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Bound by Your Love #2

Bittersweet Deceit

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Lainie is a thirty year old, full-figured woman entrenched in a love affair with a married man. Although Lainie loves Mason desperately, she vows never to say those three little words while he remains with his wife.

Stayman, an enigma in Lainie’s close-knit group of friends, has been circling her with interest, trying to garner her attention. When circumstances make it clear who’s blocking his way—Mason—Stay goes full-court press in pursuit of Lainie.

Lainie doesn’t see Stay as relationship potential because she is blinded by her love for Mason. However, the more she learns about Stay, the more she comes to realize she never really knew him in the first place.

An unexplainable mystical connection evolves between Lainie and Stay and she has to choose between a man she so hopelessly loves and a man who offers her everything she needs.

370 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 30, 2014

19 people are currently reading
1213 people want to read

About the author

Blakely Bennett

12 books513 followers
I've decided to no longer be active on Goodreads. I would love for you to find me elsewhere. Thanks!

Author of captivating, sexy, emotion-driven stories.

MY WEBSITE: http://www.blakelybennett.com/

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5 stars
185 (42%)
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134 (30%)
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74 (17%)
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24 (5%)
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16 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
Profile Image for P.J. Fiala.
Author 69 books825 followers
August 19, 2014
Wow! Great Book!

Lainie is close to thirty, owns her own clothing boutique and is in love with a married man, who has told her he will not leave his wife, he will not shuffle his children back and forth.

Mason is the super sexy, married man Lainie can't say no to.

Spending her life waiting for Mason to call and dropping everything, including plans with friends and family to be with him has become her life. Is it enough? There isn't a future with a married man. No children, no dinners out, nothing.

Stayman is a friend and part of a close-knit group of friends Lainie considers her second family. Lainie hasn't noticed Stayman, but he has noticed her.

As Lainie and Stayman's friendship grows, and Lainie hits rock bottom, she has a decision to make; stay with a married man with no future or explore a relationship with Stayman and have a chance at a truly happy life.

Lainie's gut wrenching decisions made me mad, sad and happy.

Blakely's writing made me feel like I was living this story. Her descriptions are vivid and real, her timing is believable. This story is different from the norm. Who would you fall in love with, Mason or Stayman?

Profile Image for Ann Pankhurst.
7 reviews
June 23, 2014
Yet another awesome story about love, relationships, HOT SEX, friendship and family by the incredibly talented Author Blakely Bennett.
Bittersweet Deceit is the second book in The Bound by Your Love series and although I loved the first one Stuck in Between, Bittersweet Deceit is my favourite of the two. This story is about Lainie, who is having an affair with Mason, an older married man whom she is hopelessly in love with but won't say it until he is hers. Mason although he says he loves her won't leave his wife because of hurting his children. I could easily see why Lainie fell for Mason, he is sexy, handsome, charming, charismatic, imaginative and very hot. I connected with Lainie the main character right from the start and felt all of her doubts and pain about being with a married man.
Then there is Stay, who is from her circle of close friends, ( I love, love, love Stay) he is also very sexy, hot and funny and has liked Lainie for a long time but knew she was in a relationship though not who with, so he hadn't acted on his feelings for her. Once Stay knows about Mason he declares that he is going all out to win Lainie.
I love the connection between Stay and Lainie though he is a little vulnerable himself, he clearly cares about her and loves her.
Who will Lainie choose? Stay who offers her everything she could want in a relationship or Mason who though she loves him, she will never completely have.
Once again Blakely manages to make you feel all of the passion and pain her characters are feeling very real. She also brings in the other characters in the gang of friends who's stories will eventually be told in the future books in this series, so we get a glimpse into their background. I can't wait to find out who's next!
Profile Image for M.W..
1 review1 follower
July 21, 2014
Just wow. I finished Stuck in Between a couple weeks ago and she blew me away with the unique love dynamic with Jacqs, Bond, and Red.

In Bittersweet Deceit, your old friends from Stuck in Between still make an appearance, but this story concentrates on Jacq's friend, Lainie. This author took another very complicated love dynamic, one that is familiar to many people, and really drove the point home in a way we can all relate.

At one point, I found myself wanting to throw my reading device against a wall. You know how things are going to end, and yet you can't scream at a character to wake up and smell the coffee.

What I really, really, really loved was the relationship that developed between Lainie and Stayman in the aftermath. It was like having someone apply first aid to her heart. "Stay" turned out to be strange and unique, but oh-so-amazing. Miss Bennett's books suck you in and you find yourself incapable of pulling back out. She is truly amazing at creating situations that do happen, but aren't common. Another knock it out of the ballpark book, where complicated relationships are concerned.
Profile Image for Nicole Huffman ~ Author Groupies.
290 reviews53 followers
July 26, 2014
What I love about Blakely Bennett is that her books make you look at love and relationships differently and out of the box. Her characters relationships are never easy, heavily complicated, and not your normal book couple relationships. I fell in love with Jacqs, Red Bond and their unconventional relationship in Stuck in Between and I wasn't sure if the next book could compare. BUT Bittersweet Deceit surpassed my expectations and Stay surpassed Red on my Book friend list. I am #TeamStayman.

What I LOVED about this book:

-That Lainie was a real woman with curves and insecurities. She has curves and both of the men in her life love them and help her to realized how beautiful she is and to be comfortable in her own skin. It was great to have a female character I could relate to and it made the story that much better and believable.

-Stay is a BEAST. By far some of the hottest most well written sex scenes I have ever read. Do men like him exist? DO NOT READ THIS BOOK IN FRONT OF OTHERS. you will be fanning yourself and wanting a Stay of your own. SERIOUSLY..O.M.G.

