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For fans of New York Times bestselling authors E. L. James, Sylvia Day, and J. Kenner comes the second part ofinternational bestselling author Marina Anderson's erotic series The Dining Club.Part BoundGrace has surprised herself by falling hard for the breathtaking financier David. But now she knows that in order to keep this man, she will have to explore his darker side.Grace is shocked by her body's instinctive response to the private club David has introduced her the Dining Club-a secret society where members can explore their most forbidden fantasies. David got her through the Club's exclusive doors-but to stay she must pass a series of erotic trials.Wrapped in a luxurious dress of chiffon and lace that David gave her for her first challenge, Grace is anxious and excited to enter into the heart of the Dining Club. Little does she know that one of its members, the dazzling and domineering Amber, has every intention of keeping David all to herself . . .(10,000 words)

43 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

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About the author

Marina Anderson

66 books188 followers
Marina Anderson is the pseudonym of British author Margaret Bingley, whose novels have been published all over the world. Margaret uses this pseudonym for her series of erotica novels. She also publishes erotica for women under the pseudonym Fredrica Alleyn.

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Profile Image for Rose.
2,016 reviews1,096 followers
September 30, 2013
Initial reaction: I'm giving this particular installment 1-star, but I'm going to continue with the series because I want to know where it will go. Suffice to say, though, this part of the series was underwhelming and I didn't feel like I learned anything more about the characters from the first book. Plus, it's just turning into a scenario that even for the nature of the story, it's problematic.

Full review:

I'm disappointed to say the least. The first installment in this series wasn't bad, mostly because it was set up for the scenario that was to play out in "The Dining Club." "Bound", the second work in Marina Anderson's respective series, begins where "Desire" left off. We meet a few new characters in more detail (Andrew and Amber, whom I can say I actually like a little more than the main characters themselves). But apart from that and some awkward sexy times (if you can even call it that), not much to the novella at all. Grace is a doormat of a character, everything about this scenario is questionable in terms of her consent in the whole shebang, and David is *still* a jerk, probably even moreso than in the first installment.

Here's where I get on my soapbox a bit about BDSM, and granted, such thematics are really not my cuppa, but at least I know what it entails and if it's a good story, then I will read it. I think many writers who start out writing this genre don't make it clear the consent is a big part of the bargain. If the hero or heroine is made to do actions that they don't want to do or know what they're in for - its NOT OKAY! Doesn't matter if they elicit a sexual response to what is being done to them or what they are asked to do, that does not give consent.

It bothered me that the whole time we watch Grace and David enter this club, Grace never wanted to be *at* this club, technically, in the first place. She's dragged there by David because of problems that *he* sees in their relationship, and things that *he* wants to do and do to her. He tries to explain to Grace that she "doesn't know what she wants" if she's never tried anything.

That assertion doesn't hold up IMO, because Grace would have to give consent to try new things. She never clearly gave this notion, she's constantly characterized as being scared and being made to do things against her will. Even the scenario with the twins (which was a terrible way to start off this installment) made me rage because not only does it follow the sexual stereotypes surrounding twins (and they were pretty brainless in personality, to be honest), but it also had Grace forced to do a sexual act with one of them. I was not cool with that. If I'm comparing the portrayal of twins in a sexual story, off the top of my head, I much MUCH preferred the portrayal of the male twins in Megan Hart's "The Space Between Us", where the main character experiences her first "triad" relationship as an elder teen with two boys who vie for her affections. You could at least distinguish them as people with their own motivations, their personalities, and the shaping of those characters had nice touches of realistic conflict and why even the MC felt torn in her relationship with them.

Here? The twins are just props. Much like the sexual acts here, really. Considering Grace has to go through "trials" and not deviate from the rules or else she can't step foot in the club again....I don't see the point. I don't see the point considering she never wanted to go to this club, and personally, as a reader, I'm not all that enticed by this club either, even for its well to do settings. There's no draw.

Grace's made to go inside this club because she doesn't want to lose David, and even when they're in a sexual act together, she notes that she doesn't even "recognize the man" she loved when things were being done to her. That was not cool with me and threw me out of the text, multiple times.

I liked Andrew's character (at least from what surface details I could pick up from him, but I still don't know much yet), and I'm intrigued by Amber and seeing what she may do in order to keep her hold on the situation in terms of a relationship power play. It's obvious she likes David and wants Grace out of the way, but it's hard to say where that will go.

Suffice to say, I was not pleased with this installment, but I do want to see where this overarching story goes. I hope the next part is better than this one, because on its own - it just didn't cut it for me. Too many things it asked me to believe, and I couldn't because of the characters and the scenario itself.

Overall score: 0.5/5 stars

Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher Forever.
Profile Image for Crazy for Books (Stephanie).
1,912 reviews234 followers
November 16, 2014
ARC provided by publisher through NetGalley for an honest review.

3.5 Tantalizing stars

Grace is introduced to the staff at The Dining Club, which consists of twins Amy and Laura, who have a distinctly inappropriate relationship with each other, Amber who runs the place along with Andrew.

David explains what the club really is about and tells Grace that if she walks away, she walks away from him and if she fails the monthly trials, that will be the end of their relationship. This weekend that they are there, will be her first trial.

I think that Grace is a fool. I'm not saying she can't or shouldn't want to experience and enlighten herself as to what she's willing to experience sexually. But the way that David is going about it is a little tough for me to swallow. One moment he's mean and the other he seems to not like that she's enjoying herself. He also holds his potentially walking away from her over her heard every time her reticence shows up. If he had explained this all to her before dropping on her like a ton of bricks after six months of dating then maybe she would have had some time to understand what she was getting into. I want to slap Amber in the face. Her personal interests are causing problems for not only Grace, but Laura.

