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Knots
Jeanie's life has been turned upside down. She's lost her husband at an early age and with him, her way. An offer from a man she's avoided, a man that was her husbands best friend, may be the only thing that can bring light back into her life. Mark isn't like most men. His dominant nature helps him see a different side of Jeanie: a submissive woman with a deep capacity to love and please a man. But having a relationship with him so soon after her husbands death causes strife with her in-laws; the only family she knows. Can Mark set her free, or will she walk away, missing out on the chance for an all-encompassing love?
WARNING: BDSM themes, crude language, anal sex and Dom/sub arrangment involving consenting adults. Story meant for adult audience 18+ due to graphic love scenes and adult themes.
WARNING: BDSM themes, crude language, anal sex and Dom/sub arrangment involving consenting adults. Story meant for adult audience 18+ due to graphic love scenes and adult themes.
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 14, 2013
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986 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
October 16, 2013
She was like a baby animal, seeking protection from an adult. And he was like a predatory animal, ready to pin her down, bite and fuck her - hard.
Whenever I read BDSM Romance my first thought always is - I really hope this isn't another book with a hero with a spanking and light bondage penchant calling himself a Dom. I'm an avid BDSM Romance reader, so I tend to get picky. Having never read a book by Chanse Lowell before, I wasn't really sure what I was walking into with this book. My thoughts once I finished? It was a beautiful and highly erotic story of true love.
I don't typically enjoy reading about insecure heroines with frequent water works. Jeanie's constant guilt, insecurities and doubts at times made me want to throttle her. The fact that at the end of the book I not only grew to like her, but to feel for her, says a great deal of the amazing job the author did with characterization.
The entirety of the book focuses on Mark and Jeanie's relationship development. It was real, at times heart breaking, heart melting, and erotic as hell.
Mark...I don't even know where to start with him. He was...he just...GAH! I want to lick him! The man was just perfection. He was sweet and patient when need be
God, he wanted her wrapped around him right now—to be able to embrace her and free her soul from years’ worth of guilt she never should’ve had.
But when the man got down to business...holy mother of orgasms! The things that he would say and do...my ovaries barely survived it.
I think what I truly loved about Mark was how understanding and caring he was with Jeanie. The was no commitment issues, overly domineering caveman antics or jealousy. He simply made his feelings clear and hid nothing.
I really loved this story. I enjoyed watching Jeanie's character grow from an insecure, guilt-ridden woman to someone stronger. While this wasn't quite a 5 star read for me, it was a very strong 4 stars. I will gladly pick up Chanse Lowell's future books.
**ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review**
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October 8, 2013
MARK AND JEANIE BLEW ME AWAY!!!!!! I FREAKING ENJOYED EVERY MOMENT OF THIS BOOK!!!
Mark was Jeanie's husband best mate! There is something about Mark that draws Jeanie to him each time they meet! She without realising waiting for his approval in each move. Jeanie didn't feel that fire with her husband. Her relationship with her just feel into a very comfortable place. Eat, sleep and cooking.
And then, Jeanie loses her husband, Mark steps in to help her with grieving! Without realisation, she feels everything for Mark even his touch is electrifying! Where does this lead them?
What we didn't know about hottie Mark is that he is a DOM!!!!! That makes it even hotter! That man knows how to dominate!
Mark teaches and guides Jeanie towards becoming a sub. He is not so caring but he really one freaking delicious dom and he really know what is he doing!!!!
On top of that, the moment Mark meets Jeanie, he went head over heels over Jeanie, of course he hid his feelings well....How will these feelings lead him? Now, that he has her!!
It was an awakening experience for me! A beautifully well written story by Chanse Lowell on DOM/SUB! Kudos to her!!!
Mark, dark, alluring, electrifying, intense, gorgeous face, cerulean blue eyes, chiseled jaw with strong cheekbones
And cute Jeanie,
" You call me Sir, and it begins now"
"Kiss me, Jean. No more discussion right now"
"How is it that the little things about you are what get to me most? You're just sitting there, all focussed and relaxed, and I feel like I'm going nuts. Each second that ticks by, I want you more. What's wrong with me?"
"You're not an experiment for me. You're my life - my entire midst revolves around you, little one. The sooner you grasp that, the sooner you'll able to really give in to me"
Sit back and enjoy this lovely book!!!!!!! Am definitely gonna read all the books of this author now! <3
*ARC provided by author**
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April 28, 2016 DNF at 35%
I love this cover. This is one of the main reasons why I wanted to read this book so bad when, I was asked to read for an honest review by the author. It was very pretty and love the ropes.
Unfortunately I did not feel a connection to the characters and I was trying to force myself to keep reading and force a connection that was not there for me.
Hope this works better for everyone else.
ARC provided by Author for exchanges for an honest review.
I love this cover. This is one of the main reasons why I wanted to read this book so bad when, I was asked to read for an honest review by the author. It was very pretty and love the ropes.
Unfortunately I did not feel a connection to the characters and I was trying to force myself to keep reading and force a connection that was not there for me.
Hope this works better for everyone else.
ARC provided by Author for exchanges for an honest review.
October 5, 2013
I was given the ARC copy of Knots by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to do so, Chanse. :)
What a sweet story! It was a bit romanticized, but, it's a work of fiction, so artistic license is part of the deal.
For the most part, I would say that in most situations that the author stayed true to the BDSM lifestyle. Showing the honesty and openness that a Dom demands from His sub.
The story itself I fell in love with. Growing up in Hawaii as I did, it was fun to read some of the references and know exactly what they meant, and actually slipping into Pidgin English in my head while reading some of the chatter between Mark and Jay. The food references and customs were pretty dead on too.
I liked the fact that Mark could be the commanding Dom and a tender and sweet man at the same time, and as circumstances dictated. It showed that just because he was a (sadistic at times) Dom, that he was also strong enough to show emotion. Let his guard down, so to speak.
The main characters of Mark and Jeanie were written as loving, caring people. Jeanie had a lot of demons to overcome mainly her life with Pono, her husband of just a few years that passed away. And how she fell in love with his best friend, Mark. But also, to me, it seemed that she had a lot of scars from emotional abuse at the hands of her parents. All Jeanie wants is to love and be loved and to be accepted for who she really is.
Mark, Pono's best friend has always loved Jeanie, but would never do anything to upset their marriage, which when it comes down to it was a farce, Pono was a man child, and Jeanie did nothing but try to please him at all costs. Mark was able to take Jeanie and show her that she isn't the person she's been made to feel she is. That she's not useless or worthless. And he does it in a very loving and gentle way.
Secondary characters, Pono's family, were very accepting of Mark and Jeanie being together, even so soon after their son/brother’s death. They knew Mark, and knew that he would take care of Jeanie. And they made sure that Jeanie knew she was still their "daughter" and she was their O'hana... family.
Other secondary characters, Mark's mother and Jeanie's parents were all character well written, even though I didn't like Jeanie's parents.
