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Temptation was only the beginning.

Eliza crosses the threshold into Graham's private life and his consuming universe. Within the glitterati, she is given anything she desires except the ability to break through the invisible ties that bind her. As Graham’s one and only, she succumbs to the intoxicating power of submitting to him to appease his possessive nature.

A world away from the beaches of Miami, Eliza's befriends a woman from his past to unearth the secrets behind the man who holds her a willing captive. The man whose insatiable appetite might break her. It's a point of no return if she agrees to play the edge of what could be a doorway to her freedom.

Unknown Binding

First published August 19, 2014

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About the author

Susan Arden

37 books979 followers
Bestselling author Susan Arden writes high-stakes, pulse-pounding romances filled with heat, tension, and unforgettable passion. Her stories blend realism and raw intimacy, blurring the line between desire and danger.

Readers describe her writing as addictive, cinematic, and hot. Love stories you feel in your bones. Romances that grab the heart, twist tight, and don’t let go.

Susan lives near the Tail of the Dragon in East TN. She loves iced coffee, imagining impossible situations, and chocolate cake.

If you love a dirty-talking cowboy, you've come to the right ranch!

Website: https://www.susanardenauthor.com/
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Rob.
361 reviews46 followers
November 15, 2014
If you want a book to make you hard and horny then look no further! Ms Arden can make even a fingering sound erotic! I have to say this is a book that you most don't definitely read in public! I wanted to throw my wife over the table and have my wicked way with her, and I had only read a few pages while I was waiting for her!

In the first book we had all the build up to whether Eliza would willingly sign up for Graham's proposition and in this book we begin to see exactly what Graham has in mind for her.

Graham likes control in every aspect of his life, particularly in the bedroom. He wants to teach Eliza how to trust and submit to his every desire. I have to say, compared to other controlling men, Graham is actually quite tame. I thought in the first book, it was leaning towards quite hardcore BDSM but in actual fact, their sex life so far has been pretty vanilla. Yes we've had a bit of spanking but it never actually went further. In all fairness though, he's not calling himself a Dom and there's no call me Master or Sir. He just likes to be in charge. He calls it edge play which, in my opinion, he isn't really taking her to the edge.

Ms Arden writes with a very easy pen. Her words flow like a gentle stream, it's un-rushed, it's unhurried and you just get swept along.

I like Eliza. I think she has a hard time dealing with her past and that inhibits her ability to value herself and enjoy the trappings being with Graham gives her. Although love hasn't been mentioned, they both have a mutual need for each other for different reasons.

I'm hoping in book 3, there's a lot more exploration of how far away from vanilla he can take Eliza. I don't want book 3 to be all angsty and heart-breaky...I want the gentle build up of their relationship to continue and I want Eliza to get the HEA that she deserves.

Profile Image for Kristina.
542 reviews
November 28, 2014
I have mixed emotions about this book. It was incredibly hot and steamy (and not just for the sake of hot and steamy). Eliza's brattiness got on my last nerve but then how she acted in the last 20% of the book made absolutely no sense. Like a personality transplant. Graham also had a bit of that going on too. I would have really like it if the author had allowed the d/s relationship to evolve before she introduced two other strong female types. It would have helped the believability factor of the story and the direction she took with it.
Profile Image for Philomena Callan Cheekypee.
4,020 reviews432 followers
September 22, 2014
Make sure you read book one, Tempted before you read this book as it continues straight on. Tempted was a great read but I loved this one.

Eliza has signed a six month contract with Graham. Lack of trust is a big issue between these two. Will six months be enough for them? Although this story is based on bdsm and the contract there is so much more to the story which I loved.

My only complaint is I gotta wait for book three. Good excuse to re-read first two books when third book comes out:)
Profile Image for Brenda Hairston.
210 reviews2 followers
December 8, 2014
Edgy, erotic, mind bending

This edition is hot. It makes you think about the trust you are really giving your significant other as well as whether we are truly focusing on them when we are intimate.
4,856 reviews10 followers
April 10, 2019
Confusing

Struggled a lot with this book and with the characters. Can’t say I liked them nor did I dislike them. Storyline jumped slightly but I struggled to stay with it. Part of a series which may have contributed to things but didn’t hold my interest to go looking for more.
Profile Image for Jenn Green.
515 reviews23 followers
September 23, 2014
“Every journey begins with a step... You're not alone, Eliza.”


