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Bound for Trouble
Daniel “Deke” Kane is a broken man, facing the end of his career in the FBI. He’s on desk duty after a botched drug raid left the suspects and two children dead. He’s got one chance to prove himself, or the only thing he’ll be investigating is the Help Wanted ads. Ryan Griffiths has been on the run for ten years. Forced onto the streets when his father kicked him out, Ryan earns his living in other men’s beds. Finding his john dead in a hotel room drives him under the radar until a favorite client gives him a chance at a safe, clean life. But Ryan’s relatively stable new world shatters when Deke Kane catches up with him. When Deke’s tasked to take down a drug dealer with terrorist ties and a taste for the dark side of BDSM, his only chance to get close is the suspect’s interest in Ryan, and he convinces Ryan to become a confidential informant. In return, Deke offers Ryan immunity from his past. As Ryan falls under the drug lord’s domination, Deke finds himself falling for Ryan. Now Deke has to choose between Ryan’s safety and his own future.
260 pages, Paperback
First published June 17, 2014
4 people are currently reading
456 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Lynley
48 books234 followersEM Lynley writes gay erotic romance. She loves books where the hero gets the guy and the loving is 11 on a scale of 10. Her Precious Gems series is best described as “Indiana Jones meets Romancing the Stone”—only gayer. The Delectable series is Gay Romance with Taste.
A Rainbow Award winner and EPPIE finalist, EM has worked in high finance, high tech, and in the wine industry, though she'd rather be writing hot, romantic man-on-man action. She spent 10 years as an economist and financial analyst, including a year as a White House Staff Economist, but only because all the intern positions were filled. Tired of boring herself and others with dry business reports and articles, her creative muse is back and naughtier than ever. She has lived and worked in London, Tokyo and Washington, D.C., but the San Francisco Bay Area is home for now.
She is the author of Sex, Lies & Wedding Bells, the Precious Gems series from Dreamspinner Press, and the Rewriting History series starring a sexy jewel thief, among others. Her books are available in print and e-book from Amazon & other book distributors.
A Rainbow Award winner and EPPIE finalist, EM has worked in high finance, high tech, and in the wine industry, though she'd rather be writing hot, romantic man-on-man action. She spent 10 years as an economist and financial analyst, including a year as a White House Staff Economist, but only because all the intern positions were filled. Tired of boring herself and others with dry business reports and articles, her creative muse is back and naughtier than ever. She has lived and worked in London, Tokyo and Washington, D.C., but the San Francisco Bay Area is home for now.
She is the author of Sex, Lies & Wedding Bells, the Precious Gems series from Dreamspinner Press, and the Rewriting History series starring a sexy jewel thief, among others. Her books are available in print and e-book from Amazon & other book distributors.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
April 1, 2018
Cross-posted at Shelf Inflicted and at Outlaw Reviews
FBI agent Deke Kane was nearly up for a promotion, but screwed up disastrously during a drug raid, causing the deaths of two children. Now he’s desk bound, once again having to prove his worth to his bitchy and flirtatious supervisor, Serah, and to himself.
He gets a second chance on a high-profile case involving Maksim Petrov, a Russian arms dealer with terrorist ties. Though the higher-ups are hoping Deke makes another mistake so they can justify firing him, Serah micromanages every aspect of his investigation in order to keep her record clean.
Deke knows that Petrov frequents the Club Kiwi, a male strip club. His best option is to send in a confidential informant, Ryan Griffiths, a former stripper now gainfully employed in retail and trying to forget his old life.
The attraction between Deke and Ryan is instant, but Ryan is distrustful of the FBI. He also wants justice for his friend’s killer. While Ryan works undercover at a BDSM club as a server and paid submissive, and Deke joins the club to conduct his investigation, their chemistry sizzles.
This is not a simple cop/rent-boy love story. Deke is focused on the investigation while exploring his kinks and watching Ryan fall under Petrov’s spell. As Deke’s feelings for Ryan grow, he becomes more and more concerned about the role Ryan is playing, his desire for pain, and the dangers they face.
Since Ryan and Deke have not spent a lot of time really getting to know each other, it was hard for me to believe their love was real. The investigation details were riveting, but the plot was over-the-top and not very believable. There is a smidgen of graphic violence and lots of kinky sex.
As much as I enjoy hot sex scenes, I need to be emotionally invested in the characters. I wasn’t.
Thanks to Devildog from Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group for lending this to me.
FBI agent Deke Kane was nearly up for a promotion, but screwed up disastrously during a drug raid, causing the deaths of two children. Now he’s desk bound, once again having to prove his worth to his bitchy and flirtatious supervisor, Serah, and to himself.
He gets a second chance on a high-profile case involving Maksim Petrov, a Russian arms dealer with terrorist ties. Though the higher-ups are hoping Deke makes another mistake so they can justify firing him, Serah micromanages every aspect of his investigation in order to keep her record clean.
Deke knows that Petrov frequents the Club Kiwi, a male strip club. His best option is to send in a confidential informant, Ryan Griffiths, a former stripper now gainfully employed in retail and trying to forget his old life.
The attraction between Deke and Ryan is instant, but Ryan is distrustful of the FBI. He also wants justice for his friend’s killer. While Ryan works undercover at a BDSM club as a server and paid submissive, and Deke joins the club to conduct his investigation, their chemistry sizzles.
This is not a simple cop/rent-boy love story. Deke is focused on the investigation while exploring his kinks and watching Ryan fall under Petrov’s spell. As Deke’s feelings for Ryan grow, he becomes more and more concerned about the role Ryan is playing, his desire for pain, and the dangers they face.
Since Ryan and Deke have not spent a lot of time really getting to know each other, it was hard for me to believe their love was real. The investigation details were riveting, but the plot was over-the-top and not very believable. There is a smidgen of graphic violence and lots of kinky sex.
As much as I enjoy hot sex scenes, I need to be emotionally invested in the characters. I wasn’t.
Thanks to Devildog from Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group for lending this to me.
August 23, 2014
3.5 hotter-than-hell stars
This was one of the steamiest books I've read in a while: D/s, BDSM scenes, paddles, spanking, nipple piercings, voyeurism, sucking, prostate play, dildos, spanking LESSONS, and MORE.
I may have needed a cold shower, or three.
This book was also BRUTAL. There's an investigation that's central to the plot. One of the MCs, Deke, is an FBI agent who botched the last case he was on. Now, he's been assigned to a new case involving drug/weapon smugglers, and his informant is Ryan, a former-rent boy/stripper and current sex addict.
Ryan goes undercover to work as a server (and sometime sub) at a BDSM club, and Deke joins the club to:
a. investigate
b. observe
c. get his rocks off
d. all of the above AND a shot of tequila
Did I mention there's fuckloads of SEX and KINK in this book?
But here's the kicker: For three-fourths of the book, Ryan is with someone else. It's part of the investigative work, but he falls for this someone, and Deke has to watch Ryan get spanked and wanked by another man. And Ryan is INTO it. He WANTS it. He's confused about his feelings. And, damn it, I'mgoingtohell, but it'shorrific painful to watch HAWT as fuck and all systems GO.
There was an incredibly tense scene 80 percent into the book when Deke and Ryan come together, but right after, well, something happens. And I could barely form coherent thoughts.
So, yeah, this book ain't for the faint of heart. Consider yourself warned.
It's well paced, well written, gripping in many, many ways, but it doesn't fit MY criteria for a romance novel. It's gritty mystery FIRST, romance second. And many of you will eat that up. As well you should!
The investigation/mystery IS the story, and it's not a throwaway. I found the investigation fascinating, and I loved the MCs. I saw what made them tick. I just wanted them to tick more together.
And the ending? Nope, not going to give that one away.
For a different reader, this would have been a 4+ star book. But the on-sex-page with other men killed me.
Even so, I rounded up.
Because. Valid and Important Reasons.
This was one of the steamiest books I've read in a while: D/s, BDSM scenes, paddles, spanking, nipple piercings, voyeurism, sucking, prostate play, dildos, spanking LESSONS, and MORE.
I may have needed a cold shower, or three.
This book was also BRUTAL. There's an investigation that's central to the plot. One of the MCs, Deke, is an FBI agent who botched the last case he was on. Now, he's been assigned to a new case involving drug/weapon smugglers, and his informant is Ryan, a former-rent boy/stripper and current sex addict.
Ryan goes undercover to work as a server (and sometime sub) at a BDSM club, and Deke joins the club to:
a. investigate
b. observe
c. get his rocks off
d. all of the above AND a shot of tequila
Did I mention there's fuckloads of SEX and KINK in this book?
But here's the kicker: For three-fourths of the book, Ryan is with someone else. It's part of the investigative work, but he falls for this someone, and Deke has to watch Ryan get spanked and wanked by another man. And Ryan is INTO it. He WANTS it. He's confused about his feelings. And, damn it, I'mgoingtohell, but it's
There was an incredibly tense scene 80 percent into the book when Deke and Ryan come together, but right after, well, something happens. And I could barely form coherent thoughts.
So, yeah, this book ain't for the faint of heart. Consider yourself warned.
It's well paced, well written, gripping in many, many ways, but it doesn't fit MY criteria for a romance novel. It's gritty mystery FIRST, romance second. And many of you will eat that up. As well you should!
The investigation/mystery IS the story, and it's not a throwaway. I found the investigation fascinating, and I loved the MCs. I saw what made them tick. I just wanted them to tick more together.
And the ending? Nope, not going to give that one away.
For a different reader, this would have been a 4+ star book. But the on-sex-page with other men killed me.
Even so, I rounded up.
Because. Valid and Important Reasons.
July 8, 2014
A review by The Blogger Girls.
This turned out to be a really steamy read! It isn’t quite the typical romance though, as Deke and Ryan spend most of the story not being together.
Deke basically has one more chance to not screw up a case after a bad call on the last one resulted in innocent deaths. He brings in (coerces) Ryan to be their confidential informant to gain evidence against Russian bad guy, Petrov.
Ryan is really sweet. He has had it pretty rough since being on the streets at 17 and resorted to stripping/hustling to get by. This is pretty much all he has known relationship-wise. With the help of one of his old tricks, he left that life for a regular job and the promise of finishing college if he stayed away from that life. That is, until Deke forced his hand to work for the FBI.
Ryan and Deke had an immediate attraction, which led to some great tension as they both struggled to maintain their roles. Deke, for obvious job-related reasons, and Ryan having to come to grips with the fact that there is more to sex and relationships than a body and a transaction.
Then there is Petrov, who I actually really liked (at least until his switch flipped and he became abusive). Ryan works to catch his eye, and eventually, Petrov agrees to train him as his sub. There are spanking scenes, some flogging and whipping, but overall, the BDSM was pretty light.
I liked how even though Deke (and even Ryan) were new to the BDSM scene, this never felt like BDSM 101, even when Deke attended the class. The scenes were very sexy and erotic, and it was easy to feel the sexual tension on all sides.
The action/mystery picks up toward the end, and I found myself eager to see the case solved, if nothing more than so Ryan and Deke could explore their relationship further. I was a little confused by the end results, as to who did what and why exactly. Again, for most of this story, Deke and Ryan are not together due mostly to their roles in the case. When they finally are able to take things further, it is beautiful. While on the outside it seemed as though Ryan was the one doing all the suffering, poor Deke had to sit by and watch Ryan with Petrov and others, though no sex actually took place.
