Ice Queen

Nature of Desire #3

by Joey W. Hill

Book 3 in the Nature of Desire series.

They call her the Ice Queen. At the exclusive BDSM club known as The Zone, Mistress Marguerite is a legend. Tyler Winterman has been fascinated with her since he's known her, though the rules of their world say they shouldn't share more than mutual admiration. He is her male counterpart, one of the most powerful male Doms practicing at The Zone.

Due to a computer error, Marguerite lacks the mentoring program stipulation required of all Zone Doms, which includes spending a number of hours learning about BDSM from the submissive's perspective. Tyler considers it an act of fate that Marguerite chooses him to be the Dom who helps her fulfill that requirement. He is convinced she is a "switch", a closet submissive, but the truth will be even more remarkable than the theory, changing their lives in ways neither of them anticipates.

Having no equal except one another in their skills at stripping a sub's defenses bare, these two Dominants will turn their considerable talents on each other and discover that who is Master and who is slave doesn't matter, not when two souls have found their mate.

Note: This book contains a stark portrayal of the intense BDSM lifestyle. Some of the situations and scenes may be disturbing to some readers. It is not for the faint of heart.

Genres: BDSM, Erotica, Romance, Erotic Romance, Contemporary, M F Romance, Contemporary Romance

324 pages, Paperback

First published March 22, 2006

About the author

"BDSM Romance for the Heart & Soul"

A submissive herself, Hill brings authenticity to her intensely emotional BDSM love stories. With over fifty titles and seven series, her contemporary and paranormal romances feature everything from billionaires, bikers, SEALs, firefighters, cops and housemaids, to vampires, mermaids, witches and angels.

"Joey translates the world of BDSM with such intense power and exquisite beauty. LOVE is the most powerful element entwined through the Dominance and submission.” –Goodreads, Pink Lady

Joey is the recipient of the RT Book Reviews Career Achievement Award for Erotic Romance, and she loves to hear from her readers!

If you're on Bookbub, she'd love for you to follow her:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/joey-...

You can also find her here:
Website: storywitch.com
Facebook: @JoeyWHillAuthor
MeWe: mewe.com/i/joeywhill
Twitter: @JoeyWHill

Reviews

[Blacky *Romance Addict*]

DNF at 43%

This is me at the beginning of the book:



After reading two sex scenes




I just have to say that the writing here is absolutely brilliant!


I enjoyed everything I read except the sex scenes, and that's because they were just too much for me to handle. I enjoy reading BDSM, but I guess I'll have to stick to lighter stuff, or not with these kind of scenes in them.


Here's a spoiler of what bothered me, just so you know before you start if you can handle it or not.

It started out really great! Loved the scene in the tea house, WOW! Awesome!

There is a scene in the club where she brands a sub. It didn't bother me at all, can't believe it :D

When she came to his house, the scene when they were in the chairs :D That was really great, and later when he fed her. Me likey :)

BUT, at one point he said to her that he'd be gentle and slow with his training. Well, he didn't stick to his promise, that's for sure.

This is what freaked me out:

He wanted to shave her, so he tied her to a stone bench, legs, torso, hands, neck, head, everything. Ok, that's not so bad right? But he put on her a full head mask that left only the opening for her mouth, he inserted a tube in her mouth, turned the table she was on upside down and put her head in the water. While he shaved her. She could only breathe through a tube while having several orgasms.




This scene did not leave me hot, no matter how many orgasms she had. It left me scared and freaked out.

After the shaving

he dried her, she was exhausted, couldn't even stand, he brought her to the bed, tied her to it, and went down on her for 90 minutes. She of course couldn't come because every time she got close he'd put a handfull of ice oh her and then go all over again. After a while he put the ice IN her every orifice, well, except her mouth. And finally she begged and came.

That other scene wouldn't be that bad, would be even hot, if the man let her to rest dammit! If it happened the next day, it would be great, but this just bordered on torture. Still don't care how many orgasms she had. Torture.





I'll still try some of her other books, hope they're not all extreme like this one.

And BTW, this is just my view of things, I know most people who read BDSM find this normal/enticing, but it just freaked the hell out of me.

[KristenReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 Stars




I have mixed emotions about this book. On one hand I loved it with all my heart; on the other hand, I really struggle with the content. This story took me waaaay out of my comfort zone. The BDSM was more hardcore than I expected or was comfortable reading. For example, I had a very difficult time with the branding of a sub (I hated that part) and I had to put the book down for a minute because I literally had a mini panic attack while reading the scene in the bathing pool. That said, the writing was exquisite, the characterization tangible, and the story heartbreakingly beautiful. A few scenes (a little girl's birthday tea party and the last few pages of the book) even brought tears to my eyes.

Overall, this book captivated, intrigued and had an impact on me. With that said, I still feel conflicted about my feelings. I'm not sure I'm the intended audience but I desperately want to finish their story in the next book, Mirror of My Soul, so maybe I am.

[SueBee★bring me an alpha!★ · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★★! Ice Queen (book 2 in duet). Tyler Winterman’s relentless attempts at seduction & domination of the Ice Queen!

“Most of the Masters at The Zone would have given both of their testicles for the right to top the Ice Queen.”

Many thanks to my friend and fellow buddy reader, Baba! (Her review!)

Books in the Nature of Desire series are stand -alones, except for Tyler and Marguerite’s story which spans two books:
Book 3: Ice Queen
Book 4: Mirror of My Soul

Ice Queen (book 3) is the story about Tyler Winterman, former Government operative, successful businessman and celebrated and respected Dom and Marguerite Perruquet, Mistress M, business woman and coveted Dominatrix known as the Ice Queen. Both are Masters at the exclusive BDSM club, The Zone.

For years they have dominated their Submissive in front of an audience for entertainment and education. To an outsider it would seem the only thing they have in common is that they are both Doms. But not so, they both felt and instant connection and attraction to each other. Tyler is even suspecting that Marguerite’s in-control personality hides a Switch and possibly a true Submissive.

When Marguerite is told that, in order to continue as a Master at the club, she needs to go through and pass mandatory Submissive orientation. She picks Tyler as her “instructor” and agrees to spend a weekend with him at his waterside estate.

What happens that weekend is best enjoyed! But I’d describe it as a combination of inevitable fate, raw and addictive passion, painful soul searching and reflection, mind-blowing sex and quite possibly a deep profound love that leaves them both utterly shaken.

Marguerite’s instinct is to run, but Tyler is relentless. Set on exploring their connection further he masterminds a way to get her attention… that will have dire consequences…




Tyler Winterman with his explosive combination of polite and attentive Southern gentleman and in-control and intuitive Dom makes him a larger-than-life hero. Seven words to describe Tyler: Perceptive, focused, commanding, enigmatic, nurturing, determined and unforgettable.

“Tyler commanded attention because he was like a tiger. Mesmerizing and possessing something that suggested it was wise not to turn your back on him, any more than it would be a wise move to run.”

Marguerite Perruquet, the Ice Queen has a past that will be unfolding throughout their story. She is an enigma; well-guarded and closed off. Seven words to describe Marguerite: strong, determined, compulsive, broken, flawed, mysterious and conflicted.

“She didn’t belong to anyone, though her lovers, temporary though they were, belonged to her for all time.”

Ice Queen ends abruptly with a cliffy, but no worries just have to book 4, Mirror of My Soul handy for the continuation of their story.

Excellent storytelling! Interesting and captivating plot! Memorable, fascinating and addictive hero, Tyler Winterman! I was hooked from page one and I am highly recommending!

“She was a Mistress who needed a Master.”

***
Hero rating: 5 stars
Heroine rating: 3.5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 4 stars
Storyline concept rating: 5 stars
Storytelling skills rating: 5 stars
Story ending rating: N/A
Book editing rating (5 = no edits spotted): 5 stars
************************************************
Overall rating: 5 stars

Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this series: Yes.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.

