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Throwback
One man. One woman. One very naughty dungeon. The day Hawk Blackmoor rides into her life, Gillian Markham loses the frost on her cool facade. If he gets the chance, he'll shred her life in a legal battle over his father's estate but when she gazes into his eyes, Gillian sees her own dark fantasies blazing in those endless depths. Hawk could take her on the sensual journey she so deeply desires. If she can trust his sincerity. If she can find her own courage. Once a soldier, now a hard-bargaining day trader, Hawk Blackmoor knows how to fight wars and close deals. He expects to destroy Gillian Markham in negotiations until the iron-willed professor kindles dangerous passions he can't ignore. Hawk soon wants more from Gillian than his inheritance. He wants her trust, her absolute submission and her heart...and he won't stop until he wins her...completely.
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376 pages, Paperback
First published November 16, 2005
1 person is currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Annie Windsor
14 books15 followersCopied from website:
I'm in my 40's now, and finally living my lifelong dream of loving all my jobs. I still work in psychology, I farm, I write—and I have a blast.
I'm southern by birth, and I've lived in the south most of my life. My foothill farm is beautiful, and I couldn't ask for a better place to live or write. I find inspiration, peace, joy, and beauty in my family, my home, the woods, and the love of all my many animals. And I do have a lot of animals. I mean, a lot. Dogs, cats, chickens, turkeys, peafowl, guineas, ducks, geese, and oh, yeah—a parrot. Who is a perfect parrot-pain, but I do love him.
Urban fantasy, high fantasy, futuristic science fiction, and historical fantasy are my favorite genres to write or to read. I write almost every day, and I try to finish at least one manuscript every few months. In between time spent practicing psychology, writing, tending the animals, and spending time with my family, I also try to dedicate a few hours to playing my guitar and piano, photography, playing video games, watching old movies, and walking.
I'm thrilled to be able to write, and thrilled that readers enjoy my stories. I'd love to hear from you, and I'd love to know what you think about my books.
I'm in my 40's now, and finally living my lifelong dream of loving all my jobs. I still work in psychology, I farm, I write—and I have a blast.
I'm southern by birth, and I've lived in the south most of my life. My foothill farm is beautiful, and I couldn't ask for a better place to live or write. I find inspiration, peace, joy, and beauty in my family, my home, the woods, and the love of all my many animals. And I do have a lot of animals. I mean, a lot. Dogs, cats, chickens, turkeys, peafowl, guineas, ducks, geese, and oh, yeah—a parrot. Who is a perfect parrot-pain, but I do love him.
Urban fantasy, high fantasy, futuristic science fiction, and historical fantasy are my favorite genres to write or to read. I write almost every day, and I try to finish at least one manuscript every few months. In between time spent practicing psychology, writing, tending the animals, and spending time with my family, I also try to dedicate a few hours to playing my guitar and piano, photography, playing video games, watching old movies, and walking.
I'm thrilled to be able to write, and thrilled that readers enjoy my stories. I'd love to hear from you, and I'd love to know what you think about my books.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 22, 2008
I really enjoyed this book, but it is definitely NOT for everyone!
First off, a better summary (why do default book summaries always suck?)...
When she was just 17 years old, tragedy struck Gillian's life, taking away everything she loved. Her mentor, Reggie Blackmoor, took her in and gave her a home. He became a father figure and a true friend to her. Many years later, he passes away and leaves behind a will that pleases no one - he gives his castle and money to Gillian, and the land around the castle to his estranged son, Hawk.
Hawk wants everything of his father's estate, especially the land, and Gillian wants to keep her home and neither is willing to compromise. Then Hawk and his troupe of Renaissance actors arrive at Blackmoor and the chemistry between Gillian and Hawk sizzles. Ever since Gillian stumbled into Reggie's playroom dungeon, she's fantasized about being a submissive. And Hawk, being a Master Dom, instantly recognizes Gillian's submissive sexual nature. But can they find a way to explore their D/S relationship when they are so at odds about Reggie's will?
