En Tus Manos

by Nichi Hodgson

Una decepción amorosa, un encuentro casual, un futuro incierto, la vertiginosa curiosidad..., me llevaron por caminos insospechados.
No sabía qué hacer con mi vida cuando conocí a Sebastian. La química fue intensa e inmediata. Noté cómo se derrumbaban todas mis defensas en cuanto me dio la mano.
Pero Sebastian era tan bello por fuera como atormentado por dentro. A través de él me vi arrastrada a los más oscuros placeres, a las más intensas fantasías sexuales, pasivas y activas, de dominio y sumisión, a las experiencias más sensuales y extremas que haya vivido nunca.
La nuestra fue una historia de amor a la que no pude resistirme. Una historia que me ató de pies y manos, física y psíquicamente.
De una oscura y adictiva sensualidad erótica, no exenta de sutiles pinceladas de humor, "En tus manos" es la historia real, autobiográfica, de una obsesión amorosa que te dejará sin aliento.

Genres: Romance, BDSM, Erotica, Fiction

435 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Christie«SHBBblogger» · Rating 1 out of 5]

Let me just say, I love reading, I'll read just about anything, and I hate to give up on a book halfway through so I will usually force myself through the last half just merely to see if there is anything at all to get out of it. I was sorely tempted this time to delete this from my Kindle about 25% through, 50% through, then pretty much every page after that. But most ESPECIALLY at the "end" of this colossal waste of my time. GRRRRR. And I say "end" with index and middle fingers of both hands flicking up and down in air quotes because it's like someone just left off the last 50 pages or so. Not like it was left as a suspenseful cliffhanger, (which is frustrating but exciting at the same time because you have something to look forward to) but the story just stopped...and I started flicking the page with my finger 3 or 4 times to see if I was missing something.
It appears as if this was based on the authors true experiences in the domme/dom/sub/ BDSM lifestyle. The cover boasts that it's about Nichi and her "real life Christian Grey". Sebastian is NOTHING like Christian besides the fact that they both are into some "kinky-fuckery" as Christian would say. ;) Christian is widely loved by readers because yes, he is effed up emotionally, and his character has to evolve dramatically through the books before he is able to have a somewhat normal relationship with Ana, but there was always some level of respect between him and her and you could clearly see that he did not want to hurt her or cause her emotional pain. He was not incapable of love, just hurting and not knowing how to deal with it without being in control of all things. Sebastian though, is not funny, charming, sexy, NOTHING that could in the least bit make up for what a complete egocentric, heartless, jerk he is. I found nothing redeeming about him. Nothing that made me want to root for him or their relationship. Simply put, I hated him. He treated her like a piece of garbage that was there for to fulfill his deviant sexual fantasies regardless of how uncomfortable it made her feel. Her feelings were never taken into consideration for anything. Then I completely lost it when near the end of the book, after she confronted him about never calling her to talk( just texting her every single time for a booty call) and telling him that she loved him and wanted more than what he was giving her, he tells her that he is incapable of loving anyone, just uses people for sex, and that he is not monogamous so she shouldn't expect him not to sleep with one of his exes if they came back in town. Oh, and also that he doesn't love her. So she proceeds to go back to his place and sleep with him one last time(and this point now making me hate her as well) and then stops calling him. I kept waiting for some emotional breakthrough to happen for them, to somehow find a way to sigh in relief and say, "ok, finally, here is a reason to understand this book." Well THAT didn't happen. This is just not what the blurb on the book says it is and I wish I had a time machine that would take me back to the moment I first saw this book and I could slap myself for even thinking of buying it. Ok. Rant done. I highly suggest not reading this book. Obviously.

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

not a bad story. although, especially early on, I had to keep reminding myself it's not a story, this is real, this really happened to a REAL girl named Nichi.

at the start I was quite confused, I think chapter 1 was meant to be a prologue rather than an actual chapter (the man enters the story about 1/3 in, & it fits in the story about 3/4 through).

when Nichi & Christos broke up, I was waiting for her to yell & scream at him that he broke them too, he moved out, distanced himself from her, pushed her into a single lifestyle, abandoned her on her b'day, then simply dumped all the blame on Nichi. maybe she really did do this but didn't put it in the book...

I read a review that really bagged out Sebastian, & Nichi's relationship with him. yes he was a bit of an ass with a lot of baggage, but he was also very sweet at times, & there was an obvious attraction between the pair. no, you can't compare him to Christian grey. Christian was a fictional character & the author wanted us to love him, so he changed & worked on his problems for Ana, & maybe Ana was a fool for sticking around... This one isn't some fairytale romance story, Sebastian is real, he has real issues & Nichi wasn't prepared to stick around & be trampled on any more than she already had been. again, like the Christos thing, maybe there was more between them after Nichi's Tokyo trip that just didn't make it to the book

The final line "And then we kissed." - like others have said, it just kind of stops mid story. at first I thought it was odd, but then I realised it makes complete sense... it was the END of her & Sebastian, the end of the story being told in this book. getting back to her normal self after the split, she met Jake & even though she has some reservations due to Gina's confession of him, she feels a connection. as they part ways at the train station, it is in that moment that Nichi realises she is ready to move forward with the rest of her life, & then they kissed ;-)

interested to see if Nichi writes another book. kinda intrigued how she goes/went with Jake, & did she ever go back to domming? or back to plain vanilla? interesting stuff...

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

All right. I finally have some time tonight to do all the reviews that I have been putting off.


Here we go. Because this is a true story, I read the book in a different way than I would if it were fiction, if that makes sense. Like fiction is like a movie that shines on the big screen, edited, clean and shiny. And THIS played in my head like an indy film, a little gritty, flawed, but cool.

I liked the main character, Nichi. I did not like Sebastian, not even in the beginning. He just seemed uber-shady.

The story follows Nichi from her happy romance with her wonderful Greek boyfriend to their break-up to Nichi's career as a sex worker (um, NOT what you think, probably worse) to her internship and her "relationship" with Sebastian.

This is NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT a love story. Do not go into this book thinking that it is. It is a little disturbing at some points, okay, A LOT of points. Hell, EVERYTHING BUT THE BEGINNING is effing disturbing. That is my warning to you.

I liked this book. I think of it more as a coming-of-age tale, rather than a love story. American readers, this novel is very Continental, as that is the term that best describes the lifestyles of the characters. I do not say this in a negative way, I just want to give a heads-up to folks who may not be able to relate to the lives of these characters. It took me a little bit to realize that the issue I had with relating to Nichi had to do with cultural difference, for want of a better term.

I want to warn you that this book goes to dark places. There is a particularly disturbing sexual encounter involving scissors.

Read this book, people, if you are harboring any feelings that you will meet the real life version of Christian Grey and he will romance the shit out of you. Simply not true. Sorry. This book illustrates that real men into the REAL BDSM scene are not multi billionaires with mommy complexes needing the perfect virginal brunette to come along and be their "panacea." I am actively cringing. Don't get me wrong, I loved FSOG, but this real life story puts it into perspective.

[Bec · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christian Grey? Not even close.

I had to remind myself that it didn't read like a 'perfect love story' because it isn't one. It's Nichi's story & it is what it is.

I would be interested in how she went with Jake though... & the fact that the story ends where it does, makes me think (hope) they are having a happily ever after for the simple reason that she hasn't written about it.

[Becky Louise Williams · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don't get me wrong, the idea is good a true life romance and all that but it's slightly boring. What give romance the boost is the fantasy in it. Maybe it's because it lacks that that I'm not too keen.
Sorry bout that

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written exploration into the depths of human sexual gratification with an emphasis on kink. As readable as any good fictional story but based on fact.

[Kristine · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's more of a realistic approach of BDSM. I still like Christian Grey more.

[Rilana · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is sort of all over the place. The story had potential. Some of the erotica stuff was "out there." Also, there was no ending...it just ended mid-story/paragraph. Ugh!

[Dona · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a sad but unfortunately real story. The part when she realise that Sebastian will never love her made me cry.
It's amazing how she had find courage and strength to cut him off. Bravo!!!

[Lesincele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quizá la novela que más me ha sorprendido del año. Un gran fallo haberla etiquetado como novela erótica. A punto estuve de rechazarla por ello.
Fantástica.

[Albani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Autobiografica ?? en serio ?? waaa me gusto mucho me ha puesto triste que no tuvieran final happy con Sebastian =(

[Rei · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think once you realise it's an autobiography and these are real events, it really sets within you that "shit! I wish she was wiser!" it feels like I'm watching reality TV and there are parts within the story you are really able to see Nichi go through rites of passages (for the lack of a better phrase). She's written her piece beautifully. I couldn't seem to understand why she was so oblivious to Sebastian's way of dating and it blew my mind how she showcases how her mind really did find the 'perfect' answer for every single one of Sebastian's moves or rather, the lack of moves and his open ended statements. That's how I know she really loved him. He could have shown her a lake and convinced her he gave her the whole world. However, I can't help but empathise with Sebastian because I know what it's like to practice detachment, at first it's a form of protection, but without our knowledge it can change into a lifestyle. We are convinced that we are just not worth it or incapable of emotion.

[Melissa Steinbrecher · Rating 3 out of 5]

I genuinely enjoyed it but the end wasn’t really satisfying. I understand it’s an autobiographical book so can’t change that but yeah idk. Still enjoyed it more than a lot of other books and the spicy parts were cool

[Amee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty damn good for non-fiction! Usually I'm half asleep by page 5, but this book was interesting!
Anything but vanilla. 18+ book.
I like that the blurb didn't give it all away.
Very interesting journey to read.

[SecondMe80 · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy read, though kind of disturbingly bondage.

[Charlotte Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wasnt what I was expecting but glad I read it. Once I got half way, the rest I got though quicker then I thought I would.

[Martina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Devo dire che il difetto principale di questo romanzo è il titolo in italiano abbastanza cringe. Per il resto è la storia romanzata dell’autrice, Nichi, che dopo una delusione d’amore commette un errore che compromette la sua storia e dopo una serie di fortuiti eventi conosce il mondo BDSM estremamente sensuale, erotico e delicato.
Sinceramente non mi è dispiaciuto il modo di scrivere di Nichi Hodgson e nemmeno la storia in sé per sé, non è il romanzo della vita, ma una lettura leggera che non mi è dispiaciuta affatto.

[Vikki · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn't get into this book

[Il confine dei libri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ciao ragazze oggi parliamo del libro “ Sottomessa per amore” di Nichi Hodgson. La particolarità di questo erotic romance se cosi si può definire è che le vicende raccontate nel libro sono realmente accadute infatti si tratta di un libro autobiografico della stessa scrittrice. Parliamo un po’ della storia.

Nichi viene lasciata dal fidanzato e sola e con il cuore infranto è costretta a cercare una nuova casa e un lavoro. Ad una festa Nichi incontra Sopphire una dominatrice che le propone di diventare la sua vanilla girl ossia una spettatrice delle sue sessione di sadomaso. Ben presto Nichi con l’aiuto di Sopphire intraprende anche lei la carriera da dominatrice e affascinata da questo mondo la farà diventare la sua attività lavorativa principale. Ma tutto cambia quando ad una festa di Capodanno Nichi incontra Sebastian un affascinante artista anche egli Dominatore i due iniziano a frequentarsi e ad avere incontri sessuali molto spinti e piccanti, fino a che un giorno tutto cambia un evento in particolare porterà scompiglio nella loro relazione. Riuscirà Nichi a passare dal ruolo di dominatrice a quello di sottomessa? In più riuscirà a non farsi rubare il cuore dal bellissimo Sebastian? Allora c’è da dire che il libro è carino ma alcune volte nelle scene di dominazione diventa ripetitivo e noioso. Personalmente leggendo anche la trama mi aspettavo qualcosa di molto meglio devo dire che non mi ha colpito molto. La protagonista poi passa dall'essere una danna forte una “dominatrice” appunto all'essere una persona debole disposta a tutto per accontentare le fantasie erotiche di un uomo che non l’ama nemmeno. Per concludere ci sono libri che ti fanno innamorare e ti spingono a leggerli più e più volte purtroppo questo non è uno di quelli. Ciao ragazze e alla prossima recensione. (Giovanna)

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

i was pretty disappointed in this book tho i must remember it is based on a true story and so wouldn't have the excitement of a fictional book. i felt in the beginning the book stretch out far to much on Christos, who i got the impression, nichi obviously had treasured in her life, had regrets and so wrote about him, but all the detail i felt wasn't needed. i love how she got into doming, meeting someone at a party, doing the whole client thing, and how she met Sebastian. i thought that the relationship with Sebastian needed more detail and that it would go on more, as he was obviously 'broken' when it came to love. the email he wrote her, to me, basically shouted his love for her without he actually saying words but saying every other description. but that was just that... the end. so i thought OK read on.... then all of a sudden she met and kissed someone in japan and that was it..... Then her friend hooked her up with Jake at an art event... they kissed... the end. hhmmmmmm i felt maybe finding out what happened between her n Jake would of been nice. i felt the book just cut off......tho i am hoping this is because she will at some point write another book about her and Jake but we shall see....

[Nicola Davidson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was well written, but I was really disappointed in how it was structured. It was almost several stories put together. The blurb talked about Sebastian, but he didn't turn up until past the halfway point. The first part was all Nichi and her long term boyfriend Christos. Then they suddenly break up due to his family and a rather weirdly vague scene where she apparently cheats on him. Nichi leaves and becomes a domme in training, that part was well done. Finally she meets Sebastian and they have some kinky times, but instead of an emotional payoff after some real eye-dewing heart punches, it's just...over. The last few pages are abruptly Nichi and Jake, who sounds great, but instead of a bit more about them, the book ends.

[Anne Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this was a great new book, enjoyable to read and engaging - I stayed up all night to finish it on the second day. The relationship to 50 Shades is perhaps unfounded - aside from the fact that both can be said to deal with darker aspects of our sexuality - simply because 50 Shades is a fan-fictionalized, fantastical account of the subject matter, quite a distance from this book's contents - reading Bound to You got me thinking of all sorts of naughtiness on top of gaining very intriguing insight into this woman's actual experiences and their implications for our collective sexuality.

[Chelsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I managed to get this book for $4, clearance rack at the book store. I had no idea what it was about but given my current interest in New Adult Romance I thought for the price why not. I read through the reviews here before starting and I was a little worried about the low rating. That being said....
Most of those rating and reviewing it low seemed to have missed the fact that this is a real story not a fiction book.

I loved this book. It was well written and I felt connected to the lives of these strangers. The ending was perfect as it wasn't an ending but a beginning to something new.

Pick it up and read it yourself, it's not a long read and will be worth your time.

[Paige · Rating 3 out of 5]

The very begging of this book sucks you in .... But then you get sided tracked by the
Middle which is slow but needed to explain the outcome and then you start falling in love with the way the story is going it gets so interesting and then it ends !!! I think it was more interesting because it really happen ! I would get really into the story and have to remind my self that this really happen. I just don't understand why she choose to end it like that unless there is a part 2, to this story hopefully ! I want to know what happen???

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow this was a very interesting true story.Found the first half not that great,but the last half was amazing.It took a lot of courage for Nichi to write about her personal life in such a public way.her memoir takes us into her world and how she became a domme to pay her way through journalism.After giving the lifestyle up,she meets Sebastian who is himself dominant, and they start a very intense relationship.Since this is a true story,don't expect a happily ever after ending.Still satisfying though :)

[Rebecca tedder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oooooh Raunchy. ;)

Having read some of the reviews below I was sceptical but thought I've got it, I'll still read it.
And read it I did.

Short book, simple story. Nichi splits from her boyfriend, gets an internship in journalism and makes money by starting as an assistant to the local "Madam". She gets trained up and then meets the gorgeous Sebastian.... That's as far as I'll give away.

I did enjoy this book - unlike the Shades of Grey Series I felt this had a little more of a storyline and I liked the way Nichi grew as a character throughout the chapters.

[Natasha · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book isn't as good as it makes out..and I so wish people would stop referring books to be like fifty shades of grey..the cover states "you've read about Christian grey..now meet the real thing" what utter rubbish..the men she meets through out this book have no resemblance to mr grey what so ever..I really struggled to finish this book..

Ok so it's a true story, but its one that should have remained off paper.

[Auburn Langley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book, certainly more than Fifty shades, but it was quite hard to get into. The first few chapters focusing on Christos were somewhat relevant to give her back story prior to meeting Sebastian...but I did struggle with them. Once that breakup happens, I whizzed through the rest of the book and really enjoyed it. I loved the friendships depicted, it's a lifestyle that definitely needs more stories like this!

[Barbi · Rating 3 out of 5]

First let me say that I did like this book. Especially finding out it was a true story. The only reason I gave it a 3 instead of a higher rating is due to the ending. I'm not saying I need an HEA or even a HFN, but the story just seemed to hit a brick wall. And not in a good way. It feels very unfinished.
There needs to be a prologue or a continuation in some way.

[Karyn Mitchell · Rating 2 out of 5]

having read fifty shades and having had a dislike for it I usually enjoy reading "true life" fiffy but this one took far to long to get to the point in my opinion and although I enjoyed reading about her time as a pro dom I found it severely lacking on the submissive side of her journey. I'm all honesty the best part of the book was where it made mention of David Bowie in labrinth