[warhawke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Erotic Romance
Type: Book 3 of Nature of Desire series
POV: Third Person
Rating:




Marguerite Perruquet was a well known Domme at The Zone. With her ice cold persona, she was admired by subs and Doms alike. Unfortunately for her, there was an issue with her appointment as the club Mistress where she was required to go through submissive training.

Tyler Winterman was one of the most sought after Master. When Marguerite chose him as her mentor, he knew she was hiding her true self and he was determined to break that barrier.



What intrigued me about this book is the premise of two dominants facing off. I always like the prospect of psychological dilemma within characters and I definitely got it here.

She shook her head, thinking a man this practiced in seduction should be labeled a dangerous weapon to protect any woman within twenty yards of him.

Like any good Dom, Tyler was calm and collected. He was commanding yet never blindly forceful. While I like his dominant side, I also like his sweet respectful demeanor. My favorite moment is at the tea party where he was cute. Yes, cute lol!

Could she trust Tyler enough to do that in this controlled environment that felt anything but controlled? Could she trust anyone to do that? And why was something that was so simple and safe feeling so threatening?

Marguerite led a lonely life. She refused to open herself up and faught her own heart along the way without realizing it's hurting her even more. And she was a lot more fragile than she portrayed herself to be.



Before starting this book, I thought it was going to be a lot smuttier. I was pleasantly surprised it focused more on the character's inner struggle. However I wish I got the full answer to her issue because it seems unnecessary for it to be stretched into a duet. Also, I have a personal problem with long chapters (my reading ADD don't like it lol!) and this book has very long ones.

“I would start every day with my face in your cunt, eating you out, scraping that sweet clit with my teeth.”

I know some people have issue with some of the scenes, but for me I love it. It made me happy when author are not afraid of pushing reader's limit. And in this case those scenes were significant to the character's development.

“You’re not that fragile.”
“Yes, I am. I know what I can and can’t have to stay the person I need to be."

Ice Queen revolves around a woman fighting her inner demon. It would appeal to readers who want a well rounded BDSM story.

Note:
Nature Of Desires is a standalone series but Marguerite and Tyler's story is a duet. Technically this book can be read as a standalone if you don't mind not having all question fully answered. Mirror of My Soul is the conclusion of their story.


Books in the series



★ Copy won from Shh... Dispelling The Myths About BDSM event ★



For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:

[Duchess Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

"How far will you run, Marguerite, before you realize you're not running away from me? You're running to me."

What an accurate statement. I want to repeat part of the blurb because I think it's perfectly said, and then I'll give my thoughts:

They call her the Ice Queen. At the exclusive BDSM club known as The Zone, Mistress Marguerite is a legend. Tyler Winterman has been fascinated with her since he's known her, though the rules of their world say they shouldn't share more than mutual admiration. He is her male counterpart, one of the most powerful male Doms practicing at The Zone.

"She was a vision. She always was. Her beauty didn't rest in a feature or group of features. It was in her otherworldly quality. He stood in a room with something not quite of this earth."

Now, Margeurite inadvertently skipped part of the requirements that is necessary to be a Domme at this particular club. She is supposed to undergo certain sub scenarios with an experienced Dom, and she chooses Tyler. The book starts off at her place of business, where she has invited Tyler in order to make her proposal.

I wish, I wish that there had been more build up to this initial meeting. I almost feel as if I jumped into the middle of a story here, and I think Ms. hill missed out on some connection between Margeurite and Tyler starting where she did. I do think, however, that a certain two way mirror scene almost makes up for the lack, because it starts the sexual chemistry off with a sudden, loud, and very obvious bang. It's when Margeurite goes to Tyler's house to undergo her training that things really start to take off.

She fights her new Master for all she's worth, but Tyler is truly a Master, in every sense of the word.
He is relentless and yet
Oh
So
Patient.

"If he wanted to beat her within an inch of her life or poke her with hot brands, that she could handle She hadn't expected that Tyler's version of submission would include crawling into her mind."

He works on her slowly but effectively, breaking down her walls and uncovering secrets that she's held close for her entire life. And boy, does she have some big bad secrets. Heartbreaking secrets. Again, I wish we'd have gotten a glimpse into her past more than we did...really, we just get the smallest peek into a horrific and tragic childhood. Most of what we get is the aftermath, the Margeurite that she is today. Until her walls start to come down, one by one. But Tyler is there, taking care of her while dragging her further and further away from her own head. It's truly almost painful to watch. It hurt my heart.

"God is in the silence. God is in the empty space."
The last thing I want to do here is to make the author my soapbox for my beliefs, but I do want to mention that I admire how she writes about BDSM and sexuality, the darker parts of people's minds and psyche and yet still is open about people's spirituality. Spirituality and sexuality don't have to be separated, and all to sometimes are, often due to archaic belief systems. No matter what your religion, I believe that sexuality is a huge part of who you are, as is your spirituality.

Just a little warning: THIS IS MUCH MORE INTENSE than I usually read. I've been warned and prepared for a couple of the scenes in this book, and I'm very glad I took the warning seriously. I hope everyone else does the same. I'm not sure I've read something quite this controversial and DANGEROUS before, but like I said...I was prepared. I imagine it could be quite the shock if you aren't.

My favorite part of this book:
Tyler.

"He raised his head, locked gazes with her. As she looked into his eyes, she wondered herself at what she was trying to accomplish here. He had unsettled her, so there was some quid pro quo going on. But this was more. She wanted his shadows."

I don't even hesitate to say that I think he's my favorite Master to date. He is so slow and patient, and yet he pushes constantly at boundaries. Even I, as a reader, sitting here and watching him push, am eager for him to cross over the invisible lines. He is one of the most intriguing and titillating characters I've come across. He's not wordy, he's not broody, he's simply undefinable...supremely confident...that's a good way to put it. The end of this book took my already burgeoning feelings for him and RAMPED them up about twenty times. I. Loved. Him. And I'm so very glad I get more.

This ended on a hell of a cliffie. And I'm moving right on. I need more Tyler.

[Geri Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buddy read with Baba.

5 Wonderful Stars

Darkness may hide the trees
and the flowers from the eyes
but it cannot hide
love from the soul.
Kahlil Gibran, Love Letters in the Sand: The Love Poems of Khalil Gibran

This is my second book from Joey Hill and I will say that this one just totally blew me away. It had everything I could have ever asked for in a book; it had great characters, captivating plot and brilliant writing. I know that this is marketed as hardcore BDSM book but honestly, it was really more than just a BDSM book.

Ice Queen tells the story of Marguerite and Tyler. Both are powerful and sought-after dominants of the Zone, an exclusive BDSM club. Due to computer error, Marguerite lacked the mentoring program required by the Zone where each Doms and Domme will undergo BDSM training from a submissive's perspective. For this, she approached Tyler Winterman to be her mentor.

But things aren't always what they seem, especially for Tyler and Marguerite. Because while Marguerite is known as a powerful Mistress, she is also a closet submissive. Her dual nature would play a big part in this book and the next book, Mirror of my Soul.



Marguerite is one of the most complex and the most intriguing characters I've read in a while. Her being a dominant mistress to other and a submissive to Tyler made this a very character-driven read. And Joey Hill was able to deftly add layers upon layers to Marguerite's character that is utterly fascinating albeit at times very painful to read but always real and always consistent.

You feel her pain, her struggles that in as much as I could have hated her for some of the things she did, I couldn't because I understand her character and know where's she's coming from. The things she did were always explained and her motivations were always clear to the readers.



Tyler Winterman is another wonderful character. He's a Southern gentleman, a Dom, a lover, a friend and he is fascinated by Marguerite and vice versa. The first time the reader meets him is through Marguerite's POV and he's utterly delicious.