******
This book is very strongly theme toward BDSM - Master/Slave (only in sexual circumstances), bondage, and S&M (whips, paddles, etc). It's not something used lightly in the story, but a major part of almost every sexual scene. If you don't care for BDSM, then steer clear of this book!
Though the book has a lot of hot, VERY explicit sex, it also has a fairly good story to go along with it. True, it's probably overshadowed by all the sex and it's probably not at detailed and thorough as you'd find in a contemporary romance novel, but for an erotic romance, it was well done. And I didn't feel like this was just a book of gratuitous sex. I really enjoyed all the characters and the nuances the author gave them - Gillian's tragic history, Hawk's father issues. There was also a nice supporting cast. And I loved the whole Renaissance actor troupe setting which added a nice flavor to the book.
I also like the fact that though the book deals heavily with the Master/Slave theme, Hawk was never a cruel Dom. Yes, he really pushed Gillian's boundaries, but he was always conscious of how far to push. He was always aware of her and not just his need to dominate.
I almost forgot! I absolutely LOVED that Gillian was a fuller-figured woman! And that Hawk loved her that way and helped her to see herself as beautiful.
I just enjoyed the way the author played out the story. It was an enjoyable and HOT book to read.
Sexual themes: very heavy BDSM (Master/slave, bondage, S&M), voyeurism, exhibitionism, toys, multiple-partner sex (not involving the H/H...there was this whole "pleasure tent" thing), 1 or 2 references to F/F (part of the "pleasure tent" thing), anal sex, and a very, very atypical sexual act for erotic romance books.
(LOL, maybe I should have listed what wasn't in the book!)
First off, a better summary (why do default book summaries always suck?)...
When she was just 17 years old, tragedy struck Gillian's life, taking away everything she loved. Her mentor, Reggie Blackmoor, took her in and gave her a home. He became a father figure and a true friend to her. Many years later, he passes away and leaves behind a will that pleases no one - he gives his castle and money to Gillian, and the land around the castle to his estranged son, Hawk.
Hawk wants everything of his father's estate, especially the land, and Gillian wants to keep her home and neither is willing to compromise. Then Hawk and his troupe of Renaissance actors arrive at Blackmoor and the chemistry between Gillian and Hawk sizzles. Ever since Gillian stumbled into Reggie's playroom dungeon, she's fantasized about being a submissive. And Hawk, being a Master Dom, instantly recognizes Gillian's submissive sexual nature. But can they find a way to explore their D/S relationship when they are so at odds about Reggie's will?
******
This book is very strongly theme toward BDSM - Master/Slave (only in sexual circumstances), bondage, and S&M (whips, paddles, etc). It's not something used lightly in the story, but a major part of almost every sexual scene. If you don't care for BDSM, then steer clear of this book!
Though the book has a lot of hot, VERY explicit sex, it also has a fairly good story to go along with it. True, it's probably overshadowed by all the sex and it's probably not at detailed and thorough as you'd find in a contemporary romance novel, but for an erotic romance, it was well done. And I didn't feel like this was just a book of gratuitous sex. I really enjoyed all the characters and the nuances the author gave them - Gillian's tragic history, Hawk's father issues. There was also a nice supporting cast. And I loved the whole Renaissance actor troupe setting which added a nice flavor to the book.
I also like the fact that though the book deals heavily with the Master/Slave theme, Hawk was never a cruel Dom. Yes, he really pushed Gillian's boundaries, but he was always conscious of how far to push. He was always aware of her and not just his need to dominate.
I almost forgot! I absolutely LOVED that Gillian was a fuller-figured woman! And that Hawk loved her that way and helped her to see herself as beautiful.
I just enjoyed the way the author played out the story. It was an enjoyable and HOT book to read.
Sexual themes: very heavy BDSM (Master/slave, bondage, S&M), voyeurism, exhibitionism, toys, multiple-partner sex (not involving the H/H...there was this whole "pleasure tent" thing), 1 or 2 references to F/F (part of the "pleasure tent" thing), anal sex, and a very, very atypical sexual act for erotic romance books.