So, yeah, this isn’t the typical romance, but it is full of a lot of other things people might enjoy. There’s mystery, the investigation, romance, excitement and hot smexy scenes in this fast-paced story, and I found it a very enjoyable read.
August 30, 2016
Taking romance in a completely different direction than before, E.M Lynley offers readers her first BDSM themed story. After a devastating miscalculation that cost innocent lives; Deke went from being next in line for promotion to riding a desk in the basement. Worse, not only do his superiors question his judgement, he's also begun to doubt himself.
After years of supporting himself with his body, Ryan has finally left his job as a dancer/hooker at the local gay bar and has his eyes set on college someday. The past won't let him leave it behind that easily; and when he tries to do the right thing for once, he ends up heading back to his roots.
When Deke is assigned to watch over Ryan while he works as a confidential informer for the FBI, Deke has a bad feeling about the BDSM bar where Ryan is now working. Uncomfortable and yet strangely drawn to both the sexy CI and the lifestyle, Deke must learn to trust his instincts again or risk losing Ryan, his job, and maybe even his life!
The roller coaster ride of emotions Bound for Trouble takes readers on is one you will want to ride again and again! The characters are intensely written, the story line is intricately developed and Lynley's writing made me feel like I was experiencing every action packed moment in real-time! With sexual encounters ranging from a tentative first-time spanking to hard-core BDSM, this is one story that will test readers limits while at the same time have you wanting more!
OFFICIAL REVIEW written for Carly's Book Reviews
A copy of Bound for Trouble was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
After years of supporting himself with his body, Ryan has finally left his job as a dancer/hooker at the local gay bar and has his eyes set on college someday. The past won't let him leave it behind that easily; and when he tries to do the right thing for once, he ends up heading back to his roots.
When Deke is assigned to watch over Ryan while he works as a confidential informer for the FBI, Deke has a bad feeling about the BDSM bar where Ryan is now working. Uncomfortable and yet strangely drawn to both the sexy CI and the lifestyle, Deke must learn to trust his instincts again or risk losing Ryan, his job, and maybe even his life!
The roller coaster ride of emotions Bound for Trouble takes readers on is one you will want to ride again and again! The characters are intensely written, the story line is intricately developed and Lynley's writing made me feel like I was experiencing every action packed moment in real-time! With sexual encounters ranging from a tentative first-time spanking to hard-core BDSM, this is one story that will test readers limits while at the same time have you wanting more!
OFFICIAL REVIEW written for Carly's Book Reviews
A copy of Bound for Trouble was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 27, 2014
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Also, I have read and enjoyed this author's stories in the past, but this was a new direction for her and I was curious on how she'd write a BDSM-themed book.
My thoughts: I admit, the cover was striking and I enjoy a good bondage trope. I have read and enjoyed this author's stories in the past, but this was a new direction for her and I was curious on how she'd write a BDSM-themed book. What a pleasant surprise. LOVED it. The author researched and wrote about the subject in a way that pulls the reader in, and it seemed like she hit her groove in this one. Outstanding story. *more please!*
We are introduced to 'Deke' Daniel Kane in the first few pages as he is going through what was supposed to be the Op that would take his FBI career to the next level but instead sends him to the bottom. Basement, to be more specific, dealing with cybercrimes and internet hackers. He jumps at the chance to redeem himself that is offered to him by his boss. But he requires a convincing confidential informant (CI) to get close to his target, and his target just so happens to like hot young submissive men that frequent a particular BDSM club.
Ryan is a 'former' stripper that is trying to better his life. He has been attending 'Sex Addicts, Anonymous' meetings. He has some misdemeanor charges, and a past as a rent boy that can be held over his head. We slowly start to get some of his backstory. Deke is the person that gets to 'motivate' him to take the job, or else. Deke is given the ultimatum by his boss to make sure Ryan does what is required, including going into a BDSM club under false pretenses to get close to their 'bad' guy. Unfortunately, it also puts Ryan in a dangerous situation, and back to doing what he has tried so hard to get away from. I admit I did not like Deke's superior reporting officer, Serah, at all. I'm sure it was the author's intent for us not to like her, and the rest of the supporting characters are written well, even if we don't really see much of them.
Enter our Russian 'bad guy', Petrov. This part of the story had me going all directions. It read as a psychological thriller as I really was pulled into wondering if Petrov was really so bad? At times it felt as if Ryan was falling in love with him and really getting pulled into the lifestyle. The author does it in such a subtle way that I was second guessing all relationships from page to page! And the BDSM aspect was not done over the top, almost rather framing the relationships rather than 'dominating' the story.
Excerpt:
“Come here. Turn around.” Deke had Ryan stand so he could see his back. Up close in the light, he could see the welts were dark ridges. He could see welts along Ryan’s ass through the skintight shorts. “Ryan, when did this happen?”
“Last night.”
“And you still have marks? Do you need a doctor? Petrov—”
“It wasn’t him. It was someone else.”
“I’ll kill him.”
“My hero.” The tone was playful.
“Who…?”
“Another Dom. I botched the lesson on purpose. He punished me, and Petrov nearly ripped his arm off. Spent the next hour tending to me. Now Petrov doesn’t want anyone else to touch me. It’s a good thing.”
“Fucking crazy plan. You’re supposed to tell me what’s going on. Where did this happen? At Petrov’s?” Surveillance hadn’t reported that Ryan visited Petrov’s again.
“Here, on the other side of the club in one of the member-only playrooms. They don’t allow you in if you’ve been drinking.”
“You’re okay?”
“Yes. And with Petrov training me, I’ll be at his place more. That’s what you wanted, right?”
“But not at this expense.”
“You should find a way to punish me.” Ryan grinned.
“I can’t exactly spank you now, can I?”
“How about a blowjob?”
“How is that a punishment?”
Ryan shrugged. “It depends how big your dick is.” He reached a hand out, and Deke caught it, smiling.
“Do you ever stop?”
“Do you ever relax?”
Deke stared at Ryan. “Sure.”
“No, you don’t. I don’t think you can. You’re always planning something or analyzing the results of your plan, or worrying about when the plan will work. A blowjob is something you don’t have to plan. Something you can just enjoy. Not something you need to do, or something you think you’re supposed to do. And not for someone else. Just for you.”
Ryan knelt down between Deke’s knees.
Deke put his hands on Ryan’s shoulders, stopping him from moving. “Yes, I can do something just because I want to.” He pulled Ryan in close and pressed his mouth to Ryan’s.
Ryan let out a little gasp and melted into Deke’s arms, opening his mouth.
Deke kept the kiss gentle to start. A first taste so sweet he had to have more. He increased the pressure on Ryan’s soft, full lips, which felt even better than Deke had imagined. And his tongue was velvety smooth as Deke’s touched and tangled.
The kiss went on for a long time, and when Deke let go, it was a feat of willpower. He was hard as a rock, and when Ryan stepped back, Deke saw he was in the same condition.
“Thank you,” Deke whispered, one arm still around Ryan.
“That’s all you wanted from me?” Ryan whispered back, voice breaking.
Deke nodded.
Ryan turned and rushed out of the room.
Deke sat on the couch, contemplating his desire. He wanted Ryan in a way he couldn’t understand. He didn’t just want to fuck the guy; it was something bigger, deeper, more complicated. He wasn’t quite sure what he wanted, but it hurt inside to think about him. Hurt worse to think about him with Petrov.
Ryan’s words came back to him: “That’s what you wanted, right?”
Ryan had given Deke what he wanted, and Deke felt like a monster.
In conclusion:
This story was written so the reader is kept guessing until the very end as to who really is bad and who is good. The mystery aspect was done VERY well, and I think is one of the best books I've read by this author yet. The psychological aspect and subtlety of how D/s relationships do or do not work, as well as the trust involved make this a very fascinating read. The only reason it wasn't a 'perfect' read for me was that the ending felt a little rushed. It's still an HEA, but I was hoping for a bit more or even an epilogue. Its not a light or sugary-sweet read for sure, but I felt satisfied when I was done, and could see it easily going on my re-read shelf.
Almost perfect! For me this one was a great read and kept me at the edge of my seat. The best this author has written in my humble opinion. I most definitely recommend Bound For Trouble by E.M. Lynley.
My thoughts: I admit, the cover was striking and I enjoy a good bondage trope. I have read and enjoyed this author's stories in the past, but this was a new direction for her and I was curious on how she'd write a BDSM-themed book. What a pleasant surprise. LOVED it. The author researched and wrote about the subject in a way that pulls the reader in, and it seemed like she hit her groove in this one. Outstanding story. *more please!*
We are introduced to 'Deke' Daniel Kane in the first few pages as he is going through what was supposed to be the Op that would take his FBI career to the next level but instead sends him to the bottom. Basement, to be more specific, dealing with cybercrimes and internet hackers. He jumps at the chance to redeem himself that is offered to him by his boss. But he requires a convincing confidential informant (CI) to get close to his target, and his target just so happens to like hot young submissive men that frequent a particular BDSM club.
Ryan is a 'former' stripper that is trying to better his life. He has been attending 'Sex Addicts, Anonymous' meetings. He has some misdemeanor charges, and a past as a rent boy that can be held over his head. We slowly start to get some of his backstory. Deke is the person that gets to 'motivate' him to take the job, or else. Deke is given the ultimatum by his boss to make sure Ryan does what is required, including going into a BDSM club under false pretenses to get close to their 'bad' guy. Unfortunately, it also puts Ryan in a dangerous situation, and back to doing what he has tried so hard to get away from. I admit I did not like Deke's superior reporting officer, Serah, at all. I'm sure it was the author's intent for us not to like her, and the rest of the supporting characters are written well, even if we don't really see much of them.
Enter our Russian 'bad guy', Petrov. This part of the story had me going all directions. It read as a psychological thriller as I really was pulled into wondering if Petrov was really so bad? At times it felt as if Ryan was falling in love with him and really getting pulled into the lifestyle. The author does it in such a subtle way that I was second guessing all relationships from page to page! And the BDSM aspect was not done over the top, almost rather framing the relationships rather than 'dominating' the story.
Excerpt:
“Come here. Turn around.” Deke had Ryan stand so he could see his back. Up close in the light, he could see the welts were dark ridges. He could see welts along Ryan’s ass through the skintight shorts. “Ryan, when did this happen?”
“Last night.”
“And you still have marks? Do you need a doctor? Petrov—”
“It wasn’t him. It was someone else.”
“I’ll kill him.”
“My hero.” The tone was playful.
“Who…?”
“Another Dom. I botched the lesson on purpose. He punished me, and Petrov nearly ripped his arm off. Spent the next hour tending to me. Now Petrov doesn’t want anyone else to touch me. It’s a good thing.”
“Fucking crazy plan. You’re supposed to tell me what’s going on. Where did this happen? At Petrov’s?” Surveillance hadn’t reported that Ryan visited Petrov’s again.
“Here, on the other side of the club in one of the member-only playrooms. They don’t allow you in if you’ve been drinking.”
“You’re okay?”
“Yes. And with Petrov training me, I’ll be at his place more. That’s what you wanted, right?”
“But not at this expense.”
“You should find a way to punish me.” Ryan grinned.
“I can’t exactly spank you now, can I?”
“How about a blowjob?”
“How is that a punishment?”
Ryan shrugged. “It depends how big your dick is.” He reached a hand out, and Deke caught it, smiling.
“Do you ever stop?”
“Do you ever relax?”