As she moved out onto the floor, she saw him right away. He wore tan slacks and a perfectly ironed and fitted cream-colored Oxford shirt, open at the throat. His jacket was hooked on the point of the chair, and he wore brown, polished dress shoes, the casual elegance suiting Tea Leaves.

He didn’t blend though. Instead, he looked like an intrigued, benevolent god who walked among men. He emanated difference and yet something so familiar, as if she knew him like the touch of the sun.

Right off the bat, you see their attraction and fascination with each other and it goes deeper and deeper as the book progresses. You will learn how far Tyler will go to prove his love for Marguerite. Gah! You will fall in love with Tyler because despite his own private pain--and he has plenty, by the way--he never lost sight of his love for Marguerite.

“You are very important to me. It doesn’t matter if you never accept me or what lies between us. If you need me, I’m here for you. Tomorrow, ten years from now, it doesn’t matter. And you know me well enough to know I don’t make idle declarations of commitment.”

And then that final scene at the Zone where Tyler willingly gave himself to Marguerite as her submissive and what happened during that time was just terrible Marguerite beat him up. Surprisingly enough, I wasn't angry at Marguerite because in a strange way, what she did to Tyler had hurt her too.



“Don’t you understand, when all is said and done, it’s the Master who’s the captive?”

I would recommend this book to everyone I know just for the story alone. BUT I also know that not everyone may have the same level of tolerance for BDSM and there are a couple of scenes in the book that might be a little too much for some. That said, it really didn't bother me at all, and I am not a BDSM reader. The genre has never appealed to me before but Joey Hill did it so beautiful with such knowledge and reverence for the lifestyle that it was easy to swallow. And all the BDSM elements in this book were always consistent with each of the characters' development. So for me, those scenes made sense.

Love this book and I can't wait to continue Tyler and Marguerite's story in Mirror of my Soul. Thank you, Baba for buddy reading this with me. I enjoyed it very much.

[Baba · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 unforgettable stars.*****Read count: 4

"A thousand tiny imperfections can make a perfect life."

"We're never so vulnerable than when we trust someone--but paradoxically, if we cannot trust, neither can we find love or joy."
by Walter Anderson

Let me start by saying that Tyler and Marguerite's journey is so much more than a BDSM-themed erotic story. Ice Queen and Mirror of My Soul are exquisite erotic romance stories that delve into the deepest corner of the main characters' minds. Joey’s writing is insanely beautiful and intense, even poetic at times and I was completely and utterly immersed in Tyler and Marguerite’s journey that led to their ultimate destination. Love. Aside from the erotic and well-written sex scenes, I really appreciate it that her stories provide so much depth, and they are extremely character driven. Ice Queen is no exception. Wonderful and authentic characterization without any inconsistencies as well as captivating dialogue and plot render Tyler and Marguerite’s love story unforgettable.



I've been reading Tyler and Marguerite's story four times already. I know it’s crazy. It’s more than crazy actually, but I can’t get enough of these two and certainly never enough of Tyler. Every woman needs a Tyler in her life. He is both sides of the coin—a gentleman and a very gentle man. He is my man. My knight in shining armor. My very own personal God. He is my everything and I love him to pieces. It goes without saying that I worship the ground he walks on. Words truly fail me to convey how incredibly wonderful he is. Tyler is the perfect flavor of an intense, sexy and handsome alpha male. Passionate, demanding, perceptive, determined and possessive yet very courteous, giving, tender, gentle and caring. He hardly ever swears, and he is a man of true class--a Southern gentleman in his mid-forties and mature beyond years. Gawd, I get all sentimental thinking about him and he makes me want to bawl my eyes out. Again. Yes, I know, I need to shut it now.

“I’ve been trying to talk Marguerite into performing a Japanese tea ceremony for me but she tells me she reserves it only for her special customers.”
“A properly done chaji takes four hours.”
His teeth flashed at her. “I have the stamina.”
Tina stifled a chuckle. Eyes glinting, Tyler inclined his head to her and moved to a wide-eyed Chloe, asking her if she needed any help as if he’d worked there all his life.
“I’d offer to catch you if you need to swoon,” Tina said under her breath. “Except my knees went weak watching him kiss your hand.”

“I know who you think is the prettiest girl here,” Natalie announced, pinning him with a knowing look.
Tyler grinned. “That would be the birthday girl, of course.”
Natalie shook her head, her curls swinging. “You’re just saying that because it’s my birthday. You think Miss M is the prettiest, because you’re in love with her.”
There was a clatter as Marguerite knocked one of her fortunately empty teacups across the table. She grabbed at it but it rolled over the edge, skittering away as if possessed. Before she blinked, Tyler caught it in his open palm.
He brought it back to the table, sitting it down next to her hand, meeting her flustered gaze. “I handle delicate objects very well,” he said, low, as the girls exclaimed over the fortunate catch.
She stared at him. He passed a knuckle over her cheek. “All right?”

“Think about those bronze sculptures…” His voice soothed her surge of panic. “How the artists focused on the lines of the body, keeping the lines simple to bring out the life in the art. It’s in their very stillness they burst with the power of sensuality. Like you, Marguerite. Absolutely still like this, by my command, you’re a Goddess.”

Known as the Ice Queen, Mistress Marguerite, is very well respected within the walls of The Zone, an exclusive BDSM club she frequents. Marguerite needs control and routine in her personal life as well as her Domme life. She never looks anyone directly in the eyes, never picks the same sub twice, and allows very little to no physical touching. And she doesn't do intimacy and relationships either. Besides, she hardly ever smiles or laughs, and her demeanor has not gone unnoticed by fellow Dom, Tyler Winterman, and his stunning amber eyes. The eyes of a tiger, a mouko. A fierce tiger.



Tyler fully intends to unravel Marguerite's complex character. In fact, he wants to crawl under her skin and into her head and soul. Tyler is a part owner of The Zone. Due to a computer error, the Ice Queen never fulfilled the terms of the mentoring program that is required by the club, which includes her learning about BDSM from the subs point of view. That's why she invites Tyler to meet with her at her business, Tea Leaves, to discuss this requirement.

"What type of flavor do you think I prefer?"
She cocked her head. "The subtle, the delicately made. You're the type of person who wants the mystery inside the flower bud."
I can still appreciate the different nuances of the stronger flavors." He studied the orchid in the center of the table. "With the very delicate, you sculpt something down to such a whisper of form, there's nothing else it can be. It's in strength you find surprises, variation."

Tyler seized his chance to get to know Marguerite as a woman. When he looked at her, he knew he was meant to understand the secret to her soul in a way he suspected no man ever had. Tyler exuded an unshakable confidence, a commanding presence, and he was a man and Dom who understood what he wanted and needed and he wanted to claim Marguerite. He challenged her.

She inhaled sharply as he traced the line of her neck with the warm wetness. "I'm not afraid to bleed for you, Marguerite." His voice was a rough whisper against her ear. "I'll tell The Zone you're thinking it over. Don't disappoint me. Or yourself."

Marguerite chooses Tyler to do the mentoring program, and he ‘commands’ her to come to his home on the Gulf for the weekend. Even though she knows that Tyler is a gentleman in a world where they're hard to come by, she fears what might happen. She is afraid that Tyler will tear down all of her walls that protect her tortured soul and make her shatter into a thousand tiny pieces.



Tyler knows that something is off with Marguerite and he is very gentle and tender with her. Also, he is full of empathy and Marguerite needed it badly.

"See? Small steps. Just take it one thing at a time and you'll be fine. Angel, I'm not going to hurt you. You know that, right? Can you nod for me? Breathe a little?" Tender humor mixed with the concern in his face could undo her. And give her reassurance. She was rather amazed at the combination.

Both of them like to get philosophical/spiritual.

