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Wicked Play #4
Tu apprivoiseras l'inconnu
Série Red Room, tome 3
La confiance est un don, le sexe, un jeu, l’amour, une brûlure
Une semaine. Pas un jour de plus, pas un jour de moins. C’est le temps durant lequel Quinn a accepté d’appartenir – car il n’y a pas d’autre mot pour qualifier le contrat qu’elle vient de signer – à Marcus Reese. Une seule nuit au Red Room l’a convaincue : si elle veut comprendre ce qui se joue ici et se préparer au rôle de soumise qu’elle doit incarner dans son prochain film, observer ne suffira pas. Elle doit le ressentir au plus profond d’elle-même. Alors, pour le rôle qui doit relancer sa carrière, mais également parce qu’elle ne s’est jamais sentie aussi vivante, aussi réelle que face à cet homme – sexy et troublant à la fois –, elle accepte d’être sienne pour une semaine. Corps et âme.
Tu apprivoiseras l’inconnu est un de ces livres, si rares et si précieux, qui peuvent vous faire rire et rougir sur la même page… RT Book Reviews
La confiance est un don, le sexe, un jeu, l’amour, une brûlure
Une semaine. Pas un jour de plus, pas un jour de moins. C’est le temps durant lequel Quinn a accepté d’appartenir – car il n’y a pas d’autre mot pour qualifier le contrat qu’elle vient de signer – à Marcus Reese. Une seule nuit au Red Room l’a convaincue : si elle veut comprendre ce qui se joue ici et se préparer au rôle de soumise qu’elle doit incarner dans son prochain film, observer ne suffira pas. Elle doit le ressentir au plus profond d’elle-même. Alors, pour le rôle qui doit relancer sa carrière, mais également parce qu’elle ne s’est jamais sentie aussi vivante, aussi réelle que face à cet homme – sexy et troublant à la fois –, elle accepte d’être sienne pour une semaine. Corps et âme.
Tu apprivoiseras l’inconnu est un de ces livres, si rares et si précieux, qui peuvent vous faire rire et rougir sur la même page… RT Book Reviews
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2013
61 people are currently reading
748 people want to read
About the author
Lynda Aicher
44 books566 followersI 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.
If writing wasn't a priority, it would never get done.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
November 17, 2013
Marcus in this BDSM den of iniquity is now tangling with a celebrity, Quinn Andrews. In this four book in the Wicked Play Series, Ms. Aicher's writing style as well as her ability to portrayal BDSM is much improved.
Quinn is a child star whose good girl image needs a bit maturing. Her latest role will feature her as a sexual submissive in a TV series. Somehow, this leads her to Marcus who will train her as a submissive. This entire set up spells Charlie-Foxtrot to me. I read on with dread in the pit of my stomach. This is because from a BDSM lifestyler point of view, it's best to fly under the radar. Allowing a celebrity into a society which needs to stay discreet is anathema.
The world building is richer in this story as is the character development. While I can't understand or relate to Quinn's world, it is clear on the downsides. The reader can connect with Quinn more. She's a bit of a lost little rich girl. While she possesses money, it is sad to see she doesn't control her own life. The glimpses Ms. Aicher shows of how Quinn needs to live makes Quinn more human. I feel sympathy for how she has to be so careful. It's difficult and frustrating. The way she's used as a commodity by her mother and agent are even more horrifying. Quinn is very much a product of her environment.
Marcus is a great guy. He isn't perfect yet he knows his limitations and accepts it. This is good to find in a dominant. His dominating style is so very good. Ms. Aicher does an excellent job of capturing BDSM scenes in this story. She still doesn't have the D/s part down, but the BDSM technique of it is good. I'm aroused by the scenes. This story is less about the BDSM and really more about the romance between two people from different worlds. The story is well written that with or without the BDSM part, it would still be an enjoyable read. The BDSM just gives it a spicy taste. This erotic novel is recommended as a BDSM gateway book.
*provided by NetGalley
Quinn is a child star whose good girl image needs a bit maturing. Her latest role will feature her as a sexual submissive in a TV series. Somehow, this leads her to Marcus who will train her as a submissive. This entire set up spells Charlie-Foxtrot to me. I read on with dread in the pit of my stomach. This is because from a BDSM lifestyler point of view, it's best to fly under the radar. Allowing a celebrity into a society which needs to stay discreet is anathema.
The world building is richer in this story as is the character development. While I can't understand or relate to Quinn's world, it is clear on the downsides. The reader can connect with Quinn more. She's a bit of a lost little rich girl. While she possesses money, it is sad to see she doesn't control her own life. The glimpses Ms. Aicher shows of how Quinn needs to live makes Quinn more human. I feel sympathy for how she has to be so careful. It's difficult and frustrating. The way she's used as a commodity by her mother and agent are even more horrifying. Quinn is very much a product of her environment.
Marcus is a great guy. He isn't perfect yet he knows his limitations and accepts it. This is good to find in a dominant. His dominating style is so very good. Ms. Aicher does an excellent job of capturing BDSM scenes in this story. She still doesn't have the D/s part down, but the BDSM technique of it is good. I'm aroused by the scenes. This story is less about the BDSM and really more about the romance between two people from different worlds. The story is well written that with or without the BDSM part, it would still be an enjoyable read. The BDSM just gives it a spicy taste. This erotic novel is recommended as a BDSM gateway book.
*provided by NetGalley
July 19, 2014
ARC received on behalf of Carina Press from NetGalley.
Quinn needs to research the BDSM lifestyle for a role. But internet searches won’t be able to teach her to portray a convincing submission. There is really only one way to learn, to be taught, at the hands of a master.
Marcus’s life has gone a long time without much not going his way. Beyond a college injury that changed the direction of his youthful life, he doesn’t have much to complain about. He’s been at The Den for six years, he’s an employed club Dom and now he is one of the owners. His submissives have always been contracted clients, never one that he had a desire to claim or collar.
When Quinn is placed into the skillful hands of Marcus for her week long training, there is something that sparks within both of them. For her it is a desire to submit to him and to please, and for him it’s the craving to stake his claim and to take her as his own. As Marcus teaches her the basics of the lifestyle both by allowing her to watch it unfold in the public rooms and in private, by allowing her to finally free herself from the stress of a Hollywood lifestyle.
The act of submitting comes naturally to Quinn. She’s done enough research to know what she should do and how she should behave, but Marcus doesn’t want the actress in her performing, kneeling at his feet. He wants the woman that has been buried inside to willingly give herself over to him.
As they spend the week together, both gaining each other’s trust and exploring the ins and outs of the lifestyle, something breaks loose inside both of them. This was all supposed to make her more prepared for her new role, a role that would change her image from the child star to the woman she wants to be... But that changes when emotions come into play. With her time at the club coming to an end and having to return to California, both these two have to figure out what means more to them... their careers or what they can have together.
There was something that was very vulnerable feeling with Marcus’s character. He wasn’t a broken mess of a man that needed saving, in all he was pretty well adjusted and put together. Yet there was something that made my insides soften at his tender moments and when he had to finally face the fact that her time at the club was coming to an end. Usually I need a severely broken man to get me in the feels, but somehow his normalness just worked perfectly for this story.
Quinn was not overly Hollywood and I loved that the drama aspect of a diva really didn’t into play with her. I enjoyed that she did not fight her feelings too much or not give in to the experience that she was undertaking. There was something a little more erotic feeling about her journey of discovery. It was a new world for her and that allowed you to take in her experience as you read along.
There wasn’t too much time to touch on the other characters from the prior books, but you get a bit of each of them in their own way. You are also introduced with a little more depth the newer characters that are slated to get their very own story. Each one is intriguing in their own way.
Lynda Aicher has done a wonderful job being able to give us so many stories within this series without repeating anything. Each character is satisfying their own need in their own way throughout these series and so far they have all been so varied that you get a completely new experience with each installment.
Another great story in this series and I am looking forward to Rock’s story next. He’s been the strong and silent type throughout most of this series and I am guessing he’s going to have one helluva back-story to showcase.
Quinn needs to research the BDSM lifestyle for a role. But internet searches won’t be able to teach her to portray a convincing submission. There is really only one way to learn, to be taught, at the hands of a master.
Marcus’s life has gone a long time without much not going his way. Beyond a college injury that changed the direction of his youthful life, he doesn’t have much to complain about. He’s been at The Den for six years, he’s an employed club Dom and now he is one of the owners. His submissives have always been contracted clients, never one that he had a desire to claim or collar.
When Quinn is placed into the skillful hands of Marcus for her week long training, there is something that sparks within both of them. For her it is a desire to submit to him and to please, and for him it’s the craving to stake his claim and to take her as his own. As Marcus teaches her the basics of the lifestyle both by allowing her to watch it unfold in the public rooms and in private, by allowing her to finally free herself from the stress of a Hollywood lifestyle.
The act of submitting comes naturally to Quinn. She’s done enough research to know what she should do and how she should behave, but Marcus doesn’t want the actress in her performing, kneeling at his feet. He wants the woman that has been buried inside to willingly give herself over to him.
As they spend the week together, both gaining each other’s trust and exploring the ins and outs of the lifestyle, something breaks loose inside both of them. This was all supposed to make her more prepared for her new role, a role that would change her image from the child star to the woman she wants to be... But that changes when emotions come into play. With her time at the club coming to an end and having to return to California, both these two have to figure out what means more to them... their careers or what they can have together.
There was something that was very vulnerable feeling with Marcus’s character. He wasn’t a broken mess of a man that needed saving, in all he was pretty well adjusted and put together. Yet there was something that made my insides soften at his tender moments and when he had to finally face the fact that her time at the club was coming to an end. Usually I need a severely broken man to get me in the feels, but somehow his normalness just worked perfectly for this story.
Quinn was not overly Hollywood and I loved that the drama aspect of a diva really didn’t into play with her. I enjoyed that she did not fight her feelings too much or not give in to the experience that she was undertaking. There was something a little more erotic feeling about her journey of discovery. It was a new world for her and that allowed you to take in her experience as you read along.
There wasn’t too much time to touch on the other characters from the prior books, but you get a bit of each of them in their own way. You are also introduced with a little more depth the newer characters that are slated to get their very own story. Each one is intriguing in their own way.
Lynda Aicher has done a wonderful job being able to give us so many stories within this series without repeating anything. Each character is satisfying their own need in their own way throughout these series and so far they have all been so varied that you get a completely new experience with each installment.
