Complex Triggers

Rack and Ruin #3

by Amy Valenti

Tamara is a sub with a problem. All the submissives in the erotic novels she reads, and a few of the real-life subs she knows, seem to be able to orgasm on command...but she can’t even make herself come with someone else in the room. Worse, her last couple of play partners have been disappointed with her inability to perform in the bedroom. How will she ever find the Dom she craves?

Evan is new to the area, and upon his first visit to Rack and Ruin, Tamara catches his eye. Every relationship he’s been in has crashed and burned because of his mistakes, but something about this sweet, damaged submissive compels him to try again.

They’ve both suffered in the past, but when unexpected news shakes Evan’s world to its foundations, Tamara must decide if the love she’s found is worth facing a fresh onslaught of hurt...

Genres: BDSM

Unknown Binding

First published September 1, 2015

About the author

Amy Valenti is a tarnished tease, and her mind has lived in the gutter since the day she realised what sex was. She hails from England, which she doesn’t find quite as exotic and sexy as the average US citizen seems to, but if people want to compliment her on her accent, that’s all fine with her! Her muses are many, fickle and very demanding.

She has a degree in creative writing and currently works as a proofreader/editor. In her free time, she reads, writes and plays videogames. On the rare occasions she doesn’t have a laptop on her knee, she loves to curl up with friends and pets – and chocolate – for TV show and movie marathons.

Want to get in touch? Email Amy at axvalenti (at) yahoo (dot) com or check out her Facebook or Twitter pages.

Reviews

[Nadine Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is just something about two broken people coming together and finding the missing piece to make them whole again that I absolutely love. Evan and Tamara each have issues that they need to deal with and while Tamara reaches out to Evan he doesn't do the same when the time comes. According to Evan in their D/s relationship he is the strong one and can not be seen as weak by his submissive so while he chooses to shut Tamara out when he could use her the most Tamara is determined to be there for him whether he likes it or not.
I loved this book! While I really enjoyed Claiming His Tease and Model Submissive, I'd have to say that Complex Triggers is my favorite in the trilogy.


I own a copy of this book but it can also be found as Part of Red Hot and Tied Down (13 Hot and Spicy Erotic Romances featuring Billionaires, Policemen, Doctors, Cowboys, and Dominant Alpha Males) and Club Rack and Ruin: Trilogy Edition which I received from the author in exchange for my honest review.

[Mary Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tamara has a huge secret and feels inadequate as a submissive. When a new dominant enters the picture, Evan, he finds himself drawn to Tamara and her sad eyes. Evan works to build trust with Tamara so she will reveal her insecurities while hiding his own demons. As they finally build toward a relationship, Evan’s demons come back to haunt him, will he allow Tamara in to help him? Or will he lose her forever? A fabulously erotic journey of two damaged souls looking for hope, trust and love to heal.

[Judi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Complex Triggers tackles a much misunderstood condition on his part, as well as sexual inadequacies on her part. It's sometimes very dark, and sad. At others the joy of life comes through. In continuing the Rack and Ruin storyline, the characters retain and gain depth, enabling the plot to dominate the word count. In the end the story is one of hope, and happiness. Well worth the read!

[Babel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been excited about this couple's relationship all throughout the novel. And that's a feeling I love. The author has crafted plenty of scenes filled with understanding, emotional subtlety and sensual exploration.

The woman is a submissive incapable of reaching the highest threshold of pleasure, which causes her guilt and withdrawal from searching for another Dom. I was really invested in her problem and how she conducted herself because of it. That attitude and her beauty and honesty were the reasons why Evan was attracted to her. Now, he, the Dom, all handsome and respectful is another great feature in the story. He's also carrying a big weight on his shoulders which made me incredibly curious.

The couple is a disaster waiting to happen, yet I hoped for them to find a way to match, to heal and be happy. As I kept reading, I fell in love with many things. References to literature, incredibly detailed and arousing Dom/sub scenes, humour, Evan's sweet control, Tamara's disarming trust, the deep intimacy they share...

