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Playgrounds #1

The Words to Bind

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FROM EXCITING ROMANCE AUTHOR P. STORMCROW

Book one in The Playgrounds series

It all started with a munch, a meetup for the kink-minded. How was Luna supposed to know that it would change her life forever?

A munch.

A play party.

A Dom that sets her passion aflame.

After a string of failed vanilla relationships leaves her feeling unfilled, Luna Weir decides to give the fetish scene one last shot. But with her one and only experience as a submissive leaving much to be desired, she has little hope that the lifestyle is her answer. So when she gives the local scene one final try in the form of a casual meetup for the kink-minded, the last thing she expects is to be pulled back into the world of ropes and commands.

But that is precisely where she meets Jacob Dakota—Mr. Tall, Dark and entirely Dominant. The experienced Dom commands respect from other Dominants and desire from the subs in the community who frequent The Playgrounds, a local fetish club. And when Jacob takes her under his wing, Luna senses he wants something more beyond the careful words and veiled glances.

Now she must figure out whether her feelings for Jacob are enough for her to take a leap of faith and relinquish control. Because a simple yes will bind her to him, heart and soul.

325 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 26, 2020

6 people are currently reading
105 people want to read

About the author

P. Stormcrow

25 books300 followers
P. Stormcrow grew up with a love for love and somehow that turned into authoring contemporary and paranormal BDSM romances. Fierce women and sensitive men fill her stories while she examines social norms and challenges conventional tropes of the genre through her craft. She is the recipient of the 2021 inaugural Good Sex Awards in the category of Erotic Touch. Born in Hong Kong and raised in Canada, she enjoys writing about both cultures.

In addition to being an author, she is also a techie, a graphic designer, a mother, a lover, a fighter and a little bit of everything else in between. When she's not typing away madly on her phone and running into poles, she enjoys copious amounts of tea, way too many sugary treats and as many sci-fi / fantasy / paranormal TV shows as she can sneak in time to watch.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Karen_Lee_Reads.
1,293 reviews46 followers
January 9, 2021
The Words to Bind
(Playgrounds #1)
Written by: P. Stormcrow

Author P. Stormcrow draws readers into this story with words that make you a part of it all. As you read each page you realize that you are investing in each character.

When we first meet Luna she is at a sexual crossroads. Having had a bad encounter with a Dom, that didn’t work out left her confused. Vanilla relationships don’t work for her so she dips her toes back in the BDSM waters.

She chooses different way to meet people, attending a more social meet of a group of people who are already in the lifestyle. Luckily for her, the people at the meet are very accepting of her and several of them are willing to take her under their wing and support and befriend her as they help her in understanding the BDSM world she is exploring.

She is invited to a private party and there she is introduced to Jacob, a DOM who has been asked to keep an eye on her and that he does. It’s like a small magnetic string is already bringing them together and this sets the stage for this story.

As you read, it’s not just Luna and Jacob you become attached to, it is all the characters that surround her in this her journey. The camaraderie, the laughs and the friendships that are formed between Luna and Lina, August and others feel real.

Jacob is so very protective of Luna, which of course he should be, as a DOM it is his job, as I said there is that connection that makes you wonder, will they just be DOM and sub or will it become more.

The sexual tension between Luna and Jacob is so combustible and when they finally have their first scene, it’s like fireworks exploding. The author gives readers humor, well explained information about BDSM, growing friendships and tragedy.

Stormcrow’s writing ebbs and flows and takes the reader on this wonderful journey. She allows you to form feelings for the characters, to experience Luna’s entry into the BDSM lifestyle with positivity and when tragedy does occur your can not help but feel as one with the characters.

After finishing this book, I know that my next purchase is going to be book two, because I have to know what has happened and how these friends are fairing.
Profile Image for Amy Reierson.
1,341 reviews19 followers
April 22, 2020
When writing a review especially for a book I really enjoy like this I wish I was a professional writer. So I could better express how I feel about this book. The characters are all amazing from the main characters who's shy playful nature makes not liking her impossible. The all important support characters who help our main female character discover who she is, range from ridiculously boistorus, to the friend who gives it to you straight and of course the one who always holds your hand. Last but far from least the male lead is one of my new favorite new book boyfriends. He's pretty much perfect he cooks, he bakes, he cleans and he's beautiful. Most important he's caring, accepting, patient and protective.
I will definitely be recommending this book to everyone. Also anxiously waiting for the next in the series.