Another great story in this series and I am looking forward to Rock’s story next. He’s been the strong and silent type throughout most of this series and I am guessing he’s going to have one helluva back-story to showcase.
March 20, 2021
Great continuation of the Den characters. Loved Marcus and Quinn. I really liked seeing all the previous H/h and now can't wait for the next three books.
September 2, 2013
I received my copy from Carina Press through NetGalley.
Over the past three books, “Bonds of Trust”, “Bonds of Need”, and “Bonds of Desire” I have come to love the world and characters Lynda Aicher has created. And “Bonds of Hope” is a very welcome addition to a wonderful series.
In this book we meet Quinn - or as her fans know her, Missy – who has been in the lime-light since she was eight years old. Hoping to get away from her image as the cute girl she has accepted the role of a submissive in a new television series and, determined to get it right, she has come to The Den for a week of training with one of their Doms. Quinn is not trying to decide whether or not she actually is a submissive at heart, all she wants is to portray one believably. And if that means playing a part while in The Den, that is fine with her. She’s done all the research she could do online and is well prepared to be the perfect sub for her temporary Master.
“It was time to become Q – the obedient submissive to a strict, controlling Dom.”
Enter Marcus. One of the new joint owners of The Den he loves his job. Giving his clients the submission they grave fulfills a need deep inside him. When he comes face to face with Quinn though he has his doubts. His instincts tell him there is a true submissive hiding underneath the façade presented by the actress. What he doesn’t know is if he will be able to get her to recognize that over only one week of training, or if one week will be enough to deal with all the issues she’s clearly carrying around.
“But was one week really enough time to take away any of that hurt? He wasn’t certain, but he was sure as hell going to try.”
This week was only supposed to be about training Quinn so that she could play her new role convincingly, but it isn’t long after they have started their sessions that both Marcus and Quinn start experiencing feelings they weren’t expecting and aren’t ready for.
Quinn has little to no control over her own life. Everything she does is determined by her mother, her agent and her publicist. Giving up her control once again is both something she does almost automatically and something she is very reluctant to do. It will take time before she realizes that, in submitting, she isn’t giving away her power:
“Another lesson for you. The sub always has the power. The Dom in the facilitator. The submissive controls the Scene.”
When the week of training is over and the real world intrudes on what has been seven days of pure bliss, Quinn travels back to Hollywood, leaving Marcus behind both heartbroken and bewildered. It will take a near disaster and a miracle to get Quinn to realize what she has given up and that it is time to take control of her own life. And it seems that control over her own life comes with submitting to the Dom she has grown to love.
"How did you get so smart, Kitten?"
"I learned from someone who was patient enough to teach me."
I have to admit that this was the first book by Aicher in which it took me a very long time to get to like the main female character. I couldn’t get a feel for her at all for a very long time and for a while there was a risk that this might actually make me like the book less than I had the previous ones. It was only near the end of the story that I understood that this was probably how I was supposed to feel about Quinn. The real Quinn had been hidden for so long that even the girl herself wasn’t quite sure anymore who that might be. It took her time with and separation from Marcus to give her the insight and the courage to take control of her own life. And once she does, boy does she make up for all the pages on which she appeared to be barely there. Quinn’s growth in this story is so subtle that it doesn’t become clear to her or the reader how far she has come until it is almost too late to benefit from it.
Marcus, on the other hand, I adored from the moment he was introduced. He is the sort of man all of us would love to have in our lives, full of understanding, patience and love. And I loved that by the end of the story the roles are slightly reversed; trust the submissive to tell the Dom how their relationship is going to work.
This was another wonderful erotic romance by Lynda Aicher set in a world of Doms and submissives where friendship and loyalty take priority over everything else. These are very erotic feel-good reads and a wonderful way to spend a quiet Sunday.
Like I said before, I have fallen in love with these books and I’m delighted that there are more titles to come in this series. The book I’m holding out for though, the book I really want to read – although I’ve no way of knowing if that particular one is even in the planning – is Rock’s story. I really hope that this man, normally in the background keeping everybody safe, will be given his own Happily Ever After.
Over the past three books, “Bonds of Trust”, “Bonds of Need”, and “Bonds of Desire” I have come to love the world and characters Lynda Aicher has created. And “Bonds of Hope” is a very welcome addition to a wonderful series.
In this book we meet Quinn - or as her fans know her, Missy – who has been in the lime-light since she was eight years old. Hoping to get away from her image as the cute girl she has accepted the role of a submissive in a new television series and, determined to get it right, she has come to The Den for a week of training with one of their Doms. Quinn is not trying to decide whether or not she actually is a submissive at heart, all she wants is to portray one believably. And if that means playing a part while in The Den, that is fine with her. She’s done all the research she could do online and is well prepared to be the perfect sub for her temporary Master.
“It was time to become Q – the obedient submissive to a strict, controlling Dom.”
Enter Marcus. One of the new joint owners of The Den he loves his job. Giving his clients the submission they grave fulfills a need deep inside him. When he comes face to face with Quinn though he has his doubts. His instincts tell him there is a true submissive hiding underneath the façade presented by the actress. What he doesn’t know is if he will be able to get her to recognize that over only one week of training, or if one week will be enough to deal with all the issues she’s clearly carrying around.
“But was one week really enough time to take away any of that hurt? He wasn’t certain, but he was sure as hell going to try.”
This week was only supposed to be about training Quinn so that she could play her new role convincingly, but it isn’t long after they have started their sessions that both Marcus and Quinn start experiencing feelings they weren’t expecting and aren’t ready for.
Quinn has little to no control over her own life. Everything she does is determined by her mother, her agent and her publicist. Giving up her control once again is both something she does almost automatically and something she is very reluctant to do. It will take time before she realizes that, in submitting, she isn’t giving away her power:
“Another lesson for you. The sub always has the power. The Dom in the facilitator. The submissive controls the Scene.”
When the week of training is over and the real world intrudes on what has been seven days of pure bliss, Quinn travels back to Hollywood, leaving Marcus behind both heartbroken and bewildered. It will take a near disaster and a miracle to get Quinn to realize what she has given up and that it is time to take control of her own life. And it seems that control over her own life comes with submitting to the Dom she has grown to love.
"How did you get so smart, Kitten?"
"I learned from someone who was patient enough to teach me."
I have to admit that this was the first book by Aicher in which it took me a very long time to get to like the main female character. I couldn’t get a feel for her at all for a very long time and for a while there was a risk that this might actually make me like the book less than I had the previous ones. It was only near the end of the story that I understood that this was probably how I was supposed to feel about Quinn. The real Quinn had been hidden for so long that even the girl herself wasn’t quite sure anymore who that might be. It took her time with and separation from Marcus to give her the insight and the courage to take control of her own life. And once she does, boy does she make up for all the pages on which she appeared to be barely there. Quinn’s growth in this story is so subtle that it doesn’t become clear to her or the reader how far she has come until it is almost too late to benefit from it.
Marcus, on the other hand, I adored from the moment he was introduced. He is the sort of man all of us would love to have in our lives, full of understanding, patience and love. And I loved that by the end of the story the roles are slightly reversed; trust the submissive to tell the Dom how their relationship is going to work.
This was another wonderful erotic romance by Lynda Aicher set in a world of Doms and submissives where friendship and loyalty take priority over everything else. These are very erotic feel-good reads and a wonderful way to spend a quiet Sunday.
Like I said before, I have fallen in love with these books and I’m delighted that there are more titles to come in this series. The book I’m holding out for though, the book I really want to read – although I’ve no way of knowing if that particular one is even in the planning – is Rock’s story. I really hope that this man, normally in the background keeping everybody safe, will be given his own Happily Ever After.
December 7, 2014
My thoughts and feelings while reading:
8.0% the Dom looked up, his gaze landing on Quinn. The flame within her became an inferno and the small gasp was out before she could suck it back. Something flashed in his eyes, a slight darkening and lowering of his lids that was sultry and shadowy Hmm.. Intrigued by this story and by Marcus!
10.0% He was dancing with fire. Whatever this was—and it was something—had the potential to be disastrous. She was a fucking actress who was only there for a week. Most importantly, she wasn’t there to be a real submissive. But she was perfect. Okay, this sounds like it's going to be good! :D
14.0% It might be temporary and a means to prove a point, but she was the first submissive he’d ever collared and he couldn’t—wouldn’t—take it lightly. She would be completely his if she agreed to wear it. The thought was heady and frightening, and somehow blindly right. She needed him. She might not know that now, but he’d make damn sure she did before she left. Starting to love Marcus already :)
17.0% He paused to talk to others along the way, but she never looked up to see who they were. Instead of curiosity like she’d had the first night with Vanessa, there was nothing in her but the desire to please her Dom. I'm starting to agree with Marcus - Quinn seems a natural submissive :)
22.0% He was too invested to stop and quickly becoming too attached for his own damn good. Really loving these two atm!
24.0% But she liked this other side of him. The man behind the Dom. Marcus might be commanding, arrogant and shockingly direct, but he was real. I agree Quinn - I'm loving Marcus!! <3
38.0% She’d had him cold the first time he’d found her kneeling in wait for him. He wasn’t afraid to admit that he wanted Quinn. Now he had to figure out how to keep her. The contract wasn’t nearly long enough. He already knew that as a fact. Totally love Marcus!!! <3 <3
48.0% Quinn.” His voice was soft and he pushed back a lock of her hair before he framed her face with his big hands. “You already own me. I’m yours.” I don't think Marcus could get better!! <3
49.0% Fiery one second, submissive the next. She was the whole package he’d been searching for. <3 <3
55.0% He was that close to losing control. “Christ.” A drop of sweat slid down his brow and a stream of curses sat on the tip of his tongue. “Get that condom. Now.” I was wrong, I love him more! Marcus and Quinn are just amazing together! <3
64.0% She was more than his submissive, and he was more than her Dom. They’d exceeded those boundaries days ago, but there was no denying it now. And she had no desire to do so Really loving these two, hope there's not too much angst/drama to come!
71.0% Could she do that? It was safer to run right now. Easier too. No! please don't run Quinn!!