"The strongest drive inside of a submissive, underneath all their emotional wounds, is for the Master to push aside any curtains or walls they may have erected to separate them from their true self, the naked, vulnerable soul. Because that soul wants only one thing. Do you want to know what that is?"
(…) "I don't want to know. That's not what the training's about."
"Wrong. That's what submissive training is all about. Getting past those shields so she feels truly bound to her Master, a part of him as he's a part of her. The ultimate connection, where thought isn't necessary. They're together in the most elemental and perfect way there is. She stared at him. "Let me go, Tyler. I can't do this." "You can. You will."

Tyler knew that he was missing something essential in the big picture and he felt somewhat confused and frustrated. However, he never gave up and he showed her the most important thing. Trust. Marguerite could trust Tyler. Even when she lashed out and showed Tyler her violent side, he was still there to steady and reassure her.

Marguerite wanted to know why Tyler called her angel.

"Because." He leaned forward, his hand slipping up her back to unerringly trace the scar tissue of the design burned there, now concealed under the robe. "Someone drew you wings a long time ago and you've been trying to decide whether to fly away ever since." (…) "And because when I look at you, I think you're a gift from God."

Tyler has to fight a few demons of his own.



Marguerite is seeking silence, peace of mind and strength in rituals.

"You may not realize it but you're seeking the silence in your soul, a plea where you go to find the best of yourself. Learning a simple and beautiful skill, like choosing a teapot, that's seeking that silence, creating rituals where that silence may be found and nurtured. As long as you have that place, you'll never lose yourself, who you are, what you want. But you have to remember to keep bringing flowers into your meadow, always one at a time, to appreciate each blossom, to honor its contribution to your character. It helps make you into the person you were meant to be."

Ultimately, Marguerite was a Mistress who needed a Master--who needed Tyler. And if you want to know more about this exceptional heroine and her heinous fate and Tyler's dark demons, then I strongly recommend you to read the second part of their story, Mirror of My Soul. I loved Ice Queen but Mirror of My Soul truly rocked my world.

This is the most beautiful love story I’ve ever read, and I think that Joey absolutely outdid herself when she wrote Tyler and Marguerite’s intense and emotional journey. It’s about coming to terms with an awful and dysfunctional past and who you have been to become who you really want to be to embrace love, life and happiness—to become whole again. It’s about finding the lost piece of yourself, the love of your life—your soulmate. Trust me, even though it’s going to hurt now and then, witnessing their stunning journey is a thing of pure beauty. Keep your tissues at the ready.

“You are very important to me. It doesn’t matter if you never accept me or what lies between us. If you need me, I’m here for you. Tomorrow, ten years from now, it doesn’t matter. And you know me well enough to know I don’t make idle declarations of commitment.
(…)
“The offer is there now and forever, whether or not you acknowledge it. But before you go, I’m going to ask you to do one more thing. It’s simple and if you do it, I’ll consider your mentoring requirement fulfilled.”
(…)
“I want you to ask me to kiss you and mean it, rather than me making you do it. If you do that, I’ll let you leave.”
(…)
“Tyler, please kiss me.” It came out as a whisper of sound.
Bringing his body close up against her, he put his hands on her waist. Moved them around to the vulnerable small of her back to press her breasts to his chest. His lips hovered over hers, his eyes golden lights flickering like the warmth of a welcoming fire, lulling her, hypnotizing her.
“Tyler.”
There was no question, just his name, and he seemed to understand that. He closed the distance, settling his lips on hers, the heat of his mouth seducing her to part her lips, welcome him in. Her body melted into his with a sigh that seemed to come from every nerve, every cell, saying this is where she wanted to be, where she wanted to belong.

It’s true. Love is also found in stillness.

Highly recommended.

Merged review:

5 unforgettable stars.*****Read count: 4

"A thousand tiny imperfections can make a perfect life."

"We're never so vulnerable than when we trust someone--but paradoxically, if we cannot trust, neither can we find love or joy."
by Walter Anderson

Let me start by saying that Tyler and Marguerite's journey is so much more than a BDSM-themed erotic story. Ice Queen and Mirror of My Soul are exquisite erotic romance stories that delve into the deepest corner of the main characters' minds. Joey’s writing is insanely beautiful and intense, even poetic at times and I was completely and utterly immersed in Tyler and Marguerite’s journey that led to their ultimate destination. Love. Aside from the erotic and well-written sex scenes, I really appreciate it that her stories provide so much depth, and they are extremely character driven. Ice Queen is no exception. Wonderful and authentic characterization without any inconsistencies as well as captivating dialogue and plot render Tyler and Marguerite’s love story unforgettable.



I've been reading Tyler and Marguerite's story four times already. I know it’s crazy. It’s more than crazy actually, but I can’t get enough of these two and certainly never enough of Tyler. Every woman needs a Tyler in her life. He is both sides of the coin—a gentleman and a very gentle man. He is my man. My knight in shining armor. My very own personal God. He is my everything and I love him to pieces. It goes without saying that I worship the ground he walks on. Words truly fail me to convey how incredibly wonderful he is. Tyler is the perfect flavor of an intense, sexy and handsome alpha male. Passionate, demanding, perceptive, determined and possessive yet very courteous, giving, tender, gentle and caring. He hardly ever swears, and he is a man of true class--a Southern gentleman in his mid-forties and mature beyond years. Gawd, I get all sentimental thinking about him and he makes me want to bawl my eyes out. Again. Yes, I know, I need to shut it now.

“I’ve been trying to talk Marguerite into performing a Japanese tea ceremony for me but she tells me she reserves it only for her special customers.”
“A properly done chaji takes four hours.”
His teeth flashed at her. “I have the stamina.”
Tina stifled a chuckle. Eyes glinting, Tyler inclined his head to her and moved to a wide-eyed Chloe, asking her if she needed any help as if he’d worked there all his life.
“I’d offer to catch you if you need to swoon,” Tina said under her breath. “Except my knees went weak watching him kiss your hand.”

“I know who you think is the prettiest girl here,” Natalie announced, pinning him with a knowing look.
Tyler grinned. “That would be the birthday girl, of course.”
Natalie shook her head, her curls swinging. “You’re just saying that because it’s my birthday. You think Miss M is the prettiest, because you’re in love with her.”
There was a clatter as Marguerite knocked one of her fortunately empty teacups across the table. She grabbed at it but it rolled over the edge, skittering away as if possessed. Before she blinked, Tyler caught it in his open palm.
He brought it back to the table, sitting it down next to her hand, meeting her flustered gaze. “I handle delicate objects very well,” he said, low, as the girls exclaimed over the fortunate catch.
She stared at him. He passed a knuckle over her cheek. “All right?”

“Think about those bronze sculptures…” His voice soothed her surge of panic. “How the artists focused on the lines of the body, keeping the lines simple to bring out the life in the art. It’s in their very stillness they burst with the power of sensuality. Like you, Marguerite. Absolutely still like this, by my command, you’re a Goddess.”

Known as the Ice Queen, Mistress Marguerite, is very well respected within the walls of The Zone, an exclusive BDSM club she frequents. Marguerite needs control and routine in her personal life as well as her Domme life. She never looks anyone directly in the eyes, never picks the same sub twice, and allows very little to no physical touching. And she doesn't do intimacy and relationships either. Besides, she hardly ever smiles or laughs, and her demeanor has not gone unnoticed by fellow Dom, Tyler Wi

[Lady Vigilante (Feifei)]

Buddy read with Baba and Sue! Eeeep! First Joey Hill book here I come :D

[ElaineY · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first detailed look into the BDSM romance genre and it was unputdownable. When I did get to the last page, I was so relieved I'd bought Mirror Of My Soul, which is Part 2 of the same story. I would have torn out my hair, rent my clothes andf covered myself in sackcloth and ashes if I'd bought Ice Queen before Mirror Of My Soul was released. I can't imagine reading a book where it stops halfway and you're going wtf...this would have happened to me if I'd read Gennita Low's Virtually His, by the way. Part 2 of this book is only released in December 2008!