★✩★✩★ 5+ Heart-Pounding, Lust-Infused, Angst-Ride – Stars

~this review may contain minor spoilers~

“This is more than a doorway into our bedroom. This is the first step you'll take to getting to know who you are to me and to yourself, Eliza. Don't try to hide. There's nowhere to run. Understood?”

She was drawn in by his seduction and dove head first, eyes wide open, into his world. She signed the erotic contract on the dotted line and crossed the threshold into his bedroom in New York, not knowing how different she would later emerge. His life in New York is worlds away from the beaches of Miami that she is accustomed to, but it's only six months of her life; how hard could it be to fall back into her old life when all is said and done. What she needs to focus on is surviving the here and now without losing her heart to a relationship with a deadline. That is easier said than done when she wants nothing more than to uncover the secrets of Graham Gordon and find the man underneath it all; a man he is desperate to keep under wraps. After all, she is only there to please him... right?!

I was neck deep in trouble I didn't want out of. Oh, no. this type of trouble took the rugged shape of a six-foot-plus body complete with an off-the-chart level of testosterone and power fucking ability.

Where the first book was largely run on lust, this one introduced some heavy emotion to the story as each of these people fall harder and faster than either could have anticipated. You could feel the struggles Eliza went through in trying to adjust to a world she has no idea where she fits in to, all while desperately trying to rein in her emotions when it comes to Graham. She knows he is keeping a slew of secrets from her, and tries not to let it bother her; after all that's not her purpose there, but she is finding it harder to keep her heart out of it. Graham is also having some difficulty adjusting when he finds his heart reacting in a way that threatens everything he has worked hard to maintain. He hates that she makes him lose the control he has come to rely on, but cannot fathom not having her in his life. As they both battle their own insecurities, they also have to guard themselves and what they have from the outside world; which isn't easy when the media is constantly on Graham's tail and Eliza's sister is a highly observant, over-protective part of her life-even if she is across the country. That doesn't mean that there wasn't still a shit-ton of sex; there was, and it was as hot as ever. While the first book drew me steadily into their lives, this one has me hanging onto the edge of my chair waiting to see where they go next. I have very quickly become addicted to this series, all of it's characters, and this author. I don't know exactly when the next book comes out, Taken will be the conclusion to their story, but I will be anxiously climbing the walls til I can get my greedy little claws in it. Susan Arden has definitely landed herself a spot on my One-Click Addiction list with this sexy-as-hell series and I'm dying to see where she takes us next.

A fucking epiphany. I was a goner as she stared up at me with those mercurial eyes – a mixture of innocence and sin. I mean, seriously fucked-in-the-head type shit was about to go down.

Click HERE to check out my FULL post @ Bookworm Betties





Happy Reading xo Jenn
Profile Image for Bookworm Betties.
254 reviews16 followers
September 24, 2014
“Every journey begins with a step... You're not alone, Eliza.”


★✩★✩★ 5+ Heart-Pounding, Lust-Infused, Angst-Ride – Stars

~this review may contain minor spoilers~

“This is more than a doorway into our bedroom. This is the first step you'll take to getting to know who you are to me and to yourself, Eliza. Don't try to hide. There's nowhere to run. Understood?”

She was drawn in by his seduction and dove head first, eyes wide open, into his world. She signed the erotic contract on the dotted line and crossed the threshold into his bedroom in New York, not knowing how different she would later emerge. His life in New York is worlds away from the beaches of Miami that she is accustomed to, but it's only six months of her life; how hard could it be to fall back into her old life when all is said and done. What she needs to focus on is surviving the here and now without losing her heart to a relationship with a deadline. That is easier said than done when she wants nothing more than to uncover the secrets of Graham Gordon and find the man underneath it all; a man he is desperate to keep under wraps. After all, she is only there to please him... right?!

I was neck deep in trouble I didn't want out of. Oh, no. this type of trouble took the rugged shape of a six-foot-plus body complete with an off-the-chart level of testosterone and power fucking ability.