Deke stared at Ryan. “Sure.”
“No, you don’t. I don’t think you can. You’re always planning something or analyzing the results of your plan, or worrying about when the plan will work. A blowjob is something you don’t have to plan. Something you can just enjoy. Not something you need to do, or something you think you’re supposed to do. And not for someone else. Just for you.”
Ryan knelt down between Deke’s knees.
Deke put his hands on Ryan’s shoulders, stopping him from moving. “Yes, I can do something just because I want to.” He pulled Ryan in close and pressed his mouth to Ryan’s.
Ryan let out a little gasp and melted into Deke’s arms, opening his mouth.
Deke kept the kiss gentle to start. A first taste so sweet he had to have more. He increased the pressure on Ryan’s soft, full lips, which felt even better than Deke had imagined. And his tongue was velvety smooth as Deke’s touched and tangled.
The kiss went on for a long time, and when Deke let go, it was a feat of willpower. He was hard as a rock, and when Ryan stepped back, Deke saw he was in the same condition.
“Thank you,” Deke whispered, one arm still around Ryan.
“That’s all you wanted from me?” Ryan whispered back, voice breaking.
Deke nodded.
Ryan turned and rushed out of the room.
Deke sat on the couch, contemplating his desire. He wanted Ryan in a way he couldn’t understand. He didn’t just want to fuck the guy; it was something bigger, deeper, more complicated. He wasn’t quite sure what he wanted, but it hurt inside to think about him. Hurt worse to think about him with Petrov.
Ryan’s words came back to him: “That’s what you wanted, right?”
Ryan had given Deke what he wanted, and Deke felt like a monster.
In conclusion:
This story was written so the reader is kept guessing until the very end as to who really is bad and who is good. The mystery aspect was done VERY well, and I think is one of the best books I've read by this author yet. The psychological aspect and subtlety of how D/s relationships do or do not work, as well as the trust involved make this a very fascinating read. The only reason it wasn't a 'perfect' read for me was that the ending felt a little rushed. It's still an HEA, but I was hoping for a bit more or even an epilogue. Its not a light or sugary-sweet read for sure, but I felt satisfied when I was done, and could see it easily going on my re-read shelf.
Almost perfect! For me this one was a great read and kept me at the edge of my seat. The best this author has written in my humble opinion. I most definitely recommend Bound For Trouble by E.M. Lynley.
June 27, 2014
We were given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Also, I have read and enjoyed this author's stories in the past, but this was a new direction for her and I was curious on how she'd write a BDSM-themed book.
My thoughts: I admit, the cover was striking and I enjoy a good bondage trope. I have enjoyed this author's stories in the past, but this was a new direction for her and I was curious on how she'd write a BDSM-themed book. What a pleasant surprise. LOVED it. The author researched and wrote about the subject in a way that pulls the reader in, and it seemed like she hit her groove in this one. Outstanding story. *more please!*
We are introduced to 'Deke' Daniel Kane in the first few pages as he is going through what was supposed to be the Op that would take his FBI career to the next level but instead sends him to the bottom. Basement, to be more specific, dealing with cybercrimes and internet hackers. He jumps at the chance to redeem himself that is offered to him by his boss. But he requires a convincing confidential informant (CI) to get close to his target, and his target just so happens to like hot young submissive men that frequent a particular BDSM club.
Ryan is a 'former' stripper that is trying to better his life. He has been attending 'Sex Addicts, Anonymous' meetings. He has some misdemeanor charges, and a past as a rent boy that can be held over his head. We slowly start to get some of his backstory. Deke is the person that gets to 'motivate' him to take the job, or else. Deke is given the ultimatum by his boss to make sure Ryan does what is required, including going into a BDSM club under false pretenses to get close to their 'bad' guy. Unfortunately, it also puts Ryan in a dangerous situation, and back to doing what he has tried so hard to get away from. I admit I did not like Deke's superior reporting officer, Serah, at all. I'm sure it was the author's intent for us not to like her, and the rest of the supporting characters are written well, even if we don't really see much of them.
Enter our Russian 'bad guy', Petrov. This part of the story had me going all directions. It read as a psychological thriller as I really was pulled into wondering if Petrov was really so bad? At times it felt as if Ryan was falling in love with him and really getting pulled into the lifestyle. The author does it in such a subtle way that I was second guessing all relationships from page to page! And the BDSM aspect was not done over the top, almost rather framing the relationships rather than 'dominating' the story.
Excerpt:
“Come here. Turn around.” Deke had Ryan stand so he could see his back. Up close in the light, he could see the welts were dark ridges. He could see welts along Ryan’s ass through the skintight shorts. “Ryan, when did this happen?”
“Last night.”
“And you still have marks? Do you need a doctor? Petrov—”
“It wasn’t him. It was someone else.”
“I’ll kill him.”
“My hero.” The tone was playful.
“Who…?”
“Another Dom. I botched the lesson on purpose. He punished me, and Petrov nearly ripped his arm off. Spent the next hour tending to me. Now Petrov doesn’t want anyone else to touch me. It’s a good thing.”
“Fucking crazy plan. You’re supposed to tell me what’s going on. Where did this happen? At Petrov’s?” Surveillance hadn’t reported that Ryan visited Petrov’s again.
“Here, on the other side of the club in one of the member-only playrooms. They don’t allow you in if you’ve been drinking.”
“You’re okay?”
“Yes. And with Petrov training me, I’ll be at his place more. That’s what you wanted, right?”
“But not at this expense.”
“You should find a way to punish me.” Ryan grinned.
“I can’t exactly spank you now, can I?”
“How about a blowjob?”
“How is that a punishment?”
Ryan shrugged. “It depends how big your dick is.” He reached a hand out, and Deke caught it, smiling.
“Do you ever stop?”
“Do you ever relax?”
Deke stared at Ryan. “Sure.”
“No, you don’t. I don’t think you can. You’re always planning something or analyzing the results of your plan, or worrying about when the plan will work. A blowjob is something you don’t have to plan. Something you can just enjoy. Not something you need to do, or something you think you’re supposed to do. And not for someone else. Just for you.”
Ryan knelt down between Deke’s knees.
Deke put his hands on Ryan’s shoulders, stopping him from moving. “Yes, I can do something just because I want to.” He pulled Ryan in close and pressed his mouth to Ryan’s.
Ryan let out a little gasp and melted into Deke’s arms, opening his mouth.
Deke kept the kiss gentle to start. A first taste so sweet he had to have more. He increased the pressure on Ryan’s soft, full lips, which felt even better than Deke had imagined. And his tongue was velvety smooth as Deke’s touched and tangled.
The kiss went on for a long time, and when Deke let go, it was a feat of willpower. He was hard as a rock, and when Ryan stepped back, Deke saw he was in the same condition.
“Thank you,” Deke whispered, one arm still around Ryan.
“That’s all you wanted from me?” Ryan whispered back, voice breaking.
Deke nodded.
Ryan turned and rushed out of the room.
Deke sat on the couch, contemplating his desire. He wanted Ryan in a way he couldn’t understand. He didn’t just want to fuck the guy; it was something bigger, deeper, more complicated. He wasn’t quite sure what he wanted, but it hurt inside to think about him. Hurt worse to think about him with Petrov.
Ryan’s words came back to him: “That’s what you wanted, right?”
Ryan had given Deke what he wanted, and Deke felt like a monster.
In conclusion:
This story was written so the reader is kept guessing until the very end as to who really is bad and who is good. The mystery aspect was done VERY well, and I think is one of the best books I've read by this author yet. The psychological aspect and subtlety of how D/s relationships do or do not work, as well as the trust involved make this a very fascinating read. The only reason it wasn't a 'perfect' read for me was that the ending felt a little rushed. It's still an HEA, but I was hoping for a bit more or even an epilogue. It's not a light or sugary-sweet read for sure, but I felt satisfied when I was done, and could see it easily going on my re-read shelf.
Almost perfect! For me this one was a great read and kept me at the edge of my seat. The best this author has written in my humble opinion. I most definitely recommend this story.
My thoughts: I admit, the cover was striking and I enjoy a good bondage trope. I have enjoyed this author's stories in the past, but this was a new direction for her and I was curious on how she'd write a BDSM-themed book. What a pleasant surprise. LOVED it. The author researched and wrote about the subject in a way that pulls the reader in, and it seemed like she hit her groove in this one. Outstanding story. *more please!*
We are introduced to 'Deke' Daniel Kane in the first few pages as he is going through what was supposed to be the Op that would take his FBI career to the next level but instead sends him to the bottom. Basement, to be more specific, dealing with cybercrimes and internet hackers. He jumps at the chance to redeem himself that is offered to him by his boss. But he requires a convincing confidential informant (CI) to get close to his target, and his target just so happens to like hot young submissive men that frequent a particular BDSM club.
Ryan is a 'former' stripper that is trying to better his life. He has been attending 'Sex Addicts, Anonymous' meetings. He has some misdemeanor charges, and a past as a rent boy that can be held over his head. We slowly start to get some of his backstory. Deke is the person that gets to 'motivate' him to take the job, or else. Deke is given the ultimatum by his boss to make sure Ryan does what is required, including going into a BDSM club under false pretenses to get close to their 'bad' guy. Unfortunately, it also puts Ryan in a dangerous situation, and back to doing what he has tried so hard to get away from. I admit I did not like Deke's superior reporting officer, Serah, at all. I'm sure it was the author's intent for us not to like her, and the rest of the supporting characters are written well, even if we don't really see much of them.
Enter our Russian 'bad guy', Petrov. This part of the story had me going all directions. It read as a psychological thriller as I really was pulled into wondering if Petrov was really so bad? At times it felt as if Ryan was falling in love with him and really getting pulled into the lifestyle. The author does it in such a subtle way that I was second guessing all relationships from page to page! And the BDSM aspect was not done over the top, almost rather framing the relationships rather than 'dominating' the story.
Excerpt:
“Come here. Turn around.” Deke had Ryan stand so he could see his back. Up close in the light, he could see the welts were dark ridges. He could see welts along Ryan’s ass through the skintight shorts. “Ryan, when did this happen?”
“Last night.”
“And you still have marks? Do you need a doctor? Petrov—”
“It wasn’t him. It was someone else.”
“I’ll kill him.”
“My hero.” The tone was playful.
“Who…?”
“Another Dom. I botched the lesson on purpose. He punished me, and Petrov nearly ripped his arm off. Spent the next hour tending to me. Now Petrov doesn’t want anyone else to touch me. It’s a good thing.”
“Fucking crazy plan. You’re supposed to tell me what’s going on. Where did this happen? At Petrov’s?” Surveillance hadn’t reported that Ryan visited Petrov’s again.
“Here, on the other side of the club in one of the member-only playrooms. They don’t allow you in if you’ve been drinking.”
“You’re okay?”
“Yes. And with Petrov training me, I’ll be at his place more. That’s what you wanted, right?”
“But not at this expense.”
“You should find a way to punish me.” Ryan grinned.
“I can’t exactly spank you now, can I?”
“How about a blowjob?”
“How is that a punishment?”
Ryan shrugged. “It depends how big your dick is.” He reached a hand out, and Deke caught it, smiling.
“Do you ever stop?”
“Do you ever relax?”
Deke stared at Ryan. “Sure.”
“No, you don’t. I don’t think you can. You’re always planning something or analyzing the results of your plan, or worrying about when the plan will work. A blowjob is something you don’t have to plan. Something you can just enjoy. Not something you need to do, or something you think you’re supposed to do. And not for someone else. Just for you.”