Also, does this up-in-coming artist not have a computer? He tells her he's taking her to this place and she doesn't even endeavor to look it up on the internet. I know I would, if it was a place I'd never heard of.

The writing is okay, although I feel that the author could give us more about who these people are. But the shorts move quickly enough. Again... don't dislike it as much as everyone else seems to have felt. I did read another review and agree that there are an annoying amount of exclamation points throughout the book. That does get to be a bit much.

Either way, the sex was hot and I'm looking forward to see what happens at the next trial.
3,202 reviews395 followers
April 18, 2018
In my review for Desire , the first part of this serial, I mentioned that I had some reservations regarding David. These concerns have increased with each paragraph I read in Bound

David is not only distant and emotionally manipulative, he's cold, and demanding, and a jerk, and seems to have a weird double-standard, and is even kind of elitist. There's just not much there for me to like.

Early in the book Grace is talking about what it means to be 'nice' to someone you care about - caring about their feelings, making them feel loved and cherished. David responds with: "There are other ways of making a woman feel loved and cherished..." I don't disagree that there are many ways to make someone feel loved and cherished, but caring how your partner feels should be at the top of the list in any relationship.

I think my main problem with this is that the book is trying to act like it's BDSM - more about domination and submission than any other aspect, so far, and one of the most important things in that type of relationship is the trust and communication between partners. There's no communication here. Grace is thrown into situations, expected to react in a way that passes the 'trial' and the whole while with the ultimatum hanging over her head of if you don't pass, we're through. The first trial: For one hour five people will take turns teasing her, attempting to bring her to climax (though only three actively participate) and "If you climax more than twice, then you will fail the trial." It's hard to gain that kind of control over your body - harder for some people than for others. One hour of people actively trying to make her climax and she's supposed to have instantaneous control? I was more than a little outraged. Especially when he brought up the whole 'you know what happens if you fail,' crap again.

Then there's the fact that the whole time Grace is going through this trial David is distant and aloof - she remarks on it more than once. What-the-ever-living-hell? You bring her here to do this, ostensibly to prove her love for you, and then you aren't even emotionally involved with her while you've turned her over to complete strangers to pass a test that you've demanded? Kick to the head - repeatedly.

On top of that women are apparently just objects - set dressings to be replaced as needed.

"She disobeyed and order last night and had to be punished for it. Amber has had problems with Laura before, but the twins [Laura and Amy] add something to the Dining Club. I hope we don't have to let them go." [said David]

"Did Amy cause a problem too?"

"Not that I know of, but aesthetically it would be the same to keep one of the girls. The Dining Club would have to train up another pair of twins if Laura doesn't improve."


Are you *($*)@#*)@ kidding me??! I can't. I just can't.

The sexy times, meh. Just not that sexy to me. I don't know what the obsession is with squeezing the 'globes' of their breasts so hard it leaves marks, over and over and over again. Everyone does it. Actually squeezing at that level is pretty much done all over. I'll grant this is likely a personal preference thing for me, but it just doesn't work. When someone pressed hard on Grace's pubic bone, I cringed in sympathy. That hurts...

At this point, I'm sincerely hoping that Grace gets through the trials, dumps the asshole David and rides off into the sunset with Andrew.

With Andrew what you saw was what you got, and she liked what she saw. David didn't let you see very much, but she realized that was probably why she was so obsessed with him.


Obsessed, not in love any longer, obsessed. Yup, I'm good with her dumping David and going with Andrew who actually seems to care and is kind and maybe just plain old nice.

Grade: D-
Profile Image for Kelly.
666 reviews27 followers
August 28, 2013
I am once again hanging out on the fence after reading this second installment of The Dining Club. It's unusual for me to feel so deeply ambivalent, but... So, on the one hand, I'm still curious about where in the world this story is going and what crazy nonsense will be tucked in the next installments; on the other hand, the twins (everything about the twins), the lack of communication about what's to come, and the obvious manipulation and coercion are pretty dang creepy.

I get it... it's an erotic story, so I should suspend disbelief just a bit, but -- come on! -- if some guy that I'd been dating for a while was like, "Hey, I'm not sure, but I think I could love you, but only if you come to this club -- but I'm not going to tell you anything about it, and if you try to demand explanations, we're done -- and pass a bunch of wacky sexual tests that I'm not going to tell you about, and you're not being forced into doing anything, of course -- you can walk away at any time! -- but if you actually walk away from anything or say 'no,' then I'll know for sure that I can't love you, and we'll be done," I'd be like, "No. Just... No."

Oy. On the other hand, folk should never take relationship advice from erotic stories, so... Anyway, I remain ambivalent (but happy that there were far fewer inappropriate exclamation points in this installment. Progress!). <-- that one is totally appropriate.
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,082 reviews895 followers
July 20, 2014
Received on behalf of Forever (Grand Central Publishing) from NetGalley

In all honesty this fell to about a 2.5 for me. I was hoping that the second installment would open up to a story that I could get a little addicted to. I feel stuck because I want to find out what is going to happen next just out of curiosity rather than enjoyment. Everything felt a little choppy and I was going crazy over the over use of exclamation points. I felt myself shouting the last word in nearly every other sentence of the dialogue throughout the story.

David has taken Grace to the club and in the process of trying to ease her nerves about what the night holds in store, he pretty much uses her emotions against her. He wants her to open up sexually, he wants her to enjoy the club so that he can continue to date her. But what he continues to do is manipulate her into agreeing the trials by telling her that the only way he might be able to love her is to go through with it.