ARC Reader
Profile Image for Stacie.
12 reviews3 followers
May 21, 2020
I didn’t want to put this book down, it’s so great! It’s a very thoughtful look at a woman exploring the D/s world. This sexy, kinky story also highlights Luna’s journey of self discovery. I enjoyed how it delved into dominant and submissive personalities. The author conveyed what a healthy D/s relationship can look like. P. Stormcrow, thanks for the great read!
Profile Image for Rachel.
1,279 reviews11 followers
September 18, 2024
Disclaimer: ARC provided in exchange for a review.

I've read a lot of books that fall into the BDSM category or D/s. This book was like nothing I've ever read before. Instead of jumping straight into the lifestyle, this story is Luna's journey through self discovery and deciding if she wants to continue with unfulfilling vanilla relationships, or if she's ready to explore the lifestyle that fascinates and calls to her. Luna's journey is slow and weighted as she determines what is best for her and seeks a relationship that will fulfill her. Jacob is patient and attentive and does everything he can to help Luna on her journey without swaying her. This book is very light in terms of BDSM scenes, but is instead a wonderful introduction for readers who may be new to the subject and even those who are familiar with the subject matter. The story is a unique glimpse into the decisions and exploration that Luna goes through on her journey into the lifestyle. One of my favorite parts was a Shibari demonstration. Ropes are somewhat difficult to describe because they are intricate, but P. Stormcrow did a phenomenal job of clearly creating beautiful shibari scenes that are easy to illustrate within the mind.

The characters were beautifully written and were strong and likable. I'm looking forward to reading more from The Playgrounds.
Profile Image for Christine Rains.
Author 57 books244 followers
April 22, 2020
Luna Weir steps her toes back into the kink-minded community that had scarred her and is surprised by the kind-hearted folks who take her under their wing. Her natural submissive nature attracts many eyes, but particularly that of the sexy and dominant Jacob. He's an experienced Dom who wants to give her the space to explore and figure things out, but he's finding it hard to restrain himself with her. Will Luna give herself over the lifestyle and to Jacob wholly or will her fears have her scamper away from what she truly desires?

This is an extremely well-written slow burn romance with a kinky edge. It explores the feelings of an intelligent woman and her desire to be submissive and all the implications that go with the BDSM lifestyle. We get deep into Luna's head and heart. We also get to see into Jacob's mind, the protective and caring Dom. The tension between them is intense and there are plenty of steamy scenes. The whole cast of characters are many layered and made the story even more enjoyable. It pulled at my heartstrings and made me squirm in my seat as I fanned myself. The perfect read for fans of kinky romances and erotica.
Profile Image for Night Owl Book Blog.
197 reviews8 followers
May 19, 2020
The Words to Bind is the story of Luna Weir and her exploration to find herself both sexually and emotionally. Wanting more than a regular “vanilla” relationship but also wary due to a past experience Luna decides to attend a munch (BDSM get together in a non play setting) to see if the BDSM life is really what she is looking for. Meeting like minded people who respect each other and the lifestyle could make all the difference to Luna. Then Luna meets Jacob, a very intriguing and very hot Dom. I really loved this book and P. Stormcrow has created a very authentic and welcoming BDSM community at The Playgrounds. Luna and Jacob have a magnetism between them that is just beautiful to watch unfold. Jacob is always respectful and very careful not to rush Luna into anything she is not ready for....but when she is .... holy hotness ensues. The side characters are all so fantastic too and there is a tear jerker of an event that you won’t see coming. All in all this book is wonderful it shows the members of The Playgrounds as a close knit community ... really more like the family you want to have. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
Highly recommended.
4,624 reviews
August 16, 2020
Luna had a bad experience in the BDSM world and since then been in a string of failed vanilla relationships that left her unfulfilled so enough is enough and she goes to a munch to see if she should give it a try once again. Jacob is an experienced Dom who's patient, caring, protective of her, and takes her under his wing.

This was a well-written discovery and journey of the Dom/Sub scene that doesn't rush things, wets your toes into the world but it's not necessarily over the top.

Certainly, a must pick read with likable characters, a gripping tale, with enough steam to fog your screen, a somewhat everyday Joe and Jane living the style and dealing with outsiders (stereotypes), and finding a romantic relationship with the right person.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jen ODonnell.
236 reviews7 followers
April 29, 2020
I am an avid reader of BDSM/ Dominant/Submissive Novels. I loved this amazing story from the beginning. Luna a Submissive and Jacob a Dominant, this is their story. Can two people find love and fulfillment in each other? Will she open her heart and find the one Dominant who can complete her? I love the chemistry between Luna and Jacob. You will love all of the other characters, who will make you laugh, cry, and just want to be friends with. The title says everything. The Words To Bind is sexy, mesmerizing, touching, and you will not be able to put it down. This is the second book of P. Stormcrow that I have read and I cannot say enough about her writing and can't wait for Book 2 of The Playgrounds. A must, must, must captivating and breath-taking read.