Ryan knelt down between Deke’s knees.
Deke put his hands on Ryan’s shoulders, stopping him from moving. “Yes, I can do something just because I want to.” He pulled Ryan in close and pressed his mouth to Ryan’s.
Ryan let out a little gasp and melted into Deke’s arms, opening his mouth.
Deke kept the kiss gentle to start. A first taste so sweet he had to have more. He increased the pressure on Ryan’s soft, full lips, which felt even better than Deke had imagined. And his tongue was velvety smooth as Deke’s touched and tangled.
The kiss went on for a long time, and when Deke let go, it was a feat of willpower. He was hard as a rock, and when Ryan stepped back, Deke saw he was in the same condition.
“Thank you,” Deke whispered, one arm still around Ryan.
“That’s all you wanted from me?” Ryan whispered back, voice breaking.
Deke nodded.
Ryan turned and rushed out of the room.
Deke sat on the couch, contemplating his desire. He wanted Ryan in a way he couldn’t understand. He didn’t just want to fuck the guy; it was something bigger, deeper, more complicated. He wasn’t quite sure what he wanted, but it hurt inside to think about him. Hurt worse to think about him with Petrov.
Ryan’s words came back to him: “That’s what you wanted, right?”
Ryan had given Deke what he wanted, and Deke felt like a monster.
In conclusion:
This story was written so the reader is kept guessing until the very end as to who really is bad and who is good. The mystery aspect was done VERY well, and I think is one of the best books I've read by this author yet. The psychological aspect and subtlety of how D/s relationships do or do not work, as well as the trust involved make this a very fascinating read. The only reason it wasn't a 'perfect' read for me was that the ending felt a little rushed. It's still an HEA, but I was hoping for a bit more or even an epilogue. It's not a light or sugary-sweet read for sure, but I felt satisfied when I was done, and could see it easily going on my re-read shelf.
Almost perfect! For me this one was a great read and kept me at the edge of my seat. The best this author has written in my humble opinion. I most definitely recommend this story.
January 29, 2015
I have SUCH mixed feelings about this book.
On the pro side, it was (despite the overall ludicrous plot) well paced and moved along well. And much of it was extremely hot, particularly the BDSM description, which was great.
On the negative side ... this wasn't really a romance between Deke and Ryan. If anything, it was a romance between Ryan and Petrov that goes wrong. Deke and Ryan spend almost zero time together and while they clearly have chemistry, they don't KNOW each other. And yet at the end they think they're in love? So annoying. And randomly the author would say weird, contradictory stuff about how Ryan had 'never known desire before' even after spending pages talking about how Petrov was training him and basically doing nothing BUT describing how much Ryan desired him. It just ... wasn't called that.
So bizarre. It felt like 90% of this book was Ryan having sex with Petrov (although apparently no penetration meant it wasn't actually sex, despite orgasms *eye rolls*) and then several times Deke exploring BDSM with other people and only the barest interaction between him and Ryan. Plus, I was annoyed at the casual murder of Dakota and how he was just disposable and just the overall huge problems with plot points.
()
So what it came down to for me was - did the overall readability, flow, and hotness counteract all the other stuff? Almost, it was really close. If there had been any actual believable relationship development between Ryan and Deke this would have soared through the roof, as is, I was left feeling disatisfied and grumpy.
On the pro side, it was (despite the overall ludicrous plot) well paced and moved along well. And much of it was extremely hot, particularly the BDSM description, which was great.
On the negative side ... this wasn't really a romance between Deke and Ryan. If anything, it was a romance between Ryan and Petrov that goes wrong. Deke and Ryan spend almost zero time together and while they clearly have chemistry, they don't KNOW each other. And yet at the end they think they're in love? So annoying. And randomly the author would say weird, contradictory stuff about how Ryan had 'never known desire before' even after spending pages talking about how Petrov was training him and basically doing nothing BUT describing how much Ryan desired him. It just ... wasn't called that.
So bizarre. It felt like 90% of this book was Ryan having sex with Petrov (although apparently no penetration meant it wasn't actually sex, despite orgasms *eye rolls*) and then several times Deke exploring BDSM with other people and only the barest interaction between him and Ryan. Plus, I was annoyed at the casual murder of Dakota and how he was just disposable and just the overall huge problems with plot points.
()
So what it came down to for me was - did the overall readability, flow, and hotness counteract all the other stuff? Almost, it was really close. If there had been any actual believable relationship development between Ryan and Deke this would have soared through the roof, as is, I was left feeling disatisfied and grumpy.
October 27, 2015
3.5 stars. Cheesy cover, but a good story inside regarding an FBI agent and the confidential informant (CI) he somewhat blackmails into helping him with a case regarding a Russian arms dealer. The CI is a young man who's trying to put his life back together, leaving behind his "rent-boy" and stripper past and trying to get back into college and live a normal life. But the FBI needs someone to get close to their target and this boy is the perfect find.
Our gay FBI agent starts feeling guilty about putting this vulnerable boy into the mix with arms dealers and, it turns out, viscious murderers and starts caring more about the case and his CI than he should. The romance is slow building, with both main characters seeing the other as a bad fit in their lives, but I did enjoy their romance which included a lot of suspenseful moments and some BDSM thrown in as well.
Our gay FBI agent starts feeling guilty about putting this vulnerable boy into the mix with arms dealers and, it turns out, viscious murderers and starts caring more about the case and his CI than he should. The romance is slow building, with both main characters seeing the other as a bad fit in their lives, but I did enjoy their romance which included a lot of suspenseful moments and some BDSM thrown in as well.
June 1, 2015
This book has amazing kissing descriptions, and also this whenever their fingers touch or their eyes meet, . . . so sweet. Loved it.
Although it is bdsm-themed, the bdsm actions are not between the two MCs. It’s more about them finding out this desire within themselves, that they are into it, but they don’t have the chance to explore it much, which makes the story sort of incomplete in this regard; I think it definitely is in need of a sequel. Due to their psychological issues the desire to d/s relationship, in their case is important, but the story doesn’t satisfy it, but only presents it.
Although it is bdsm-themed, the bdsm actions are not between the two MCs. It’s more about them finding out this desire within themselves, that they are into it, but they don’t have the chance to explore it much, which makes the story sort of incomplete in this regard; I think it definitely is in need of a sequel. Due to their psychological issues the desire to d/s relationship, in their case is important, but the story doesn’t satisfy it, but only presents it.
June 18, 2014
This book has everything I love: a broken hero looking for redemption, a young man trying to escape his past, FBI agents, sex, action and romance. It’s no wonder Alfred Hitchcock’s Notorious is a favorite movie of mine.
Deke’s life has pretty much fallen apart, he has been confined to a desk job in Cyber Crimes, his longtime partner has move out and pretty much moved on, he has nightmares about the botched raid and is not sleeping. In a word, he is a mess.
Read the rest of the review at:
Love Bytes
Deke’s life has pretty much fallen apart, he has been confined to a desk job in Cyber Crimes, his longtime partner has move out and pretty much moved on, he has nightmares about the botched raid and is not sleeping. In a word, he is a mess.
Read the rest of the review at:
Love Bytes
June 28, 2014
I finished the book, but with a lot of skimming in the second half. I did enjoy the first quarter even though I thought it was a little messy, as if the author hadn't made up her mind where she wanted to go with her characters.
The plot is straightforward and follows the blurb to a T. In fact, the blurb is better written:(
This could have been a very good MM erotic suspense, but failed for me because:
1) 3/4 of the book has Ryan spending intimate time with Petrov, the guy the FBI wants Ryan to spy on. Ryan has more sex with Petrov than with Deke and though there's a lot of hard cocks to look at, Deke only has full-on sex with Ryan once - towards the end of the book. And Petrov never fucks Ryan. The sex scenes are all about bjs and hjs. There are some good erotic scenes, though.
2)The author has Ryan fall for Petrov even while he's already attracted to Deke. I liked this because I thought there'd be some complexity to the relationship and plot: rentboy, FBI boyfriend and Russian villain triangle? I'd love to see how that plays out. Unfortunately, after taking me through 80+% of the book with Ryan in sex scenes with Petrov, telling me Ryan has feelings for Petrov, have Petrov say 'I love you' to Ryan...Petrov simply gets arrested and that's it. No more Petrov. W.T.F. Why? Why paint Petrov as a bad guy with a soft heart for Ryan, to tease with the hint of complex flavors to the man and his relationship with the MC then just drop him cold?
3) Ryan's reason for taking on the task of bringing his best friend's killer to justice could have been made more compelling. As it is, Rocco is merely a mention in the book and I couldn't feel or even understand Ryan's need for avenging his best friend and fellow rentboy's murder. Ryan wants very much to get out of the business. He wants to go to college. One of his ex-customers, Gregory, for reasons we will never know, decides to be the Good Samaritan and takes Ryan (and a girl, Gina) out of the sex industry, giving Ryan a job in his organic grocery store and offering to meet Ryan’s college fees dollar-to-dollar. ‘Saint’ Gregory even declines Ryan’s overtures for sex because Gregory's generosity comes with conditions - Ryan is not to go back to his old life. Which brings me to Gregory –
4) Like Petrov, Gregory’s character is developed up to a point, a certain image is formed in my mind, he is interesting enough to make me suspicious of his motives (and yes, there is more to “Saint” Greg)…then poof! He ends up like Petrov. Just removed from the story.
5) Ryan is, himself, full of contradictory behavior. A lot is mentioned about Ryan’s dread of having to go back to the sex clubs, which the FBI undercover job requires. Yet, when he’s at the Dungeon 69 he voluntarily hops up on the bar counter and starts an erotic dance, guaranteed to get every dick in the place standing to attention. Ryan knows if he starts dabbling in his old life, Gregory will cut off his support but Ryan still does, of course. Not just for Rocco’s sake, but for Deke, or Cowboy Agent, as Ryan has nicknamed him….because he’s fallen for the Fed. Why? How? They’d just met and Deke was playing the jerk with Ryan because Deke is so pussy-whipped by Serah it’s not funny. His superior, Serah, is right old bitch under the guise of wanting to redeem Deke yet she’s the only character who makes sense to me.
These are the parts I found fault with but the sad thing is that I did find the book interesting enough to finish and am exasperated that the author left me with half-woven patterns in this tapestry. Each character was fascinating enough and the author thought so enough to create interesting threads. So why just drop each thread cold? Even after this right old mess of a story which ends abruptly in an HFN, I am left thinking what a waste. The BDSM is run-o-mill. Nothing you won’t find in any other BDSM-themed book but I think (I may be wrong since I’m not a fan) BDSM themes are not about the toys and paraphilia but about the relational dynamics. This is what I mean when I say this was lacking in follow through.
What did I like? An attempt to write an erotic suspense:D I want more of these but with proper follow-through of the characters and finish. I liked the grittiness and that no punches were pulled where the description of the dead body was concerned - it fit with the type of story this was even if I felt it was a little too gory for my taste. I liked when Deke and Ryan finally had sex. Just one sex scene but it was good and one good one is way better than ten boring ones.
Perhaps a sequel is being planned and the MCs will have found themselves then. I need Deke to get his career on track and I want to see Ryan and Deke make a life together.
Conclusion: I love undercover themes and this one had everything I could want - eroticism and suspense. I am interested enough in the story and the characters to want to read a sequel.
