this didn't automatically mean the trainer had sex with the trainee. So there were some scorching hot scenes, but without penetration. In fact there is very little actual sex in the whole book.
I occasionally got a 'one true way' vibe, mainly in what makes someone a 'proper' submissive. I really don't believe it was the author's intent to do that, nor did I feel she was sending a message or expressing fixed opinions. I think it was just a consequence of the restrictions involved in writing a story, it's a piece of entertainment and the beginning needs to connect to the middle with needs to flow through to the end. There isn't always the possibility of including 'everything' to make it totally realistic - plus that would make it boring!
There were two things I needed, in order for the book to have gained that extra star. The first was more conversations between Alexis and either the other submissives or Master John on the more mental aspects of submission. Several times Alexis was expected to be able to do or achieve something with no explanation or support from Master John. If she could do it on her own she wouldn't have been at The Compound in the first place! The other was that whilst there is a love interest in this book, there was a lack of significant relationship building. It was all far to insta-love for me. Throw me a bone in the form of a few 'real' conversations, a genuine way to form a connection because all I saw was lust and one scene. It wasn't enough.
We did get enough from the Hero's viewpoint for me to believe in his attraction to Alexis AND for me to get a feel for him as a person. The author did a great job of allowing us to know and understand him in a fairly limited number of viewings. Great writing in that aspect alone.
Now before you forget I DO recommend reading this and I will definitely be continuing the series!
February 21, 2013
Claire Thompson really does write some of the most delicous BDSM around and The Compound is absolutely no exception.
This is the story of Alexis, wannabe submissive, who’s really never been able to get herself fully into the right mindset to allow herself to ‘fly’ in the moment. Her current dom suggests that she tries The Compound, a total immersion BDSM training centre. Alexis applies and gets accepted and is given to Master John, a stern, uncompromising dom who attempts to tear down her self-imposed walls of resistance.
It was never going to be easy – even though she respects Master John, she has no emotional connection to him and it’s exactly that which Alexis is going to need to allow her to fully unleash the submissive within. Alexis knows who can do this – another trainer, Master Paul has caught her eye and she begins to develop strong feelings for him, especially when he becomes involved in her training.
This is absolutely typical Claire Thompson with scene after scene of strong BDSM which has become her hallmark and is certainly not for the faint hearted. Absolutely everything here is consensual although Alexis is going to find her limits pushed frequently pushed to the extreme. Ultimately this is a love story and it’s deeply satisfying as we watch Alexis lust after Master Paul from afar not knowing how he feels about her and feeling self-conscious at her lack of grace and desperate to become the submissive he would be proud of.
I know that this is all just fantasy but this is fiction and I really do just enjoy the fantasy and Claire Thompson has definitely become one of my favourite D/s authors.
3.5 stars BDSM romance
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July 29, 2017
I've read a few books by this author and I thoroughly enjoy them. I do love a good BDSM read and this author is up there on my favourite list.
Alexis Stewart commits to a month of training to be a submissive at The Compound. No matter how hard she tries she can't kick that last bit of wall down. Master John has helped her so much but it's Master Paul that's caught her eye. Can Alexis walls be broke down completely??
A really great read that certainly had me crossing my legs. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
Alexis Stewart commits to a month of training to be a submissive at The Compound. No matter how hard she tries she can't kick that last bit of wall down. Master John has helped her so much but it's Master Paul that's caught her eye. Can Alexis walls be broke down completely??
A really great read that certainly had me crossing my legs. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
December 10, 2019
Welcome to the Compound.
Where Claire Thompson shows you how to fly.
Where capable Masters teach subs the meaning of submitting.
Where subs learn how to let go of worries and fears,and surrender to their Masters with grace.
If only Alexis could fly,if only she could really let go....
Her partner in the lifestyle,Arthur,sees her struggles and suggests she try the Compound.
To help her find the road to that moment she yearns for,the moment she is free.
At the Compound she is given into the stern and Masterful hands of Master John.