-Usually any form of cheating is my book pet peeve BUT I was okay with it in the story line and it helped to build Lainie into the person she is supposed to be. Also the whole situation was different than most ( you will understand after reading).

There is no cliffhanger and we get a HEA. Each book in the series is about a different couple, so they can be read as standalones, but I recommend reading them in order. We get glimpses into Jacqs, Red, and Bonds relationship and the whole group of friends in the book. They have such different personalities but they all work and are there for each other.
I cannot wait to see who Blue is going to end up with (Bond??) but the next story I am the most excited about is Sams. She has turned her life around and deserves her HEA after all that she has been through. I love this author and her books and I HIGHLY recommend this out of the box, crazy HOT melt your panties series. Go one-click now!!
Profile Image for Serena Kett.
22 reviews9 followers
June 10, 2014
If you liked Blakely Bennett's STUCK IN BETWEEN (#1) then your going to LOVE this. Bittersweet Deceit (Bound by Your Love #2) Is my favourite so far.
I loved the characters especially Stay (mmmmm yum)
The story line was epic, the feelings I got from this book was a real roller coaster of emotions. I could really relate the Lainie's feelings throughout the story.
I laughed and even cried and was turned on too (*whispering)
when a book makes you feel this way you know your on to a winner.
I couldn't put it down but I didn't want it to end either...Just fabulous!
Sorry no spoilers from me I'm afraid ...Just read it for yourself ...you definitely won't be disappointed

Thank you again Blakely Bennett...truly amazing author & friend x
Profile Image for Debbie R.
38 reviews2 followers
July 15, 2014
Oh I am in love with this book!!! Stay is my man ..well in my eyes. Lainie is a girl that has a little bit of meat on her and I love that because you don't see many characters that are in stories. Mason is a guy who in my eyes is just a person who wants his cake and candy at the same time!!! Now that I got my opinions out let me tell you more about this story.

Lainie falls for Mason who is a married man. We can't always tell our hearts who to love so sometimes we follow our hearts instead of our minds. Stay is a friend of Lainie's and hangs out with the group that Lainie does. Stay has always had feelings for Lainie but Lainie doesn't look at him in that way.

In a moment of truth ( actually in quite a few instances ) in my opinion it is Stay who is there for Lainie not Mason. Stay offers Lainie way more than Mason can, including a friendship and more than a few stolen moments here and there that Mason can offer. Stay can take out Lainie to dinner and dates, Mason can't do none of those things. Who will Lainie choose? Does she stay with Mason or will she choose someone who loves her and has loved her with no strings attached? I know who my choice is but who do you think will be Lainie's ? Pick up this book and find out!!!
56 reviews3 followers
June 9, 2014
WOW! Lainie starts a relationship with a married man. When Stayman (I adore) eventually declares his feelings... Lainie's world is up turned. Can she make the right decision? Will Mason leave his wife? Will she choose Stayman? Who will get her heart? If there's one thing I ask.... read Lainie's story. It's a roller coaster of emotions and the sex is unbelievably GOOD!!!
Profile Image for Amber Lynne.
20 reviews1 follower
July 16, 2014
***I was given an advanced review copy of this book***

All I have to say is holy hotness! I didn't think it could get much more steamy than the sexual threesome of Jacqs, Red and Bond....but somehow Blakely Bennett made Lainie and her men (Mason and Stayman "Stay") steamy enough that I didn't need an extra man in the bedroom.

In book #1 of the Bound by Your Love series we meet beautiful Lainie, best friend of Jacqs and clearly holding on to a deep dark sexual secret that she is not ready to talk about. In book #2 we found out that Lainie is having a steamy love affair with Mason, who despite saying he has an awful relationship with his wife, will not divorce her because of the pain it will cause his two younger children. I couldn't believe that Lainie would sell herself short and continue her relationship with a married man...but then I read about their sex life and I was convinced that I would probably deal with his BS too! Mason reminded me of Mr. Big from Sex & the City...smoking hot, knew he was hot, a little cocky, but mostly had an appetite for sex that will never be satisfied. Whenever Mason leaves Lainie always has second thoughts and journals to get out her feelings. I LOVED this aspect of the book, normally we hear the thoughts of a character, but in this case we get more insight into their head because they are writing down their thoughts as well. I think that this was a big part of the reason I felt so connected to Lainie...I could picture myself getting into her situation and be thinking the exact same thoughts.

When all is fair in love & war...is walks Stayman, long time friend of the group and he is determined to show Lainie how she should be treated and what she deserves from love. I am such a sucker for a guy who has swagger, and Stayman definitely has that. He knew what situation Lainie had gotten into, but that didn't stop him from throwing on the charm and trying to win her over. I truly loved everything about his character, he was sweet, spicy, sexy, laid back, but when we got to his sex scenes with Lainie...HOLY EFF was I sold on Stay. It's characters like him that grab you in, take you for a ride and let you never look back and remember who else is around. I loved how he charmed the pants off of Lainie even when she didn't know that she was ready to move on. When trouble in paradise came to a head with Mason, I knew that I would miss his spicy sex scenes...but I didn't even have a chance to recover once Stay took over.

I cannot wait to read more from Blakely, she continues to make the characters relate-able, funny, and sex scenes that will make you need some alone time. Each book that I have read from her I enjoy more and more! If you loved Jacqs' story...you will LOVE Lainie's story!
Profile Image for Kelly Smith Reviews.
256 reviews51 followers
July 15, 2014
I've read a lot of books. Most of the non-paranormal erotica I read is really a heartless book meant to simply indulge a reader's carnal desire. There's no heart and soul. Not so with Blakely Bennett's Bittersweet Deceit novel (the second book in her Bound By Your Love series, following Stuck In Between. You don't have to read Stuck In Between to enjoy Bittersweet Deceit. The backstory is clear.).