After the beautiful bonding they have over Tamara's issue, it's Evan's turn to show his inner demons. Wow, that was tough, so sad and terrible. It really touched me.
There are some delicate issues in there that the author has addresses with care, respect and true understanding.

To me, this story had a bit of everything that is worthwhile: love, sorrow, art, cats, hot sex and soulful characters. Amy Valenti has won me over.

[Sony · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just recently discovered Author Amy Valenti through a FB party. So glad I did! Her books are very sexy.

If you want a book that makes your panties wet….this is a book for you! This series is about D/s (Dominate and submissive) relationships. Complex Triggers starts at a club called Club Rack and Ruin. Evan is a special kind of Dom, and Tamara is a sweet sub that is going to school to get her Master’s in teaching. They both carry a secret in their lives. Evan has a past that only he can tell and chooses to hide, thinking it is a sign of weakness. Tamara has a big secret too, one that she does not want anyone to know. Other Doms have not understood Tamara’s problem. Can they overcome the secrets they hold close? Or will they trust each other to work through what holds them back?

I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the Author in exchange for an honest review… honestly; my rechargeables got a good work out!

I totally enjoyed the characters and subject matter which were very realistic and true to life. It's good to read about a common problem and its resolution. I give this book, 5 stars because, not only was the sex scenes hot, but the story/plot/dialogue was worth 5 stars as well.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had such intense & deep character development, for what I thought was just going to be an erotic Dom/sub read, it really surprised me, in a very good way. The novella is definitely not lacking in the erotic and titillating areas, it will have you wiggling and short of breath a lot of the time. But, this is also about two very lonely, damaged people who have suffered in their life and past relationships. They have found a connection with each other, but have to figure out how to work around their pasts, to make a relationship between them work. They also have to decide if they want to even take the chance of trying, and then getting hurt again.
The author, Amy Valenti, has written a very intense, dark, yet uplifting romantic erotic novella about two people who live in the world of BDSM & the Dom/sub lifestyle. Her style of writing & ease of showing all the characters’ emotions is enveloping for the reader.
The rest of the Rack and Ruin series is definitely on my wishlist now!

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review...

Seriously erotic yet emotionally moving book. It does revolve around BDSM but it is on the lighter side of it. Tamara a submissive has been going to Rack and Ruin a BDSM club for years. She has played with many Tops, usually women, as this is easier. She craves a deeper connection, however she has a problem that she keeps to herself and is scared to reveal to anyone. She can't orgasm with a partner she can barely orgasm alone. Evan is new to the club and has his own demons. He usually only takes day players. For some reason when he spots Tamara he decides to change the rules. She opens up to him about her problem. Can two conflicted people make each other whole?

[Helen Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK HAS BEEN MY FAVOURITE BY FAR IN THE TRILOGY. BOTH CHARACTERS ARE TRYING TO WORK THROUGH THEIR PROBLEMS BUT AT THE SAME TIME PROTECT THE OTHER PERSON NOT REALISING IT CAN HURT MORE. I LOVED HOW TAMARA AND EVAN WORK WELL TOGETHER HELPING EACH OTHER THROUGH THEIR TRIGGERS. ONE OF MY FAVOURITE SCENES IS WHEN HE USES TAMARA'S BACK AS A CANVAS, VERY BEAUTIFUL SCENE.

[Cheryl Graham-Petit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another addictive, emotional, and captivating book by Amy Valenti. Brilliantly written, steamy, sexy, and thought provoking. there is some angst, romance, and of course... incredible sex. Prepared to be titillated...

[Serena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the characters, and their world and hope I get the chance to read the story again and/or to read more within the series.

My Rating System:
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great fast paced story with excellent characters, I loved Tamara and Evan. The story has plenty of drama and emotion and the sex is hot! Enjoyable read!