Received an ARC
Profile Image for Lynn Stifle.
3,807 reviews68 followers
May 24, 2020
This is an amazing story. This story follows Luna as she discovers if she’s ready to dip her toes back into the lifestyle or if she wants to continue with relationships that have left her unfulfilled. Her being a submissive attracts the attention of Jacob. Jacob is an experienced and hot Dom. Jacob is patient and wants to give her the time she needs to figure things out on her own. I loved Luna and Jacob, their interactions and the chemistry between them is palpable. This book is amazingly written, with well written characters and the side characters were all a wonderful part of the story. I can’t wait for the next book in this series and definitely recommend you read it for yourself, you won’t be disappointed.
Profile Image for Darcy.
1,679 reviews9 followers
August 2, 2020
I liked Luna's slow and thoughtful approach to her entering the kink world. However, at times, it made the story a little too slow. Jacob was too controlled in his feelings for Luna. I liked how he didn't try to push her into something she wasn't ready for, but there didn't seem to be any passion or heat. The story itself was great with respect to the friendships Luna made along the way to her self discovery. It showed the differences where a male can give up control and still be masculine and the strength in women. The ending is frustrating as it was more HFN than a HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kbsblogging and reviews .
360 reviews16 followers
May 28, 2020
The words to bind by p. Stormcrow.
This is the first book I've read by this author and was a great read considering I don't read 3rd pov. I'm glad I took the chance and devoured it in one sitting.
Luna weir is fed up with her vanilla life style and want explore a new sexual life style through the world of bdsm both sexually and emotionally. Through the bdsm world
She meets a man called Jacob who help her explore such fantasies.
This turned out to be the best thing she experienced. Jacob is one hot dom.
Cant wait to read p. Stormcrow next installment.
I highly recommend this book.
3,552 reviews51 followers
August 1, 2020
This was a keep reading, ignore the family, get no sleep type of book! I could not put this book down as the story was riveting from the first page to the last. The chemistry between Luna and Jacob was smoking hot and their steamy scenes are enough to melt your panties right off. The story line and emotions generated by this novel was spot-on as I laugh, cried and felt my heart ache and melt at various times. this is a book you will want to read and add to your library!

I received a free advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Lorely Gonzalez.
164 reviews1 follower
August 4, 2020
A steamy BDSM Journey.Luna joins a BDSM Club called The Playgrounds, where people are free to express their all of their Desires. She meets with Jacob, an experienced Dominant is instantly intrigued.by her at first sight. He wants to show her the lifestyle and her true desires. You love this story I'd you love a alpha passionate male who wants to protect his love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sharon.
4,152 reviews31 followers
August 14, 2020
This is my first time reading anything by this author and I liked this book and her writing style. Although the story is concentrating on Luna and Jacob there are some well written secondary characters also. I enjoyed the plot, how it was written and the depth of the characters. It’s an enjoyable story to read with drama, emotions and steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sarah.
575 reviews10 followers
May 28, 2020
This story is about Luna’s journey of finding herself, while looking to explore the bdsm lifestyle. While on this journey of self discovery, she makes friends, who soon become more like family. This story is beautifully written and will leave you with all the emotions, from laughter to tears. I highly recommend this as a must read, and cannot wait for the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Virginia Lee.
2,452 reviews35 followers
June 22, 2020
#BRVLREVIEW #5Stars
Virginia Lee Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book draws you in from the very first page. the slow and wanted need that Jacob is finding himself in wanting Luna. We see the buildup of Sub with her perfect Dom that will take her flying.
If you want to read a very beautifully written Dom/Sub book, then you will fall in love with the kinky book today.

10.7k reviews126 followers
August 13, 2020
This is the 2nd book I've read written by P. Stormcrow; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Gina Bonilla.
18 reviews
July 25, 2020
I just finished this book! I love it from the beginning to the end. How Luna is trying to find herself and Jacob trying to protect her. Just amazing.