(LOL, maybe I should have listed what wasn't in the book!)
August 19, 2008
Weeellllll. I should just come right out and say that I am a wuss. I cry when I get shots at the dentist and bite the hell out of my lip when they take blood. How I could have had two children with no drugs is beyond me, but that's the weirdness of childbirth I guess:) So, why all this sharing? Um, so I can admit that I didn't really like "Throwback" by Annie Windsor. There was a little too much of the pain thing going on for me. I know she liked it (even in the scenes where she had tears running down her face and WTF is up with that) and everyone has different tastes, but this one just wasn't my cup of tea. I found myself cringing at times and that's never a good sign...Ah well, live and learn.
She's repressed and depressed since her father-figure/savior recently died and she's now battling with his son to try and save the only home she's known since the crime that took her boyfriend and parents.
He's dominant and masterful and quite pissed since the father who never contacted him has left half HIS inheritance to some money-grubbing chippie.
When these two meet, it's ice vs heat. Then they both realize that together they could fulfill their deepest fantasies, but both of them will have to give a little.
Hot BDSM sex in: a tent, a forest, a study, a bedroom (bummer, eh?), a pleasure tent, and THE DUNGEON. Not for the faint of heart.
She's repressed and depressed since her father-figure/savior recently died and she's now battling with his son to try and save the only home she's known since the crime that took her boyfriend and parents.
He's dominant and masterful and quite pissed since the father who never contacted him has left half HIS inheritance to some money-grubbing chippie.
When these two meet, it's ice vs heat. Then they both realize that together they could fulfill their deepest fantasies, but both of them will have to give a little.
Hot BDSM sex in: a tent, a forest, a study, a bedroom (bummer, eh?), a pleasure tent, and THE DUNGEON. Not for the faint of heart.
August 6, 2008
My Dear Purvettes, Once again you were right. It was pretty hot. Aside from the impossible, without lube, love act in the library... I didn't even say anything bad about Yes Master/ No Master thing, which gets on my nerves. See how open minded I'm getting!
August 9, 2008
I dont really need to go into too much detail about this book since so many of my dear purvettes have already heard the details...
This book is heavy on the BDSM and utilizes wild and unusual toys! Its also a size acceptance novel about a fuller figured woman coming to the realization that she is beautiful- no matter what her size! The hero is very alpha and HOT!
Oh- and the pleasure tent and dungeon do not disappoint!
Give it a try ladies, I think you'll like it.
This book is heavy on the BDSM and utilizes wild and unusual toys! Its also a size acceptance novel about a fuller figured woman coming to the realization that she is beautiful- no matter what her size! The hero is very alpha and HOT!
Oh- and the pleasure tent and dungeon do not disappoint!
Give it a try ladies, I think you'll like it.
December 20, 2008
Gillian is basically hiding her life away in Blackmoor Downs, safe behind Reggie Blackmoor, her guardian and friend. He took her in when she was young, after the horrific deaths of her family, and he created a safe, caring, and stimulating environment. Stimulating in more ways then one. She thought she would live and die at Blackmoor Downs, the fantastical medieval castle Reggie had built, but after his death he left the castle to his son, Hawkins and the land and his wealth to Gillian. This situation is untenable to say the least for both parties. Hawkins needs the money and the land to take care of his medieval troupe, the Wanderers, and Gillian refuses to the leave her safe and comfortable home. Before an army of lawyers descend upon this mess, they decide to try a compromise. Gillian allows the Wanderers to stay on the land and Hawkins allows Gillian to stay in the castle. They also decide on three meetings to try and hash out a solution. These meetings are basically useless because the moment Gillian and Hawkins meet across the table, it's an instant clash of wills. Hawkins has no intention of being denied his birthright and while Gillian hopes for a compromise, he has no such plans. He demands her complete and total surrender and if he has to use her own secret desires against her, then he will be only too happy to do so.
Wow. Kinky. I was told this was kinky, but I don't think I was adequately prepared for how kinky this really was. Everything was incredibly over the top and really in-your-face. If you don't like BDSM and if you don't like a little pain with your pleasure, then, well, don't even bother with this one.