74.0% He leaned back and peered into her with eyes that were as dark and full of emotion as she’d ever seen them. “I love you, Quinn,” he almost whispered, the throaty gravel edge of his voice keeping his words audible. “You have to know that by now.” Oh Marcus <3
76.0% His chest constricted until the air refused to move, frozen in disbelief. He stumbled back a step and his knee chose that moment to balk and buckle. He caught himself on the wall and straightened, the understanding slowly turning him numb No! Marcus, Quinn you're breaking my heart
87.0% She was in his arms. That was all that mattered. He had her back and this time he was keeping her. <3
96.0% She amazed him with her words and understanding. He’d make it right. They’d make it work. He was confident in that. Yes you will!!! These two are just so mature and perfect together! <3 <3
100.0% Loved it! They're amazing together, so glad they worked things out - the epilogue was amazing!! <3
8.0% the Dom looked up, his gaze landing on Quinn. The flame within her became an inferno and the small gasp was out before she could suck it back. Something flashed in his eyes, a slight darkening and lowering of his lids that was sultry and shadowy Hmm.. Intrigued by this story and by Marcus!
10.0% He was dancing with fire. Whatever this was—and it was something—had the potential to be disastrous. She was a fucking actress who was only there for a week. Most importantly, she wasn’t there to be a real submissive. But she was perfect. Okay, this sounds like it's going to be good! :D
14.0% It might be temporary and a means to prove a point, but she was the first submissive he’d ever collared and he couldn’t—wouldn’t—take it lightly. She would be completely his if she agreed to wear it. The thought was heady and frightening, and somehow blindly right. She needed him. She might not know that now, but he’d make damn sure she did before she left. Starting to love Marcus already :)
17.0% He paused to talk to others along the way, but she never looked up to see who they were. Instead of curiosity like she’d had the first night with Vanessa, there was nothing in her but the desire to please her Dom. I'm starting to agree with Marcus - Quinn seems a natural submissive :)
22.0% He was too invested to stop and quickly becoming too attached for his own damn good. Really loving these two atm!
24.0% But she liked this other side of him. The man behind the Dom. Marcus might be commanding, arrogant and shockingly direct, but he was real. I agree Quinn - I'm loving Marcus!! <3
38.0% She’d had him cold the first time he’d found her kneeling in wait for him. He wasn’t afraid to admit that he wanted Quinn. Now he had to figure out how to keep her. The contract wasn’t nearly long enough. He already knew that as a fact. Totally love Marcus!!! <3 <3
48.0% Quinn.” His voice was soft and he pushed back a lock of her hair before he framed her face with his big hands. “You already own me. I’m yours.” I don't think Marcus could get better!! <3
49.0% Fiery one second, submissive the next. She was the whole package he’d been searching for. <3 <3
55.0% He was that close to losing control. “Christ.” A drop of sweat slid down his brow and a stream of curses sat on the tip of his tongue. “Get that condom. Now.” I was wrong, I love him more! Marcus and Quinn are just amazing together! <3
64.0% She was more than his submissive, and he was more than her Dom. They’d exceeded those boundaries days ago, but there was no denying it now. And she had no desire to do so Really loving these two, hope there's not too much angst/drama to come!
71.0% Could she do that? It was safer to run right now. Easier too. No! please don't run Quinn!!
74.0% He leaned back and peered into her with eyes that were as dark and full of emotion as she’d ever seen them. “I love you, Quinn,” he almost whispered, the throaty gravel edge of his voice keeping his words audible. “You have to know that by now.” Oh Marcus <3
76.0% His chest constricted until the air refused to move, frozen in disbelief. He stumbled back a step and his knee chose that moment to balk and buckle. He caught himself on the wall and straightened, the understanding slowly turning him numb No! Marcus, Quinn you're breaking my heart
87.0% She was in his arms. That was all that mattered. He had her back and this time he was keeping her. <3
96.0% She amazed him with her words and understanding. He’d make it right. They’d make it work. He was confident in that. Yes you will!!! These two are just so mature and perfect together! <3 <3
100.0% Loved it! They're amazing together, so glad they worked things out - the epilogue was amazing!! <3
December 3, 2021
Si le livre en lui-même reste de bonne qualité quand à l’écriture et la façon de mener l’histoire, je n’ai malheureusement pas réussi à entrer dans le récit. Le personnage de Quinn ne m’a pas interpellée plus que cela même si je comprends le but pour elle d’intégrer le Red Room pour faciliter l’interprétation de son rôle dans son prochain film, mais je ne comprends pas pourquoi elle s’obstine alors qu’à priori le BDSM n’est vraiment pas son truc. Quant à Marcus, est bien j’ai franchement été déçue, je m’attendais vraiment à autre chose et surtout pas à le voir ramper dans la scène de rupture !!! Et pourquoi intégrer des photos prises par un paparazzi dans l’intrigue si au final il n’est quasiment pas fait usage de cet incident, c’est inutile. Bref, le tome le moins bon de cette série pour moi pour le moment.
August 26, 2024
This was how this book went for me: lukewarm, bored, LOVE IT, like it, extremely disappointed with the ending. That mix gave it a three star rating. We have an actress learning a role trope, which was already a mark against it, because I HATE anything acting/Hollywood related. I kept an open mind, and even though I wasn't big on it, I kept on chugging. It's very standard romance BDSM--enough for the average reader but not hardcore enough for trigger warnings. If you've read this author's books before, you know what you're getting into. We got that for a while, which was, eh, okay. I feel like I've been reading about the same thing for these last few books. I wish she'd mix it up.
Then suddenly, that last chunk of the book hit, and I'm like THIS IS THE BEST BOOK EVER. Epic stuff rained down because the drama level was right where I needed it to be. That chunk of the book flew by, and I could not get enough. I was so happy...right up until the end. It's spoiler time.
Actually, I'm getting so mad, I'm knocking it another star. That really ticks me off. That's not acceptable. Jake didn't do that in the first book. He was even I better stop thinking about it, or it's going to end up being one star. Calm. Goosfraba.
Then suddenly, that last chunk of the book hit, and I'm like THIS IS THE BEST BOOK EVER. Epic stuff rained down because the drama level was right where I needed it to be. That chunk of the book flew by, and I could not get enough. I was so happy...right up until the end. It's spoiler time.
Actually, I'm getting so mad, I'm knocking it another star. That really ticks me off. That's not acceptable. Jake didn't do that in the first book. He was even I better stop thinking about it, or it's going to end up being one star. Calm. Goosfraba.
December 29, 2024
Boring, superficial read.
The storytelling was poor. There was a lot of tell and it was often contrary to what was shown, the characters' internal monologues declared things without any on-page testament, they would romanticized a single happenstances all out of proportion and their interactions were inconsistent and inharmonious.
The lead characters had only nebulous characterizations and what was there did not paint either of them in a good light. The female lead appeared to be a useless, ungrateful-for-her-privilege sad sack looking for an escape from her life instead of doing anything about it and the male lead appeared to be a puffed-up, game-playing ahole latching onto the female lead to boost his pride and ego.
Relationship-building was pretty much non-existent. There was no communication, no commonality, no rapport. The two lead just drifted thru the story, building castles in their minds as opposed to building a connection with each other.
There was no plot, no conflict, no drama until the 'third act break-up'. And it came out of the blue with so little lead-up I had no idea he was actually a sex worker until the scene before it.
And the fact that he was a sex worker made his behavior unprofessional, exploitive and icky, their 'relationship' pretty sleazy and the HEA really, really, really unrealistic as there is no way journalists wouldn't dig that up, drag out all the details and kill her career.
The little smut was superficial and dull.
And there was no reason for the surprise as it served nothing except to add another layer of ick.
A poor story and poorer romance.
Do not recommend.
The storytelling was poor. There was a lot of tell and it was often contrary to what was shown, the characters' internal monologues declared things without any on-page testament, they would romanticized a single happenstances all out of proportion and their interactions were inconsistent and inharmonious.
The lead characters had only nebulous characterizations and what was there did not paint either of them in a good light. The female lead appeared to be a useless, ungrateful-for-her-privilege sad sack looking for an escape from her life instead of doing anything about it and the male lead appeared to be a puffed-up, game-playing ahole latching onto the female lead to boost his pride and ego.
Relationship-building was pretty much non-existent. There was no communication, no commonality, no rapport. The two lead just drifted thru the story, building castles in their minds as opposed to building a connection with each other.
There was no plot, no conflict, no drama until the 'third act break-up'. And it came out of the blue with so little lead-up I had no idea he was actually a sex worker until the scene before it.
And the fact that he was a sex worker made his behavior unprofessional, exploitive and icky, their 'relationship' pretty sleazy and the HEA really, really, really unrealistic as there is no way journalists wouldn't dig that up, drag out all the details and kill her career.
The little smut was superficial and dull.
And there was no reason for the surprise as it served nothing except to add another layer of ick.
A poor story and poorer romance.
Do not recommend.
January 31, 2019
What made this book exceptional for me was the fact that, although the other Doms seems to have stopped conducting scenes with others, Marcus doesn't. I get that not all relationships are the same, but to have this idea that each Dom is just looking for that one Sub who will make him change his ways is pure fantasy.
I didn't like how the story line with Quinn's brother and father sort of fell to the wayside. It was such a momentous occasion for her, reconnecting with her older brother, and then nothing. Once they reconnected wouldn't he have reached out upon hearing about ? A lot of the family stuff (his parents, her mother) got swept aside at the end, and I wish it had been addressed.
Still a very enjoyable read and I look forward to the next in the series.
I didn't like how the story line with Quinn's brother and father sort of fell to the wayside. It was such a momentous occasion for her, reconnecting with her older brother, and then nothing. Once they reconnected wouldn't he have reached out upon hearing about ? A lot of the family stuff (his parents, her mother) got swept aside at the end, and I wish it had been addressed.
Still a very enjoyable read and I look forward to the next in the series.
May 14, 2019
Recensione Doppia
.
1"
Finalmente il quarto libro della serie “I padroni del piacere” è arrivato, e proprio come quelli che lo precedono, non delude affatto. In questo capitolo, la Aicher mette come protagonisti il tenebroso, ma affascinante Marcus – che prima d’ora non avevamo avuto modo di conoscere bene – e la bella, nonché talentuosa, Quinn. Due personaggi dal carattere deciso, e per questo gli scontri non mancano insieme alle loro problematiche. Problemi che si rivelano essere anche temi attuali, come i problemi di bulimia avuti da Quinn, le giovani attrici rovinate dall’ambizione di manager e genitori, sogni irrealizzati e così via.
