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Bound #1
Bound by Deception
Lord Oliver Marsden has a secret. He's been in love with his childhood friend for years, though Vincent's never shown an interest in him beyond friendship. Ruggedly handsome, wealthy, and successful, Vincent is everything Oliver is not. And Vincent doesn't prefer men.
Then Oliver discovers Vincent hires a man during his visits to a London brothel. Desperate to be with Vincent, Oliver orchestrates a deception, switching places with the brothel's employee. When Oliver arrives at the bedchamber, he's in for another surprise. Restraints and a leather bullwhip? Apparently Vincent isn't as conservative as he appears.
Lord Vincent Prescot has a secret of his own. One kept locked away and only indulged once a month. But this month's appointment is different. The mysterious man is so perfect, so beautiful in his submission, rousing protective instincts Vincent can't deny. Yet he refuses to believe he might truly prefer men, for it could mean the end of his hopes of earning his father's respect.
Will betrayal destroy them or will they be bound together by deception?
Publisher's note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some listeners may find anal play/intercourse, BDSM theme and content, including bondage and spanking, male/male sexual practices.
Then Oliver discovers Vincent hires a man during his visits to a London brothel. Desperate to be with Vincent, Oliver orchestrates a deception, switching places with the brothel's employee. When Oliver arrives at the bedchamber, he's in for another surprise. Restraints and a leather bullwhip? Apparently Vincent isn't as conservative as he appears.
Lord Vincent Prescot has a secret of his own. One kept locked away and only indulged once a month. But this month's appointment is different. The mysterious man is so perfect, so beautiful in his submission, rousing protective instincts Vincent can't deny. Yet he refuses to believe he might truly prefer men, for it could mean the end of his hopes of earning his father's respect.
Will betrayal destroy them or will they be bound together by deception?
Publisher's note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some listeners may find anal play/intercourse, BDSM theme and content, including bondage and spanking, male/male sexual practices.
Audible Audio
First published September 16, 2008
43 people are currently reading
2248 people want to read
About the author
Ava March
27 books761 followersAva March is a bestselling author of sexy, emotionally intense M/M historical erotic romances. She loves writing in the Regency time period, where proper decorum is of the utmost importance, but where anything can happen behind closed doors. With over fifteen works to her credit, her books have been finalists in the Rainbow Awards and More Than Magic contest, and deemed ‘must-haves’ for Historical M/M romance by RT Book Reviews readers. Visit her website at www.AvaMarch.com to find out more about her books or to sign-up for her newsletter.
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Blog: www.avamarch.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/avamarchbooks/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ava_march
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 271 reviews
August 22, 2018
3.75
No one warned me about the chains,whips,and collars,( I'm looking at you,Christelle...)
To be fair,it is mild on the BDSM but I wasn't expecting it....I'm not really complaining because Vincent was a bit delicious....all brooding male dominance....
Lord Oliver Marsden has been secretly in love for years....with his childhood friend, Lord Vincent Prescott.
But Vincent is straight...or is he?? When Oliver discovers his secret passion,he sees a way to get close to Vincent.
He substitutes himself for Vincent's usual whore in the brothel Vincent visits once a month but will one night be enough and will Vincent discover his deception?
There's something about a Historical book that seems to make things all the more dirty....maybe because it's forbidden and things seem so desperate and urgent? Whatever,this one definitely pushed my buttons!!
Recommended.
No one warned me about the chains,whips,and collars,( I'm looking at you,Christelle...)
To be fair,it is mild on the BDSM but I wasn't expecting it....I'm not really complaining because Vincent was a bit delicious....all brooding male dominance....
Lord Oliver Marsden has been secretly in love for years....with his childhood friend, Lord Vincent Prescott.
But Vincent is straight...or is he?? When Oliver discovers his secret passion,he sees a way to get close to Vincent.
He substitutes himself for Vincent's usual whore in the brothel Vincent visits once a month but will one night be enough and will Vincent discover his deception?