We meet Lainie Simmons, the best friend of Jaqs, the protagonist of Stuck In Between, and learn about her hot, sexy affair with a married man. She loves him and he says he loves her, but refuses to leave his wife and kids.
Her friends, especially the handspme and boyish Stayman, think she can do better, but insecure Lainie doesn't want to see it that way.
How many hearts will have to break before she sees the light?

Immediately, we are taken into a steamy sex scene between Lainie and Mason, her married lover. It was better writing in those few pages than in an entire slew of erotica short stories.
As a reader with a build like Lainie's and some of her insecurities, I connected with her quickly. Also, there's a line about wanting someone who doesn't want you the same way. I swear, my heart shattered simply reading that line. Both men in the story, Mason and Stay, are extremely sexy in disparate ways. I know which one I prefer were I to meet them in my real life haha!
It's a story that will melt your heart and wet your panties, to be quite blunt about it! But with all the sordid scenes, there is just as much real emotion between the characters.
A nice subplot is Lainie's evil mother and Stay's kind Granny. It adds a bit of reality to the story.
My favorite thing about it, however? The energy connection that two of the characters have. No one acknowledges, or even believes, in energy connections between two individuals, let alone writes about it.

I loved this book. I will be buying the prequel and the next installment of the series when it's released. But for everyone, but if your heart doesn't go through the wringer from beginning to end...check and make sure you're reading the right book haha!

Excellently written and greatly entertaining.

5/5--a real winner!
Profile Image for Kim Lamb.
5 reviews1 follower
June 18, 2014
Bittersweet Deceit, my addiction. The author sucks you in quickly, keeps you hoping for more. She does not disappoint with the erotic scenery painted in her words. Lainie and Mason create interesting storyline, and then there's Stay.... Love, love, love the book! Can't wait for the next one to come out, and wondering which one out of the group will be portrayed!!! No spoilers, you MUST read it yourself! I guarantee that you will struggle to put the book down!!! Way to go, Blakely Bennett! Another home run out of the park!
Profile Image for Raina Cramer.
104 reviews2 followers
July 30, 2014
Once again a perfect book! I love how well written it is and the songs that go with it are a perfect match! I'm never disappointed with her books. My fiancé is 32 yrs old never read a book and looked at me crazy when I would talk about my books I'm reading. He decided to read this and finished before me!
You know it's a good book if a man who isn't into reading can't stop reading it and wants more. Now he knows why I get so excited about my books lol. He's having a book hangover loool I haven't told him that, but now he's looking for anything similar to this, he really only wants to read her books. I never in a million years thought he would be reading! this book made that happen.
Great story and I can't wait for the third!
Profile Image for Julie C.
60 reviews1 follower
June 6, 2014
This is an amazing story about a girl in love. Mason is a married man, but Lainie just can't tell him No. Stay is persistent and won't take No for an answer. So what is a girl to do? Who is deceiving who?
This is a must read for 2014. The storyline is simple but amazing. The characters are nicely written and flow really well. Another awesome book by the author Blakely Bennett.
Profile Image for Tami czenkus.
1,551 reviews24 followers
July 10, 2014
Blakely Bennett knows how to Grab you and pull every emotion from you while enthralled with reading her work.
Blakely is not afraid to write about "taboo" situations and make come to life like no other author i have read before.
Bittersweet Deceit features Lainie, Mason, and Stay (Swoon)Lainie finally allows herself to love and love hard, but it is with a married man. Stay is one of the very closely knit group of friends of Lainie and he stops at nothing to show what she is worth, even if she may be stuck in her own head with what she deserves and wants.
Bittersweet is exactly that....... You also get to keep up with the lives of their group which is phenomenal. I felt so many emotions while reading this and was able to relate very much with Lainie as well as Stay. Mason even got to me as well. Dive into world of laughs, turmoil and healing. Will Lainie get her happily ever after??? and with whom wil she find it with??? LOVE LOVE LOVED THIS BOOK AND CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE!!!!
DEFINITELY A MUST READ!! The realism in Blakelys' book blow me away!!
Profile Image for Michelle Marshall.
30 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2014
Well what can I say Blakely Bennett you have blown me away again. With this being the 2nd book in the Series (Stuck In Between ) being the first I couldnt wait to get stuck in. I was not dissappointed. The story captures you from the minute you start and already knowing the characters from the first book made it feel all the more like you really were sharing their story. In this book Its the story of Laine who has been having a relationship with a married man she thought she loved, until that is Stay (oh my goodness hottie tottie ) declares his love for her and the story unfolds. I couldnt put this book down and all credit to the very talented author once again. Keep them coming Blakely :-)
Profile Image for Bonnie Woodruff.
39 reviews8 followers
September 1, 2014
I received this for an honest review.
I must say that I did not read the first book, but I will now. I really like the story line, I am in love with the characters and the twists and turns. I am already looking forward to more. Hot and steamy with a plot!!
Profile Image for BookAddict  ✒ La Crimson Femme.
6,917 reviews1,440 followers
January 18, 2015
3.5 star book and it's good follow up to the first in this series. Ms. Bennett pens another dirty tale of "it's complicated".

Lainie... please...



Mason is a selfish asshat and he's no good for you. Seriously, he's a broken person who obviously doesn't understand the concept of poly. He can have it all, if he would just work it out with his wife to be in a poly. But no, it's this whole messed up serial mistress need of his.