Come i libri precedenti, è un romanzo che non delude nemmeno dal punto di vista di scene erotiche, anzi i momenti erotici che ci sono regalano forti emozioni al lettore. Di fatti, è un libro che a tratti può anche commuovere e sicuramente ci invoglia a continuare a leggere per sapere sempre cosa accadrà.
“Vanessa le posò una mano sulla schiena e Quinn si morse il labbro inferiore per trattenere un altro sussulto. << A proposito>> le sussurrò all’orecchio. << Lui è padron Marcus. Sarà la tua guida e il tuo istruttore per tutta la prossima settimana>> Il cuore di Quinn perse un battito.”
“<> l’ammonì, con la bocca sulla sua gola, sentendo che le pulsazioni acceleravano ancora di più. <> Quinn fu scossa da un brivido e gli strinse più forse i fianchi con le cosce. << È proprio quello che voglio, padrone.>>”
“<< Le impertinenti come te meritano una bella sculacciata.>>
Quinn tornò seria. << E’ un avvertimento anche questo, o una promessa?>>
<>”
La storia d’amore tra Quinn e Marcus è ovviamente molto complessa. I due si rendono conto di provare una forte ed inspiegabile attrazione l’uno verso l’altro, e nessuno dei due sa bene come gestire questa situazione. Quinn continua a ripetersi di aver accettato di essere la schiava di Marcus solo per calarsi meglio nella parte assegnatale nel suo prossimo film, mentre Marcus cerca di mantenere le distanze – con ben poco successo – proprio perché sa che il tempo a disposizione con lei è molto limitato. Nonostante tutto però, Marcus sa che Quinn con lui non recita semplicemente come invece lei si ostina a dire e per questo motivo, il suo lato di dominatore cercherà di farle capire chi è lei in realtà. Questo porterà a un lungo tira e molla tra di loro che però aiuterà entrambi a maturare ulteriormente.
“Per la prima volta mentre era sul set non interpretava una parte, non si estraniava da se stessa, ma si stava ritrovando. Sotto i riflettori c’era lei, Quinn Andrews, una succube.”
Sfido inoltre chiunque, a non prendere a calci la madre della ragazza che con la sua avidità nei confronti del successo ha completamente rovinato la vita della figlia, con la solita scusa di pensare di farle un favore. A questo proposito verrà trattato il tema della vita delle star e di che razza di mondo sia quello di Hollywood. Tuttavia tutto è bene quel che finisce bene e dopo vari eventi significativi, di cui non vi parlo perché altrimenti non ci sarebbe gusto, posso dirvi che i nostri due protagonisti creeranno un compromesso e un loro equilibrio, riuscendo finalmente a stare insieme come avevano tanto desiderato.
Per concludere, vi dico solo che è un libro che merita di essere letto in quanto coinvolgente, per nulla lento ed emozionante. Io l’ho finito in due giorni e appena avevo un minuto di tempo – non importa dove mi trovassi – lo tiravo fuori per continuare a leggerlo.
.
Lady Morgana - per RFS
.
2"
Ritorniamo al Den dopo due mesi di chiusura per la ristrutturazione e l’aver preso altri tre nuovi soci, il locale riapre a Halloween. In questo libro conosciamo Marcus, che già avevamo intravisto in “Lasciati guardare”, professione Dominatore (ovvio) e Quinn, nota attrice, che deve iniziare una serie di telefilm sul mondo BDSM e quindi deve conoscere bene il mondo sommerso. L’incontro è un po’ uno scontro, nel senso che lei assolutamente dice di non essere una sottomessa e vuole solo vedere, lui invece nota i tratti tipici della sottomessa e vuole farli emergere. Inizia così la settimana di preparazione per Quinn dove vede, osserva i vari giochi e intanto viene stuzzicata da Marcus per provare… ma per Quinn si apre un mondo che credeva diverso e che la intriga, quindi accetta di essere la schiava di Marcus per una settimana, mettendo per iscritto su un contratto su cosa entrambi accettano o meno. Durante questi sette giorni i due si innamorano, ma hanno paura di avvicinarsi troppo visto che lei abita in California, fa l’attrice ed è sempre sotto i riflettori, lui per contro vive a Minneapolis, è un Dominatore e nessuno deve saperlo. Come faranno a conciliare tutto ciò? Tra discussioni, sesso, lezioni, e un incidente si arriverà al lieto fine.
Questa avventura mi è piaciuta un filino meno rispetto alle altre, sempre scritta in maniera magistrale, ma… la coppia non mi ha conquistato fino in fondo, riappaiono anche le ragazze degli altri tre libri (Cali, Allie e Kendra) e Tyler solo di sfuggita, intravediamo i due nuovi soci Vanessa e Noah (quindi direi che ci sono altri 2 libri ad attendermi) ma sembra aver perso mordente, lei troppo docile e lui poco “carogna”. Nel libro ci sono scene di sesso esplicito e BDSM, senza mai diventare violente o troppo crude, l’amore prevale e anche il buon gusto. Di più non posso dire per non spoilerare (se parlo di Quinn capite il personaggio quindi…) vi lascio alla lettura, alla prossima e Benvenuti al Den.
.
Tayla -per RFS
.
1"
Finalmente il quarto libro della serie “I padroni del piacere” è arrivato, e proprio come quelli che lo precedono, non delude affatto. In questo capitolo, la Aicher mette come protagonisti il tenebroso, ma affascinante Marcus – che prima d’ora non avevamo avuto modo di conoscere bene – e la bella, nonché talentuosa, Quinn. Due personaggi dal carattere deciso, e per questo gli scontri non mancano insieme alle loro problematiche. Problemi che si rivelano essere anche temi attuali, come i problemi di bulimia avuti da Quinn, le giovani attrici rovinate dall’ambizione di manager e genitori, sogni irrealizzati e così via.
Come i libri precedenti, è un romanzo che non delude nemmeno dal punto di vista di scene erotiche, anzi i momenti erotici che ci sono regalano forti emozioni al lettore. Di fatti, è un libro che a tratti può anche commuovere e sicuramente ci invoglia a continuare a leggere per sapere sempre cosa accadrà.
“Vanessa le posò una mano sulla schiena e Quinn si morse il labbro inferiore per trattenere un altro sussulto. << A proposito>> le sussurrò all’orecchio. << Lui è padron Marcus. Sarà la tua guida e il tuo istruttore per tutta la prossima settimana>> Il cuore di Quinn perse un battito.”
“<> l’ammonì, con la bocca sulla sua gola, sentendo che le pulsazioni acceleravano ancora di più. <> Quinn fu scossa da un brivido e gli strinse più forse i fianchi con le cosce. << È proprio quello che voglio, padrone.>>”
“<< Le impertinenti come te meritano una bella sculacciata.>>
Quinn tornò seria. << E’ un avvertimento anche questo, o una promessa?>>
<>”
La storia d’amore tra Quinn e Marcus è ovviamente molto complessa. I due si rendono conto di provare una forte ed inspiegabile attrazione l’uno verso l’altro, e nessuno dei due sa bene come gestire questa situazione. Quinn continua a ripetersi di aver accettato di essere la schiava di Marcus solo per calarsi meglio nella parte assegnatale nel suo prossimo film, mentre Marcus cerca di mantenere le distanze – con ben poco successo – proprio perché sa che il tempo a disposizione con lei è molto limitato. Nonostante tutto però, Marcus sa che Quinn con lui non recita semplicemente come invece lei si ostina a dire e per questo motivo, il suo lato di dominatore cercherà di farle capire chi è lei in realtà. Questo porterà a un lungo tira e molla tra di loro che però aiuterà entrambi a maturare ulteriormente.
“Per la prima volta mentre era sul set non interpretava una parte, non si estraniava da se stessa, ma si stava ritrovando. Sotto i riflettori c’era lei, Quinn Andrews, una succube.”
Sfido inoltre chiunque, a non prendere a calci la madre della ragazza che con la sua avidità nei confronti del successo ha completamente rovinato la vita della figlia, con la solita scusa di pensare di farle un favore. A questo proposito verrà trattato il tema della vita delle star e di che razza di mondo sia quello di Hollywood. Tuttavia tutto è bene quel che finisce bene e dopo vari eventi significativi, di cui non vi parlo perché altrimenti non ci sarebbe gusto, posso dirvi che i nostri due protagonisti creeranno un compromesso e un loro equilibrio, riuscendo finalmente a stare insieme come avevano tanto desiderato.
Per concludere, vi dico solo che è un libro che merita di essere letto in quanto coinvolgente, per nulla lento ed emozionante. Io l’ho finito in due giorni e appena avevo un minuto di tempo – non importa dove mi trovassi – lo tiravo fuori per continuare a leggerlo.
.
Lady Morgana - per RFS
.
2"
Ritorniamo al Den dopo due mesi di chiusura per la ristrutturazione e l’aver preso altri tre nuovi soci, il locale riapre a Halloween. In questo libro conosciamo Marcus, che già avevamo intravisto in “Lasciati guardare”, professione Dominatore (ovvio) e Quinn, nota attrice, che deve iniziare una serie di telefilm sul mondo BDSM e quindi deve conoscere bene il mondo sommerso. L’incontro è un po’ uno scontro, nel senso che lei assolutamente dice di non essere una sottomessa e vuole solo vedere, lui invece nota i tratti tipici della sottomessa e vuole farli emergere. Inizia così la settimana di preparazione per Quinn dove vede, osserva i vari giochi e intanto viene stuzzicata da Marcus per provare… ma per Quinn si apre un mondo che credeva diverso e che la intriga, quindi accetta di essere la schiava di Marcus per una settimana, mettendo per iscritto su un contratto su cosa entrambi accettano o meno. Durante questi sette giorni i due si innamorano, ma hanno paura di avvicinarsi troppo visto che lei abita in California, fa l’attrice ed è sempre sotto i riflettori, lui per contro vive a Minneapolis, è un Dominatore e nessuno deve saperlo. Come faranno a conciliare tutto ciò? Tra discussioni, sesso, lezioni, e un incidente si arriverà al lieto fine.
