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Drug of Desire #1
Committed
In this erotic tale of sensuality and suspense, Sidney Bristol proves that desire can be the most dangerous drug of all.
DEA Special Agent Damien Moana works hard and plays even harder. But while indulging in forbidden temptations at a private BDSM retreat, the unexpected He falls under a stranger’s spell. This woman drives Damien to distraction, pushing him to the sweet boundary between pain and pleasure. When duty interrupts their heated encounter, his focus turns to catching a criminal . . . but his head is still with the seductress who ignites his deepest desires. Now Damien must choose between closing the case of his career and losing the woman of his dreams.
Poppy Mercer can’t forget the night she spent with her mystery lover. When chance brings them back together, she seizes the opportunity to again feel his masterful hands on her body. Poppy is a switch who delights in dominating a powerful man . . . and submitting to the ecstasy of his control. Outside the bedroom, however, she questions her place in Damien’s world. His obsession with hunting a ruthless drug lord puts Poppy in the line of fire. And though Damien might be able to save her from danger, salvaging what’s left of her trust is another matter.
Committed is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.
Advance praise for Committed
“The relationship between Damien and Poppy gives a hot, sexy, and realistic view of kink and power exchange, along with suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat.”—Jodie Griffin, author of the Bondage & Breakfast series
Includes a special message from the editor, as well as excerpts from other Loveswept titles.
DEA Special Agent Damien Moana works hard and plays even harder. But while indulging in forbidden temptations at a private BDSM retreat, the unexpected He falls under a stranger’s spell. This woman drives Damien to distraction, pushing him to the sweet boundary between pain and pleasure. When duty interrupts their heated encounter, his focus turns to catching a criminal . . . but his head is still with the seductress who ignites his deepest desires. Now Damien must choose between closing the case of his career and losing the woman of his dreams.
Poppy Mercer can’t forget the night she spent with her mystery lover. When chance brings them back together, she seizes the opportunity to again feel his masterful hands on her body. Poppy is a switch who delights in dominating a powerful man . . . and submitting to the ecstasy of his control. Outside the bedroom, however, she questions her place in Damien’s world. His obsession with hunting a ruthless drug lord puts Poppy in the line of fire. And though Damien might be able to save her from danger, salvaging what’s left of her trust is another matter.
Committed is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.
Advance praise for Committed
“The relationship between Damien and Poppy gives a hot, sexy, and realistic view of kink and power exchange, along with suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat.”—Jodie Griffin, author of the Bondage & Breakfast series
Includes a special message from the editor, as well as excerpts from other Loveswept titles.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
25 people are currently reading
322 people want to read
About the author
Sidney Bristol
122 books957 followersIt can never be said that NYT & USA Today Bestselling author Sidney Bristol has had a ‘normal’ life. She is a recovering roller derby queen, former missionary, and tattoo addict. She grew up in a motor-home on the US highways (with an occasional jaunt into Canada and Mexico), traveling the rodeo circuit with her parents. Sidney has lived abroad in both Russia and Thailand, working with children and teenagers. She now lives in Texas where she splits her time between a job she loves, writing, reading and fostering cats.
Sidney is represented by Nicole Resciniti of the Seymour Agency.
Sidney is represented by Nicole Resciniti of the Seymour Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
July 25, 2014
It's hard enough being single and going to a BDSM retreat. To attend one where most in the group are either dominant or submissive is rough on switches. Poppy Mercer is a switch who loves to give and receive. She knows herself well and she also knows what she wants. Her kinky lifestyle is at odds with how she's raised and it's okay since she keeps it a dark secret. Hoping to have some kinky fun, she is disappointed at a private BDSM retreat until she meets Damien.
Damien is all dominant. There is neither a submissive nor bottoming bone in his body. When he spies upon Poppy, he wants her and is willing to try to bottom just to enjoy some playtime with her. The two definitely play well together as sparks fly in their first scene and Poppy is hyped up with subspace. These two characters are lovingly created and the way they interact with each other is realistic.
It's nice to see how switches are treated in some groups. As a switch myself, it can be difficult because there are some groups who believe a person is one or another. Just like there is no such thing as bisexual for some groups. To be a bisexual switch can sometimes arouse even more discrimination. Mostly, people label switches as greedy play sluts. Poppy's experience is valid and disheartening to see since it's supposed to be a lifestyle which preaches for people to be nonjudgmental.
From a BDSM perspective, this story is quite good. The emphasis on negotiation and preferred aftercare is done just right. It's not a lecture; it's a clear indication of what happens when communication is ignored. I also liked how a good dominant is shown to make bad choices. It happens. It's not the end of the world. It is possible to repair the relationship and begin again. This is a good book showing a realistic BDSM dynamic between two people who have day jobs. These day jobs also can surprisingly overlap with the lifestyle.
The plot of this story is also well done. It gives the book more meat than just a BDSM hook up. The conflict between Poppy's family and how she lives her life also added to the story. What is also nice are the secondary characters. Poppy's friends are kick butt. They are quirky, unique and loyal. It would have been nice to have them featured a bit more in the story. Damien's family is also a great addition. The contrasts shown between the two families is well done and makes the characters feel more real and relatable.
This 3.5 Star kinky story is recommended as a BDSM gateway book.
*provided by NetGalley
Damien is all dominant. There is neither a submissive nor bottoming bone in his body. When he spies upon Poppy, he wants her and is willing to try to bottom just to enjoy some playtime with her. The two definitely play well together as sparks fly in their first scene and Poppy is hyped up with subspace. These two characters are lovingly created and the way they interact with each other is realistic.
It's nice to see how switches are treated in some groups. As a switch myself, it can be difficult because there are some groups who believe a person is one or another. Just like there is no such thing as bisexual for some groups. To be a bisexual switch can sometimes arouse even more discrimination. Mostly, people label switches as greedy play sluts. Poppy's experience is valid and disheartening to see since it's supposed to be a lifestyle which preaches for people to be nonjudgmental.
From a BDSM perspective, this story is quite good. The emphasis on negotiation and preferred aftercare is done just right. It's not a lecture; it's a clear indication of what happens when communication is ignored. I also liked how a good dominant is shown to make bad choices. It happens. It's not the end of the world. It is possible to repair the relationship and begin again. This is a good book showing a realistic BDSM dynamic between two people who have day jobs. These day jobs also can surprisingly overlap with the lifestyle.
The plot of this story is also well done. It gives the book more meat than just a BDSM hook up. The conflict between Poppy's family and how she lives her life also added to the story. What is also nice are the secondary characters. Poppy's friends are kick butt. They are quirky, unique and loyal. It would have been nice to have them featured a bit more in the story. Damien's family is also a great addition. The contrasts shown between the two families is well done and makes the characters feel more real and relatable.
This 3.5 Star kinky story is recommended as a BDSM gateway book.
*provided by NetGalley
August 7, 2014
In Committed you get more than just a quick BDSM read. Bristol gives a fully developed story that incorporates the world of BDSM through the lives of the main characters Poppy and Damien. Committed is the first story that I have read where the female protagonist is a "switch" and craves being in control as much as desiring to submit to a Dominant. Not being in the lifestyle myself, the concept of truly being a switch was a bit harder for me to embrace since I had previously only placed characters in the dominant or submissive category. However, Bristol does an excellent job allowing the reader to see the different forms of emotional as well as sexual needs that are being fulfilled when a switch is allowed to express themselves on both sides of the trust dynamic.
I especially appreciated that Damien was not the type of man who couldn't or wouldn't admit to his mistakes. Damien makes a choice that negatively affects Poppy right off the bat, but goes on to try to make up for it through tenacity and genuine regret. However, in his defense it was a decision that I think that many people would have made as well. Damien struggles to find a balance between continuing to pursue Poppy and continuing to be engaged and dedicated to a dangerous case that he has invested a great deal of time in. Damien wants to be the one to close the case that he has been involved with, but doesn't want to sacrifice the relationship that he wants to build with Poppy.
Poppy doesn't prevaricate about her wants and needs in a relationship. Poppy is no push over and isn't afraid to give her opinions or act in her own best interest which is a nice character trait that isn't always given to women in BDSM books. This doesn't mean that Poppy doesn't struggle with how she will make a relationship with Damien work, it just made their relationship feel more real. Both Poppy's and Damien's families are part of this story and they add to the overall realism of what I would imagine couples who embrace and live the BDSM lifestyle would have to face. We are all aware that not everyone will be accepting and understanding of alternative lifestyles and this issue wasn't skirted around in Committed either. Committed is well stocked with characters that are diverse and unique which included Poppy's cats. And yes, they are characters in themselves! I am hoping that Committed is going to be the first in a series of books in this world, because I would very much be interested in getting more of the secondary characters.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
You can find more from me at Monlatable Book Revies
http://www.monlatablereviews.com/
I especially appreciated that Damien was not the type of man who couldn't or wouldn't admit to his mistakes. Damien makes a choice that negatively affects Poppy right off the bat, but goes on to try to make up for it through tenacity and genuine regret. However, in his defense it was a decision that I think that many people would have made as well. Damien struggles to find a balance between continuing to pursue Poppy and continuing to be engaged and dedicated to a dangerous case that he has invested a great deal of time in. Damien wants to be the one to close the case that he has been involved with, but doesn't want to sacrifice the relationship that he wants to build with Poppy.
Poppy doesn't prevaricate about her wants and needs in a relationship. Poppy is no push over and isn't afraid to give her opinions or act in her own best interest which is a nice character trait that isn't always given to women in BDSM books. This doesn't mean that Poppy doesn't struggle with how she will make a relationship with Damien work, it just made their relationship feel more real. Both Poppy's and Damien's families are part of this story and they add to the overall realism of what I would imagine couples who embrace and live the BDSM lifestyle would have to face. We are all aware that not everyone will be accepting and understanding of alternative lifestyles and this issue wasn't skirted around in Committed either. Committed is well stocked with characters that are diverse and unique which included Poppy's cats. And yes, they are characters in themselves! I am hoping that Committed is going to be the first in a series of books in this world, because I would very much be interested in getting more of the secondary characters.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
You can find more from me at Monlatable Book Revies
http://www.monlatablereviews.com/
February 7, 2015
This book is voodoo S. L. O. W
13 chapters in but I can't take it anymore.
The main reason I started this was because she was supposed to be a switch. You would think the story would have shown indication of that my now, but I haven't read any.
The book is so slow and boring I'm afraid if it's in here I will be bored to death by the time it shows up.
Read only if you like slow and boring. This book is history and I may never know about the life of a switch.
13 chapters in but I can't take it anymore.
The main reason I started this was because she was supposed to be a switch. You would think the story would have shown indication of that my now, but I haven't read any.
The book is so slow and boring I'm afraid if it's in here I will be bored to death by the time it shows up.
Read only if you like slow and boring. This book is history and I may never know about the life of a switch.