*I'm serious. If you're not into kink, Don't Read This Book. Because if you aren't and you read it, well, if the dungeon doesn't send you screaming back to vanilla-ville, the pleasure tent will.*
Even though Hawkins' arrogance drives her insane, Gillian is intrigued. Everything about him excites her. His size, his dedication to the Wanderers, and most all, his mastery. What started out innocently as a lets-get-to-know-one-another picnic, turns into what is most likely illegal frolicking in the woods. Complete with leather ties and a riding crop. Not bad for a first date. This charming romp ends with some more frolicking atop a horse. Niiiice.
I really liked this book. While it's filled with a lot of sex and a lot of interesting toys and scenarios, it had a good story. It's a lot to take in during one sitting, though, so I recommend breaking this book up into parts. This is almost one hundred percent BDSM, with an emphasis on the S&M and it made me sore and tender just reading it. Gillian was a charming woman who finds pleasure in her sexuality and fuller figure and Hawkins was quite a masterful throwback to medieval times.
Some parts of this book were a little too much to take in, though. The scene where they are all yelling while Gillian suffers through a little public exhibitionism was weird. And I thought there was a little too much emphasis on punishment and denial. While some of the Wanderer-speak was eye-rolling, "Goodmorrow! Enter gentle friend," the medieval reenactments were really interesting. So there's a little something for everyone in this book. Great masterful sex, great medieval costumes, knights on horseback, and twenty first century sex toys. What more could a girl ask for? :)
Wow. Kinky. I was told this was kinky, but I don't think I was adequately prepared for how kinky this really was. Everything was incredibly over the top and really in-your-face. If you don't like BDSM and if you don't like a little pain with your pleasure, then, well, don't even bother with this one.
*I'm serious. If you're not into kink, Don't Read This Book. Because if you aren't and you read it, well, if the dungeon doesn't send you screaming back to vanilla-ville, the pleasure tent will.*
Even though Hawkins' arrogance drives her insane, Gillian is intrigued. Everything about him excites her. His size, his dedication to the Wanderers, and most all, his mastery. What started out innocently as a lets-get-to-know-one-another picnic, turns into what is most likely illegal frolicking in the woods. Complete with leather ties and a riding crop. Not bad for a first date. This charming romp ends with some more frolicking atop a horse. Niiiice.
I really liked this book. While it's filled with a lot of sex and a lot of interesting toys and scenarios, it had a good story. It's a lot to take in during one sitting, though, so I recommend breaking this book up into parts. This is almost one hundred percent BDSM, with an emphasis on the S&M and it made me sore and tender just reading it. Gillian was a charming woman who finds pleasure in her sexuality and fuller figure and Hawkins was quite a masterful throwback to medieval times.
Some parts of this book were a little too much to take in, though. The scene where they are all yelling while Gillian suffers through a little public exhibitionism was weird. And I thought there was a little too much emphasis on punishment and denial. While some of the Wanderer-speak was eye-rolling, "Goodmorrow! Enter gentle friend," the medieval reenactments were really interesting. So there's a little something for everyone in this book. Great masterful sex, great medieval costumes, knights on horseback, and twenty first century sex toys. What more could a girl ask for? :)
February 3, 2016
Throwback by Annie Windsor
#2 in Dungeon Heat
2-1/2*
Gillian Markham is a history professor at John's River College, working toward tenure, and also writing a book on Tudor politics. Her mentor, Reggie Blackmoor, recently passed away and has left some surprising complications surrounding his Will. Reggie had been a father figure to her since she was 17. Unknown to her, Reggie also had a son who was now suddenly in the picture demanding his inheritance and wanting to boot her out of the castle which for years she has considered her home.