The plot is straightforward and follows the blurb to a T. In fact, the blurb is better written:(
This could have been a very good MM erotic suspense, but failed for me because:
1) 3/4 of the book has Ryan spending intimate time with Petrov, the guy the FBI wants Ryan to spy on. Ryan has more sex with Petrov than with Deke and though there's a lot of hard cocks to look at, Deke only has full-on sex with Ryan once - towards the end of the book. And Petrov never fucks Ryan. The sex scenes are all about bjs and hjs. There are some good erotic scenes, though.
2)The author has Ryan fall for Petrov even while he's already attracted to Deke. I liked this because I thought there'd be some complexity to the relationship and plot: rentboy, FBI boyfriend and Russian villain triangle? I'd love to see how that plays out. Unfortunately, after taking me through 80+% of the book with Ryan in sex scenes with Petrov, telling me Ryan has feelings for Petrov, have Petrov say 'I love you' to Ryan...Petrov simply gets arrested and that's it. No more Petrov. W.T.F. Why? Why paint Petrov as a bad guy with a soft heart for Ryan, to tease with the hint of complex flavors to the man and his relationship with the MC then just drop him cold?
3) Ryan's reason for taking on the task of bringing his best friend's killer to justice could have been made more compelling. As it is, Rocco is merely a mention in the book and I couldn't feel or even understand Ryan's need for avenging his best friend and fellow rentboy's murder. Ryan wants very much to get out of the business. He wants to go to college. One of his ex-customers, Gregory, for reasons we will never know, decides to be the Good Samaritan and takes Ryan (and a girl, Gina) out of the sex industry, giving Ryan a job in his organic grocery store and offering to meet Ryan’s college fees dollar-to-dollar. ‘Saint’ Gregory even declines Ryan’s overtures for sex because Gregory's generosity comes with conditions - Ryan is not to go back to his old life. Which brings me to Gregory –
4) Like Petrov, Gregory’s character is developed up to a point, a certain image is formed in my mind, he is interesting enough to make me suspicious of his motives (and yes, there is more to “Saint” Greg)…then poof! He ends up like Petrov. Just removed from the story.
5) Ryan is, himself, full of contradictory behavior. A lot is mentioned about Ryan’s dread of having to go back to the sex clubs, which the FBI undercover job requires. Yet, when he’s at the Dungeon 69 he voluntarily hops up on the bar counter and starts an erotic dance, guaranteed to get every dick in the place standing to attention. Ryan knows if he starts dabbling in his old life, Gregory will cut off his support but Ryan still does, of course. Not just for Rocco’s sake, but for Deke, or Cowboy Agent, as Ryan has nicknamed him….because he’s fallen for the Fed. Why? How? They’d just met and Deke was playing the jerk with Ryan because Deke is so pussy-whipped by Serah it’s not funny. His superior, Serah, is right old bitch under the guise of wanting to redeem Deke yet she’s the only character who makes sense to me.
These are the parts I found fault with but the sad thing is that I did find the book interesting enough to finish and am exasperated that the author left me with half-woven patterns in this tapestry. Each character was fascinating enough and the author thought so enough to create interesting threads. So why just drop each thread cold? Even after this right old mess of a story which ends abruptly in an HFN, I am left thinking what a waste. The BDSM is run-o-mill. Nothing you won’t find in any other BDSM-themed book but I think (I may be wrong since I’m not a fan) BDSM themes are not about the toys and paraphilia but about the relational dynamics. This is what I mean when I say this was lacking in follow through.
What did I like? An attempt to write an erotic suspense:D I want more of these but with proper follow-through of the characters and finish. I liked the grittiness and that no punches were pulled where the description of the dead body was concerned - it fit with the type of story this was even if I felt it was a little too gory for my taste. I liked when Deke and Ryan finally had sex. Just one sex scene but it was good and one good one is way better than ten boring ones.
Perhaps a sequel is being planned and the MCs will have found themselves then. I need Deke to get his career on track and I want to see Ryan and Deke make a life together.
Conclusion: I love undercover themes and this one had everything I could want - eroticism and suspense. I am interested enough in the story and the characters to want to read a sequel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2014
Bound For Trouble contains all the ingredients I love in a great book. A broken hero searching for redemption, a young man trying to escape the unfortunate circumstances of his past, undercover informants, hot sex, BDSM, action, a twist, then another twist, and romance.
Daniel "Deke" Kane’s life is pretty much destroyed. He made a bad call at a drug raid and two kids died because of it. He has been haunted night and day by memories of that night. Once he is finally cleared to return to work for the FBI, he is confined to a desk job in Cyber Crimes, his boyfriend has moved out, he is lonely, doubting his own abilities as an agent. He is just a mess.
After years of supporting himself in various ways, all involving using his body, Ryan has finally been presented with an offer to free himself from the world of a sex worker. A customer of his at the strip club where he performed has made him an offer that is too good to be true. You know what they say about offers like those. Gregory has hired Ryan and his roommate Gina to work at an organic grocery store he owns and chance to go back to college. All Ryan has to do is be willing to give up life as a stripper. Ryan is deliriously happy for the opportunity and quickly agrees. Ironically, when he tries to do the right thing, he ends up being forced back to the world he wanted to escape.
When Deke finds some financial irregularities involving suspected drug dealer and weapons broker Maksim Petrov, the FBI decides to try and insert a confidential informant into his organization to get more information. Deke is offered a chance to work the case, while being closely supervised, and he gratefully accepts it. In his mind this is his last chance to redeem himself and save his career.
Deke and Ryan are brought together when Deke is assigned to supervise Ryan while he works under cover at a gay BDSM club frequented by Petrov. Deke has a bad feeling about the club, Dungeon 69. He is uncomfortable but also drawn to the sexy Ryan and to the BDSM he sees surrounding him at the club. Deke must learn to trust his instincts again or risk losing Ryan and his job. In the past, Deke's instincts haven't always synched with FBI policy or the orders of his superiors.
Ryan is able to catch Petrov’s eye and signs a contract to begin his sub training with the suspect. The dynamic between both Ryan and Deke and Ryan and Petrov is captivating. Ryan knows he is falling in love with Deke, but is also drawn into Petrov’s Domination. While having to spend time at the club to watch over Ryan, Deke discovers he may be bent toward Domination himself. He is also falling in love with Ryan. Petrov is an enigma. Everything we think we know about him may or may not be true.
My problem with the story is that for most of the book, Ryan is with someone else. It's all part of the investigation, but Deke has to watch Ryan get spanked by another man. And he sees Ryan liking and desiring it. Ryan is confused about his feelings because he has never thought of himself as a submissive person. It was hell to read about him being with Petrov. My heart hurt for Deke to have to see and hear everything they did together.
Bound For Trouble is fast paced, well written, riveting. The roller coaster ride of emotions the reader takes is one you will want to ride again. The characters are well-rounded and intensely written, the plot is intricately woven and has twists you won't see coming. E.M. Lynley wrote this in a way that makes the reader feel the excitement and action. And the sex! There was something for everyone. From a timid first-time spanking to a full on single tail scene. The sex was really hot. But it wasn't only about the sex or the BDSM. Bound For Trouble is the complete package, with ingredients for everyone; mystery/thriller/romance/BDSM/action lovers alike will all enjoy this book.
Daniel "Deke" Kane’s life is pretty much destroyed. He made a bad call at a drug raid and two kids died because of it. He has been haunted night and day by memories of that night. Once he is finally cleared to return to work for the FBI, he is confined to a desk job in Cyber Crimes, his boyfriend has moved out, he is lonely, doubting his own abilities as an agent. He is just a mess.
After years of supporting himself in various ways, all involving using his body, Ryan has finally been presented with an offer to free himself from the world of a sex worker. A customer of his at the strip club where he performed has made him an offer that is too good to be true. You know what they say about offers like those. Gregory has hired Ryan and his roommate Gina to work at an organic grocery store he owns and chance to go back to college. All Ryan has to do is be willing to give up life as a stripper. Ryan is deliriously happy for the opportunity and quickly agrees. Ironically, when he tries to do the right thing, he ends up being forced back to the world he wanted to escape.
When Deke finds some financial irregularities involving suspected drug dealer and weapons broker Maksim Petrov, the FBI decides to try and insert a confidential informant into his organization to get more information. Deke is offered a chance to work the case, while being closely supervised, and he gratefully accepts it. In his mind this is his last chance to redeem himself and save his career.
Deke and Ryan are brought together when Deke is assigned to supervise Ryan while he works under cover at a gay BDSM club frequented by Petrov. Deke has a bad feeling about the club, Dungeon 69. He is uncomfortable but also drawn to the sexy Ryan and to the BDSM he sees surrounding him at the club. Deke must learn to trust his instincts again or risk losing Ryan and his job. In the past, Deke's instincts haven't always synched with FBI policy or the orders of his superiors.
Ryan is able to catch Petrov’s eye and signs a contract to begin his sub training with the suspect. The dynamic between both Ryan and Deke and Ryan and Petrov is captivating. Ryan knows he is falling in love with Deke, but is also drawn into Petrov’s Domination. While having to spend time at the club to watch over Ryan, Deke discovers he may be bent toward Domination himself. He is also falling in love with Ryan. Petrov is an enigma. Everything we think we know about him may or may not be true.
My problem with the story is that for most of the book, Ryan is with someone else. It's all part of the investigation, but Deke has to watch Ryan get spanked by another man. And he sees Ryan liking and desiring it. Ryan is confused about his feelings because he has never thought of himself as a submissive person. It was hell to read about him being with Petrov. My heart hurt for Deke to have to see and hear everything they did together.
Bound For Trouble is fast paced, well written, riveting. The roller coaster ride of emotions the reader takes is one you will want to ride again. The characters are well-rounded and intensely written, the plot is intricately woven and has twists you won't see coming. E.M. Lynley wrote this in a way that makes the reader feel the excitement and action. And the sex! There was something for everyone. From a timid first-time spanking to a full on single tail scene. The sex was really hot. But it wasn't only about the sex or the BDSM. Bound For Trouble is the complete package, with ingredients for everyone; mystery/thriller/romance/BDSM/action lovers alike will all enjoy this book.
June 26, 2014
Please read my full review on the Smoocher's Voice blog: http://www.smoochersvoice.com/2014/06...
Bound for Trouble is EM Lynley’s first novel-length BDSM-themed book. This novel is not as light-hearted as the stories in the Delectable series or the recently release Out of the Gate. The main characters in Bound for Trouble are realistic, intriguing, broken and conflicted. This is a superb story that is teeming with action, hot sex and a bit of violence.
When readers first meet FBI agent Deke Kane, he is literally waking up from a nightmare. A bad decision during a drug raid not only has his career hitting rock bottom, but also his self-esteem is in the gutter. After all, what good is a lead FBI agent who doesn’t trust his own decisions? Not to mention the fact that his fellow agents and his superiors don’t trust him either.
Kane has one last chance to redeem himself. Maksim Petrov is a bad man. He is a criminal mastermind who seems to be just out the FBI’s reach at every turn. Capturing him is a high priority … allegedly. And that is where Ryan Griffiths enters the picture. A former stripper and prostitute, Ryan is trying to turn his life around. Ryan’s former boss and client is helping him on the condition that Ryan stays away from the strip club where he was dancing. Ryan wants nothing to do with his former strip club or anything affiliated with Petrov, but he feels an obligation to try to set things right for his friend Rocco, and that is why he agrees to help the FBI.