One character in the book that I think should have been expounded on was Tia. She could have been a very useful tool in explaining more of how the lifestyle is. For a new sub, such as Jeanie, having the support of a sister sub is very important. Writing more of Tia into the book instead of leaving Jeanie much like a fish out of water, would have been a bit more believable in that aspect.
This book was a fun quick read, and gets a solid 4 stars from me.
What a sweet story! It was a bit romanticized, but, it's a work of fiction, so artistic license is part of the deal.
For the most part, I would say that in most situations that the author stayed true to the BDSM lifestyle. Showing the honesty and openness that a Dom demands from His sub.
The story itself I fell in love with. Growing up in Hawaii as I did, it was fun to read some of the references and know exactly what they meant, and actually slipping into Pidgin English in my head while reading some of the chatter between Mark and Jay. The food references and customs were pretty dead on too.
I liked the fact that Mark could be the commanding Dom and a tender and sweet man at the same time, and as circumstances dictated. It showed that just because he was a (sadistic at times) Dom, that he was also strong enough to show emotion. Let his guard down, so to speak.
The main characters of Mark and Jeanie were written as loving, caring people. Jeanie had a lot of demons to overcome mainly her life with Pono, her husband of just a few years that passed away. And how she fell in love with his best friend, Mark. But also, to me, it seemed that she had a lot of scars from emotional abuse at the hands of her parents. All Jeanie wants is to love and be loved and to be accepted for who she really is.
Mark, Pono's best friend has always loved Jeanie, but would never do anything to upset their marriage, which when it comes down to it was a farce, Pono was a man child, and Jeanie did nothing but try to please him at all costs. Mark was able to take Jeanie and show her that she isn't the person she's been made to feel she is. That she's not useless or worthless. And he does it in a very loving and gentle way.
Secondary characters, Pono's family, were very accepting of Mark and Jeanie being together, even so soon after their son/brother’s death. They knew Mark, and knew that he would take care of Jeanie. And they made sure that Jeanie knew she was still their "daughter" and she was their O'hana... family.
Other secondary characters, Mark's mother and Jeanie's parents were all character well written, even though I didn't like Jeanie's parents.
One character in the book that I think should have been expounded on was Tia. She could have been a very useful tool in explaining more of how the lifestyle is. For a new sub, such as Jeanie, having the support of a sister sub is very important. Writing more of Tia into the book instead of leaving Jeanie much like a fish out of water, would have been a bit more believable in that aspect.
This book was a fun quick read, and gets a solid 4 stars from me.
October 1, 2013
Knots by Chanse Lowel
Chanse Lowell was a new author for me, although the subject matter of this book is a familiar one, I had no idea what to expect from this author. I was surprised and delighted by this book. There is no millionaire flaunting his money and good looks, there is no young female losing her virginity to “the lifestyle”, not a bondage club in sight, and there is no antagonist trying to keep our H/h from each other. What there is, is the fulfillment of a long time love, sadness, guilt and self loathing that is overcome though love and personal growth, an Alpha male who can use a flogger as easily as he can express his emotions, and a 27 year old women who discovers her true sexual needs and her desire to please another. This is a true love story, and did I mention the sex is HOT, and tastefully woven throughout the story , well let me just say it again – The sex is Hot and so supportive to the books storyline and our heroines journey to self discovery.
The lead characters Mark and Jeanie are well written but don’t come with a lot of back story, they are more characters in the here and now, there is a brief glimpse into what life with Jeanie’s parents must have been like for her growing up, and a small slice of time with Mark’s Mother. I was very pleased that Mark our controlling uber Dom, actually had feelings and was not ashamed or embarrassed to show them – it was so nice to see him as a real person. He was a very patient, gentle, loving, but firm in his training of Jeanie, he was not wishy washy or easily distracted from his goal to have her in his life. He is confident in his lifestyle choice, holds down a job, and is supportive of Jeanie on her journey towards overcoming guilt, poor self image, and sexual awakening.
Jeanie has a harder path to tread, she holds herself responsible for her husband’s death, his lack of love for her, letting his family down and falling in love with her husband’s best friend so soon after his death. Jeanie has a poor self image, is insecure, and feels alone in life. Jeanie has to accept the knowledge that she really didn’t love her husband, and may have married him for the wrong reasons; she also realizes that she has never really had a fulfilling sex life. Jeanie is a smart, questioning, adventurous women, willing to overcome her personal issues, and wants nothing more than to have the love, and a place in the right person life.
The supporting characters were also well written, each had their own personalities, but presented a unified family, love, strength and forgiveness. The cultural glimpses of the Tongan lifestyle added a dimension to the story that worked really well, whether it was how they dealt with death, or their day to day lives. One of the happiest moments for me was the family including Jeanie and Mark just as they would their natural born daughter or son in their lives and family.
I was given this ARC copy of Knots by the author for an honest review; once it’s published I will purchase my own copy. For me this was a wonderful 4 star read, and I am thankful for the opportunity the author provided me.
Chanse Lowell was a new author for me, although the subject matter of this book is a familiar one, I had no idea what to expect from this author. I was surprised and delighted by this book. There is no millionaire flaunting his money and good looks, there is no young female losing her virginity to “the lifestyle”, not a bondage club in sight, and there is no antagonist trying to keep our H/h from each other. What there is, is the fulfillment of a long time love, sadness, guilt and self loathing that is overcome though love and personal growth, an Alpha male who can use a flogger as easily as he can express his emotions, and a 27 year old women who discovers her true sexual needs and her desire to please another. This is a true love story, and did I mention the sex is HOT, and tastefully woven throughout the story , well let me just say it again – The sex is Hot and so supportive to the books storyline and our heroines journey to self discovery.
The lead characters Mark and Jeanie are well written but don’t come with a lot of back story, they are more characters in the here and now, there is a brief glimpse into what life with Jeanie’s parents must have been like for her growing up, and a small slice of time with Mark’s Mother. I was very pleased that Mark our controlling uber Dom, actually had feelings and was not ashamed or embarrassed to show them – it was so nice to see him as a real person. He was a very patient, gentle, loving, but firm in his training of Jeanie, he was not wishy washy or easily distracted from his goal to have her in his life. He is confident in his lifestyle choice, holds down a job, and is supportive of Jeanie on her journey towards overcoming guilt, poor self image, and sexual awakening.
Jeanie has a harder path to tread, she holds herself responsible for her husband’s death, his lack of love for her, letting his family down and falling in love with her husband’s best friend so soon after his death. Jeanie has a poor self image, is insecure, and feels alone in life. Jeanie has to accept the knowledge that she really didn’t love her husband, and may have married him for the wrong reasons; she also realizes that she has never really had a fulfilling sex life. Jeanie is a smart, questioning, adventurous women, willing to overcome her personal issues, and wants nothing more than to have the love, and a place in the right person life.