Questa avventura mi è piaciuta un filino meno rispetto alle altre, sempre scritta in maniera magistrale, ma… la coppia non mi ha conquistato fino in fondo, riappaiono anche le ragazze degli altri tre libri (Cali, Allie e Kendra) e Tyler solo di sfuggita, intravediamo i due nuovi soci Vanessa e Noah (quindi direi che ci sono altri 2 libri ad attendermi) ma sembra aver perso mordente, lei troppo docile e lui poco “carogna”. Nel libro ci sono scene di sesso esplicito e BDSM, senza mai diventare violente o troppo crude, l’amore prevale e anche il buon gusto. Di più non posso dire per non spoilerare (se parlo di Quinn capite il personaggio quindi…) vi lascio alla lettura, alla prossima e Benvenuti al Den.
.
Tayla -per RFS
January 7, 2018
Quinn is an actress and researching a roll as of submissive. Marcus was the Dom assigned. Quinn and Marcus entered into a contract so they could scene together. Quinn was very scared at first since she thought BDSM was just beating the submissive. Marcus takes Quinn to the dungeon where see could watch scenes being played out.
Quinn was so used to be barked at Marcus knew that he would be a little gentler until she could take more. Quinn and Marcus get together and he shows her how it could be between them.
Quinn was so used to be barked at Marcus knew that he would be a little gentler until she could take more. Quinn and Marcus get together and he shows her how it could be between them.
March 19, 2017
Wicked Play series is great
As I continue through the Wicked Play series the characters lives continue to intertwine and grow in depth. Bonds of Hope is a great story of the unlikely coupling of a Hollywood starlet and a midwestern Dom. Their whirlwind romance had me cheering them on. I cried. I laughed. And I couldn't put it down!
As I continue through the Wicked Play series the characters lives continue to intertwine and grow in depth. Bonds of Hope is a great story of the unlikely coupling of a Hollywood starlet and a midwestern Dom. Their whirlwind romance had me cheering them on. I cried. I laughed. And I couldn't put it down!
April 7, 2018
Quinn is an actress who comes to The Den to learn about BDSM for her new role. Marcus takes Quinn on to teach her about his world, what he didn't realize when he agreed is that getting Quinn to submit and find herself would be so disarming. Quinn had no idea that in bdsm she would find an escape, the only way for her to find herself not the person her mother and everyone else wanted her to be. Beautiful and innocent this was another sexy yet romantic story.
October 7, 2018
I liked the way the story unfolded but seemed unnecessary to bring in the other lady characters from books 1-3. Everyone seem to be into the Marcus and Quinn’s business and called it caring when I think it was them that caused the problems. But overall something to read on a lazy afternoon while popping sunflower 🌻 seeds.
August 1, 2019
While I liked the book in most respects, I would have preferred the spoiled item to be disclosed so that I could make an informed decision as to whether to buy this book or not.
March 10, 2019
I love a good steamy romance
June 18, 2021
DNF 22%
The dynamic between Marcus and Quinn felt off to me.
The dynamic between Marcus and Quinn felt off to me.
March 21, 2017
This is one of my least favourite books in this series. The writing is still good, I just don't empathize with the couple as much. And that's fine really, 'cause different strokes for different folks and all that right? It's still set in and around The Den, the supporting characters are familiar and the writing style and quality is the same, so if you've enjoyed the rest of the series, this is still a solid book; it just doesn't have that extra attraction that leads me to give it a higher rating.
August 22, 2017
Originally Reviewed on The Bewitching Bibliophile
This series just keeps getting better and better. This time we meet one of the new shareholders in the business and it's Master Marcus. Master Marcus is given the job of helping a child actress embrace a new role in a upcoming BDSM movie (anyone else hearing the The Secretary theme here??) Quinn is a good girl who can't shake the image she has and is looking for a way to do that with this new role, she's willing to get down and dirty to shake the image even though she's not really comfortable with it, as well she doesn't know much about it.
Quinn's role is that of the submissive and she needs to learn all that a properly trained submissive would know. Can I just say until this book I never thought about how actors and actresses prepped for these roles?? I loved Maggie Gylenhal in her role in the Secretary but I never stopped before to wonder who the heck taught her or even who is teaching the couple in the new 50SOG movie coming out in the spring..oh gawd I hope it's someone in the lifestyle and they can save this movie from being a joke.
I enjoyed the unfolding of the story of Quinn finding herself as a woman again. She's played so many roles in her life and been recognized only as her character for so long she had begun to fade away because she didn't know who she was anymore. Even her mother had a hard time seeing her daughter as a woman and not just the actress. This new role will help her get away from being Missy the character everyone knows an loves and will also help her let go of the past finally.
As Quinn learns the mechanics of being a submissive for her role, she learns more about herself, as she grows more confident in her role it also becomes more clear who Quinn IS. This of course doesn't come easily, because it's a new situation and both participants have their own preconceived notions of the other's motivations and it takes a bit before the trust is earned and given.
Master Marcus is ecstatic about being offered the new position, this is where he belongs and he's happy to have his life going in a great direction; he's however non too happy to be offered the assignment of being a tutor to a celebrity who might screw up his new flow. But when given the chance to really teach her Marcus takes on the mission. Once Marcus starts and realizes there is more to Quinn than others have had a chance to see, he's more willing to reach the depths she's hiding from. As the story progresses Marcus learns more about what kind of Dom he is, what kind of man he wants to be. Quinn makes him think about his life plan and what he once believed love to be and want he really needs to complete himself and to truly have it all.
I loved that this book discussed the issues with blending two very different lives and expectations of their lives to make their relationship work. The two characters had a lot of reasons for reservations but they worked to figure them out. It was amazing to read. So were the fireworks when the two personalities clashed (which led to some amazingly written sexy times).
Holy cow can this woman write a scene that makes you feel like you're right there getting into it with them. I loved the pacing, the growth of the characters, the way they fought, came together, fought, and eventually learnt how to work together. I was completely engrossed in the story and wanted to get to the end quickly so I could find out everything that happened and how it was going to end. I must say I started to panic a little when we were getting close to the end but the story hadn't been resolved yet, I was like nooo... I want my ending. And boy did Ms Aicher deliver. I'm very happy!!
I have loved this series since the beginning and I can't wait to read the rest. Go read it people, it's so worth it!! I like the newer covers as the more conservative reader can take it out without fear of censure however I'm in love with the original cover.
★★★★★
Happy Reading my loves and i can't wait to read the next book in the series.
This series just keeps getting better and better. This time we meet one of the new shareholders in the business and it's Master Marcus. Master Marcus is given the job of helping a child actress embrace a new role in a upcoming BDSM movie (anyone else hearing the The Secretary theme here??) Quinn is a good girl who can't shake the image she has and is looking for a way to do that with this new role, she's willing to get down and dirty to shake the image even though she's not really comfortable with it, as well she doesn't know much about it.
Quinn's role is that of the submissive and she needs to learn all that a properly trained submissive would know. Can I just say until this book I never thought about how actors and actresses prepped for these roles?? I loved Maggie Gylenhal in her role in the Secretary but I never stopped before to wonder who the heck taught her or even who is teaching the couple in the new 50SOG movie coming out in the spring..oh gawd I hope it's someone in the lifestyle and they can save this movie from being a joke.
I enjoyed the unfolding of the story of Quinn finding herself as a woman again. She's played so many roles in her life and been recognized only as her character for so long she had begun to fade away because she didn't know who she was anymore. Even her mother had a hard time seeing her daughter as a woman and not just the actress. This new role will help her get away from being Missy the character everyone knows an loves and will also help her let go of the past finally.
As Quinn learns the mechanics of being a submissive for her role, she learns more about herself, as she grows more confident in her role it also becomes more clear who Quinn IS. This of course doesn't come easily, because it's a new situation and both participants have their own preconceived notions of the other's motivations and it takes a bit before the trust is earned and given.
Master Marcus is ecstatic about being offered the new position, this is where he belongs and he's happy to have his life going in a great direction; he's however non too happy to be offered the assignment of being a tutor to a celebrity who might screw up his new flow. But when given the chance to really teach her Marcus takes on the mission. Once Marcus starts and realizes there is more to Quinn than others have had a chance to see, he's more willing to reach the depths she's hiding from. As the story progresses Marcus learns more about what kind of Dom he is, what kind of man he wants to be. Quinn makes him think about his life plan and what he once believed love to be and want he really needs to complete himself and to truly have it all.
I loved that this book discussed the issues with blending two very different lives and expectations of their lives to make their relationship work. The two characters had a lot of reasons for reservations but they worked to figure them out. It was amazing to read. So were the fireworks when the two personalities clashed (which led to some amazingly written sexy times).
Holy cow can this woman write a scene that makes you feel like you're right there getting into it with them. I loved the pacing, the growth of the characters, the way they fought, came together, fought, and eventually learnt how to work together. I was completely engrossed in the story and wanted to get to the end quickly so I could find out everything that happened and how it was going to end. I must say I started to panic a little when we were getting close to the end but the story hadn't been resolved yet, I was like nooo... I want my ending. And boy did Ms Aicher deliver. I'm very happy!!
I have loved this series since the beginning and I can't wait to read the rest. Go read it people, it's so worth it!! I like the newer covers as the more conservative reader can take it out without fear of censure however I'm in love with the original cover.
★★★★★
Happy Reading my loves and i can't wait to read the next book in the series.
October 23, 2013
Buddy read with Aly
Actress Quinn has lived her whole life in the public spotlight, looking to lose her good girl image she has agreed to star as a submissive in a new TV show but the problem is that she knows nothing of the BDSM lifestyle. In order to make her role believable she has signed up for a week of intensive lessons at her local sex club, The Den. Marcus is the Dom who is in control of teaching Quinn to be the perfect submissive and he is convinced that it is more than just a job to her. He is determined to unlock her inner desires and make her realise what she has been missing out on but with her whole life scrutinised by the public will Quinn be brave enough to admit what she really wants?
Bonds of Hope is the fourth book in the Wicked Play series and although each story works as a stand alone I'd happily recommend reading all of them. I have become a big fan of this series and the author's writing style and I hope we have lots more books to come about these characters in the future. Marcus is one of the newer owners of The Den but he has worked there since it's opening six years ago and is a trusted and popular Dom. He is a very easy character to like, he is comfortable with who and what he is and doesn't feel the need to explain himself or his actions to anyone. At first he isn't keen on the idea of training an actress but from the moment he meets Quinn he can't deny his attraction to her. He senses her submissive side but it is hard for him to tell when she is playing a role and when she is just being herself. She intrigues him though and he wants to get to know the real person she is inside rather than the front that she shows to the world. I loved the fact that Marcus doesn't try to deny his feelings or push her away when he starts to care about her, he knows what he wants and he just has to figure out a way to get Quinn to agree to be his permanent submissive.