Where the first book was largely run on lust, this one introduced some heavy emotion to the story as each of these people fall harder and faster than either could have anticipated. You could feel the struggles Eliza went through in trying to adjust to a world she has no idea where she fits in to, all while desperately trying to rein in her emotions when it comes to Graham. She knows he is keeping a slew of secrets from her, and tries not to let it bother her; after all that's not her purpose there, but she is finding it harder to keep her heart out of it. Graham is also having some difficulty adjusting when he finds his heart reacting in a way that threatens everything he has worked hard to maintain. He hates that she makes him lose the control he has come to rely on, but cannot fathom not having her in his life. As they both battle their own insecurities, they also have to guard themselves and what they have from the outside world; which isn't easy when the media is constantly on Graham's tail and Eliza's sister is a highly observant, over-protective part of her life-even if she is across the country. That doesn't mean that there wasn't still a shit-ton of sex; there was, and it was as hot as ever. While the first book drew me steadily into their lives, this one has me hanging onto the edge of my chair waiting to see where they go next. I have very quickly become addicted to this series, all of it's characters, and this author. I don't know exactly when the next book comes out, Taken will be the conclusion to their story, but I will be anxiously climbing the walls til I can get my greedy little claws in it. Susan Arden has definitely landed herself a spot on my One-Click Addiction list with this sexy-as-hell series and I'm dying to see where she takes us next.

A fucking epiphany. I was a goner as she stared up at me with those mercurial eyes – a mixture of innocence and sin. I mean, seriously fucked-in-the-head type shit was about to go down.

Click HERE to check out my FULL post @ Bookworm Betties





Happy Reading xo Jenn
Profile Image for Jennifer.
89 reviews12 followers
September 18, 2014
Psychocat Reads Review of SEDUCED by Susan Arden

We already looked at the first book in the Playing the Edge series, so now it is time to dive into book 2, SEDUCED. I was lucky enough to have them both before starting out, so as soon as I hit the end of TEMPTED, I jumped straight into SEDUCED. I'm impatient like that sometimes.

Let's see if Susan maintined her 5 Star Psychocat Reads Review record.

The Book As Part of a Series: Definitely read TEMPTED before you crack open SEDUCED. Book 2 picks up right where book 1 left off, and the flow, characters, and story will make so much more sense with that building block. Trust me, it's not like reading TEMPTED is a hard job.

The Characters: SEDUCED is longer, so it really gave Susan more time to continue building Eliza and Graham as characters. She used that time wisely, continuing to develop their depth and complexities. We also see a bit more of Laura (Eliza's sister) and Eliza's friends. One of the fun surprises in SEDUCED wasa new character Susan introduced, but you'll have to read to see what I mean.

The Relationships: Book 2 takes Eliza and Graham further. Sucan keeps developing the relationship that sprang to life in TEMPTED. as noted in the character section, the secondardy characters make their relevant appearances, helping to round out the story and keep Eliza from completely disappearing into a bubble (or Graham's bed). One of my favorite part of this book is that Graham doesn't just try to lock her away for his pleasure. He encourages her to get out and explore what she wants to do while he's off runing his little slice of the world. No matter what else happens, I appreciated that bit.

Too Perfect or Perfectly Flawed: I skipped this section in the TEMPTED review, but it's time to bring it back. Susan passes this criteria with flying colors. While Graham and Eliza continue to be perfectly compatible in bed, they still have to struggle through the challenges of the world they live in and getting to know each other after a fast and furious start.

The Smut: Cold shower and vodka still required. There is plenty of smut in SEDUCED, though I did love that Susan developed plot points outside the bedroom too. Either way, the steamy parts are plentiful, well written, and each varied enough that it doesn't just feel like an entire book of deja vu. I will say, Eliza and Graham get major points for their endurance and recovery time.

Jen's Final Rating: 5 STARS! My only problem is having to wait for Book 3 to come out in 2015. Though that will give me good reason to reread and refresh my memory on TEMPTED and SEDUCED before trying to review that one. Seriously though, go forth and enjoy this sinfully delicious addition to the Playing the Edge series.