I have read some BDSM books and this one I do recommend it is an amazing story and your going to enjoy it very much!
Profile Image for Deb.
7,509 reviews35 followers
August 15, 2020
A venture into an intriguing world. She is hesitant yet yearns for something. He was perfect as her guide. I loved this story which brings the BDSM into focus in a lovely and beautiful way. Nicely done.
Profile Image for Books A-Brewin'.
416 reviews35 followers
October 11, 2022


Luna is new to the BDSM community. She has had a few experiences but they weren't the best. However, she decided to give it one more shot before she threw in the towel and resigned herself to a life of dissatisfying sex. She attends a munch and joins a community of like-minded individuals that are more than willing to help her along as she learns the ins and outs of BDSM. Along the way she comes face-to-face with an attractive dungeon monitor/trainer named Jacob. From the moment she lays eyes on him she can't fight her desire to have him as her Dom. However, the ghosts of Luna's past threaten to make it a bit more difficult for her. Skittish and green she befriends other community members and forces herself to push past her reservations to see whether her role as a natural submissive is what she truly desires.

Luna was delightful as a character. While the mousy characters are usually a huge cringe-fest for me, Luna was able to be shy without making it so that it was unnatural. She had her own way of opening up and being herself and I found a lot of similarities between my own personality and hers. I loved every facet of her character even down to the fact that she was honest to a fault. I detest liars and lying. All-in-all, Luna was a breath of fresh air that was long overdue for me.

Jacob, I had wished was a bit more developed. While Luna was very firm in her creation, Jacob was a bit lackluster. Don't get me wrong. I loved him as the male protagonist. I just wish there was a bit more substance to him than just being a dungeon monitoring submissive trainer. A bit more of his background would have probably solidified him a bit more. That being said, he was no Christian Gray. He was respectful, always requested consent, and stern when he had to be but with a light tone that bother brokered no argument but also seemed to have an air of request rather than demand. He was a stellar Dominant.

I am also as green as Luna is in the BDSM community. I can recognize her skittish disposition and reservations as a lot of the same I do. I have a friend who is a Dom who I discussed the book with after completing it and he also confirmed just how accurate and well depicted the community is as a whole. I have also had a fear that since I am inexperienced that I would be seen in a negative light within the community. But this book made me feel like that couldn't be further from the truth. This is the book that deserves all the hype that 50 Shades got. It's informative while also maintaining that fantasy love story that everyone hopes to have.

If you are curious about the real world of the BDSM community, I would suggest reading this book over any other you may find saturating the market. The author weaves a world of fantasy straight out of real life and will leave you panting for more.

Profile Image for Dee Rasha.
Author 6 books6 followers
November 15, 2022
A book that does the BDSM community justice... a very rare specimen among stories in that regard.
I loved everything about this book. Luna's exploration of her own needs and desires. The nonexistent pressure on her persona. The fact this tale gives a window into the BDSM community while showing it's much much more than just whips and hooks. The beauty of dom/sub dynamics without the need of throwing pain in your face.
It was a masterpiece of introducing this world in my opinion.

I listened to it as an audiobook, so I also have to mention that the narrators did amazingly. Viola Lorde made all the erotica parts even more sensual and they both complimented Luna and Jacob.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves real BDSM, erotic romance, and good writing.
Profile Image for Latty Tesoro.
183 reviews11 followers
May 14, 2022
Let me first off by saying my review is solely based on my own thoughts as a reader and not that of a professional.

To be honest, the best way to describe The Words To Bind is vanilla sweet, and my official rating is a 3.5/5 but it has enough content and a steady pace to round it to a 4. Even at the very end I was still waiting for the EROTICA/DOM/SUB. Sure, I wouldn't say Luna and Jacob were having regular intimacy but compared to what knowledge I know and based on novels in the genre the elements I mentioned were severely lacking then again I'm no professional but yeah, it fell short of the kink and hype I expected in the bedroom and the playground so to speak but that's just my personal preference.

Speaking of which, for a Dom I needed Jacob to be a tad more manly and aggressive, I love him but at times I wished he would talk dirty and let me blush just from reading. As for Luna, she was too meek for my liking and not that of the fierce woman she should've been, again that's just me. Another peeve, more action, and sexy and less info-dumping, nothing but a distraction for me.

Regardless of my peeves, the story has a sweet taste to it and some moments live rent-free in my memory such as: “August had never visited her apartment. Why had she never invited him over? Cooked him a nice meal to show her appreciation? Maybe she’d thought there was time. There wasn’t.”

I felt that and that's also one of the things I liked about this story, its sensuality.

Overall, The Words To Bind has good storytelling, the title fitting the story, and a decent pace, and nevertheless, I would recommend it to anyone who loves a fluffy romance.