He is given the task to get her to that point,to teach her what submitting really means.
If only Master Paul was the one to teach her.....
When she saw hím,all she could think about was.....him.
But that wasn’t why she came,and she does her best to make Master John proud,she really does.
After the first day,she knows it’s best he teaches her.
He has his own slave,Wendy,and there’s no threat of her getting to close to him.
To get feelings......because those only get in the way.
But how to get Paul out of her mind?
How Alexis tried,struggled and failed,in her attempts to fly,it was heartbreaking.
Witnessing her progress in other important matters,it hurt even more.
Because she so desperately wanted,nééded that moment,and still didn’t reach it.....
If only Paul.....
I really enjoyed the first part of this boxset,and i can’t wait to find out about the others!
Where Claire Thompson shows you how to fly.
Where capable Masters teach subs the meaning of submitting.
Where subs learn how to let go of worries and fears,and surrender to their Masters with grace.
If only Alexis could fly,if only she could really let go....
Her partner in the lifestyle,Arthur,sees her struggles and suggests she try the Compound.
To help her find the road to that moment she yearns for,the moment she is free.
At the Compound she is given into the stern and Masterful hands of Master John.
He is given the task to get her to that point,to teach her what submitting really means.
If only Master Paul was the one to teach her.....
When she saw hím,all she could think about was.....him.
But that wasn’t why she came,and she does her best to make Master John proud,she really does.
After the first day,she knows it’s best he teaches her.
He has his own slave,Wendy,and there’s no threat of her getting to close to him.
To get feelings......because those only get in the way.
But how to get Paul out of her mind?
How Alexis tried,struggled and failed,in her attempts to fly,it was heartbreaking.
Witnessing her progress in other important matters,it hurt even more.
Because she so desperately wanted,nééded that moment,and still didn’t reach it.....
If only Paul.....
I really enjoyed the first part of this boxset,and i can’t wait to find out about the others!
March 1, 2019
Shakespeare said, 'To thine own self be true' but what if you don't know what your true self is? How are you then able to be true to yourself? How do you find your self? That is the crux & conflict of Alexis' story in 'The Compound'.
Alexis is 30 years old, is a career business women with an excellent position in a big city, she scenes regularly as a submissive with a Dom friend/partner of long standing at a local BDSM club. She's successful, trusts her BDSM partner, is healthy but definitely not happy. Why can't she ever 'fly' while in a scene as every other sub is able to do? Every time she teeters on the brink of doing so, of feeling true & complete submission, her walls come slamming up, walling her off from her ultimate goal & hope.
But Arthur her Dom partner clues her into The Compound & offers her a chance to immerse herself 24/7 in Master/slave BDSM training to see if that will allow Alexis to 'fly' & find true submission. And in a final effort to discover her true self Alexis applies, interviews & is accepted to The Compound & is given to Master John as a slave trainee. Master John is stern, old school, rigorous & exacting; his methods have successfully trained many superb slaves/submissives for their Masters/Doms & he is highly regarded & respected at The Compound.
So why is Alexis constantly drawn to Master Paul, who is not her Master?
The author does an excellent job helping the reader understand not only Alexis' frustrations & insecurities but how her mind bounces back & forth, sometimes chaotically, between building herself up & shooting herself down. I felt Alexis' agitation as she fights a near constant battle to focus, to submit, to accept, to learn, to absorb vs letting her temper & personality overcome her basic need & want to be truly submissive. But even the best trainer can only do so much, the trainee has to assist, to provide willing clay to be shaped & molded & despite Master John's best efforts Alexis is not giving that 'extra' part of herself to succeed.
I truly enjoyed this story, the secret solution to Alexis' failure & her ability to succeed was ultimately a wonderfully simple & clear one, one I felt the author brought forth in a beautiful manner. I was genuinely happy & pleased with the solution & outcome. Of course, Alexis had a hard & intense journey in her attempt to achieve her desired goal but her friends, & the Masters were there to help & guide her along the way.