Hawkins Blackmoor is a NYC stockbroker and former Army Ranger, who--after his own mother's death--has taken her place as the leader of the Wanderers, a troupe of actors, horsemen, artisans, etc., who travel around performing at and hosting Renaissance Festivals. He is now responsible for this large group of people, who are like family to him, and he now has the burden of caring for them and their children, some of whom are chronically ill and need medical treatment, and some who are getting older and have no other means of support and need a more stable place to live rather than the tent living they are accustomed to. He is struggling financially trying to provide insurance for everyone as well as keep the business end afloat. He is also feeling the weight of the burden he's been given because he had to give up his previous life in New York in order to care for this motley crew.
He never had a relationship with his father, Reggie, and is now feeling bitter about the fact that instead of receiving the land and money which would be useful to the Wanderers' survival , he was bequeathed the castle--an authentic English castle in the middle of Tennessee--which Professor Markham and her small staff are currently living in. It raises Hawk's ire that Markham was given the land and money as her inheritance, so he enters the picture as a bullheaded, arrogant jerk accusing her of being a gold digger and seducing his father for his inheritance, etc., not taking the time to learn that she was actually a daughter to him with a tragic past. Of course, that sets her off and she responds in kind, not learning that he has legitimate reasons for needing the money.
Their bickering and lack of communication are the extent of their relationship except, however, for the fact that they are physically drawn to each other. He recognizes immediately, being a Master Dom, that she would make a perfect submissive. How he picks up on this when she is looking him eye-to-eye and giving back as good as she gets in their arguments about the Will, I have no idea. Lucky for him, Gillian, for years, has fantasized about being taught by a Master. She had discovered when she was younger that Reggie had a "playroom" in the dungeon of the castle and on one occasion had secretly witnessed him training a D/s couple. That experience had never left her. Now she keeps picturing Hawk, the arrogant guy she hates, in the role as her dom. Good thing for them, it must be true that there's someone for everyone. Because they sure wouldn't make it as a plain vanilla couple.
I wanted to like this for their story, for their romance, but unfortunately, I wasn't convinced they had one. Even their HEA wasn't believable. Other than some public humiliation which was over the line for me, the BDSM didn't bother me. It didn't do anything for me either. The descriptions often were a complete turn-off. TMI on Gillian's body fluid, if you get my drift. I think this is one case where using more euphemisms and less graphic descriptions would have been helpful.
I liked how the author made Gillian a heavier woman who was self-conscious about that fact and the H convinced her of her own beauty; however, there were things thrown in at the wrong moments that ruined that for me. For example, on more than one occasion by more than one person, the issue of her weight and how she must compare herself to others was brought up in a blunt manner to her. In real life, I'm sorry, that would hurt a person's feelings. Secondly, again on more than one occasion, the point is made that she eats a lot of food or eats quickly "scarfing it down". The H watches her with a smirk on his face. Supposedly, that "pleases" him. Maybe it's just me. I didn't get that as being flattering to anyone.
One last thing that threw me was the combination of a modern-day setting, an English castle in the middle of Tennessee, and the overuse of the renaissance faire lifestyle being drawn into how they dressed and spoke--even when the faire itself wasn't going on. I think this would have been better if the setting would just have been in a medieval time period. It didn't work for me, even knowing this is a fantasy story.
#2 in Dungeon Heat
2-1/2*
Gillian Markham is a history professor at John's River College, working toward tenure, and also writing a book on Tudor politics. Her mentor, Reggie Blackmoor, recently passed away and has left some surprising complications surrounding his Will. Reggie had been a father figure to her since she was 17. Unknown to her, Reggie also had a son who was now suddenly in the picture demanding his inheritance and wanting to boot her out of the castle which for years she has considered her home.
Hawkins Blackmoor is a NYC stockbroker and former Army Ranger, who--after his own mother's death--has taken her place as the leader of the Wanderers, a troupe of actors, horsemen, artisans, etc., who travel around performing at and hosting Renaissance Festivals. He is now responsible for this large group of people, who are like family to him, and he now has the burden of caring for them and their children, some of whom are chronically ill and need medical treatment, and some who are getting older and have no other means of support and need a more stable place to live rather than the tent living they are accustomed to. He is struggling financially trying to provide insurance for everyone as well as keep the business end afloat. He is also feeling the weight of the burden he's been given because he had to give up his previous life in New York in order to care for this motley crew.