Ice Queen deals with the psychological dynamics at play in these members of The Zone, where our heroine works as one of the most sought-after Mistresses and our hero, Tyler, is her legendary counterpart. He also owns The Zone and though Ice Queen is Marguerite's story, Tyler will stick in your mind all the way through. He remains, until today, 3 years and many alphs heroes later, my Numero Uno romance hero. Which is why my heart just about stopped when I realized Ice Queen was only half the story and Tyler's story wasn't there.

The Nature of Desire series is dark and while Ice Queen does not have a suspense/mystery thread running through as Natural Law does, it's not at all a light and easy read. I was taken into the psyche of these members of The Zone and felt the anguish and psychic pain that inhabited Marguerite. Like Tyler, she is totally in control of herself, her persona at The Zone, her means of survival.

I was totally enthralled by the dynamics between those two protagonists but the sequel, Mirror of My Soul, set Tyler as my all-time hero.

I have both books in e-book format as well as print.

[☾ Dαɴιyα ☽ · Rating 4 out of 5]

These two Dominants will turn their considerable talents on each other and discover that who is Master and who is slave doesn't matter, not when two souls have found their mate. This part of the blurb is just perfect for Marguerite and Tyler!


Since I started the Nature of Desire series a bit out of order, the first time (that I remember) I came across Marguerite and Tyler was in Rough Canvas. They were already married, and anyone new finding out about them together was surprised because they are both Dominants. The answer to that was always: They make it work. I was more than a little curious to find out how is it that they make it work. Now, after reading both Ice Queen and Mirror of My Soul , I finally have my answer, and it is not what I expected it to be.

Honestly, I thought this would be a much lighter read, kinky and fun. I couldn't have been more wrong. Yes, it was kinky, though not as much as I was expecting, but other than that, I was way off base. Ice Queen was very emotional, at times even dark. I've noticed this in most of the author's books I've read; kink is mostly on the BD side, not SM, and goes very deep in the psychological state of the characters. While this was true with the relationship between Marguerite and Tyler (in fact, I think this was kinda almost vanilla-ish, if that makes any sense), Marguerite, however, had a bit different approach with her submissives for the night. She may look fragile, but she is one tough Mistress.

Only once have I read a branding scene. If I recall correctly, my reaction to it was: Hell, no! Trust Joey to make me reconsider. The scene between Marguerite and Brendan felt right, almost sweet. I guess it always depends on how something is written and why. But, I digress.

Even in Natural Law it was apparent Tyler had a bit of infatuation going on with Mistress Marguerite. He wanted her, period. So when the opportunity presented itself to get her under his dominance, he decided he was going to do everything possible to make her see that was what she wanted as well. Tyler soon realized that would be a much difficult task than he thought, task to difficult it took two books to finally fulfill it.

What could I say about Tyler except he is like a knight in shining armor or a prince charming who stepped right off the pages of a fairy tale. Honestly, the man seemed like he could do no wrong. He was so perfect he can't be anything but fictional. He anticipated Marguerite's needs, showed an incredible ability to guess what she was thinking, he found the way to get to her, really get to her, and stuck with her even when she unleashed all her demons on him... Let's all cry now, and be jealous of Marguerite.

And Marguerite was as broken as they come. The details from her horrible past weren't revealed here, but it was obvious it was something serious that affected her life greatly even now. She was far from indifferent towards Tyler, which is why she made sure to avoid him in the past. Now that that was impossible, she tried with building walls, and when that wasn't working she would just run away from him. A weaker man would have given up, but not Tyler Winterman. Not then, not ever...

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this book with a bit of trepidation, lots of Gr friends seemed to find this a bit full on in the bdsm.
They were right, it definitely isn't your average bdsm book. It is a whole new level. This seemed more on the pshycological level.
We have our heroine who is extemely damaged, she is barely holding herself together. She has to certain rituals in her life to help her get by and they are all about control. She does not trust anyone. Being a Mistress seems to help her hold herself together.
She finds herself in a situation where all the t's haven't been crossed so to speak .and she has to experience submission to be able to continue to work as a Mistress in her club The Zone.
This is where Tyler comes in, Dom and part owner of the club he is the one who wants to put her through her paces. Of course there is an undeniable attraction between the two.
The Dom in Tyler wants to strip this woman down to the bone. So we don't just have a dom putting her through an exercise for formalities sake we have a man that is putting her to the test.

Now some may say in this book that he pushes her to far. I do not agree. I didn't mind what Tyler did to get her to submit, to try and get her to trust him, to let go of her control.
This heroine is wound so tight that she is near breaking point. She knows it, Tyler knows it.
He is trying to save her.

As you can tell I have a little bit of a crush on this man and I was cheering him on whenever he made any ground with Margariette.

I cannot wait until I read the next installment in their story, because this one left you hanging in the middle. You know that ground has been gained but there is still a long way to go and I want to get there, I really do. Because I believe they will both have a lot to be gained when they both work through these problems.

Some themes in this book will freak out some people being tied down and held under water with a mask and a tube for breathing,being the major one and if it does I would definitely say stop reading. But if you can get past that and see it for the technique that it was I believe you will find you have a very enjoyable book in your hands. Not for everyone, but it was definitely for me.

[Katrina Passick Lumsden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, I have to say, this was at least interesting. I'm not going to quibble or shy away from anything; this book is pretty raunchy. Lots and lots of sex (to the point where I was even more desensitized than usual), and most of the sex is nothing like the sex scenes you've read anywhere else.

Now here's where I have a problem with the book; if not for the distracting titillation of the sex, it would be mediocre, at best. The grammar leaves a bit to be desired, it's much too long and, quite frankly, it's pretty boring. 324 pages have never felt quite so numerous before. I applaud it for being much more intelligent than your average erotica, but it came across as pompous at times, overly concerned with its own message. The characterization was better than I've read before, but it too had its own drawbacks; while I liked Tyler, I don't feel as if I ever really got to know him. On the surface, it seems like we're really getting to know the characters, their insecurities and motivations, but when you really look deep, it's all fairly superficial, shallow, and pedestrian. We know that Tyler is a Dom, he's former CIA, he has nightmares about some of the things he's done. He's also rich, a heavy hitter in the erotic film industry, has several houses and lots of friends, is a widower, and he's in love with Marguerite. Beyond any of those things, we don't get a very good picture of what Tyler is really like. What makes him tick, what his hobbies are, his own personal philosophy. It's strange because it seems like the book really prides itself on being a character study with BDSM distractions, but that's not really the case. As far as Marguerite, aside from suspecting what happened to her and watching her be an emotional basketcase, there's not much else to her. I suppose that was the point. The book's title, after all, hinges upon her emotional fuckwittage. But I found I couldn't really like her. Did I sympathize with her? Sure. At first. But there's only so much sympathy I can have for someone who refuses to even help herself.

I will give this book props, however. It helped enlighten me in regards to the BDSM lifestyle. As many know, I read the entire Fifty Shades trilogy and, while I hated it, I didn't really know the difference between it and other BDSM erotica. I had several people tell me there was better out there, and I believed them, but I couldn't know first hand. Now I do. And now my distaste for Fifty Shades and E.L. James has ratcheted up a few degrees. Joey W. Hill introduced me to the more emotional side of BDSM, the many facets of being a Dom/Domme or submissive, and the feelings and motivations behind each. And while I can't really relate to either mindset, I can at least understand them. I understand that being a Dom/Domme has nothing whatsoever to do with exorcising one's demons via the practice of hurting another individual, and that those motivations are actually looked down upon in most BDSM circles. The differences between Tyler Winterman and Christian Grey are so stark, so unnervingly dissimilar, that my fear for women who idolize men like Grey has grown exponentially.

