Bound

by Shannon Elliot

My academic course catalog did not include a BDSM 101 lecture.

Yet, the world of swingers and kink beckons through a daring Zoom call—the ultimate gateway to membership at The Playground Club.

Introduced by my adventurous best friend, who envisions celebrating her engagement in this new domain, I find myself navigating realms far from the comfort zone of classrooms and libraries I hide in as a PhD psychology student. The call, led by instructors Bex and Alvaro Silva, promises an introduction to ease me into their world. Now, with a single click, I'm poised to bid farewell to my once vanilla life.

Only, there's no easing at all. Instead I'm roped in hard and fast.

Immerse yourself in a contemporary polyamorous, FFM bisexual menage romance, where love and kink triumph against all odds!

Genres: BDSM, Romance, Polyamory, LGBT, Menage, Erotica, Why Choose

294 pages, Paperback

First published March 22, 2024

About the author

Shannon Elliot resides in Houston, TX with her fur baby and writes romance that represents her readers whenever she's not at the dog park dog or curled up with a good book. Evidenced by her background in theatre, she is drawn to story-telling and the creative process. Shannon believes that diverse and inclusive stories shouldn't be the exception, they should be the rule. Happily ever after is for everyone and she aims to write romances that reflect her readers.

Reviews

[kaila · Rating 5 out of 5]

the fact that i finished this is in 2 days and FINALLY got out of my reading slump, i loved the vibes in this book, the tropes, the smut, the characters!

[Rhys · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*

Why did it take me so long to finish?? Ask my fucking BRAIN not letting me read ebooks until now…


Anyway, I loved this. No surprise there at all 😌

Thanks to Shannon for the earc (that I’m so behind on finishing SORRY)

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved thebpremise of the book and the execution of it.
The beginning was so fun and I loved seeing Naomi come into the kink community openly and letting herself do something she wanted to do without fearing judgement. I also loved that Bex, who could feel an immediate attraction, was able to go after Naomi with Alvaro's blessing. I also really liked that his character grew up doing rodeo (usually those men are very gruff and ridged) but he softened for his wife and eventually Naomi too. I also loved the representation of the tism and the immediate this is what he means when he does x from Bex. As a fellow tism girlie it took me a while to realize the way I reacted to things was not normal and my friends and I learned together but having someone say oh yeah this means this and this is not them being mad they have to work through it or they don't understand sarcasm or anything like that was so refreshing.
The spice in this book was super good and I absolutely loved all the different scenes and different groupings. It might have been just Bex and Naomi but Alvaro wasn't too far behind

Thank you to Shannon for allowing me to ARC read!

[Kylara Jensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got this book for free on stuff your kindle day.

It was a pleasant mixture of wholesome and spicy.

But ultimately kind of disappointing. I feel there were several pieces missing or glassed over, idk.

Also tw for suicidal ideation. I feel like it kind of throws it out there too casually in the first few pages and it is dealt with more seriously several other times throughout the book.

[Elicia Meairs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5

Plot:

"Bound" by Shannon Elliot invites readers into the thrilling and tantalizing world of BDSM and polyamory, offering a captivating blend of romance, passion, and exploration. The story follows a PhD psychology student who finds herself drawn into the seductive realm of The Playground Club, a world of swingers and kink that promises to push her boundaries and challenge her perceptions of love and desire. As she delves deeper into this intoxicating world, she discovers new facets of herself and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and sexual liberation. Elliot skillfully navigates the complexities of BDSM and polyamory, weaving together a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.

Characters:

The characters in "Bound" are richly drawn and multi-dimensional, each bringing their own unique desires, fears, and vulnerabilities to the story. From the protagonist, a shy and curious psychology student, to the enigmatic instructors Bex and Alvaro Silva, the cast of characters is diverse and compelling. As the protagonist navigates the challenges of exploring her sexuality and embracing her desires, readers are taken on a journey of growth, self-acceptance, and empowerment.

Themes:

At its core, "Bound" explores themes of sexual exploration, self-discovery, and the pursuit of pleasure. Through the protagonist's journey, the novel delves into the complexities of desire, intimacy, and consent, highlighting the importance of communication and trust in healthy relationships. Elliot expertly explores the dynamics of BDSM and polyamory, challenging societal norms and celebrating the diversity of human sexuality.

Writing Style:

Elliot's writing style is sensual, immersive, and provocative, drawing readers into the tantalizing world of The Playground Club with vivid descriptions and evocative prose. The author deftly balances steamy romance with heartfelt emotion, creating a compelling narrative that resonates on both an emotional and erotic level. With its seamless blend of passion, intrigue, and suspense, "Bound" is a page-turner that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.

Conclusion:

"Bound" by Shannon Elliot is a captivating and provocative read that pushes the boundaries of traditional romance and erotica. With its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and steamy scenes, the novel offers a tantalizing glimpse into the world of BDSM and polyamory, while also exploring themes of self-discovery, empowerment, and acceptance. Whether you're a fan of romance, erotica, or both, "Bound" is sure to satisfy your craving for passion, intrigue, and desire.

[Allie Bausinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brb, signing up for my own membership at The Playground Club...

I received Bound as an ARC, and I am SO happy to have read this as my first ARC since I took a little break from them. This review is ~mostly~ spoiler free! This is an FFM, age gap, BD$M/k!nk centered, instalove romance!

I've never read much with the "new to" trope, and I found myself really enjoying the educational aspects of k!nk that were incorporated throughout the book. It felt like we were being led a little by the hand (in a great way) to understand what was happening at each step in the process. Consent was always obtained very well without interrupting the flow of the story, and safe words and aftercare were beautifully respected, which is often hard to find.

I loved every single character I met throughout this book. I am desperate to learn more about Selene and Gunner, as well as everyone else. Everyone has a rich and deep storyline that I hope we get to explore. Having Naomi be a PhD student made me feel something because as a (hopefully) soon to be PhD student, the doubt and struggles are so real.

HERE'S THE SPOILER
Y'all know I hate a third act breakup, and I really hated how this one came about. Of course we don't know how we'll react when our partner is hurt and we're scared, but the absolute flip in personality and communication that had happened threw me for a loop. There had been several conversations about how this was more than a fling, and then Bex just turned that on its head. It felt kind of inauthentic to me and like there was just some digging for plot. I will always be a harsh critic of a third act, and if they happen for almost no reason or a miscommunication, I get a little violent. It just seemed odd and surprising.

Overall, I absolutely loved Bound. I read the whole thing in a total of probably five hours. I thought kink was beautifully explored. I thought the characters were wonderfully developed. I want to know more and more and more about this world. I can't wait to see what comes next at the Playground Club!

4.5/5 ⭐️
4/5 🌶

[Karen Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I’ve read by this author, and I absolutely loved it! What a page turner! Naomi is trying to find her place in the life. She’s taking classes in Clinical Psychology, trying to do a dissertation, but it keeps getting turned down by the man in charge. It definitely depresses her. Naomi is also in the process of taking some Zoom classes to attend The Playground Club Resort for her friend Selene, whom she’s talked to but never met. It’s a special club for unique lifestyles.

Bex and Alvie are married and are friends with Selene also. They are at The Playground also. From the moment Naomi meets them til the very end, it seems like the chemistry is definitely there. Naomi participates in an act with Alvie to experiment, but is it for her? Bex forms an attraction for Naomi and they exchange numbers. They get along so great. Their banter and friendship is off the charts.

One weekend Selene cancels on Naomi and she sees herself at Bex and Alvie’s ranch. Naomi and Bex definitely have a spark. Spending time together brings them closer. Will they act on their growing connection? Will Alvie be able to accept Naomi into their circle? Wait til you find out!

When something happens to Alvie one day, will this be the end of the 3 of them or just the beginning? Will Alvie ever develop feelings for Naomi like Bex has? You will want to keep reading til all your questions are answered!

[evie is reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

i received an arc copy of bound from its very generous author. it’s the first book i’ve read by shannon elliot, and i loved it so much i went to amazon and bought all of her available books (including bound, because we support our authors here). there isn’t a *huge* amount of spice in it, but the spice is VERY spicy. but honestly, the plot is so good you hardly notice the spice doesn’t start right out of the gate. it’s hard to find really good sapphic smut, but this book *really* took care of its ladies. a lot of times you find authors who give you ff spice, but the mmc is involved in the act in some capacity. and alvie was in some of the ff scenes, but the majority of the ff in bound is just bex and naomi enjoying each other’s company. and it is SO GOOD. the ffm stuff was just as delicious! i really appreciate the positive portrayal of the bdsm dynamic between the thruple. alvie is the kind of dom every girl deserves. let me tell you, that man is swoon-worthy! i’m a fat girl, and i SO appreciate an author that gave us TWO sexy af fmc’s that are fat. not only does she tell us they’re fat, she SHOWS US. the characters never shied away from worshipping the specific physical features that are very common in big girls. stretch marks, thick thighs, belly apron, it legitimately made me feel so seen. in fact, in fact,the author made me identify so closely with naomi when bex kicked her out of alvie’s hospital room, i was SOBBING, because i took that shit PERSONALLY. i would very much love to see the author write more books that center around their friend group. this book is for sure an 11/10 for me 💜

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good it surprised me. I’ve never read anything like it. I’ve never read about a married couple and someone joining the relationship. I’m used to reading MMF, MMMF, and MMFMM but I’ve never read FFM so I really wanted to give it a shot. And it was sooo good!
I love kinky and spicy romance and this book definitely had both. The story was good as well and had a lot of great representation!
As a midsized/curvy person I really liked how this author represented plus size characters. I also really liked the kink representation in this book too. There was important mental health representations and of course LGBTQ+ representation all of which I think are very important and we need more of!
Overall, I really liked this book and I’d recommend it to people looking for a good kinky and spicy romance.. also fans of cowboys ;) but seriously. You should read this for a great FFM romance with the representation I’ve mentioned above! I want more of their stories already and I’d definitely read from this author again!

*I was provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you so much, Shannon Elliot! It’s been great to ARC read for you and I really appreciate the opportunity! I can’t wait to see what else you write in the future.

[Teresa A · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the step into polyamory that I needed, most of the books I’ve read with a similar dynamic just seem too perfect (not complaining) but this story shows the real struggles of each individual. Everyone has their own piece of the polycule puzzle, each vastly different than the other but they fit together to make a beautiful picture. I learned a lot about various aspects of the lifestyle from this book and loved the story.

Naomi is a PhD student living a very vanilla life when her best friend thrusts her into kink with a visit to a BDSM club for her engagement party.

Bex and Alvaro are married, fully immersed in the kink community and lead seminars at the club.

All three are drawn together, but history makes one of them hesitate at first. They have to learn how to be together, all of them, and that’s no easy feat.

Overall an excellent story and a perfect introduction to the Playground Club after the epilogue from Devils in the Dark.

5/5 stars
2/5 chilli peppers, the smut is well-written there’s just a larger focus on their relationships/dynamics and it’s not just sexual.

[Samantha Bunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel by Shannon Elliot was a refreshing take on a subject that some people might shy away from. The way Shannon respected and sought to teach about the BD$M and k!nk community in general made the story that much more captivating. Shannon's description of polyamory was filled with love and respect for those that have that much love to give.

Naomi was a character that felt so real that I imagined her walking off the page and into my life. She was curious and willing to try something so foreign to her. Alvie was a quiet but strong character that blossomed into a man that felt deeply about his girls and wanted to see them happy, while finding his own joy in their company. Bex was a character that was full of life and was willing to trust her gut. Her decisions, while questioned by Alvie, were made quickly and with purpose.

The characters alone left me in awe. But the overarching story of experimentation, fear, love, and discovery kept me engaged and curious about what came next. I look forward to reading this book again and again as I find even more reasons to love this book.

[Theo · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were a lot of character relationships that felt entirely disconnected, or we didn't know half of the story. Frankly, this wasn't good enough to continue into this series.

This was my second Elliot read. The previous one was a trauma-filled dark romance polycule, and this one wanted to be lighter until the main character Naomi spirals into a depression where she's a danger to herself. Honestly, Naomi had so much shit to figure out about herself and was so much younger than Bex and especially Alvaro that they shouldn't have tried to date her. Or you know moved her in. I love my friends, but at some point, Naomi was just hiding in her friend Selena's guest room for months and then a cabin at Bex and Alvaro's? No. Especially Bex and Alvaro barely know her.

For a book centered on a BDSM, it seemed a little light on more than D/s and a little rope. The descriptions of Naomi and Bex eating each other out were extremely hot, and the best scene was when the ladies are on the river.

Overall, I just didn't see the dynamic for Naomi to become more than just an occasional play partner.

[Bec Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Bound, we embark on the journey of Nay, a PhD student's slow introduction into the kink world and polyamory. Enter Bex and Alvie, expert kinksters who take Nay under their wings... And their sheets.

Holy moly y'all.
I've been anticipating this series for a while, but I was not prepared for just how sweet, relatable, and spicy this book would be. Shannon Elliot's debut into the Playground Club Series is a five star introduction to a kink club and the wondrous world tied into the Angels and Devils duet, and Heel with a few of our favorites making surprise appearances.

Listen. I'm a monogamous, mostly straight woman, and I identified so much with the characters in the story. From Nay's struggle with mental health, Bex's internalized self doubt, and Alvie's relationship reluctance, I was hooked from page one and bleeding from the heart by the end. Not to worry though, this is an HEA and a standalone despite being part of an ongoing series.

[MarissaIsBooked · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you like a deep emotional journey to go along with your spicy, kinky romances? If so, Shannon Elliot is definitely the author for you.

Naomi is a PhD student and feeling a little lost. When her best friend introduces her to The Playground Club and the world of kink, she meets Alvie and Bex, a couple who she’s immediately drawn to.

I knew this would spicy and kinky, but I didn’t expect it to be as sweet and emotional as it was. I loved seeing Naomi, Bex and Alvie navigate through kink, polyamory, and the different parts of their lives. This book places such an emphasis on healthy communication, trust, and openness.

I’ve read Heel and now Bound by the author, and will be starting the Descent into Darkness duet (a complete duet!) IMMEDIATELY.

Highlights:
- FFM
- Sex club
- BDSM/K!nk🪢
- Poly throuple
- Swingers
- Bisexual FMCs
- Age gap
- Silver Fox Cowboy

4.5⭐️
3🌶️

Note: I received an ARC from the author. Decision to read/review was my own. Opinion is my own.

[tina maisonette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew… Bound absolutely ROPE-D me in—pun intended. 😏
Naomi’s journey was raw, real, and so damn relatable. She starts out so unsure of herself—our shy little PhD queen tucked away in her books—but when that Zoom call hit? BABY, she got pulled into the deep end of kink and self-discovery real quick. And I was so here for it. 👀🔥

The Playground Club is NOT playing around. Bex and Alvaro Silva? Let’s just say I would also risk it all on a Zoom call for them. 😮‍💨 The chemistry, the guidance, the sheer seductive power of this world? UNMATCHED.

This book gave me:
✅ FFM spice that sizzled on every page
✅ Emotional vulnerability
✅ Polyamory done right
✅ That slow surrender into pleasure and power

I loved watching Naomi bloom. Watching her claim her confidence and pleasure was powerful—and HOT.
If you love bisexual ménage, emotional heat, and a story where kink and love thrive side by side, then sis, Bound needs to be in your hands ASAP. 💦📖

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite Shannon Elliot book so far! I've read two others, as of today. This book has so many good things! Here's your bullet point list:

🪢BDSM/Kink/Sex Club (mostly rope and impact play)
🦄 Couple + Unicorn
👯 WLW (curvy WMCs)
🤠 Cowboy MMC
🩹 Trauma Healing
📚Standalone, Interconnected to a series

I've been looking forward to this book since Devil In The Dark came out, and I'm thrilled to say that this exceeded my expectations. Bex, Naomi, and Alvie had so much chemistry. They felt right. The quality of instant love versus developing love was written in a way that was so believable. Alvie is an exceptionally patient man, and I absolutely adore how he loved his women. This book handled mental health issues so well. Even if you haven't read Angels or Devil in the Dark, this book can standalone, and it would do that quite well.

Shannon Elliot grabs 'unconventional' by the horns and she does it skillfully.

ARC Review: I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Michell'e Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow just wow.

This is the epitome of a tear jerker. If you're on antidepressants, make sure you take them first. Seriously pulls on some strings.

Naomi is a PhD seeking young lady. That has mental problems due outside and internal forces. Her best friend talks her into coming down to the playhouse where she ends up meeting her people, tribe, & family.

The writing is awesome. I like the books I read to have the full spectrum and this hit it. Great sex scenes that make you wet, emotional upheaval that makes you cry and it makes you laugh. I laughed sometimes with tears in my eyes, but I laughed. There were characters that I wanted to slap and then others I wanted to hug. I even screamed at the book once or twice so that hit my full spectrum of what I like in a book so I have to highly recommend it.

[Whitney Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave the book 4 stars ⭐️ : it is a quick read and features a poly/ FFM relationship. I love the representation of curvy female main characters. It is a peek into the world of kink and alternative lifestyles. I appreciate the look at topics that don’t often get covered in main stream books like swinging, poly, FFM, and BDSM in a non “you’re my slave and you live in a dungeon now” type way. The emotional low of the book was really jarring and didn’t feel authentic to how stuff happens in real life enough to flow well with the rest of the story but overall I enjoyed the story.

Spice level - 🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
Warning- Read trigger warning before reading as trauma and suicidal ideation is discussed

ARC- I received an advanced ARC copy for my honest review

[Tishana Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound was such a good book! I really enjoyed the storyline and how every individual relationship/character was portrayed. I loved that it really went into kinks, BDSM and polyamory. There were a lot of kinks mentioned through the story that I personally wasn’t aware of so it was nice to really learn more in depth about other kinks and BDSM on a refreshing term. A lot of my dark romance reads focus on MM/MF/MMF relationships, it was nice to see an FF be displayed and shown through the book! Shannon did an amazing job with shining a light on each relationship throughout the book and allowing amazing character development! And the spice was SPICYYYYY!!! It was one of my favorite reads this month and I will be going down a rabbit hole of all her past and future books!

[Danielle Joyner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great read! I love the aspect of the book being about a poly relationship! And for the main part it is most about the one FMC learning who she is as a person and learning what her likes and dislikes are in a relationship. The couple, shows a great dynamic of how a ‘open’ relationship works. You see the ups and downs, the twists and turns, and I feel like you grow with the characters as you read. Spice level was good but not super out there so that was nice. Coming from someone thag reads so much dark romance, this book was a great way to get spice but also get more of a relationship building dynamic! It is an amazing read and will definitely re-read to gain those butterfly feelings again!

[Brandi Augustine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great first read

This is the first book I've read by Shannon Elliot but I have been promoting like crazy on my socials and couldn't wait to read.

This book has some really spicy scenes, you didn't need a lot because the ones there was were written so well. I loved reading a book with plus sized females in it. You don't find a lot and this one has it and is good. This book is about a throuple and Bex and Alvaro are married. Naomi is a PhD student who went with her best friend to a BDSM club for her best friend's engagement party.

She ends up meeting Brx and Alvaro at the party and they are drawn together.

I don't wants to give anything away buy know that there is learning from all of them that needs to be done. Read this so you can see if they overcome everything.

[Vickie Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a BDSM that is FFM, the characters are: Bex, Naomi and Alvie. Naomi is completely new to BDSM and Bex and Alvie are married and been in the lifestyle for over a decade. Naomi is a PHD student abs struggles to get a desertion topic approved by her advisor. Naomi and Bex start a romantic relationship and Alvie is a little jealous but he has also developed some feelings for Naomi. Alvie gets hurt and when Naomi gets to the hospital Bex tells her to leave and the only thing that was between them was some fun. Left Naomi heart broken and Alvie not sure how he feels when he wakes up and was told that she was there and sent away. He takes matters into his own hands and reaches out to Naomi to get their friendship back.

[horizon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Inconsistent

this book was pretty alright up until the exact moment the third act breakup occurred :/ it came so wildly out of nowhere that it completely put me off the rest of the book and i really had to push to finish it. it wasn’t foreshadowed well, it didn’t make sense with the characters as we had seen them so far, and it was tied up in a way that didn’t seem to make a whole lot of sense. there are other character inconsistencies throughout, but the third act breakup was really where the book dropped the ball. i think this book would be served really well with just better tonal messaging surrounding the oncoming third act breakup, i just think the characters don’t make a ton of sense from there on.

[mistylovesbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whew! That was some spice! I rarely see sapphic scenes and boy did they deliver!
Bex, Naomi, and Alvie are all trying to find their way through becoming a throuple. There is some miscommunication and angst that needs to be worked through but they all learn together. Alvie is thee most patient and understanding man ever and I love that about him. Bex is exuberant and just kinda takes life by the horns. And Naomi is a bit timid and trying to find herself yet somehow they all fit together.

Thank you Shannon for allowing me to arc read for you.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read a book by this author but she did not disappoint! The steamy scenes were incredible....I just wish there were more scenes at "The Playground"! The book included various BDSM elements and was centered around a poly FFM relationship. I also liked that the male character was open about his communication struggles due to autism. The number of individuals with autism is astounding and more neurodivergent characters are needed in fiction/romance novels. Overall this was a great book!

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Going into this I was expecting high spice and man did it deliver, even the first play with the main characters, in which nothing sexual technically occurred got me blushing and squirming like crazy. What I did not expect was the depth of these three characters, with different personalities, baggage and boundaries. I loved how they grew, reacted, made mistakes, it felt so real. The only thing that bugged me was that it was mostly about Naomie, I wish we would have gotten to see her support her partners more like I kown the characters can.

[Reading.With.Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like BDSM and FFM romance this is for you. I was hooker form the starter I couldn’t put it down. We meet Naomi, Bex, and Alvaro. Naomi best friend engagement party is being held at The Playground Club which is a private sex club. As a requirement she is join 101 BDSM class to be able to go to the party. Bex and Alvaro are a married couple and members of the club. Bex has an instant attraction to Naomi. Will their attraction and fun be a long term or just a fling? How does Alvaro fit in this situation will there be something more between all three?

[Natalie (Novels__&__Needles) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as an ARC in return for my honest review.

🖤 Kink life
🖤 Polyamory
🖤 Bisexual representation
🖤 Curvy FMCs x Cowboy MMC

This was my first book from Shannon and holy shit balls…..I absolutely loved it. I flew through this book like nobody’s business, it was almost embarrassing how fast I read it 😂

I definitely need to go back and read the first book now and then just sit whilst swinging my legs patiently waiting for whatever is next to come.

[Alexis Montes · Rating 4 out of 5]

“ Is that who I am now? Someone living a nontraditional lifestyle. “ - Naomi
.
.
4/5 🌟 3/5 🌶️
-Polyamory
-Age Gap
-BD$M/k!nk
.
.
This is my first book from the author and was not disappointed at all ! It is eye opening and follows a dynamic in the lifestyle. You can’t help but fall in love with the characters. The friendships and support they each have is swoon worthy. The spice scenes were soooo good. Love how the characters and relationship kept developing.

[Hana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book and lot- my first by the author. Story flowed well overall and was enthralled by it.

Some scenes i felt were lacking and the character development couldve been more. I get frustrated when there's talk about a toy or something being used as the spice starts and then it doesn't get used or its not prominent- which happened more than once.

But overall my attention was captured and I was excited to keep picking up the book.