Ryan and Deke are instantly attracted to each other. But Deke needs to hide his attraction since his career is at stake, and he is not officially out at his job.
The FBI investigation is intense, and Ryan, who winds up in the middle of the action, is in way over his head. Ryan is looking for love and someone to take care of him, and Petrov knows exactly what do and say to get Ryan to relax. The BDSM in the story runs the gamut from mild to intense to abusive. Lynley does a great job exploring not only the trust components of this lifestyle, but she also shows what happens when trust and power are abused.
There are some interesting plot twists in this story; not everything is as it seems, and Lynley does a great job keeping the reader captivated. With this intriguing cast of characters, Lynley has developed a great plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. With Bound for Trouble, Lynley shows not only her mastery of character development, but also her ability to tackle taboo subjects with finesse.
Bound for Trouble is EM Lynley’s first novel-length BDSM-themed book. This novel is not as light-hearted as the stories in the Delectable series or the recently release Out of the Gate. The main characters in Bound for Trouble are realistic, intriguing, broken and conflicted. This is a superb story that is teeming with action, hot sex and a bit of violence.
When readers first meet FBI agent Deke Kane, he is literally waking up from a nightmare. A bad decision during a drug raid not only has his career hitting rock bottom, but also his self-esteem is in the gutter. After all, what good is a lead FBI agent who doesn’t trust his own decisions? Not to mention the fact that his fellow agents and his superiors don’t trust him either.
Kane has one last chance to redeem himself. Maksim Petrov is a bad man. He is a criminal mastermind who seems to be just out the FBI’s reach at every turn. Capturing him is a high priority … allegedly. And that is where Ryan Griffiths enters the picture. A former stripper and prostitute, Ryan is trying to turn his life around. Ryan’s former boss and client is helping him on the condition that Ryan stays away from the strip club where he was dancing. Ryan wants nothing to do with his former strip club or anything affiliated with Petrov, but he feels an obligation to try to set things right for his friend Rocco, and that is why he agrees to help the FBI.
Ryan and Deke are instantly attracted to each other. But Deke needs to hide his attraction since his career is at stake, and he is not officially out at his job.
The FBI investigation is intense, and Ryan, who winds up in the middle of the action, is in way over his head. Ryan is looking for love and someone to take care of him, and Petrov knows exactly what do and say to get Ryan to relax. The BDSM in the story runs the gamut from mild to intense to abusive. Lynley does a great job exploring not only the trust components of this lifestyle, but she also shows what happens when trust and power are abused.
There are some interesting plot twists in this story; not everything is as it seems, and Lynley does a great job keeping the reader captivated. With this intriguing cast of characters, Lynley has developed a great plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. With Bound for Trouble, Lynley shows not only her mastery of character development, but also her ability to tackle taboo subjects with finesse.
July 16, 2014
Deke is an FBI agent returning to duty after a horrific resolution to his last big case 4 months prior. He knows this case--tracking a Russian gun-runner--is his last chance to prove himself, and may be his only opportunity to salvage his career. Noting that his mark, Petrov, favors sexy men, Deke recruits Ryan, a former stripper/sex worker to infiltrate Petrov's circle.
Ryan wants to help--he knows that Petrov's hitman killed his friend--so he gets hired at a BDSM club Petrov favors and shakes his "thang" (in all senses of the word) in order to get noticed. This has all the right effects, including turning on our stalwart Deke, who is gay but not outright "open" about it. Ryan suspects Deke's sexual preference, and is thrilled to learn Deke is aroused by him.
There begins the cat-and-mouse game of Ryan gleaning intelligence, being a bedable sub and a bane to Deke's strained professionalism. There is a whole lot of sexual tension, and the plot moves along quickly. Petrov's Dom behavior is exceptional, so much so that Ryan falls hard--and had to decide between turning in his passionate Dom or helping his intriguing FBI protector/contact.
The book is told in alternating point of view, which I love. Both Deke and Ryan struggle with their attraction--Deke because he doesn't want to take advantage of his informant, and Ryan because he can't believe that a professional law-man could overlook his sordid history. When a sub is murdered, however, Ryan realizes he's too close to the fire. Thus begins a climax that takes out far more than a gun-runner.
I really enjoyed this! One tiny niggle I had was the very end--I wondered if Deke could have been so impetuous....otherwise, LOVED. A quality BDSM M/M romance, with scenes that steamed and a plot that raced as fast as my heart.
Ryan wants to help--he knows that Petrov's hitman killed his friend--so he gets hired at a BDSM club Petrov favors and shakes his "thang" (in all senses of the word) in order to get noticed. This has all the right effects, including turning on our stalwart Deke, who is gay but not outright "open" about it. Ryan suspects Deke's sexual preference, and is thrilled to learn Deke is aroused by him.
There begins the cat-and-mouse game of Ryan gleaning intelligence, being a bedable sub and a bane to Deke's strained professionalism. There is a whole lot of sexual tension, and the plot moves along quickly. Petrov's Dom behavior is exceptional, so much so that Ryan falls hard--and had to decide between turning in his passionate Dom or helping his intriguing FBI protector/contact.
The book is told in alternating point of view, which I love. Both Deke and Ryan struggle with their attraction--Deke because he doesn't want to take advantage of his informant, and Ryan because he can't believe that a professional law-man could overlook his sordid history. When a sub is murdered, however, Ryan realizes he's too close to the fire. Thus begins a climax that takes out far more than a gun-runner.
I really enjoyed this! One tiny niggle I had was the very end--I wondered if Deke could have been so impetuous....otherwise, LOVED. A quality BDSM M/M romance, with scenes that steamed and a plot that raced as fast as my heart.
July 18, 2014
This book has a little bit of everything, and really kept me reading.
Deke is trying to work his way back into the good graces of his superiors in the FBI after a raid gone wrong and grudgingly coerces Ryan into becoming an informant and going back into the life he is trying to leave behind to get close to a possible drug/arms dealer. Ryan has tried to do the right thing and feels guilty over events he has ties to in the past. As he is pushed back into working at a BDSM club to seduce Maks Petrov and gain information for the FBI, things get very complicated as he tries to fight his attraction to Deke as he is starting for fall for Maks.
My heart was breaking for Ryan and I was outraged at the way he was being played by the FBI, especially Serah, Deke's immediate superior. Deke is attracted to Ryan, but he is more mindful of the fact that one more mistake could mean the end of his career. Deke really struggles with these warring feelings as Ryan gets in deeper with Petrov.
This book will not be for everyone. There are some BDSM scenes that may be a bit intense and there is also the fact that Ryan is with Petrov through much of the book as Deke looks on. If these things don't bother you, the story is well written with plenty of action, sex, drama and twists.
Deke is trying to work his way back into the good graces of his superiors in the FBI after a raid gone wrong and grudgingly coerces Ryan into becoming an informant and going back into the life he is trying to leave behind to get close to a possible drug/arms dealer. Ryan has tried to do the right thing and feels guilty over events he has ties to in the past. As he is pushed back into working at a BDSM club to seduce Maks Petrov and gain information for the FBI, things get very complicated as he tries to fight his attraction to Deke as he is starting for fall for Maks.
My heart was breaking for Ryan and I was outraged at the way he was being played by the FBI, especially Serah, Deke's immediate superior. Deke is attracted to Ryan, but he is more mindful of the fact that one more mistake could mean the end of his career. Deke really struggles with these warring feelings as Ryan gets in deeper with Petrov.
This book will not be for everyone. There are some BDSM scenes that may be a bit intense and there is also the fact that Ryan is with Petrov through much of the book as Deke looks on. If these things don't bother you, the story is well written with plenty of action, sex, drama and twists.
November 25, 2014
I'm stopping at 34% because the emphasis is all on titillation and not so much on making sense. This is the kind of book where dangerous situations are no reason to pass up sexy times, where a law enforcement professional is distracted by sex rather than doing his job with any kind of real-world competence. Deke seemed like kind of an idiot so far and Ryan is attracted to anyone who gives him attention, even the guy who may be responsible for his best friend's murder. If you're in the mood for straight-up erotica I guess you might like this. I wanted more of a story I could buy into to go along with the kink.
November 22, 2014
Why did I struggle with this book? Initially I was expecting something more along the lines of the Delectable Series and this was probably my reason for the struggle at the outset. However. This book was freaking great!
The constant internal struggles of Deke, FBI agent, were palpable. Ryan, ex rent boy, was a sympathetic character. Secondary characters were at once engaging and annoying. Deke’s immediate boss was brutal in her quest for results and this made her an intriguing character. The complication was well built and the rising tension held the reader.
All told a great read.
The constant internal struggles of Deke, FBI agent, were palpable. Ryan, ex rent boy, was a sympathetic character. Secondary characters were at once engaging and annoying. Deke’s immediate boss was brutal in her quest for results and this made her an intriguing character. The complication was well built and the rising tension held the reader.
All told a great read.
March 10, 2016
Despite the title, there is very little bondage in Bound for Trouble. What there is though is a tremendous amount of eroticism that burns up the pages and more than makes up for the lack of it. A complex plot well told weaves together a sub dripping with sex who is deliberately placed in danger’s way, an on-probation agent with PTSD and a sadist involved in international intrigue. Altogether a compelling and enjoyable read.
April 17, 2017
Interesting book. Deke is an FBI agent on a second chance . That comes trying to get a criminal named Petrov. In order to get close to him, Deke enlists, Ryan as a CI. Petrov is into BDSM and so Ryan is tasked with getting close to him.
Lots of BDSM in this story and the mystery takes a backseat to that.
Throughout the story Deke finds himself falling in love with Ryan. It must have been u bearable for him to have to watch Ryan and Petrov together.
I was kept guessing until the end.
Lots of BDSM in this story and the mystery takes a backseat to that.
Throughout the story Deke finds himself falling in love with Ryan. It must have been u bearable for him to have to watch Ryan and Petrov together.
I was kept guessing until the end.
August 27, 2014
i love books with FBI investigations, bad guys,D/s BDSM, lots of action and intrigue and of course hot sex and romance!! You nailed it!!
December 10, 2014
What's not to like? Broken down FBI dude - with one last chance to make good. An intro to D/s that's not creepy. Supremely bad bad guys. Steamy sex. Delicious
September 1, 2018
This started promisingly OTT but wound up not really my jam. It's half FBI cop novel, half BDSM discovery. It had my interest for the first half then kind of fizzled out. IDEK if I should tag it as romance, as it was heavily focused on the cop novel, and I didn't find any of the relationships compelling.
June 23, 2020
Stopping at 36%. I like MM books, but I really need romance to love the story. If you're in the mood for kinky erotica, you might like this. Sometimes I'm good with just the kink, but if there's supposed to be a story, I need to get pulled in.
February 26, 2019
3.5 stars
July 1, 2014
Bound for Trouble contains all the ingredients I love in a great book: a broken hero searching for redemption, a young man trying to escape the unfortunate circumstances of his past, undercover informants, hot sex, BDSM, action, a twist, then another twist, and romance.
Daniel “Deke” Kane’s life is pretty much destroyed. He made a bad call at a drug raid, and two kids died because of it. He has been haunted night and day by memories of that night. Once he is finally cleared to return to work for the FBI, he is confined to a desk job in Cyber Crimes, his boyfriend has moved out, he is lonely, doubting his own abilities as an agent. He is just a mess.