I had mixed feelings about Quinn at first, she comes across as quite naive and judgemental at first so I wasn't sure if I was going to like her. She actually started to grow on me quite quickly though, it doesn't take long for you to see that she has a lot of inner strength when you look beyond the surface. She is actually a lot braver than I gave her credit for and it was interesting seeing her start to realise how much power she had. She has spent a long time letting other people run her life for her, from her controlling mother to her publicist and manager she has let other people dictate her actions without really considering why she didn't make her own choices. As she spends more time with Marcus and she learns a lot about herself and does a lot of growing up, she changes a great deal and actually starts to stand up and make her own plans for her future.
If you've read any of the other books in this series you'll know to expect plenty of hot sex in Bonds of Hope, Marcus certainly knows his way around a flogger and he is happy to teach Quinn everything he knows about sexual submission! The scenes in the club aren't the only ones though and I think some of my favourites were when the couple were in the privacy of Marcus's apartment. I enjoyed the character development and the way they were both prepared to make compromises so they could be a couple, they both have to overcome their jealousy over each other's respective jobs but I was pleased this was something they could discuss like adults before making a decision. There was one thing that I wasn't a huge fan of but I can't really talk about that without spoilers so I'm not going to go into details here, I just felt that it forced their issues somewhat and I would have preferred them to have dealt with things without that hanging over their heads. That was a fairly minor problem though and overall I found myself really enjoying their story. This is another solid instalment to the series and one I'm sure fans will enjoy.
Actress Quinn has lived her whole life in the public spotlight, looking to lose her good girl image she has agreed to star as a submissive in a new TV show but the problem is that she knows nothing of the BDSM lifestyle. In order to make her role believable she has signed up for a week of intensive lessons at her local sex club, The Den. Marcus is the Dom who is in control of teaching Quinn to be the perfect submissive and he is convinced that it is more than just a job to her. He is determined to unlock her inner desires and make her realise what she has been missing out on but with her whole life scrutinised by the public will Quinn be brave enough to admit what she really wants?
Bonds of Hope is the fourth book in the Wicked Play series and although each story works as a stand alone I'd happily recommend reading all of them. I have become a big fan of this series and the author's writing style and I hope we have lots more books to come about these characters in the future. Marcus is one of the newer owners of The Den but he has worked there since it's opening six years ago and is a trusted and popular Dom. He is a very easy character to like, he is comfortable with who and what he is and doesn't feel the need to explain himself or his actions to anyone. At first he isn't keen on the idea of training an actress but from the moment he meets Quinn he can't deny his attraction to her. He senses her submissive side but it is hard for him to tell when she is playing a role and when she is just being herself. She intrigues him though and he wants to get to know the real person she is inside rather than the front that she shows to the world. I loved the fact that Marcus doesn't try to deny his feelings or push her away when he starts to care about her, he knows what he wants and he just has to figure out a way to get Quinn to agree to be his permanent submissive.
I had mixed feelings about Quinn at first, she comes across as quite naive and judgemental at first so I wasn't sure if I was going to like her. She actually started to grow on me quite quickly though, it doesn't take long for you to see that she has a lot of inner strength when you look beyond the surface. She is actually a lot braver than I gave her credit for and it was interesting seeing her start to realise how much power she had. She has spent a long time letting other people run her life for her, from her controlling mother to her publicist and manager she has let other people dictate her actions without really considering why she didn't make her own choices. As she spends more time with Marcus and she learns a lot about herself and does a lot of growing up, she changes a great deal and actually starts to stand up and make her own plans for her future.
If you've read any of the other books in this series you'll know to expect plenty of hot sex in Bonds of Hope, Marcus certainly knows his way around a flogger and he is happy to teach Quinn everything he knows about sexual submission! The scenes in the club aren't the only ones though and I think some of my favourites were when the couple were in the privacy of Marcus's apartment. I enjoyed the character development and the way they were both prepared to make compromises so they could be a couple, they both have to overcome their jealousy over each other's respective jobs but I was pleased this was something they could discuss like adults before making a decision. There was one thing that I wasn't a huge fan of but I can't really talk about that without spoilers so I'm not going to go into details here, I just felt that it forced their issues somewhat and I would have preferred them to have dealt with things without that hanging over their heads. That was a fairly minor problem though and overall I found myself really enjoying their story. This is another solid instalment to the series and one I'm sure fans will enjoy.
September 16, 2013
Last year I read Bonds of Trust and wrote about it here, indicating I'd liked it fairly well and planned to follow it up with Bond of Need. Time got away from me, though, and when I saw Bonds of Hope on Netgalley not long ago, I decided to jump back into the series. I'm glad I did. I'm not usually a fan in books of celebrity characters, but the notion of a waifish actress, whose mother seemed a stage mother from hell, wanting to explore BDSM for a role in a TV series appealed to me, even if it seemed a little far-fetched.
When Quinn Andrews goes to The Den for a crash course in being a sexual submissive, she has no idea that she actually is one. She does know that she's never been in control of her life as her mother and others have made all her decisions for her since she was a child actress. This makes her waifishness all the more so, and makes the job of Marcus Reese, her assigned Dominant (and one of the club's owners) for the week, more difficult. He quickly enough decides she is a sub, but because she's a good actress, he's not completely sure. As they explore her limits and she learns about BDSM, they begin to fall in love, but time is not on their side. She'll be leaving soon enough to start the series, and his friends don't want him hurt by a fling. Her jealousy of other subs he works with--now non-sexually--also threatens their burgeoning relationship, which comes to a breaking point when an incriminating photo of the two of them lands on the Internet.
I liked Marcus quite a bit; he pays attention to Quinn's needs and allows himself to fall for her. I never realized until recently that I seem to love a waif, so Quinn appealed to me as well, although keeping her identity a secret also seemed far-fetched. If she's doing a BDSM TV series, why would it be so scandalous if the public knew she visited a sex club? This felt contrived in our post-Charlie Sheen era but it served the plot because it extended Quinn's waifishness in in terms of needing to be protected against the world.
Although I can't go into it to avoid spoiler territory, things all go to shit before Quinn and Marcus are allowed their emotional happily-ever-after, which showcases their personalities. Marcus is a rescuer and Quinn very much needs rescuing, but not because she's weak. She's simply sheltered, and eventually her attempts to stand on her own go overboard, which is what sets up the final scenes. That felt authentic to me, something I can't always say when reading erotic romance.
There's plenty of kinky sex being had at The Den and by Marcus and Quinn, but there's quite a bit more to the story. I think Aicher did a better job in that the writing didn't suffer the same stiltedness as occasionally creeped into Bonds of Trust. What worked particularly well was Quinn's transformation. It's always great to see a waif allowed to self-actualize, even in an erotic romance.
When Quinn Andrews goes to The Den for a crash course in being a sexual submissive, she has no idea that she actually is one. She does know that she's never been in control of her life as her mother and others have made all her decisions for her since she was a child actress. This makes her waifishness all the more so, and makes the job of Marcus Reese, her assigned Dominant (and one of the club's owners) for the week, more difficult. He quickly enough decides she is a sub, but because she's a good actress, he's not completely sure. As they explore her limits and she learns about BDSM, they begin to fall in love, but time is not on their side. She'll be leaving soon enough to start the series, and his friends don't want him hurt by a fling. Her jealousy of other subs he works with--now non-sexually--also threatens their burgeoning relationship, which comes to a breaking point when an incriminating photo of the two of them lands on the Internet.
I liked Marcus quite a bit; he pays attention to Quinn's needs and allows himself to fall for her. I never realized until recently that I seem to love a waif, so Quinn appealed to me as well, although keeping her identity a secret also seemed far-fetched. If she's doing a BDSM TV series, why would it be so scandalous if the public knew she visited a sex club? This felt contrived in our post-Charlie Sheen era but it served the plot because it extended Quinn's waifishness in in terms of needing to be protected against the world.
Although I can't go into it to avoid spoiler territory, things all go to shit before Quinn and Marcus are allowed their emotional happily-ever-after, which showcases their personalities. Marcus is a rescuer and Quinn very much needs rescuing, but not because she's weak. She's simply sheltered, and eventually her attempts to stand on her own go overboard, which is what sets up the final scenes. That felt authentic to me, something I can't always say when reading erotic romance.
There's plenty of kinky sex being had at The Den and by Marcus and Quinn, but there's quite a bit more to the story. I think Aicher did a better job in that the writing didn't suffer the same stiltedness as occasionally creeped into Bonds of Trust. What worked particularly well was Quinn's transformation. It's always great to see a waif allowed to self-actualize, even in an erotic romance.
February 22, 2015
Review also published on my blog StudentSpyglass
Plot: ★★★
Characters: ★★★
Readability: ★★★★
Overall: ★★★
Quinn Andrews is an actress determined to shed her good girl image and break into some different roles. She plans to revive her career by taking on the role of a sexual submissive. It’s like nothing she’s ever done before, so she’ll be taking a week of instruction at The Den first in order to play her part convincingly.
Marcus is still adapting to his new role as part-owner of The Den, and at first he’s very reluctant to take on Quinn’s training. He’s expecting a spoilt celebrity brat, and he can think of plenty of things he’d rather be doing. He’s pleasantly surprised by Quinn’s apparent natural submissive nature, and they click fantastically. How can he tell whether she’s truly a submissive or just a damn good actress? Marcus knows he needs to find out what Quinn really wants in the bedroom – and getting her to face up to that within a week is not going to be easy. The two also seem to have a blooming attraction but is it real? And could it ever blossom into something more?
Although I really enjoyed the first two books in the Wicked Play series, I was thoroughly disappointed by Bonds of Desire, (book 3). I was a bit nervous about Bonds of Hope because of that, but I’m pleased to say that Bonds of Hope felt like a return to form for Ms Aicher. The writing and editing issues I had with Bonds of Desire all seemed to have been addressed in Bonds of Hope, and the book flowed much more in my opinion.
I loved Quinn as a character. Her life has been planned out for her every step of the way, and she has little to no control over anything. She also has a nightmare of a stage mother. Despite all that, she’s vulnerable without being a victim. She’s certainly used to following orders, but beneath all that she does still have some fire which makes her more likeable. Her celebrity status doesn’t make her feel shallow, because we also see the difficulties she’s faced because of it. It’s quite lovely the way she grows so believably throughout the story.
The relationship in Bonds of Hope grows very naturally, helped, I’m sure, by the fact Marcus is such a likeable character. He’s great at what he does, and he knows just how to get Quinn to open up to him. Marcus and Quinn have great chemistry, but their relationship is in no way completely physical – they also talk things through, have coffee and generally get to know each other.
All in all, I found Bonds of Hope an enjoyable addition to the Wicked Play series. While there is definitely some steamy sex scenes, Bonds of Hope is above all, a romance. It has a slight coming-of-age feel, likeable characters and since it’s quite short, would make for an ideal indulgent evening read.
Plot: ★★★
Characters: ★★★
Readability: ★★★★
Overall: ★★★
Quinn Andrews is an actress determined to shed her good girl image and break into some different roles. She plans to revive her career by taking on the role of a sexual submissive. It’s like nothing she’s ever done before, so she’ll be taking a week of instruction at The Den first in order to play her part convincingly.
Marcus is still adapting to his new role as part-owner of The Den, and at first he’s very reluctant to take on Quinn’s training. He’s expecting a spoilt celebrity brat, and he can think of plenty of things he’d rather be doing. He’s pleasantly surprised by Quinn’s apparent natural submissive nature, and they click fantastically. How can he tell whether she’s truly a submissive or just a damn good actress? Marcus knows he needs to find out what Quinn really wants in the bedroom – and getting her to face up to that within a week is not going to be easy. The two also seem to have a blooming attraction but is it real? And could it ever blossom into something more?
Although I really enjoyed the first two books in the Wicked Play series, I was thoroughly disappointed by Bonds of Desire, (book 3). I was a bit nervous about Bonds of Hope because of that, but I’m pleased to say that Bonds of Hope felt like a return to form for Ms Aicher. The writing and editing issues I had with Bonds of Desire all seemed to have been addressed in Bonds of Hope, and the book flowed much more in my opinion.
I loved Quinn as a character. Her life has been planned out for her every step of the way, and she has little to no control over anything. She also has a nightmare of a stage mother. Despite all that, she’s vulnerable without being a victim. She’s certainly used to following orders, but beneath all that she does still have some fire which makes her more likeable. Her celebrity status doesn’t make her feel shallow, because we also see the difficulties she’s faced because of it. It’s quite lovely the way she grows so believably throughout the story.
The relationship in Bonds of Hope grows very naturally, helped, I’m sure, by the fact Marcus is such a likeable character. He’s great at what he does, and he knows just how to get Quinn to open up to him. Marcus and Quinn have great chemistry, but their relationship is in no way completely physical – they also talk things through, have coffee and generally get to know each other.
All in all, I found Bonds of Hope an enjoyable addition to the Wicked Play series. While there is definitely some steamy sex scenes, Bonds of Hope is above all, a romance. It has a slight coming-of-age feel, likeable characters and since it’s quite short, would make for an ideal indulgent evening read.
November 17, 2014
A sexy celebritant meets a yummy Dom in BONDS OF HOPE, and as the sparks fly, so do the potential problems.
Quinn Andrews is used to being treated like the celeb she is, but at exclusive BDSM club The Den, she's just another submissive learning the ropes. Quinn has contracted with professional Dom and part-owner of the club, Marcus Reese, to teach her about the leather world to prepare her for an upcoming role. But what she winds up feeling for him is as far from acting as possible.
Marcus learned long ago to go with the flow, and he really wants to see where this strange attraction to Quinn leads, especially when she agrees to move from watching Scenes to participating in them. But despite their mutual attraction and the sure knowledge that this is something MORE, the possibility of the two of them being together is low. She's a high profile celebrity; he's a professional Dom. While it's a situation made in tabloid heaven, the real world is a bit more complicated for them.
BONDS OF HOPE is book 4 in the Wicked Play series, featuring the owners of exclusive BDSM club, The Den. In the previous book, Bonds of Desire, The Den was forced to close down for a few months. BONDS OF HOPE begins as the club reopens under a newly formed set of partners, including longtime employee Master Marcus. He's immediately struck by Quinn's feisty but natural submissive streak when she comes to him for training, and the chemistry the two of them display while she's learning the ropes was delicious.
Quinn doesn't understand why her body is enjoying the mild pain that Marcus inflicts, and her natural curiosity has her wanting to know the reasons behind her reactions. I found her naiveté refreshing. She genuinely wanted to understand why her body and mind were thinking two separate things. Her natural submissive streak is very attractive to Marcus, but realizing that that is her true nature actually gives her the courage to make her own decisions in the end. I had a hard time not giggling over the image of a sexy Marcus in a leather chest harness wielding a crop, which just screams cheesy gay porn to me, but what do I know?
I did love BONDS OF HOPE, and it is one of my favorites in the Wicked Play series.
Quinn Andrews is used to being treated like the celeb she is, but at exclusive BDSM club The Den, she's just another submissive learning the ropes. Quinn has contracted with professional Dom and part-owner of the club, Marcus Reese, to teach her about the leather world to prepare her for an upcoming role. But what she winds up feeling for him is as far from acting as possible.
Marcus learned long ago to go with the flow, and he really wants to see where this strange attraction to Quinn leads, especially when she agrees to move from watching Scenes to participating in them. But despite their mutual attraction and the sure knowledge that this is something MORE, the possibility of the two of them being together is low. She's a high profile celebrity; he's a professional Dom. While it's a situation made in tabloid heaven, the real world is a bit more complicated for them.
BONDS OF HOPE is book 4 in the Wicked Play series, featuring the owners of exclusive BDSM club, The Den. In the previous book, Bonds of Desire, The Den was forced to close down for a few months. BONDS OF HOPE begins as the club reopens under a newly formed set of partners, including longtime employee Master Marcus. He's immediately struck by Quinn's feisty but natural submissive streak when she comes to him for training, and the chemistry the two of them display while she's learning the ropes was delicious.
Quinn doesn't understand why her body is enjoying the mild pain that Marcus inflicts, and her natural curiosity has her wanting to know the reasons behind her reactions. I found her naiveté refreshing. She genuinely wanted to understand why her body and mind were thinking two separate things. Her natural submissive streak is very attractive to Marcus, but realizing that that is her true nature actually gives her the courage to make her own decisions in the end. I had a hard time not giggling over the image of a sexy Marcus in a leather chest harness wielding a crop, which just screams cheesy gay porn to me, but what do I know?
I did love BONDS OF HOPE, and it is one of my favorites in the Wicked Play series.
October 25, 2013
Bonds of Hope (Wicked Play #4) - Lynda Aicher
I did not expect how lovely this story would be!!! Sure it is set in a BDSM world, but the plot is more about a young woman finding herself. Apart from Fifty shades I have not really read any BDSM book, as they are not really my thing, but I read a blog that someone wrote about this book that really appealed to me so I thought why not take a shot!
The story revolves around Quinn who is a product of a stage mum and a child star who, on her publicist and manager advice decided its time to shake up her public image and get away from being knows as child star and move into more adult roles. Sooooo the next role she is contracted to play is a submissive, to get into the role and learn about the world her manager contacts "The Den" an underground BDSM club to initiate Quinn into the world of Sub's and Dom's for one week.
Enter Marcus who is a professional Dom and part owner of the club. Quinn decided that to get into the role of being a sub she must fully immerse herself in the role and become Marcus's sub for real. Neither Marcus or Quinn were expecting how well Quinn fell into the role, or the relationship that develops naturally with the two of them. Quinn who has been told what to do and how to do everything since she was a a little girl discovers that being a submissive is really all about control and power and she slowly begins a journey of self discovery. Marcus falls hard and fast and discovers so much joy in watching Quinn find herself and breaking out of her shell. Of course it is all not fine sailing, but if I tell you how it goes down that would spoil it for you!
This really was a lovely read and I totally enjoyed it, it was nice an light, not too full on but still had depth and a great plot line.
"Quinn." His voice was soft and he pushed back a lock of her hair before he framed her face with his big hands. "You already own me. I'm yours."
I did not expect how lovely this story would be!!! Sure it is set in a BDSM world, but the plot is more about a young woman finding herself. Apart from Fifty shades I have not really read any BDSM book, as they are not really my thing, but I read a blog that someone wrote about this book that really appealed to me so I thought why not take a shot!
The story revolves around Quinn who is a product of a stage mum and a child star who, on her publicist and manager advice decided its time to shake up her public image and get away from being knows as child star and move into more adult roles. Sooooo the next role she is contracted to play is a submissive, to get into the role and learn about the world her manager contacts "The Den" an underground BDSM club to initiate Quinn into the world of Sub's and Dom's for one week.
Enter Marcus who is a professional Dom and part owner of the club. Quinn decided that to get into the role of being a sub she must fully immerse herself in the role and become Marcus's sub for real. Neither Marcus or Quinn were expecting how well Quinn fell into the role, or the relationship that develops naturally with the two of them. Quinn who has been told what to do and how to do everything since she was a a little girl discovers that being a submissive is really all about control and power and she slowly begins a journey of self discovery. Marcus falls hard and fast and discovers so much joy in watching Quinn find herself and breaking out of her shell. Of course it is all not fine sailing, but if I tell you how it goes down that would spoil it for you!
This really was a lovely read and I totally enjoyed it, it was nice an light, not too full on but still had depth and a great plot line.
"Quinn." His voice was soft and he pushed back a lock of her hair before he framed her face with his big hands. "You already own me. I'm yours."
October 13, 2013
Source: eARC for Honest Review from Carina Press via NetGalley
There is just something about this series that I really like. I think it has to do with feeling like you are into the psyche of the submissive and the dom. While they struggle with their wants and needs.
For Quinn she is training for a role of a submissive but the minute she meets the Dom Marcus she wants this to be real instead of pretend.
For Marcus he likes being a Dom and has never seen the need to have a relationship as he gets everything he needs from the club until he meets Quinn.
The moment he meets Quinn he knows that she is different and could be the deal breaker for him. He knows that she is a natural submissive all he has to do is get her to realize it.
Quinn goes from pretend to reality with only a few days in the careful hands of Marcus but both of them get so much more than what they wanted or didn't know that they needed from each other.
Marcus and Quinn have to battle their own demons to get what they want and need which is each other. Their chemistry is undeniable and their relationship only cements this.
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August 30, 2013
Bonds of hope - Lynda Aicher
I've been a fan of this series since book one I eagerly await each book and bonds of hope did not disappoint.
Quinn Andrews shot to fame as a child actor now at the age of 25 she wants to leave that image behind for more grown up roles. She visits the Den as a means of research for an upcoming tv series. Marcus is the Dom that is volunteered to teach her the life style. Quinn finds him so stunningly attractive its hard for her to remember that this is just for TV.
Marcus isn't thrilled about being volunteered to teach a Hollywood diva how to be the perfect sub. That's until he meets Quinn Andrews she's so perfect for him and speaks to his soul he wants to protect her, brand her, make her his. Marcus makes it his mission to find out who the woman behind the actress truly is and how he can keep her in his life.
This was epic reading!! As much as I loved book 3 I thought it lacked intimacy...bonds of hope had it by the bucket load. The intensity of these two characters was amazing it blew me away, Aichers writing really painted a vivid picture. I fell in love with Quinn and Marcus they where just so sexy together it made my toes curl nd heart melt.
I also really enjoy the recurring characters and catching little glimpses into there lives and how their relationships are developing. I'm also excited about the new characters... I was on the fence about adding new people but it's really paid off and I'm super happy the series can continue.
I look forward to reading more.. I'm totally in love and invested in these characters it's one of my most favorite series of 2013. Lynda Aicher is one great talent.
I've been a fan of this series since book one I eagerly await each book and bonds of hope did not disappoint.
Quinn Andrews shot to fame as a child actor now at the age of 25 she wants to leave that image behind for more grown up roles. She visits the Den as a means of research for an upcoming tv series. Marcus is the Dom that is volunteered to teach her the life style. Quinn finds him so stunningly attractive its hard for her to remember that this is just for TV.
Marcus isn't thrilled about being volunteered to teach a Hollywood diva how to be the perfect sub. That's until he meets Quinn Andrews she's so perfect for him and speaks to his soul he wants to protect her, brand her, make her his. Marcus makes it his mission to find out who the woman behind the actress truly is and how he can keep her in his life.
This was epic reading!! As much as I loved book 3 I thought it lacked intimacy...bonds of hope had it by the bucket load. The intensity of these two characters was amazing it blew me away, Aichers writing really painted a vivid picture. I fell in love with Quinn and Marcus they where just so sexy together it made my toes curl nd heart melt.
I also really enjoy the recurring characters and catching little glimpses into there lives and how their relationships are developing. I'm also excited about the new characters... I was on the fence about adding new people but it's really paid off and I'm super happy the series can continue.
I look forward to reading more.. I'm totally in love and invested in these characters it's one of my most favorite series of 2013. Lynda Aicher is one great talent.
October 23, 2013
Quinn arrives at The Den to get some training for a movie role. She is tired of what her life has become and wants a chance to make a change. The Den is both shocking and exciting and she wants to learn more.
Marcus is not keen on 'babysitting' a movie star, especially now that he is a partner in the club. He has his hands full with his clients and has not time to waste. So when Quinn requests to experience the lifestyle, he goes full out. What he wasn't expecting was how this experience will affect them both.
Once again, Lynda Aicher managed to deliver a sensual yet emotionally driven story. Neither Quinn nor Marcus are in search of love, but when they start their training and their emotions come into play, both of them must deal with the reality that is their life.
She's an actress, he's a Dom. She's not strong enough to speak of her feelings and too inexperienced in the lifestyle to compromise on his career. He's too stubborn to let go though and when tragedy strikes, he's there ready to change his life in order to have her.
I liked that the author developed their connection over time and that their relationship wasn't immediately a physical one. They had their scenes, but mostly they talked and shared and when the time came for them to 'train' it was packed full of sexual tension and excitement. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Bonds of Hope is the fourth book in the Wicked Play series, but can be read as a stand alone.
I received this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange of my honest opinion.
Marcus is not keen on 'babysitting' a movie star, especially now that he is a partner in the club. He has his hands full with his clients and has not time to waste. So when Quinn requests to experience the lifestyle, he goes full out. What he wasn't expecting was how this experience will affect them both.
Once again, Lynda Aicher managed to deliver a sensual yet emotionally driven story. Neither Quinn nor Marcus are in search of love, but when they start their training and their emotions come into play, both of them must deal with the reality that is their life.
She's an actress, he's a Dom. She's not strong enough to speak of her feelings and too inexperienced in the lifestyle to compromise on his career. He's too stubborn to let go though and when tragedy strikes, he's there ready to change his life in order to have her.
I liked that the author developed their connection over time and that their relationship wasn't immediately a physical one. They had their scenes, but mostly they talked and shared and when the time came for them to 'train' it was packed full of sexual tension and excitement. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Bonds of Hope is the fourth book in the Wicked Play series, but can be read as a stand alone.
I received this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange of my honest opinion.
October 16, 2013
Lynda Aicher is a new name for many readers, but she has already caught my eye. While EVERYBODY knows that 3/4 of the BDSM books are comparable if not exact in story line to that notorious 50 Shades, at least Aicher gave a good representation of something different. In "Bonds of Hope", Quinn is an actress who wants to really experience her next role as a Sub (Submissive) in a BDSM film, so she arranges for a week in an exclusive club where she is to be a Sub. She ends up with an attraction to Marcus, the hot Dom and a blooming interest in the BDSM world. Overall, this was a good story that was believable and not all about just sex. I appreciate the way Aicher tells this story. It was different and that in itself was refreshing. Of course, by this time, I think a lot of readers are ready for the next reading trend. I am interested in more of Aichers books to find out if she can really develop a unique plot. I think she made all of this story that she could and it was very interesting. I just never found a "Wow factor". Marcus' character was really hot and interesting at some points, but then it would fizzle back into blase. As I said, I look forward to reading Aicher's other books. I have a feeling that she has a lot great stories to write and I look forward to it.
Thanks to the publisher for giving me this book in exchange for a fair review.
Read more reviews, get information about new releases and find out more about your next great romance at my blog Romance Readers Bookshelf
Thanks to the publisher for giving me this book in exchange for a fair review.
Read more reviews, get information about new releases and find out more about your next great romance at my blog Romance Readers Bookshelf
February 15, 2017
I loved some parts in the earlier part of this book.
There was a part where it says: "He lean down. "Is my pussy doing okay?" Her nostrils flared with her inhale. "I didn't know you had a pussy sir." His snot of laughter was out before he could stop it. the little brat. Her lips quirked around the smile she was trying to withhold. A sharp jerk of the leash had her snapping around, eyes wide, mouth gaping. "Are you asking for a punishment already?" "No sir." She shook her head. "I was only clarifying you question. You asked if you pussy was okay." She glanced away then back. "Do you have a pussy... sir?" She had him. He wanted to spank her and applaud her at the same time. When was the last time he'd laughed with a sub? Had he ever? "Your mouth is going to get you in trouble." She licked her lips, the humor dancing in her eyes. "is that" "a warning?" "I only make promises," he gritted out in an attempt to keep his smile hidden. "Then, sir,..." her lips quirked again, "...I promise your pussy is fine." He gave up the pretense and let his laughter go. It tumbled out of him, causing several people to stare. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. she giggled, the light sound lifting up to mingle with his. After a moment, he finally controlled himself to lean down and growl, "Brats like you get spanked."
That section in the earlier part of the book had me with total tears in laughter. I really enjoyed reading Marcus and Quinn's story.
Now looking to read the next book.
There was a part where it says: "He lean down. "Is my pussy doing okay?" Her nostrils flared with her inhale. "I didn't know you had a pussy sir." His snot of laughter was out before he could stop it. the little brat. Her lips quirked around the smile she was trying to withhold. A sharp jerk of the leash had her snapping around, eyes wide, mouth gaping. "Are you asking for a punishment already?" "No sir." She shook her head. "I was only clarifying you question. You asked if you pussy was okay." She glanced away then back. "Do you have a pussy... sir?" She had him. He wanted to spank her and applaud her at the same time. When was the last time he'd laughed with a sub? Had he ever? "Your mouth is going to get you in trouble." She licked her lips, the humor dancing in her eyes. "is that" "a warning?" "I only make promises," he gritted out in an attempt to keep his smile hidden. "Then, sir,..." her lips quirked again, "...I promise your pussy is fine." He gave up the pretense and let his laughter go. It tumbled out of him, causing several people to stare. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. she giggled, the light sound lifting up to mingle with his. After a moment, he finally controlled himself to lean down and growl, "Brats like you get spanked."
That section in the earlier part of the book had me with total tears in laughter. I really enjoyed reading Marcus and Quinn's story.
Now looking to read the next book.
August 7, 2016
I was given an advanced copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Now that's what I'm talking about! This was a great addition to the Wicked Play series, and I absolutely loved it! I think that this one was definitely able to capture the same heavy emotions that I felt from books 1 & 2 that I found missing in book 3. I love the way these stories are about so much more than the BDSM relationship the characters forge, and more about their internal emotional struggles they need to overcome. Quinn has lead a pampered lifestyle of an actress since childhood, but she has also allowed everyone in her life to control her. Marcus is able to see beyond the facade that Quinn projects, and into her core that shows a true submissive at heart. You are definitely able to feel the chemistry and emotional connection that draws these two together. I also liked that Aicher didn't shy away from them having real issues about the logistics about making their relationship work out as well. Lets just say I couldn't put this book down. I highly recommend this series, and I think Aicher really captures something special with her characters that few who write BDSM can. I'm eagerly awaiting the next book, but I so hope she does a book for Rock soon!
Now that's what I'm talking about! This was a great addition to the Wicked Play series, and I absolutely loved it! I think that this one was definitely able to capture the same heavy emotions that I felt from books 1 & 2 that I found missing in book 3. I love the way these stories are about so much more than the BDSM relationship the characters forge, and more about their internal emotional struggles they need to overcome. Quinn has lead a pampered lifestyle of an actress since childhood, but she has also allowed everyone in her life to control her. Marcus is able to see beyond the facade that Quinn projects, and into her core that shows a true submissive at heart. You are definitely able to feel the chemistry and emotional connection that draws these two together. I also liked that Aicher didn't shy away from them having real issues about the logistics about making their relationship work out as well. Lets just say I couldn't put this book down. I highly recommend this series, and I think Aicher really captures something special with her characters that few who write BDSM can. I'm eagerly awaiting the next book, but I so hope she does a book for Rock soon!
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