Ms. Bennett excels at creating horrible characters. Seriously, I've read three of her books so far and I have to say, either she's run into some of the scummiest jerks around or her friends have. It's not to say she is a femi-nazi showing how all males need their nuts cut off, it's more she shows the good, bad and ugly of relationships. Some of these men are excellent example of what to avoid when picking a lover. Then she adds in a divine male specimen, Stay.

Stay is the one and I can't for the life of my understand why Lainie would want Mason. Stay is sexy, single and their chemistry is pretty darn hawt. Ms. Bennett provides steaming sex scenes. It's interesting that Mason finally starts treating Lainie better when he realizes he has competition. But really, what did he think would happen? This guy is so out of touch with reality it's unbelievable.



I must admit, I'm not one for the drama lamas yet something about Ms. Bennett's writing, I'm okay with it. I actually enjoy it. Because make no mistakes, these books are drama ridden complete with an insane wife. Not to give a spoiler about this book, but Mason's wife possesses bigger balls than he does. Maybe she should put on a strap-on and peg him regularly. Perhaps then he could be less of a jerk and function better.

This is a roller-coaster ride of emotions as Lainie is pulled in different directions. Ultimately, she is the one who has to decide what she really wants. The characters in this book are all too human with their flaws. The sex is great. The conflicts are Jerry Springer style yet pulled off with elegance. Recommended for those who enjoy erotic angst.

*Given by the author for an honest review
Profile Image for Deb M.
324 reviews12 followers
September 13, 2015


I adore Blakely Bennett's Bound by Your Love series. Ms. Bennett is a Jedi Master of character driven novels. She is SO good at creating complex and engaging characters, revealing them layer by layer. You can't help but get all wrapped up in their inner turmoil. At least, I can't help it. Even in Bittersweet Deceit (book 2) and all its crazy goings on with Lainie, Mason, and Stay. I came at this series backwards and sideways, having read book 3 (Blue Persuasion), then book 1(Stuck In Between). I loved them both, and they can certainly stand alone. But I'd suggest reading them in order to get the full impact of the richly woven relationships of this tight group of friends. It's definitely based on a solid foundation, however, the day to day dynamics are provocative and ever shifting, which makes for very fascinating, fun, and sexy hot reading.

Let me say right up front, I didn't think Ms. Bennett could win me over with Bittersweet Deceit. Lainie is involved with a married man, which is a touchy subject for a lot of people, myself included. Cheating in any way, shape, or form is a deal breaker in a relationship. But I just had to see how this was all going to go down.

Why I stayed with someone I had to share, made no real sense to me. But when does love make sense? Lainie

Take out the words, I had to share , and insert your own poison, folks. I'm sure you've done the same thing a time or two. Because...love doesn't always make sense.

Lainie doesn't consider herself a knock out. Sure, she admits to being somewhat attractive but considers herself an Amazon at 6 ft and not in a runway model kind of way. She may concede to the term voluptuous, but she's more likely to describe herself as "big". She envies her friends Jacqs and Blue their petite stature. So when tall and gorgeous Mason approaches her at a restaurant bar, she's flattered. She's also gobsmacked that this hunk of a slightly older man would look twice at her. Mason is slick. He lays the cards out immediately with the standard I'm-married-but-we're-staying-together-for-the-kids routine. Now, to me that screams, I've done this before and I'm good at it. But Lainie sees it the way she wants to see it. And, for many reasons, a clandestine relationship is preferable to her. Their affair is on Mason's terms, meeting at Lainie's apartment when it's convenient for him. Lainie takes whatever Mason will give because their time together is intense and all consuming, and she truly believes Mason's declaration of love.

Geez Louise, I wanted to grab Lainie by the hair and make her listen to reason! While I honestly didn't doubt Mason's feelings for her, he is a selfish toad. And no amount of Lainie's kisses are going to turn him into a prince. The frustrating aspect of this is... Lainie sees it too! Yet she goes round and round and round, self analyzing in journal entries. I have to say, I could plunk myself down in Lainie's situation (albeit in regard to other relationship matters), so I did empathize with her. However, it started getting a bit old. Thank goodness, Ms. Bennett rescued the situation in the nick of time.

Stayman (Stay) is also in Lainie's group of friends although they don't know each other well. He's a multi-layered guy with surprising aspects and the more he is revealed to us the more I loved him. He's been attracted to Lainie for quite some time, however, his Obi-Wan senses (hey, I'm feeling the Star Wars theme today) have him biding his time. Stay slowly and patiently works his way into Lainie's life and heart. These two have chemistry! Explosive chemistry that not only shocks Lainie but confuses her. This boy has his work cut out for him in his pursuit of Lainie, but that doesn't stop him. I can't tell you how much I loved Stay! He's down-to-earth, sweet, compassionate, crunchy granola in a good way, and despite his initial appearances, he's an alpha. And he is HOT. This man is a tantric god. The sex between Lainie and Mason is very spine tingling but when she and Stay finally get together...whew! He pushes her boundaries. He convinces her how special she is. And, he dominates the wishy-washy right out of her. That's not to say their journey is an easy one.

Ms. Bennett has taken a controversial subject and succeeded in making it work. She gives us richly drawn characters, their feelings and actions conveyed in a spot on and believable story. I love this series so much! I'm very much looking forward to the next book.

Profile Image for I ♥ Bookie Nookie (bookienookiereviews.blogspot.com).
1,028 reviews2,904 followers
July 2, 2015
Ding-Ding-Ding!! Folks, we have a winner!

The second installment of the BOUND BY YOUR LOVE series, BITTERSWEET DECEIT by Blakely Bennett is quite the ride on the emotional rollercoaster, frustrating at times, but oh so much fun! If you haven’t read the first book, STUCK IN BETWEEN, then do yourself a favor and read it first. Although both books definitely stand on their own, there are a few side stories in BITTERSWEET DECEIT that continue from book one. So, your reading experience will be enhanced if you get to know more about the characters and their situations and that can only be achieved by reading them in order. I totally love the characters in this series; they are a rare treat!

