Lasciati legare

Wicked Play #6

by Lynda Aicher

Holden Hawke è un giocatore di hockey professionista, il tipico esemplare di maschio virile dal fisico esplosivo. Ha già sfiorato lo scandalo quando ha tentato di concretizzare i suoi desideri più trasgressivi ed è stato immortalato in una posa compromettente; un campione non può ambire a essere uno schiavo! È per questo che si presenta al Den, un esclusivo club sadomaso di Minneapolis, dichiarando di essere un dominatore. Ma basta un incontro con Vanessa Delcour, PR di noti sportivi di giorno e Padrona V di notte, per smascherare il suo bluff. Vanessa raccoglie la sfida di dimostrare a Holden quale sia la sua vera natura. Perché in fondo a lui piace essere legato e dominato... e non c'è cosa più eccitante che sottomettersi al volere della sensuale Vanessa e soddisfare tutti i suoi desideri. Nel viaggio che i due intraprendono per scoprire fino a che punto Holden voglia spingersi per realizzare i propri sogni erotici, il loro legame diventa sempre più stretto, e non solo grazie a manette e catene... Holden si rivela un uomo sensibile, generoso, un vero benefattore che si impegna nel centro sociale della sorella di Vanessa, Liv, e a poco a poco il suo comportamento scioglie il cuore della La Regina dei Ghiacci. Ma l'atteggiamento scostante e riservato di Vanessa è dovuto alla paura di esporre il proprio cuore ferito, e il disastro colpirà la coppia quando i vari mondi - quello sportivo, quello del Den e quello familiare - entreranno in collisione. Riuscirà Vanessa a trasformarsi in una Regina di Cuori e a sottomettere il suo Re per trovare la felicità?

Genres: BDSM, Romance, Erotica, Sports, Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Audiobook

244 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 16, 2014

About the author

I love to read. It's a simple fact that has been true since I discovered the worlds of Judy Blume at the age of ten. After years of weekly travel as a consultant implementing computer software into global companies, I ended my nomadic lifestyle to raise my two children. Now, my imagination is my only limitation on where I can go and my writing lets me escape from the daily duties of being a mom, wife, chauffeur, scheduler, cook, teacher, cleaner, and mediator.

If writing wasn't a priority, it would never get done.

Reviews

[Marte - Thunderella · Rating 2 out of 5]

** 2,5 frustrating stars **

-----------spoilery review ---------------------

You are here by warned!

This book is a part of the series Wicked Play, but I read it as a standalone. I had no problem with that, but the characters from the series appear in this book, so if you've read the other books you'll recognize them, but I don't think it's necessary to have read them for reading this.

I mainly read MM romance, because the women in most MF books often annoyed the heck out of me. I do occasionally dip my toe into the MF pool, though. This time I wanted to try out a book with female Domme. I like bdsm books. And it's not all about the toys and leather either. I like the mind space it portrays, I like the eroticism that comes with it, I like the courage, both the Dom/Domme and the Sub have, I like them owning their kink and act on it. I also like that women can and have dominant features and men have submissive features. I think it's hot as hell. 

That's to say, I like good bdsm books. And good Doms/Dommes. Sadly, that was not the case in this book.

WHY is it so frikking difficult to portray a good female dominant? WHY does the Domme have to have a bad event in her past which "made" made her a Domme just to have control and to avoid getting hurt. WHY can't a woman just be a Domme, who likes to dominate and get off on it? Pure, and simple. Have you ever read about a male Dom who became a Dom because of past events? Became a Dom out of necessity? No? Me netither. The male Doms just are dominant or just like to dominate and be in control. WHY doesn't that apply to women too, eh? Oh, no, they're more often than not portrayed as "ice queens". The "weak" female with a protective "ice shield" for her feelings, who became a Domme by necessity who needs "saving" by the big strong male submissive. Just like the MC in this book. Arg, it annoys me so much! 

Not only is she a Domme out of necessity, she's also a bad one. The first thing that pissed me off was that after she had had Holden, the male submissive and other MC in the story, in leather cuffs in a light scene where she wanted to test if he truly was submissive or just janking her chain so to speak.

-----------------

"Look." He reached his hands out, but the cuffs halted his movement with a jerk. "Damn it." He glared at the restraints before looking backto her. "Can we talk about this? I fucked up. I get that." He wet his lips. "But..but I want this."

She studied him, refusing to let his gruff charm sway her. "I'm sure you do. But I don't." She opened the door, the cooler air from the hallway wafting in. "Seth will bring your shirt." She nodded towards his cuffs. "You can get yourself out of those is you want to badly enough."

With that she left the room, the door clicking closed with a finality she took to heart.

-----------------

I mean, what the heck? They just had a scene and she, the Domme, leaves her cuffed submissive alone in the play room, without removing them herself? Okay, so they were leather cuffs with Velcro on them, so he really could get out of them himself, but that's beside the point. She, the dominant, has a responsibility to take care of her submissive from the start of the scene to the end. I get that she was pissed because Holden mislead her, but that doesn't excuse her leaving the sub with his cuffs still on. 

What was worse, though, was later in the story, after having done a heavy spanking scene at her house, in her play room, Holden is floating happily in his subspace, but is coming down. She manages to do another inexcusably wrong Domme/Dom move.

-----------------

She handed him the tube of cream she'd placed by the water. "Rub this into your bottom. It'll lessen the bruising. It shouldn't be bad, but there will most likely be some. You can stay here for as long as you need. Be careful when you stand, and drink plenty of water. You can show yourself out whn you're ready." She spun away, the heels clicking her departure in a steady cadence that rang hollow in the room.

"Wait."

She ignored him until she was at the door, gripping the handle too tightly. Her job was done. Her duty as his Mistress was complete. The open confusion that marred his brow when she turned around stole the contentment from his face and blared her failure He wanted more from her, expected more after the intensity of their Scene, but she couldn't give it to him.

His mouth worked. A flash of anger passed before his head sagged, the defeat worse than any words he could've said. After a moment he looked to her, his expression blank. "Thank you, Mistress." 

The words contained the lilt of respect she expected as a Mistress. But in that instance, the complete lack of scorn in his tone scuffed over her raw heart to expose her lies to herself.

------------------

I can't believe she actually left her submissive AGAIN! With out taking proper care of him, without giving him aftercare, without making absolutely sure he was alright and coming down from his subspace. Just.. *appalled*

But, all that being said, it wasn't ALL bad. Holden was a great character and I admired his tenacity, of not giving up. He was a really great guy and a great submissive. Too bad Vanessa sucked, mostly. Their described scene was really good, though, written from both POV. Holden was really hot as a submissive. He knew it, he liked it, he wanted it.




~Holden, the pro hockey player and male submissive~

----------------------

"Six more," she said, her breath fluttering over the damp skin on Holden's neck. He'd never been so aware of every part of his body. From the smallest space between his toes to the line of sweat that dripped off his shoulder to the raging hard-on dangling between his legs. And his ass, his hot, aching ass that burned with the sting of his Mistress's paddle.

The pain at once hard and glorious. The pain was so very different from the hits and aches he endured from hockey. He was no stranger to hurting, but this was more. This was what he sought. Pleasure, pain and surrender from everything.

"Yes, Mistress."
----------------------

Holden really managed to keep the story going for me, their scenes were hot and Vanessa did a good job as a Domme in them. Their romance was also sweet. There were also a great number of interesting secondary characters. So over all it wasn't completely bad. The low rating reflects the bad Domme plot for me. At the same time, I can see why others might rate it higher. I've read several reviews before writing mine, and I really can understand a higher rating. It was just the bad Domme trope that ruined it for me. I was once again disappointed by an MF book and a Domme book. 

Reading updates:

1%
Mmmmm, a hockey player, eh?



12%
"You can get out of those if you want to badly enough."

Wtf, woman? What kind of Domme are you, you can't leave him with his cuffs on. :-O



30%
Heads up! Mention of girly parts... ;)

The text during lunch was perfectly timed to the point that he actually scanned the pub to be certain she wasn't there.
"How's lunch."
He glanced at the Walters and answered.
"Good. Yours?"
He was chewing another bite of his hamburger when her text came back.
"Dinner will be better. You'll be eating me."
The burger lodge in his throat when he inhaled. Fuck. The harsh round of coughing that followed burned his chest and warmed his face.
"You okay, man?"
Holden looked through watery eyes at his teammate and nodded.
(...)
"Interesting text?" Walters asked, his chin bobbing to indicate Holden's phone clutched in his hand. Holden gave a noncommittal grunt, took another drink and sent back his response before stowing his phone(...)
"If it pleases you."


Crikey! I'm not used to reading this MF stuff anymore. :D



37%
"Six more," she said, her breath fluttering over the damp skin on Holden's neck. He'd never been so aware of every part of his body. From the smallest space between his toes to the line of sweat that dripped off his shoulder to the raging hard-on dangling between his legs. And his ass, his hot, aching ass that burned with the sting of his Mistress's paddle.
The pain at once hard and glorious. The pain was so very different from the hits and aches he endured from hockey. He was no stranger to hurting, but this was more. This was what he sought. Pleasure, pain and surrender from everything.
"Yes, Mistress,"

God, Holden is so hot.




39%
"You can stay here for as long as you need. Be careful when you stand, and drink plenty of water. You can show yourself out when you're ready."

Are you leaving again?! Get back there and take care of your sub, ferchristsake! *frustrated*



42%
Oh no... please don't tell me your only a Domme because something bad happened to you. Why can't you just be a woman who likes to dominate instead of acting like one out of necessity, if that's what you're doing. Please don't let me down.



57%
"I'm you're boy, huh?" He hovered above her, his face inches from her own. His bangs fell over his brow in a rakish mess that matched the mischief in his eyes."
"Yes," she insisted that was impossible to catch.
"Why doesn't that bother me?" His chest heaved in an accelerated pace that matched hers. She stared up at him (...)
"Because you like being my boy," she answered fully. His eyes darkened and he lowered his elbows, pinning her beneath him.
"I do", he whispered, his breath brushing over her cheek as he nuzzled her ear. "Very much."
His admission flipped everything inside her. Her stomach tightened, along with her chest and all the stuff in between. “But you’re right.” Her soft reply contained that honesty he seemed to pull from her. “You’re not a boy.”
“Then what am I?”
Her small smile felt so fragile. She reached up to press her fingers to his lips. “A very impressive man and my beautiful submissive.” She caught a flash of pride and fierce possessiveness on his face before his mouth crushed to hers.

I really like Holden. :)



70%
That sentiment slipped just a little when he found the enema box on the bathroom counter with a stack of old towels. Fucking hell. That could mean only one thing. Something was going up his ass tonight. Damn. Another test? A challenge to see if he’d bail? Or was it honestly something she thought he’d enjoy? He squirmed, ass clenching at the thought. Was it in desire or revulsion? Anal play wasn't on his hard limit list, so he should either added it quickly or get the fuck moving with the task. After closing the door, he read the directions, none of which sounded remotely enjoyable. He glanced at the hook conveniently placed on the wall next to the toilet then back at the box. Shit. Literally. He snorted, blew out a breath and opened the box.

Kudos to author ;)



100%
Holden was wonderful. Vanessa, not so much.

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 4 out of 5]

When worlds collide, does an Ice Queen shatter or will she melt and become something else? Vanessa Delcour splits her life into three distinct quadrants. She keeps her business and personal life completely separate. She splits her personal life down to two sections - those who live in the lifestyle and those who do not. To keep these separate, she actually owns three phones to ensure never will the three meet. It's a taxing job to split a life to this degree. I can personally attest to this which is why I connected with Vanessa so well. I too own separate phones for work and personal and I don't mix the two. Oddly enough, I also separate my vanilla friends from my lifestyle friends, just not to the degree which Vanessa accomplishes in this story.

The ground work Ms. Aicher lays out in this story to generate conflict is well done. There is a reason why Vanessa aka Mistress V keeps others from knowing about her lifestyle. For one, it is a career killer. For most of us in the lifestyle, it is an issue for our job if word were to get out about our "perverse" proclivities. Ms. Aicher takes it another step further by showing why Vanessa keeps her family away from her friends in the lifestyle. This one, is a painful one which a reader guesses pretty early on. It's confirmed later in the story and it's a sad yet all too common a tale.

The conflict in this story is very well done. It comes in the form of a sexy hockey player, Holden Hauke. Hockey players are known to be aggressive and ruthless on the ice. They can also be quite sexually exuberant with the amount of "puck bunnies begging for a fuck" (location 4661 on Kindle). For a macho hockey wanting to bend over and sub for a female dominant, it goes against their alpha male image. Yet this is exactly what Holden needs and wants. He's the catalyst which throws Vanessa's carefully constructed world into utter chaos. For a control freak like Vanessa, this could spell a complete mental meltdown.

Ms. Aicher does a great job of developing the characters and making them human and relatable. She also shows the ups and downs in a BDSM relationship is not too different than a vanilla one. The BDSM in this story is enjoyable and I'm doubly happy to read a femdom one where the female dominant isn't a cruel sadistic bitch determine to emasculate and belittle a male. Sure, Vanessa does possess some hang-ups, but no different than other people. She acknowledges and moves on which is a nice personal growth in this story. Holden also grows in ways unexpected and quite admirable. Essentially, when two people bring out the best in each other and there is a lovely erotic power exchange, it's a pleasure to read. The fact that the relationship isn't perfect and they have to work misunderstands out makes it even better. This story isn't all doom and gloom serious. There are highlights of humour at unexpected times. One of my favourites is near the end when Holden's two close friends guess his true relationship with Vanessa. The scene is worth several re-reads because it's well written and funny. It's also something I can see three jocks saying. This romance is highly recommended to femdom lovers who also want a strong male sub.
 
*provided by NetGalley

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided on behalf of Carina Press from NetGalley.

4, If it pleases you, Mistress. Stars!



The Wicked Play Series continues with installment six, Mistress V's story. Vanessa is the top Domme and recent partner in The Den, but she never wanted her worlds to collide and not many got to see anything beyond the mask she wore as she played each part. Domme by night and sports PR agent by day, V's world is about to clash when hunky Holden's application makes it's way across her desk.

Holden just wants to play hockey, but when his battles to control his inner desires was lost - he had was traded teams. Still in need of finding a way to release his need and not draw attention to his private life, Holden finds him face to face with a woman that he knows can ruin his career with one phone call. Mistress V was everything he didn't know he was looking for. Suddenly his need to submit is felt deeper than ever before. But his submission is hers and hers alone to own.

Breaking through V's walls is not an easy task, but Holden is not the kind of man that gives up without a fight.


I have thoroughly enjoyed each of this books and although V was a more recently introduced character into the fold I was intrigued by the switch up in the D/s roles. I found that it was much easier to slip into this reversal than I originally thought. Holden, although quite submissive was still a very strong hero. He was protective of her and still held that possessive role even though he was bending to her will in the bedroom.

V's lack of trust was well rooted in her past and given the events as they play out, the lack of urgency to let herself feel more for Holden made perfect sense. Usually I get fed up with a heroine that is unwilling to follow her heart and face what she is feeling, with V - I was perfectly content that she had to go at her own pace. Holden's patience with her was just perfect.

The sex was off the charts hot. It was such a change to read these experiences coming from a male voice. And for the ladies that love their ass play, we get plenty of that in this one. There was passion and complete connection between these two that you just could not miss. We are given a slight glimpse at the others who have come before these two, but the story's focus remained on them. We get to see the start of a relationship forming that will become the main focus of Shattered Bonds which is Noah's story. I do have to admit that Noah is intriguing. I wasn't sure of his role in The Den beyond being the lawyer - his kinks were never part of the story prior, but I have a feeling there are some secrets in this man's past.

Lynda Aicher did another fantastic job carrying on with this series. Her writing is superb and she's been able to ensure that all crossing story lines remain intact. Each of these characters that she's created might all play in the same sandbox, but she has done an amazing job giving us six separate stories that remain unique to each character. Now bring on Noah! This girl loves her kinky white collar heroes!

[Kimberley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another GEM!!!!!

I have read every Wicked Play journey and each one pulls you in, wraps around your heart, squeezes it and then fills it with so much....passion, intensity, love, sweetness, and amazing sexy time!

This journey with Vanessa and Holden does the heart and body good. On the outside, Holden is a tough hockey player.....on the inside he craves someone to take a hold of all the decision-making for him when it comes to the bedroom. He wants to please. He wants and needs to quiet the tough guy inside and submit to a Mistress. He has been burned before. He has not taken any chances since being transferred to a new team. And just with the first few pages you read about his need for submission bubbling to the surface, this wonderfully talented writer, Lynda Aicher, pulls you in, and you are hooked, rooting and panting for Holden......to find, and get what he needs. Que Vanessa. The Ice Queen. The vulnerable Mistress, that doesn't let anyone in........Purrrrfect for Holden. Both have trust issues. Can they get passed them?......read it, you won't be disappointed. Who doesn't love a tough man that can admit to needing to submit. I found Holden very sexy, and sweet. You also get glimpses of the previous characters, which I LOVED!!

Amazing journey Ms. Aicher, thankyou!

Look forward to the next, and last instalment of this sexy crew!!

[Dev · Rating 1 out of 5]

The heroine was the worst Dom. I love femdom stories and I was so excited but she ruined the whole story for me. Classic damaged Dom trope which is already bad. Then she is an awful Dom and she only gets worse. He goes into subspace in their first scene together come on. She has nothing but contempt for him the whole time they're playing. She says aftercare is completed because she gives him lotion to put on but aftercare is taking care of emotions and being there as the sub comes down from the scene. This book seems to act like its a healthy BDSM relationship but it's the opposite of healthy. DNF at 52%.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received an ARC for review.

Oh, Lynda Aicher does not disappoint. I've been so looking forward to Mistress V's story. Holden was absolutely perfect for her. We got to see all the rest of the Den peeps including a new baby. Now we have to wait till September for Noah's HEA and with her? very interesting. I wouldn't mind having a couple more stories with his teammates Walters and Grenich.

[Pheonix Fanfiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are my thoughts while reading:

0.0% Hoping to start this soon :D Looking forward to see how this works - never read a female dom before! so Im excited :D

6.0% What I want...” She looked him up and down one more time, the predatory appraisal both hot and threatening. He swallowed but resisted wiping his palms on his pants. She ran a single finger down his chest, her blood-red nail leaving a trail of fire beneath his shirt. “I want to see you kneeling naked at my feet. Hands bound. Your sweet mouth opened wide around my gag with your ankles spread by the bar I put between them.”
Okay I think this is going to be awesome! :D

10.0% I love seeing all these guys again! :D

11.0% We know what this means, but I want the world to know exactly what you mean to me.”
Awwww! <3 <3

12.0% She snapped her chin around, eyes wide to reveal a stark vulnerability that stopped his breath. It was covered by a glare before she turned back to the group, but that didn’t stop him from zeroing in on the brief crack in her icy shell.
Yes n I so can't wait to see more of it! I'm so intrigued by these two! :D :D

14.0% Now that his embarrassment and desire had faded, his frustration at the entire situation spiked his anger. So yeah, he liked some domination in areas of his life, but he wasn’t a fucking pushover.
I was worried I wouldn't really like Holden but I really do n I CANT WAIT to read more about him! :D :) :D

15.0% “It won’t go away.” Holden gave a dry laugh. “That’s what she said. Then she walked out.” “So go get her.” He froze. “What?” There was a devious gleam to the smile that lit Seth’s face.
Hahaha <3 Seth!

17.0% “Yes, Mistress.” Zero hesitation. At some point in the past two weeks, Mr. Hauke had found his balls and decided to own them. There was something attractive in that.
Definitely!

21.0% If Vanessa thought he was giving up, she was damn wrong. If anything, her repeated denials to be his Mistress only made him more determined to make it happen. He hadn’t made the pros by giving up.
Okay I totally love that Holden isn't going to give up! He might like to submit in bed but hes a fighter and definitely not a quitter! :D <3

23.0% He intrigued her, and that was more than any man had done since her cousin Rick and his friends had destroyed her trust in men so long ago.
???? My mind went to the worst thing! I really really hope I'm way way off base!

26.0% He faced her, his decision firm. “My name is Holden. I’m not into degradation or humiliation, but you can call me whatever you like when we’re in a Scene. I get that. But when we’re not in a Scene, you can use my name.” She was using the formality to keep her distance, and he didn’t want distance
I really love that he's not a push over and he can and will stand up for himself against Vanessa! <3

27.0% “What?” She’d tried to contain her chuckle, but a small laugh slipped out anyway. “I was just picturing you in skinny jeans.” His faced bunched into a grimace of horror. “I marked dressing up as a no. I classify skinny jeans as falling into that category.” “Agreed,” she conceded before getting back to business
I love when Vanessa lets her guard down - I'm looking forward to seeing more of it and them

28.0% That meant on some level, she truly wanted him as her submissive. “No, Mistress.” Her admission to herself was timed with his soft reply. The double impact twisted a raw nerve that dug at her chest. It didn’t matter though. He’d see only what she wanted him to see
I'm loving that Vanessa wants him more than any sub and more than she would like too! :D <3

29.0% A glance at the clock showed it was three o’clock in the fucking morning, and he had a goddamn boner trapped in a cock cage.
Hahaha I can't help but chuckle! Poor Holden though haha

32.0% Another smile found its way to her lips. He had her doing that way too much. It wasn’t good.
Yes Vanessa it is! <3

34.0% But letting this go—him go—wasn’t really an option anymore. It never had been or they wouldn’t be here right now. “You please me,” she said, her voice rough with emotion.
Oh! These two are amazing! I just can't wait to see more of their story! I love how conflicted Vanessa is - I just want to know more about her!

Oh, fuck. The relief rushed through Holden in a shuddering wave. That’d been too close. The back and forth with her was tiring, but he wouldn’t give up on her. Not when everything in him said this could be so good.
Yh I'm definitely falling in love with Holden! <3

35.0% “Please,” he begged, his voice a strangled sound that was foreign to his ears. He didn’t care. Staying still was almost impossible. His legs started to shake, his hands clenched around the chains. It took all of his restraint not to buck into her mouth for more. Just one little suck on the tip, a firm stroke down his shaft, that was all he needed to come. Never had so little been so much.
Okay definitely HOT!

36.0% Each breath was constrained by her corset, and the confinement left her frustrated instead of calmed. It made no sense, but he was under her skin, burning through her as no other sub ever had. There was no easy out either, so she stopped fighting her emotions and for once, she did what she wanted, not what she should.
I love that!! <3 <3

37.0% She smiled at the thought, the power pumping through her in another tide of adrenaline. His barriers were completely down and somehow, he’d managed to crumble all of hers too. It was exhilarating and frightening and something he would never know.
I love Vanessa has stopped fighting it for the moment - I'm sure she'll build he walls back up soon enough! <3 I'm loving this so far and can't put it down! <3 <3

38.0% He was so close, and God, she wanted to bring him all the way. Give him the freedom and joy of the subspace he craved. She could do it. Would do it. And with him, maybe she’d find that final freedom too. It was something she’d always prevented, but with Holden, she seemed incapable of stopping it.
Yep! That did it I officially love these two!!! <3 <3 <3

39.0% She’d had intercourse with him. Had given herself while she’d taken. He had no idea what it meant. No idea that she never had penetrative sex with her clients. Orgasms, yes. Many had serviced her, but few were allowed in her.
Oh Vanessa! You let go coz he's different and you know it! I can't wait to see Holden not let you go! He's a sub in the bedroom but no where near a push over and I love it and him! <3

She shook her head, shoving the thought back out. This was her space. Those other men who’d stolen her choice and trust didn’t get to ruin it. The truth that they already had wasn’t lost on her. Time dulled the memory. Counseling eased the pain. But nothing overrode the emotional triggers that left her cold and shaking. Nothing until Holden
:O on god no! I so hoped I was wrong but I don't think I was!!

40.0% He supposed a docile submissive would get dressed and leave as fast as he could. But he wasn’t docile. Never had been. A passive attitude didn’t get him into the NHL. Tonight had confirmed he loved submitting to her. She’d fucking owned him when she’d been paddling his ass.
<3 <3 totally love Holden! I seriously can't stop highlighting!

41.0% His mouth went dry despite the water he’d consumed. Somehow he’d earned another level of her trust. It was the only explanation for why she would allow him to see this private, unguarded side of her. The understanding was another twist that wound him closer to her and he made a silent vow to prove to her that her trust wasn’t misplaced.
Awwww Holden! <3 <3

45.0% Loathing churned in her stomach, but he’d never see that. Years of exploiting the free counseling services at college had given her the mental tools to endure events where he was present. He might be the prick who’d shattered her trust with his betrayal, but he wasn’t taking her family from her too.
? I'm so confused with what happened back then! I so hope my Initial thought is wrong

48.0% Containment was the first step in putting out a fire. A smile lifted her lips, her plan forming. One Mr. Holden Hauke was about to get more than he bargained for, and she was more than willing to put that man back in the box where he belonged.
I really love Vanessa - I can't wait to find out more about her!

50.0% Would you ever tell me no?” His eyes closed, and she tilted his chin up so when he opened his eyes he was looking at her. He searched her, his hesitancy showing before it disappeared behind a wall of confidence. “Yes, I would, Mistress.” Not the answer most submissives would give. By some standards, it was a very wrong answer. But it was the exact one she’d been hoping he’d give her
I'm really loving these two

51.0% It’d been bold of him to use her name, yet it was her he cherished. The Mistress was a part of her, not a separate entity, and he didn’t want to distinguish between them anymore.
Oh Holden! I loveeee you! <3

52.0% Not helping,” he grunted. “I wasn’t trying to,” she answered, a smirk lining her face. Another slap to his already rosy ass brought the sharp sting back to her hand. Any complaints from Holden were muffled by the mattress, where his face was buried. His hands held fistfuls of bedding, the muscles in his arms and back straining with his effort for control.
I LOVE how much control Holden has for Vanessa! <3

54.0% He shook his head and reached for her, grabbing her wrist when she started to climb off him “No,” he said, his voice firm, despite the weakness that plagued the rest of him. She turned to him, eyes wide with the vulnerability he longed to soothe. “Please. Stay with me, Vanessa.” His final plea hung between them as the air swooped in to chill his damp flesh.
<3 <3 Holden!! <3 <3

56.0% God, he was worse than a playful puppy and just as cute too. She smacked his arm. “Down, boy.” “Arf,” he barked before he caught her in an unexpected hug that yanked her feet from the ground. He swung her around, nuzzling his face into the crook of her neck. His sloppy raspberry blubbered through the air and sent wet shivers over her neck.
Awww! I love it when Vanessa forgets to be guarded!

He took the kiss, controlling it as he pushed inside and claimed everything he found. Here, now, she gave it to him. Loved it. He gathered her up, supporting her back and grinding his pelvis into hers. It was hot and wild and unplanned. Her head spun with the carnal need and she kissed him back..
Oh wow! Was not expecting this - yet I absolutely LOVE it! <3

58.0% The truth was she wanted to go on a bike ride with him. Just like she’d wanted to shower with him and laugh with him and... Yeah, she wanted to be with him. It was a sorry, surprising state for her, and she couldn’t find the will to object. The situation was sure to bite her in the ass later, but for now, she’d go along and simply have fun for once.
Awww <3 Vanessa and Holden! That was just perfect!

59.0% The trapped panic or sensation of being constrained wasn’t there. Not with Holden. Just like it’d been missing when she was beneath him on the stairs. “Why you?” Her question drifted over the water and merged with the soft lap of waves slapping against the rocky bank
Oh Vanessa! What happened to you? And what the hell do your family have to do with it?!?!

62.0% She turned around, flashed him a wicked grin, then dangled her lacy red underwear over her shoulder. “Let’s go.” The door hung open, and he had to pick his chin off the floor as she sashayed down the walk to his car. Holy fuck.
Love Vanessa! Especially when she has her guard down! <3

63.0% The car rolled into her driveway and he slammed on the breaks before he crashed into her garage door. He pulled away to jam the car into Park, kill the engine and click their seat belts off and then he was on her. Fingers back in her heat, his lips taking hers. She groaned into him, hips bucking into his hand. It took two fistfuls of his hair being yanked before he ripped his mouth from hers, gasping.
<3 <3

66.0% He leaned in. “That includes the ones about you. Watch your back, Vanessa. The vultures are circling.”
Oh shit!

69.0% We’re friends,” Seth added. “That’s all your sister needs to know.” She sucked in another shallow breath, and on the exhale, invited her partners into parts of her world they were never supposed to be involved in.
Aww I love that all these men want to help! <3 I'm glad Vanessa's intersecting her worlds a bit - I just hope it doesn't cause trouble!

70.0% Tonight is about endurance and giving,” she murmured, her gaze drifting to his mouth as she spoke. “I’m going to push you. Test you. Own you.”
Oh this sounds like it's going to be hot!! <3 <3

72.0% His roar set her free. She cried out, her higher pitch blending with his roughened note in perfect harmony. Together they found the quiet. They found their peace.
So perfect! <3 <3

73.0% " It’s already too late,” she admitted in answer to his question. She only understood that after the words were out. It really was too late. Against every warning and truth that she knew about men, especially men like him, she’d gone and fallen for him anyway
Oh Vanessa! <3 <3 What happened to you??

He studied her for a long moment that threatened to tumble her confidence. No matter what he did, she wouldn’t regret telling him. It was his risk, and he couldn’t defend himself if he didn’t know all of the dangers.
I so so so love that she's mature enough to know that! <3 <3 <3"

74.0% He’d hear nothing but shit if any of these guys ever found out about his little kink. Oddly enough, that didn’t bother him anymore. He was proud of Vanessa. Proud of what they were together. Now he just needed her to be proud of them too.
Awwwwww Holden <3 <3

79.0% He wanted that—the meaning, not the object itself. The understanding ripped him open until it felt like his desires were bared to everyone there. He wanted to be completely owned by Vanessa. He wanted it all. The commitment, the bond, the security...the love.
<3 Holden!! <3

80.0% Can we not do this today? I said I’d do it.” She tried not to glare, but it was hard. Her mother simply didn’t know how to be affectionate and nurturing.
I really don't like Vs mum! -_-

81.0% It was an odd look for the Dom, yet it fit him too. He had one arm wrapped around Quinn’s shoulders, the other hand rubbing the back of the baby carrier.
Awwww! Marcus and Quinn <3 <3 <3

82.0% The last statement rammed through her to destroy every defensive shield she had. Even fisted, her hands trembled. Her throat was raw with the emotions stuck there, cutting it to shreds. “And I paid for it,” she gritted out
Oh Vanessa! :'( :'(

83.0% 83% But your betrayal hurt me worse than that hit or anything those other guys did.” “How?” Rick strained around Holden’s bulk. “Your goddamn bitch shield won’t let anything through. If you had cracked just once, shown anything, maybe I would’ve had a reason to stick my neck out for you. But it wasn’t worth it.” The smack of Holden’s fist destroying Rick’s nose pummeled through the air in a sickening crunch of bone and skin. “She’s always worth it,” Holden growled.
I fucking hate Rick!
But go Holden!! <3

85.0% “Don’t take it out on him.” Her mouth dropped open with the sucker punch before she snapped it shut. “What do you mean?” “Holden,” Noah said, shocking her again. “It’s not my place to interfere with your sub, but trust me when I say, pushing him away won’t help.”
Woo go Noah! <3

The chance of finding that one I’d want to stay with is too big a risk for me. I...I can’t do it. So I don’t do it at all.” He focused on her again, the sadness hidden behind the stoic mask he wore. “You need to decide which is the greater risk. Losing him, or losing yourself to him.”
Oh Noah? I can't wait for your story! (Especially as I know who it's with :D <3)

87.0% As long as you cover the part where you started fucking the Ice Queen.” Holden was around the counter and in Grenick’s face a second later. “Shut the fuck up. Her name’s Vanessa. Use it.”
Holden! <3 <3

89.0% Damned if he was going to sit home all day, hoping Vanessa would call. Nope, that wasn’t his style. He’d give her to the end of the day, then he’d hunt her down. She might not know it, but she needed him just as much as he needed her. He’d prove that to her. Somehow he’d show her that was true.
Totally love Holden's determination! <3 <3

90.0% She wouldn’t know if she didn’t try. What was the worst thing that could happen? Her heart couldn’t possibly hurt more than it did right now. “
Awwwww V <3 <3 <3

93.0% Don’t you know by now?” he asked, fingers lacing into her hair to tug her head back until he could meet her eyes. Even in the dark, she could see the love there. “I’m yours. In every way. Beyond the playroom. Beyond the spankings and bondage and play—I belong to you.” He trailed his fingers down her cheek, the touch tender and clear. “I hope someday that’ll go both ways.”
<3 HOLDEN!! <3

“My family doesn’t know what happened.” She shrugged when his frown deepened. “I was raised with the belief that you are responsible for everything that happens to you. Period. No excuses. Somewhere in that mentality I formed the belief that I caused them to do it, that I let them. I was weak. So I never told anyone but Liv.”
:O gotta say I really don't like her family -_-

95.0% “Yes.” He didn’t have to ask what she was talking about. The leather ankle bracelet she’d tied on him was about the only thing he could wear all the time, given his job. It was their little secret with a load of meaning and promises that he could take on the ice with him. He’d finally gotten the collar he’d longed for from Vanessa.
Awwwwww! I love it! <3 <3

100.0% I totally loved this book a lot more than I thought I would! I was a bit nervous about a man being the submissive as I love alpha males but it totally worked n didn't bother me at all!
Holden wasn't a complete submissive except in the bedroom when they were playing - he was determined n wouldn't let vanessa hide or get away <3
Loved seeing the rest of the characters n I can't wait to read the last book soon :D

[Angie Elle · Rating 5 out of 5]

***This book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.***

First of all I just want to say that while this book is the sixth in a series, this is my first read from the author and I didn’t feel lost at all. This book can definitely stand alone, though I will definitely be reading the rest of the Wicked Play series!

I loved this book. I thought Vanessa and Hauke were both likable characters, and I felt the connection between them instantly.

Hauke was such a nice guy. Patient and kind, he was just what Vanessa needed. As a professional hockey player keeping a grueling schedule, Hauke has always longed to give up control in the bedroom. Unfortunately for him, the one time he tried to make it happen, it became public knowledge and almost ruined his career. I liked that his character was hesitant to try it again; Hauke was a level-headed character who thought things through and was afraid of the damage his sexual preferences could do to his career.

Vanessa has spent her entire adult life compartmentalizing work, family, and her role as a Domme. It’s when her worlds really begin to mesh that Vanessa starts to realize she may not have the grip she thought she had on her life. Vanessa was stand-offish, but with her past, it’s not a surprise. When Hauke starts to break through her barriers, Vanessa begrudgingly begins exploring things outside of the ‘playroom.’

The chemistry between Hauke and Vanessa was electric. This book was off the charts hot. I have to admit, I have been hesitant to read books with male submissives in the past, but this one really worked for me. Hauke may have been submissive during playtime, but he was a man who knew what he wanted, and he went for it. He knew exactly what Vanessa needed, and he never pushed for more than she was willing to give. I loved that about him. This book was a bit ‘softer’ with the BDSM than I’ve read in the past, but I liked that Vanessa was a Domme who just liked to be in control in the bedroom. Her past had definitely shaped her and haunted her, but I liked that she wasn’t angry because of it. She was doing her best to live her life.

The pacing of this book was perfect. I didn’t feel like it moved too fast, and I thought the progression of their relationship was realistic. There was a lot of character growth in this one, particularly with Vanessa, but I think she was the one with the most to overcome.

I really enjoyed this story, and I think if you like a book with lots of steam, a hard-bodied hockey player, and a solid plot, this book is definitely for you!

I can’t wait to dive into the rest of this series!

[Pupottina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Donne che non temono gli eccessi

Esistono luoghi, dove tutto è possibile. Uno di questi luoghi di seduzione è il Den, l’esclusivo club in cui, per chiunque, i tabù e le fantasie più sfrenate possono diventare realtà. Grazie a LYNDA AICHER e alla sua serie di romanzi erotici, ambientati lì, chiunque può lasciarsi trascinare dalle emozioni. LASCIATI LEGARE fa parte della serie di bestseller di successo “I Padroni del piacere”. Lynda Aicher è al sesto romanzo della serie: profondamente erotico, incredibilmente trasgressivo, estremamente romantico.
Quando il giocatore di hockey professionista, Holden Hawke, incontra Vanessa Delcour, qualcosa nella sua vita potrebbe cambiare. Holden ha già sfiorato lo scandalo, quando ha tentato di concretizzare i suoi desideri più trasgressivi ed è stato immortalato in una posa compromettente.
In qualità di figura pubblica, deve combattere ogni situazione che potrebbe danneggiare la sua immagine, ma il peggio sembra già essere accaduto. O forse potrebbe ancora avvenire.
È durante questo momento di confusione che il campione sente maggiormente le sue pulsioni di essere sottomesso, ma sa di non poter ambire a essere uno schiavo, anche se è ciò che vuole. È per questo motivo e per tutelare la sua privacy che si presenta al Den, l’esclusivo club sadomaso di Minneapolis, dichiarando di essere tutt’altra cosa: un dominatore.
Ma basta un incontro con Vanessa Delcour, PR di noti sportivi di giorno e Padrona V di notte, per smascherare il suo bluff. Vanessa raccoglie la sfida di dimostrare a Holden quale sia la sua vera natura e ci riesce perché, in fondo, a lui piace essere legato e dominato e non c’è cosa più eccitante che sottomettersi al volere di una donna sensuale come Vanessa per soddisfare tutti i suoi desideri.
I due amanti, quasi per caso, intraprendono un viaggio per scoprire fino a che punto Holden voglia e riesca a spingersi per realizzare i propri sogni erotici più segreti. Il loro legame è destinato a cambiare le ambizioni di entrambi, dopo essere scivolati in attimi di puro piacere.
È un romanzo dolcissimo e brutale che non vi pentirete di aver letto.

http://youtu.be/d1G8z601DsY

[Cinzia Isoldi · Rating 3 out of 5]

“C’è stato qualcosa che non ti è piaciuto?”
“Be’, si, c’è stata una cosa..”
“Cosa?”
“La fine.”
“Quale parte, per la precisione?”
“Quando sei andata via.”

Lasciati legare non è la solita storia dell’uomo dal cuore di pietra che non si lascia avvicinare da nessuno, fino a quando non arriva la donna-luce che lo porta via dall’oscurità. No, questa volta è il contrario: la donna è una “regina dei ghiacci” e lui.. “ci pattina sopra! E che gran pattinatore!
Partendo dal presupposto che, in genere, i romanzi erotici sono sempre un po’ rischiosi (tanto si può finire in un intrico di sentimenti e sesso troppo intendo da diventare irreale, tanto si può cadere nel porno più squallido), ero molto perplessa: il rapporto di sottomissione funziona se l’uomo è dominatore e la donna è sottomessa, è vero la solita storia, però in questo modo non si rischia, perché a volte i ruoli sono dati per scontato . E mi prendo le mie colpe, perché sono troppo abituata ad approcciarmi a questi libri in modo “scontatissimo”. Quindi ho faticato a leggerlo, un po’ per pregiudizio, un po’ perché si deve essere predisposti a determinati libri.
Ora, partendo da questa introduzione, vi parlerò di come ho affrontato questa storia. Innanzitutto il libro parla di due personaggi molto diversi tra loro, ma che alla fine sono riuscita ad apprezzare. Vanessa, lei è una donna in carriera vestita di un carro armato, pronta ad investire chiunque si avvicini troppo o intralci il suo passaggio, ma anche ostinata a celare le proprie emozioni e tenere i suoi mondi all’oscuro uno dell’altro (lavoro, famiglia, club-amici).
Holden (non chiedetemi il perché ma questo è uno dei miei nomi preferiti per un romanzo) è un giocatore di hockey professionista. Un uomo semplice, carismatico ma dolce, a volte tenero, ma molto protettivo, intuitivo, osservatore. Un uomo che sa quello che vuole e sa come prenderselo nel modo più corretto possibile. Già, non è il tipo che è consapevole di ciò che può offrire e lo fa notare, o se ne vanta, o prende è porta a casa quando, come e dove vuole. Lui è il conquistatore per eccellenza, il “coltivatore” di semi (lasciatemi passare la metafora..), conoscete il proverbio “ciò che semini raccogli”, Holden semina amore, protezione, comprensione, e coltiva con ottimismo e pazienza. E secondo voi cosa potrebbe raccogliere? …
La storia di base è quella un po’ scontata :due persone, di cui una è incapace a mettere in discussione i propri sentimenti, e l’altra che preme affinché avvenga. Ma, c’è un ma. Il Dominatore in questione è una lei “Vanessa” , mentre il bello, carismatico e tenero “Holden” è il Sottomesso. Mi sono chiesta più volte se questa storia potesse funzionare. E adesso posso rispondere di si. Siamo abituate a leggere sempre di uomini irraggiungibili, che cedono a donne, sia romantiche che realiste. Lasciati Legare invece ci fa conoscere un uomo che è raggiungibile. Un uomo che nonostante abbia denaro e bellezza, che ne fa un proprio punto di forza, ma sfrutta le proprie capacità di conquista: essere presente o allontanarsi quando necessario, donare se stesso al momento giusto, essere paziente, non chiedere mai troppo, comprendere la situazione ed agire di conseguenza. Secondo voi Vanessa quanto potrebbe resistere ad un uomo perfetto? Lei potrebbe avere tutti i problemi di questo mondo, e qualcuno forse ce l’ha, però Holden è il suo miracolo, ed i miracoli si sa.. se esistessero sarebbero rari.
Analizzare il rapporto di sottomissione è stata la parte che mi ha fatto più riflettere. Perché? Allora cercate di seguire i miei ragionamenti contorti: siete anche voi consapevoli che quando un uomo si concede a più donne, può essere un pezzo di “rifiuti tossici”, ma nulla di più; se si trattasse di una donna invece, questa verrebbe aggiunta subito alla lista delle “donne facili” . Per me Lynda Aicher ha avuto la capacità di proporre questo cliché ribaltando i ruoli. L’uomo sottomesso viene visto male, perché si lascia comandare a bacchetta da una donna, e (nonostante noi donne sappiamo che l’uomo è il corpo e la donna la mente.. (..) ) viene considerato un debole. Ma il vero debole è colui che si sente tale. Holden riesce a capire che bisogna vivere la propria sessualità in modo sereno, ha bisogno di questo e comprenderlo ed accettarlo è ciò che lo rende padrone di sé.. ma schiavo di Vanessa. Cosa positiva non temete.
L’autrice utilizza una scrittura molto lineare, alternando le emozioni dei due personaggi. Ed infatti non manca nulla, il quadro emotivo è completo. Le scene hanno una carica sessuale notevole, ma, riprendendo il discorso sul rischio, non cade mai nello “squallido”.
A chi piace il genere erotico, non posso non consigliarlo e tentare di leggere un diverso rapporto “dom-sub”, e magari di lasciarsi andare alla lettura e di guardare oltre.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars

4 stars - excellent writing skills and a well edited story.
3 stars - for plot. my overall reading enjoyment.

As fore mentioned this was a very well written story. The author went to pains to 'show' and not 'tell' what was happening, although I found at times the story was overly descriptive in parts and not enough in others. Every move and noise was described in detail. Yet it was never fully explained what happened to the MC when she was younger. There was 'just' enough information for the reader to draw their own conclusion.

The Plot - the cover and synopsis gave me the impression it would be about a Domme and provide some hot F/m scenes. While she did initially take control and the scene was HAWT!! It didn't take long before he was topping her. The scene on the stairs, when he took her, was also smoking but not what I picked up this story for. I guess both of the MC's were switches, something I have no problem with, but again didn't expect in this story.

In fairness the last sentence in the synopsis should have given me a clue - Submissive or not, he's willing to push her every limit to prove how good they can be together.

I recommend this story to people who like very descriptive stories, with some steamy sex, including F/m & M/f and a whole lot of an angst.

**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

['Q' aka CoCo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very well written as are all in this series. Unfortunately, I just couldn't get into it and connect as I have in the past. I didn't feel like there was as much action as there was in the previous books or as many play scenes. The sex scenes seemed to be less frequent as well. I am not a huge fan of the Domme/male sub dynamic in general but these were well done. I will definitely still read the next... secretly hoping for the sexy lawyer Dom's story ;)

[Mara · Rating 4 out of 5]

molto bello...:-)
lei x la maggior parte del libro l'avrei insultata, ma poi ho cambiato idea. Lui.... adorabile :-*

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

molto hot, serie ambientata del mondo bdsm con ogni libro autoconclusivo e con un genere di coppia diverso. qui e'il turno della dominatrice e del sottomesso ed e' uno dei migliori.

[Lara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed Vanessa's story, and the way Holden was able to melt her Ice Queen persona. I liked seeing the glimpses of the couples/thruples of the previous stories. Aicher seems to know her BDSM stuff, and her steamy scenes are always volcano-level hot.

What I didn't like was the stuff regarding her cousin. I would have liked a confrontation between Holden and her parents. (And I think Vanessa's father would have had her back, if only she'd share the truth with him.)

Also, I had difficulties with the leak. If the employee is a good guy, how did a) no one know what his family was going through, and b) why didn't he come to the bosses and ask for help? Everyone reiterates how great a bunch of people they are to work for, so why wasn't some kind of relief fund set up for employees facing unexpected situations like this?

As for the rest, I always enjoy Aicher's writing style. I'm going to miss this series when it ends.

[Bluebyyou · Rating 1 out of 5]

Obnoxious read.

The female lead was a bitch. She was emotionally hostile, emotionally selfish and emotionally dishonest with the male lead. She constantly rained her unresolved shit down on him, sent him mixed signals and played head games with him.

The female lead was bad domme. In Scenes, she was unstable, irresolute and reactive and failed to keep boundaries she set in place, maintain control over the sub and maintain control over her own emotions and needs. Oh, and her idea of aftercare was pretty shitty.

The male lead wasn't much better. He lied to her, manipulated her, constantly disrespected the boundaries of the relationship and pushed to be the one leading and in control.

And she let him. Why? No idea. She asked herself this several times annnnd.. came up with nothing.

His side of things were understandable. She was his first 'Mistress' so it would be normal for him to imprint emotionally on her, especially since she failed to keep boundaries intact, and it was first time he was submitting to a woman so it was predictable that he would attempt to even the power scales.

Her side wasn't. And her backstory, which wasn't even properly fleshed out (what exactly happened and what exactly was said about her around school?), failed to connect any dots.

Which left the 'romance' full of holes and unconvincing.

And their lack of communication was annoying af and made the story drag.

And it was also really annoying that her cousin was rewarded with what he wanted for attacking her instead of being punished for it. Left a bitter taste in my mouth.