To put it in layman's terms, if Tyler Winterman were introduced to Christian Grey and given all the facts about Grey's abuse of women., Grey would be lucky to walk away with all of his limbs intact. Tyler Winterman is a Dom, but he is not abusive. He's not condescending, controlling, or rude. In short, he's not an asshole. He enjoys sexual dominance, but he respects women. So while I had my problems with this book, I recommend it to anyone who has even a remote interest in BDSM, and I'm hoping those who are fans of FSoG will take a quick peek. If you do, you'll find that not only is Christian Grey a real douchebag, he's also a real slouch in the BDSM sex department.

[Mimi Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This has been a...surprisingly emotional book. While it's definitely an erotica that deals with BDSM, there's plenty angst and falling in love, too.

The story

We enter The Zone, a BDSM club and there we meet two VERY interesting people. Marguerite-the Mistress labeled an Ice Queen, for although she's one of the best, she never shows emotion and Tyler part owner, also in the lifestyle, also a Dom. Due to a contract regulation, Marguerite is under an obligation to act as a submissive for a short period of time. She chooses Tyler as her temporary Master, because she has always been intrigued by him, but it is clear from the start all this wouldn't be easy for her. She has a lot of emotional baggage that makes it hard for her to trust, let go, feel, live and Tyler is determined to bring it all out and make her his.

So, they meet in his house, away from the city, where there's just the two of them(and servants, 'cause Ty is filthy rich *g*) and from there on the fun starts. Tyler is, basically, seducing her, trying to get her comfortable with him, because he suspects she keeps herself away because of fear, and that what she needs is to submit for a change... To him, of course. So while the weekend goes by, we're taken through their hot, HOT encounters, while two dominant people try to re-up each other, we also find out a bit about their demons. Until at one point it gets to be too much for the Ice Queen, and she leaves...And Ty is forced to desperate measures to get her back...

Since most of my quotes is gone due to a power blackout(and me not saving anything, of course), here's just a few...

“Are you wearing boxers or briefs under that outfit?” he asked."

"You're afraid of everything. In England there are castles with stone walls that go up over a hundred feet, built during a time when it was the strength of your fortress that won battles. Each time I look at you, I marvel at the feat of organic engineering that's allowed you to create such a fortification within a perfect composition of female flesh."


My thoughts

This was a hot, touching book with very interesting characters. It's also made the BDSM practices...clearer to me? The dynamics between them are interesting and ever changing and I truly felt for both their pain. It's so obvious they're meant to be together. In what capacity and role is the question. I liked it a lot. Recommended.

Note-Marguerite and Ty's story continues in the book Mirror of My Soul. And I will review the story and the characters more extensively there.

[Kazen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Trigger warnings for descriptions of abuse, including that of a child, and dubious consent.

In general I love Hill's work but this book bothers me a ton, for reasons that can be illustrated in one scene. Background: Marguerite, a highly regarded Domme, needs to undergo sub experience training in order to keep her credentials at the club. She sets up a weekend with Tyler to complete it. She sets ground rules - no kissing, no sex (though they never clarified beyond that, which strikes me as odd), and no asking about her scars.

Tyler doesn't hold much regard for her ground rules, kissing and giving her oral sex early on. But in preparation for a sensory deprivation scene he sees cigarette burns on her back and continues, regardless. He keeps attributing her anxiety, reluctance, and defense mechanisms to the Dom/sub dynamic, that she needs to learn how to trust. Not, you know, the fact that she was very likely abused in her past and she's being tied up, effectively gagged, and has no way to give a safe word or signal.

"How do I tell you if something is wrong, if I need to stop?"

"I'll be watching you very closely." Tyler knew a safe word or gesture would do her no good at this juncture because everything was panicking her.

I may have felt some extra sympathy because the situation she's in would likely give me a panic attack, but not having a save word because that's somehow 'better', against the sub's wishes? Oh hell no.

And to add more nope-age, the text neds editing^ , there's careless confusion and appropriation of Japanese and other Asian cultures, and near the end there's a literal tea party of plot moppets with Very Deep Things being said at a gathering for seven-year-olds. Considering the next book is a continuation of this one I may be out of the series, which is a shame as Natural Law is so good. Sigh. Oh well.

-----

^ One example: "...drew her attention to a shallow square tub filled with steaming water about three feet deep." Shallow for a pool, maybe, but not for a bathroom.

[Rain Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A thousand tiny imperfections can make a perfect life.”

They call her the Ice Queen.
Mistress Marguerite is a legend at The Zone - the exclusive BDSM club. She always wears white. Never chooses the same sub twice. No intimacies. No touching. No direct eye contact. With her almost white hair and pale blue eyes, she seems like she is made of ice. And she's all about control.

Tyler Winterman is Marguerite's male counterpart. One of the most powerful male Doms, and part owner of The Zone. Though it is obvious their relationship should be based strictly on mutual admiration, Tyler's been fascinated with Marguerite for years.

The Zone has a stipulation, that requires all of their Doms to go through mentoring program - they need to spend a certain amount of hours as subs, in order to learn about BDSM from a different perspective. Due to a computer error, Marguerite lacks that, but she is required to do it finally. And, who would be better in the role of her mentor than Tyler?
Tyler, on the other hand, strongly believes she is a switch, under all that Ice Queen facade, and plans to do his very best to make her realize it, and admit it.

Marguerite's last performance in The Zone, before the weekend she'll spend with Tyler, is amazing. Or amazingly disturbing.

“We judge one another all the time, don’t we?” That sensual voice came through the speakers. Marguerite was pacing around Brendan. “But when we do that, we’re just projecting our perspective on someone and not really seeing them.” She crouched, so close to Brendan their noses almost touched. He looked dazed by his lust, mesmerized by her. “When I look into your eyes now, I see beneath the surface, everything you’ve built or constructed. Minds don’t know each other. Only souls. That’s where I’m going, Brendan. Straight to your soul. I see who you are and you see me. We know each other.”

...

"The look in her eyes said it all. This was her swan song here. She was snubbing her nose at him and The Zone requirement, leaving them the memory of a Mistress who was a force of nature to herself. A Goddess laughing at man’s pitiful attempts to teach her what she already knew, possibly had created herself. The message was clear.
Fuck you."

But, once their weekend starts, nothing is like it should be. No simple D/s dynamics. No obvious moves. Everything is so much more than expected, it's clear there's something exceptional between them. Just out of reach.
They are both highly damaged souls. They both have demons that are hard to fight. They both need the upper hand. And, still, they are so good for each other.

"Her breath expulsed on a near sob as he touched her thigh. Stroked. Drew a… He drew a heart. Once, twice and then again. Then wrote, one letter at a time, big unmistakable. Upon her flesh. B…R…E…A…T…H…E."

"People are…themselves, their real selves in sex. Particularly BDSM. Can’t hide evil, good…weakness or strength. When you strip a sub down, you know who they are. They can try but they can’t hide it—not if the top is good. It all comes out…"

"He looked down at the guns. A Desert Eagle and a Sig Sauer nine millimeter, and he'd killed with both of them. "When you take a man's life that's between you, God and that man's soul. It's a personal conversation you work out your entire life. I can't talk about it because there are no words for it."

What really fascinated me, yet again, is the ability - the skill this author has - to transform a dark, edgy BDSM story into an emotional, spiritual and psychological whirlpool.
It is beyond intense. It is rough. It leaves you shaken. It's a sensory provocation from the beginning to the very end. But you can't not love it.
Tyler is a wonderful man, and truly an amazing Dom. Careful. Emotional. Insightful. He'll go all the way, stop at nothing, to give everything he has and do his best. I love him for that.

"She was a Mistress who needed a Master. Who needed him."

This is only part one of Marguerite and Tyler's story. And, I'm glad. Because these two deserve more.
Be sure not to miss this.


p.s. As I suspect many of you do, I use music either to enhance a specific mood, or to create it. While I’m reading, a song comes to my mind. It can be something in a story that reminds me of a certain melody, lyrics that are perfect for some particular moment, or simply the tone of a story that draws me to a song I like. That’s how most of the books I’ve read got their own unofficial soundtracks.
This time around, I've been listening to this song.