Love, love, love Lainie, but man! She is so naïve! I really kind of wanted to smack her around a bit just to see if I could knock a little sense into her… Despite her massive lapse in judgment – willingly dating a married man – she really is a good person; sweet and caring - any man would be lucky to have her. Lainie is in deep with said married man, Mason – he is a total douchebag; successfully feeding her a truckload of bullshit and she rolls around in his BS like a happy little piggy.



You might remember Stay from book one; he is a total doll. Excellent boyfriend material and he only has eyes for Lainie, but she is blinded by the feelings she has for Married-Mason. Stay is a patient man and nothing if not persistent – in a quiet and unassuming way he slowly worms his way into Lainie’s heart. I LOVED Stay’s story – author Blakely Bennett might have created the perfect man when she concocted Stay, but underneath all that sweetness and patience, he’s a God among men in the bedroom. I mean HOT DAMN! He’s definitely got a special talent in the bedroom – and he has a shockingly dominant side that pleased me to the core!

Did you have anal sex with Mason?”
My eyes widened. “I’ve never had anal sex.”
“Anal play?”
I shook my head and said, “No.”
“How does your pussy feel now?”
“Very hot.”
“Good.”
“Are we done?” I asked.
“No. Did you have rough sex with Mason?” He used
my foot to drag me to him, situating me onto his lap, his
legs straight out underneath me. His hard cock bobbed
behind my back.
“Maybe during two role playing scenarios, but I don’t
know if you would think so.”
He spread my thighs and dipped his fingers passed my
labia. He whispered into my ear, “You’re already mine;
you just haven’t accepted it yet.


Common theme in the BOUND BY YOUR LOVE series (so far) is the love-triangle – done very well, I might add! BITTERSWEET DECEIT is definitely a winner in my book – it was practically perfect! Trust me: you are going to love the characters and the story that author, Blakely Bennett has so carefully crafted – you are definitely going to want to check this series out!

SIDE NOTE: I truly feel that author Blakely Bennett is a rare breed among authors – she seems to always be growing and changing. Where many authors stick to what has always worked for them, Blakely doesn’t seem to be afraid to try new things with her writing and I think she has done this quite successfully so far! She’s got a little bit of everything currently published. In addition to the BOUND BY YOUR LOVE series, there’s the MY BODY Trilogy , it’s is a story of BDSM that *might* lean towards the more extreme for those who are new to the genre, but I quite enjoyed it. Then there’s THE DEMARCATION OF JACK, which was a collaboration of authors Blakely & Dana Bennett - loved it, that was a 5 star read for me and a great contemporary romance with all kinds of drama.



✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.

✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews

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Profile Image for Bess.
437 reviews
June 29, 2016
This is the other coin- the other woman's story and how she deal with it.

Laine was in some fairyland with Mason Mason-perfect guy who is handsome and has money. The only problem he is married with two children. Laine knows since the beggining that he is married-yet she's hoping that he'll live his wife to be with her. Good luck girl. Their relationship was shallow-they just have sex-only!! They don't talk, they don't go out, they don't share their feelings, everything about them was superficial. I never got it WHY she LOVE HIM?!!

And we have hot guy, who is a gentleman, good looking, has some tantric moves bat-shit-crazy towards Laine and yet she does not want him because she is "in lovu" I called bullshit. She was actually with the easy choice-Mason. I never gotta why Stayman likes on her yet I could understand his feelings and why. I love the guy he was perfect-too much for her. I believe she could have suffer more.

I am not saying that she was using still she was playing with his feelings. I did not like her speech with him in the end she was pretty bitch with him.
Another thing that botter me was the journal and Jaqs, Bond, Red trial-Enough of them. They are boring.
Profile Image for Andrea.
227 reviews
August 2, 2014
5 MASSIVE red hot stars!!!
*ARC received in return for an honest review

WOW!! Another scorching, emotion-filled page turner of a HIT from Blakely Bennett. My kindle nearly blew up with the heat.

I finished reading Bittersweet Deceit 3 hours ago and, just like Stuck in Between (book #1), I'm left sitting with my head all over the place, can't get it out of my head. I freakin loved it! Add it to your TBR list NOW!

Blakely Bennett is fast becoming one of those authors who I 1-click buy without needing to read the synopsis as I just know I'm gonna love it and this book definitely didn't disappoint. I have shouted and shook my fist at my kindle, laughed and nearly had my heart jumping out my chest with the tension but it's what I'm coming to expect, and love, about Blakely.

I absolutely adore the characters in this series, especially Red and Stay *sighs*, and am waiting impatiently for the next book!

Full review to come on Release Day on http://makemydaybooks.blogspot.co.uk
Profile Image for Blakely Bennett.
Author 12 books513 followers
August 18, 2014
This is definitely my favorite story to date. I guess it's good to think that of your latest completed project.

I fell in love with Stayman while writing this novel. I think he's the perfect albeit flawed man. He is definitely his own person but with so much kindness and compassion.

I continue to enjoy getting to know this group of friends and look forward to delving into Blue's love life next.

Thanks to all my readers who continue to support me. <3
Profile Image for Simone Smith.
106 reviews14 followers
August 5, 2014
*ARC received in return for an honest review

Blakely Bennett really knows how to write a love story, one that may not be the way you imagine a couple to fall in love, or even what would work for you in a relationship or how far you would push your boundaries for someone that you love.So if you loved Stuck Inbetween you are going to love Bittersweet Deceit just as much, but for different reasons. What I loved about both these books were, that Blakely really opens your eyes and mind to thinking more out the box when it comes to what is a perfect relationship. What is perfect for one couple can be completely different for another, we are all very different and complex creatures and our needs, and what make us happy, can be very different from one another, but who are we to say which one is wrong or right!!

