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Bound by Steel
Lyra Harper
I was driving home to spend the holidays with my family.
But I lost control of my vehicle on an icy mountain road.
I slammed into a tree on the edge of Lake Lucerne.
I barely remember writing my name on the frosted windowpane.
The darkness had swallowed me whole.
I spiraled toward oblivion.
When I awoke from the gloom
I found myself in an old log cabin
With the devil’s eyes piercing fiercely into mine.
Ryker Steel
Up until four days ago, my life was tedious and tiresome.
Until, I rescued a dainty girl with golden hair and hazel eyes.
She looks just like the one I’m trying to forget.
Now my life has turned upside down and inside out.
You see, I inadvertently revealed my true identity.
Now, she can never leave.
We will live in hell, until we take our last breaths, together.
Lyra was the one who insisted on playing the game.
But I have a gut feeling, I will be the one to lose…
I was driving home to spend the holidays with my family.
But I lost control of my vehicle on an icy mountain road.
I slammed into a tree on the edge of Lake Lucerne.
I barely remember writing my name on the frosted windowpane.
The darkness had swallowed me whole.
I spiraled toward oblivion.
When I awoke from the gloom
I found myself in an old log cabin
With the devil’s eyes piercing fiercely into mine.
Ryker Steel
Up until four days ago, my life was tedious and tiresome.
Until, I rescued a dainty girl with golden hair and hazel eyes.
She looks just like the one I’m trying to forget.
Now my life has turned upside down and inside out.
You see, I inadvertently revealed my true identity.
Now, she can never leave.
We will live in hell, until we take our last breaths, together.
Lyra was the one who insisted on playing the game.
But I have a gut feeling, I will be the one to lose…
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 19, 2016
68 people are currently reading
478 people want to read
About the author
Connie Lafortune
14 books531 followers Connie Lafortune is a rebel, coffee addict and incurable romantic. She pens steamy contemporary romance about enemies-to-lovers, second chances, and broken heroes with plenty of angst. If she's not in her office writing her next novel, you can bet she's curled up in a comfy chair with her nose buried in a book. On the hunt for her next book boyfriend!
Upcoming Release:
Beneath the Bloodline
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Upcoming Release:
Beneath the Bloodline
Find me here:
Newsletter sign up ~ https://connielafortune.com/become-a-...
Reader Group ~ https://www.facebook.com/groups/48518...
Instagram ~ https://www.instagram.com/connielafor...
TikTok ~ https://www.tiktok.com/@connielafortu...
Website ~ https://connielafortune.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
November 6, 2021
3.5 Stars
This is one of those books were I can't give too many details because there are so many twists and turns that one little thing could spoil part of the story. Let's just say this was a bumpy ride, you'll have a lot of questions and the answers are slow to be revealed but when they are it is worth the wait.
Safety gang wise this is a bit of a clusterfuck. I can tell anyone that wants to know but, it will spoil essentially the whole story and it's reveal. What I will say is that
What I will say is that, though slow, I enjoyed this. Especially Ryker. I love my lead men grumpy and domineering and he certainly was. (He has a pierced penis -called an apadravya- I had to Google that cause I was curious, having never heard of it before and let me tell you it made me cringe, that shit looks painful!) He was so broken from grief that he had shut himself off from the world. He was hard and a complete arsehole at times, but I loved his character (apart from him using an escort and telling the h about it).
I don't read suspense often because it drives me insane. I bite all my nails off and have to wait for them to grow back before I can read another one just to do the same thing again. I'm not cut out for the build up and the waiting. But I'm glad I read this one, the author wrapped everything up really nicely by the end, there was nothing left unanswered for me.
This is one of those books were I can't give too many details because there are so many twists and turns that one little thing could spoil part of the story. Let's just say this was a bumpy ride, you'll have a lot of questions and the answers are slow to be revealed but when they are it is worth the wait.
Safety gang wise this is a bit of a clusterfuck. I can tell anyone that wants to know but, it will spoil essentially the whole story and it's reveal. What I will say is that
What I will say is that, though slow, I enjoyed this. Especially Ryker. I love my lead men grumpy and domineering and he certainly was. (He has a pierced penis -called an apadravya- I had to Google that cause I was curious, having never heard of it before and let me tell you it made me cringe, that shit looks painful!) He was so broken from grief that he had shut himself off from the world. He was hard and a complete arsehole at times, but I loved his character (apart from him using an escort and telling the h about it).
I don't read suspense often because it drives me insane. I bite all my nails off and have to wait for them to grow back before I can read another one just to do the same thing again. I'm not cut out for the build up and the waiting. But I'm glad I read this one, the author wrapped everything up really nicely by the end, there was nothing left unanswered for me.
May 5, 2018
Oh My…Oh My Heart…Did. Not. See. This. Coming. Connie Lafortune had me from page one. She hooked me, reeled me in, and when I thought I had myself under control, although with a million questions and a dozen concerns, she sucker-punched my heart and left me in a puddle of emotional goo.
BOUND BY STEEL crept up on me in the best of ways, as each layer was revealed, some peeled away in raw strips, others melting slowly away like ice cream under the passionate heat of the sun.
No, Connie Lafortune did NOT pen a soft romance, filtered through the mist, she created a raw and telling tale of love, incredible loss and the injustices of life as Fate steps in with either its cruelest joke or most incredible dream. Ryker Steel became a ghost, a shadow of himself until he rescues a woman from certain death and his past nightmares come crashing down on him like an avalanche. Now he can never let her go, turning him from hero to jailer.
Lyra Harper would have died on that secluded, ice-filled road when she crashed into that tree. She awoke in a cabin, to find herself trapped with a hulk of a man with a heart of stone. They were two strangers, yet, he acted as if he hated her, as if she were his personal hell.
How could Lyra be drawn to such a monster? He was hard, cold and chiseled like an Adonis and as hard as they tried to avoid it, they had chemistry of the most passionate kind. And she was in danger, not from him, but because of him…
Intense, fevered passion and deadly secrets surround the log cabin, but out in the world the web of lies will threaten to kill them both…especially if Lyra discovers who Ryker thinks she is…
Pass the ice water, Connie Lafortune’s BOUND BY STEEL is a boiling pot of mystery and intrigue, with a raging inferno of soul deep love. Unseen twists and a tsunami of tension had me riveted to the every end! Definitely re-reading this one!
Publication Date: March 19, 2016
Publisher: Connie Lafortune
Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Print Length: 266 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News: http://tometender.blogspot.com
BOUND BY STEEL crept up on me in the best of ways, as each layer was revealed, some peeled away in raw strips, others melting slowly away like ice cream under the passionate heat of the sun.
No, Connie Lafortune did NOT pen a soft romance, filtered through the mist, she created a raw and telling tale of love, incredible loss and the injustices of life as Fate steps in with either its cruelest joke or most incredible dream. Ryker Steel became a ghost, a shadow of himself until he rescues a woman from certain death and his past nightmares come crashing down on him like an avalanche. Now he can never let her go, turning him from hero to jailer.
Lyra Harper would have died on that secluded, ice-filled road when she crashed into that tree. She awoke in a cabin, to find herself trapped with a hulk of a man with a heart of stone. They were two strangers, yet, he acted as if he hated her, as if she were his personal hell.
How could Lyra be drawn to such a monster? He was hard, cold and chiseled like an Adonis and as hard as they tried to avoid it, they had chemistry of the most passionate kind. And she was in danger, not from him, but because of him…
Intense, fevered passion and deadly secrets surround the log cabin, but out in the world the web of lies will threaten to kill them both…especially if Lyra discovers who Ryker thinks she is…
Pass the ice water, Connie Lafortune’s BOUND BY STEEL is a boiling pot of mystery and intrigue, with a raging inferno of soul deep love. Unseen twists and a tsunami of tension had me riveted to the every end! Definitely re-reading this one!
Publication Date: March 19, 2016
Publisher: Connie Lafortune
Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Print Length: 266 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News: http://tometender.blogspot.com
April 15, 2017
2.5 stars
Genre: Erotica
Setting: New York
POVs: First person, shifting
HEA:
The few reviews that I read about this book touted it as a romantic-suspense read, but it read like straight-up erotica to me.
This book was divided into three parts and part one was the captor/captive part of the book. Lyra, the captive, attempted to escape ONCE before settling into her captor's home, journaling daily in her diary, letting the captor's dog out to do its business, hanging out in her captor's library, making meals for her captor, etc.
Zero intensity or believability, but I continued reading this story and thought there had to be a twist in there somewhere. In part two, Lyra was set free and tried to adapt to her old life again, but it was a struggle as her conscience weighed heavily on her for her actions in part one. Part three started with a twist, Lyra's captor returned to claim her, and then the story ended okay, but the author's writing style was not for me. Overall, an okay read.
Genre: Erotica
Setting: New York
POVs: First person, shifting
HEA:
The few reviews that I read about this book touted it as a romantic-suspense read, but it read like straight-up erotica to me.
This book was divided into three parts and part one was the captor/captive part of the book. Lyra, the captive, attempted to escape ONCE before settling into her captor's home, journaling daily in her diary, letting the captor's dog out to do its business, hanging out in her captor's library, making meals for her captor, etc.
Zero intensity or believability, but I continued reading this story and thought there had to be a twist in there somewhere. In part two, Lyra was set free and tried to adapt to her old life again, but it was a struggle as her conscience weighed heavily on her for her actions in part one. Part three started with a twist, Lyra's captor returned to claim her, and then the story ended okay, but the author's writing style was not for me. Overall, an okay read.
March 11, 2018
Few books touch my soul and open my heart quite the way this book has done. I'm captivated, enthralled, and completely floored by this outstanding and well written love story that literally swept me off my feet, broke my heart, repaired and give it hope to live again, and came full circle in one of the best and most intense romance stories I have ever read.
Wow.
I hardly have words. My chest actually feels tight with all of the emotion coursing through me. How can a book transport you like that? Make you feel so passionately? Literally drag you in so deep you live and breathe the characters and the story? Well, that's just what the author did.
This book has so many twists and turns, so many revelations, and the deep soul connection of two people who are destined to find their way back to each other, again and again, is so striking it will dominate you until you finish in eager anticipation. So very well written, so well described, so filled with passion, sensuality, and sex scenes that will literally set your kindle on fire.
God, I LOVED this book. I can't say enough. I can't rate it high enough. I can't recommend it more. 5 STARS. Read this book! You will not regret it. Well done, Miss Lafortune. You have gained a fan for life. <3
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Word Building: 5/5
Story Flow: 5/5
Picky Bitches OVERALL SCORE: 5/5
October 13, 2016
Well! Where to begin...holy crap just about covers the feeling while reading this book. I started it and finished it in one (very long) sitting with hand on my chest gasping as I flipped the pages! This book is AWESOME!
What struck me from the first page was the characterization; Ryker and Lyra are both conveyed in a believable way, from simple mannerisms to conversation to thoughts. There were moments where I had to remember that the book is authored by a female because Ryker's character was so spot on masculine in every conceivable way. I loved that the story is told from both perspectives, with a few others tossed in to keep me on my toes...
At first, it was the steamy connection between Ryker and his rescue, Lyra; the steam literally floats off the pages, and I had many jaw dropping moments, and that was just the sex--there is a lot of that (trust me, I'm not complaining).
BUT, it's not just the sex...the plot was incredibly well-done! Lafortune had me from Part One to the end and just when I thought I had an understanding of what was happening, she completely blew me out of the water, and not just once, it happened again and again. Wild read--LOVED it!
I'm giving nothing away, except to say that not everything is as it may seem.
Definitely worth my time and five stars doesn't even cover it!
What struck me from the first page was the characterization; Ryker and Lyra are both conveyed in a believable way, from simple mannerisms to conversation to thoughts. There were moments where I had to remember that the book is authored by a female because Ryker's character was so spot on masculine in every conceivable way. I loved that the story is told from both perspectives, with a few others tossed in to keep me on my toes...
At first, it was the steamy connection between Ryker and his rescue, Lyra; the steam literally floats off the pages, and I had many jaw dropping moments, and that was just the sex--there is a lot of that (trust me, I'm not complaining).
BUT, it's not just the sex...the plot was incredibly well-done! Lafortune had me from Part One to the end and just when I thought I had an understanding of what was happening, she completely blew me out of the water, and not just once, it happened again and again. Wild read--LOVED it!
I'm giving nothing away, except to say that not everything is as it may seem.
Definitely worth my time and five stars doesn't even cover it!
February 2, 2017
“Because I chose to save your life that day, you belong to me now. In due course, your family will come to believe you perished up on the mountain. Do you understand what that means, precious? You will never be able to see your family, your friends or your boyfriend. Ever again. So consider this the first day of the rest of your life.”
Oh man do I want to be bound by Ryker Steel. He is all man. Just gritty and torn up and hurt and all you wanna do is crawl up on his lap and...so I digress, but you know where I’m going with this. Anyway, back to the review. Ryker has lost the love of his life in a hit and run three years ago. Needless to say he still mourns his wife’s death. The FBI has given him a new identity and with his dog, Cody, he lives alone and away from civilization, until one night, when a car veers off the road. Ryker’s prepared for everything except for a woman who looks too much like his dead wife, and eliminating an innocent girl is not in his cards.
Lyra Harper awakens in a strange place, in a stranger’s bed, wearing stranger’s clothes. Soon, a devilishly handsome Ryker comes into focus. He’s dark, mysterious, dangerous, and he’s definitely hiding something. But he also has this pull she finds herself being drawn to. His rough remarks and dirty comments have her spinning between running away or finding out what this man is made of. Everything seems alright until she finds out Ryker’s not about to let her go. She knows too much now; who he is, where he lives, what he looks like.
Ryker and Lyra’s chemistry is through the roof. Their distrust for one another just adds to the intense magnetism they have. I couldn’t put this book down! From the moment Lyra opens her eyes I was also caught up in this stranger’s presence. Everything about him is scary, yet he’s got so much depth you just want more. Not only does this book offer hot as hell romance, but there’s a lot of suspense that keeps you on the edge. Who is Ryker? Is Lyra part of a set up? What is Ryker hiding from? Such an awesome read! I think Connie Lafortune has gained a new fan. Looking forward to reading more form her.
Oh man do I want to be bound by Ryker Steel. He is all man. Just gritty and torn up and hurt and all you wanna do is crawl up on his lap and...so I digress, but you know where I’m going with this. Anyway, back to the review. Ryker has lost the love of his life in a hit and run three years ago. Needless to say he still mourns his wife’s death. The FBI has given him a new identity and with his dog, Cody, he lives alone and away from civilization, until one night, when a car veers off the road. Ryker’s prepared for everything except for a woman who looks too much like his dead wife, and eliminating an innocent girl is not in his cards.
Lyra Harper awakens in a strange place, in a stranger’s bed, wearing stranger’s clothes. Soon, a devilishly handsome Ryker comes into focus. He’s dark, mysterious, dangerous, and he’s definitely hiding something. But he also has this pull she finds herself being drawn to. His rough remarks and dirty comments have her spinning between running away or finding out what this man is made of. Everything seems alright until she finds out Ryker’s not about to let her go. She knows too much now; who he is, where he lives, what he looks like.
Ryker and Lyra’s chemistry is through the roof. Their distrust for one another just adds to the intense magnetism they have. I couldn’t put this book down! From the moment Lyra opens her eyes I was also caught up in this stranger’s presence. Everything about him is scary, yet he’s got so much depth you just want more. Not only does this book offer hot as hell romance, but there’s a lot of suspense that keeps you on the edge. Who is Ryker? Is Lyra part of a set up? What is Ryker hiding from? Such an awesome read! I think Connie Lafortune has gained a new fan. Looking forward to reading more form her.
June 7, 2017
Ryker’s been hiding out in a mountain cabin in the years since his wife’s death. A former DEA agent, he believes a hit was put on her by his enemies and he fiercely blames himself. He also believes he may still be in danger from them. Then Lyra crashes her car near his cabin and he brings her in to care for her, realizing that he can’t let her go without putting her and himself at risk. She also happens to be a dead ringer for his dead wife, and it soon becomes evident there’s a lot more going on here than meets the eye.
You think at first that this is going to be your typical stuck in the wilderness/captivity type of romance, which I was down for because I enjoy those. I can’t go into too much detail without giving any spoilers, but there are many twists and turns along the way that bring this story far beyond what you might expect. The characterization of Lyra and Ryker, and even secondary characters like Gage and Kennedy, are done really well. They are drawn in a consistent and believable way. There is some other man/other woman drama, but there’s no cheating, and the other relationships are understandable considering the circumstances. I also really liked that the author didn’t villainize these characters. They were important to the characters’ journeys.
I did find myself having to suspend my disbelief a bit too forcefully near the end, when a certain plot point was resolved in a way that felt a little too neat and easy. But overall this was an pleasant surprise of a novel. It was an original story that was not predictable, and I was eager to find out what would happen next and how everything tied together. I really liked it.
You think at first that this is going to be your typical stuck in the wilderness/captivity type of romance, which I was down for because I enjoy those. I can’t go into too much detail without giving any spoilers, but there are many twists and turns along the way that bring this story far beyond what you might expect. The characterization of Lyra and Ryker, and even secondary characters like Gage and Kennedy, are done really well. They are drawn in a consistent and believable way. There is some other man/other woman drama, but there’s no cheating, and the other relationships are understandable considering the circumstances. I also really liked that the author didn’t villainize these characters. They were important to the characters’ journeys.
I did find myself having to suspend my disbelief a bit too forcefully near the end, when a certain plot point was resolved in a way that felt a little too neat and easy. But overall this was an pleasant surprise of a novel. It was an original story that was not predictable, and I was eager to find out what would happen next and how everything tied together. I really liked it.
November 5, 2016
I have two words for this book: yummy & captivating.
From the very first pages Ryker Steel had me. I was immediately drawn to him. The man was broken but still tough as nails and it was a combo I found immensely appealing.
But no matter how long I stand there and stare into the fire, I’m cold from the inside out. Nothing could ever make me feel warm and alive.
Enter Lyra. She crashed her car in a crazy snowstorm and is rescued by Ryker. His alpha comes out in their very first interaction..
“How dare I? Is that what you were going to ask? Well let me tell you something, we wouldn’t be having this conversation if I hadn’t done what I did. Hypothermia had already set in when I found you. One more hour, precious, and you would’ve been dead. Dry, warm clothes and my body heat are what saved your sorry ass...
The chemistry between these two was amazing. So much push and pull, lust and loathing that I felt like I had whiplash. When the inevitable finally comes to pass the sex was steamy and I loved Ryker's dirty "pillow talk." Add to all that a twisting storyline with more curves and intrigue than I was expecting... it made for a wonderful ride. I highly recommend this book, you won't be disappointed.
**I received a copy of this book from the author which I then chose to voluntarily review**
From the very first pages Ryker Steel had me. I was immediately drawn to him. The man was broken but still tough as nails and it was a combo I found immensely appealing.
But no matter how long I stand there and stare into the fire, I’m cold from the inside out. Nothing could ever make me feel warm and alive.
Enter Lyra. She crashed her car in a crazy snowstorm and is rescued by Ryker. His alpha comes out in their very first interaction..
“How dare I? Is that what you were going to ask? Well let me tell you something, we wouldn’t be having this conversation if I hadn’t done what I did. Hypothermia had already set in when I found you. One more hour, precious, and you would’ve been dead. Dry, warm clothes and my body heat are what saved your sorry ass...
The chemistry between these two was amazing. So much push and pull, lust and loathing that I felt like I had whiplash. When the inevitable finally comes to pass the sex was steamy and I loved Ryker's dirty "pillow talk." Add to all that a twisting storyline with more curves and intrigue than I was expecting... it made for a wonderful ride. I highly recommend this book, you won't be disappointed.
**I received a copy of this book from the author which I then chose to voluntarily review**
November 28, 2016
I entered uncharted territory as I began reading one of my first romance suspense novels, “Bound by Steel” by Connie Lafortune. Normally a reader of crime mysteries, I hoped there would be sufficient suspense to balance out the romance.
It didn’t take long to realize Lafortune skillfully blends suspense throughout her novel. Sure, there are steamy sex scenes one would expect to find in any romance novel, but it is the ever-present uncertainty and surprise that kept me reading.