[Jessy (Jessy's Book Club) · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know that feeling when you do something and wonder why you’ve never done it before because it feels so good? That’s exactly how I feel about Joey W. Hill books. As soon as I finished Natural Law (Nature of Desire #2), I became a Joey W. Hill addict. I couldn’t wait to fulfill my scheduled blog tasks so that I could finally settle down to what I REALLY wanted to read :) And now that I have, I wonder if I’ll ever read BDSM erotica without comparing it to Joey’s books. For a BDSM erotica fan, I’ve sure been missing the crown jewels of BDSM erotica. And I’ll explain why… after the synopsis :)

All the books are structured as stand-alones with recurring characters. So having read book #2, I’d already met Marguerite. She’s earned herself quite a reputation at The Zone, an exclusive BDSM club. They call her the Ice Queen. The Mistress everyone wants to learn from… emulate. However, due to a computer error, it’s discovered that she lacks the mentoring program stipulation required of all Zone Doms, which includes spending a number of hours learning about BDSM from the submissive’s perspective. Which is where Tyler Winterman comes in. If Marguerite is THE Mistress at the Zone, he’s THE Master. To anyone else, these two are as similar as it could possibly get. But Tyler knows better. And when Marguerite chooses him for her training, he sees the prime opportunity to prove to her what he’s always suspected her to be, a switch.

It made no sense at all. Tyler was a sexual Dominant. She was a Dominant. There should be the attraction of mutual admiration but why this? This indefinable, overwhelming feeling?

After reading my first Joey W. Hill book, I declared her my newest addiction. And this book just underscored that fact. It’s the way it’s written, not just erotica, it’s like art… beautiful flowing words that capture the reader, teach the reader, arouse the reader, sometimes shock the reader… and when it’s all said and done, I cursed my job for not allowing me the time to read the entire series in one sitting.

But back to the story. Tyler.. sigh… Tyler. Arrogant, self-aware Tyler.

“You know why you’re fascinated with me, when you’ve had so many pretty boys at your beck and call? Because you’ve never trusted yourself with a man.

Yes, Marguerite has purposely kept herself away from anyone who could challenge her. She has secrets. Scars that she’d prefer to remain hidden. But she feels this unimagibable pull to Tyler. She wants to fight it, she tries to fight it, but just like a knot on a piece of rope, the more she pulls, the tighter the knot becomes. And though she’s so damaged, Tyler wants to fight for her. She’s just… different.

All the miserable things he’d seen, all the things he’d been unable to prevent, had given him what he needed to be the man who could love her and care for her forever. He knew it. He would fight the demons in her dreams for her, give her back her smile as a gift she’d earned a thousand times over. It wasn’t egotism or wishful thinking, he simply knew it as truth. He just had to get her to believe it. When he looked at her he saw his own soul looking back at him, the lost piece of himself.

As an avid BDSM erotica reader, I realized the difference I felt whilst reading this book. It’s the psychology behind it, the way she explores it. The way I finally feel as if every other book concentrated too much on the physical without giving us the psychological aspect of it… it’s not light, so be warned. If you are looking to dip your toes into BDSM erotica, then look elsewhere. But if you truly enjoy the genre, you’ll love it.

NB: This is not a standalone…. Tyler and Marguerite’s story is too complex for one book :) So guess what I’m reading next ;)

4.5 stars.

[Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm just going to continue to the next one, because as sure as hell I can't stop here. On to more of Tyler and the Ice Queen.

[Mahlet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ice Queen is the first half of the most emotional, sexy and compelling BDSM love story you'll probably ever read: the story of Tyler and Marguerite. You had better have Mirror of My Soul within arms length once you finish Ice Queen - because Tyler and Marguerite's story couldn't be contained in one book. Mirror of My Soul picks up exactly where Ice Queen ended. While the writing in Natural Law was just as intelligent, I enjoyed this story more because I prefer to read about male Doms rather than female Doms...while Mistress Marguerite may be the most sought-after Dom at The Zone, the exclusive BDSM club in Tampa, Florida, nearly trippling their bar tabs when she works with her subs, despite hardly ever allowing her subs to touch her freely, Marguerite's truly a sub at heart but for one man only.

Master Tyler is a silent part-owner of The Zone, and equally respected and sought after by the sub patrons. Despite her Dom status, Tyler has been lusting after Marguerite for nearly 2 years. She feels something between them, too, and it's been making her avoid him. Yet when Marguerite realizes she can't continue to practice as a Zone Dom without fulfilling the requirement of learning about the sub's perspective, it's Tyler she asks to get her through it. As Master, Tyler chooses the location: a weekend at his Gulf home, which is a beautiful estate described in wonderful details, so you'll feel like you're really there. Yes, Tyler's charming, alpha, sexy as hell AND wealthy :)

Marguerite is scared shitless - she tried to talk Tyler out of the sub requirement, but that failed. She values her weekly sessions at The Zone, which she uses to exercise some serious demons from a childhood you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy (NOTE: Marguerite's and Tyler's pasts are revealed in Mirror Of My Soul)...so she's willing to do whatever it takes to keep her Zone membership. Marguerite is so intriguing and mysterious, with tendency towards violence just under her surface. She tries to set up rules for the weekend : No kissing, No actual sex...and no questions about the unusual marks on her body. The sub requirements include commands, restraints, flogging and punishment, exhibitionism, sensory deprivation....His lush gardens, gallery, bath tub, tennis court, kitchen...Let me just say, some of Marguerite's rules went out the damn window under the influence of Tyler. The time they spent at his Gulf home - um, I think I'm choking up here. I'll just say he's sensual, creative, tender AND firm. You will need to read the specifics for yourself, but it was really amazing. But don't get the wrong impression - it's not some run of the mill sex fest - it's very psychological and intelligently done. So much so that Marguerite gets the hell out of dodge, terrified of Tyler's power over her and the things he makes her feel.

Tyler becomes desperate to get back into his Marguerite's soul and make her admit her feelings for him and his command over her as Master. So Tyler makes a bold move, offering himself to her for one night as her slave...despite the warnings of his close friend Mistress Violet, who believes Marguerite may lash out at him. Marguerite accepts and chooses the venue: The Zone. It's a packed house (eveyone wants to see the clubs most respected Mistress top the normally private Master) and the normally private gorgous Tyler is stripped and chained, waiting for Marguerite...and he's given orders for Zone security to not interrupt under any circumstances until the session is over. And when it is, you'll be DYING for their story's conclusion in
Mirror of My Soul. This was a well-written BLOODY HOT erotic BDSM emotional roller coaster - At. Its. Finest.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marguerite Purrequet has a very regimented daily routine. She begins and ends each day the same with the sun rising and setting around her tea shop, Tea Leaves. Only one variation exists. Every Thursday night Marguerite steps out of her tea shop and into The Zone, an exclusive BDSM club where she is known as Mistress Marguerite, the Ice Queen. Marguerite is a sexual Dominant. Her soul finds true bliss when a submissive relinquishes all - body, mind and soul, entrusting Mistress Margurite with not only their safety but their fantasies as well.

Tyler Winterman, a man of untold wealth, is a Master and heterosexual Dominant at The Zone. In his early forties, Tyler embodies the seductive sturdiness and strength of a real man who knows himself - body, mind and soul, thorough and thorough. His soul rings true to Marguerite's and their shared desire to dominate their sexual partners.

The Zone requires all Mistresses and Masters to complete a study in both BDSM roles in order to maintain membership status. These studies allow sexual dominant members to experience BDSM sessions from the submissive perspective. Computer error has allowed Marguerite membership without class completion. In order to continue her forays at The Zone, Marguerite selects Master Tyler to be her teacher in the hopes that The Zone's two elite can work out a deal whereby Marguerte may continue her membership without class completion. But Tyler is not in a mood to comply.