August 12, 2014
3.5 stars.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for an honest review at The Romance Evangelist.
COMMITTED is the first book in Sidney Bristol’s new Loveswept romance series featuring couples who find love at a private BDSM retreat known as House Surrender. This first book pairs up an obsessed DEA agent looking to bring down a dangerous drug kingpin and a high school librarian still learning to be a fully independent adult after being raised in a closely guarded commune where her immediate family still lives without her.
When Damien Moana first spots Poppy Mercer musing over a romance novel while sprawled invitingly across a sofa in the House Surrender library, it’s all he can do not to immediately make her his, even after she informs him she’s a switch, not a submissive. After they engage in a BDSM scene more intense that either has ever experienced, Damien receives a message about a new chance to capture an elusive drug lord, and chooses his quest over Poppy, leaving her angry and vowing to forget him and that night. But Damien can’t forget Poppy, tracking her down only a few weeks later and eventually convincing her to continue exploring their mutual attraction in a Dominant/submissive relationship. What follows in COMMITTED is a passionate romance between two people who must prevail over the external forces conspiring to keep them apart, not the least of which is a sociopathic criminal bent on revenge against the man he blames for the death of his wife.
Damien and Poppy were what I loved the most about COMMITTED, and every moment they were together, both in and out of the bedroom, was when I was completely happy with the story. Their sexual chemistry is both compelling and convincing, and it never wavered for me even when Poppy was finally able to turn the tables and exercise her switch option on Damien in public. I would have been blissfully happy if the book focused entirely on their romance without the added distraction of the menacing drug lord and Poppy’s severely misguided hippie mother, but that’s not what was meant to be.
For COMMITTED is a romantic suspense story with a significant amount of the plot devoted to the object of Damien’s relentless pursuit lurking around every corner, and every scene foreshadowing his inevitable attempt to get to Damien through Poppy kept drawing my attention away from the romance. I understand the need to show exactly why Damien had been so intent on getting the evil drug lord off the streets for good. I also acknowledge that being resentful of anything not related to the actual romance is a problem I have with romantic suspense not necessarily shared by other readers. But the constant focus on the evil drug lord affected my enjoyment of COMMITTED to the point that I began skimming through any scenes not directly related to the romance. Then when the peril did find Poppy as predicted, what happened next seemed so drawn out to me that I wondered when we’d ever get to their happy ending. As a fan of epilogues, I was pleased to have one here, although it was somewhat jarring to have Poppy’s months of recovery only referred to in passing when we’d previously had to see her suffer in such exacting detail. But after all they’d both been through, it was gratifying to see Poppy and Damien come out whole on the other side, and it was their romantic journey that made COMMITTED work for me.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for an honest review at The Romance Evangelist.
COMMITTED is the first book in Sidney Bristol’s new Loveswept romance series featuring couples who find love at a private BDSM retreat known as House Surrender. This first book pairs up an obsessed DEA agent looking to bring down a dangerous drug kingpin and a high school librarian still learning to be a fully independent adult after being raised in a closely guarded commune where her immediate family still lives without her.
When Damien Moana first spots Poppy Mercer musing over a romance novel while sprawled invitingly across a sofa in the House Surrender library, it’s all he can do not to immediately make her his, even after she informs him she’s a switch, not a submissive. After they engage in a BDSM scene more intense that either has ever experienced, Damien receives a message about a new chance to capture an elusive drug lord, and chooses his quest over Poppy, leaving her angry and vowing to forget him and that night. But Damien can’t forget Poppy, tracking her down only a few weeks later and eventually convincing her to continue exploring their mutual attraction in a Dominant/submissive relationship. What follows in COMMITTED is a passionate romance between two people who must prevail over the external forces conspiring to keep them apart, not the least of which is a sociopathic criminal bent on revenge against the man he blames for the death of his wife.
Damien and Poppy were what I loved the most about COMMITTED, and every moment they were together, both in and out of the bedroom, was when I was completely happy with the story. Their sexual chemistry is both compelling and convincing, and it never wavered for me even when Poppy was finally able to turn the tables and exercise her switch option on Damien in public. I would have been blissfully happy if the book focused entirely on their romance without the added distraction of the menacing drug lord and Poppy’s severely misguided hippie mother, but that’s not what was meant to be.
For COMMITTED is a romantic suspense story with a significant amount of the plot devoted to the object of Damien’s relentless pursuit lurking around every corner, and every scene foreshadowing his inevitable attempt to get to Damien through Poppy kept drawing my attention away from the romance. I understand the need to show exactly why Damien had been so intent on getting the evil drug lord off the streets for good. I also acknowledge that being resentful of anything not related to the actual romance is a problem I have with romantic suspense not necessarily shared by other readers. But the constant focus on the evil drug lord affected my enjoyment of COMMITTED to the point that I began skimming through any scenes not directly related to the romance. Then when the peril did find Poppy as predicted, what happened next seemed so drawn out to me that I wondered when we’d ever get to their happy ending. As a fan of epilogues, I was pleased to have one here, although it was somewhat jarring to have Poppy’s months of recovery only referred to in passing when we’d previously had to see her suffer in such exacting detail. But after all they’d both been through, it was gratifying to see Poppy and Damien come out whole on the other side, and it was their romantic journey that made COMMITTED work for me.
June 2, 2014
Pleasantly surprised with Committed by Sidney Bristol. This is my first book written by this author and found her style to be enjoyable and well-written. I was worried at first, I thought that the heroine in this story would wear on my last nerve; admittedly she was well on her way into that territory. But a little more than a quarter through, she won me over and I was appreciative of how strong and capable Bristol had written this character.
Both lead characters were interesting and captivating. Poppy was quite different from many female characters I've read in the past. She grew up slightly sheltered but had a taste for the kinkier things in life. She is what is known as a "switch." This was my first experience with switches. I've only ever read about D/s relationships so this was a completely foreign concept to me. It was somewhat fascinating to glimpse into the mindset of someone who didn't belong in the Dominant and/or submissive roles but stayed somewhere in the middle. This twist in character was one of the things which made Committed stand out a bit from the rest.
Damien was a fantastic character. I had a clear picture of The Rock the entire time I read Committed. DEA agent by trade and a classic dominant in his private life. He stepped out of his comfort zone to please Poppy. He was completely drawn to her, though uncomfortable- he found a way to enjoy their relationship. He managed to sacrifice part of himself without taking away any of his dominant personality. Though loyal and hardworking, Damien Moana sensed his inability to step away from his work severely impacted his personal life. For the first time in his career, he wanted to change this habit in order to fit into a relationship with Poppy.
Committed had a steamy and well paced love story. This was mixed in with action sequences from the drama of Damien's DEA drug busts. The villain in the story was pure evil and sadistic. He brought an element of suspense and violence to the story that helped separate Committed form just a standard BDSM romance novel. The sex scenes were tasteful and the in-between flowed so well that I felt like I was watching a movie rather than reading a book. I was engaged from beginning to end and I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a novel with some hot love scenes and a thrilling plot line. Four well deserved stars and I hope to read more from the talented Sidney Bristol.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Both lead characters were interesting and captivating. Poppy was quite different from many female characters I've read in the past. She grew up slightly sheltered but had a taste for the kinkier things in life. She is what is known as a "switch." This was my first experience with switches. I've only ever read about D/s relationships so this was a completely foreign concept to me. It was somewhat fascinating to glimpse into the mindset of someone who didn't belong in the Dominant and/or submissive roles but stayed somewhere in the middle. This twist in character was one of the things which made Committed stand out a bit from the rest.
Damien was a fantastic character. I had a clear picture of The Rock the entire time I read Committed. DEA agent by trade and a classic dominant in his private life. He stepped out of his comfort zone to please Poppy. He was completely drawn to her, though uncomfortable- he found a way to enjoy their relationship. He managed to sacrifice part of himself without taking away any of his dominant personality. Though loyal and hardworking, Damien Moana sensed his inability to step away from his work severely impacted his personal life. For the first time in his career, he wanted to change this habit in order to fit into a relationship with Poppy.
Committed had a steamy and well paced love story. This was mixed in with action sequences from the drama of Damien's DEA drug busts. The villain in the story was pure evil and sadistic. He brought an element of suspense and violence to the story that helped separate Committed form just a standard BDSM romance novel. The sex scenes were tasteful and the in-between flowed so well that I felt like I was watching a movie rather than reading a book. I was engaged from beginning to end and I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a novel with some hot love scenes and a thrilling plot line. Four well deserved stars and I hope to read more from the talented Sidney Bristol.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 5, 2014
3 solid- I love the over stars! (And the book was good too) Let me start out by saying this book involved a bi-racial couple, which totally rocked but I didn't know it advance. Poppy is an interesting character, she has a lead a truly sheltered life yet she has an open mind to some very interesting things in the BDSM lifestyle. Poppy is a switch or at least she believes she is, until she meets Damien at a club and finds herself submissive to him by nature. Damien is a smoking hot DEA agent who I totally drooled over, he is domiant yet he struggles to find a place for Poppy in his life as he has never had anyone fit into both worlds. In the backdrop of this story we also have Damien's work struggle as he tries to take down a notorius drug lord in the Chicago area while Poppy and Damien try and find a balance between his work life and their relationship.
Poppy grew up in a commune and she was sheltered by her mother by specific dating rules and lifestyle rules. While Poppy had that shelter she couldn't wait to break out of those confines. Her friends are unique and she does not fit any specific mold. While she is a fair haired lady who reminds Damien of Rapunzel, she is also a tattooed switch who can wield a whip and other instruments. Damien and Poppy's BDSM lifestyle was an interesting read and they had alot of rope play and some instruments I haven't read about and thought that was intrigueing. The side story with Poppy and her mom kind of dragged more than I wanted it to and I wanted more of that time on Damien's work life as some of those scenes where intense. When Poppy finds herself in the clutches of the guy Damien is hunting she is not left unscathed.
There is alot of growth throughout the book with Poppy and Damien's relationship. I did find myself getting frustrated with her back and forth unknown feelings and inability to give in because of his priorities and lowered my score because it was too much of the book on what she wanted with him. I would have also liked more time with Damien's family and Poppy, there was a really good dynamic there that came across very well on the page and I think it added alot whereas Poppy's family left alot to be desired. All and all a solid read with character growth, lots of BDSM rope play, and a little suspense in there to make a solid book and yum to the cover!
*This honest review was done in exchange for an Arc through Netgalley from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept- thank you*
Poppy grew up in a commune and she was sheltered by her mother by specific dating rules and lifestyle rules. While Poppy had that shelter she couldn't wait to break out of those confines. Her friends are unique and she does not fit any specific mold. While she is a fair haired lady who reminds Damien of Rapunzel, she is also a tattooed switch who can wield a whip and other instruments. Damien and Poppy's BDSM lifestyle was an interesting read and they had alot of rope play and some instruments I haven't read about and thought that was intrigueing. The side story with Poppy and her mom kind of dragged more than I wanted it to and I wanted more of that time on Damien's work life as some of those scenes where intense. When Poppy finds herself in the clutches of the guy Damien is hunting she is not left unscathed.