On the heat side of things, I was so turned off by David and annoyed with Amber that the sex scene was just bland. It all seemed so forced and just not sensual at all. I just can't connect to anyone in this story so far, Andrew seems to be the only one I sort of like at this point though.

And I get that some like taboo... but twin sisters that touch each other is just gross.... really gross.

Profile Image for Rachel T.
291 reviews33 followers
October 24, 2013
2 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Okay if it weren't for reviewing these serial short stories via NetGalley, I would likely d/c reading this series. I was intrigued and hoping that Bound by Marina Anderson would provide a satisfying read, but it fell short.

I am really stuck at not liking in the least our main man David. I think he is a manipulative creep who while yes wishes to engage in a loving relationship with our leading lady Grace but is really going about it all the wrong way.

I get it, he is a DOM, but constantly repeating, "if you fail we are over" and then setting her up to fail isn't sexy in the least. He is almost abusive to her in some ways and in any BDSM book I have enjoyed, the sexy part of the DOM is the way he takes care of his sub while he dominates her. My heart actually broke for Grace and seriously I am more invested in Andrew than I am David. Amber is just a train wreck waiting to happen and frankly imagining her in any sex scene makes me shiver.

I can't say however that this S ABSOLUTELY redeemable. I have images of ways that it can be redeemed, so let's see what happens in the third part! Is it wrong for me to say GO TEAM ANDREW AND GRACE! LOL


Profile Image for Jonetta.
2,593 reviews1,325 followers
August 30, 2013
Grace finds herself at the Dining Club and faced with her first introduction to post dinner activities. David is even more illusive and there's still so much more to learn about him.

While the dessert scene was certainly erotic and smoldering, there was also something depraved about it as Grace's participation is under duress as David makes it a condition of continuing their relationship. The club's hostess, Amber, is so unlikeable and her presence is disturbing.

The romance is missing in this installment, and I think intentionally. It would bother me so much if I really felt Grace was having a good time but I didn't get that impression even while her body was betraying her. I'm hoping to see her gain her confidence going forward.

(I received an ARC from NetGalley)
Profile Image for Ilana.
1,220 reviews17 followers
September 9, 2013
Title: The Dining Club; Desire, Bound, Crave
Author: Marina Anderson
Publisher/Year: Grand Central Publishing. 8/20/13 - 9/3/13
Length: 30+ Pages
Series: The Dining Club (#s 1-3)

Overview

Part One: Desire

Young, ambitious theatre director Grace has no time for distractions, but she just cannot resist enigmatic city financier, David. Alluring, charismatic and an incredible lover - David never lets Grace get too close. So when he invites her to a weekend at his private club, Grace is thrilled.

Arriving at the secluded location, and excited by her nerves, David reveals the truth behind the Dining Club: a place where guests are taught to open their minds, and their bodies to erotic challenges. If she passes the tests, she is promised ecstasy beyond her wildest fantasies. If she fails, she's forbidden to ever set foot in the exclusive club again. But even as David's seductive commands make Grace feel more daring than ever before, she begins to fear for their future. What if she fails one of the Club's tantalizing trials? Will David still want her or will she lose him forever?

Part Two: Bound

Grace has surprised herself by falling hard for the breathtaking financier David. But now she knows that in order to keep this man, she will have to explore his darker side.

Grace is shocked by her body's instinctive response to the private club David has introduced her to: the Dining Club-a secret society where members can explore their most forbidden fantasies. David got her through the Club's exclusive doors-but to stay she must pass a series of erotic trials.

Wrapped in a luxurious dress of chiffon and lace that David gave her for her first challenge, Grace is anxious and excited to enter into the heart of the Dining Club. Little does she know that one of its members, the dazzling and domineering Amber, has every intention of keeping David all to herself . . .

Part Three: Crave

Grace has had her first taste of the Dining Club . . . and she's already addicted. Now, as she counts down the days until her next erotic challenge at the Club, she can't stop thinking about David's stamina and the earth-shattering pleasures that await her.

When a stunning red dress arrives from David, Grace feels more ready than ever to meet the Club's next test. But the new challenge that awaits her is more dangerous than decadent-dazzling Club member Amber is more eager than ever to win David's affection, and Grace must do whatever it takes to keep him.

My Thoughts

When i read the pre-cursor that it would be similar to 50 Shades or Bared to You, i thought that this was right up my alley. I've also learned along the way that i tend to really enjoy books that are written in a novella format where we get a few more chapters each week so that it keeps you wanting a bit more. In this case, i stumbled upon the series when there were 3 installments out so i've gotten a pretty decent taste of what's to come.

At the onset of the story, we meet Grace and David who are in a pretty decent length relationship. It seems from the surface that all is well, they enjoy each other quite physically and what's nice about this story's beginning is that it seems like both have their separate lives and aren't reliant on the other (yet). David is a successful financier from what we gather and Grace is a play producer of sorts. Once we learn that they are in a well standing relationship, David throws in the curve-ball of an invitation to a private club known as the Dining Club. As you can expect from this genre, i'm sure that it's a BDSM club of sorts.

At the club, we are then introduced to Amber (whom actually confused me for a second since i wasn't quite sure why she was introduced quite so quickly) but anyhow, she's the hostess at The Dining Club and has some type of relationship with David.

This story takes us through the path of David needing to see if Grace can conform to his rather kinky tastes, and Grace fighting it every step of the way since she's quite 'vanilla' yet she doesn't want to lose David. The other piece here is that Amber considers David to be 'hers' and that makes for an interesting dimension of the relationship. Grace starts to pick up on this and that's makes the story even more interesting.

so, the question that we'll have to keep reading on to find is what lengths will Amber go to in order to out-do Grace, and will she succeed? The other question is whether Grace will actually ever let go enough to enjoy herself and see that maybe David's tastes aren't quite so 'kinky'.