After years of supporting himself in various ways, all involving using his body, Ryan has finally been presented with an offer to free himself from the world of a sex worker. A customer at the strip club where he performed has made him an offer that is too good to be true. You know what they say about offers like those. Gregory has hired Ryan and his roommate Gina to work at an organic grocery store he owns and chance to go back to college. All Ryan has to do is be willing to give up life as a stripper. Ryan is deliriously happy for the opportunity and quickly agrees. Ironically, when he tries to do the right thing, he ends up being forced back to the world he wanted to escape.
When Deke finds some financial irregularities involving suspected drug dealer and weapons broker Maksim Petrov, the FBI decides to try and insert a confidential informant into his organization to get more information. Deke is offered a chance to work the case, while being closely supervised, and he gratefully accepts it. In his mind this is his last chance to redeem himself and save his career.
Deke and Ryan are brought together when Deke is assigned to supervise Ryan while he works under cover at a gay BDSM club frequented by Petrov. Deke has a bad feeling about the club, Dungeon 69. He is uncomfortable but also drawn to the sexy Ryan and to the BDSM he sees surrounding him at the club. Deke must learn to trust his instincts again or risk losing Ryan and his job. In the past, Deke’s instincts haven’t always synched with FBI policy or the orders of his superiors.
Ryan is able to catch Petrov’s eye and signs a contract to begin his sub training with the suspect. The dynamic between both Ryan and Deke and Ryan and Petrov is captivating. Ryan knows he is falling in love with Deke, but is also drawn into Petrov’s domination. While having to spend time at the club to watch over Ryan, Deke discovers he may be bent toward Domination himself. He is also falling in love with Ryan. Petrov is an enigma. Everything we think we know about him may or may not be true.
My problem with the story is that for most of the book, Ryan is with someone else. It’s all part of the investigation, but Deke has to watch Ryan get spanked by another man. And he sees Ryan liking and desiring it. Ryan is confused about his feelings because he has never thought of himself as a submissive person. It was hell to read about him being with Petrov. My heart hurt for Deke to have to see and hear everything they did together.
Bound For Trouble is fast paced, well written, riveting. The roller coaster ride of emotions the reader takes is one you will want to ride again. The characters are well-rounded and intensely written, the plot is intricately woven and has twists you won’t see coming. EM Lynley wrote this in a way that makes the reader feel the excitement and action. And the sex! There was something for everyone, from a timid first-time spanking to a full on single tail scene. The sex was really hot. But it wasn’t only about the sex or the BDSM. Bound For Trouble is the complete package, with ingredients for everyone: mystery/thriller/romance/BDSM/action lovers alike will all enjoy this book.
Daniel “Deke” Kane’s life is pretty much destroyed. He made a bad call at a drug raid, and two kids died because of it. He has been haunted night and day by memories of that night. Once he is finally cleared to return to work for the FBI, he is confined to a desk job in Cyber Crimes, his boyfriend has moved out, he is lonely, doubting his own abilities as an agent. He is just a mess.
After years of supporting himself in various ways, all involving using his body, Ryan has finally been presented with an offer to free himself from the world of a sex worker. A customer at the strip club where he performed has made him an offer that is too good to be true. You know what they say about offers like those. Gregory has hired Ryan and his roommate Gina to work at an organic grocery store he owns and chance to go back to college. All Ryan has to do is be willing to give up life as a stripper. Ryan is deliriously happy for the opportunity and quickly agrees. Ironically, when he tries to do the right thing, he ends up being forced back to the world he wanted to escape.
When Deke finds some financial irregularities involving suspected drug dealer and weapons broker Maksim Petrov, the FBI decides to try and insert a confidential informant into his organization to get more information. Deke is offered a chance to work the case, while being closely supervised, and he gratefully accepts it. In his mind this is his last chance to redeem himself and save his career.
Deke and Ryan are brought together when Deke is assigned to supervise Ryan while he works under cover at a gay BDSM club frequented by Petrov. Deke has a bad feeling about the club, Dungeon 69. He is uncomfortable but also drawn to the sexy Ryan and to the BDSM he sees surrounding him at the club. Deke must learn to trust his instincts again or risk losing Ryan and his job. In the past, Deke’s instincts haven’t always synched with FBI policy or the orders of his superiors.
Ryan is able to catch Petrov’s eye and signs a contract to begin his sub training with the suspect. The dynamic between both Ryan and Deke and Ryan and Petrov is captivating. Ryan knows he is falling in love with Deke, but is also drawn into Petrov’s domination. While having to spend time at the club to watch over Ryan, Deke discovers he may be bent toward Domination himself. He is also falling in love with Ryan. Petrov is an enigma. Everything we think we know about him may or may not be true.
My problem with the story is that for most of the book, Ryan is with someone else. It’s all part of the investigation, but Deke has to watch Ryan get spanked by another man. And he sees Ryan liking and desiring it. Ryan is confused about his feelings because he has never thought of himself as a submissive person. It was hell to read about him being with Petrov. My heart hurt for Deke to have to see and hear everything they did together.
Bound For Trouble is fast paced, well written, riveting. The roller coaster ride of emotions the reader takes is one you will want to ride again. The characters are well-rounded and intensely written, the plot is intricately woven and has twists you won’t see coming. EM Lynley wrote this in a way that makes the reader feel the excitement and action. And the sex! There was something for everyone, from a timid first-time spanking to a full on single tail scene. The sex was really hot. But it wasn’t only about the sex or the BDSM. Bound For Trouble is the complete package, with ingredients for everyone: mystery/thriller/romance/BDSM/action lovers alike will all enjoy this book.
September 2, 2014
Once in a great while you come across a love where the two people must love each other from a distance and never admit their attraction. This is the story of Ryan and Deke. With a mutual goal in mind, to arrest the criminal Deke must focus on the case and try to repair his reputation with the law enforcement community while Ryan must try to help Deke while not falling back into the addiction he is trying so hard to escape. Both with tragic pasts, will be faced with the chances to fall back into old patterns of life or continue to forge a new way and hopefully be able to express their desire for the other.
Ryan is a young man who needs sex to survive. His addiction was taking him into some shady areas of life till one of his customers offered him a chance at a real job out of the industry and a chance to go to college. The only requirement was he would never go back to dancing and having meaningless sex with customers. This was going well till he was approached by the law to help them capture Petrov, a Russian criminal. Ryan knew about this man and what he was doing and felt backed in a corner by the police so he agreed but now he was going to have to balance his commitment to Deke and his promise to the man who took him out of the industry. Finding that he could serve drinks and “customers” in another club that Petrov went to, he was required to make Petrov fall for him. This would require Ryan to step into the world of BDSM as a sex addict trying to heal.
Deke was in a fog himself when the case fell on his desk. After a bad conclusion to a case Deke was in charge of, children died and his nightmares were unrelenting. He ended up at a desk following cybercrimes so the case of Petrov was his big break if he could accomplish it. His boss was a female who kept coming on to Deke, not realizing that Deke was gay so while he was dodging her advances he was face to face with someone that he would be attracted to, his new pawn in solving the crime, Ryan. He will be forced to watch Ryan try to get Petrov to fall for him while battling his desire to protect Ryan and have him as his own. Deke is also going to get a taste for the lifestyle of BDSM and all that could bring. It feeds into his natural Dom side but the thought of practicing it was intimidating.
This book was really a great read with the emotions of love and desire that couldn’t be confessed, the battle of watching the one you want with someone else and the knowing what you need versus what you must do to get a dangerous criminal off the streets. The suspense was heavy with this one and the hot factor was off the charts. I found the author added enough dark and twisted to the story that kept me on the edge of my seat as well when Petrov became harsh and abusive. Human emotions and the restrictions placed in front of them was also an overriding theme in this book and added to the intensity for me.
I highly recommend this book to the readers. The only thing that kept me from giving it a five star was I felt there was more lagging than there needed to be in places and some of the scenes felt to drawn out. I believe with the amount of activity that went on in the book the author could have found a better balance but with that said, I still loved this book.
Reviewed by Tbird for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for review*
Ryan is a young man who needs sex to survive. His addiction was taking him into some shady areas of life till one of his customers offered him a chance at a real job out of the industry and a chance to go to college. The only requirement was he would never go back to dancing and having meaningless sex with customers. This was going well till he was approached by the law to help them capture Petrov, a Russian criminal. Ryan knew about this man and what he was doing and felt backed in a corner by the police so he agreed but now he was going to have to balance his commitment to Deke and his promise to the man who took him out of the industry. Finding that he could serve drinks and “customers” in another club that Petrov went to, he was required to make Petrov fall for him. This would require Ryan to step into the world of BDSM as a sex addict trying to heal.
Deke was in a fog himself when the case fell on his desk. After a bad conclusion to a case Deke was in charge of, children died and his nightmares were unrelenting. He ended up at a desk following cybercrimes so the case of Petrov was his big break if he could accomplish it. His boss was a female who kept coming on to Deke, not realizing that Deke was gay so while he was dodging her advances he was face to face with someone that he would be attracted to, his new pawn in solving the crime, Ryan. He will be forced to watch Ryan try to get Petrov to fall for him while battling his desire to protect Ryan and have him as his own. Deke is also going to get a taste for the lifestyle of BDSM and all that could bring. It feeds into his natural Dom side but the thought of practicing it was intimidating.
This book was really a great read with the emotions of love and desire that couldn’t be confessed, the battle of watching the one you want with someone else and the knowing what you need versus what you must do to get a dangerous criminal off the streets. The suspense was heavy with this one and the hot factor was off the charts. I found the author added enough dark and twisted to the story that kept me on the edge of my seat as well when Petrov became harsh and abusive. Human emotions and the restrictions placed in front of them was also an overriding theme in this book and added to the intensity for me.
I highly recommend this book to the readers. The only thing that kept me from giving it a five star was I felt there was more lagging than there needed to be in places and some of the scenes felt to drawn out. I believe with the amount of activity that went on in the book the author could have found a better balance but with that said, I still loved this book.
Reviewed by Tbird for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for review*
August 16, 2014
The Manic Monday REVIEW
3.75-4 Stars
Special Agent Deke Kane messed up. Big time. A drug raid he headed ends with the suspects and two children dead. Stuck on desk duty now, and haunted with nightmares, he’s given a chance to salvage his career. All he has to do take down a drug dealer named Petrov.
Ryan Griffiths is an ex-rent boy with a possible murder rap hanging over his head. He’s trying to straighten up his life, but the FBI has other plans. Ryan becomes a confidential informant and, in return, he’s granted immunity from his past. Ryan finds himself in the middle of their sting to trap Petrov, who just happens to be involved in BDSM. Even as Ryan falls for Petrov, he is also fighting his attraction to Deke.
This is a combination of arm/drug dealings, FBI investigations, and BDSM. There’s intrigue, murder, and suspense. Will the FBI trap Petrov? And at what cost to both Deke and Ryan? Ryan goes undercover to attract Petrov’s attention at this BDSM club. Deke is there also, undercover as an interested party who wants to learn about the lifestyle. As the story moves on, Ryan and Deke’s attraction blooms, but Ryan has done what was asked of him and attracted Petrov. Deke has to watch as Ryan serve as a sub to other men, then finally Petrov. Things get to be… intense.