The supporting characters were also well written, each had their own personalities, but presented a unified family, love, strength and forgiveness. The cultural glimpses of the Tongan lifestyle added a dimension to the story that worked really well, whether it was how they dealt with death, or their day to day lives. One of the happiest moments for me was the family including Jeanie and Mark just as they would their natural born daughter or son in their lives and family.
I was given this ARC copy of Knots by the author for an honest review; once it’s published I will purchase my own copy. For me this was a wonderful 4 star read, and I am thankful for the opportunity the author provided me.
November 29, 2013
3.5 STARS
Cover: 8/10
Plot: Forgiveness and loneliness
Writing style: 9/10
Heroine: 8/10
Hero: 8/10
Jealousy: 0/10
Romance: 8/10
Hotness: 9/10
Ending: 8/10
Extra book Details: Stand alone, HEA.
(ARC received in exchange for an honest review)
Blurb: Jeanie's life has been turned upside down. Her husband has passed away and she feels like she's to blame. Jeanie doesn't know the right way to feel, to react or to grieve. Her husband's best friend can offer her that. He knows exactly what she needs and who she is. And he wants to prove it to her.
Both Jeanie and Mark are very complicated characters, her more so. Mark spends his time convincing her that they are the perfect match as a Dominant and Submissive and even though she knows her relationship with her late husband was not happy, he makes her feel better about the fact that she was never really meant for him and relives her anguish. Apart from Jeanie's grief, the book is about her learning to become a Submissive and embracing her natural traits and sexual desires.
I enjoyed the progress of the book and the characters relationship and there was a good dialogue/inner-monologue ratio. But I didn't think the book was for me. Though the characters were young, I felt that the book may be better for an older reader, one more interested in the dynamics of a BDSM relationship. Though I found the sex hot, it was more about learning the BDSM lifestyle along with Jeanie. The book may not interest those who enjoyed Chanse Lowell's other books; Sleeves and Slick as Ides, which are fast-paced with tons of WTF moments, on the cusp of sci-fi and mystery genres and include some great quality dirty talk.
Cover: 8/10
Plot: Forgiveness and loneliness
Writing style: 9/10
Heroine: 8/10
Hero: 8/10
Jealousy: 0/10
Romance: 8/10
Hotness: 9/10
Ending: 8/10
Extra book Details: Stand alone, HEA.
(ARC received in exchange for an honest review)
Blurb: Jeanie's life has been turned upside down. Her husband has passed away and she feels like she's to blame. Jeanie doesn't know the right way to feel, to react or to grieve. Her husband's best friend can offer her that. He knows exactly what she needs and who she is. And he wants to prove it to her.
Both Jeanie and Mark are very complicated characters, her more so. Mark spends his time convincing her that they are the perfect match as a Dominant and Submissive and even though she knows her relationship with her late husband was not happy, he makes her feel better about the fact that she was never really meant for him and relives her anguish. Apart from Jeanie's grief, the book is about her learning to become a Submissive and embracing her natural traits and sexual desires.
I enjoyed the progress of the book and the characters relationship and there was a good dialogue/inner-monologue ratio. But I didn't think the book was for me. Though the characters were young, I felt that the book may be better for an older reader, one more interested in the dynamics of a BDSM relationship. Though I found the sex hot, it was more about learning the BDSM lifestyle along with Jeanie. The book may not interest those who enjoyed Chanse Lowell's other books; Sleeves and Slick as Ides, which are fast-paced with tons of WTF moments, on the cusp of sci-fi and mystery genres and include some great quality dirty talk.
January 15, 2015
This book was a really good surprise to me. Jeanie lost her husband she was always afraid of her feelings for Mark he was very experienced Dom who knew she was a submissive at heart. What I loved about this book was that Mark was patient with Jeanie he loved her for years even though she was married to his best friend who never really paid attention to her. This book had very hot sex scenes it made me want to cry. I loved it. Jeanie let people walk all over her parents treated her like crap and I like that she did what everyone else wanted just to make them happy. Mark was very kind caring and loving he was a great dominant at times Jeanie seemed to be lost like she was so unsure of herself. But I must say that my heart went out to her when we learn about her not being able to have kids I can relate.
July 24, 2014
First of all, let me state that I read this book as part of a challenge for my Kick group. If it weren't for that I would have stopped reading the book around the 30% mark. However, the challenge was to finish the book and see if you liked it better upon completion of the story. Sadly, I did not.
Did I have a problem with the Dom/sub aspects of the story? No, not at all. I enjoy good BDSM books. That's not what I had issues with. Let's start with the way to book opens. It begins with Jeanie going into her late husband's funeral. She's a riot of emotions and freaking out because she's not crying like everyone else. Totally understandable. She's uncomfortable because she's sitting next to her late husband's best friend (a man she thought hated her and always made her feel uncomfortable to be around). She allows him to drive her to the gravesite, and on the way begins to imagine having sex with him in his car. WTH?? Umm, you haven't even buried your first husband yet. And we find out that he's plotting ways to talk her into becoming his new sub now that she's "available". Dude, let your friend get buried first! At least the author should have spent a few more pages giving a back story before this point. We know nothing about these two characters before we are thrown into this. Nothing! So instead of feeling any kind of connection to the MCs it just sets them up to be creepy and disrespectful. Mark had his tongue in her mouth in less than 24 hours after the funeral, and Jeanie points out that her husband was dead only 5 days before she was having kinky sex with his best friend. If this book had been set 6 months after Pono's death, heck even a couple of weeks after, it would have made a huge difference. The blurb says Jeanie is lost after her husband's death, but really she hasn't had time to get lost and I think the book's overall feeling suffers for it.
I honestly don't know how they can claim to love Pono, the late husband, when all they do is bash him for being an "awful husband". Really?? They describe him as selfish and inattentive to his wife, except when she had food for him. As the story progressed I never got emotionally invested with either of them because I was already set up to think badly about them. Mark came off like a sexual predator who had been stalking her throughout her marriage to his "best friend", and Jeanie was a self-loathing mess who freaked herself out so many times through the book that I started skipping her rants. She says about herself that "her entire life, she came across as confident and put-together." When? In this book she is never anything but a mess. That's a prime example of show me, don't tell me. If Jeanie had been confident in any other area of her life that would have been great. But it never happened.
There's also the part where Mark, the so-called best friend, tells Jeanie that he wants to get them both off in CHURCH, where they are going to meet his mother. I'm sorry but NOOOOO! Yuck and gross. Later she compares God and the commandments to a dom and his rules for his sub, and says she just needs to worship her dom. No. I'm done. And that's not even mentioning how the author should have provided some explanation of how to correctly pronounce names like Kueili for those of us that aren't familiar with them, and how several of the characters speech sounded too forced and formal rather than normal, relaxed chit-chat. Some answers and background information do make an appearance, but it's at the end of the book when it's too late.
So in the end, did I enjoy this book? No. I had to force myself to finish it. I know some people loved this book, and that's great. I'm really glad it sparked for them. It just didn't do anything for me.