Tyler has been infatuated with Marguerite since the first time he saw her at The Zone two years ago. Her appearance alone would attract any ones notice. Marguerite is tall and slender with long snow white hair and translucent skin but it's her ice blue soul-piercing eyes that captivate Tyler. That and the fact that he thinks Marguerite is a "switch" - a Dominant that is actually a sub. Tyler believes that the computer glitch is destiny and convinces Marguerite to complete the study while spending a weekend at his Florida Gulf home.

Marguerite is intensely complex. While her body lays out the trauma of the past one cigarette burn at a time, Tyler does not inquire about how their appearance came to be. Although a Master's goal is to view the soul of the sub, somethings, upon the sub's request will not be disclosed. That is part of the safety and trust that a Master can and must provide. Yet the scars only represent the first of many unbreakable walls that Marguerite has erected to protect her soul and Tyler fights desperately to blast through them.

This book was like a fencing match with two very aggressive beings thrusting a parrying back forth while the steel of their souls clash causing sparks to fly. Marguerite is mostly on the defensive trying desperately to maintain and uphold the bricks of her walls but Tyler continually crumbles them with soul searing light. And while that light helpful it's not enitrely effective, Marguerite's darkness appears too vast and deep that the light is vanquished by it's shear depth and blackness. Yet Tyler's persistence is admirable and he knows that while Marguerite runs, he has made an impact, those first protective walls have come down and he tries one last direct hit with allowing Marguerite to dominate him.

I really enjoyed this novel. It provided the extreme of BDSM with the complexity of a true, albeit unusual, romance. Tyler's acceptance of Marguerite, including her sordid yet unrevealed past, is beautiful and true making him a hero in every sense of the word. Marguerite is the epitome of strength and vision of how one can pull their life together after terrible tragedy. She is selfless and compassionate to others and is more than deserving of Tyler's love and protection. These characters were perfect for each other.

[Cam *tactile seeker* · Rating 4 out of 5]

It only took me more than a year to read the remaining 24% of this ebook.
I'd like to say that I had reasons for putting this wonderfully complicated and sexual story on hold, and I'm sure I did, when I decided to wait.
I just couldn't recall any, when I reopened it and finally reached its ending.

Truth is, I adored the previous book in the series, "Natural Law". The protagonist was a male sub who hadn't quite figured out what being one actually meant and how deeply it was going to affect his life.
He fell in love with a beautiful Mistress and the rest is history, like the painfully sensual sex she convinced him into submitting to.

"Ice Queen" is, on the contrary, about a Mistress who falls for a Dom and realizes she's actually a switch. The realization comes after more than 300 pages of stubborn rebellion, sassiness and mind-blowing power-play.
She's a painful past, can't trust any men who wouldn't submit to her and the whole story is just incredible.
BDSM is about two or more people who willingly alienate themselves to another human being, mentally and physically. And it's about handling that power in order to bring both the submissive and the master/mistress to pleasure.
It's not something that comes naturally. Like one person waking up one day and realizing he or she wants to be flogged or restrained and meticulously brought to orgasm in ways they didn't even know existed or that they needed.
It's a painful and conscious journey leading to the discovery or more than just one's sexual preferences.

And I find that Joey W. Hill is the perfect storyteller for those who want to know more about that universe. She's never subtle about it, she doesn't hide the discomfort or the pain behind some practices. She doesn't show the sub-Dom dynamic as something flawless and natural.
It's quite the angsty journey, actually.
And her writing is gorgeous, especially when it describes the fear and shock of the venerated Mistress who falls for the strong-willed alpha Dom who pursues her with relentless confidence.

I'm mentally slapping myself for being so lazy, sometimes. I couldn't recommend this series more, to anyone curious enough to read more about a mature, smart and multi-layered description of BDSM.
It always leads to love, too, so what's not to like about it?

[Sassafrass · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book ripped my heart out but it was so good. The story line what disturbing and gritty. I had to immediately read the second part of this book. Please take note that if you read Ice Queen, Mirror of the Soul is the book that starts right after Ice Queen takes place and is the continuation of Marguerite and Tyler's story. You HAVE to read Mirror of the Soul if you read Ice Queen.

Fantastic Book. Joey W. Hill, you are a Goddess!!!

[CC · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn't your standard erotica D/s read. Marguerite is a complex and intelligent Mistress. Tyler is a complex and masterful Dom. Their storyline is multi-layered and thought provoking with intelligent dialogue and internal monologues. While it is also sexy, it isn't just about the tableaus - there is a real plot with heavy issues. I highly recommend Ice Queen and have moved on to part two, Mirror of My Soul.

[Pam Godwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a comprehensive review of the series as a whole.

Every character is unique, each one bringing his/her own experiences to the BDSM scene. And every story is deeply buried under layers of hurt and distrust. But these characters are mighty, their love limitless. Lots of dungeon time, winding dark sensuality with anguish and courage, making these stories live on long after they’re devoured.

[Dreamer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't really care for m/f erotica, leaves me cold, especially with a dominant male. However this is a well-written piece if you enjoy this genre.
'Most of the Masters at The Zone would have given both of their testicles for the right to top the Ice Queen.'

[ShoSho · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd read this book ages ago but I didn't enjoy it and skipped the second half and never went for the forth. But this time around I made myself read it and enjoyed it more, still not as much as the second book.
Off to start the next one

[Mirjana **DTR - Down to Read** · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!What an ending!

[Laz the Sailor · Rating 3 out of 5]

A strong 3-stars. There is a lot of good stuff in here. The build-up to the climax is detailed and deliberate. Consistent with this series, the story is constrained to few people over a short period. This allows the intensity of the action to build quickly without drowning in angst.

My only negative comment is that the resolution felt incomplete. We know that the epiphany has been achieved, but it's not really revealed and the bond between the MCs is not shown.

I will continue to read everything by this author, who writes intense BDSM better than most.

[Shannon The Co-Captain · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I love this couple, I did get bored at times with this one. Especially with the tea. I guess a tea drinker might be interested. I’m not and I wasn’t. Also, it’s a cliffhanger and I really fucking hate those. But, I do love the couple so I have high hopes for the next book.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ice Queen is book three in the Nature of Desire series and really part one of Tyler and Marguerite's story. The first book ends pretty abruptly, so I would have Mirror of My Soul on hand. Another emotional roller coaster of a story from Ms. Hill. Marguerite is a spectacular Domme at The Zone, respected and feared. But she has a dark past that Dom Tyler catches glimpses of over the years. When she is required to undergo "sub" training that she missed when she became a member of the club, Tyler is the one to mentor her, bringing her to his Gulf estate. He thinks she may be a switch, and that her dominant tendencies may be a facade she hides behind due to abuse she suffered in her past. Here we see her initial education and how Tyler attempts to open her to the possibility of trust.
Tyler is one of those AMAZING characters that's larger than life. Caring, possessive, a touch arrogant...Joey Hill's classic male Dom. Marguerite is one of the most repressed characters I've read. She's sympathetic, but hard to get a read on. We need to hear her full story. Tyler has a heartbreaking past as well, that hasn't fully come to light. So, on to the next one!

[Erika · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed in this one, and not only because it's only half the story (if I'd known there was no ending, I wouldn't have read it at all). The sex scenes are more uncomfortable to read than erotic, IMO, and the relationship between the characters doesn't ring true. The attraction depends on some sort of magical chemistry that strains credibility.

There's a poor attempt to contrast true abusive relationships with those that are BDSM, but the contrast doesn't come across well. We're left wondering if we're watching both characters descend into the same unhealthy relationships described by their history.

I enjoyed the first two books in this series, but I'm not sure I'm going to read any more by this author.