An intense BDSM story I genuinely enjoyed.
Alexis is 30 years old, is a career business women with an excellent position in a big city, she scenes regularly as a submissive with a Dom friend/partner of long standing at a local BDSM club. She's successful, trusts her BDSM partner, is healthy but definitely not happy. Why can't she ever 'fly' while in a scene as every other sub is able to do? Every time she teeters on the brink of doing so, of feeling true & complete submission, her walls come slamming up, walling her off from her ultimate goal & hope.
But Arthur her Dom partner clues her into The Compound & offers her a chance to immerse herself 24/7 in Master/slave BDSM training to see if that will allow Alexis to 'fly' & find true submission. And in a final effort to discover her true self Alexis applies, interviews & is accepted to The Compound & is given to Master John as a slave trainee. Master John is stern, old school, rigorous & exacting; his methods have successfully trained many superb slaves/submissives for their Masters/Doms & he is highly regarded & respected at The Compound.
So why is Alexis constantly drawn to Master Paul, who is not her Master?
The author does an excellent job helping the reader understand not only Alexis' frustrations & insecurities but how her mind bounces back & forth, sometimes chaotically, between building herself up & shooting herself down. I felt Alexis' agitation as she fights a near constant battle to focus, to submit, to accept, to learn, to absorb vs letting her temper & personality overcome her basic need & want to be truly submissive. But even the best trainer can only do so much, the trainee has to assist, to provide willing clay to be shaped & molded & despite Master John's best efforts Alexis is not giving that 'extra' part of herself to succeed.
I truly enjoyed this story, the secret solution to Alexis' failure & her ability to succeed was ultimately a wonderfully simple & clear one, one I felt the author brought forth in a beautiful manner. I was genuinely happy & pleased with the solution & outcome. Of course, Alexis had a hard & intense journey in her attempt to achieve her desired goal but her friends, & the Masters were there to help & guide her along the way.
An intense BDSM story I genuinely enjoyed.
August 30, 2020
Bdsm book with a lot of sex
So the basic premise of this book is a girl goes to a compound to learn about being a sex slave and sexual submissive and It pretty much does what it says on the tin.
There was a lot of sex and not really much storyline outside of that but what little storyline that was there I did enjoy.
There was a diverse cast of characters and some diversity in relationships
The characters and scenes were all described really well and I could easily picture them all.
So why only 3 stars? Well mostly it’s about my personal preferences.
There was a scene where they did not discuss safe words before hand and it was a punishment scene but when she used her own safe word the Dom didn’t stop which I was shocked at
At other times the safe word system was put in place so I’m not sure why it wasn’t here.
But the main reason was it just wasn’t my kink.
I completely get that it is all consensual but something on an Innate level is severely uncomfortable with the idea of “slavery” and being called a sex slave. The concept that the person is secondary to another doesn’t sit right with me and as I say totally get that’s some peoples kinks and it’s all safe sane consensual but as I say just not my thing so at times I found it almost uncomfortable To read. I mean it’s not one of my “turn off nope can’t read this” but just couldn’t connect with the story because of it.
Still reasonably enjoyable all the same just sex heavy so again if that’s your thing then you’ll love it and what’s even better is it’s on KU
Will I read the others, no probably not but I would read more by this author because she’s a great writer just this wasn’t in my niche
So the basic premise of this book is a girl goes to a compound to learn about being a sex slave and sexual submissive and It pretty much does what it says on the tin.
There was a lot of sex and not really much storyline outside of that but what little storyline that was there I did enjoy.
There was a diverse cast of characters and some diversity in relationships
The characters and scenes were all described really well and I could easily picture them all.
So why only 3 stars? Well mostly it’s about my personal preferences.
There was a scene where they did not discuss safe words before hand and it was a punishment scene but when she used her own safe word the Dom didn’t stop which I was shocked at
At other times the safe word system was put in place so I’m not sure why it wasn’t here.