Did I have a problem with the Dom/sub aspects of the story? No, not at all. I enjoy good BDSM books. That's not what I had issues with. Let's start with the way to book opens. It begins with Jeanie going into her late husband's funeral. She's a riot of emotions and freaking out because she's not crying like everyone else. Totally understandable. She's uncomfortable because she's sitting next to her late husband's best friend (a man she thought hated her and always made her feel uncomfortable to be around). She allows him to drive her to the gravesite, and on the way begins to imagine having sex with him in his car. WTH?? Umm, you haven't even buried your first husband yet. And we find out that he's plotting ways to talk her into becoming his new sub now that she's "available". Dude, let your friend get buried first! At least the author should have spent a few more pages giving a back story before this point. We know nothing about these two characters before we are thrown into this. Nothing! So instead of feeling any kind of connection to the MCs it just sets them up to be creepy and disrespectful. Mark had his tongue in her mouth in less than 24 hours after the funeral, and Jeanie points out that her husband was dead only 5 days before she was having kinky sex with his best friend. If this book had been set 6 months after Pono's death, heck even a couple of weeks after, it would have made a huge difference. The blurb says Jeanie is lost after her husband's death, but really she hasn't had time to get lost and I think the book's overall feeling suffers for it.
I honestly don't know how they can claim to love Pono, the late husband, when all they do is bash him for being an "awful husband". Really?? They describe him as selfish and inattentive to his wife, except when she had food for him. As the story progressed I never got emotionally invested with either of them because I was already set up to think badly about them. Mark came off like a sexual predator who had been stalking her throughout her marriage to his "best friend", and Jeanie was a self-loathing mess who freaked herself out so many times through the book that I started skipping her rants. She says about herself that "her entire life, she came across as confident and put-together." When? In this book she is never anything but a mess. That's a prime example of show me, don't tell me. If Jeanie had been confident in any other area of her life that would have been great. But it never happened.
There's also the part where Mark, the so-called best friend, tells Jeanie that he wants to get them both off in CHURCH, where they are going to meet his mother. I'm sorry but NOOOOO! Yuck and gross. Later she compares God and the commandments to a dom and his rules for his sub, and says she just needs to worship her dom. No. I'm done. And that's not even mentioning how the author should have provided some explanation of how to correctly pronounce names like Kueili for those of us that aren't familiar with them, and how several of the characters speech sounded too forced and formal rather than normal, relaxed chit-chat. Some answers and background information do make an appearance, but it's at the end of the book when it's too late.
So in the end, did I enjoy this book? No. I had to force myself to finish it. I know some people loved this book, and that's great. I'm really glad it sparked for them. It just didn't do anything for me.
December 26, 2013
I wanted to quit reading this book several times, however I did not. I just could not get into it. I saw so many good reviews and I really wanted to like this book. It just didn't happen for me.
1. The use of curse words, especially f*ck was used waaaaayyyyy too much. I'm all for cussing. Don't get me wrong, but even this was a little over the top for me.
2. It was a really slow read for me. I just couldn't get involved in the story.
3. There was really no set up to the connection and chemistry between the characters. I felt it was really abrupt.
If you read this, I really hope you enjoy it more than I did.
There is nothing worse than having to force yourself through a book.
1. The use of curse words, especially f*ck was used waaaaayyyyy too much. I'm all for cussing. Don't get me wrong, but even this was a little over the top for me.
2. It was a really slow read for me. I just couldn't get involved in the story.
3. There was really no set up to the connection and chemistry between the characters. I felt it was really abrupt.
If you read this, I really hope you enjoy it more than I did.
There is nothing worse than having to force yourself through a book.
January 1, 2014
This was an interesting read for me. I was very excited about this book. Widowed woman falls for her late husband's friend. It was very angst (for her), not so much for me.
She felt guilty for falling for him. She was unsure of herself and he had to keep reassuring her. I felt like we were having the same conversation over and over throughout the book.
We didn't find out why she was so insecure until the end of the book. I wish we had known earlier why she was so insecure. I think it would have changed the entire book for me.
She felt guilty for falling for him. She was unsure of herself and he had to keep reassuring her. I felt like we were having the same conversation over and over throughout the book.
We didn't find out why she was so insecure until the end of the book. I wish we had known earlier why she was so insecure. I think it would have changed the entire book for me.
October 21, 2013
The conversations between the MCs all felt like stiltedly phrased info dumps. I just couldn't get into it and 'blah blah blah' through the last 40%.
October 22, 2013
HOT & SEXY COVER!!!! GREAT STORY!!!
Knots really grabbed me as soon as I opened the first page. I only put down my Kindle on a few occasions such as sleep, feeding kids, and that darn thing call work (well, I did read at my desk, but shhhh no one needs to know)….. I really enjoyed it because it isn’t your typical BDSM story where both parties are already engaged in the lifestyle. Knots is about Jeanie discovering who she is, and the woman that has been tucked way inside for so long.
"She wanted to matter and feel like she was the whole world to somebody."
Mark is the best friend of Jeanie’s husband. Jeanie feels lost, and he’s there to help her pick up the pieces after her husband’s death. What she doesn’t know is that he’s been in love with her from the day they met (oh, and the fact that he’s a Dom). He sets out to make Jeanie his Sub – not because he needs a Sub but because he LOVES her. The story becomes as much about Mark as it is about Jeanie. Mark is just so deliciously hot and dominating. I couldn’t help but be drawn to Mark – his love for and devotion to Jeanie just makes him so attractive; he is very caring yet unyielding at the same time. Jeanie is new to the lifestyle, and Mark is determined to bring her in the right way and teach her what it can do for her and how it can make her feel and heal.
"The whole point is to push further than possible, feel more than what's expected and find that deep connection that can't be found any other way. Untold pleasure is what I want to give you, and a love that makes your bones ache, it's so good."
This story is wonderfully written with tons of emotion and feeling. Chanse Lowell has done a great job giving us the emotional side of a DOM/SUB relationship. Based on my experience with Knots, I will definitely pick up another book by Chanse Lowell!
(ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review)
Knots really grabbed me as soon as I opened the first page. I only put down my Kindle on a few occasions such as sleep, feeding kids, and that darn thing call work (well, I did read at my desk, but shhhh no one needs to know)….. I really enjoyed it because it isn’t your typical BDSM story where both parties are already engaged in the lifestyle. Knots is about Jeanie discovering who she is, and the woman that has been tucked way inside for so long.
"She wanted to matter and feel like she was the whole world to somebody."
Mark is the best friend of Jeanie’s husband. Jeanie feels lost, and he’s there to help her pick up the pieces after her husband’s death. What she doesn’t know is that he’s been in love with her from the day they met (oh, and the fact that he’s a Dom). He sets out to make Jeanie his Sub – not because he needs a Sub but because he LOVES her. The story becomes as much about Mark as it is about Jeanie. Mark is just so deliciously hot and dominating. I couldn’t help but be drawn to Mark – his love for and devotion to Jeanie just makes him so attractive; he is very caring yet unyielding at the same time. Jeanie is new to the lifestyle, and Mark is determined to bring her in the right way and teach her what it can do for her and how it can make her feel and heal.
"The whole point is to push further than possible, feel more than what's expected and find that deep connection that can't be found any other way. Untold pleasure is what I want to give you, and a love that makes your bones ache, it's so good."
This story is wonderfully written with tons of emotion and feeling. Chanse Lowell has done a great job giving us the emotional side of a DOM/SUB relationship. Based on my experience with Knots, I will definitely pick up another book by Chanse Lowell!
(ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review)
October 30, 2013
4 Very Bright Stars
I absolutely loved this book. Mark was so damn strong, but he was super caring and knew what he wanted, and that was Jeanie. There was one point in the book where it seemed his character lagged a bit, but I appreciated the author's firm hand in guiding him. You could tell she loved her characters and the world she created for them. Still, I wanted more. I can't say exactly what, but I was super curious about Mark's job, for example, and what he actually did day to day. And I loved the Tongan cultural perspective and would have loved to learned more about that, and how Jeanie and Pono met.
Editing: only 2 or 3 errors or that I caught, which ROCKS!
Recommend?: Yes, to romance fans, especially BDSM fans and those curious to explore the genre.
Reread: Absolutely, at some point. I love that Mark is the first one to topple head over heels in love with Jeanie. It's sweet to read.
Steam: HEAT, lots and lots of steam & Mark has a filthy mouth.
Hero: Mark is just awesome, and a great Dom. Also, I love that Jeanie loves HIM as a person and doesn't continually obsess with how HAWT he is.
Heroine?: Jeanie is courageous and I could relate to her. Even though she seems weak, and struggles, she's tries to remain open.
HEA: Yep! / Series ?: Hell no, thank goodness!
I absolutely loved this book. Mark was so damn strong, but he was super caring and knew what he wanted, and that was Jeanie. There was one point in the book where it seemed his character lagged a bit, but I appreciated the author's firm hand in guiding him. You could tell she loved her characters and the world she created for them. Still, I wanted more. I can't say exactly what, but I was super curious about Mark's job, for example, and what he actually did day to day. And I loved the Tongan cultural perspective and would have loved to learned more about that, and how Jeanie and Pono met.
Editing: only 2 or 3 errors or that I caught, which ROCKS!
Recommend?: Yes, to romance fans, especially BDSM fans and those curious to explore the genre.
Reread: Absolutely, at some point. I love that Mark is the first one to topple head over heels in love with Jeanie. It's sweet to read.
Steam: HEAT, lots and lots of steam & Mark has a filthy mouth.
Hero: Mark is just awesome, and a great Dom. Also, I love that Jeanie loves HIM as a person and doesn't continually obsess with how HAWT he is.
Heroine?: Jeanie is courageous and I could relate to her. Even though she seems weak, and struggles, she's tries to remain open.
HEA: Yep! / Series ?: Hell no, thank goodness!
November 11, 2013
This was an ARC by the author for an honest review. I've got no idea where to even start, right out of the gate this book captivated me. I've always felt when a writer can make you love or hate a character it's a well written book, this is so the case with Knots.
I couldn't stand Jeanie half the time, her self-deprecating attitude makes me want to smack her. Mark continually explains to her how her feels and why he feels the way he does. She just ignores him and tunes him out. She never fully trusts him, until it's almost too late.
My thoughts and feeling changed when we met her parents, then all of the puzzle pieces fit together for me. I grew to love her in a way I didn't think was possible. Once Jeanie realized she was worthy of love and she was a good person, her whole outlook changed.
I absolutely loved this book, it's a run don't walk to read for me. Chanse invoked so many emotions from me, I couldn't decide whether I wanted to smack or hug Jeanie at times.
This was my first book by Ms. Lowell and I can promise you it won't be my last.
I couldn't stand Jeanie half the time, her self-deprecating attitude makes me want to smack her. Mark continually explains to her how her feels and why he feels the way he does. She just ignores him and tunes him out. She never fully trusts him, until it's almost too late.
My thoughts and feeling changed when we met her parents, then all of the puzzle pieces fit together for me. I grew to love her in a way I didn't think was possible. Once Jeanie realized she was worthy of love and she was a good person, her whole outlook changed.
I absolutely loved this book, it's a run don't walk to read for me. Chanse invoked so many emotions from me, I couldn't decide whether I wanted to smack or hug Jeanie at times.
This was my first book by Ms. Lowell and I can promise you it won't be my last.
March 6, 2014
Where do I even begin.. I thought this book would've been spicy and hot but I was sadly mistaken .... to start off the story begins with a funeral ... not a good place to be in the first place so I keep reading ..The MC is at a place in her life where she blames everything that has lead her to this point on herself... (her husbands death, global warming, earthquakes,tsunami's you name it) then walks in a dom who's had a thing for her even while her being a married woman. Now comes in the part where he always knew she was for him, blah,blah,blah... lets get together and make with the love .. dom/sub style... apparently he knew she was a sub even before she did.. yea sure... let's just say I was able to put this book down and often... I even did a whole weekend without picking up my kindle. Now that is saying a lot coming from me. Don't get me wrong it was a different style of plot just not for me ...
October 30, 2013
I gave up on this book literally half way thru it. I just could not connect with the characters and their story at all. This is the first book I've "quit on" since joining goodreads. There were maybe a couple others that I felt like I didn't want to finish but I was able to complete them and was satisfied with a rating of 3 stars. Just couldn't stand this book anymore after trying for two days!
May 8, 2015
This book was alright...I wasn't knocked over by it. I wasn't too thrilled with how she jumped right into Marks arms, and Jeanie drove me bat sh*t crazy. I didn't like her at all. Mark was overpowering at times, and even for a 'Dom' I thought it a bit much...and they only wanted to screw...which, hey, go for it...but there should have been some other sort of story going on there. Even though I rated it 3...it is on the low side of 3...I wish it was a bit better
December 16, 2013
DNF. I could not finish, it took me days to get 43% read. It did not keep me interested at all. I hate to quit on a book, but there are so many great books I felt like I was wasting my time on this one.
Read
October 19, 2013DNF.
Want to read
October 8, 2013looks really good!
This is the same cover as Tarryn Fisher's "MUD VEIN"
This is the same cover as Tarryn Fisher's "MUD VEIN"
Want to read
October 20, 2013can't wait to read this ;)
November 8, 2013
really, Jeanie? smh...so so so so so disappointed.
Read
November 28, 2013DNF
November 13, 2013
Many thanks to the wonderful Sex with Rose for this guest review of this erotic book by author Chanse Lowell. It was provided free of charge in return for a fair and honest review.
- Cara Sutra
I got Knots to review thanks to the lovely Cara. I always love to read new erotica and when I was offered to read Knots by Chanse Lowell I didn't have to think about it twice. Especially because it is about the development of a Dominant/submissive relationship.
The book starts with Jeanie, who just lost her husband at an early age and is a little lost in her world without him. Her husbands best friend, Mark, helps her with her loss and helps her discover her submissive side. Doing this gives her a lot of internal conflict with her in-laws and her husbands death. Can Mark set her free, or will she walk away, missing out on the chance for an all-encompassing love?
The book starts out a bit slow and confusing because you really get thrown in at the start. It took me a little while and a re-reading a few bits to make sure I was following it correctly. It happened a couple of times in the book that I wasn't sure about what happened and I had to reread it but it wasn't bothering me. The story really sucks you in and it is a very good book to read if you are curious about BDSM and even if you are more acquainted with kink, it still is a good read. It is a story with very strong and elaborate characters that you can identify with and it’s not just about the kink. It is also about getting to know yourself and giving in to things that truly make you happy. It is also an intriguing love story with an lovely twist. The inner struggle of giving in to your submissive nature is beautifully written and very relatable.
I would recommend Knots for people who are new to BDSM and would like to know more about it as a starting point. Of course introducing someone to BDSM can be different from person to person but it is a good read and example of how it can be. The details in the book are very accurate and I consider it a very good example of how a 'normal' D/s relationship is. There is a lot of attention given to communication and safety and those are the things I find most important when it comes to D/s play. It is obvious that the author put a lot of care and research into this book and because of that it is a very realistic story. And on top of that a very good read as well. Definitely a book I would recommend to read, even for my vanilla friends.
- Rose Monrou (Sex with Rose)
- Cara Sutra
I got Knots to review thanks to the lovely Cara. I always love to read new erotica and when I was offered to read Knots by Chanse Lowell I didn't have to think about it twice. Especially because it is about the development of a Dominant/submissive relationship.
The book starts with Jeanie, who just lost her husband at an early age and is a little lost in her world without him. Her husbands best friend, Mark, helps her with her loss and helps her discover her submissive side. Doing this gives her a lot of internal conflict with her in-laws and her husbands death. Can Mark set her free, or will she walk away, missing out on the chance for an all-encompassing love?
The book starts out a bit slow and confusing because you really get thrown in at the start. It took me a little while and a re-reading a few bits to make sure I was following it correctly. It happened a couple of times in the book that I wasn't sure about what happened and I had to reread it but it wasn't bothering me. The story really sucks you in and it is a very good book to read if you are curious about BDSM and even if you are more acquainted with kink, it still is a good read. It is a story with very strong and elaborate characters that you can identify with and it’s not just about the kink. It is also about getting to know yourself and giving in to things that truly make you happy. It is also an intriguing love story with an lovely twist. The inner struggle of giving in to your submissive nature is beautifully written and very relatable.
I would recommend Knots for people who are new to BDSM and would like to know more about it as a starting point. Of course introducing someone to BDSM can be different from person to person but it is a good read and example of how it can be. The details in the book are very accurate and I consider it a very good example of how a 'normal' D/s relationship is. There is a lot of attention given to communication and safety and those are the things I find most important when it comes to D/s play. It is obvious that the author put a lot of care and research into this book and because of that it is a very realistic story. And on top of that a very good read as well. Definitely a book I would recommend to read, even for my vanilla friends.
- Rose Monrou (Sex with Rose)
March 23, 2017
Jeanie, recent widow. Mark, her husband’s best friend. She’s lost and alone. He’s loved her from afar. As a Dom, Mark he sees a different side of Jeanie, a sweet submissive woman with a deep capacity to love. But with Pono’s recent death, is it too soon to begin a relationship? Will the only family she knows still accept her if she takes a chance on a new life and new love?
I do love a good D/s story and Knots is no exception. I thoroughly enjoyed that Jeanie and Mark’s story, while BDSM, also hit upon the personal aspect and emotions of building a relationship. I felt it was a good blend of raw emotions balanced with sexual heat. In case you’re wondering…the sex is hot! Ms Lowell definitely has a way of writing sex that will have you squirming in your seat like a good sub and begging for more. Nevertheless, don’t get me wrong, this isn’t just about sex. This is about two people coming together, building their lives, working issues out all heading to that almighty HEA ending. The interactions with the secondary characters were also well played out so they felt less like fillers and more as a contributing part to the book.
As much as I enjoyed Knots, I do have a couple of bones to pick. I REALLY liked Mark as a Dom and his interaction with Jeanie were very nicely written. HOWEVER, I found him to be a wee bit too emotional for my taste. Somehow, in my head, I don’t see a strong Dom, someone who is that successful, as being the weepy type. Obsessive enough to pursue a woman right after her husband (and his best friend) death, but not the weepy sort. Second, thing that I found distracting was Jeanie’s personal issues. I got that she has issues and is insecure, but I felt it was overkill to drag it through the whole book. Maybe that was the whole point of the story but frankly I found it a bit redundant at times.
Despite those two aforementioned issues, I found Knots to be a great book to read. I plan to check out other books by author Chanse Lowell and will be recommending this book to my friends.
I received this book from JeepDiva for the express purposes of an honest review. The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine and in no way was I compensated.
Stars – 3.5 Flames - 4
I do love a good D/s story and Knots is no exception. I thoroughly enjoyed that Jeanie and Mark’s story, while BDSM, also hit upon the personal aspect and emotions of building a relationship. I felt it was a good blend of raw emotions balanced with sexual heat. In case you’re wondering…the sex is hot! Ms Lowell definitely has a way of writing sex that will have you squirming in your seat like a good sub and begging for more. Nevertheless, don’t get me wrong, this isn’t just about sex. This is about two people coming together, building their lives, working issues out all heading to that almighty HEA ending. The interactions with the secondary characters were also well played out so they felt less like fillers and more as a contributing part to the book.
As much as I enjoyed Knots, I do have a couple of bones to pick. I REALLY liked Mark as a Dom and his interaction with Jeanie were very nicely written. HOWEVER, I found him to be a wee bit too emotional for my taste. Somehow, in my head, I don’t see a strong Dom, someone who is that successful, as being the weepy type. Obsessive enough to pursue a woman right after her husband (and his best friend) death, but not the weepy sort. Second, thing that I found distracting was Jeanie’s personal issues. I got that she has issues and is insecure, but I felt it was overkill to drag it through the whole book. Maybe that was the whole point of the story but frankly I found it a bit redundant at times.
Despite those two aforementioned issues, I found Knots to be a great book to read. I plan to check out other books by author Chanse Lowell and will be recommending this book to my friends.
I received this book from JeepDiva for the express purposes of an honest review. The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine and in no way was I compensated.
Stars – 3.5 Flames - 4
October 14, 2013
***RECEIVED AND ARC FROM THE AUTHOR IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW***
What Worked For Me:
In one word I can sum up what really worked for me….Mark. He was straight up delicious!!! He was a friend, confidant, lover, and tutor. He was the perfect balance of passionate sweetheart and raunchy sex fiend and it worked on so many levels, I can’t even describe them all. He’s able to pull Jeanie out of her sexual stupor and help her find herself after being in a “vanilla” marriage that ended with the death of her husband, Mark’s best friend. The love Mark has for Jeanie is timeless and deep and I felt with his every move the depth of his emotion he felt for Jeanie. The love scenes were smoldering and out-right decadent, and definitely bordered on the kinky side. The secondary characters in this book come in the form of the Finau family who were a fun-loving and close-knit group who we watched interact with Mark and Jeanie on their journey to happily-ever-after. They are real and not-perfect, which makes them exactly that. We meet Jeanie’s parents, which explains so much about why she is the way she is. We also meet Mark’s mom….who I adored!
What Didn’t Work For Me:
Jeanie did not work for me. She was annoying and whiney most of the time. She was so unsure of herself, blaming herself for the death of her husband, who I gathered from the few details, died of a heart attack. For hard limits….cooking. She won’t cook because she thinks her unhealthy cooking for her husband killed him, which bordered on ridiculous. She seemed glutton for punishment and so unsure of everything she did, I was left unsure of whether I merely didn’t like her or hated her outright. She wasn’t selfish, just very insecure in her life, not just with Mark but everything. Also…I love erotic romance and I am religious, but I can do without the religious discussions, spiritual role-playing and scripture quotes in the erotic romance books I’m reading. Personally, it totally made me squicked me out.
Would I Recommend This Book:
Yes…to my BDSM loving friends
Final Star Rating:
4 of 5 stars
What Worked For Me:
In one word I can sum up what really worked for me….Mark. He was straight up delicious!!! He was a friend, confidant, lover, and tutor. He was the perfect balance of passionate sweetheart and raunchy sex fiend and it worked on so many levels, I can’t even describe them all. He’s able to pull Jeanie out of her sexual stupor and help her find herself after being in a “vanilla” marriage that ended with the death of her husband, Mark’s best friend. The love Mark has for Jeanie is timeless and deep and I felt with his every move the depth of his emotion he felt for Jeanie. The love scenes were smoldering and out-right decadent, and definitely bordered on the kinky side. The secondary characters in this book come in the form of the Finau family who were a fun-loving and close-knit group who we watched interact with Mark and Jeanie on their journey to happily-ever-after. They are real and not-perfect, which makes them exactly that. We meet Jeanie’s parents, which explains so much about why she is the way she is. We also meet Mark’s mom….who I adored!
What Didn’t Work For Me:
Jeanie did not work for me. She was annoying and whiney most of the time. She was so unsure of herself, blaming herself for the death of her husband, who I gathered from the few details, died of a heart attack. For hard limits….cooking. She won’t cook because she thinks her unhealthy cooking for her husband killed him, which bordered on ridiculous. She seemed glutton for punishment and so unsure of everything she did, I was left unsure of whether I merely didn’t like her or hated her outright. She wasn’t selfish, just very insecure in her life, not just with Mark but everything. Also…I love erotic romance and I am religious, but I can do without the religious discussions, spiritual role-playing and scripture quotes in the erotic romance books I’m reading. Personally, it totally made me squicked me out.
Would I Recommend This Book:
Yes…to my BDSM loving friends
Final Star Rating:
4 of 5 stars
September 1, 2014
This book was okay.
Knots begins with Jeanie at her husband, Pono's, funeral with his family. She is a very weak lead female character who doesn't have much of a backbone. When Mark, Pono's best friend arrives, Jeanie is immediately uncomfortable. She's had feelings for him since the moment she met him, and he always makes her feel nervous. But she always kept her distance, no matter how drawn to him she was.
Mark has been in love with Jeanie since almost the first time he met her and was introduced to her. He never wanted to interfere with her marriage or hurt his friend, but now he sees his chance. He knew Jeanie and Pono were not meant to be together and now he just has to prove to Jeanie, that he’s the man for her. You see, Mark is a dominant and he wants Jeanie as his submissive. After convincing her to stay with him after the funeral, he begins his seduction to win her heart.
POSSIBLE SPOILERS
It’s not that the story was bad. You can tell these two characters have a strong sexual tension and intense feelings towards the other. Jeanie wasn’t happy in her marriage and feels a huge amount of guilt because of it. Mark was in no way pushy with her. In fact, I thought he was caring and patient. The reader has no doubt that Mark loves her very much and wants to spend the rest of his life with her. I think my problems with the book were with Jeanie. I found her character immature and naive. She overreacts a couple of times, and hides instead of having an adult conversation. I also found the fact that she’s admitting to being in love with someone, even though he is wonderful, after only a few weeks after her husband has died. I believe they should have been together at least a couple of months. But it is fiction, so anything is possible.
Overall, it wasn’t a bad read and I liked it well enough. There are some pretty good sex scenes and its obvious the main characters have a very intense attraction each other. I just didn’t love it.
Knots begins with Jeanie at her husband, Pono's, funeral with his family. She is a very weak lead female character who doesn't have much of a backbone. When Mark, Pono's best friend arrives, Jeanie is immediately uncomfortable. She's had feelings for him since the moment she met him, and he always makes her feel nervous. But she always kept her distance, no matter how drawn to him she was.
Mark has been in love with Jeanie since almost the first time he met her and was introduced to her. He never wanted to interfere with her marriage or hurt his friend, but now he sees his chance. He knew Jeanie and Pono were not meant to be together and now he just has to prove to Jeanie, that he’s the man for her. You see, Mark is a dominant and he wants Jeanie as his submissive. After convincing her to stay with him after the funeral, he begins his seduction to win her heart.
POSSIBLE SPOILERS
It’s not that the story was bad. You can tell these two characters have a strong sexual tension and intense feelings towards the other. Jeanie wasn’t happy in her marriage and feels a huge amount of guilt because of it. Mark was in no way pushy with her. In fact, I thought he was caring and patient. The reader has no doubt that Mark loves her very much and wants to spend the rest of his life with her. I think my problems with the book were with Jeanie. I found her character immature and naive. She overreacts a couple of times, and hides instead of having an adult conversation. I also found the fact that she’s admitting to being in love with someone, even though he is wonderful, after only a few weeks after her husband has died. I believe they should have been together at least a couple of months. But it is fiction, so anything is possible.
Overall, it wasn’t a bad read and I liked it well enough. There are some pretty good sex scenes and its obvious the main characters have a very intense attraction each other. I just didn’t love it.
March 6, 2014
This book kept me entertained and sometimes I couldn't put it down but then there were times where I wish I could put it down it was just painful to read.
I didn’t like the beginning of Mark and Jeanie’s relationship. They pretty much started at the funeral of her late husband. They had sex the day after the funeral. I mean I know they both wanted each other before Jeanie’s husband died, but I do believe they could’ve waited. What I didn’t understand was why did Mark tell Pono to marry Jeanie if he was so in love with her? Pono knew Mark’s lifestyle and Pono ask Mark in a letter before they got married what he should do and I think that should’ve been the perfect opportunity for Mark to tell him that she needs a Dom. That both Pono and Jeanie need a Dominant in their life. But no Mark told Pono to marry her and then low and behold they were both miserable. Then after Pono died they talked mad shit about him. Like what the fuck???? And I do mean throughout the entire book both Mark and Jeanie were talking about how Pono “mistreated” Jeanie and how they pretty much thought he was stupid.
But towards the end of the book I began to enjoy their relationship and how Jeanie flourished under Mark Dominant hand and by the way the sex was always super-hot! If this book would have focused more on getting Jeanie independent and thriving in a D/s relationship instead of bashing her late husband all the time it would have been a 4 or 5 star book. I love a full-time D/s relationship and that is definitely what Jeanie needed. She needed Mark’s guidance to help show her, her place in this huge world. And Mark gave that to her finally!
Overall not that bad of a book but I will think twice before I read another Chanse Lowell book.
I didn’t like the beginning of Mark and Jeanie’s relationship. They pretty much started at the funeral of her late husband. They had sex the day after the funeral. I mean I know they both wanted each other before Jeanie’s husband died, but I do believe they could’ve waited. What I didn’t understand was why did Mark tell Pono to marry Jeanie if he was so in love with her? Pono knew Mark’s lifestyle and Pono ask Mark in a letter before they got married what he should do and I think that should’ve been the perfect opportunity for Mark to tell him that she needs a Dom. That both Pono and Jeanie need a Dominant in their life. But no Mark told Pono to marry her and then low and behold they were both miserable. Then after Pono died they talked mad shit about him. Like what the fuck???? And I do mean throughout the entire book both Mark and Jeanie were talking about how Pono “mistreated” Jeanie and how they pretty much thought he was stupid.
But towards the end of the book I began to enjoy their relationship and how Jeanie flourished under Mark Dominant hand and by the way the sex was always super-hot! If this book would have focused more on getting Jeanie independent and thriving in a D/s relationship instead of bashing her late husband all the time it would have been a 4 or 5 star book. I love a full-time D/s relationship and that is definitely what Jeanie needed. She needed Mark’s guidance to help show her, her place in this huge world. And Mark gave that to her finally!
Overall not that bad of a book but I will think twice before I read another Chanse Lowell book.
March 16, 2016
I was given an ARC copy of Knots for an review and to advise on how the author wrote about the BDSM lifestyle. I can honestly say, that to the most part, she stayed very true to it. Admittedly, it is a bit romanticised. No Dom is that perfectly calm in all situations, but this is a book, so there is artistic license. So if we push that aside, all the situations are all quite truthful. The only part I think I struggled with myself, is when Mark outed their relationship. That's a big trust issue there, and in BDSM, trust is key, and that wouldn't have been got over quiet so easily. I can see what the author was trying to get at with the story, and where it went, but in reality, that sort of trust just wouldn't be earnt back that quickly in a scene.
As far as the book goes, for me, it was great. It did take a bit of getting in too, but once I got going with it, it was fine. I found the amount of characters a bit intimidating, but eventually I got the understanding of them. I think Marly was a very interesting character, and Tia was very underused. For a learning sub, sister-subs (for want of a better word here), are hugely important, and no Dom would ever dismiss this, and Ronald wouldn't have minded that. Subs learn a lot more from 'Sister-subs than from their Dom's initially. Not the actually practice of what to do, but from what the lifestyle can bring, and what you can bring to it, and what you can achieve.
I've only given 4 stars, purely because of the gaps in the BDSM scene. The story itself is fabulous. It really should be on people's "To Read" list, if they have an erotica list. I'll defiantly be reading more Chanse Lowell books. :) xxx
As far as the book goes, for me, it was great. It did take a bit of getting in too, but once I got going with it, it was fine. I found the amount of characters a bit intimidating, but eventually I got the understanding of them. I think Marly was a very interesting character, and Tia was very underused. For a learning sub, sister-subs (for want of a better word here), are hugely important, and no Dom would ever dismiss this, and Ronald wouldn't have minded that. Subs learn a lot more from 'Sister-subs than from their Dom's initially. Not the actually practice of what to do, but from what the lifestyle can bring, and what you can bring to it, and what you can achieve.
I've only given 4 stars, purely because of the gaps in the BDSM scene. The story itself is fabulous. It really should be on people's "To Read" list, if they have an erotica list. I'll defiantly be reading more Chanse Lowell books. :) xxx
October 12, 2013
I was given an ARC of Knots in exchange for an honest review. Chanse Lowell is a new author for me. Admittedly, I tend to gravitate toward erotic romance, so the subject matter was somewhat out of the norm for me as well, although I have read some e-rom that included the BDSM lifestyle. Having said that, I found Knots to be a very pleasant read, and I especially enjoyed Ms. Lowell’s approach to the topic as well as her writing style.
The story opens with Jeanie attending the funeral of her husband of three years, and although his unexpected heart attack is tragic, Jeanie is struggling with displaying the emotion a young widow should be showing. In fact, the only emotion Jeanie seems to be experiencing is an overwhelming attraction to her deceased husband’s best friend, Mark. His dominant nature is both appealing and confusing, especially given the circumstances, but Jeanie’s soon realizes that her attraction is not unrequited.
Knots is an examination of Jeanie’s introduction into Marks D/s world. It explores both the physical and emotional aspects of the lifestyle. The book is written in third person, which allows the reader insight into both characters’ journey in a mature and honest way.
I really liked Mark and Jeanie. I liked them as people, and I really liked them as a couple. Their dialogue was honest and genuine, and their intimacy was believable. The “scenes” were erotic and well-written. There were times I felt like I needed to understand Mark better, and I wished for more character development. However, the book really is about Jeanie’s journey, and in that I was not disappointed.
Knots was an enjoyable read, and earns 4 stars.
The story opens with Jeanie attending the funeral of her husband of three years, and although his unexpected heart attack is tragic, Jeanie is struggling with displaying the emotion a young widow should be showing. In fact, the only emotion Jeanie seems to be experiencing is an overwhelming attraction to her deceased husband’s best friend, Mark. His dominant nature is both appealing and confusing, especially given the circumstances, but Jeanie’s soon realizes that her attraction is not unrequited.
Knots is an examination of Jeanie’s introduction into Marks D/s world. It explores both the physical and emotional aspects of the lifestyle. The book is written in third person, which allows the reader insight into both characters’ journey in a mature and honest way.
I really liked Mark and Jeanie. I liked them as people, and I really liked them as a couple. Their dialogue was honest and genuine, and their intimacy was believable. The “scenes” were erotic and well-written. There were times I felt like I needed to understand Mark better, and I wished for more character development. However, the book really is about Jeanie’s journey, and in that I was not disappointed.
Knots was an enjoyable read, and earns 4 stars.
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