So on to my review......

Bittersweet Deceit is still centred around the same group of friends from book one, so you still get to swoon over Bond and Red (result), but this time Lainie, who is Jacqs best friend, takes the lead female role. Lainie is thirty and owns her own boutique, the only problem is that she is in love with, and having an affair with a married man. To be honest there was a lot about Lainie I could not relate to, but that was down to my standards of women or men having affairs. It's just something I don't condone. I did love that Lainie was not your typical size zero, but a real curvy woman that does really exist in the real world. Lainie knows this relationship is doomed from the beginning, but she is totally head over heels for this guy and drops everything, including her knickers, every time he calls but as time go on starts wondering if this is truly what she wants. What she doesn't realise is, someone has been watching her from a far and is just biding his time to show her what she really wants and needs.

In walks sex on a kinky stick Stay!! I wanted to jump into my kindle and lick him myself and claim that he is mine, but noticed I had already melted into a hot mess on the floor. He's the right mix of sweet and sex with added hotness to get your taste buds going. I felt so many different emotions for this man, one minute I was swooning to the next when I was salivating, I mean is this man for real? (I wish)

I loved the way Lainie and Stay's friendship grew and slowly changed in to something else. The way Stay would never push her, but would always be around to support and look after her, Yes!! another quality Stay had a patients of a saint (could he get anymore perfect?). I will be honest, there where times Laine really did get on my nerves, I found myself thinking are you really that dumb?, with some of her thoughts and actions and the way she treated Stay, I was really willing her to just suck it up and put her big girl panties on and do the right thing ( I mean like PICK STAY ALREADY)!!

Blakely has done it again, I just adore this slightly dysfunctional group of friends and cant wait to read more of their stories. Her unique writing style and panty melting moments had me gripped from the start and not wanting to let go. I loved this book just as much as the first as the stories are very different, but equally a 5 star read for me.
Profile Image for Sandra Shipman ~ Two Book Pushers.
2,079 reviews52 followers
August 10, 2014
This is my first Blakely Bennett novel and it will not be my last. This is the second book in the series but can also be read as a stand alone but it does make me want to read the first one. Those characters were very interesting with their relationship...

Lainie is independent, smart and the owner of her own boutique but when it comes to love she is at a loss. Her lover, Mason is married and and in love with her but he can not give her what she wants and she will not ask for it, she can not do that to his family. Their sexual relationship includes some very steamy role playing games. He is very dominant and she loves it but they only see each other for short amounts of time when he can get away. He heart breaks when he leaves and she knows in her mind she should tell him not to come back but she just can't. She loves him but she will never fully have him....

When fate steps and Lainie gets sick, it brings her back to reality. Her friend Stayman aka Stay steps in and takes care of her, he sees her vulnerable. She may be embarrassed but she feels completely comfortable with him even though she doesn't really know him at all. Stay is so sweet and flirty, he does not hide the fact that he has his eyes on her and her alone. She is not sure Mason would be this way with her or she would be comfortable with him seeing her this way. It really makes her think....and it changes the way she sees Stay.

Stay and Lainie have so much fun together. They can actually leave the apartment and not have to hide. Stay of course wants more with Lainie but she keeps him at a distance because she is in love with Mason, she doesn't want to lead him on. Stay knows in his gut he needs to be patient and be friends with Lainie but never hides his wants! And when she does give in it's fucking hot...Stay is amazing and such a dominant but sweet lover. But can Lainie let go of Mason? Can she let Stay in? Will she chose to stay with someone she believes she loves but doesn't have a full future with or a man that could give her everything that she doesn't know if she could ever love?

This was a hard review! Lainie was frustrating as hell but it's hard to say anything when you haven't been in the situation. I fell in love with Stay from the start...he is so sweet, understanding, fun and the flirty! And later on...he is even more. But I know Lainie was conflicted. The heat is amazing and so passionate. I also loved the group of friends and her Dad was pretty awesome. Bad ass really.

Quotes:

"I love you baby," he said just before his lips touched mine. I wouldn't say say I love you back, I couldn't. Not that I didn't love him, I love him so much it devastated me if I thought too far ahead, knowing that he would never truly be mine.

Part of me wanted to see him, needed to see him, like an addiction without its fix. Another part wished I had the gumption to tell him to go to hell.

"I want you Lainie. I'm half hard every time you are even in the same room with me and it's not just the sex I want. I want to peel away the layers all the way down to your soul. Just give me a chance."
Profile Image for Shanoff Reads.
431 reviews25 followers
August 5, 2014
*** I received an ARC for an honest review ***

Well, holy hot sex on a stick!!! This book is filled with some of the hottest sex scenes that I have ever encounter and there are A LOT. If you are one that doesn't like a lot of graphic sex scenes then you should steer clear of this book...don't say I did not warn you.

Let me start off with Lainie. I really liked her conflicted character. Never at any point did I find her a whiny bitch, because she owned all the the messed up stuff going on in her life. She new having an affair with a married man would never go anywhere and that did not stop her from jumping in with both feet. I will say that what I did hate about her was her willingness to do anything and be sucked into Mason so easily. But, it was very believable and I think that the Author was going for this type of response in regards to Lainie's character. By the way....I love the name Lainie and the spelling too...like a lot :)

So, we know from the synopsis that Lainie is having an affair with a married man, Mason, and then her friend Stayman has decided that it is his time to pursue her as well. Let me tell you...mmmmm...that Stayman is one sexy dirty talking man and he sure can back up his filthy mouth. I loved every single sexy scene that Stayman and Lainie shared. Man oh man were those so well written and graphic scenes.