But the main reason was it just wasn’t my kink.
I completely get that it is all consensual but something on an Innate level is severely uncomfortable with the idea of “slavery” and being called a sex slave. The concept that the person is secondary to another doesn’t sit right with me and as I say totally get that’s some peoples kinks and it’s all safe sane consensual but as I say just not my thing so at times I found it almost uncomfortable To read. I mean it’s not one of my “turn off nope can’t read this” but just couldn’t connect with the story because of it.
Still reasonably enjoyable all the same just sex heavy so again if that’s your thing then you’ll love it and what’s even better is it’s on KU
Will I read the others, no probably not but I would read more by this author because she’s a great writer just this wasn’t in my niche
March 13, 2013
3.3 stars BDSM romance
This was my 1st BDSM book (really, If you don’t count the soft stuff)
I enjoyed the book. I liked the character development and enjoyed the storyline very much. I felt Alexis's every jolt of pain or whimper of pleasure as it was being done because it was so detailed and thought out. Same can be said with her relationship with Master Paul and Master John. The author also explains a lot about the world and lifestyle of BDSM and I found that helpful.
I think the only thing that is “holding me back” from a more positive rating is the ending. I felt like I was built up w/ so much anticipation that when it finally came it was fast and unsatisfied. YES, all my needs and questions were answered, but in a WHAM BAM THANK YOU Mama kind of way – (punt intended. Really?! You mean I read it and that’s all you gave me. Yes it was good, but by the end I wanted and expected MORE
This was my 1st BDSM book (really, If you don’t count the soft stuff)
I enjoyed the book. I liked the character development and enjoyed the storyline very much. I felt Alexis's every jolt of pain or whimper of pleasure as it was being done because it was so detailed and thought out. Same can be said with her relationship with Master Paul and Master John. The author also explains a lot about the world and lifestyle of BDSM and I found that helpful.
I think the only thing that is “holding me back” from a more positive rating is the ending. I felt like I was built up w/ so much anticipation that when it finally came it was fast and unsatisfied. YES, all my needs and questions were answered, but in a WHAM BAM THANK YOU Mama kind of way – (punt intended. Really?! You mean I read it and that’s all you gave me. Yes it was good, but by the end I wanted and expected MORE
May 9, 2019
This is the first book in a series of 3.
The story is about Alexis needing a little more than a regular BDSM club can give her. She needs a full immersion into a slave lifestyle.
I love the idea of a place like The Compound but being a slave isn't my type of kink. This did not take anything away from how good the book is. There were some strong BDSM scenes and a few of them were almost too much for me, spanking and flogging sound good but not caning.
There was so much build up but once Alexis got her HEA the book was over. I would have like a little more with Alexis and Master Paul.
I can't wait to start the next book in the series.
The story is about Alexis needing a little more than a regular BDSM club can give her. She needs a full immersion into a slave lifestyle.
I love the idea of a place like The Compound but being a slave isn't my type of kink. This did not take anything away from how good the book is. There were some strong BDSM scenes and a few of them were almost too much for me, spanking and flogging sound good but not caning.
There was so much build up but once Alexis got her HEA the book was over. I would have like a little more with Alexis and Master Paul.
I can't wait to start the next book in the series.
February 26, 2019
I loved Alexis! The fact that she knew what she was missing, and wanted it so badly, is something most people can understand. John was perfect as her trainer, and he gave her everything she needed, but was missing that one little piece. As Alexis struggled to find her place in her world, she brought us right along with her. Her frustration and pain at her failures reverberate through the pages and out at you. When things finally fall into place for her, I wanted to fist pump in happiness for her 😊
March 17, 2014
solid 4 star read by a great author in my opinion
March 6, 2019
Makes shades look like pablum! A GREAT romance and BDSM read!