Profile Image for Deana Birch.
Author 16 books153 followers
March 7, 2021
There are a lot of things to appreciate about The Words to Bind. It manages to be a slow-burn but have just the right amount of steamy scenes. The book is very well-written and it focuses more on the discovery phase of a D/s relationship rather than jumping right into hot and heavy scenes.
Luna is unsure if she's willing to give the D/s lifestyle another chance after being ghosted by her last Dom. But she finds an incredibly supportive community at The Playgrounds and a potential new trainer in Jacob. Jacob demonstrates the characteristics of a trustworthy Dom, he is patient and caring. He's more concerned about Luna than himself.
With all the BDSM books out there, The Words to Bind stands out by showing the lifestyle as a community of caring people and the importance of taking time to consider entering it. This was a refreshing perspective and I really enjoyed reading Luna's journey from doubt to confidence.
Profile Image for Emily Hurricane.
Author 27 books128 followers
January 27, 2022
This book is nothing short of beautiful. It’s a stunning tale of a woman trying to find her place in the world, but also find herself and come to terms with her own needs and desires and worth. She has a lot to navigate and with the help of new friends and a patient and level-headed man who is just SWOONWORTHY, she’s able to become the person she deserves to be.

All of the steamy scenes are so visceral, in typical Stormcrow fashion. While the plot and characters are thought-provoking and interesting, the spicy scenes weave in so beautifully to the narrative without overpowering or jarring out of the main story. It’s an emotional rollercoaster and also incredibly hot at the same time, and I can’t recommend this book enough!

It's so refreshing to see a bdsm romance that focuses so much on pleasure and consent with a healthy view of the lifestyle. I can’t wait to read the sequel!
Profile Image for Maggie.
Author 26 books325 followers
June 3, 2022
This is exactly what I love erotic romance to be—growing through sexual exploration. And the author more than delivers.

Luna is unsure where she fits… sexually and emotionally. Vanilla relationships do nothing for her, but she’s very leery of BDSM because of a previous bad experience. However, her low sex drive (she’s not happy about), and her loss of where she belongs in the world, coupled by her sexual core pushing her, compels Luna to try BDSM one more time, so she attends another “scene” but only as an observer.

I really loved the crossroads Luna’s at. With her job, she’s confident, but on a personal level, she’s lost. She also possesses many fears, the biggest one being loss. These issues are tackled in the novel through a wonderful Dom named Jacob, who also trains subs.

Read more here: https://wp.me/p12iNR-7yY
Profile Image for Dasha.
322 reviews
March 4, 2021
Luna has been living the vanilla lifestyle, due to a bad experience with BDSM, but she wants to dip her toes in the water again. She decides to go to The Playgrounds and see what happens. After an embarrassing entrance to the Playgrounds, she meets Jacob. The two hit it off and developed a friendship. The rest of the story follows Luna's exploration of the lifestyle and her development of new friendships that she needs to help her make a decision if the lifestyle is right for her. The story is not without love, tragedy, and major tensions between Luna and Jacob. I enjoyed it and recommend it for anyone who might be interested. Thank you Pixie, for the giving me the chance to read it!
90 reviews5 followers
May 24, 2021
Surrender

This is my first book by P. Stormcrow! I was surprised that I found this book exhilarating and the storyline was easy to follow. This story walks you through a Dom taking on a Sub. It is NOT your normal BDSM. I enjoyed learning about BDSM without all the details involved. This is the first book that made me cry. I love the "family" with all the Doms and Subs. They are a tight bunch of friends that makes your heart soar!! When tragedy hits; your heart breaks. This is a great story about Jacob and Luna.
Profile Image for Katie.
711 reviews19 followers
October 18, 2020
3.25 stars

This was a good read.I he writing style flowed well and was easy to read. I enjoyed watching the slow burn relationship develop between Jacob and Luna. The sub / dom relationship wasn't as intense as other books but I enjoyed the change of pace.

This was easily a 4 star book until the final few chapters. That was a cheap ending for one of the characters and a glossed over recovery for those affected. Well, except for Cassie. That might be resolved in the next books?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
200 reviews2 followers
February 16, 2021
This is my first book by this author. I found her through another author friend. Let me just say...I'm so so happy I read this book! Luna reminds me so so much of myself. She has a past and is very hesitant in entering lifestyle. She is very self conscious but determined and motivated. Her journey into the lifestyle is fun and hot and tearful. Wait until you meet Jacob! He's gorgeous and sweet and cocky and also a dungeon monitor! I cannot wait to read more of P. Stormcrow!
Profile Image for Lisa Pichner.
232 reviews8 followers
February 16, 2021
Phenomenal hot and steamy read

P. Stormcrow is a phenomenal writer.
This book is BDSM read, it's nothing like FSOG this was so much more. This read is full of hot and steamy situations and I absolutely love Luna and Jacob's chemistry.
I highly recommend this book it is truly a phenomenal read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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