Okay a little bit about the storyline, I really enjoyed it. It was very believable in the sense that any woman going through what Lainie was going through would also go through all the same conflicting emotions. Especially if every woman had a Stayman wooing her. I liked the honesty of their relationship because it really made the story that much more enjoyable. I liked that the story wasn't wasted on a bunch of filler stuff but everything that happened flowed with where the story was going. I will admit that I am not fan of marital affairs and I would say that is one of my Hard Limits when reading a book, but I very much enjoyed this affair. Even though Mason was an ass we eventually find out that he is a very sincere ass albeit a selfish one. I enjoyed all of the friendships that these characters have forged. I liked that they were all so close and very open with each other. I loved Lainie's dad and Stayman's grandmother. I just really the book and the characters.

This is book 2 in the Bound by You Love Series, but can be read as a standalone. I did not read book one and was able to easily follow along with the storyline without feeling out of the loop. Things from book 1 are talked about enough that you get the gist of what is was about. Like I mentioned earlier, if too much sex or graphic sex scenes are not your cup of tea then search else where for another read. This book is sweet, but it is also oh so dirty.
Profile Image for Anna.
580 reviews20 followers
August 9, 2014
Lainie is a successful woman who is usually the one her friends rely on for sound evidence and support when their lives are dramatic. Lainie never expected to find herself in love with a married man in in the kind of situation she would always advise her friends against. Stay has been interested in Lainie for a long time. He has just realized what has been standing in the way of them having a chance, and he decides to show Lainie that she doesn't have to settle for a relationship where her needs aren't considered. Even when Lainie decides to give Stay a chance, she realizes that her feelings for this other man are going to be a challenge for her to get over and she doesn't know whether she will be able to experience love for someone else in the future.

This is one of those books where I hated the relationship Lainie was in an found myself growling and getting angry with her for putting up with it. Even through my anger at the Mason situation, I was able to have empathy for the roller coaster of emotions that Lainie was dealing with. There are times when logic and good sense doesn't apply to our situations, and we have to figure out what to do next. It was fantastic to see Lainie getting love and support from her friends, and from Stay, while she tried to get her life on track. I loved that Lainie was always very honest about her feelings no matter whether it was difficult or shameful to share them. I liked the way she tried to process everything and be considerate of others even as she struggled to understand herself. It is damn near impossible not to love Stay. What a great guy! He has been through a lot himself, but it is clear that he is a good friend, in addition to being incredibly sexy. His patience and kindness while Lainie was struggling was really endearing. There were many times I just wanted to shout at Lainie to just stop the hand wringing and give it up for Stayman! Their sexual chemistry was super intense, and it was great to see them develop a strong friendship along with their fantastic sexual connection.

I have really enjoyed this series, and will gladly continue with the next book when it is released.

*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for N.C. Simmons.
Author 4 books12 followers
August 8, 2014
“Bittersweet Deceit” by Blakely Bennett

(This review is in exchange for a preview copy)

I first fell in love with Blakely Bennett’s writing with “Stuck in Between,” the first installment in her “Bound by your Love” series. “Stuck” introduced a cast of recognizable, everyday people, most of whom pop up again in “Bittersweet Deceit.”

The “Bound by your Love” world is filled with people who hold down jobs from the executive to the mundane. They hang out together over beers and wine coolers. They hold pool parties together, and go to rock concerts, and attend street fairs, and they make it through life with the love and support of friends whose inner beauty and human brokenness are all too transparent.

And they have sex. My God, these people have lots, and lots, AND LOTS of sex! They have steamy, kinky, squirty, gushy, orgasm-rich coitus. As you read Blakely Bennett's erotica you feel as if you are living out every stroke, every penetration, and every new sexual boundary that her characters push. Every time I pick up a Blakely Bennett book I know I’m going to burn out another vibrator, and this book is no exception.

With “Bittersweet Deceit,” Ms. Bennett’s writing has evolved yet again. If she wasn't an Indie erotic author, I whole-heartedly believe that Ms. Bennett would be at the top of the best-seller lists. I enjoyed "Stuck in Between," but I love "Bittersweet Deceit," mostly because her writing style is thoughtful, and smart, and it flows smoothly page after page.

Blakely Bennett conjures natural dialog, believable characters, and realistic heartaches to tell the story of conflicted, full-figured Lainie and the emotional tug-of-war that holds her heart hostage between her two suitors. By the end of the book, I felt as if I had known each person forever. I felt Lainie's pain. I understood her conflict. I emptied a tissue box, both from crying and from blotting away an unending spring of arousal.

I won’t spoil this book. The jacket and the introduction hints at the romance and drama to come.
What you won’t know until you finish reading “Bittersweet Deceit” cover to cover is just how much you will fall in love with Blakely Bennett and the characters she births.
Profile Image for Kristen.
83 reviews
March 18, 2016
Bittersweet Deceit is a story about Lanie Simmons and Stayman Stills. We are first introduced to Lanie and Stay in Stuck in Between, book 1 in the Bound by Your Love series.

In Stuck in Between, Lanie is the best friend and confidant to Jacqs. Throughout book 1, it is alluded to, that Lanie is dating someone that she doesn't want anyone to know about.

Stayman is the best friend of Bond. In book 1, Stay, having just gotten out of a relationship, begins to reconnect with his small circle of friends. We don't really know much about him, other than he' a nice guy who cares a lot about his friends.