There's something about a Historical book that seems to make things all the more dirty....maybe because it's forbidden and things seem so desperate and urgent? Whatever,this one definitely pushed my buttons!!
Recommended.
February 13, 2019
4.35 hot surprised story stars
5 stars for the Audiobook.
The narrator nailed the accents and gave each character a distinct voice. 😘
I was not prepared for all the bdsm hotness. What an amazing surprise.
Thanks so much Impatient elf for this gift.
5 stars for the Audiobook.
The narrator nailed the accents and gave each character a distinct voice. 😘
I was not prepared for all the bdsm hotness. What an amazing surprise.
Thanks so much Impatient elf for this gift.
November 10, 2008
Wow! I really loved this book. Set in London, England in the year 1822 it was one of my first historical M/M Erotic Romance reads.
Lord Oliver Marsden has decided to take matters into his own hands. Born the second son, he has been often overlooked by the ton and his family, as someone that doesn't have much value or worth. His closest friend, Lord Vincent Prescot, is also the second son, but he comes from a more wealthy family and although more accepted by the ton, he and Oliver have easily become friends because they have that in common.
Oliver has loved and desired Vincent forever. When he discovers that Vincent visits the local bordello once a month and requires the company of a man instead of a woman, he approachs the Madam and buys himself a way to be Vincent's escort for the evening.
When the fateful night arrives, Oliver manages to disguise himself and with low lighting is able to deceive Vincent into thinking he is "Jake" a new escort for him to play with.
They have an erotic night (some light BDSM) and it ends with a passionate kiss that both men cannot forget.
I thought that Vincent and Oliver were definately wonderful heroes that have to overcome the strain society has given them.
The feelings that they have for one another rang true, and I really hated for this story to end.
I am hoping that Ms. March will continue their saga. It would be interesting to see how they work through their relationship and how they are able to stay together.
I know I am certainly hoping they will.
Lord Oliver Marsden has decided to take matters into his own hands. Born the second son, he has been often overlooked by the ton and his family, as someone that doesn't have much value or worth. His closest friend, Lord Vincent Prescot, is also the second son, but he comes from a more wealthy family and although more accepted by the ton, he and Oliver have easily become friends because they have that in common.
Oliver has loved and desired Vincent forever. When he discovers that Vincent visits the local bordello once a month and requires the company of a man instead of a woman, he approachs the Madam and buys himself a way to be Vincent's escort for the evening.
When the fateful night arrives, Oliver manages to disguise himself and with low lighting is able to deceive Vincent into thinking he is "Jake" a new escort for him to play with.
They have an erotic night (some light BDSM) and it ends with a passionate kiss that both men cannot forget.
I thought that Vincent and Oliver were definately wonderful heroes that have to overcome the strain society has given them.
The feelings that they have for one another rang true, and I really hated for this story to end.
I am hoping that Ms. March will continue their saga. It would be interesting to see how they work through their relationship and how they are able to stay together.
I know I am certainly hoping they will.
October 23, 2014
True. There were no MANTIES but there was a veritable poo poo platter of kinkanigans. Regency kinkanigans.
Vincent and Oliver are both second sons. You know "the spare". The overlooked or outright forgotten sons. Vincent is still seeking approval from his father. Oliver's father has been disgraced, outcast from polite society and Oliver has washed his hands of him. However, Oliver is near destitute so for him to come up with the money required to pull off his deception shows his level of commitment.
You see, Oliver is desperately (why does desperately always work in Regency settings?) in love with his childhood friend, Vincent. He's been harboring the belief that his love would go unrequited until he stumbles across some information that sparks an idea. He bribes the madam at Delacroix's to stand in for Vincent's monthly visit to the brothel.
Little does he know that Vincent is hiding more than the fact that he's partial to butt sex.
The whip cracked through the air. Oliver braced for a vicious snap. The lash grazed the head of his cock. A shudder rippled through him at the unexpectedly erotic caress, like the tongue of a skillful lover.
That seriously could've gone so wrong but it came out so right. Their whole first scene together was spectacular.
Everything that happened afterwards was just icing on the cake. Ms. March is always good for a little angst, characters that act like adults, a believable storyline and solid writing. Needless to say, I'm diving directly into part two. With this passage this erotic can you blame me?
He could not explain it, but for some reason, he found a man's arse incredibly erotic. Wickedly so. Given the time, he could play with Marsden for hours, just toy with him, slide his fingers up and down the dark forbidden crease, trace the puckered hole, drive him to distraction as he waited for penetration.
I believe this calls for further investigation and, y'know, moral support.
December 14, 2014
4.25 LOVE OLIVER AND VINCENT STARS
That's my rating for the entire series, including the two free shorties. Ava March is the queen of m\m Regency romance; I adore the scenes she writes and the HEAs she grants, despite the obvious historical limitations. Regencies can be stuffy or depressing. This series is neither. It's hot and filthy in the best possible way (bondage, oil, and dildos included).
Oliver and Vincent are both fully realized characters. I loved the depth of their relationship, the slow shift from lust to love (at least on Vincent's part; Oliver has been in love with his childhood friend Vincent for as long as he can remember), the subtle positioning of power. Vincent learns to open up and trust. He wants to take care of Oliver. Oliver learns to believe in himself and to rely on Vincent.
The three novellas and two shorties make up a full-fledged novel; definitely to be read in order and definitely recommended.
That's my rating for the entire series, including the two free shorties. Ava March is the queen of m\m Regency romance; I adore the scenes she writes and the HEAs she grants, despite the obvious historical limitations. Regencies can be stuffy or depressing. This series is neither. It's hot and filthy in the best possible way (bondage, oil, and dildos included).
Oliver and Vincent are both fully realized characters. I loved the depth of their relationship, the slow shift from lust to love (at least on Vincent's part; Oliver has been in love with his childhood friend Vincent for as long as he can remember), the subtle positioning of power. Vincent learns to open up and trust. He wants to take care of Oliver. Oliver learns to believe in himself and to rely on Vincent.
The three novellas and two shorties make up a full-fledged novel; definitely to be read in order and definitely recommended.
June 12, 2015
Will post a review when I finish with all books of the series.
But OH.MY.GOD! That last scene...
Also...marble dildos...
--------------------------------------------------------------
Let's do this.
January 20, 2009
The chemistry between the heroes literally took my breath away. I thought this book had so many sensual and very sexy moments for a novella. I wish the story had been longer. I really would enjoy reading more about them!
August 16, 2018
A HOT historical romance with a touch of BDSM...This is a book sliced in 3 instalments : going straight to the next part.
I can say this : it is damned delicious and Vincent is an A** : I'm going to love seeing him crumble...#TeamOliver !!!
I can say this : it is damned delicious and Vincent is an A** : I'm going to love seeing him crumble...#TeamOliver !!!
June 9, 2020
Another good offering by Ava March. Oliver has been in love with Vincent since they were young. Unfortunately, it would seem, that Vincent prefers women, sadly Oliver accepts that but deep down knows that there can be no one else. When visiting a brothel, Oliver discovers that HIS Vincent has also been going there, not for the women, but for men! Everything changes. Oliver disguises himself and pretends to be one of the whores that work there and they have a passionate night together, Oliver believing that it would be a "one off" as he would never be able to keep up the deception and Vincent would be horrified to learn that it was Oliver. Vincent's sexual needs run to "dominance" something Oliver has never experienced but is very willing to try. Obviously, Vincent finds out! How do they handle this situation? Does Oliver find the love he craves? Can Vincent forgive him for the deception? Read and find out...
April 22, 2009
Bound by Deception is another book that has been recommended to us by our friends here on Goodreads. Once again, our friends have great tastes in their reading material.
It's a pretty rare to find a historical erotic romance in this genre. It's always interesting to see how things will turn out since homosexual relationships were even more frowned upon than it is today. I thought that Ava's heroes, Oliver and Vincent, are both interesting and very much a product of their time. The chemistry they have together is both passionate, but yet there is a tenderness that only two peole in love experience also.
We loved the way Oliver's mind worked. He is both brave and determined to risk being discovered to have at least one night with the man he loves Vincent. Even if he has to deceive his friend to do so.
I liked that they were friends first. I thought their relationship was very natural and truly addicting to read about.
Something else I found interesting about this book is although there is some BDSM play involved between them, it was done tastefully but yet very erotic.
We are looking forward to reading more about Vincent and Oliver next week!
It's a pretty rare to find a historical erotic romance in this genre. It's always interesting to see how things will turn out since homosexual relationships were even more frowned upon than it is today. I thought that Ava's heroes, Oliver and Vincent, are both interesting and very much a product of their time. The chemistry they have together is both passionate, but yet there is a tenderness that only two peole in love experience also.
We loved the way Oliver's mind worked. He is both brave and determined to risk being discovered to have at least one night with the man he loves Vincent. Even if he has to deceive his friend to do so.
I liked that they were friends first. I thought their relationship was very natural and truly addicting to read about.
Something else I found interesting about this book is although there is some BDSM play involved between them, it was done tastefully but yet very erotic.
We are looking forward to reading more about Vincent and Oliver next week!
August 18, 2018
I'll admit I don't read a lot of historical but....
This was good. And soooooo smoking hot.
This was good. And soooooo smoking hot.
January 20, 2011
Two lovers, concealed passion...
...heartbreaking couple
About the two main characters
Lord Oliver Marsden is deeply in love with his childhood friend,Lord Vincent Prescot. It's 1822, and we are talking about London as background... of course it's not possible to him declare his love and propose in the middle of the street (while witness applaud crying
)... nope. Was a crime (sodomy) and was punished by hanging. Oliver find one way to have just one time with Vincent. Pretend to be a whore, in the brothel.
Please don't judge both men. They needs can be only fulfill in brothels, where hidden of society men can love another men.
Oliver is perfect to a submission rule, while Vincent is a perfect dominant. So yes... they are two halves of a whole
So, it's not only about the angst of Oliver or Vincent frustration, it's an AMAZING love story story! The BDSM is incredible HOT, in such heartbreaking situation is still more justified... all will be the reflected in Oliver's perfect and total surrender to his passion...
Behind closed door love? Yes. So it's less powerful? Never!
No way this book get less than 5 stars and I'm already reading the second
... I can't stop... Oliver and Vincent is my new obsession
March 6, 2009
A fabulous romp through history. As someone who normally doesn't go for historical romance books, I was surprised by how much I liked this novella. The intimate scenes between the characters were smokin hot and the angst was delicious. I wish I'd read it sooner.
May 22, 2021
Ahhh, this was so good, so freaking good! 😍 And hot as hell. 🔥 My first book by Ava March, but I’m planning to take a closer look at her other works, because her writing’s quite lovely. This was short, but very satisfying — historical bdsm at its best. 👍
Want to read
December 7, 2017Thank you for the gift, other elf!
June 27, 2014
I'm gonna be honest.
As much as I like historicals, it is the kink factor that drew me in to this series.
And Ms. March certainly delivered on the kinkiness. I mean, these two were HOT when they found themselves in a bedroom.
However, I found that my joy of the novel was tempered with how the "relationship" (if you can call it that) between the MCs was portrayed; I just felt that it was too one-sided. Oliver has been in love with his best friend Vincent for years, but Vincent has never really looked his way. Only once Vincent finds out that the prostitute "Jake" who captured his attention is really Oliver then does he give his friend more than a passing glance and that's only because he likes how Oliver complements him perfectly in bed. He does not really say what he thinks of Oliver besides how he relishes how well they fit physically. Like I said, it was just all too one-sided for my taste, and I hope Vincent redeems himself in the sequels. We shall see...
Also, I wonder if all the *cough* toys *cough* the author used in the book were actually produced in 1822...
Please excuse me while I go undertake a very important research project: "The Sex Toys Available for High-Society Use in Early 19th Century London."
As much as I like historicals, it is the kink factor that drew me in to this series.
And Ms. March certainly delivered on the kinkiness. I mean, these two were HOT when they found themselves in a bedroom.
However, I found that my joy of the novel was tempered with how the "relationship" (if you can call it that) between the MCs was portrayed; I just felt that it was too one-sided. Oliver has been in love with his best friend Vincent for years, but Vincent has never really looked his way. Only once Vincent finds out that the prostitute "Jake" who captured his attention is really Oliver then does he give his friend more than a passing glance and that's only because he likes how Oliver complements him perfectly in bed. He does not really say what he thinks of Oliver besides how he relishes how well they fit physically. Like I said, it was just all too one-sided for my taste, and I hope Vincent redeems himself in the sequels. We shall see...
Also, I wonder if all the *cough* toys *cough* the author used in the book were actually produced in 1822...
Please excuse me while I go undertake a very important research project: "The Sex Toys Available for High-Society Use in Early 19th Century London."
March 16, 2009
HOT HOT HOT!!
I really liked this book and i don't know why i waited so long to read it.
I'm in love with Oliver_lol.And i liked the confrontation scene at the end (read it 2 times).
I'll wait for the sequel to see how the relationship between the two lords will evolve.
I really liked this book and i don't know why i waited so long to read it.
I'm in love with Oliver_lol.And i liked the confrontation scene at the end (read it 2 times).
I'll wait for the sequel to see how the relationship between the two lords will evolve.
February 19, 2016
This was a delightful and very fast read. I wasn't entirely satisfied with this book, there are a few criticisms, but I still give it 5*.
Why? Well, this has been one of a very few BDSM-containing novels I've read during the past 12 months which was absolutely "right" on every level of BDSM. That last, so bloody rare acknowledgment at the end, that it is the submissive who controls the game, while ensuring the sensuality of this also makes itself known to the reader is reason for those 5 stars alone because it is so, so rare. The very first scene with "Jake" had me drooling quite successfully and I found Marsden's desperate ploy to cadge one night with the man of his dreams quite enchanting. I loved the author's voice, which was nicely descriptive, often very sensual, appreciative of male beauty and I loved that these were two relatively normal blokes with shortcomings and a lot of needs and wants.
On the negative side is that I consider this story as too short and the plot not created to fit its potential. It's a short novella length, a full novel would have been more the thing for me. As a result the action was quite compressed and the resolution brought on too fast. There were some 4-5 editing errors, which could have been avoided.
Still, this stays at 5* for being a delightful, uncomplicated, feel-good read.
Why? Well, this has been one of a very few BDSM-containing novels I've read during the past 12 months which was absolutely "right" on every level of BDSM. That last, so bloody rare acknowledgment at the end, that it is the submissive who controls the game, while ensuring the sensuality of this also makes itself known to the reader is reason for those 5 stars alone because it is so, so rare. The very first scene with "Jake" had me drooling quite successfully and I found Marsden's desperate ploy to cadge one night with the man of his dreams quite enchanting. I loved the author's voice, which was nicely descriptive, often very sensual, appreciative of male beauty and I loved that these were two relatively normal blokes with shortcomings and a lot of needs and wants.
On the negative side is that I consider this story as too short and the plot not created to fit its potential. It's a short novella length, a full novel would have been more the thing for me. As a result the action was quite compressed and the resolution brought on too fast. There were some 4-5 editing errors, which could have been avoided.
Still, this stays at 5* for being a delightful, uncomplicated, feel-good read.
September 21, 2010
First of all: I loved this book, I can't begin to say how much.
I really liked:
* The setting, London 1822. For me the historical setting gives this book an exotic taste. Candle light, a lot of clothes to get rid of, it was great for my imagination.
* The characters. Oliver and Vincent are amazing, they are so good together! I loved Oliver and his feelings felt so real that my heart ached for him, his pain, his desperation.
* The BDSM element. I usually avoid BDSM themed books, but this book made me want to know something more about it. I think it was tastefully written and the more tender moments were awesome and intimate and I almost felt like a voyeur.
Just one minor flaw. Oliver is in my opinion more developed as a character than Vincent. Sometimes Vincent felt cold and more shallow, but maybe it's that Oliver was the one who had more to lose in that situation and he was the one more involved in their friendship.
I'm looking forward to reading the sequel Bound to Him.
I really liked:
* The setting, London 1822. For me the historical setting gives this book an exotic taste. Candle light, a lot of clothes to get rid of, it was great for my imagination.
* The characters. Oliver and Vincent are amazing, they are so good together! I loved Oliver and his feelings felt so real that my heart ached for him, his pain, his desperation.
* The BDSM element. I usually avoid BDSM themed books, but this book made me want to know something more about it. I think it was tastefully written and the more tender moments were awesome and intimate and I almost felt like a voyeur.
Just one minor flaw. Oliver is in my opinion more developed as a character than Vincent. Sometimes Vincent felt cold and more shallow, but maybe it's that Oliver was the one who had more to lose in that situation and he was the one more involved in their friendship.
I'm looking forward to reading the sequel Bound to Him.
July 18, 2010
Verrrrry hot story, with likable characters and interesting story. The final confrontation between Oliver and Vincent was well written, emotionally tugging and made me root for a nice HEA. Alas, I had to content myself with a HFN, which was actually fine considering the length of the story and the fact that there's a sequel where, I hope, they'll finally find their HEA.
Now, most of the sexual content (BDSM) of this story is out of my comfort zone and I admit I skimmed through some parts of the love scenes - mainly, when the leather bullwhip made its appearance, ugh. That didn't prevent me from enjoying the read, though. :)
Now, most of the sexual content (BDSM) of this story is out of my comfort zone and I admit I skimmed through some parts of the love scenes - mainly, when the leather bullwhip made its appearance, ugh. That didn't prevent me from enjoying the read, though. :)
August 20, 2018
I really enjoyed this - it wasn't much more than erotica, but it had a plot and there was the start of romance between Oliver and Vincent - well, Oliver already loves Vincent, which does make this more than just erotica, and Vincent feels something more than friendship for Oliver by the end of this, but by the end of this they're just starting a sexual relationship.
So it will be fun to read more and see more of the romance come into it. It's there, slightly, but only the beginnings of it.
I enjoyed Oliver and Vincent together - they were hot together but also there was a bit of sweetness too.
On to the next in the series :D
So it will be fun to read more and see more of the romance come into it. It's there, slightly, but only the beginnings of it.
I enjoyed Oliver and Vincent together - they were hot together but also there was a bit of sweetness too.
On to the next in the series :D
December 7, 2017
Re-read via audio 12/6/17 - I've read the first two books in this series twice but still haven't managed to finish the series so I decided to give it one more go via audio, since it's available in the Audible Romance Package. It was just as good the third time around. The narrator, David Thorpe, was new to me, and I thought he did a really good job bringing the story to life and giving each character distinct voices.
Review 3/8/16: I originally read this in September of 2013 and it was one of my early m/m romance reads and probably one of my first BDSM romances (though in retrospect, it's pretty darn tame!). I never got around to finishing the series and decided to re-read of the first two books was needed before I read the last one. I enjoyed this just as much the second time around. The scene in the brothel was soooo hot. And then when Oliver reveals himself to Vincent - so good. I forgot how much I enjoyed Ava March's writing and how much I enjoy reading historical romances. Good thing I have many on my tbr and more of Vincent and Oliver's romance to enjoy!
Review 3/8/16: I originally read this in September of 2013 and it was one of my early m/m romance reads and probably one of my first BDSM romances (though in retrospect, it's pretty darn tame!). I never got around to finishing the series and decided to re-read of the first two books was needed before I read the last one. I enjoyed this just as much the second time around. The scene in the brothel was soooo hot. And then when Oliver reveals himself to Vincent - so good. I forgot how much I enjoyed Ava March's writing and how much I enjoy reading historical romances. Good thing I have many on my tbr and more of Vincent and Oliver's romance to enjoy!
May 26, 2020
It was hot but it definitely felt unfinished. Historical MM is hard for me to read because it's hard to make it feel realistic and believable and still give the MCs a shot at happiness. I didn't feel like they had a real chance at happiness at the end of this book but I'll probably continue to read it to see how it goes.
September 4, 2009
This was bull eye of hitting good thing in the sea of homoerotica. There are several reasons why 1. two handsome men in the historical setting, 2. sex with hint of BDSM, 3. plot there is a plot and it does not affect the whole book, 4. it was funny kind of plot, 5. the book was short but thick with action, 6. I learn new English word - ballock.
Two lords, both second sons so without obligation to produce heir and rather being overlooked by their fathers were the main characters of the book. Oliver was in love, his love was all desperate to the man who even did not know that Oliver felt towards him in such way. Vincent was successful , rich and loved by society but he had dark secret which could bring him to the gallows. He simply loved men. There was one refugee for him a brothel where he could indulge his ways. Oliver found that one and set cunning plan, which brought the most interesting talk about love and sexuality, which I have ever read in such kind of literature. The ending was, yes very happy indeed. Oliver found his man and his man found truth about himself.
Two lords, both second sons so without obligation to produce heir and rather being overlooked by their fathers were the main characters of the book. Oliver was in love, his love was all desperate to the man who even did not know that Oliver felt towards him in such way. Vincent was successful , rich and loved by society but he had dark secret which could bring him to the gallows. He simply loved men. There was one refugee for him a brothel where he could indulge his ways. Oliver found that one and set cunning plan, which brought the most interesting talk about love and sexuality, which I have ever read in such kind of literature. The ending was, yes very happy indeed. Oliver found his man and his man found truth about himself.
July 17, 2015
I'm so glad I listened to a few of my fellow Goodreaders and picked up Ava March's work. Seriously good historical romance without the inconvenience of having to put up with any horribly crafted heroines. Hot historic dudes sexin' each other up. Good plots, good writing, likable characters, great dialogue, good romance. Win.
August 20, 2018
Overall book rating: 3.5
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3.8
Short and hot. I liked the idea behind this one. Would have liked maybe a visit or two more with dear Lord Vincent still in the ‘dark’ but it’s a short read and so I’m happy with what I got.
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3.8
Short and hot. I liked the idea behind this one. Would have liked maybe a visit or two more with dear Lord Vincent still in the ‘dark’ but it’s a short read and so I’m happy with what I got.
September 12, 2018
Now wasn't that a nice tasty morsel!
Thank you so much, Christelle, for this highly enjoyable historical romance.
Loved Oliver totally losing it over Vincent. And not much can beat a tall brooding alpha male, one that can lose himself, too, when the time and the man are right!
Great fun!
Thank you so much, Christelle, for this highly enjoyable historical romance.
Loved Oliver totally losing it over Vincent. And not much can beat a tall brooding alpha male, one that can lose himself, too, when the time and the man are right!
Great fun!
August 18, 2018
Loved it! Now onto the next...
June 4, 2017
Hot, hot, hot like hell and so deliciously... lovely! I think that's the best way to describe this enjoyable read. It was my first historical mm book and I loved it! *sighs*
Although it's only a novella length, the author masterully managed to develop a believable storyline with all the constraints and conventions of the era. I managed to befriend Oliver and Vincent even though I've been with them only for about 85 pages.
And the sex? Oh my, the sex... *sighs again* Steamy, steamy, steamy!!! I love kink and a touch of D/s and oh boy, did I get enough! Don't get me wrong, there was a very nice plot, considering the length of the book but the intercourse was just the icing of the cake ;)
The biggest advantage of the book and the author? Well, I felt rather awkward picking up a Regency-set mm romance... Hello, it was a crime punished with death, right? It was supposed to be something obscene and indecent. But I found the secret relation between the two MCs as something beautiful and worth cherishing. And I can't imagine such a wonderful couple not being able to cope against all odds ;)
The book encouraged me to dig deeper in the historical mm reads. It also made me put the whole The Bound Series on my "must-read" list. The first installment was superb!
Although it's only a novella length, the author masterully managed to develop a believable storyline with all the constraints and conventions of the era. I managed to befriend Oliver and Vincent even though I've been with them only for about 85 pages.
And the sex? Oh my, the sex... *sighs again* Steamy, steamy, steamy!!! I love kink and a touch of D/s and oh boy, did I get enough! Don't get me wrong, there was a very nice plot, considering the length of the book but the intercourse was just the icing of the cake ;)
The biggest advantage of the book and the author? Well, I felt rather awkward picking up a Regency-set mm romance... Hello, it was a crime punished with death, right? It was supposed to be something obscene and indecent. But I found the secret relation between the two MCs as something beautiful and worth cherishing. And I can't imagine such a wonderful couple not being able to cope against all odds ;)
The book encouraged me to dig deeper in the historical mm reads. It also made me put the whole The Bound Series on my "must-read" list. The first installment was superb!
June 11, 2023
4 stars
Smutty, historical, friends-to-lovers with BDSM. What more can I say?
Re-read, May 2023 - holds up to my recollection of it.
It's a great premise, though a fair amount of suspension of disbelief is required. Sure, it's dark, he's unshaven and needs a haircut but I'm pretty sure any regular person would recognise his friend posing as a rent boy.
Extremely hot. Oliver's dedication to his friend Vincent is frankly unhealthy; the enjoyment he gets through the submission is almost a relief.
Oliver is a great character: teetering right on the edge of the unbearable woe-is-me type, but somehow not falling into caricature. Vincent takes some more warming up to, but I appreciate his concern for "Jake" and how he tries to help Oliver and support him.
I love the jade tie pin, I'm a huge fan of the whole cherished trinket trope.
It all seems a bit too convenient with Vincent’s change of heart, but I know it’s not all smooth sailing in the following books which I'm looking forward to re-reading too.
◆◆◆◆◇ - Bound by Deception
◆◆◆◈◇ - Bound to Him
◆◆◆◆◇ - Bound Forever
Smutty, historical, friends-to-lovers with BDSM. What more can I say?
Re-read, May 2023 - holds up to my recollection of it.
It's a great premise, though a fair amount of suspension of disbelief is required. Sure, it's dark, he's unshaven and needs a haircut but I'm pretty sure any regular person would recognise his friend posing as a rent boy.
Extremely hot. Oliver's dedication to his friend Vincent is frankly unhealthy; the enjoyment he gets through the submission is almost a relief.
Oliver is a great character: teetering right on the edge of the unbearable woe-is-me type, but somehow not falling into caricature. Vincent takes some more warming up to, but I appreciate his concern for "Jake" and how he tries to help Oliver and support him.
I love the jade tie pin, I'm a huge fan of the whole cherished trinket trope.
It all seems a bit too convenient with Vincent’s change of heart, but I know it’s not all smooth sailing in the following books which I'm looking forward to re-reading too.
◆◆◆◆◇ - Bound by Deception
◆◆◆◈◇ - Bound to Him
◆◆◆◆◇ - Bound Forever
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