To be completely honest though, there's a flaw that i found in this story. While it's a different character dynamic than other series in this genre, there's something that i feel is kind of lacking. It feels quite clinical sometimes, with the scenes that they engage in, and while i want to feel heat and passion since that's what's being written, i'm just not. I hope that as we see these folks grow together in the next installments, that my feeling will change. I also wish that we knew a little bit more about Grace and David since they seem very 2 dimensional. I'm more accustomed to series like this that draw you into a deeper emotional / psychological bond at least from one of the mains. We'll just have to wait and see if that happens.
Profile Image for Sarah.
3,358 reviews1,236 followers
September 26, 2013
Buddy Read with Ange

Bound is the second instalment of an eight part serialized novel called The Dining Club. Each of these instalments are fairly short (around 30 pages) so don't expect to get a full story in any of them, you really are going to have to read all eight parts to reach what will hopefully be a satisfactory conclusion (I can't confirm that either way just yet because I've only read the first two parts!). The story will be released as a complete novel in January 2014 so if you might prefer to wait until then to read it if you don't like the idea of waiting between instalments.

I had a few issues with the the first instalment to this serialized novel but I hoped that I would enjoy the second part, Bound, more. Unfortunately I just find myself feeling more and more uncomfortable as I continue reading this story. I'm all for stories where couples or individuals experiment with the sexuality and try new things and I have nothing against the idea of the Dining Club. In fact I think it could have been a really fascinating story idea if I didn't feel that Grace was being pushed into something that she didn't want. David has been keeping a major part of his life a secret from her but rather than sitting her down and explaining the kind of things he enjoys and asking her if they can try out new things together he basically blackmails her into going to the club with him. She has no idea what happens at the club, she doesn't know what he wants from her and she is terrified of failing his "tests" because he's told her that their relationship is over if she does. This is not my idea of safe and consensual BDSM and that makes me extremely uncomfortable.

Let me share a couple of quotes to illustrate my point:

Grace's stomach tightened with fear. For a short time she'd forgotten what lay ahead, but now there was no way out. If she wanted to keep David, and after their conversation earlier she knew without doubt that she did, then she had to go through with this.

Grace began to tremble. “I don’t want either,” she whispered. “I don’t know what they mean. I don’t think I can do this.”
“Then you simply refuse the dessert, my darling, but of course you know what that will mean for us.”
“I’m scared; doesn’t that matter to you?”
“Don’t be scared. You don’t have to choose anything, you know that. If none of them appeal to you, then all you have to do is tell Laura. There’s no pressure on you, Gracie, it’s only that…”
Trembling, Grace looked at him, and saw the regret in his eyes.

These are not the thoughts of a woman who is enjoying herself and looking forward to a fun evening with the man she loves. These are the thoughts of a woman who is being forced into something unknown, something that terrifies her and that she has no experience of. Does David sound like a loving boyfriend? No, he doesn't. He sounds like a cold, unfeeling bastard who doesn't give a shit about Grace unless she does what he wants. We're led to believe that Grace ends up enjoying the things she experiences but I don't understand how anyone in that situation could. One minute she's scared out of her wits and the next she's orgasming on command the next - would that really happen?

Two instalments into this story and I can't stand David, I hate his attitude towards Grace and I can't see anything even slightly attractive about him. At this point I'm rooting for Grace to pass his damn tests and then when he claims he's madly in love with her I want her to kick him where it hurts and tell him to get stuffed while she waltzes off into the sunset with Andrew. Unfortunately I highly doubt that will happen. I'm just not sure if I can stomach reading any more of this story.

I also want to reiterate a point I made in my previous review about the cost of these instalments. I really like the idea of reading a serialized novel so you get a bite sized part of the story that is easy to read in a single sitting even if you don't have much time to spare. What I don't like about it is that it works out so much more expensive overall than it does if you wait for the full length novel. For example, the first part is currently £0.99 on Amazon.co.uk with the remaining seven parts being £1.49 each so you'll pay a total of £11.42 for the 8 ebooks that make up the whole story when the paperback version of the complete book can currently be pre-ordered for just £5.24. As a consumer that really upsets me and if I hadn't been given free review copies of the first four instalments from the publisher via Netgalley then I certainly wouldn't spend that kind of money on them.
Profile Image for Ashley F.
306 reviews11 followers
October 2, 2013
This review was posted at Tsuki’s Book Blog on September 29, 2013.

Previously on "The Dining Club":

David, hot dominant guy, took his girlfriend Grace to the Club. He isn't satisfied sexually and that is her fault so he takes her to kinky, sex time and demands she goes through the trials or they're done. Amber is his sexual something who wants to stay that way. Grace is weirdly accepting of everything because David is just that awesome AND David is a bit of a prick.


And NOW:

Thankfully after last week's installment, the plot picked up. There was a little set-up in this section but it wasn't overwhelming. Almost immediately Grace was thrust into the trials, being watched and having to make weird choices. She spent her first hour feeling up a set of twins (I know, normal) and then she went to dinner. At dinner she met Amber who was a mysterious bitch and then she chose dessert (Tantalizing Tiramisu, Obedient something, and something else). She chose Tantalizing Tiramisu obviously since that's the one I remember. Then she was ravished by Andrew (owner of the club), David, and one of the twins. The rules? She could only orgasm twice in an hour or she was immediately disqualified.

Okay, got that?