When a book is as well written as “THE COMPOUND”, with characters as real and yet so different from regular life as Alexis, and those living and working at the Compound are; it is easy for a reader to become invested in the exploration of a lifestyle that is both foreign and titillating at the same time. Not knowing much about the D/s culture within the BDSM lifestyle, I found Thompson’s story to be so intriguing, I read it twice. It wasn’t until the end of the first reading that I understood Alexis’s need to train at the Compound, and thereby recognized I had approached the entire story as an anthropologist confused by the new language and actions of an unknown people group. My approach was so wrong! Therefore, in the second reading of “THE COMPOUND,” I found a wonderful acceptance and blooming love affair not just between the characters of this novel, but for a lifestyle so different from anything I had read about before. The language is sensuous, the prose pulls up a reader’s emotions and is so descriptive that this reader easily became lost in the world built within its pages. The action is often intense, and dark as this erotic romance deals with individuals who practice the SM part of BDSM. If you are looking for a passionately romantic yet dark romance, then “THE COMPOUND,” the first book in author Claire Thompson’s The Compound Trilogy should be your next purchase! Happy pages! 😉
When a book is as well written as “THE COMPOUND”, with characters as real and yet so different from regular life as Alexis, and those living and working at the Compound are; it is easy for a reader to become invested in the exploration of a lifestyle that is both foreign and titillating at the same time. Not knowing much about the D/s culture within the BDSM lifestyle, I found Thompson’s story to be so intriguing, I read it twice. It wasn’t until the end of the first reading that I understood Alexis’s need to train at the Compound, and thereby recognized I had approached the entire story as an anthropologist confused by the new language and actions of an unknown people group. My approach was so wrong! Therefore, in the second reading of “THE COMPOUND,” I found a wonderful acceptance and blooming love affair not just between the characters of this novel, but for a lifestyle so different from anything I had read about before. The language is sensuous, the prose pulls up a reader’s emotions and is so descriptive that this reader easily became lost in the world built within its pages. The action is often intense, and dark as this erotic romance deals with individuals who practice the SM part of BDSM. If you are looking for a passionately romantic yet dark romance, then “THE COMPOUND,” the first book in author Claire Thompson’s The Compound Trilogy should be your next purchase! Happy pages! 😉
February 18, 2019
This is a dark intense submersion into a BDSM training. Alexis is on a journey to to learn to fly. Follow her through her training at The Compound with Master John. Master John is a strict intense BDSM trainer. Even though he is a skilled trainer something is missing in their connection. Could it be love? Does she find that connection with someone else? Guess What? You will have to read the book to find out. I orginally read this book in 2014 and have reread it a couple of times and enjoyed each time. Claire Thompson has the ability to draw you into her stories like you are a bystander experiencing it firsthand. I never hesitate in buying one of her books and am never disappointed.
March 7, 2019
Alexis was a submissive wannabe. She was truly into the D/s scene but could never let her guard down at the final moment to fly and be totally free. So she entered The Compound, a BDSM D/s training facility to find the missing key to her submissive self. Although she has an excellent trainer in John, her heart pulls her to Paul, another trainer. No matter how hard she tries, her walls will not break down so she can fly. She needs a miracle to break down those walls. In a stormy moment of clarity, the answer becomes clear - you cannot completely trust, you cannot completely submit until you find that someone you completely love. Once that miracle of love is found, true submission results and unlocks the key to the freedom of flying and utter peace. Wonderful, wonderful story!
November 10, 2022
Absolutely Wonderful! An excellent story woven in a unique setting.
After reading a sample, I couldn’t wait to read the whole book, I was not disappointed. Alexis turns to The Compound seeking a level to her submission that has eluded her thus far in her experimentations.
There is more to this story than the obvious, Alexis is on a self discovery journey, learning about herself and her innermost desires. She yearns for the tools to become free, free to fly and free to find an all consuming love to complete her. Interesting to see a bit of the training/initialization process from a ‘management’ perspective.
Heightened emotions flare, in trainers and submissives alike as all boundaries are exceeded. Not a place where love matches are common - what can you do when you meet ‘the one’?