I read this for the BDSM aspect, I admit, lol. I’m not so much into that FBI sting. Not my cup of tea, but it was well-written. I felt for both Ryan and Deke. Got annoyed with the stupid bureaucracy of our damn government. Much of the book is spent with Deke watching Ryan and Petrov in various sexual acts. There’s lot of BDSM action that goes on in the club. Deke learns how to be a Dom and Ryan leans what it means to be submissive.
The scenes are hot, very much so, and I really enjoyed them. Even the ones where Ryan served Petrov, but it did kind of bother me how Ryan was torn in his feelings. I mean, Petrov is a serious baddie. You just know no matter how sweet and loving he appears toward Ryan, things are blowing up. Serious baddie, remember? Ryan is playing a dangerous game. And through all this, the FBI investigation is on-going.
There were places that lagged, at least to me. But, there’s excellent plot twists and well… Baddies involved, lol. Blood will be shed. Terror unfolds. Shit hits the fan. I thought I had some things figured out, and I was wrong! Definitely a book that’s worth reading if you like gritty FBI action and murder mystery. BDSM factors heavily in this because so much takes place in the club, but the action is secondary. So if you’re looking for pure BDSM action, this isn’t it. I’m not sure I’d even call this a romance. Maybe… the beginning of a romance between Ryan and Deke. I’d love to see a book about the D/s part of their relationship at some point.
~M
3.75-4 Stars
Special Agent Deke Kane messed up. Big time. A drug raid he headed ends with the suspects and two children dead. Stuck on desk duty now, and haunted with nightmares, he’s given a chance to salvage his career. All he has to do take down a drug dealer named Petrov.
Ryan Griffiths is an ex-rent boy with a possible murder rap hanging over his head. He’s trying to straighten up his life, but the FBI has other plans. Ryan becomes a confidential informant and, in return, he’s granted immunity from his past. Ryan finds himself in the middle of their sting to trap Petrov, who just happens to be involved in BDSM. Even as Ryan falls for Petrov, he is also fighting his attraction to Deke.
This is a combination of arm/drug dealings, FBI investigations, and BDSM. There’s intrigue, murder, and suspense. Will the FBI trap Petrov? And at what cost to both Deke and Ryan? Ryan goes undercover to attract Petrov’s attention at this BDSM club. Deke is there also, undercover as an interested party who wants to learn about the lifestyle. As the story moves on, Ryan and Deke’s attraction blooms, but Ryan has done what was asked of him and attracted Petrov. Deke has to watch as Ryan serve as a sub to other men, then finally Petrov. Things get to be… intense.
I read this for the BDSM aspect, I admit, lol. I’m not so much into that FBI sting. Not my cup of tea, but it was well-written. I felt for both Ryan and Deke. Got annoyed with the stupid bureaucracy of our damn government. Much of the book is spent with Deke watching Ryan and Petrov in various sexual acts. There’s lot of BDSM action that goes on in the club. Deke learns how to be a Dom and Ryan leans what it means to be submissive.
The scenes are hot, very much so, and I really enjoyed them. Even the ones where Ryan served Petrov, but it did kind of bother me how Ryan was torn in his feelings. I mean, Petrov is a serious baddie. You just know no matter how sweet and loving he appears toward Ryan, things are blowing up. Serious baddie, remember? Ryan is playing a dangerous game. And through all this, the FBI investigation is on-going.
There were places that lagged, at least to me. But, there’s excellent plot twists and well… Baddies involved, lol. Blood will be shed. Terror unfolds. Shit hits the fan. I thought I had some things figured out, and I was wrong! Definitely a book that’s worth reading if you like gritty FBI action and murder mystery. BDSM factors heavily in this because so much takes place in the club, but the action is secondary. So if you’re looking for pure BDSM action, this isn’t it. I’m not sure I’d even call this a romance. Maybe… the beginning of a romance between Ryan and Deke. I’d love to see a book about the D/s part of their relationship at some point.
~M
June 29, 2014
Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews - 4 1/2 hearts
Just when it seems as though Ryan has his life on a better path – one that doesn’t involve having to make a living with his body – he’s coerced into a situation that puts him right back in the middle of what he was trying to escape, only this time, there’s a huge element of danger involved.
Deke is an FBI agent with a job and reputation to save. After a major mess up on a prior assignment, Deke’s confidence is badly shaken. He’s given another chance to prove himself under the carefully watchful eye of his boss (i.e. said boss is a bitch and manipulates or micromanages every step that Deke takes). After uncovering a connection between Ryan and the new case, Deke uses information against Ryan to get him to agree to be a confidential informant. He feels bad about doing it, but doesn’t have much choice with the proverbial axe hanging over his own neck.
Ryan’s new job is to get close to the key suspect and find out information. Unfortunately, the only way that is going to happen is for Ryan to go much farther than being a simple bartender in the BDSM club they’ve infiltrated, it means becoming someone that catches the eye of the suspect – the perfect sub to the suspect’s Dom personality.
The set up goes bad, but not for the reasons you’d expect. Ryan actually loves being a sub and begins to have real feelings for his new Dom as well as Deke. Deke is falling for Ryan and can’t stand to see him with other men and also hates himself for starting to enjoy inflicting a good spanking among other things in a world that’s new to him.
I loved these characters. I felt so bad that they were each being manipulated in different ways. They both had flaws that made them very interesting and Ryan had such a vulnerable streak that suited Deke’s protectiveness perfectly. As for the story itself, it was awesome, compelling, and totally sucked me in as an assistant detective trying to solve the case.
My only tiny wish (okay, maybe not tiny because I’ve got my fingers crossed in a big way) is that there could be a sequel for this book in the future. Deke and Ryan didn’t get to spend hardly any time as a true couple in this book and the ending was more of a hopeful HFN style that leaves questions not only about the boys, but about the case as well. Don’t get me wrong, they did spend time together and it was wildly sexy when they did, but there were always others in the way or in the background. I’d love to see “just them” and the exploration of their fledgling BDSM relationship in another book – pretty please?
Just when it seems as though Ryan has his life on a better path – one that doesn’t involve having to make a living with his body – he’s coerced into a situation that puts him right back in the middle of what he was trying to escape, only this time, there’s a huge element of danger involved.
Deke is an FBI agent with a job and reputation to save. After a major mess up on a prior assignment, Deke’s confidence is badly shaken. He’s given another chance to prove himself under the carefully watchful eye of his boss (i.e. said boss is a bitch and manipulates or micromanages every step that Deke takes). After uncovering a connection between Ryan and the new case, Deke uses information against Ryan to get him to agree to be a confidential informant. He feels bad about doing it, but doesn’t have much choice with the proverbial axe hanging over his own neck.
Ryan’s new job is to get close to the key suspect and find out information. Unfortunately, the only way that is going to happen is for Ryan to go much farther than being a simple bartender in the BDSM club they’ve infiltrated, it means becoming someone that catches the eye of the suspect – the perfect sub to the suspect’s Dom personality.
The set up goes bad, but not for the reasons you’d expect. Ryan actually loves being a sub and begins to have real feelings for his new Dom as well as Deke. Deke is falling for Ryan and can’t stand to see him with other men and also hates himself for starting to enjoy inflicting a good spanking among other things in a world that’s new to him.
I loved these characters. I felt so bad that they were each being manipulated in different ways. They both had flaws that made them very interesting and Ryan had such a vulnerable streak that suited Deke’s protectiveness perfectly. As for the story itself, it was awesome, compelling, and totally sucked me in as an assistant detective trying to solve the case.
My only tiny wish (okay, maybe not tiny because I’ve got my fingers crossed in a big way) is that there could be a sequel for this book in the future. Deke and Ryan didn’t get to spend hardly any time as a true couple in this book and the ending was more of a hopeful HFN style that leaves questions not only about the boys, but about the case as well. Don’t get me wrong, they did spend time together and it was wildly sexy when they did, but there were always others in the way or in the background. I’d love to see “just them” and the exploration of their fledgling BDSM relationship in another book – pretty please?
January 7, 2015
I loved this book! There are very few authors who can weave suspense, intrigue, sexy characters, and edginess into one book. The author does that so effortlessly in this book, I actually got mad when I reached the end. I was going to read a little at a time, but I ended up reading it cover to cover in one sitting. And it is a healthy book. Yet I still wanted more even though it was the middle of the night when I finished. This book is so good, I don't even have a word for it!
Deke Cane is an FBI agent being pushed out because of a terrible outcome to a mission. He was so traumatized from the losses, he is suffering from PTSD like symptoms. It destroyed his previous relationship with Timothy, yet they are still friends. He is wasting away in cyber hell monitoring social networks. When he finds some discrepancies in some reports, he is allowed to help on a case. The higher-ups are hoping he will screw this up so he can be fired, but one boss, Serah, has faith in him. He hopes it isn't misplaced. Ryan Griffiths is a rent boy trying to start over. One of his clients from the club he danced at is giving him a chance away from all that. He takes it because it will also help his friend Gina as well. They are roommates and work together at an organic grocery. Ryan had been involved in a death, but he only knew in his heart who had done it. He wanted the bad Russian involved to pay for it, but he knew no one would care about some dancer/rent boy. So he called in a false lead to the FBI. He hadn't heard anything for a couple of weeks, so he thought it was over. When the FBI pulled him in to be a CI, he figured if the bad guy went down, it did not matter why. To protect his new life and Gina, he had to get a job at a BDSM club. He finds out that he is a submissive, and he likes it. When he ends up interacting with Deke at the club, sparks fly. Too bad he can get close to the bad guy, Petrov, and likes it. Nothing good can come from that, right? As the trouble ramps up and becomes bigger than anyone expects, the plot thickens. How will this work out? Who all will die before it is too late? Can Deke survive this mission? Who is helping the bad guys and who can they trust? Will Ryan drop everything for the Russian? You have got to grab this book! It is so good, I feel a mighty book hangover coming on. This book raced up into my top 10 books of all time! You just gotta love a great read, I know I do!
Deke Cane is an FBI agent being pushed out because of a terrible outcome to a mission. He was so traumatized from the losses, he is suffering from PTSD like symptoms. It destroyed his previous relationship with Timothy, yet they are still friends. He is wasting away in cyber hell monitoring social networks. When he finds some discrepancies in some reports, he is allowed to help on a case. The higher-ups are hoping he will screw this up so he can be fired, but one boss, Serah, has faith in him. He hopes it isn't misplaced. Ryan Griffiths is a rent boy trying to start over. One of his clients from the club he danced at is giving him a chance away from all that. He takes it because it will also help his friend Gina as well. They are roommates and work together at an organic grocery. Ryan had been involved in a death, but he only knew in his heart who had done it. He wanted the bad Russian involved to pay for it, but he knew no one would care about some dancer/rent boy. So he called in a false lead to the FBI. He hadn't heard anything for a couple of weeks, so he thought it was over. When the FBI pulled him in to be a CI, he figured if the bad guy went down, it did not matter why. To protect his new life and Gina, he had to get a job at a BDSM club. He finds out that he is a submissive, and he likes it. When he ends up interacting with Deke at the club, sparks fly. Too bad he can get close to the bad guy, Petrov, and likes it. Nothing good can come from that, right? As the trouble ramps up and becomes bigger than anyone expects, the plot thickens. How will this work out? Who all will die before it is too late? Can Deke survive this mission? Who is helping the bad guys and who can they trust? Will Ryan drop everything for the Russian? You have got to grab this book! It is so good, I feel a mighty book hangover coming on. This book raced up into my top 10 books of all time! You just gotta love a great read, I know I do!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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