Psychocat's Final Rating: She hasn't returned yet. I suppose it takes more than a few hours to take a trip to Miami. I'm pretty sure that cat had murder on her mind when she left, so that might take some time. Hell, maybe Graham is paying her to fix the Abe issue.
Profile Image for books are love.
3,163 reviews23 followers
September 24, 2014
This second in the series picks up where the first left off and what a story. Here Eliza and Graham are exploring their relationship and attraction while navigating through their fears and jealousies. We meet some fun characters such as Marie and Graham’s secret is revealed. What i didn’t like was that Eliza told Graham to open up and trust and yet she hasn’t done that yet. Graham wants Eliza for more than they agreed upon but is afraid she will leave. Eliza wants Graham as well but fears he finds her to be like all the others. Her insecurities come to light and plaque doubt in her mind. graham is now back to work and she is seeing the stress of his life and questioning her role. The intimacy is still explosive but the communication between these two broken lovers is not as strong. As they battle themselves outside forces try to work against them as well. The biggest being Vinia. what a totally arrogant and nutty woman. She truly is deserving of being called evil. She does some good though because she has Graham realize he needs to be vulnerable and willing to talk to Eliza if they are to have a chance. Eliza also sees that she must be as well. In this incredible continuation, the relationship deepens and Graham’s past is seen. Eliza sees the man is hurt and she loves him. She also sees he is who can help her and love her. The two are stubbornly trying not to admit their feelings but in the end they submit. A wonderful look at trust and love as we continue into the relationship of Eliza and Graham and watch them grow to be each others support system. Marie helps shed light and is a fun character who deserves happiness as well. I can’t wait to see where they go from here now that they have admitted feelings and wanting more.
Profile Image for Falling In Fall Book Blog.
379 reviews66 followers
September 22, 2014
This was an incredible book. Absolutely amazing. I went straight onto this after devouring Tempted, the first book in this series and it did not disappoint. This book starts shortly after the slight cliffhanger from the first book. Eliza is in debating to sign up for Graham's proposal to be in a relationship with him for six months. This book focuses more upon the evolution of Graham getting Eliza into the world of BDSM and control. And boy, does it evolve.
Graham is your typical normal alpha male hero. He is possessive, a control freak, and a protector (I love that about him). He is tamed compared to some alphas and I think that it really works great for Eliza. In the bedroom, Graham is super dominate, controlling, and it is smoking hot! Graham and Eliza's chemistry is explosive. They have an great connection.
Since Graham thrives off of control; he has to work with Eliza to start releasing her control to him. The problem with Eliza is she does not trust him completely and it is hard for them to get over that point in the relationship. Eliza is scared because she knows there is an end date to their relationship.

My final thoughts for Tempted and Seduced are simple: they are amazing stories. I definitely recommend that you bump these two books up a few spots and read them now! I can guarantee that you will not be disappointed! The story is well written, sexy, page-turner, and angst. I definitely want more of Graham!! Can't wait for book three to see the continuation of Eliza and Graham's story!

A gifted copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review by Jodie Rae.
Profile Image for Anna.
580 reviews20 followers
September 21, 2014
Seduced picks up right where Tempted leaves us. Eliza decides to take Graham's offer and leaves with him for New York. When they get there, the realities of Graham's life are pretty overwhelming. Eliza struggles to acclimate to his lifestyle and Graham struggles to juggle his stressful business and time with Eliza. Both realize that they are falling deeper for one another than the contract intended and are not sure where rings will go from here.

I got more engaged with this book than the first. It was interesting to see Eliza try and figure out her place in Graham's life as well as how to live under this contract. We get to meet Marie, who I liked a lot. She is an interesting character and I hope we get to know her better in the future. Graham seems to be all over the place here. I think we start to get a sense of just how chaotic his work life is and how badly he needs someone to take care of him the way he tries to take care of everything else. The complexities in Eliza and Graham's relationship make it all the more interesting, and I am curious to see where things go from here. It is good to see them opening up a little and making an effort to give in to more than their physical connection. Like with the first, there continue to be similarities with other books in this genre but there is enough unique material to keep the reader engaged. I look forward to the next in the series.

*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Melissa Miller-Mattern.
602 reviews11 followers
September 23, 2014

In Seduced #2, Eliza has decided to sign the contract and begins her journey with Graham by moving to New York. She has not told her sister the true reason for the move. Graham craves total control and Eliza realizes that she aches for it but both have trust issue. Eliza is stubborn which of course causes problems with Mr. Control, Graham. This second book really focuses on building the relationship and what Graham hopes it will become. This didn’t turn out to be a “BDSM” book but more about a take-charge kind of man that craves being in charge.


Seduced #2 are part of a trilogy with Taken #3 begin the last book. According to Goodreads is schedule to be release in 2015. You must read Tempted #1 before Seduced #2 or you will be completely lost. I would defiantly recommend this book and series.













Profile Image for She Hearts Books.
2,113 reviews74 followers
September 17, 2014
So in Tempted we heard the proposition, but now in Seduced we see what Graham has in store for Eliza in their arrangement. She is definitely resisting his need to control their relationship and it's making Graham just a little crazy. The problem is really the fact that they aren't ready to trust each other completely yet. No one can turn over power willingly to someone they can't trust with it. That's Eliza's struggle. Their relationship has an end date according to the contract and she really had no idea what is going on in bossy man's head. That leads to distrust. They do play together and it's hot. Not as kinky as I thought, but it's definitely early in their story. I can't wait to read what happens next.

I give Seduced 5 hearts!
Profile Image for Marissa.
3,587 reviews47 followers
September 16, 2014
ARC for Review

Eliza has taken up Graham’s offer and has started her six month relationship with him in New York City but still has not told her pregnant sister and her husband the real reason.

She is still fighting his need to control and he is fighting is his own growing need for her that is consuming him. Both have things they are hiding from each other as they still distrust among them.

As their passion ignites with Graham taking her further into the BDSM world daily, their feelings for each other are ready to explode. Each fighting each other but the chemistry ignites each other sexually.

Will they be able to keep up the pace and will six months be enough for them? Are they meant for each other or are they destined to burn out during their time together?
Profile Image for Twin Opinions.
556 reviews18 followers
September 20, 2014
I liked this book a lot better than the first book. The first seemed so rushed and I suppose that this one is rushed as well but, I did not get the rushed feeling. I feel like we didn't get as much Graham in this book and yet, we learn so much about him and his world. This book was a lot more sexual as well. I don't think anyone could read this book and not be affected. I absolutely love Maria. She is great and I hope to see more of her in the next book. I love the villain in this story. She gave us just the right amount of angst in this book to have you wondering what will she be up to in the next. I love the way that Eliza handled her, it made me really love her character. I am super excited for the next book in this series. What a great series!!!!
~Lisa
Profile Image for Jen Cothran.
477 reviews43 followers
September 21, 2014
Second book better than the first and doesn't skip a beat! Eliza is hired as a private yoga instructor by Graham, but she is so much more. When she travels with him to NY will she learn how to submit to him or will she get more than she's agreed to? There are timelines and expiration dates to everything, but will it all be enough? or are they both in too deep? This is just getting started and in no way will they be ready when its time. Edge play has never been so sexy and freeing.

Susan keeps bringing the heat, and I can't read it fast enough!! Looking forward to Taken and seeing Graham and Eliza play the edge!
Profile Image for Michelle Eriksen.
901 reviews11 followers
September 9, 2014
Eliza has to make a decision as to whether or not she is going to go with Graham to New York. Does she want to submit and be his or will her ties to home be too strong to let them go for six months.

Graham is adamant that he wants Eliza and will go to lengths to convince her. Her indecision is driving him crazy. Will six months be enough considering the strong pull that he feels for Eliza…

Book two of this series, Seduced, is just as hot and steamy as the first book (Tempted). Enjoy…
Profile Image for Renee at Book Happiness.
1,486 reviews36 followers
September 23, 2014
I received this for an honest review
This is the second book in this series (1 more to go) This one takes up where the last one left (If you haven't read Tempted yet STOP READING). This one takes up with Eliza deciding if she is going to take Graham up on his offer. I love these books because Graham is that wonderful alpha that we all crave and Eliza is trying to figure out where and how far she can go into this life with him.
Can not wait for the next one to come out!!!!!



Profile Image for Jennifer McGurk Finn.
2,101 reviews53 followers
October 31, 2014
This is the 2nd book in the Playing the Edge series. It was good & the story was enjoyable. I still find Eliza to be very annoying but I guess she is young so it's to be expected that she's immature. I am looking forward to the 3rd book, Taken.
9 reviews
December 22, 2014
A juicy, hot read with a little kink thrown in! Just can't understand how either one of them can walk when they're finished!
Profile Image for Leah.
14 reviews16 followers
January 9, 2015
This book was better than than the first book. There was more to the plot than the content that makes this genre "interesting" to read. Certainly, it was worth the couple of hours it took to read.
23 reviews
January 21, 2015
Boy oh boy did this book grab me by the proverbial balls and take me on a joy ride...I just can't go on after that...no more comment :)
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