He never had a relationship with his father, Reggie, and is now feeling bitter about the fact that instead of receiving the land and money which would be useful to the Wanderers' survival , he was bequeathed the castle--an authentic English castle in the middle of Tennessee--which Professor Markham and her small staff are currently living in. It raises Hawk's ire that Markham was given the land and money as her inheritance, so he enters the picture as a bullheaded, arrogant jerk accusing her of being a gold digger and seducing his father for his inheritance, etc., not taking the time to learn that she was actually a daughter to him with a tragic past. Of course, that sets her off and she responds in kind, not learning that he has legitimate reasons for needing the money.
Their bickering and lack of communication are the extent of their relationship except, however, for the fact that they are physically drawn to each other. He recognizes immediately, being a Master Dom, that she would make a perfect submissive. How he picks up on this when she is looking him eye-to-eye and giving back as good as she gets in their arguments about the Will, I have no idea. Lucky for him, Gillian, for years, has fantasized about being taught by a Master. She had discovered when she was younger that Reggie had a "playroom" in the dungeon of the castle and on one occasion had secretly witnessed him training a D/s couple. That experience had never left her. Now she keeps picturing Hawk, the arrogant guy she hates, in the role as her dom. Good thing for them, it must be true that there's someone for everyone. Because they sure wouldn't make it as a plain vanilla couple.
I wanted to like this for their story, for their romance, but unfortunately, I wasn't convinced they had one. Even their HEA wasn't believable. Other than some public humiliation which was over the line for me, the BDSM didn't bother me. It didn't do anything for me either. The descriptions often were a complete turn-off. TMI on Gillian's body fluid, if you get my drift. I think this is one case where using more euphemisms and less graphic descriptions would have been helpful.
I liked how the author made Gillian a heavier woman who was self-conscious about that fact and the H convinced her of her own beauty; however, there were things thrown in at the wrong moments that ruined that for me. For example, on more than one occasion by more than one person, the issue of her weight and how she must compare herself to others was brought up in a blunt manner to her. In real life, I'm sorry, that would hurt a person's feelings. Secondly, again on more than one occasion, the point is made that she eats a lot of food or eats quickly "scarfing it down". The H watches her with a smirk on his face. Supposedly, that "pleases" him. Maybe it's just me. I didn't get that as being flattering to anyone.
One last thing that threw me was the combination of a modern-day setting, an English castle in the middle of Tennessee, and the overuse of the renaissance faire lifestyle being drawn into how they dressed and spoke--even when the faire itself wasn't going on. I think this would have been better if the setting would just have been in a medieval time period. It didn't work for me, even knowing this is a fantasy story.
July 12, 2013
You'll have to check your brain at the door if you read this story. It's so outlandish that you can't take it seriously. There's quite a bit of BDSM in this story, but nothing extremely degrading. However, there are whips, paddles, some mild electrochocking, sex toys. So if those things are going to disturb you, stay away. The hero and heroine both want, need and enjoy these types of activities. What they do together is consensual and safe with precautions taken to make sure she's not hurt. It's also not a 24/7 dom/sub relationship either. Outside the bedroom..er..dungeon..they are equals.
The heroine is a plus sized female professor with self-esteem issues. The hero is a former day-trader turned medieval troupe member. The plot is flimsy, but if you want a quick read with a lot of light to moderate, hot bdsm smutty scenes, this will fit the bill. This book is not for those who are used to reading light chick lit or Harlequin romance novels. The romance here couldn't be more explicit so consider yourself warned.
The heroine is a plus sized female professor with self-esteem issues. The hero is a former day-trader turned medieval troupe member. The plot is flimsy, but if you want a quick read with a lot of light to moderate, hot bdsm smutty scenes, this will fit the bill. This book is not for those who are used to reading light chick lit or Harlequin romance novels. The romance here couldn't be more explicit so consider yourself warned.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews