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Regency Reimagined #3
Bound with Passion
Lady Georgiana Elizabeth Cambury has been a “wild romping girl” all her dressing in trousers, riding astride, and doing just fine, thank you very much. Her father’s exceedingly generous bequest—and her mother’s liberal views of the world—have ensured that Georgie will never be a slave to the barbarous institutions of marriage or motherhood. Or so she thinks.
When she returns from five years in North Africa to boring Derbyshire for a brief, obligatory family visit, she finds herself in the midst of a legal snarl involving Mr. James Rushford and Lord Trevor Mayson—neighbors, lovers, and her two closest friends. Mayson’s father has declared that he must marry or forfeit his vast inheritance, so Georgie blithely offers to walk down the aisle, in name only. Problem solved.
But try as she might, Georgie cannot ignore the passion that quickly blazes between all three of them. When her marriage of convenience turns into something much deeper, Georgie must decide if she is willing to give up the independence she has fought so hard to achieve—or if love is worth the ultimate surrender.
Word 67,000; page 253
When she returns from five years in North Africa to boring Derbyshire for a brief, obligatory family visit, she finds herself in the midst of a legal snarl involving Mr. James Rushford and Lord Trevor Mayson—neighbors, lovers, and her two closest friends. Mayson’s father has declared that he must marry or forfeit his vast inheritance, so Georgie blithely offers to walk down the aisle, in name only. Problem solved.
But try as she might, Georgie cannot ignore the passion that quickly blazes between all three of them. When her marriage of convenience turns into something much deeper, Georgie must decide if she is willing to give up the independence she has fought so hard to achieve—or if love is worth the ultimate surrender.
Word 67,000; page 253
253 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 5, 2015
48 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
Megan Mulry
16 books206 followersMegan Mulry writes sexy, stylish, romantic fiction. Her first book, A Royal Pain, was an NPR Best Book of 2012 and USA Today bestseller. Before discovering her passion for romance novels, she worked in publishing and finance in New York and London. She now lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 31, 2015
Blerg. I mean seriously, blerg. I mean it made me want to toss my Kindle and have a Feminist melt down, blerg. I get that some people like this sort of heroine and this sort of story, but I'm not one of those people and I feel a little tricked. Because I think the first couple paragraphs of this book's description lead the reader to expect a strong, confident, capable main character. Instead, the only sentence you should really pay attention to is that last one about surrender.
I'll start with a few quotes. That will make this all go by more quickly.
So, throughout the book she's objectified and described as enjoying rough, dehumanizing sex (because she hates anything soft, loving and emotional--in other words anything feminine). She's not seen as useful as a human person without a man to remold her. She's dirty for even thinking about something that the men aren't described as dirty for actually doing and she's so unaware of her own body and self that she can't even get comfortable without the man to do it for her. She's also selfish and incredibly unpleasant. Of course she is, she has the emotional development of a child after all. BLERG!
But my main issue was with the absolute contempt for womanhood in this book. It infuriated me. But I so wanted that strong heroine that the blurb set me up for that I even spent half the book making excuses for her. I thought, maybe it's not hatred of femaleness, but a hate for the constraints on woman of the time. But no, that didn't seem to be the case. Then I thought, maybe she is trans and actually feels herself more to be a man. But no, that proved not to be the case either. The book simply presents the reader with a woman who despises all things female and needs to be summarily punished for being a woman before she can submit, as all good women must, to having sex with a man (which of course she loves and all is right with the world.) BLERG!
Then there is the odd fact that despite being a rare relationship model in the 1800s, everywhere the characters went they met with other poly families and LGBT+ couples. It's great and all, but there were almost no straight people in the book at all, which isn't so much a complaint about representation as of unrealistic simplicity of the plot. There were simply too many people in non-normative relationships who were very open about them during what I understood to be repressed time period. If this had occurred only within the characters' circle I wouldn't mention it, just assume they surrounded themselves with people they could relate to. But its everywhere they go and everyone they meet.
Then there is the Egypt scene. I don't want to be too spoilery, but this may be. James is introduced to a man and has a 2 minute conversation with him about fabric, and then feels comfortable asking him if he can bring his lover and his wife to his house to let the man's two wives seduce her in order to somehow excise the stubborn willfulness from her, so that she'll be a more appropriately pliable wife (as they all secretly watch). First, how did he know that man would be ok with that outlandish request (or his wives)? Second, what on earth made him think being seduced by two unknown women would have that effect, especially since she'd never shown an attraction to women in the past? Third, how exactly does that work? It was this kind of magical, the author says it's so, so it is, even if it makes no sense kind of writing that made me really dislike this book in the end.
No, this was not a winner for me. In fact, despite having a wonderful m/m pairing, it still basically represents everything that makes me reluctant to read het romance in the first place. Is it really so much to ask for a heroine who doesn't need a man to teach her how to be human? Georgie, didn't know herself, didn't know her emotions, didn't know how to love, didn't even know how to get comfortable in her own body, family or home until these men came along and taught her. In fact, she didn't even know that she didn't know all those things. I say again, BLERG!
Note: Received a copy from Netgalley.
I'll start with a few quotes. That will make this all go by more quickly.
Trevor loved talking about her that way, as if she were some object that James and Trevor were assessing, like a fine brandy they were passing back and forth between them. And she liked it too, from the look of melting lust in her eyes.
Georgie's body reminded him of the crucible steel he'd seen in Sheffield: all strength finally burning so hot that it nearly begged to be bent and molded into something new and useful, unlike what it had always been.
"Yes, picture him doing that to me you dirty thing."
During the night, even after they had snuffed all the candles and collapsed onto the bed for much-needed rest in complete darkness, Trevor had somehow known how to best adjust her body in ways that were more comfortable than she herself knew how to move.
So, throughout the book she's objectified and described as enjoying rough, dehumanizing sex (because she hates anything soft, loving and emotional--in other words anything feminine). She's not seen as useful as a human person without a man to remold her. She's dirty for even thinking about something that the men aren't described as dirty for actually doing and she's so unaware of her own body and self that she can't even get comfortable without the man to do it for her. She's also selfish and incredibly unpleasant. Of course she is, she has the emotional development of a child after all. BLERG!
But my main issue was with the absolute contempt for womanhood in this book. It infuriated me. But I so wanted that strong heroine that the blurb set me up for that I even spent half the book making excuses for her. I thought, maybe it's not hatred of femaleness, but a hate for the constraints on woman of the time. But no, that didn't seem to be the case. Then I thought, maybe she is trans and actually feels herself more to be a man. But no, that proved not to be the case either. The book simply presents the reader with a woman who despises all things female and needs to be summarily punished for being a woman before she can submit, as all good women must, to having sex with a man (which of course she loves and all is right with the world.) BLERG!
Then there is the odd fact that despite being a rare relationship model in the 1800s, everywhere the characters went they met with other poly families and LGBT+ couples. It's great and all, but there were almost no straight people in the book at all, which isn't so much a complaint about representation as of unrealistic simplicity of the plot. There were simply too many people in non-normative relationships who were very open about them during what I understood to be repressed time period. If this had occurred only within the characters' circle I wouldn't mention it, just assume they surrounded themselves with people they could relate to. But its everywhere they go and everyone they meet.
Then there is the Egypt scene. I don't want to be too spoilery, but this may be. James is introduced to a man and has a 2 minute conversation with him about fabric, and then feels comfortable asking him if he can bring his lover and his wife to his house to let the man's two wives seduce her in order to somehow excise the stubborn willfulness from her, so that she'll be a more appropriately pliable wife (as they all secretly watch). First, how did he know that man would be ok with that outlandish request (or his wives)? Second, what on earth made him think being seduced by two unknown women would have that effect, especially since she'd never shown an attraction to women in the past? Third, how exactly does that work? It was this kind of magical, the author says it's so, so it is, even if it makes no sense kind of writing that made me really dislike this book in the end.
No, this was not a winner for me. In fact, despite having a wonderful m/m pairing, it still basically represents everything that makes me reluctant to read het romance in the first place. Is it really so much to ask for a heroine who doesn't need a man to teach her how to be human? Georgie, didn't know herself, didn't know her emotions, didn't know how to love, didn't even know how to get comfortable in her own body, family or home until these men came along and taught her. In fact, she didn't even know that she didn't know all those things. I say again, BLERG!
Note: Received a copy from Netgalley.
October 19, 2021
Really did not understand this at all. Like at all. Right up to the point one of the heroes uses a crop on her. In the middle of the night after an argument where I would have expected her to leave. So she doesn’t go for romance…she goes for humiliation and sadism?
“All three of them erupted into a quaking ecstasy—without a hint of tenderness.”
And this was after the most bizarre dinner party where her mom and second mom are in a FF relationship after their husbands (who are brothers) have died, and the other guests are two couples who are in a four way. And yet somehow none of this is acceptable? Right and the Hs are living together.
The wrongness of the instant trio would’ve been easier to believe had not everyone in the book already been in a non traditional relationship. And they’re all whispering to each other as if they don’t all know.
GMAFB.
Either be a “Regency Reimagined” or don’t.
As for the trio. I didn’t like how for all he is her best friend he gets put out and whines when she says no and then bitches at her about it. But her nipples give her away, y’all. Rolling my eyes. Then the men call her selfish. She’s just supposed to drop at their feet in gratitude? And then…she does!
What was supposed to be an independent women who bravely goes off to Egypt to live, sometimes as a man even, turns out to be a confused little girl / masochist. Because when you can’t write the difficult why not turn it into BDSM? Easy out imho.
I’m rewriting the story. She steals the horse, leaves England. Goes back to Egypt where she lives happily ever after. Trevor loses his farm and he and James go to live happily in a cave. The End.
“All three of them erupted into a quaking ecstasy—without a hint of tenderness.”
And this was after the most bizarre dinner party where her mom and second mom are in a FF relationship after their husbands (who are brothers) have died, and the other guests are two couples who are in a four way. And yet somehow none of this is acceptable? Right and the Hs are living together.
The wrongness of the instant trio would’ve been easier to believe had not everyone in the book already been in a non traditional relationship. And they’re all whispering to each other as if they don’t all know.
GMAFB.
Either be a “Regency Reimagined” or don’t.
As for the trio. I didn’t like how for all he is her best friend he gets put out and whines when she says no and then bitches at her about it. But her nipples give her away, y’all. Rolling my eyes. Then the men call her selfish. She’s just supposed to drop at their feet in gratitude? And then…she does!
What was supposed to be an independent women who bravely goes off to Egypt to live, sometimes as a man even, turns out to be a confused little girl / masochist. Because when you can’t write the difficult why not turn it into BDSM? Easy out imho.
I’m rewriting the story. She steals the horse, leaves England. Goes back to Egypt where she lives happily ever after. Trevor loses his farm and he and James go to live happily in a cave. The End.
June 3, 2020
If I'd known that this erotic mmf romance is an homage of sorts to two old skool romances - Whitney, My Love and Skye O’Malley - I probably would not have read it.
Knowing about the homage/s certainly explains all of the parts that I either disliked or just didn’t get. The heroine, Georgie / George / Georgiana, never really came together for me as a real character and reading the author's note that she was meant to be a sexually confident take on the spoiled, "unlikeable" Whitney, made me go "aha! no wonder I didn't get it!" I hated WML so, so much. At least the heroes in this book were not sexist alphaholes, but I got really sick of the "we must teach Georgie to allow herself to be loved" stuff.
Georgie's exploits in the Middle East made me vaguely uncomfortable - I am NOT a fan of Sheik romances and while this avoids a lot of the ickier / more racist tropes I still didn't get it. And then the author's note explained the Skye O'Malley Sheik's harem reference.
This book does exactly what the series title says - re-imagines Regency romances. It's a fun, sexy erotic romance with lots of consensual sex between three unappologetically sexually fluid characters but the old skool references kept taking me out of the story.
Knowing about the homage/s certainly explains all of the parts that I either disliked or just didn’t get. The heroine, Georgie / George / Georgiana, never really came together for me as a real character and reading the author's note that she was meant to be a sexually confident take on the spoiled, "unlikeable" Whitney, made me go "aha! no wonder I didn't get it!" I hated WML so, so much. At least the heroes in this book were not sexist alphaholes, but I got really sick of the "we must teach Georgie to allow herself to be loved" stuff.
Georgie's exploits in the Middle East made me vaguely uncomfortable - I am NOT a fan of Sheik romances and while this avoids a lot of the ickier / more racist tropes I still didn't get it. And then the author's note explained the Skye O'Malley Sheik's harem reference.
This book does exactly what the series title says - re-imagines Regency romances. It's a fun, sexy erotic romance with lots of consensual sex between three unappologetically sexually fluid characters but the old skool references kept taking me out of the story.
August 19, 2025
Whaaaat? This one was definitely not as good as the first, and that ending was so odd!
February 8, 2016
This story was published one month after 'Bound With Love' which I found classically engaging. 'Bound With Passion' elevates three secondary characters from the previous book and does a magnificently wonderful follow-up, especially highlighting the escapades of one Lady Georgiana Elizabeth Cambury, often simply known as Georgie. Additionally, Georgie becomes involved and legally linked to one member of an extremely loving pair. Lord Trevor Mayson is very much in love with Mr. James Rushford. A somewhat convoluted legal folderol brought about by Trevor's widowed father who peremptorily announced that Trevor must marry or forfeit his vast inheritance. I sense really wealthy people, no matter whatever century they prance around in or whatever place they originate from, share several astounding idiosyncrasies. However, Georgie, Trevor, and James have the potential to be a supremely delightful threesome. Outstanding!
Georgie is a bit of a crackerjack, a sexually adventurous gal, and a highly independent woman who really loves to travel. Georgie has known Trevor most of her life and she was quite open to coming to his aid after his father's dictatorial directive. However, Georgie is one of the last main characters to recognize some serious shortcomings on her part. By and large, they have not been an impediment to her gad about the world life-style. In fact, she is really the last person to recognize her emotional inadequacies. The manner in which she has the opportunity to evolve to a well rounded and stabilized state is one of the most sensuously epic episodes I have read displaying the incredible power of tenderness and intimacy to transform. The setting where this happens is especially spectacular, too. Sublime!
Lord Trevor Mayson and his lover James Rushford appear to me as if they have been lovers for many, many lifetimes. Such a physically powerful, reciprocally balanced, and gentlemanly intense cohesion links Trevor to James and vice versa. They are complete in their manhood, but spiritually and sensorially tuned to each other as a couple. Plus they become the engine and the leverage that starts Georgie's transformation. They are more when they finally link with Georgie, but they are fantastic as a consummate duo. Moreover, their skills, accomplishments and dedication to their chosen livelihoods become clear and essential to their nature and elevates them to an esteemed level. In short, they are astounding on their own and fabulous as a team. It would be my supreme pleasure to take Georgie's place in this triumvirate. Trevor and James are impressive!
The locations and the ancillary characters are truly marvelous, but Georgie, Trevor, and James are stunningly compelling. The story is set in England during the early 1800s but it feels timeless, universal, and gloriously captivating. Definitely not to be missed. Reading 'Bound with Love' first may add some extra dimension, but it is not an imperative. Stunning!
NOTE: This book was provided by Riptide Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Georgie is a bit of a crackerjack, a sexually adventurous gal, and a highly independent woman who really loves to travel. Georgie has known Trevor most of her life and she was quite open to coming to his aid after his father's dictatorial directive. However, Georgie is one of the last main characters to recognize some serious shortcomings on her part. By and large, they have not been an impediment to her gad about the world life-style. In fact, she is really the last person to recognize her emotional inadequacies. The manner in which she has the opportunity to evolve to a well rounded and stabilized state is one of the most sensuously epic episodes I have read displaying the incredible power of tenderness and intimacy to transform. The setting where this happens is especially spectacular, too. Sublime!
Lord Trevor Mayson and his lover James Rushford appear to me as if they have been lovers for many, many lifetimes. Such a physically powerful, reciprocally balanced, and gentlemanly intense cohesion links Trevor to James and vice versa. They are complete in their manhood, but spiritually and sensorially tuned to each other as a couple. Plus they become the engine and the leverage that starts Georgie's transformation. They are more when they finally link with Georgie, but they are fantastic as a consummate duo. Moreover, their skills, accomplishments and dedication to their chosen livelihoods become clear and essential to their nature and elevates them to an esteemed level. In short, they are astounding on their own and fabulous as a team. It would be my supreme pleasure to take Georgie's place in this triumvirate. Trevor and James are impressive!
The locations and the ancillary characters are truly marvelous, but Georgie, Trevor, and James are stunningly compelling. The story is set in England during the early 1800s but it feels timeless, universal, and gloriously captivating. Definitely not to be missed. Reading 'Bound with Love' first may add some extra dimension, but it is not an imperative. Stunning!
NOTE: This book was provided by Riptide Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
May 3, 2019
(Realistic rating: right around a 3.5 -- I REALLY waffled on whether to round this up or down, but even though it truly read so much better than the prior book in this series I read, I had enough issues with it not to classify it as a four-star.)
Honestly, if I hadn't read Bound to be a Groom first, I might not have liked this quite as much -- but that one set my expectations so low, this book was such a pleasant surprise by comparison! Actual character development, actual RELATIONSHIP development, a proper character arc, sex that was (in some ways) a little less intense and more appealing to me personally... it's SUCH an upgrade, and it makes me wonder what I would have thought of Bound with Love as an intermediary (sadly my library doesn't have it, so had to skip it). But even without my expectations being super low, I think I would have really enjoyed this.
I like Georgie so much, even if her rebellion feels somewhat hollow (like, it's hard to know if she's legitimately rebelling against a sexist social structure or just kind of throwing a tantrum about girly things, when you can see the former being more logical but the latter is sometimes how it comes across??); she's a fun heroine who's developed with emotional problems that are WAY more often seen in male romantic leads, which makes me really happy! And Trevor and James falling for her and trying to get her to admit it is so beautiful; it's a type of romantic plot I really love, and both dudes are so great. It just makes me happy that the entire book is basically two men convincing a woman that she's worth loving and should have the fullest life imaginable -- what a nice change of pace! (Even if the means of that convincing is, uh, filthy sex, ha.)
Downsides are definitely the fact that a lot of the sex isn't necessarily my particular jam (though it's definitely less of an issue for me here than in Groom), the issues with Georgie's rebellion, as I said, and what feels like some pretty weird and intense racism near the end of the book, yikes. Hard to overlook that, especially since it was so unnecessary! Definitely a sour note to end this on, despite the significant overall improvement in quality, both written and character-wise.
Honestly, if I hadn't read Bound to be a Groom first, I might not have liked this quite as much -- but that one set my expectations so low, this book was such a pleasant surprise by comparison! Actual character development, actual RELATIONSHIP development, a proper character arc, sex that was (in some ways) a little less intense and more appealing to me personally... it's SUCH an upgrade, and it makes me wonder what I would have thought of Bound with Love as an intermediary (sadly my library doesn't have it, so had to skip it). But even without my expectations being super low, I think I would have really enjoyed this.
I like Georgie so much, even if her rebellion feels somewhat hollow (like, it's hard to know if she's legitimately rebelling against a sexist social structure or just kind of throwing a tantrum about girly things, when you can see the former being more logical but the latter is sometimes how it comes across??); she's a fun heroine who's developed with emotional problems that are WAY more often seen in male romantic leads, which makes me really happy! And Trevor and James falling for her and trying to get her to admit it is so beautiful; it's a type of romantic plot I really love, and both dudes are so great. It just makes me happy that the entire book is basically two men convincing a woman that she's worth loving and should have the fullest life imaginable -- what a nice change of pace! (Even if the means of that convincing is, uh, filthy sex, ha.)
Downsides are definitely the fact that a lot of the sex isn't necessarily my particular jam (though it's definitely less of an issue for me here than in Groom), the issues with Georgie's rebellion, as I said, and what feels like some pretty weird and intense racism near the end of the book, yikes. Hard to overlook that, especially since it was so unnecessary! Definitely a sour note to end this on, despite the significant overall improvement in quality, both written and character-wise.
June 12, 2019
3.5 stars, maybe. Borrowed from the library because it was the close to queer romance for their collection. The premise is free-spirited Regency woman comes back from adventuring and agrees to marry her childhood best friend, who is in a relationship with another man but is being made to marry. Very quickly both men fall in love with her and she falls for them, but won't admit it. So they seduce her. It's nice to have a book with three apparently bisexual lead characters and a triad love story at the center, as well as a poly-friendly romance. The lead also reads very much as someone struggling with a nonbinary identity as well, though I'm less sure if the author intended that.
It bills itself as an erotic romance, and the focus is really on the smut, which is fine in my book, but so much here happens so easily and quickly, while the conflict comes from the lead female character refusing to admit her softer feelings. It also comes off as less than convincing as a period piece because everyone is so open about their feelings and identities and just happen to live in supportive environments. Everyone around the characters is in a non-traditional romance as well, which seems awfully convenient. And the language also leads to some suspension of disbelief issues, especially during sex scenes.
Overall if you're looking for trashy erotic romance, Regency style, with queer sensibilities, you could do worse (you could also do better). The sex is very hot, but I'd like to see some better plotting.
It bills itself as an erotic romance, and the focus is really on the smut, which is fine in my book, but so much here happens so easily and quickly, while the conflict comes from the lead female character refusing to admit her softer feelings. It also comes off as less than convincing as a period piece because everyone is so open about their feelings and identities and just happen to live in supportive environments. Everyone around the characters is in a non-traditional romance as well, which seems awfully convenient. And the language also leads to some suspension of disbelief issues, especially during sex scenes.
Overall if you're looking for trashy erotic romance, Regency style, with queer sensibilities, you could do worse (you could also do better). The sex is very hot, but I'd like to see some better plotting.
February 18, 2017
I have had such a hard time deciding how I am going to rate this. I started this ages ago and finished it a month ago and I still just don’t know how to rate this. I liked the end - mostly. I had a really hard time with the characters. Lady Georgina is most definitely a difficult character and while that is what the writer was going for, it’s still difficult to connect with her. Then there are our two male main characters. I think they were supposed to be likeable and I guess in comparison to our lady, they were. My problem is that I didn’t really connect with anyone and I didn’t really care anything about investing in the future regardless of what it might hold.
On the other hand, this lady knows how to write some erotic scenes, lemme tell you. She has got that down. And her characters do develop and change. I’m still not sure that I like them or am interested in their life, but they certainly do grow.
So yeah, there were a lot of sensual moments I enjoyed here and then a lot of nonsense that I just really had a hard time getting through.
In the end, it took me over a year (and every ounce of stubbornness in my body) to get all the way through it so I can’t say that it was something that really compelled me even though it had some good moments.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
On the other hand, this lady knows how to write some erotic scenes, lemme tell you. She has got that down. And her characters do develop and change. I’m still not sure that I like them or am interested in their life, but they certainly do grow.
So yeah, there were a lot of sensual moments I enjoyed here and then a lot of nonsense that I just really had a hard time getting through.
In the end, it took me over a year (and every ounce of stubbornness in my body) to get all the way through it so I can’t say that it was something that really compelled me even though it had some good moments.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 2, 2024
So disappointed, this book started out as a refreshing twist on regency romance with believable characters in a slightly less believable version of old England.
Then it went down hill... This ending was.... So disappointing, very lack luster. To me it felt like a house of cards falling down and calling it finished.
Then it went down hill... This ending was.... So disappointing, very lack luster. To me it felt like a house of cards falling down and calling it finished.
June 22, 2019
Dipped back into this series because it was in my library's list of books for Pride Month - it's still not really my thing, although I can see that other people would like it.
January 22, 2018
I have rather mixed feelings about this book, so I decided that my review will be a pros and cons list.
Pros:
- Everyone have great intentions
- The sex scenes are smoking hot and there are plenty of them which is nice
- Georgie doesn't only dress as a man to get the freedoms that affords her, but she is actually gender fluid - which I thought was nice for a change.
- Georgie is gender fluid and it is awesome - her sexual partners has no problem with that - which is great.
Cons:
- The protagonist Georgie does non of the emotional growth on her own - her sexual partners manipulates her into any growth she has.
- Georgie is presented at the start of the book as a modern woman who knows what she wants and don't care about societies expectations of her (from a modern point of view - that is quite reasonable given the expectations of the time period). But apparently she doesn't know her own mind - everybody else does - she is apparently in so deep denial that she has to be emotionally manipulated by her partners into admitting what she feels. That is seriously bullshit and the kind of thing that gives romance a bad name.
- The author thinks she is writing a "unlikable heroine" which I am fine with - however I am not fine with much of her "likeableness" steaming from her being a woman with the privilege to follow her own desires. Who doesn't want to follow the social norms of the 1810's and who doesn't want a husband or children - the novel doesn't treat these desires as valid, which i found really annoying. The idea that someone might be aromatic just isn't an option apparently. The pairing of the need for emotional growth of an "unlikable heroine" with the attitudes of a modern woman, doesn't sit well with me because so many people still sees women who wants to pursue her own desires with inherent unlikeableness - that it just felt like bullshit most of the time.
- She repairs the relationship with her mother and comes to understand her mother - however her mother does zero emotional growth in trying to understand her daughter - and that better relationship with her mother only comes when Georgie follow to the social norms (acting like "a proper lady", getting married, accepting that her mother plans her wedding etc). While her mom proclaims that she don't mind Georgie being gender fluid, she does chastise her for being unfeminine - constantly - so I didn't really believe her.
- Whenever she doesn't let other people make decisions about her life, she is cast as selfish.
- Nobody are having honest conversations with Georgie - but constantly about her.
- Georgie has so much internalized sexism towards woman that is really annoying.
I think I will end up on 2½ stars - as I have a lot of caviates.
Pros:
- Everyone have great intentions
- The sex scenes are smoking hot and there are plenty of them which is nice
- Georgie doesn't only dress as a man to get the freedoms that affords her, but she is actually gender fluid - which I thought was nice for a change.
- Georgie is gender fluid and it is awesome - her sexual partners has no problem with that - which is great.
Cons:
- The protagonist Georgie does non of the emotional growth on her own - her sexual partners manipulates her into any growth she has.
- Georgie is presented at the start of the book as a modern woman who knows what she wants and don't care about societies expectations of her (from a modern point of view - that is quite reasonable given the expectations of the time period). But apparently she doesn't know her own mind - everybody else does - she is apparently in so deep denial that she has to be emotionally manipulated by her partners into admitting what she feels. That is seriously bullshit and the kind of thing that gives romance a bad name.
- The author thinks she is writing a "unlikable heroine" which I am fine with - however I am not fine with much of her "likeableness" steaming from her being a woman with the privilege to follow her own desires. Who doesn't want to follow the social norms of the 1810's and who doesn't want a husband or children - the novel doesn't treat these desires as valid, which i found really annoying. The idea that someone might be aromatic just isn't an option apparently. The pairing of the need for emotional growth of an "unlikable heroine" with the attitudes of a modern woman, doesn't sit well with me because so many people still sees women who wants to pursue her own desires with inherent unlikeableness - that it just felt like bullshit most of the time.
- She repairs the relationship with her mother and comes to understand her mother - however her mother does zero emotional growth in trying to understand her daughter - and that better relationship with her mother only comes when Georgie follow to the social norms (acting like "a proper lady", getting married, accepting that her mother plans her wedding etc). While her mom proclaims that she don't mind Georgie being gender fluid, she does chastise her for being unfeminine - constantly - so I didn't really believe her.
- Whenever she doesn't let other people make decisions about her life, she is cast as selfish.
- Nobody are having honest conversations with Georgie - but constantly about her.
- Georgie has so much internalized sexism towards woman that is really annoying.
I think I will end up on 2½ stars - as I have a lot of caviates.
July 28, 2015
Bound for Passion is the third book in Megan Mulry's Regency Reimagined series, and it is my favourite so far. It's a fun, witty, extremely sexy Regency romp that was a delight to read. This is an interesting series, I've loved the author's steamier take on historical romances. The characters in the series are all connected, so it's nice to catch up with much loved characters from previous books. This book can also be read as a standalone, you would have no problem following the story.
Lady Georgiana Cambury is definitely not a simpering, pampered miss - she dresses scandalously in men's trousers, cuts her hair short, rides astride and has been running wild in North Africa for five years. Now she has to return home to her overly critical mother and a boring, quiet life. But it won't be as boring as she thought thanks to her good friend Trevor and his lover James. Trevor's father is insisting he marry or lose the estate he's worked hard to improve, and Georgie generously offers to marry him. After all, she has no plans to ever marry for love, so why shouldn't she marry her best friend in a marriage of convenience? But Trevor and James want more than a marriage of convenience, they want Georgie to permanently live with them in a committed ménage relationship. Will they convince Georgie to give up her freedom for a life in the country she professes to hate?
Georgie is a fascinating character, she is a free spirit in times where there were rigid rules for women. I loved both sides of her - the young, slightly effeminate lad George and the spirited, more ladylike Georgiana. Trevor and James were both really endearing, they are loving, a bit naughty and very sexy. The only slightly negative thing I can think of was the last part where Trevor and James make Georgie realise where her heart lays, I'm not exactly sure why, but it didn't really work for me. This is a fun, unique historical romance that I enjoyed reading, so Bound for Passion receives four out of five stars. Now I'm looking forward to this next book which stars Georgie's brother Archie.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
Lady Georgiana Cambury is definitely not a simpering, pampered miss - she dresses scandalously in men's trousers, cuts her hair short, rides astride and has been running wild in North Africa for five years. Now she has to return home to her overly critical mother and a boring, quiet life. But it won't be as boring as she thought thanks to her good friend Trevor and his lover James. Trevor's father is insisting he marry or lose the estate he's worked hard to improve, and Georgie generously offers to marry him. After all, she has no plans to ever marry for love, so why shouldn't she marry her best friend in a marriage of convenience? But Trevor and James want more than a marriage of convenience, they want Georgie to permanently live with them in a committed ménage relationship. Will they convince Georgie to give up her freedom for a life in the country she professes to hate?
Georgie is a fascinating character, she is a free spirit in times where there were rigid rules for women. I loved both sides of her - the young, slightly effeminate lad George and the spirited, more ladylike Georgiana. Trevor and James were both really endearing, they are loving, a bit naughty and very sexy. The only slightly negative thing I can think of was the last part where Trevor and James make Georgie realise where her heart lays, I'm not exactly sure why, but it didn't really work for me. This is a fun, unique historical romance that I enjoyed reading, so Bound for Passion receives four out of five stars. Now I'm looking forward to this next book which stars Georgie's brother Archie.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
July 17, 2015
I loved this book. I am always excited to read books from Riptide Publishing, as they always seem to have books I love. That was definitely true about this book. Though the realm or historical romance/erotic is rather new to me, as I have really read one other series that was historical fantasy romance, I really enjoyed delving into this book and it has renewed my want to check out more books of this style and genre.
I really liked our main character, in the book. She is strong, independent and thinks she know exactly what she wants in life. She isn’t afraid to stand out in a crowd an definitely goes against the norm, for ladies of the time. I also think that the cover pulled me into her character, as I just loved the way she was made to look. Finally, she is also willing to give up a lot to help out a friend, which shows a lot of courage and dedication.
I think I fell in love with her even more, as the triangle started to form and she dove into the world of men, headfirst. I liked as she explored herself, her partners and just what she wanted, both in life and in bed. She learned more about herself and love than she ever thought possible, and it was gorgeous to read along with.
The romantic and sex scenes were lovely. I have read a few other books where there are similar situations, with a triangle of love, and some I have loved and others I could put down. This one pulled me in and I was fixated on their journey. There was so much passion and connection between the characters. I could feel their love and really tell that they wanted to dedicate themselves to each other.
The pace of the read was brilliant. We weren’t just thrown into the triangle and boom they had mad passion. No, the story was built up, we were given the background to explain why we were there in the first place and we were given time to get to know each of the characters and their personalities. I enjoyed that, as all the detail made it very easy to fall in love with the characters and really understand their passionate relationship.
Overall, this was an exciting, fun and detailed read. I highly recommend it, especially if you are fans of menages.
I really liked our main character, in the book. She is strong, independent and thinks she know exactly what she wants in life. She isn’t afraid to stand out in a crowd an definitely goes against the norm, for ladies of the time. I also think that the cover pulled me into her character, as I just loved the way she was made to look. Finally, she is also willing to give up a lot to help out a friend, which shows a lot of courage and dedication.
I think I fell in love with her even more, as the triangle started to form and she dove into the world of men, headfirst. I liked as she explored herself, her partners and just what she wanted, both in life and in bed. She learned more about herself and love than she ever thought possible, and it was gorgeous to read along with.
The romantic and sex scenes were lovely. I have read a few other books where there are similar situations, with a triangle of love, and some I have loved and others I could put down. This one pulled me in and I was fixated on their journey. There was so much passion and connection between the characters. I could feel their love and really tell that they wanted to dedicate themselves to each other.
The pace of the read was brilliant. We weren’t just thrown into the triangle and boom they had mad passion. No, the story was built up, we were given the background to explain why we were there in the first place and we were given time to get to know each of the characters and their personalities. I enjoyed that, as all the detail made it very easy to fall in love with the characters and really understand their passionate relationship.
Overall, this was an exciting, fun and detailed read. I highly recommend it, especially if you are fans of menages.
July 6, 2015
Rating: 4 out of 5
* I received an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review. *
Before you start reading this book, make sure you're alone in the room and have a glass of ice water next to you, because damn this novel is hot! There's a lot of sex here, in every combination you can imagine. But there's also a really fantastic relationship winding its way through the passion, and that's what made this novel so great for me.
Sometimes Georgie prefers to be the regal Lady Georgiana, while other times she prefers to be George, a slightly effeminate lad. But with whatever gender she prefers that day, the one thing she never wants is a relationship... she's vowed to never fall in love.
James and Trevor want Georgiana and George both, but they're going to have to work hard to chip away at her shell and unlock the love and emotions that she keeps hidden away. And Georgie is going to have to decide if she's willing to give up her independence for a relationship, even if that relationship is one filled with love.
Read the rest of the review on Just Love!
* I received an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review. *
Before you start reading this book, make sure you're alone in the room and have a glass of ice water next to you, because damn this novel is hot! There's a lot of sex here, in every combination you can imagine. But there's also a really fantastic relationship winding its way through the passion, and that's what made this novel so great for me.
Sometimes Georgie prefers to be the regal Lady Georgiana, while other times she prefers to be George, a slightly effeminate lad. But with whatever gender she prefers that day, the one thing she never wants is a relationship... she's vowed to never fall in love.
James and Trevor want Georgiana and George both, but they're going to have to work hard to chip away at her shell and unlock the love and emotions that she keeps hidden away. And Georgie is going to have to decide if she's willing to give up her independence for a relationship, even if that relationship is one filled with love.
Read the rest of the review on Just Love!
January 2, 2016
Lightning review at Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
Bound with Passion is part of Megan Mulry’s erotic Regency Reimagined series, and it’s a good read for someone looking for more spice in their historical.
The sex in this book is hot–but graphic. I don’t know of any m/f/m books that hedge on the sweet side. Also there’s some unlubricated buttsecks which always makes me cringe.
The conflict comes more from James and Trevor convincing Georgie that being with them won’t tie her down to wifedom and motherhood, than it does from society judging them for their happy menage (hence Regency Reimagined). I really liked this books right up to the end which I felt was a little bit of crazysauce that came out of left field. But, hey, this is erotica and you don’t always know who is coming where, right?
- Elyse
Bound with Passion is part of Megan Mulry’s erotic Regency Reimagined series, and it’s a good read for someone looking for more spice in their historical.
The sex in this book is hot–but graphic. I don’t know of any m/f/m books that hedge on the sweet side. Also there’s some unlubricated buttsecks which always makes me cringe.
The conflict comes more from James and Trevor convincing Georgie that being with them won’t tie her down to wifedom and motherhood, than it does from society judging them for their happy menage (hence Regency Reimagined). I really liked this books right up to the end which I felt was a little bit of crazysauce that came out of left field. But, hey, this is erotica and you don’t always know who is coming where, right?
- Elyse
February 24, 2016
Georgie was a very spirited adventurous person. She totally went against the ways of her time. She wore men’s pants and cut her hair short and this is just a couple so the things she did that was unusual for a lady of her time. Georgie loves to travel and went to N Africa to live for five years. She lived as a man named Mr George Camden to be free. But then she returns home. Georgie has known Trevor most of her life. Trevor is gay and his longtime lover is James. Now Trevor's father insists he get married or he will be disinherited. Trevor goes to Georgie and she agrees to step up to the plate and marry Trevor but in name only.
I enjoyed this story and plot for the most part just don’t enjoy reading about men on men or menages. Otherwise i liked reading this and I recommend.
I received an ARC for this story for an honest review.
I enjoyed this story and plot for the most part just don’t enjoy reading about men on men or menages. Otherwise i liked reading this and I recommend.
I received an ARC for this story for an honest review.
October 15, 2018
Again, WOW!!!!!
This is the second book I have read by this author and again, wowed. I did not like Georgie at all. I know this is regency reimagined, but I read historical romance for the chivalry and the sex. I do not care for unbelievable women like Georgie. I loved Trevor and especially James, two men I would have loved to have sex with. I am a little confused by which is the correct Regency Reimagined book 2, is it Bound with Passion or Bound with love? Both are listed as Book 2. So thrilled to have found a new great author.
This is the second book I have read by this author and again, wowed. I did not like Georgie at all. I know this is regency reimagined, but I read historical romance for the chivalry and the sex. I do not care for unbelievable women like Georgie. I loved Trevor and especially James, two men I would have loved to have sex with. I am a little confused by which is the correct Regency Reimagined book 2, is it Bound with Passion or Bound with love? Both are listed as Book 2. So thrilled to have found a new great author.
August 20, 2015
Okay I do not give up easily but this one ... I dont know. It's my 3rd by Mulry within a couple of weeks and I liked the 1st, liked aspects of the 2nc but this one - I dont know. I am not into MM-sex-scenes and the first half of the book is filled with unromantic, boring MM-sex-scenes and a heroine who is so unfeminine that it is unbareable to read it.
And honestly what's the plot of the story? The money?
So, after 50 I officially give up!
And honestly what's the plot of the story? The money?
So, after 50 I officially give up!
July 13, 2015
It was better than the previous book but Georgia was a vexing character to follow, for sure.
I just wanted to shake her and make her open her eyes, for god's sake.
Regardless, I'm very excited for the next book, and will probably reread all of these in anticipation.
I just wanted to shake her and make her open her eyes, for god's sake.
Regardless, I'm very excited for the next book, and will probably reread all of these in anticipation.
August 12, 2016
Titter with embarrassment . . . no, not because of what happens in the scenes in the story, but because of how blatant, literal, and awkward they are. Much throbbing, as well as too many adverbs and adjectives, await in this clumsy, poorly paced "romp" through repetition and ridiculousness.
July 7, 2018
There were some very questionable racial elements involving an Egyptian man and his wives. Overall, very lackluster compared to the first book.
April 15, 2017
DNF @ 50%
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