After reading a sample, I couldn’t wait to read the whole book, I was not disappointed. Alexis turns to The Compound seeking a level to her submission that has eluded her thus far in her experimentations.
There is more to this story than the obvious, Alexis is on a self discovery journey, learning about herself and her innermost desires. She yearns for the tools to become free, free to fly and free to find an all consuming love to complete her. Interesting to see a bit of the training/initialization process from a ‘management’ perspective.
Heightened emotions flare, in trainers and submissives alike as all boundaries are exceeded. Not a place where love matches are common - what can you do when you meet ‘the one’?
February 14, 2019
What a great story! This is a fast read and a real feel good book, it will leave you believing in love again and that all things are possible. Alexis certainly gave it her all and thought she had failed, but she had been missing the essential ingredient- love. There are some great characters in this book and I especially liked Marta she is the kind of person you would truly treasure as a friend. There are some really exacting BDSM scenes and the reader really feels for Alexis both physically and emotionally. Claire Thompson has the ability to put the reader in the book to experience the emotions and you find yourself rooting for Alexis and silently urging her not to give up.
February 16, 2019
I am volunteering to leave a review of this ARC book. Ms. Thompson has an amazing way with words. Each time a read one of her novels, I feel like I am standing there with her characters. Alexis has felt something missing in her life. Sure, she scenes with a great partner, but she has never been able "to fly." Here scene partner suggests she sign up for The Compound; that they could help. Master John, quite exacting wasn't getting her there either. Master Paul, observing, felt she needed a softer hand. Both Alexis and Paul, each time their eyes would meet, felt something. But what? I am IN LOVE with Master Paul. Cannot wait to read the next in the series!
February 19, 2019
What do you do when you want to submerse yourself in submission but just can't quite get there? Alexis is selected by Mistress Miriam to attend The Compound for a month, where she will train under Master John, a tough but effective trainer. The commitment these subs have is fierce. Alexis learns something about the depth of her own submission when Master John takes over. I really liked Alexis' reflection of herself in her admissions letter, and would have liked some snippets of her diary to watch he character change and grow. A great start to this series.
I am voluntarily leaving my opinion of a copy of this book.
I am voluntarily leaving my opinion of a copy of this book.
May 31, 2019
“The Compound” by Claire Thompson is a fully consensual BDSM story. It’s 99% heterosexual with a sprinkle of queerness which was a very nice surprise.
Alexis goes to The Compound to attend a fully immersive program of submissive training for 30 days in an attempt to break down the mental walls that keep her from fully submitting. She fears she may only be sexually masochistic and not truly capable of full submission. Alexis hopes The Compound is where she can find the answers she needs.
I consider this book to be on the lower range of medium-core for those who prefer to swim in the shallow end of this genre.
Alexis goes to The Compound to attend a fully immersive program of submissive training for 30 days in an attempt to break down the mental walls that keep her from fully submitting. She fears she may only be sexually masochistic and not truly capable of full submission. Alexis hopes The Compound is where she can find the answers she needs.
I consider this book to be on the lower range of medium-core for those who prefer to swim in the shallow end of this genre.
December 9, 2019
wonderful story about a woman finding herself and what she truly needs and desires so she may finally "fly" free as she has always wanted.
such a heart felt struggle this story takes you on as Alexis tries to learn about herself and what she truly needs. you feel all her emotions in this story as she tries again and again to get where she wants to go only to fail. her heart break and despair reaches out of the book and twists around your heart making it ache for her. i cried so many tears with this book with and for Alexis and i was so happy at the end when she found what she needed.
such a heart felt struggle this story takes you on as Alexis tries to learn about herself and what she truly needs. you feel all her emotions in this story as she tries again and again to get where she wants to go only to fail. her heart break and despair reaches out of the book and twists around your heart making it ache for her. i cried so many tears with this book with and for Alexis and i was so happy at the end when she found what she needed.
January 13, 2019
If only it were real!