And why in this story did the dominant have all the emotional issues instead of the submissive when in every other story with a dom/sub dynamic, it is the submissive with the emotional issues and the dominant sorts them out while also dealing with their own shit? And why was the submissive in this story not 'naturally submissive' like every other submissive is claimed to be in the series? What made this story different?

Oh yeah, the dominant was female and submissive was male so.... sexism.

If I could give it zero stars, I would.

Do not recommend.

[Nyssy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was expecting more from the view of a submissive but didn't get one really. I think that Vanessa was a little more compromising than a dom guy would be to his submissive. It was a good story but seems to be something in these characters' past that always reflects their decisions/lives and it's something they've held onto and can't seem to let go. Which basically festers and becomes their focus of life and how they can let that go in a day or two of reflection, when it's been ages since they've all held onto it? I'm not sure. I'd sure like to let go of some hurt that lingers for years that quickly. haha

[Lula Pantoofle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ice queen Vanessa dominates cocky hockey player Holden. This was a good read, slightly obvious though. Why do female dommes have to be so obvious? They always seem cold and stand offish. I just think it could fo with a rethink. I also didn’t really like why Vanessa was a domme. It felt like it was for the wrong reasons a bit. That said, for a light BDSM read it’s pretty fine. You don’t get much of the mental reasoning in BDSM which you get with other authors which is why I’d say it was pretty light. But it was a good read and I would read the others.

[dommebooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great kinky romance.

[TinaMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest by Lynda.. Much better on editing, very hot and steamy, a nice balance between BDSM scenes and the story.

[Gowri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nicely written

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. I just couldn’t get into the characters especially the heroine. The plot just felt forced after about halfway threw.

[Maria Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this a few years ago, and then got lost in a bunch of other books and finally got around to finishing it! Enjoyable, like all the others. Great to see V find a good match!

[Aerin · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first, I wasn't sure if a Domme and a male sub would appeal to me as much, since it's not really my scene. However, Lynda Aicher writes her characters so well that it doesn't matter.

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick

Bonds of Courage is the 6th book in Lynda Aicher's Wicked Play series. These can easily be read as standalones and do not require you to have read the rest. The characters in these books are interconnected, and it was great to see how the different character's stories are intertwined. Bonds of Courage is Vanessa Delcour (Mistress V) and Holden Hauke's story, and I really enjoyed it. Lynda Aicher's writing style was really great, and I was instantly drawn into the story. I didn't want to put this one down, and I thought that it was really well done.

Pro hockey player Holden Hauke has recently relocated after being traded for a picture of him tied to a spanking bench was released. Even though it felt right for him to give up control and be submissive, the backlash on his career wasn't worth it. Ever since he has been trying to clean up his image and avoid being the subject of any type of rumor. When he feels the need to give in to his desires, he applies for membership at The Den. The exclusive sex club is the one place he can explore his desires and keep a low profile. But when he comes face to face with the woman who helped orchestrate his trade, he begins to worry he has been found out. Vanessa Delcour is part owner of The Den and is an experienced Domme. She immediately is against taking Holden as her sub, but once he figures out what she is doing at The Den he won't take no for an answer. He sets out to prove to her that he belongs to her and that he is exactly the type of sub she needs. As they begin to explore the passion between them, they realize that the other fulfills their needs in a way no one else ever has. But Vanessa has been betrayed in the past and isn't convinced that Holden is any different than every other guy out there. Can Holden prove to Vanessa that what they have together is worth fighting for?

I really liked Holden. He was such an easy going guy, and he had complete trust in Vanessa. He gave in to his desires and didn't question what he enjoyed. I loved how comfortable he was with his sexuality, and how he was able to just lose himself in the moment. He was also really sweet and caring, and knew exactly what Vanessa needed. He was the perfect balance for her uptight personality and I thought that he brought out such a different side to her. I liked that she was able to open up to him and really be different with him than she was with anyone else. Vanessa was harder to warm up to though, and at first she definitely held up to her reputation of being an ice queen. But as the story progressed it was clear that she had been hurt and felt betrayed and it had made her put up walls and have such a tough exterior. She was just trying to protect herself from getting hurt, and I love that Holden was able to crack through her tough shell and get to the person underneath. I thought that they had really great chemistry and the sex between them was smoking hot! These two had the physical connection, but they also had the intense emotional bond as well and that is what made them work so great together.

Overall, I thought that this was a really great story. Sometimes with a BDSM story things get really dark and heavy, and it makes the story drag. But I didn't feel that way at all about Bonds of Courage, and I thought that despite it being an intense relationship that there were plenty of light hearted moments to balance the book out. Holden and Vanessa's relationship had its ups and downs, but I really felt like these two belonged together and that they worked extremely well. I loved the secondary characters, and I thought that they all added a lot to the story. I am really looking forward to seeing what happens next for Noah and Vanessa's sister Liv. I would highly recommend this book if you are looking for a sexy story with BDSM elements to it that doesn't feel as though it is super dark or heavy. I liked that this one wasn't weighed down with a ton of punishments and pain, but rather focused on the beauty of a sub giving themselves to a Domme that took care of them and looked out for them. I look forward to reading more from Lynda Aicher in the future and can't wait for more in this series.

**ARC Provided by Publisher**

[Helena Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received my copy from the publisher through Love Romances and More and rated it 4.5 stars.

‘Bonds of Courage’ is the sixth title in the ‘Wicked Play’ series and more than lived up to the expectations I had based on those earlier books. Over the course of six books I have gotten very attached to The Den, the people who own the place and their partners.

This instalment features Vanessa Delcour – full-time rep for professional athletes, partner in The Den, an exclusive sex club, and known as Mistress V an experienced Domme. For years she has successfully kept all the threads of her life separated and she is determined to keep it that way. Vanessa is in control of her life and doesn’t allow anyone to breach her carefully set boundaries or anything to control her. It is a balancing act but a successful one until Holden Hauke applies for membership at The Den.

Holdon Hauke is a professional hockey player. He has kept his sexual needs and desires buried, especially after one indiscrete photo of him tied to a spanking bench nearly cost him his career and forced a mid-season transfer. With the summer break on his hands Holden turns to The Den in the hope of finding a discrete Mistress. One look at Vanessa is enough to tell Holden he’s found what he’s been looking for.

With their first encounter going off to a bad start because of Holden’s lie on his application to The Den and Vanessa’s reluctance to let anyone in to her life never mind her heart a relationship between these two seems doomed from the start. Holden is not prepared to give up though. He may be submissive, he is determined to do whatever it takes to show Vanessa that they belong together.


For the sixth consecutive time Lynda Aicher has brought her readers two characters who are interesting, easy to root for yet realistic and flawed. I fell in love with Holden the moment he made his first appearance. I loved the ease with which he surrendered to his needs despite the risks involved and Vanessa’s attempts to push him away, and delighted in the release he found in bondage.

“The firm clasp of the thick bands of leather was his freedom.”

Vanessa was a little bit harder to like. She was so determined to be independent, to keep all the different threads in her life separate and avoid all attachments, that it was almost too easy to believe she really was the hard bitch she portrait herself as. That image made the rare occasion on which her hard shell cracked all the more beautiful though.

“It made no sense, but he was under her skin, burning through her as no other sub ever had.”

This story is a reversal of the BDSM story we usually read. In this book it isn’t the sub who needs to be convinced of his needs, it isn’t the sub running away from something new and scary. This time we are dealing with a sub who knows exactly what he wants and has a job on his hands convincing his Domme that his needs happen to mirror hers.

“He could make her happy. Please her. He got everything he needed by giving her what she needed. It was a perfect combination that.”

I loved Holden for getting Vanessa, for taking his time and for reading her well enough to know what all her small sign and gestures meant. I loved the moment he gave her a pair of flip-flops.

“The only time she wasn’t in heels was when she let her shields down, and he wanted that all the time with him.”

I’m very grateful that although there is lots of angst and conflict in this book I didn’t have to read my way through a lengthy split between the protagonists based on fear or a misunderstanding. I’m equally happy that the author kept things real; the resolution of issues was organic and believable.