There is alot of growth throughout the book with Poppy and Damien's relationship. I did find myself getting frustrated with her back and forth unknown feelings and inability to give in because of his priorities and lowered my score because it was too much of the book on what she wanted with him. I would have also liked more time with Damien's family and Poppy, there was a really good dynamic there that came across very well on the page and I think it added alot whereas Poppy's family left alot to be desired. All and all a solid read with character growth, lots of BDSM rope play, and a little suspense in there to make a solid book and yum to the cover!
*This honest review was done in exchange for an Arc through Netgalley from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept- thank you*
August 27, 2014
I tried to love this book, I really did. I honestly enjoy good BDSM books (and I never thought I'd admit THAT openly, though I don't hide it much). There was some good D/s action going, but a few things just marred my enjoyment of that element of it. 1) I really didn't like the fact that Damien left Poppy after the initial scene with no aftercare. Seriously. It was one of the few things she was very VERY clear about she needed if she were going to be in the sub role. Yes, I get WHY he did it, but I really felt he could have at least gone back in person. It was good for setting up the trust issues that played out over the course of the rest of the book, but this scene jarred for me. 2) Poppy's supposed switchiness. I also understand that a switch may want to be submissive to a particular dom, but except for one instance, Poppy's switchy side never came out and I really feel too big a deal was made of her being a switch if the side wasn't going to emerge more than it did.
I enjoyed the suspense part of this, with the author not shying away from indulging in the villain's truly evil nature. Emilio - he was quite a piece of work and I enjoyed the storyline that dealt with him.
I'm not sure I completely bought into the romance between Damien and Poppy. He could certainly be sweet and tried to make up for his initial error (biggie that it was), but something about it just left me flat.
Poppy's family - now there are pieces of work for you. I can't imagine living life in a commune-type world, but I liked the view of it that Ms. Bristol gives. Her mother...yeah, there are no words for my opinion of Poppy's bigoted mother.
Damien's family - awwww, I love me his mom, grandma, and aunt. They definitely were part of what turned Damien into such a good (usually) man, and I enjoyed seeing their lack of hesitation to accept and love Poppy despite the black/white differences.
So - it was a decent read, but I have my hesitations in recommending it, as I've made clear. Still, for some good BDSM, I think it's worth checking out.
I enjoyed the suspense part of this, with the author not shying away from indulging in the villain's truly evil nature. Emilio - he was quite a piece of work and I enjoyed the storyline that dealt with him.
I'm not sure I completely bought into the romance between Damien and Poppy. He could certainly be sweet and tried to make up for his initial error (biggie that it was), but something about it just left me flat.
Poppy's family - now there are pieces of work for you. I can't imagine living life in a commune-type world, but I liked the view of it that Ms. Bristol gives. Her mother...yeah, there are no words for my opinion of Poppy's bigoted mother.
Damien's family - awwww, I love me his mom, grandma, and aunt. They definitely were part of what turned Damien into such a good (usually) man, and I enjoyed seeing their lack of hesitation to accept and love Poppy despite the black/white differences.
So - it was a decent read, but I have my hesitations in recommending it, as I've made clear. Still, for some good BDSM, I think it's worth checking out.
June 19, 2014
I'm struggling between 3 and 4 stars with this one. I did enjoy the story, in the beginning I was irritated with the heroine, she seemed to be one of those whiny heroines that drive me insane, but around 25% Sydney Bristol redeemed Poppy, she became stronger than what the beginning of this book led us to believe, though the way she was written had me confused at times. How does this woman stay so giggly when she has this dominant male towering over her?
On the plus side we have a switch. Not something we see much of, usually is D/S no inbetween so getting a switch was an exciting element to the story, though there wasn't much focus on her particular needs for long.
Damian, wow uh yea, could you ask for more with this man? Hot, DEA agent, Dominant. Yea that about sums him up an I loved every bit of Damian Moana.
I want to push it to 4 stars but I just can't, while the story line keeps you interested it is lacking something, the silly aspect of Poppy is what keeps me at 3.5 stars, all in all it's a good quick read, don't expect too much romance but it is a hot story!!
*This honest review was done in exchange for an Arc through Netgalley from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept
On the plus side we have a switch. Not something we see much of, usually is D/S no inbetween so getting a switch was an exciting element to the story, though there wasn't much focus on her particular needs for long.
Damian, wow uh yea, could you ask for more with this man? Hot, DEA agent, Dominant. Yea that about sums him up an I loved every bit of Damian Moana.
I want to push it to 4 stars but I just can't, while the story line keeps you interested it is lacking something, the silly aspect of Poppy is what keeps me at 3.5 stars, all in all it's a good quick read, don't expect too much romance but it is a hot story!!
*This honest review was done in exchange for an Arc through Netgalley from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept
May 31, 2014
Disclaimer: I received this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
What happens when two different worlds collide? The world where the job always comes first and the one that always places your lover above anything and everything? Sidney Bristol's Committed: Drug of Desire explores this exact reality. Damien meets Poppy at an underground BDSM getaway. There is no denying the spark that the two share, but when Damien must leave Poppy behind to take care of an important drug bust, Poppy realizes that, even though they've just met, she will never be Damien's priority. Poppy and Damien's journey is a constant battle of wills and priorities. Will Damien get it figured out before it's too late?
What happens when two different worlds collide? The world where the job always comes first and the one that always places your lover above anything and everything? Sidney Bristol's Committed: Drug of Desire explores this exact reality. Damien meets Poppy at an underground BDSM getaway. There is no denying the spark that the two share, but when Damien must leave Poppy behind to take care of an important drug bust, Poppy realizes that, even though they've just met, she will never be Damien's priority. Poppy and Damien's journey is a constant battle of wills and priorities. Will Damien get it figured out before it's too late?
July 23, 2016
NetGalley Free Book
At a BDSM retreat DEA Special Agent Damien Moana sees the young woman he wants. Her name is Poppy and she decides that he will be her DOM for the weekend even though she is a Switch. It was time for her to take chances. She was disappointed when he was called away on an emergency and was unable to help her come down from her subhigh. When they meet again she is unsure if she should give him another chance.
This book was like reading a man make love to a teenager. It left me hallow. Poppy was written all giddy and giggly while Damien was one hunk of a man. It made no sense at times.
The plot was really DEA plot was really good. I think more time should have been spent on that end and that Poppy should have been a bit more mature.
At a BDSM retreat DEA Special Agent Damien Moana sees the young woman he wants. Her name is Poppy and she decides that he will be her DOM for the weekend even though she is a Switch. It was time for her to take chances. She was disappointed when he was called away on an emergency and was unable to help her come down from her subhigh. When they meet again she is unsure if she should give him another chance.
This book was like reading a man make love to a teenager. It left me hallow. Poppy was written all giddy and giggly while Damien was one hunk of a man. It made no sense at times.
The plot was really DEA plot was really good. I think more time should have been spent on that end and that Poppy should have been a bit more mature.
August 4, 2014
Alpha/do gooder DEA agent meets princess obsessed librarian at a kinky weekend getaway. Didn't know there were such things, but the cute meet is adorably hot.
This opposites attract story gets off to a strong start and if this is your first foray into reading kinkery it is surprising informative in a non cliched way. I wish I could say the same for the mystery suspense element. It didn't hold my attention and I found myself skipping through most of the second and third act.
However I loved the diversity of the cast of characters and something that is sorely missing from this genre.
This opposites attract story gets off to a strong start and if this is your first foray into reading kinkery it is surprising informative in a non cliched way. I wish I could say the same for the mystery suspense element. It didn't hold my attention and I found myself skipping through most of the second and third act.
However I loved the diversity of the cast of characters and something that is sorely missing from this genre.
May 21, 2014
I couldn't finish this book. I just couldn't get into it and there's no particular reason why. It's not like it was a wicked terrible book, it just couldn't hold my interest.
June 3, 2018
For me this is one of many I have read by Sidney Bristol. This is a little different.....the heroine isnt your normal submissive but a switch. It's nice to have q change in the scenery so to speak. Add in a dominate DEA agent and a bad guy bent on revenge and some hilarious BFFs. This book was good.
June 25, 2023
I just couldn’t get into it and hold my attention.
I thought it was a book about Dom and Switch but to me it was more of a police/drugs book.
Didn’t feel any connection between them.
And no matter what you do, aftercare is very important.
I thought it was a book about Dom and Switch but to me it was more of a police/drugs book.
Didn’t feel any connection between them.
And no matter what you do, aftercare is very important.
November 7, 2016
First time reading this author!
I loved this book from start to finish.
I loved the characters and the story.
I loved this book from start to finish.
I loved the characters and the story.
July 28, 2016
Full review to come but I LOVED this book!! Could not put it down!
Title: Committed: Drug of Desire
Author: Sidney Bristol
In this erotic tale of sensuality and suspense, Sidney Bristol proves that desire can be the most dangerous drug of all.
DEA Special Agent Damien Moana works hard and plays even harder. But while indulging in forbidden temptations at a private BDSM retreat, the unexpected happens: He falls under a stranger’s spell. This woman drives Damien to distraction, pushing him to the sweet boundary between pain and pleasure. When duty interrupts their heated encounter, his focus turns to catching a criminal . . . but his head is still with the seductress who ignites his deepest desires. Now Damien must choose between closing the case of his career and losing the woman of his dreams.
Poppy Mercer can’t forget the night she spent with her mystery lover. When chance brings them back together, she seizes the opportunity to again feel his masterful hands on her body. Poppy is a switch who delights in dominating a powerful man . . . and submitting to the ecstasy of his control. Outside the bedroom, however, she questions her place in Damien’s world. His obsession with hunting a ruthless drug lord puts Poppy in the line of fire. And though Damien might be able to save her from danger, salvaging what’s left of her trust is another matter.
Committed is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.
Thoughts: The more I offer my opinions on the books I read I become more adamant about the things I like and the things that draw me to a book or author time and time again. I have clicked with Sydney Bristol’s writing style and I love the alternating points of view that she offers in this book (as well as her other books I have read). I thoroughly enjoy being in both characters heads and knowing their feelings even if they cannot express them to each other.
Poppy was pretty frustrating in the first part of this book and her waffling back-and-forth but I also understood where she was coming from because of the way she grew up and the insecurities that left her with. Damien … per the author, read this book with the image of Shemar Moore in your head. He was a gentleman and hero, a Dom to Poppy’s switch preference and he will make you turn the pages faster while thinking of what it might be like to participate in a little rope play in real life… 6 out 5 stars on the HOT scale so if that’s not your kind of read keep this in mind… If it is your kind of read then oh yeah, jump on this one! In addition to the erotic parts of this book there is an excellent romantic suspense part that is also a signature for some of Sidney’s books.
Interracial aspects were handled truthfully yet tactfully. From the despicable reaction of Poppy’s mother to the immediate acceptance offered by Damien’s family members, I got a sense that this represented the spectrum of reactions someone would get. We were introduced to a truly great cast of supporting characters. From Poppy’s friends, Nikki and Kyle, to a mix of cops and DEA agents and fellow Doms, there are several that I would pick to learn more about! Do we have a book 2 to look forward to Ms. Bristol?
I don’t know Sidney in real life but I follow her on Facebook and she seems to be a very open, honest, quirky and gorgeous woman. She offers a lot to readers about her personal life and it makes you feel like you really do know her. This being said I felt like a lot of ‘her’ was in this book. This made me love the book even more! And at the same time realize that I might need to tone down my FB stalker tendencies a little bit! LOL! (I promise you have nothing to worry about SB!) RIP to the real life Mario and Yoshi.
Grade A
- See more at: http://thebookreadinggals.com/committ...
Title: Committed: Drug of Desire
Author: Sidney Bristol
In this erotic tale of sensuality and suspense, Sidney Bristol proves that desire can be the most dangerous drug of all.
DEA Special Agent Damien Moana works hard and plays even harder. But while indulging in forbidden temptations at a private BDSM retreat, the unexpected happens: He falls under a stranger’s spell. This woman drives Damien to distraction, pushing him to the sweet boundary between pain and pleasure. When duty interrupts their heated encounter, his focus turns to catching a criminal . . . but his head is still with the seductress who ignites his deepest desires. Now Damien must choose between closing the case of his career and losing the woman of his dreams.
Poppy Mercer can’t forget the night she spent with her mystery lover. When chance brings them back together, she seizes the opportunity to again feel his masterful hands on her body. Poppy is a switch who delights in dominating a powerful man . . . and submitting to the ecstasy of his control. Outside the bedroom, however, she questions her place in Damien’s world. His obsession with hunting a ruthless drug lord puts Poppy in the line of fire. And though Damien might be able to save her from danger, salvaging what’s left of her trust is another matter.
Committed is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.
Thoughts: The more I offer my opinions on the books I read I become more adamant about the things I like and the things that draw me to a book or author time and time again. I have clicked with Sydney Bristol’s writing style and I love the alternating points of view that she offers in this book (as well as her other books I have read). I thoroughly enjoy being in both characters heads and knowing their feelings even if they cannot express them to each other.
Poppy was pretty frustrating in the first part of this book and her waffling back-and-forth but I also understood where she was coming from because of the way she grew up and the insecurities that left her with. Damien … per the author, read this book with the image of Shemar Moore in your head. He was a gentleman and hero, a Dom to Poppy’s switch preference and he will make you turn the pages faster while thinking of what it might be like to participate in a little rope play in real life… 6 out 5 stars on the HOT scale so if that’s not your kind of read keep this in mind… If it is your kind of read then oh yeah, jump on this one! In addition to the erotic parts of this book there is an excellent romantic suspense part that is also a signature for some of Sidney’s books.
Interracial aspects were handled truthfully yet tactfully. From the despicable reaction of Poppy’s mother to the immediate acceptance offered by Damien’s family members, I got a sense that this represented the spectrum of reactions someone would get. We were introduced to a truly great cast of supporting characters. From Poppy’s friends, Nikki and Kyle, to a mix of cops and DEA agents and fellow Doms, there are several that I would pick to learn more about! Do we have a book 2 to look forward to Ms. Bristol?
I don’t know Sidney in real life but I follow her on Facebook and she seems to be a very open, honest, quirky and gorgeous woman. She offers a lot to readers about her personal life and it makes you feel like you really do know her. This being said I felt like a lot of ‘her’ was in this book. This made me love the book even more! And at the same time realize that I might need to tone down my FB stalker tendencies a little bit! LOL! (I promise you have nothing to worry about SB!) RIP to the real life Mario and Yoshi.
Grade A
- See more at: http://thebookreadinggals.com/committ...
July 13, 2014
Overall Rating: 4 Rockin’ ★★★★
From the moment Damien Moana spied the beautiful woman across the room he knew he needed to be up close and personal with her. They were at a private weekend retreat for the BDSM community where anyone could partner up with whomever they pleased. Damien was determined to get her attention and have some playtime with the woman. She reminded him of Rapunzel with her petite size and long golden blonde hair. This affair was very discreet and names would not be exchanged only play. In Damien’s line of word as a DEA Agent it was important to keep his personal and professional life separate.
Poppy is looking for an adventure and hopes that she will find it at the weekend event she is attending. When a beautiful man approaches her and indicates his interest in playing, she thinks she is in heaven. Especially when he calls her Rapunzel everything just melts inside and makes her want to claim him as her own. Even when she explains that she is a switch, he is still interested. Poppy can tell that he is a true dominate and can’t believe that he would be willing to let her top him. They discuss limits and plan how to meet each other’s needs. Everything is wonderful and Damien makes Poppy fly but when he called away on an important case without taking time to explain the situation, Poppy thinks he may not be the one for her after all. Even though she is broken by the way he left her, she still cannot stop thinking about the time they were together.
When Damien completes the assignment and returns to find out how his Rapunzel is, it’s to find her gone and no way to locate her. He doesn’t have her real name and is desperate to locate her. He has not been able to stop thinking about her since the first moment he say her. Damien is sent into a high school to do a drug program and check on some possible students that are pushing drugs. When one of the suspects tries to flee, Damien chases him into the school library and comes face to face with his Rapunzel. She wants nothing to do with him and he can see how hurt she is because of the way he left her. Damien still tries to explain and apologize to her so that can start over but she wants none of that. At least now he knows her name and where she works. Can Damien convince her to try again? Will they find a way to be together and overcome the evil that is shadowing Damien?
Hero –Damien Moana: 4 stars
Heroine –Poppy Mercer: 4 stars
Steam: 4 stars
Plot: 4 stars
Cliffhanger: No
Would I recommend this book: Yes! This book is all about domination and laughter! The author made her characters so much more than just BDSM; she brought laughter, joy, fun, lust and drama all together in this amazing book. It is a must read!
Would I read other books by this author: Yes! I look forward to reading more by this inventive writer and can’t wait to see where her imagination will take me!
***Received an ARC of this book from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review***
Committed: Drug of Desire
Sidney Bristol
From the moment Damien Moana spied the beautiful woman across the room he knew he needed to be up close and personal with her. They were at a private weekend retreat for the BDSM community where anyone could partner up with whomever they pleased. Damien was determined to get her attention and have some playtime with the woman. She reminded him of Rapunzel with her petite size and long golden blonde hair. This affair was very discreet and names would not be exchanged only play. In Damien’s line of word as a DEA Agent it was important to keep his personal and professional life separate.
Poppy is looking for an adventure and hopes that she will find it at the weekend event she is attending. When a beautiful man approaches her and indicates his interest in playing, she thinks she is in heaven. Especially when he calls her Rapunzel everything just melts inside and makes her want to claim him as her own. Even when she explains that she is a switch, he is still interested. Poppy can tell that he is a true dominate and can’t believe that he would be willing to let her top him. They discuss limits and plan how to meet each other’s needs. Everything is wonderful and Damien makes Poppy fly but when he called away on an important case without taking time to explain the situation, Poppy thinks he may not be the one for her after all. Even though she is broken by the way he left her, she still cannot stop thinking about the time they were together.
When Damien completes the assignment and returns to find out how his Rapunzel is, it’s to find her gone and no way to locate her. He doesn’t have her real name and is desperate to locate her. He has not been able to stop thinking about her since the first moment he say her. Damien is sent into a high school to do a drug program and check on some possible students that are pushing drugs. When one of the suspects tries to flee, Damien chases him into the school library and comes face to face with his Rapunzel. She wants nothing to do with him and he can see how hurt she is because of the way he left her. Damien still tries to explain and apologize to her so that can start over but she wants none of that. At least now he knows her name and where she works. Can Damien convince her to try again? Will they find a way to be together and overcome the evil that is shadowing Damien?
Hero –Damien Moana: 4 stars
Heroine –Poppy Mercer: 4 stars
Steam: 4 stars
Plot: 4 stars
Cliffhanger: No
Would I recommend this book: Yes! This book is all about domination and laughter! The author made her characters so much more than just BDSM; she brought laughter, joy, fun, lust and drama all together in this amazing book. It is a must read!
Would I read other books by this author: Yes! I look forward to reading more by this inventive writer and can’t wait to see where her imagination will take me!
***Received an ARC of this book from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review***
Committed: Drug of Desire
Sidney Bristol
August 14, 2014
Leigh‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
3.5 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
I was really excited to read this book when I saw the description. Hot DEA Agent? Check. BDSM retreat? Check. A heroine, who was a switch, getting together with a Dom? Not my usual fare, but bring it on! Unfortunately, I don’t feel that I got all that I had hoped the book would deliver.
Committed was, without a doubt, a well-written book. I have not read anything by Ms. Bristol before, and she is certainly a talented writer. But, something just wasn’t holding my attention. Starting out with an extended erotic play scene that dominated the first few chapters, I was settling in for a steamy introduction to the book. But for me, it just kind of fizzled. I didn’t feel a real connection to either of the characters during the sex scenes, and my mind would start to wander. I found myself putting the book down a number of times simply because I wasn’t sinking in to the story. I was too aware of my actual surroundings and not falling into the book so I was right there with the characters.
I was also disappointed by the lack of “switchiness” that Poppy exhibited. Part of the allure of this story for me was that added twist, watching a Dom try to take the part of a submissive if it was what his sub needed. But in reading the story, I just didn’t feel that I got that. Poppy’s switch tendencies were mentioned numerous times, but other than on one occasion, never really acted upon.
On the plus side, I did enjoy the characters themselves, even if I didn’t feel the sparks between them, and the underlying story was a good one. I felt that several of the characters introduced were being set up to be main characters in future books, and again, they seemed human and likeable enough to make me want to hear their stories.
One thing I do want to mention about Committed is that it did give me an opportunity to stop and think…before this book, whether accidentally or due to a lack of diversity in erotic fiction heroes out there, I don’t think I had picked up a book where the hero wasn’t white. To be honest, I wasn’t aware that Damien wasn’t Caucasian until he made a comment halfway through the book, asking someone “Are you sure your attack dog won’t go for a black man?” Confused, I went back to the beginning of the story to find a description of Damien and saw one reference to him having the “dark, creamy complexion of someone with a mixed ethnic background.” Not that it truly matters to me how an author describes a hero, because they always wind up looking like Joe Manganiello in the movie playing in my mind, but I was disappointed to have missed that and possibly have missed some other nuance of their relationship. Again, I am chalking that up to the fact that there was something about the story that just didn’t drag me in and envelop me, but I appreciated the diversity that this story portrayed in its main characters.