Here's where I was left at the end:

Grace: Idiot who is surprisingly orgasmic
Andrew: Clearly a prick
Amber: Bitch slap her
David: bigger prick

I enjoyed the movement of plot as Grace moved into sexual awakening all while questioning everything. Thank god she wasn't an immediate doormat. She thought things were confusing and weird and she called David on it. Naturally he explained nothing but at least she tried. At the same time she called David on not telling her about the final challenge. She should know what she's working towards and he's all tight-lipped. Ridiculous.

The problem was the author keeps telling us how amazing David is but so far I have no idea why. Sure he's attractive but that's it. He takes his girlfriend to a sex club with no prep, lets a bunch of strangers touch her without getting her explicit okay, then gets all high and mighty when she balks at something. "You'll lose me if you don't let them fondle you." Seriously? What is that?! He doesn't check to see if there is anything she's totally against or turns her off. He doesn't ask her if she's okay or if she needs a minute. He throws her in blindly and then makes comments about how he needs to 'trust' him. Seriously? Trust needs to be earned and when you throw your girlfriend into this situation, the trust has not been earned.

That being said, it was an enjoyable, yet slightly irritating read. I'm kind of excited to see here Grace ends up when it is all said and done. I still only have the first five parts but I figure I'll pick up the final three when I get to that point. It's an interesting serial but I still balk at the price a bit. 16.00 or so for this seems a bit...high. I read this section in 20 minutes or less and I believe it is priced at 1.99. I would wait to see if all the parts are bundled before picking them up a piece at a time. That's just me though.

3 Stars
Published by Hachette Digital
August 27, 2013
35 Pages
Provided by--NetGalley
Profile Image for Shirley Frances.
1,798 reviews119 followers
September 8, 2013
Grace has accepted David's offer to get away to the Dining Club. She's curious but terrified of what she's going to encounter. She's already admitted that she's more than halfway in love with David and she's afraid that she is willing to do everything she could to please him even if she didn't agree with it wholeheartedly.

David is determined for Grace to go through with the test, but offers her a chance to back out and in turn end their relationship. But he is who he is and it's better to find out if they have a future together sooner rather than later.

To say I was a bit surprised with what I read would be an understatement. This was unlike anything I read before simply because David's attitude took me completely by surprise. He was so adamant that they had to get through the 'test' to be able to keep on with their relationship, that I was starting to doubt his motives.

David, a strong, dominating man, is used to getting his way in the bedroom, but underneath all that I still could see that he wanted this relationship to work. He was honest with himself and with Grace, even if it would bring their relationship to a halt. I had to admire that about him.

My heart went out to Grace. She really was between a rock and a hard place (no pun intended). To please the man she loves or to walk away. She so wanted this to work out that at times her nerves got the better of her threatening her chances of succeeding. I think she wanted this a little too much and lost herself in the process. Gone was the strong-minded individual and in came a love-crazed fool woman. I'm hoping she gains her confidence back as the story progresses. Right now, I'm a bit disappointed in her although I could understand what she was struggling with. We'll see.

Marina Anderson delivered a sizzling series of events that had me tapping the hell of my tablet to see what would happened next and how Grace would fare on this onslaught of pleasure that was thrown at her. I didn't much are for Amber's role in all of this, nor that of the twins. I would have been content with just David and Andrew, it would have made for a more sensual story for me, since Grace had that immediate attraction to Andrew. So sue me, I like my men.

I'm curious about what's in store for Grace now and how she will react to it once again.

I received this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange of my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Lisa.
2,288 reviews73 followers
September 1, 2013
You can find this review at My Favorite Things

Bound by Marina Anderson is the second book in the eight part serial "The Dining Club".

We pick up right where Desire left off. We get to know a little more about Andrew and Amber. I, personally, start to strongly dislike Amber. We also meet two other employees of the exclusive Dining Club, twins Amy and Laura.
Grace gets to experience her first table and take the "test" to see if she can make it to the next part of the initiation.
It turns out that David may be a relationship kind of guy, IF, his partner can handle this erotic side of him. Does Grace really have what it takes? Did I mention I don't like Amber?

I enjoyed what I have read so far and will definitely be reading Crave next.

I want you to discover things about yourself that you’ve never even considered before. You can experience pleasure such as you’ve never imagined if you allow yourself to. It’s only society that’s dictated what should and what shouldn’t feel good to you.

Crave (The Dining Club #3) by Marina Anderson Seduce (The Dining Club #4) by Marina Anderson Touch (The Dining Club #5) by Marina Anderson Caress (The Dining Club #6) by Marina Anderson Submit (The Dining Club #7) by Marina Anderson Surrender (The Dining Club #8) by Marina Anderson
Profile Image for Lori.
170 reviews3 followers
November 2, 2013
In this book Grace is at The Dining Club and David is explaining the progression through the tables and the rules of the club. Grace is torn in that she truly loves David but she is not sure that she can do the things that David is asking of her. As she is escorted around the club and introduced to the staff, David excuses himself for a few moments and leaves Grace with the Twins, Amy and Laura. Grace is secretly informed by the twins that she is being filmed and needs to pass this mini test. Grace plays along reluctantly until she relaxes and begins to realize she just might like to relax and just let things happen making one the the twins extremely happy.

Meanwhile, Grace is being watched through the video by the jealous Amber who wants David for herself and Andrew who wants Grace to succeed because he genuinely likes Grace. The day progresses into the evening and while nervous and apprehensive, Grace continues to the first table and the first challenge. They get through dinner just fine and they have to make the “dessert” selection. David warns her again that she doesn’t have to choose but it would mean the end for them. With a little help, she makes a selection.

As “dessert” begins, Grace relaxes and gets into but a little too much. It becomes clear that while she is enjoying herself the challenge may be more that she can handle, especially when David participates.



I really liked the second installment in the series. I think the Jealousy that Amber is displaying is going to progress into a very nice villainous character. I think that will add to the drama and intensity as the series progresses. I like that Grace is adaptable and willing to explore her sexuality. Not sure that I like David though, he seems cold and unfeeling. He’s also quite selfish and seems to be forcing Grace to make a very difficult choice. I love it and hate it.

I’m liking the series and would say we are still hovering around the 4 star range. Looking forward to part 3…Crave!
Profile Image for Pretty Sassy Cool.
293 reviews40 followers
October 5, 2014
1 star.

Bound picks up pretty much right where Desire ends, and it's slightly more annoying.

Still an overbearing douchebag boyfriend! Still a girl who is willing to do something that makes her uncomfortable to win said douchebag boyfriend's love! Still a lot of gross words! Still an overuse of exclamation marks!

We find out that David has only ever brought two other women to the Dining Club, and Grace finds out (and passes) her first challenge. She also seems to take an interest in the manager of the club, Andrew, which was weird, but whatever.

I'm not going to mention all of the things I don't like because this novella is only 35 pages, and I pretty much didn't like any of them. I'll just leave you with this:
If she wanted to keep David, and after their conversation earlier she knew without a doubt that she did, then she had to go through with this.

and this:
"Choose from the first two."

Grace began to tremble. "I don't want either," she whispered. "I don't know what they mean. I don't think I can do this."

"Then you simply refuse the dessert, my darling, but of course you know what that will mean for us."

I'm going to keep reading, but I'm even less hopeful for a turnaround than I was before.

--
For more reviews and bookish talk, visit our blog at Pretty Sassy Cool
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Profile Image for Jay.
532 reviews29 followers
August 2, 2015
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for these books

Review also published here: http://jj13.booklikes.com/post/593528...

I read these first 5 parts straight after each other and now I'm not sure what happened in what part, so I'm just gonna review them all together...

Grace and David have some wicked chemistry, when they're on the same page and not questioning motives, desires, and the future.

I love how Grace is embracing and exploring this new side of her sexuality, although the setting of The Dining Club is highly controlled and intimidating. But I'm not a fan of how David seems to have become more distant since their first visit to the club.

Even more, I HATE David's double standards! Complaining about how his mother used his father's love for her to control him, stopping him from doing the things he loved & doing what she wanted, a slow manipulation over time. He swears he will never let a woman do that to him. However, David knows exactly how Grace feels about him, and he's using that as a weapon against her, to manipulate & pressure her into completing the challenges at The Dining Club.

Yes, she does end up enjoying the things she experiences, but that doesn't make it ok for David to pull the "if you love me" & "you're doing it for us" bullshit. If it's ok for him, then Grace too has a right to do the same.

Although this isn't completely blowing me away, I still want to finish off the last 3 parts in this series.
Profile Image for Margreet Asselbergs.
568 reviews46 followers
September 7, 2013
This is Book 2 in the series.

Grace has agreed to accompany David to The Dining Club, a club he is a member of. Her compliance and passing of the sexual challenges she will be faced with are tantamount to the survival of her relationship with David, so Grace participates.

Despite the fact that she is extremely uncomfortable with some of the situations she is placed in, she also finds herself surprisingly aroused and that is only heightened when she sees David's approval.

However, the threat that he will end their relationship without hesitation if she were to fail any one of the challenges looms over her. And in between club visits, their contact seems to dwindle.....

*****

David is not gaining any favors...... if anything, he seems colder and more distant than even in the first installment. Uncaring and self focused, he leaves Grace to fend for herself on her initial entry into the club. No reassurance from him, he is simply off to pursue his own enjoyment.

Grace seems willing to be a doormat. It doesn't sit well with me and that has nothing to do with submission, but with the fact that she is made to lose her self worth, and does nothing to stop it. She is basically told that she is not good enough as she is and must be different under threat of losing the relationship, instead of being allowed to discover what she wants or what is good for her.

This story is more and more about control....... and not in a very healthy way. I though it might go in a different direction, but with these short installments, it is so hard to tell.
Profile Image for DelAnne Frazee.
2,027 reviews25 followers
October 17, 2013
Title: Bound - The Dining Club Book 2
Author: Mariana Anderson
Publisher: Forever (Grand Central Publishing)
Published: 8-27-2013
ISBN: 9781455578092
E-Book ASIN: B00DY8HAJ4
Pages: 43
Genre: Erotic
Tags: Romance


Grace has agreed to try the after dinner entertainment to please David and he takes her downstairs to show her around The Dining Club. She meets Andrew who is extremely friendly. Next she meets the Twins Amy and Laura who are reprimanded for rudeness when they are more into each other than meeting Grace. When David leaves the room she gets to know them even better. Amber and Andrew discuss David and his Guest Grace and what this could mean to David's future involvement at The Dining Club.


Graces journey is one few could go into blind, but her love for David is her strength. We can all relate to Amber as somewhere in our lives we have met someone like her. You will find you are waiting in anticipation to see what will happen next. Be sure to have something to cool you down as you read. You need to read this series in order so be sure to start with Desire - The Dining Club Book 1 and have Crave - The Dining Club Book 3 ready to go. You will not want to miss a moment of Graces journey into exploring her sexual limits. Watch out for Amber she will be happy to show you the way out of The Dining club if she finds you a threat to her relationship with David.


Be sure to remember Marina Anderson and The Dining Club. If we are lucky we may receive an invitation to attend a dinner there soon.
Profile Image for Kassiah.
803 reviews83 followers
December 21, 2013
1 star.

This review also appears on Steamy Guys After Dark.

Bound picks up pretty much right where Desire ends, and it's slightly more annoying.

Still an overbearing douchebag boyfriend! Still a girl who is willing to do something that makes her uncomfortable to win said douchebag boyfriend's love! Still a lot of gross words! Still an overuse of exclamation marks!

We find out that David has only ever brought two other women to the Dining Club, and Grace finds out (and passes) her first challenge. She also seems to take an interest in the manager of the club, Andrew, which was weird, but whatever.

I'm not going to mention all of the things I don't like because this novella is only 35 pages, and I pretty much didn't like any of them. I'll just leave you with this:
If she wanted to keep David, and after their conversation earlier she knew without a doubt that she did, then she had to go through with this.

and this:
"Choose from the first two."

Grace began to tremble. "I don't want either," she whispered. "I don't know what they mean. I don't think I can do this."

"Then you simply refuse the dessert, my darling, but of course you know what that will mean for us."

I'm going to keep reading, but I'm even less hopeful for a turnaround than I was before.
Profile Image for Cynthia.
52 reviews
September 14, 2013
Bound starts off exactly where Desire left off. If you have not read the first book, it is recommended that you do. Grace made the decision to give the Dining Club a try. It pleased David that she is placing her trust in his wishes and wants in the grand scheme of things. The book explains the different levels/tables. You only go to one table at a time, and if you decide you cannot participate in the activity any longer you must leave the Dining Club and not return. This is the ultimate fate for Grace if she can't follow Davids rules that are in place. The first night they start at table one. They eat, then the festivities begin. You will run into a few characters from the previous book- Amber, and a few new characters, Amy, Laura and Andrew. Amy and Laura are twins who work at the club. Laura will have a more key playing role in the nights festivities as you will read. Amber is quite jealous of who Grace is and what she means to David. She wants David all to herself and expects that his sexual appetite can not be fulfilled with any girlfriend. She feels she is what he needs. This dislike between Grace and Amber are sure to play out nicely in the story as I'm sure we will see how Amber possibly might monopolize and dictate situations to increase her chances of keeping David to herself as I'm hoping we will see Grace fight for her and showing Amber shes not the only one that can play the game!
Profile Image for Matiah.
158 reviews1 follower
September 30, 2013
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. This is part two of a series. At only approximately 40 pages, it is very short and to the point. Grace travels with David to his club. At this club Grace will endure three trials. If she can pass each trial she will gain membership and David's love. However, Grace must first get past her own inhibitions in order to succeed.

During the first trial Grace is surprised by her own body's response. I won't say if she passed or failed the trial, but Grace is very shocked by the outcome.

During this time we meet Amber. Amber has a very possessive streak when it comes to David and does not take Grace's presence well. But we also meet Andrew. Andrew is gentle and very kind toward Grace.

The problem I had with this installment is that David's love for Grace is conditional. He keeps reminding her how he wants to love her. But she must pass these trials. Um....okay. Then you have Grace. Who's mantra seems to be "win David's love, win David's love." What?! I find this very troublesome.

Overall David comes across as being a cold, unfeeling bastard. While Grace is a doormat that has set back women's lib by at least 10 years.

I am hoping that as the series progresses we see Grace lose dull David and start warming toward Andrew. Overall, I gave it two stars. I was disappointed by Grace's lack of a backbone and the lack of chemistry between the two.
Profile Image for Gloria Herrera for As You Wish Reviews.
2,181 reviews63 followers
October 21, 2013
The Dining Club is more than the name implies. It is a place to discover how far you are willing to challenge your sensuality and discover/expand your sexual horizon. This is erotica at its best.

Our story follows Grace as she discovers David, the man she has fallen in love with, cannot commit to his love for her, unless she is able to discover and participate in the kind of lovemaking that makes him complete. The Dining Club provides a series of tests which will expose Grace to BDSM. If she is able to complete the 4 trials involved, David will be able to finally fully commit to her.

The trials, although not extreme, left me wondering how far could someone go to prove love and commitment. Through this serial novel, we come to know our characters in some depth. This serial novel evolves through 8 different insttallments. We ourselves are placed in the trials with Grace, making us wonder how we ourselves would survive each test.

This story is brilliantly written, with full character development and a great plot line. The ending is good but leaves me wondering if the author is considering a spinoff novel or novels. There are characters in this novel I would love to read more about!
Profile Image for Jana.
319 reviews
September 12, 2013
Quick read. Received from Netgalley for honest review. Thank you.

That said, it was an easy, quick read. Very little character development considering it was a short book. More a novella than a book. From reading first two books, it appears that each weekend at the "Dining Club" will be a new book. The first book sets up the backstory of the couple. After dating six months, David decides to take Grace to the private club to expand her sexual p,ensures and hopefully enrich their relationship. This book did not provide enough connection of the characters to become too engrossed in them, this I felt it was a little far fetched when reading book.two (Bound) to truly believe the story line. At the end of book two, I was pretty much done with David, the lead character. Excuse me, take your girlfriend to a wild weekend and then leave her at the door with "I will call you sometime this week"? Really? And she put up with that? Not thrilled with these characters.

Otherwise, the story seemed well written. Think the premise is good, but don't
Ike the direction of the characters. Now, if Grace drops David for Andrew, then we have a better story!
Profile Image for Colee Porter.
1,144 reviews26 followers
November 4, 2013
ARC given on behalf of the publisher for an honest review.

In part two of the dining club we open with Grace making a decision to be a part of the festivities following dinner with David. Prior to the festivities Grace is introduce to four new characters. These characters seem to be a driving part of the sexual activities following dining.

I really enjoyed Andrew's and Laura's character. They are very nice to Grace. I do not like Amber's character or Amy's character. They are up to something and they both want to be dominated by David.

Andrew seems to have a sexual interest in Grace and he is so kind to her. Grace finds comfort in her interactions physical and non physical with Andrew.

David is extremely bossy and rude. He is still a little distant with Grace.

I feel for Grace. She partakes in this sexual scene because of her love for David but he is still hesitant. He tells her he can not be with her if she does not pass the scene. She must pass each table and activity to be his. Grace does make a valid point by saying to David that he is enough for her and why is she not enough for him. We never get the answer.

Now I am on to book three.
Profile Image for T.A. McKay.
Author 34 books387 followers
October 10, 2013
ARC received from Netgalley for review.

3.5 stars
Grace has finally arrived at The dining Club and everything looks normal. Her first encounter with some of the other people there isn't normal! The twins aren't exactly what she was expecting to encounter but I think that they actually have a heart of gold and are trying to help her succeed in her tasks, even if they can get into trouble doing it! The time has arrived for her first dinner and it is everything she expected....but a lot more! This is the time she gets her first table task, can she relax and trust David enough to pass it. Can she stop her mind from trying to tell her she doesn't like this even if her body is telling her that she does!
We meet Amber properly in this part and she is not a nice person...she wants david for herself and will do anything in her power to make Grace fail these tasks so she has to leave and never come back. Will Grace find out before its too late and fight back to keep the man she loves?

Looking forward to the next part.
Profile Image for Janet.
1,543 reviews14 followers
September 1, 2013
This was a good read, as far as erotica goes. I felt somewhat at a loss however, as I did not read book 1. Evidently the first book set the scene and book 2 picked up without giving the reader much back story. I found the characters, perhaps because of the situation and setting, to be rather flat and missing in the romance department. I suppose I was looking for some movement towards a happily ever after, but I'm just not sure about the future of the lead couple. I didn't get a strong enough sense of their connection, other than sexually. That may have been the author's intention, in order to add tension to the relationship. That being said, the sex scenes were steamy and I definitely felt like a voyeur reading this book! I think that readers of book 1 that made a connection to the lead couple, will appreciate the book more than I.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for ReadingDiva Book Reviews.
499 reviews83 followers
September 6, 2013
**Originally posted @ SinfulReads Blog


REVIEW: In Bound we are introduced to a number of characters, each characters serves a purposes in Grace’s awakening, and ability to survive the The Dining Club. Though I am not sure I would be entirely agreeable to David’s demands and perhaps ultimatum I think the promise of unthinkable pleasure is one even Grace can’t deny. I think this series can be quite interesting and good, it hast potential and the ingredients to make it hot and sinful, I only wish the author would put it all together in one book.

I am looking forward to the next set of chapters, David, Andrew & Amber seem to be eager to commence the fun and the play. I am looking forward to see what’s to come from Amber and her interest in David. I am sure the drama will be juicy and quite sinful.
Profile Image for Tina.
960 reviews6 followers
September 20, 2013
Reviewed for Netgalley. This series contains very short reads which may have been better as a full novel. Each one is set up as a weekend at the Dinner Club with a new trial for Grace, will she complete it and make David happy, that's the question. I will continue to read the remaining books provided to me but each one seems to again continue on a sexual conquest for Grace, but this is not without the afterthought that David will no longer continue a relationship with Grace if she isn't amenable to completing the trials. Added to this however are Amber and Andrew who have their own agenda for Grace. It does not appeal as a romantic read although there is suggestion that's what Grace wants. David seems more focused on a woman who will subject herself to this kind of lifestyle of open sex at the Dinner Club, before he will give her his type of love. A strange character not the usual hero in a book but who knows what the next book will give us.
Profile Image for Roxanne.
854 reviews59 followers
October 26, 2013
Okay, now we're getting somewhere! Whereas part 1 of this erotic series of novellas is basically just an introduction, Bound gives us more information about this exclusive "Dining Club". David brings Grace to the Dining Club for the first of what he hopes will be five tests for her. If Grace can pass the five tests, then they can be together, forever, HEA. Honestly, I still think that David is pretty creepy, but Grace is so intrigued and infatuated by him that she is willing to undergo this first test, despite her misgivings. Not sure how much I can say about the actual test and outcome, but I will say that I do want to read #3, Crave!
Profile Image for Daria.
1,990 reviews42 followers
October 14, 2013
I liked this book (2) better than the first one. Still David irritated me a bit, in how he hung his relationship with Grace on her complying with the Dining Club trials. I understand not wanting to be with or wasting time, with someone that wont fit in your lifestyle. David boredered on a bratty Dom if there is such a thing. (smiles)
Grace.. still so new to things, hung up on what society deems as normal. Ive heard threw my own years of growing up, there are a lot of women hasnt a clue about their own body/needs. Grace is that clueless woman.
Amber.. pffftt id love to smack her. Her snottiness goes about and beyond. If she would have been the actual one to “touch” me at the first trial, it would have been easy to think of God and country.
So now on to book 3.. this was a fast series ofo books, Id have liked it better if they were, one book. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Amy H.
593 reviews22 followers
September 22, 2014
I got this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review..


Things continued where they left off... Grace is one her way to her first trial for the dinning club. she wasn't happy about what it was, but wanted to make David happy.

She was embarrassed when she was aroused being naked around 3 other people. One of which was David's friend Johnathan. The host Amber is jealous because David never brings a date to the dining club. she is now planing a way to make Grace fail so she can have David all to her self.


This test is about control. Grace will have an hour where numerous people will give her pleasure and she cannot give in more than 2 times or she fails. after a half hour she was already done can she finish this test so David continues to love her or will she give in to temptation?
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