Overall this was a wonderful, smooth, very sexy and fascinating read. The descriptions of Vanessa’s sessions with Holden were captivating as were the occasions when the two of them gave into their feelings without any play involved.

I discovered that there is one more Wicked Play story to come in September 2014. While I’m delighted to have another book in this series to look forward to I am already sad that book will also mean I’ll have to say goodbye to The Den and all who play and love there.

[Romance and Fantasy for Cosmopolitan Girls · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance and Fantasy for Cosmopolitan Girls
Il libro "Lasciati legare" fa parte di una serie Harmony dal nome " I padroni del piacere" reperibile in edicola. Ogni libro è autoconclusivo quindi non è necessario seguire l'ordine di uscita, infatti ogni volta abbiamo a che fare con protagonisti diversi. Quello che invece lega tutti i libri è la location dove si svolgono le varie storie, un esclusivo club sadomaso a Minneapolis denominato Den.
I protagonisti di "Lasciati legare" sono Holden Hawke e Vanessa Delcour.

Lui è un giocatore di Hockey professionista che gioca nella squadra dei Glaciers. Non è la punta di diamante ma uno sportivo che vanta una lunga serie di riconoscimenti sportivi e una brillante carriera alle spalle.


Lei è una PR professionista che lavora principalmente nel settore sportivo e più specificatamente si occupa di Hockey e Baseball. Cura l'immagine di molti atleti tra i quali alcuni compagni di squadra di Holden. Data la natura maschilista dell'ambiente in cui svolge la sua attività lavorativa, Vanessa si è conquistata il soprannome di Regina dei ghiacci proprio per la sua rigida professionalità e la sua natura algida. Questa non è la sola vita di Vanessa però, di giorno è un'intransigente professionista ma la notte si trasforma in Padrona V, una rinomata dominatrice nonché socia nell'ambiente perverso del Den.


E' proprio tra queste mura che avviene il loro primo incontro. Holden ha sempre cercato di soffocare i suoi desideri trasgressivi perché l'unica volta che ha abbassato le difese, si è ritrovato coinvolto in uno scandalo per colpa di un'istantanea che lo ritraeva legato e in posizione di sottomesso. Purtroppo soffocare certe esigenze lo porta ad un'insoddisfazione personale sul piano fisico ed è per questo che si decide a presentare una domanda di iscrizione al club Den, proponendosi come dominatore. La sua convinzione è che dare un immagine di dominio rispetto ad una di sottomissione sia meno compromettente per uno sportivo.

Purtroppo (o per fortuna) per lui, è proprio Vanessa a dover esaminare la sua richiesta di iscrizione e le basta pochissimo per capire che la vera natura di Holden non è quella dichiarata nel modulo di presentazione. Lui è il perfetto sottomesso e dopo una serie di tentennamenti iniziali, raccoglie la sfida ed accetta di diventare la sua Padrona.


Inizia così una relazione sadomaso tra i due da cui traggono entrambi più piacere di quello che avrebbero pensato. Holden riesce ad appagare ogni desiderio nell'essere legato e sottomesso. Realizza i suoi sogni erotici compiacendo la sua Padrona al fine di ricevere e donare piacere, tanto da far vacillare in diverse occasioni, la sicurezza e il distacco gelido con cui Vanessa ha sempre affrontato le cose.

Vanessa ha diviso la sua vita in scomparti non comunicanti tra di loro, in modo da non permettere a nessuno di conoscerla a fondo ed evitando così di dare ad altri il potere di esercitare un controllo su di lei o di essere manipolata. Il passato grava molto sulla sua condotta di vita e i sentimenti che prova per Holden la confondono e la pongono davanti ad un bivio: lasciarsi travolgere o interrompere ogni rapporto?

[Margreet Asselbergs · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://ripeforreader.blogspot.com/201...

My rating: 4.5 of 5 ⭐️

*****

Fan-FRICKIN-tastic!!!



A novel combining some of my favorite reading interests; a hard-bodied hockey-player with a sensitive side - a tough-as-nails, fragile centered, independent leading lady - and a deep, intriguing and combustible BDSM relationship. The twist? Our hunky hero is not the one wielding the whip!



Now first off, let me tell you that my preference will ALWAYS be for that strong, dominant Alpha male. However - Lynda Aicher has managed to create a submissive male who is the ultimate manly man!!



How? Well, for starters, Holden is a rough and tumble professional hockey player who generally doesn't pull any punches, but when it comes to his preferences, he would love nothing better than to be given an opportunity to make a woman happy by pleasing and serving her. He doesn't necessarily have hang ups about this need he is looking to see fullfilled, but he is also realistic enough to see that to the majority, his idea of a perfect relationship will seem like a perversion and THAT would undoubtedly damage his credibility in the public eye and his career as a hockey player. But the longer he spends time with the aloof and closed off Vanessa, his need to slowly break down her barriers as she so easily does his, becomes stronger.



Next comes Vanessa, who has carefully kept all the different components of her life separated in their allotted spaces, ever since having her trust betrayed in the worst possible way at a young age. Yes she craves her role as a Mistress, but at the same time, she uses it to maintain a separation, a shield, to protect herself. But right from the start when she engages with Holden, Vanessa can tell that something is different..... and the difference is her response. Without being pushed she feels herself opening up and trusting in a way she never has before, albeit reluctantly. Holden constantly surprises her with his intuitive understanding of her, until ultimately she gives up even trying to hold herself back from him.



There is an interesting dynamic in this relationship. One where Holden, the submissive, is at some point actually displaying the better observant qualities, something you would expect from a Dominant. Whereas Vanessa, who is rattled by the crumbling of her walls and the slow merging of her meticulously segregated worlds, is at times losing touch with her "Mistress".



There is another book being plotted in the background of this story, and from what has been reported, that one will be the last book in the Wicked Play series. This series introduced me to the world of BDSM in a way that opened my eyes to the intricate emotional balance that is waged in the relationship between partners in play. I have Lynda Aicher to thank for the lessons and the fine, fine writing I always have to look forward to when I open one of her books. I have yet to be disappointed!!



✨An incendiary, guarded and delicate balance.✨



**Copy provided in return for an honest review.**

[Tabatha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know I’m being sexist when I come right out and say this, but I must confess that I’ve never been a real big fan of FemDom books. I know that has more to do with me than the writing, but I have to say that Lynda Aicher definitely surprised me with Bonds of Courage. Now I’m not saying that others haven’t written quality FemDom books, but I think liked this one because I’ve gotten to know Mistress V over the course of this series. She has always had this mysterious quality about her, and I’ve found her to be rather intriguing. I think another reason this book really worked for me, was because Aicher has this fantastic way of keeping the focus on the relationship of her characters where the BDSM elements enhance the connection of the couple. This relationship was far more than that of a Dom and Sub, and instead these two paved their own way into what worked out best for them as a couple.

“He was pretty damn certain that what he felt, the consuming relief and pleasure, the emotional release, was more about giving to her than submitting to just any Domme.”

The story starts out with Holden attempting to get into The Den by claiming to be a Dom, but Vanessa clearly sees he lying when she interviews him. Although he doesn’t have much in the way of experience, he does know after his meeting with Vanessa that he will be submissive only to her. These two embark on a path that calms the wildness building within Holden, while healing deep wounds that have kept Vanessa from allowing anyone into her heart.

“He could make her happy. Please her. He got everything he needed by giving her what she needed. It was the perfect combination that focused the restless energy within. Directed it all to her.”

I’ve loved this series from the start, so I think Bonds of Courage was another great addition to the fold. Aicher did a fantastic job with these two characters, and I simply adored them both. What really appeals to me the most about her books, is that they are about so much more than sex and instead focus more on the connection between her characters as they forge their way into a relationship that works best for them. I really can’t suggest this series strongly enough to any of you who love to read BDSM books with a strong story to go along with your erotic kinkery.

“She really had no idea how Holden had gotten behind her barriers and found all of her.”

*I received an a review copy from the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*

You can see this and more of my reviews on
Blending Perspectives Book Reviews