Committed was a solid book. The story itself was well written and the characters were human and diverse. I just wish there was more of a spark to pull me in.
3.5 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
I was really excited to read this book when I saw the description. Hot DEA Agent? Check. BDSM retreat? Check. A heroine, who was a switch, getting together with a Dom? Not my usual fare, but bring it on! Unfortunately, I don’t feel that I got all that I had hoped the book would deliver.
Committed was, without a doubt, a well-written book. I have not read anything by Ms. Bristol before, and she is certainly a talented writer. But, something just wasn’t holding my attention. Starting out with an extended erotic play scene that dominated the first few chapters, I was settling in for a steamy introduction to the book. But for me, it just kind of fizzled. I didn’t feel a real connection to either of the characters during the sex scenes, and my mind would start to wander. I found myself putting the book down a number of times simply because I wasn’t sinking in to the story. I was too aware of my actual surroundings and not falling into the book so I was right there with the characters.
I was also disappointed by the lack of “switchiness” that Poppy exhibited. Part of the allure of this story for me was that added twist, watching a Dom try to take the part of a submissive if it was what his sub needed. But in reading the story, I just didn’t feel that I got that. Poppy’s switch tendencies were mentioned numerous times, but other than on one occasion, never really acted upon.
On the plus side, I did enjoy the characters themselves, even if I didn’t feel the sparks between them, and the underlying story was a good one. I felt that several of the characters introduced were being set up to be main characters in future books, and again, they seemed human and likeable enough to make me want to hear their stories.
One thing I do want to mention about Committed is that it did give me an opportunity to stop and think…before this book, whether accidentally or due to a lack of diversity in erotic fiction heroes out there, I don’t think I had picked up a book where the hero wasn’t white. To be honest, I wasn’t aware that Damien wasn’t Caucasian until he made a comment halfway through the book, asking someone “Are you sure your attack dog won’t go for a black man?” Confused, I went back to the beginning of the story to find a description of Damien and saw one reference to him having the “dark, creamy complexion of someone with a mixed ethnic background.” Not that it truly matters to me how an author describes a hero, because they always wind up looking like Joe Manganiello in the movie playing in my mind, but I was disappointed to have missed that and possibly have missed some other nuance of their relationship. Again, I am chalking that up to the fact that there was something about the story that just didn’t drag me in and envelop me, but I appreciated the diversity that this story portrayed in its main characters.
Committed was a solid book. The story itself was well written and the characters were human and diverse. I just wish there was more of a spark to pull me in.
May 25, 2014
I’ve read plenty of erotica, but by far, I think this one is my favorite. I was unsure in the beginning if I would really love it as much as I did.
Committed is a darker, edgier BDSM book than I typically read. I’ve never read anything by Sidney Bristol before, but I was thoroughly impressed.
Sidney gave so much life to both the main characters — Damien and Poppy — that I’m almost sure that if I passed them on the street, I’d recognize them. That rarely happens for me. Her mastery of being able to craft such a piece of art (because that’s what this book was to me) is amazing. I wish I was even a little bit as talented as she was.
From the start of the book, you’re drawn to both Damien and Poppy. Well. I was anyway. Damien is everything a Dom should be, in my opinion. He’s perfectly in tune to what Poppy needs and wants. Unlike other books I’ve read, he doesn’t just blow over what she wants. It’s a partnership as much as it is a Dom/sub relationship.
When he messed up with Poppy at first, he was clear that he wanted a second chance with her, that he knew he’d made a mistake. But he wasn’t creepy about it. He didn’t follow her around all day or use his power as a federal agent to seek her out. He made it very clear that if she said no, if she turned him down, then he’d listen to her wishes and leave her be.Most BDSM and erotica novels aren’t quite like that. The hero will follow the leading lady around secretly (like… following her car in traffic) or will find out where she lives and stakes out in front of her apartment until she gives in. Damien was a breath of fresh air for me in that regard.
Poppy was probably my favorite thing about the whole book. I’ve never heard of “switchers” before. She was spunky and sassy from the start. She knew what she wanted from Damien, and wasn’t afraid to make her needs and wants known. If there was something that she didn’t like… or didn’t want to do, she was very vocal about it. Too many times I’ve seen the leading ladies just let the hero steam roll right over them. Poppy didn’t do that. She gave back as good as she got.
The secondary characters were just as amazing to me as the main ones. I loved Poppy’s friends, Nikki and Kyle. I REALLY loved that Nikki was transgender and didn’t apologize for it. She was fierce and I loved her. Poppy’s cats were THE BEST (partly because they’re maine coon’s…). Mario and Yoshi are the best names! I have a cat and she’s completely a cuddle-slut just like these two are.
The drama in Committed was gripping. The bad guy was the worst. I hated him and I was happy that he got what was coming for him. Even though he was an abusive, murdering scumbag, he failed to break Poppy of her spirit and love of life.
We get our HEA at the end, and it’s just as sweet as I’d hoped it would be. I’ll definitely be on the look out for more by Sidney Bristol. 10/10 would recommend.
*I was given a free copy of the book for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. I was not paid by the publisher or the author for my review.*
Committed is a darker, edgier BDSM book than I typically read. I’ve never read anything by Sidney Bristol before, but I was thoroughly impressed.
Sidney gave so much life to both the main characters — Damien and Poppy — that I’m almost sure that if I passed them on the street, I’d recognize them. That rarely happens for me. Her mastery of being able to craft such a piece of art (because that’s what this book was to me) is amazing. I wish I was even a little bit as talented as she was.
From the start of the book, you’re drawn to both Damien and Poppy. Well. I was anyway. Damien is everything a Dom should be, in my opinion. He’s perfectly in tune to what Poppy needs and wants. Unlike other books I’ve read, he doesn’t just blow over what she wants. It’s a partnership as much as it is a Dom/sub relationship.
When he messed up with Poppy at first, he was clear that he wanted a second chance with her, that he knew he’d made a mistake. But he wasn’t creepy about it. He didn’t follow her around all day or use his power as a federal agent to seek her out. He made it very clear that if she said no, if she turned him down, then he’d listen to her wishes and leave her be.Most BDSM and erotica novels aren’t quite like that. The hero will follow the leading lady around secretly (like… following her car in traffic) or will find out where she lives and stakes out in front of her apartment until she gives in. Damien was a breath of fresh air for me in that regard.
Poppy was probably my favorite thing about the whole book. I’ve never heard of “switchers” before. She was spunky and sassy from the start. She knew what she wanted from Damien, and wasn’t afraid to make her needs and wants known. If there was something that she didn’t like… or didn’t want to do, she was very vocal about it. Too many times I’ve seen the leading ladies just let the hero steam roll right over them. Poppy didn’t do that. She gave back as good as she got.
The secondary characters were just as amazing to me as the main ones. I loved Poppy’s friends, Nikki and Kyle. I REALLY loved that Nikki was transgender and didn’t apologize for it. She was fierce and I loved her. Poppy’s cats were THE BEST (partly because they’re maine coon’s…). Mario and Yoshi are the best names! I have a cat and she’s completely a cuddle-slut just like these two are.
The drama in Committed was gripping. The bad guy was the worst. I hated him and I was happy that he got what was coming for him. Even though he was an abusive, murdering scumbag, he failed to break Poppy of her spirit and love of life.
We get our HEA at the end, and it’s just as sweet as I’d hoped it would be. I’ll definitely be on the look out for more by Sidney Bristol. 10/10 would recommend.
*I was given a free copy of the book for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. I was not paid by the publisher or the author for my review.*
August 5, 2014
http://ripeforreader.blogspot.com/201...
My rating: 4.5 of 5 ⭐️
When Poppy meets Damien at a weekend for lovers of kink, looking for something different, she isn't quite clear herself what it is she is looking for. Having grown up in extremely sheltered circumstances she has found in BDSM a safe structured way to express herself. What she hadn't counted on was to be pulled out of her normal role as a switch into the more defined zone of submissive at the hands of this formidable Dom. But although the promise of more hangs in the air, as usual Poppy feels dismissed to second rank when he suddenly leaves to attend to work matters.
Separating his two lives is something DEA agent and Dominant Damien carefully has to balance. But when a case he has been devoted to heats up just as he is getting to know the delightful Poppy on an intimate level, the call of duty wins. Conflicted he realizes he may have made a grave mistake with Poppy and when he bumps into her again, he works hard to prove to her and himself that he can change his priorities. But when the subject of his years' long investigations finds his nemesis' weak spot, Damien has to focus all his energies to save her from a fate much, much worse than his paddle....
*****
Oh WOW!! Hot is too mild a word!!
This is a fantastic balance between suspense, romance and BDSM erotica! With high scoring marks on all the components!! A solid suspense story, with well worked out plot and characterizations, a full context and satisfactory conclusion. Right along side a romantic story that plays all the right tunes, the hesitance, the insecurities, the reluctant feelings and the inevitebility of emotion. Only to be topped off by a delightfully unique BDSM component that is more lighthearted than most, in that it doesn't seem to take itself too seriously and in dealing with a committed Dom and a switch/at times submissive, it makes for a lot of truly playful time in which we get to see what feels like a more realistic reflection of a BDSM relationship. I have to admit I am only guessing at this since I can't speak out of experience, but it 'feels' more true.
Sydney Bristol writes with a lot of insight in the human psyche, a tremendous amount of intelligence and a good dose of humor. She has a quirky side to writing that comes out in her character of Poppy, who seems a little 'odd' at times, but wonderfully so. Ms. Bristol also deals in passing, so as not to give it more credence than it's worth, with a mixed race relationship and some minor adversity it generates. But more importantly, she shows the overall matter of fact acceptance as "nothing special" by the majority, which is lovely to see.
A completely engaging book, that held me from beginning to end and I will keep an eye out for further books in this vein...... I'm thinking either one of Damian's good friends would make great heroes!
✨"A stimulating, powerful and sinister dilemma"✨
**Copy provided in return for an honest review**
My rating: 4.5 of 5 ⭐️
When Poppy meets Damien at a weekend for lovers of kink, looking for something different, she isn't quite clear herself what it is she is looking for. Having grown up in extremely sheltered circumstances she has found in BDSM a safe structured way to express herself. What she hadn't counted on was to be pulled out of her normal role as a switch into the more defined zone of submissive at the hands of this formidable Dom. But although the promise of more hangs in the air, as usual Poppy feels dismissed to second rank when he suddenly leaves to attend to work matters.
Separating his two lives is something DEA agent and Dominant Damien carefully has to balance. But when a case he has been devoted to heats up just as he is getting to know the delightful Poppy on an intimate level, the call of duty wins. Conflicted he realizes he may have made a grave mistake with Poppy and when he bumps into her again, he works hard to prove to her and himself that he can change his priorities. But when the subject of his years' long investigations finds his nemesis' weak spot, Damien has to focus all his energies to save her from a fate much, much worse than his paddle....
*****
Oh WOW!! Hot is too mild a word!!
This is a fantastic balance between suspense, romance and BDSM erotica! With high scoring marks on all the components!! A solid suspense story, with well worked out plot and characterizations, a full context and satisfactory conclusion. Right along side a romantic story that plays all the right tunes, the hesitance, the insecurities, the reluctant feelings and the inevitebility of emotion. Only to be topped off by a delightfully unique BDSM component that is more lighthearted than most, in that it doesn't seem to take itself too seriously and in dealing with a committed Dom and a switch/at times submissive, it makes for a lot of truly playful time in which we get to see what feels like a more realistic reflection of a BDSM relationship. I have to admit I am only guessing at this since I can't speak out of experience, but it 'feels' more true.
Sydney Bristol writes with a lot of insight in the human psyche, a tremendous amount of intelligence and a good dose of humor. She has a quirky side to writing that comes out in her character of Poppy, who seems a little 'odd' at times, but wonderfully so. Ms. Bristol also deals in passing, so as not to give it more credence than it's worth, with a mixed race relationship and some minor adversity it generates. But more importantly, she shows the overall matter of fact acceptance as "nothing special" by the majority, which is lovely to see.
A completely engaging book, that held me from beginning to end and I will keep an eye out for further books in this vein...... I'm thinking either one of Damian's good friends would make great heroes!
✨"A stimulating, powerful and sinister dilemma"✨
**Copy provided in return for an honest review**
June 27, 2015
There’s something sexy as hell when a man is willing to sub for a woman that is a switch, he is a dominant through and through but for her he will do anything.
DEA Special Agent Damien Moana and Poppy Mercer have this instant chemistry. When they meet at House Surrender she didn’t even know whether she wanted to continue being there she thought it would be different. But then walked in a delicious man that made her body tingle and with his words and his caress she changes her mind. Only that she made it aware that she was a switch and not a true submissive, she wanted to top him and only if he agreed would she play with him. But the problem was that there was one more thing that she did tell him and that aftercare was a must and that was not negotiable. Just when they start playing and everything is going perfectly he gets that phone call and when he decides to leave I knew that he was going to let her down. There was no way that she was going to trust him again and especially when he didn’t even tell her himself why he had to leave. I knew that he was going to have to make it up to her to be able to play with her again and especially when he has feelings for her and her for him.
When Poppy sees Damien for the first time since the House Surrender she doesn’t want to feel anything for him and then to know that he was in law enforcement. She knew that his job would always come first and she would end up coming in second and she didn’t want that in a relationship. She wanted to come first to the person she decided to give her heart to. But she ends up giving him another chance and they are doing great he is trying to balance out his private life with his work but his case is getting in the middle of that.
During this story we know that he is working on a big case where drug lords are killing innocent lawmen. He wants those people behind bars but when the first raid happens they believed they were going to arrest all the bid wigs but one escaped. Now Molina was looking for revenge because they had killed his Valentina. When he finds out that it was Damien he knows what he needs to do.
Committed was an excellent read that I couldn’t put it down. The storyline was intriguing and believe me it was a very steamy read. The characters were well developed and I can’t wait for the next character’s story. I definitely enjoyed the BDSM scenes they were tastefully written. I love that they developed this relationship slowly and she didn’t have a problem letting him know if they were going to fast. Her best friends were funny and I really enjoyed them. There was great dialogue and the pace of this story was perfect.
I can’t wait for Matias Govea story next. I totally recommend this read!!!
Received ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an Honest Review
DEA Special Agent Damien Moana and Poppy Mercer have this instant chemistry. When they meet at House Surrender she didn’t even know whether she wanted to continue being there she thought it would be different. But then walked in a delicious man that made her body tingle and with his words and his caress she changes her mind. Only that she made it aware that she was a switch and not a true submissive, she wanted to top him and only if he agreed would she play with him. But the problem was that there was one more thing that she did tell him and that aftercare was a must and that was not negotiable. Just when they start playing and everything is going perfectly he gets that phone call and when he decides to leave I knew that he was going to let her down. There was no way that she was going to trust him again and especially when he didn’t even tell her himself why he had to leave. I knew that he was going to have to make it up to her to be able to play with her again and especially when he has feelings for her and her for him.
When Poppy sees Damien for the first time since the House Surrender she doesn’t want to feel anything for him and then to know that he was in law enforcement. She knew that his job would always come first and she would end up coming in second and she didn’t want that in a relationship. She wanted to come first to the person she decided to give her heart to. But she ends up giving him another chance and they are doing great he is trying to balance out his private life with his work but his case is getting in the middle of that.
During this story we know that he is working on a big case where drug lords are killing innocent lawmen. He wants those people behind bars but when the first raid happens they believed they were going to arrest all the bid wigs but one escaped. Now Molina was looking for revenge because they had killed his Valentina. When he finds out that it was Damien he knows what he needs to do.
Committed was an excellent read that I couldn’t put it down. The storyline was intriguing and believe me it was a very steamy read. The characters were well developed and I can’t wait for the next character’s story. I definitely enjoyed the BDSM scenes they were tastefully written. I love that they developed this relationship slowly and she didn’t have a problem letting him know if they were going to fast. Her best friends were funny and I really enjoyed them. There was great dialogue and the pace of this story was perfect.
I can’t wait for Matias Govea story next. I totally recommend this read!!!
Received ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an Honest Review
June 1, 2014
To read this review and others like it check out my site at www.homelovebooks.com
The synopsis really sold me on this book, and I was really excited to read it. I don't normally like a lot of books that dominance as a theme, but when it's done well I like them fine, but there has to be a plot underneath the steamy love scenes or it just isn't worth it to me. I was happy to see that this book did have plot underneath the sex scenes, and overall the book was okay. I wish I had liked it more than I did, it just didn't strike a cord, or maybe I just didn't connect with the characters as much as I would have liked to. In no means was this a bad book, it was well written, but for whatever reason it just didn't do it for me.
So the book starts out hot and heavy, which is slightly jarring because I don't have any emotional connection to the characters, and personally I like the build up because its where you get to make an emotional connection with the character, which I think would have helped out in the beginning. The beginning sex scenes actually last for quite some time, and then they just abruptly stop. Turns out real life came knocking at the door and Damien had to run out on Poppy without ever getting her name. Poppy is so pissed that she throws away the note with his name and number. But of course that's not the end.
Damien is a DEA agent and he had to run off because a time-sensitive bust popped up. Things did not go according to plan and the kingpin got away, which of course becomes a recurring theme throughout the book. I actually liked this plot line, it worked for me. It added some much needed suspense to the book as well as helped keep the pacing up.
For me I liked Damien, he's hot, a good guy, quality law enforcement, and just in general a nice guy with some kinkier likes than most. But Poppy.... well Poppy I didn't really like all that much. Maybe because it felt like the author kept giving her new was to be unique. She grew up in a commune, she has interesting friends, she a switch not just a submissive, she's a hot librarian, it was just overdone in my opinion. And the relationship with Poppy and her mother just kind of dragged, I felt nothing for it at all.
That being said Poppy and Damien did have good chemistry together, but I just didn't connect with Poppy and the book was just okay in my eyes. I do think that if you like the whole dominance thing, you should definitely give this book a shot, because I did feel like those scenes were well written.
The synopsis really sold me on this book, and I was really excited to read it. I don't normally like a lot of books that dominance as a theme, but when it's done well I like them fine, but there has to be a plot underneath the steamy love scenes or it just isn't worth it to me. I was happy to see that this book did have plot underneath the sex scenes, and overall the book was okay. I wish I had liked it more than I did, it just didn't strike a cord, or maybe I just didn't connect with the characters as much as I would have liked to. In no means was this a bad book, it was well written, but for whatever reason it just didn't do it for me.
So the book starts out hot and heavy, which is slightly jarring because I don't have any emotional connection to the characters, and personally I like the build up because its where you get to make an emotional connection with the character, which I think would have helped out in the beginning. The beginning sex scenes actually last for quite some time, and then they just abruptly stop. Turns out real life came knocking at the door and Damien had to run out on Poppy without ever getting her name. Poppy is so pissed that she throws away the note with his name and number. But of course that's not the end.
Damien is a DEA agent and he had to run off because a time-sensitive bust popped up. Things did not go according to plan and the kingpin got away, which of course becomes a recurring theme throughout the book. I actually liked this plot line, it worked for me. It added some much needed suspense to the book as well as helped keep the pacing up.
For me I liked Damien, he's hot, a good guy, quality law enforcement, and just in general a nice guy with some kinkier likes than most. But Poppy.... well Poppy I didn't really like all that much. Maybe because it felt like the author kept giving her new was to be unique. She grew up in a commune, she has interesting friends, she a switch not just a submissive, she's a hot librarian, it was just overdone in my opinion. And the relationship with Poppy and her mother just kind of dragged, I felt nothing for it at all.
That being said Poppy and Damien did have good chemistry together, but I just didn't connect with Poppy and the book was just okay in my eyes. I do think that if you like the whole dominance thing, you should definitely give this book a shot, because I did feel like those scenes were well written.
January 1, 2015
This was the first book I’d ever read by author Sidney Bristol, and I really liked Committed: Drug of Desire. The book had a two themed plot that was interlace together, a DEA case that Damien was working on, and the newly developing relationship between Damien and Poppy. For me this was a great romantic suspense, with neither plot letting me down.
The backgrounds of the two lead characters couldn't have been more diverse, Damien, coming from a biracial background, raised predominately by women, in a loving environment, and having a family history to go along with his ancestry; and Poppy raised in a inner city commune, by her mother, living a strict, and very sheltered life.
Both Damien and Poppy showed growth throughout their relationship, learning what the other needed, and gave fully to make relationship work. Poppy’s character had good traits; she was self sufficient, intelligent, loving, open minded, and stood up for herself when faced with parental or relationship challenges. Damien’s character was the typical alpha male, in a high stress job, with few personal relationships, but with Poppy in his life he showed a gentle, compromising, playful side. You saw a person who needed to have someone in his life.
The book was well written, had humor, excellent chemistry between Damien and Poppy, a small cast of secondary characters that had strong connections to the H/h, as well as the overall plot, and some very HOT tasteful descriptive sex scenes. The plot had no surprises, in fact some things you just knew were going to happen, but that was ok. The events in the story seemed very real and believable, and the characters handling of the events were also very true to human nature. I didn't feel there were any unbelievable scenes.
The story is complete in one book, no cliff hanger, no hint that there will be another book, or that this is a series. Both plots were complete, and the HEA is satisfying. I enjoyed the dinner scene with Damien’s family, and loved Poppy’s coon cats. The book was a good mix of suspense and romance.
My thanks to NetGalley who provided this book on behalf of Random House Publishing Group – Loveswept, for an honest review. The book has an expected publication date of July 8, 2014
For me this was a 4 star read, and I’ll have to look at some of the other books the author has written as well in the future
The backgrounds of the two lead characters couldn't have been more diverse, Damien, coming from a biracial background, raised predominately by women, in a loving environment, and having a family history to go along with his ancestry; and Poppy raised in a inner city commune, by her mother, living a strict, and very sheltered life.
Both Damien and Poppy showed growth throughout their relationship, learning what the other needed, and gave fully to make relationship work. Poppy’s character had good traits; she was self sufficient, intelligent, loving, open minded, and stood up for herself when faced with parental or relationship challenges. Damien’s character was the typical alpha male, in a high stress job, with few personal relationships, but with Poppy in his life he showed a gentle, compromising, playful side. You saw a person who needed to have someone in his life.
The book was well written, had humor, excellent chemistry between Damien and Poppy, a small cast of secondary characters that had strong connections to the H/h, as well as the overall plot, and some very HOT tasteful descriptive sex scenes. The plot had no surprises, in fact some things you just knew were going to happen, but that was ok. The events in the story seemed very real and believable, and the characters handling of the events were also very true to human nature. I didn't feel there were any unbelievable scenes.
The story is complete in one book, no cliff hanger, no hint that there will be another book, or that this is a series. Both plots were complete, and the HEA is satisfying. I enjoyed the dinner scene with Damien’s family, and loved Poppy’s coon cats. The book was a good mix of suspense and romance.
My thanks to NetGalley who provided this book on behalf of Random House Publishing Group – Loveswept, for an honest review. The book has an expected publication date of July 8, 2014
For me this was a 4 star read, and I’ll have to look at some of the other books the author has written as well in the future
August 21, 2014
What do you do when you meet the potential man of your dreams on a BDSM weekend where names are not exchanged? Everyone is there to play and have fun. Then before you get your aftercare from the best time you have ever had, this guy “gets called away” and leaves you hanging. This is after he promised to be there for you. You go home and forget about him – right? Well you try to anyway.
So begins this amazing story about Poppy Mercer and Damien Moana. (I often wonder how authors come up with the names for their stories. These are some interesting names.) Poppy is so fun. She is the daughter of a hippy mom and grew up in a commune. That would color anyone’s view on life. I was amazed that Poppy was mostly the strong, opinionated person that she was, while at the same time being a bit on the naïve side. Fascinating.
Then there is Damien – DEA Special Agent. I found it interesting that he felt such a need to keep his work life and his play life so separated, well until Poppy anyway. After all, he met his “partner” for much of this book undercover at a BDSM club. But well, I guess we needed to start this off with manger conflict, so it worked.
This story spent a lot of time with Poppy and Damien “getting to know” each other. (Read having lots of kinky sex.) Don’t get me wrong, there were some very HOT scenes. These two sizzled, literally. But, sometimes I felt it overshadowed the suspense part of the story. Maybe that was the indent. *shrugs* It did have a big baring one some of the action.
Damien had to learn exactly what his priorities were when it came to his work and outside lives. And Poppy had to decide if she could live with what Damien did. Potentially huge issues that both were dealing with. In general, that was handled quite well. But, it was quite jarring to go from a hot scene with these two, to chasing bad guys. As I write this, I am reminded that well, that was the point. It was devastating to Poppy to be left in the lurch if you will, and for Damien to have to leave her there.
When his job infringed on his personal live in such a dramatic way – OMG! *gasp* It sure helped everyone decide on priorities and what they could and couldn’t live with or without.
This was a roller-coaster of a read. I was either hot and bothered because of the kinky sex going on or breathless because of the heart stopping action that was happening. It was an amazing ride.
So begins this amazing story about Poppy Mercer and Damien Moana. (I often wonder how authors come up with the names for their stories. These are some interesting names.) Poppy is so fun. She is the daughter of a hippy mom and grew up in a commune. That would color anyone’s view on life. I was amazed that Poppy was mostly the strong, opinionated person that she was, while at the same time being a bit on the naïve side. Fascinating.
Then there is Damien – DEA Special Agent. I found it interesting that he felt such a need to keep his work life and his play life so separated, well until Poppy anyway. After all, he met his “partner” for much of this book undercover at a BDSM club. But well, I guess we needed to start this off with manger conflict, so it worked.
This story spent a lot of time with Poppy and Damien “getting to know” each other. (Read having lots of kinky sex.) Don’t get me wrong, there were some very HOT scenes. These two sizzled, literally. But, sometimes I felt it overshadowed the suspense part of the story. Maybe that was the indent. *shrugs* It did have a big baring one some of the action.
Damien had to learn exactly what his priorities were when it came to his work and outside lives. And Poppy had to decide if she could live with what Damien did. Potentially huge issues that both were dealing with. In general, that was handled quite well. But, it was quite jarring to go from a hot scene with these two, to chasing bad guys. As I write this, I am reminded that well, that was the point. It was devastating to Poppy to be left in the lurch if you will, and for Damien to have to leave her there.
When his job infringed on his personal live in such a dramatic way – OMG! *gasp* It sure helped everyone decide on priorities and what they could and couldn’t live with or without.
This was a roller-coaster of a read. I was either hot and bothered because of the kinky sex going on or breathless because of the heart stopping action that was happening. It was an amazing ride.
November 20, 2015
Combining pulse pounding action and sex, this erotic romance thriller takes you into the world of BDSM and illegal drugs, all in one smart package. This is the story of Damien and Poppy. Damien is a DEA officer, sworn to hunt down a powerful drug lord who has caused the death of several people, including some of his co-workers. Poppy is a high school librarian. They are two people from different worlds who happen to have an overlapping interest in BDSM kink. Their first meeting at a private house party results in an explosive encounter that rocks them both. The question is whether it's possible for them to have a real relationship outside of the boundaries of their sexual world.
I really enjoyed this book! I found it riveting from the very first page. Damien is a dominant, used to having his way in all relationships involving women. He seeks out submissives and something about Poppy catches his eye from the first time he sees her. He is well characterized as a handsome, tough, confident man. His career as a DEA officer seems only fitting for his personality. Poppy is a fun and feisty woman who is a switch, a woman who in her private life delights in being dominant and being submissive depending on the circumstances. For Damien she is willing to give up control yet at the same time expects him to return the favour at a time of her choosing. The power exchanges between them are interesting and make the sex scenes quite powerful. The chemistry between them is well written and the play scenes between them are hot and steamy. More importantly however, the alternating points of view give insight into the thoughts and emotions of the main characters, in and out of the bedroom.
The suspense and action scenes are also a main focus in the story as Damien is out to catch his killer and Poppy gets dragged into the mess as a result of her relationship with Damien. Secondary characters add moments of humor and tension as the plot races along. The author has done a skilled job of making all the scenes believable and the overall combination of suspense, action, sex and romance make for a riveting read. 5 stars!
Note: I received a copy of copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley for review.
I really enjoyed this book! I found it riveting from the very first page. Damien is a dominant, used to having his way in all relationships involving women. He seeks out submissives and something about Poppy catches his eye from the first time he sees her. He is well characterized as a handsome, tough, confident man. His career as a DEA officer seems only fitting for his personality. Poppy is a fun and feisty woman who is a switch, a woman who in her private life delights in being dominant and being submissive depending on the circumstances. For Damien she is willing to give up control yet at the same time expects him to return the favour at a time of her choosing. The power exchanges between them are interesting and make the sex scenes quite powerful. The chemistry between them is well written and the play scenes between them are hot and steamy. More importantly however, the alternating points of view give insight into the thoughts and emotions of the main characters, in and out of the bedroom.
The suspense and action scenes are also a main focus in the story as Damien is out to catch his killer and Poppy gets dragged into the mess as a result of her relationship with Damien. Secondary characters add moments of humor and tension as the plot races along. The author has done a skilled job of making all the scenes believable and the overall combination of suspense, action, sex and romance make for a riveting read. 5 stars!
Note: I received a copy of copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley for review.
September 6, 2014
Arc received courtesy of Loveswept via Netgalley !
"Committed", is the first book I have read from Ms.Bristol and she did not Dissapoint! I got exactley what I expected a steamy, well written book that combined action and drama along with a Bdsm relationship storyline.
Special Agent Damien Moana is a Dea agent totally committed to his career and his desire to break a drug ring and bring in its leader Emelio, a violent sadistic Drug Lord, so committed that his Dominant lifestyle has to take a backseat most of the time. Damien, however does plan a weekend at the House of Surrender an exclusive club with an owner that vette's out his attendees well, for all concerneds privacy.
Poppy Mercer, is twenty nine year old young women, raised by her mother in a commune and led a sheltered restrictive life till she moved out on her own. However, Poppy is no stranger to the kink world, but she is looking for somwthing more than her regular club, she also has booked a weekend at The House of Surrender hoping to meet someone new and have a good time, But Poppy is not your basic Submissive, she is a switch she likes to give as good as she can get.
Damien spots Poppy at dinner time and is instntkey attracted to her, the way she carries herself, he makes a point to seek her out hoping for a weekend the two will never forget.He finds Poopy in the Library, well not just a library after all how many Libraries have King size beds and Sex toys along with books. Damien wants Poppy enough to agree to take a turn as the submissive. these two hae a wonderful time together( okay, so really a HOT TIME!),which should of ended in as long kinky weekend.
Damien's Job interrupts and decisions he makes will burn his bridges with Poppy till a chance meeting; luckily for him since has not beenable to forget her, he is completely drawn to her and coming to the realization that he lets his job interfere too much and too often in his personell life. Damiens committment to his job is respected by Poppy but she des not want to be second fiddle, she wants to come first for a change.
Can Damien, make the committment? Can he catch the bad Guy? Will he get to keep Poppy? Can he accept her long term as a Switch?
Pick up a book and find Out!
"Committed", is the first book I have read from Ms.Bristol and she did not Dissapoint! I got exactley what I expected a steamy, well written book that combined action and drama along with a Bdsm relationship storyline.
Special Agent Damien Moana is a Dea agent totally committed to his career and his desire to break a drug ring and bring in its leader Emelio, a violent sadistic Drug Lord, so committed that his Dominant lifestyle has to take a backseat most of the time. Damien, however does plan a weekend at the House of Surrender an exclusive club with an owner that vette's out his attendees well, for all concerneds privacy.
Poppy Mercer, is twenty nine year old young women, raised by her mother in a commune and led a sheltered restrictive life till she moved out on her own. However, Poppy is no stranger to the kink world, but she is looking for somwthing more than her regular club, she also has booked a weekend at The House of Surrender hoping to meet someone new and have a good time, But Poppy is not your basic Submissive, she is a switch she likes to give as good as she can get.
Damien spots Poppy at dinner time and is instntkey attracted to her, the way she carries herself, he makes a point to seek her out hoping for a weekend the two will never forget.He finds Poopy in the Library, well not just a library after all how many Libraries have King size beds and Sex toys along with books. Damien wants Poppy enough to agree to take a turn as the submissive. these two hae a wonderful time together( okay, so really a HOT TIME!),which should of ended in as long kinky weekend.
Damien's Job interrupts and decisions he makes will burn his bridges with Poppy till a chance meeting; luckily for him since has not beenable to forget her, he is completely drawn to her and coming to the realization that he lets his job interfere too much and too often in his personell life. Damiens committment to his job is respected by Poppy but she des not want to be second fiddle, she wants to come first for a change.
Can Damien, make the committment? Can he catch the bad Guy? Will he get to keep Poppy? Can he accept her long term as a Switch?
Pick up a book and find Out!
May 23, 2014
This is my first Sydney Bristol read so, I wasn’t sure what exactly to expect from this book, but it was good. The characters worked well together, and the scenes were kinky, hot, and sensual. Although a little weird and maybe young/ childish the princess bits were nice for the Poppy’s character since she was looking for her happily ever after/prince charming. I also liked how there wasn’t a constant inner turmoil between the two characters, yes they did have reservations but it was different from the usual overly agnsty self loathing characters that are constantly pulling away from each other.
Did I mention Damien was a tall drink of steaming hot chocolate. Yum! oh and I loved his family I wish there was more of them in this book.
I’m giving this book 3.5 stars. It would have been closer to 4 maybe 4.5 stars if the ending had been a little different. By ending I mean the fact that after Poppy is rescued by Damien she is deposited at the hospital, and Damien isn’t able to contact her at all, and her Mother and sister practically kidnap her and hold her in their commune. I just wished it had been written a little differently. In opinion/how I see Damien as a character, I see him staying by her side in the hospital. And When Poppy’s mother shows up she and Damien go head to head and he stays by Poppy’s side and stands his ground in turn proving himself worthy to all three woman (Poppy, her sister and her mother). The way its written just seems like un needed added drama.
The epilogue was completely fitting to story and I loved it. This is the first book From Sydney Bristol that I have read and I look forward to reading more. I also hope there might be a Mateo book, maybe with more of Damien and Poppy in it.
Even with the ending I recommend it to anyone that like suspenseful romances with kink.
~~This Arc was provided by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept, via NetGalley for an honest review.~~
Did I mention Damien was a tall drink of steaming hot chocolate. Yum! oh and I loved his family I wish there was more of them in this book.
I’m giving this book 3.5 stars. It would have been closer to 4 maybe 4.5 stars if the ending had been a little different. By ending I mean the fact that after Poppy is rescued by Damien she is deposited at the hospital, and Damien isn’t able to contact her at all, and her Mother and sister practically kidnap her and hold her in their commune. I just wished it had been written a little differently. In opinion/how I see Damien as a character, I see him staying by her side in the hospital. And When Poppy’s mother shows up she and Damien go head to head and he stays by Poppy’s side and stands his ground in turn proving himself worthy to all three woman (Poppy, her sister and her mother). The way its written just seems like un needed added drama.
The epilogue was completely fitting to story and I loved it. This is the first book From Sydney Bristol that I have read and I look forward to reading more. I also hope there might be a Mateo book, maybe with more of Damien and Poppy in it.
Even with the ending I recommend it to anyone that like suspenseful romances with kink.
~~This Arc was provided by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept, via NetGalley for an honest review.~~
July 5, 2014
Damien is definitely my drug of choice!
This was a great story about having preconceived notions about what you WANT and then discovering what you truly NEED may not be what you were expecting. It was easy to feel how well they complemented each other lives outside of the bedroom, as well as during the steamy bedroom play. Add in a splash of suspense and you have the perfect combination. I would definitely recommend this book to others who aren’t afraid of a little D/s play.
Damien’s live mainly consumed by work as a special agent for the DEA. He has been working on a case for months chasing down a dangerous drug lord who has been on a killing streak taking out anyone who gets in his way. He enjoys the occasional visit to a private BDSM retreat owned by his friend where he can distract himself with a little play time.
He meets a mysterious woman, ‘Rapunzel’ at the club that sets his blood ablaze. He soon learns she is Switch and wants someone who will allow her liberties most are not comfortable with in the D/s world. Damien reluctantly agrees to allow her one night to switch roles with him, on the condition he gets to dominate her body, first.
However, their first night together is interrupted right after they completed a very intense scene and Damien makes the difficult decision to pull himself away from ‘Rapunzel’.
Once the mission ends, Damien tries to find his ‘Rapunzel’ to make amends and finish what they started that night. Rapunzel (aka Poppy) has been haunted by memories of Damien and their one night together. Submitting to Damien, making herself vulnerable to someone else, was new and unexpectedly exciting. But Damien has broken her trust and proven he has little room for her in his life. Having a lifetime of taking the role of 2nd place has made her even more determined not to accept anything less than #1 place. Now it’s up to Damien to choose which takes priority, his career or Poppy.
This was a great story about having preconceived notions about what you WANT and then discovering what you truly NEED may not be what you were expecting. It was easy to feel how well they complemented each other lives outside of the bedroom, as well as during the steamy bedroom play. Add in a splash of suspense and you have the perfect combination. I would definitely recommend this book to others who aren’t afraid of a little D/s play.
Damien’s live mainly consumed by work as a special agent for the DEA. He has been working on a case for months chasing down a dangerous drug lord who has been on a killing streak taking out anyone who gets in his way. He enjoys the occasional visit to a private BDSM retreat owned by his friend where he can distract himself with a little play time.
He meets a mysterious woman, ‘Rapunzel’ at the club that sets his blood ablaze. He soon learns she is Switch and wants someone who will allow her liberties most are not comfortable with in the D/s world. Damien reluctantly agrees to allow her one night to switch roles with him, on the condition he gets to dominate her body, first.
However, their first night together is interrupted right after they completed a very intense scene and Damien makes the difficult decision to pull himself away from ‘Rapunzel’.
Once the mission ends, Damien tries to find his ‘Rapunzel’ to make amends and finish what they started that night. Rapunzel (aka Poppy) has been haunted by memories of Damien and their one night together. Submitting to Damien, making herself vulnerable to someone else, was new and unexpectedly exciting. But Damien has broken her trust and proven he has little room for her in his life. Having a lifetime of taking the role of 2nd place has made her even more determined not to accept anything less than #1 place. Now it’s up to Damien to choose which takes priority, his career or Poppy.
August 10, 2014
COMMITTED: DRUG of DESIRE by Sidney Bristol is a VERY erotic BDSM romance. Since I’m sure you read the book description, I won’t rehash that here. The story is more than a romance. There is suspense and intrigue, twists and turns, and lots of excitement. When Damien’s job puts Poppy at risk, she begins to realize that she may not be able to fit into Damien’s world. The two of them are electric – but there are conflicts. Their likes in the world of BDSM, as well as their lives in the real world, are totally different. Damien is willing to try to change his rigid dominance to accommodate Poppy’s switching lifestyle. They must negotiate to make that part of their relationship to work.
The story encompasses the families of both Damien and Poppy. The secondary characters are quirky and unique. They are fun to get to know, and you want to spend more time with them. The characters become more relatable when you learn where they come from. The family involvement makes the story feel real, and Poppy’s cats were just the icing on the cake. They may need their own book.
The plot of the story is action packed. You will not be bored while reading this book. It’s a love story with a BDSM theme…but not the typical BDSM scenario. It is an intriguing action/suspense involving drug rings and stings and SWAT teams, not to mention a hot, dominant DEA agent. There is plenty to hold your attention. You will not want to put it down.
The book was well written. Sidney Bristol created two multidimensional characters in heroine Poppy Mercer and hero Damien Moana. You felt like you really knew them. The sex scenes were page melting hot. At the end, you wanted to spend more time with these fascinating characters. The suspense kept you on the edge of your seat…an erotic romance that should not be missed.
I received an eBook copy from the publisher and NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.
The story encompasses the families of both Damien and Poppy. The secondary characters are quirky and unique. They are fun to get to know, and you want to spend more time with them. The characters become more relatable when you learn where they come from. The family involvement makes the story feel real, and Poppy’s cats were just the icing on the cake. They may need their own book.
The plot of the story is action packed. You will not be bored while reading this book. It’s a love story with a BDSM theme…but not the typical BDSM scenario. It is an intriguing action/suspense involving drug rings and stings and SWAT teams, not to mention a hot, dominant DEA agent. There is plenty to hold your attention. You will not want to put it down.
The book was well written. Sidney Bristol created two multidimensional characters in heroine Poppy Mercer and hero Damien Moana. You felt like you really knew them. The sex scenes were page melting hot. At the end, you wanted to spend more time with these fascinating characters. The suspense kept you on the edge of your seat…an erotic romance that should not be missed.
I received an eBook copy from the publisher and NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.
June 29, 2014
I must say this book was very addictive. I enjoyed the quick witted banter and the BDSM role that each main character portrayed. Committed was full of sex and spice and everything nice all rounded in with an action packed story plot. It was a fast quick love story that was easy to read. The story is in multiple personalities ranging from poppy; the emotional immature 29 year old women who lived an entirely sheltered life that turned her towards the kink scene, To Damien; A DEA agent with a penchant to release his inner torment threw play within the kink community. Cameos are also in Matias pov another agent who is dead under cover through the book and we learn is a main driver for Damien to finally open his eyes and appreciate the love he has for Poppy. As we all Emilio the blood thirsty street thug with a knack to mam and torture his victims. With out the risk of spoilers I can tell you that Dom cop ( as kyle poppys friend so correctly call hims) falls head over heals for a switch in the kink community. Poppy a women who chooses to be both submissive ( to a point) and dominant. Committed follows four months of their whirl wind romance along with a sticky situations that comes to fruition as DEA and SWAT work together to take down a drug ring. The sting is majorly successful with the only drawl back that the most sadistic of all the men escaped. During the sting operation Emilios wife is killed. Emilio seeks revenge on the man who pulled the trigger. DEA Damien Moana.
This book is a great read with an epilogue that makes the story feel tightly knit up at the seams. This book isnt for the faint of heart beings it does take place in a BDSM relationship, but if you are willing to step out side of your comfort zone for a great fast paced read and a truly genuine love story I can whole heartily suggest Committed!
This book is a great read with an epilogue that makes the story feel tightly knit up at the seams. This book isnt for the faint of heart beings it does take place in a BDSM relationship, but if you are willing to step out side of your comfort zone for a great fast paced read and a truly genuine love story I can whole heartily suggest Committed!
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