Can you imagine, a training center with first class trainers, free of charge if you are deemed the right fit? One month fully immersed in a highly sensual 24/7, complete power exchange.
But for some trainees success is slow in coming. Sometimes it needs not just expertise and dedication but the right connection. And then, you can fly!
This is a sumptuously lush fairy tale for grown ups, with lovingly applied whips and floggers, and blindfolds, ....
Can you imagine, a training center with first class trainers, free of charge if you are deemed the right fit? One month fully immersed in a highly sensual 24/7, complete power exchange.
But for some trainees success is slow in coming. Sometimes it needs not just expertise and dedication but the right connection. And then, you can fly!
This is a sumptuously lush fairy tale for grown ups, with lovingly applied whips and floggers, and blindfolds, ....
July 24, 2017
This story had some intense BDSM scenes, including sensory deprivation, but what lingers when all is said and done is the love. Her assigned trainer is all about the rules and training. The trainer she can’t stop watching is all about connection and love. Which one will break through her walls? One of the best BDSM books I have read in a long time.
January 13, 2019
The Compound is BDSM erotic romance at its best. Lots of Hot sexy, kinky detailed scenes. A sub struggling with the total trust required. A strong cast of supporting characters with great chemistry. Safe, sane, consensual D/s with HEA. Just perfect. Reread it 5 years later and I loved it more. Grab this one and you'll get lost in all the sensations along with Alexis.
February 16, 2019
Loved this book. This is the first book I've read with this storyline (hard core submissive training), I absolutely loved it. I enjoyed reading their individual stories. I really enjoyed all the descriptive training scenes. They were hot. I also like reading about the couples. There's is a sense of caring among the characters which helps in this type of book. I can't wait to read more.
November 30, 2019
Definitely a 5 star story...
After reading all the different box sets I decided to read this one....what an amazing journey you are put through...you can feel all the emotions and sometimes feel her physical pain too..lol ..that's now well written this story is....do yourself a favour and find out for yourself...a must read.
After reading all the different box sets I decided to read this one....what an amazing journey you are put through...you can feel all the emotions and sometimes feel her physical pain too..lol ..that's now well written this story is....do yourself a favour and find out for yourself...a must read.
October 21, 2020
Finally
I had been searching for a good slave training book that I hadn’t read yet. Let me rephrase, a “good” slave training book I hadn’t read yet. The training parts were excellent, I just wish it had been Paul training the whole time and we could have seen a relationship grow instead of insta-love. Still a great slave training book.
I had been searching for a good slave training book that I hadn’t read yet. Let me rephrase, a “good” slave training book I hadn’t read yet. The training parts were excellent, I just wish it had been Paul training the whole time and we could have seen a relationship grow instead of insta-love. Still a great slave training book.
July 19, 2017
Love matters.
I read this book four years ago, I reread it today and enjoyed it more than the first time. If you enjoy books about BDSM this is for you, if you enjoy a story of love this is for you.
I read this book four years ago, I reread it today and enjoyed it more than the first time. If you enjoy books about BDSM this is for you, if you enjoy a story of love this is for you.
February 16, 2019
When a dream come through. Maybe Alexis didn’t know what she searched for, but she got more than she could ever ask for in The Compound. Finally her bricks fell away.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
February 18, 2019
Fabulous book
A beautiful intense story about learning the feelings of true submission along with true love. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to anyone interested in the world of BDSM.
A beautiful intense story about learning the feelings of true submission along with true love. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to anyone interested in the world of BDSM.
May 27, 2019
My first time venturing into this type of read. I was curious, and still a little baffled by the practices and vocab, but the romance was sweet...even though it was very "insta-love" Still an interesting read.
January 15, 2018
4 stars
I love reading books, but I hate writing reviews. That being said, I rate this book: Story: 5/5 stars. Heat level: 5/5 stars.
I love reading books, but I hate writing reviews. That being said, I rate this book: Story: 5/5 stars. Heat level: 5/5 stars.
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