In Bittersweet Deceit, we meet Lanie's mystery man, Mason. Mason is everything that Lanie is looking for in a love interest. Except for one thing... He's married. Although she knows there’s no future for them, she can’t help but love him.

Enter Stayman. Stay is tired of Lanie not seeing him. He decides that it’s time he get his head in the game, and pursues Lanie hardcore, no matter who or what is in his way. He’s determined to prove to Lanie that HE is the man she needs.

The stages of grief play a big part in this book, which is very appropriate. The story of Mason - Lanie - Stay, took me on a pretty intense journey through several emotions, from page to page.

Hope that maybe Mason could be the man that Lanie deserved.
Sadness that Lanie couldn’t see the way that Stay felt about her.
Frustration that Lanie continued to keep her eyes closed to what was going on around her.
Happiness when Lanie FINALLY started to see Stay in a different light.
Gut Wrenching Pain when it all fell apart.
Absolute Elation when everything I was hoping would happen, did.
And SO many more!

All of this, tied in with off the charts HEAT, makes for a pretty amazing ride… and what a ride it is!


This is a book 2, but can be read as a stand-alone. Some of the story line from book 1, does overflow into this story, but I don’t think it’s enough to cause confusion if you didn’t read Stuck in Between, first.
Profile Image for Sarah.
362 reviews3 followers
August 6, 2014
At thirty, Lainie has a lot going on for her. She owns a successful clothing boutique, has a great group of friends, and is madly in love with Mason. Her only problem is Mason isn’t truly hers since he’s married. She is very much the beck-and-call-girl for him. When they’re together, their time is filled with fiery passion but their time away eats at Lainie as it becomes more difficult to tell what parts of their relationship are true.

Stayman has desired Lainie since his return to the group. Without knowing what makes her unavailable, Stay remains patient and one night it pays off. When taking an ill Lainie home, they are confronted by Mason and the showdown begins. Now that he knows what he’s up against, the wooing begins…and it is wooing. He agrees to friendship but they quickly become closer. There is an ease between the two that Lainie can’t get with Mason.

It’s such a nice change to read about two people really getting to know one another. Lainie and Stayman easily fall into a comfortable bond but it’s ironically that effortlessness which causes some of the tension. For a majority of the book, I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. I just knew something horrible would happen which would split them apart…and it does but surprisingly in a more subtle way.

The sex is graphic and scorching! I don’t often focus on the bedroom activity but this book delivers melt your panties, blazing hot relations both with Mason and Stay. Be prepared; there is role play, light bondage, and anal. The book is well written with a strong plot and dynamic characters which ensures I can enjoy the relating as part of the story. It’s not just there to be there but enhances the overall storyline. This page turner is sizzling and a book you won’t want to put down.

Rating: 4.75 Stars

~Complimentary copy received in exchange for honest review.~
Profile Image for M.L. Rosado.
Author 7 books12 followers
August 8, 2014
Have you ever been lust in love? Or involved in a steamy love triangle where you are the center cut? Or just completely hooked on a man that fucks you like there is no tomorrow? Have you roled play? Well, let me tell you in case you are wondering if I momentarily lost my mind, this book has all of the above! I was still not fully recovered after reading Stuck in Between (the first book of the Bound by your love series) when I immediately started reading Bittersweet Deceit. OMG! Is all a have to say. This book is hot, hot, mega-hot! In book one, we get a glimpse of the main character on this book, Lainie. She is such a relatable character. Not your perfect-model- 0 size-figure woman, Lainie is a successful business owner and simply the best friend anybody could have. She is sweet, level-headed and extremely intriguing. I love that the author portrayed a real woman with curves and had her embrace her delicate femininity and raw sexual hunger.

Lainie is involved with a married man, Mr. Hottie #1, Mason. He is a troubled man struggling to keep his affair and his marriage for the sake of his children. He makes Lainie discover a hidden confidence that she had suppressed and sparks fly all over the place. While struggling to keep sanity in that kind of relationship, Lainie is taken completely by surprise by one of her friends, Stayman. Now this is Mr. Hottie #2 and the most gorgeous, simple, confident, sensible and extremely gifted (if you know what I mean) man on the planet. Their connection is cosmic and it comes through page after page. Sex in this book is out of this world and you feel the tug of war between the characters. You cannot put down this book, you will ignore your children and ravage your partner ;) Will Lainie make the right choice for her? How will she come to terms and embrace love? This book is a must! Get it today ;)

Profile Image for DJ Sakata.
3,303 reviews1,781 followers
August 6, 2014
My Rating:

4 ½ Sizzling Stars

Favorite Quotes:

“His attention felt more like an irrepressible gravitational pull than mere interest.”

“…I want to peel away the layers all the way down to your soul.”

“The Kiss. It seemed like more than a kiss. It felt more like alchemy.”

“Once our kiss reignited, I left my mind, the world, and nothing mattered other than getting as close to Stay as humanly possible.”

My Review:

This is my first Blakey Bennett novel and - Holy Mother! This woman’s writing is incendiary! Needless to say, I will have an extra load of laundry to do this week. Her writing is rich and dense with sensation, and textured with detail, yet free flowing and steamy. While I could feel her disappointment and heartbreak, I frequently wanted to give the main character a sharp slap to the back of the head, which is a good indication that I cared about her and wanted better for her. The story is complex and nearly twice as long as most I have read of late, although I would have happily kept reading more of the same for hundreds more pages. For the first time ever, I had to plug my kindle in to recharge while I was reading, as I couldn’t stop. Although every so often, I did have to pause and catch my breath, I say that in all seriousness as I was actually gulping air. This book wasn’t a tasty treat… it was a feast. But now I am totally in love with Stay, I may just have to start hanging out at yoga studios and see if there really is something to that…
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