Lyra, an angelic wisp of a woman, loses control of her car on a winter road far from home and careens to what appears to be an icy death--that is, until she’s rescued by Ryker Steel. Ryker is a rugged man’s man living with his dog in the middle of nowhere. A former DEA officer, Ryker dropped off the grid to escape the death of his wife, Bella, a victim of a hit-and-run driver. He also feared whoever targeted Bella may also be looking for him.
By rescuing Lyra, she became Ryker’s prisoner. Allowing her to leave would disclose Ryker’s location, risking his life. To say Lyra warmed up to the idea of being Ryker’s prisoner would be an understatement. Even though Lyra had a long-term lover, Gage, waiting for her at home, she made the best of her captivity. Lyra quickly fell in lust and then in love with Ryker. The book started out like Stephen King’s novel “Misery,” with the snowy crash and the rescued victim becoming a prisoner. The big difference was Lyra came to enjoy being bound to the bed.
Lyra’s quickly forsaking what appeared to be a happy life, was a bit of a stretch, but one I was willing to make to get to the heart of the story. The uncertainty of Ryker and Lyra’s fate kept the novel twisting and turning, providing sufficient suspense to keep me flipping pages on my Kindle Fire.
I’m new to romance novels, but I thought the book could’ve contained fewer sex scenes. Halfway through, I found myself skipping from the first hint of clothes being removed to the final erotic moan. Still, the novel was well written with interesting characters and ample suspense, even for someone who favors action adventure and suspense novels.
It didn’t take long to realize Lafortune skillfully blends suspense throughout her novel. Sure, there are steamy sex scenes one would expect to find in any romance novel, but it is the ever-present uncertainty and surprise that kept me reading.
Lyra, an angelic wisp of a woman, loses control of her car on a winter road far from home and careens to what appears to be an icy death--that is, until she’s rescued by Ryker Steel. Ryker is a rugged man’s man living with his dog in the middle of nowhere. A former DEA officer, Ryker dropped off the grid to escape the death of his wife, Bella, a victim of a hit-and-run driver. He also feared whoever targeted Bella may also be looking for him.
By rescuing Lyra, she became Ryker’s prisoner. Allowing her to leave would disclose Ryker’s location, risking his life. To say Lyra warmed up to the idea of being Ryker’s prisoner would be an understatement. Even though Lyra had a long-term lover, Gage, waiting for her at home, she made the best of her captivity. Lyra quickly fell in lust and then in love with Ryker. The book started out like Stephen King’s novel “Misery,” with the snowy crash and the rescued victim becoming a prisoner. The big difference was Lyra came to enjoy being bound to the bed.
Lyra’s quickly forsaking what appeared to be a happy life, was a bit of a stretch, but one I was willing to make to get to the heart of the story. The uncertainty of Ryker and Lyra’s fate kept the novel twisting and turning, providing sufficient suspense to keep me flipping pages on my Kindle Fire.
I’m new to romance novels, but I thought the book could’ve contained fewer sex scenes. Halfway through, I found myself skipping from the first hint of clothes being removed to the final erotic moan. Still, the novel was well written with interesting characters and ample suspense, even for someone who favors action adventure and suspense novels.
January 5, 2017
Real rating 3.5 stars.
I don't normally read this genre but decided I would give it a go based on the good reviews to date. "Bound by Steel" is a easy to read, relatively fast-paced steamy romance which follows two main characters Lyra and Ryker. It is mainly told from the point of view of each (and a few others). It can get steamy at times, I mean there's a liberal sprinkling of aching buds, pebble-like nipples and 9 inch manhoods but I suspect these are par for the course in this kind of book. The story has quite a few twists and turns, some expected and some not.
Did I like it? I thought it was okay. I have to be objective and not criticize the genre as clearly people are big fans of this kind of thing. It was well written. I did think the POV switches were at times a bit jarring. The female POV was a lot more convincing than the male (unavoidable because the author was female). I also couldn't understand how the protagonists were so into each other but also other people. Some of twists and surprises felt a bit "grafted on" and artificial. Oh, the whole time "so and so" was related to "so and so." The ending seemed a little rushed.
Overall, I'm the wrong person to be a fan. But I'm not silly. I sense Lafortune knows her target audience perfectly and has served them a treat. Good luck to her!
I don't normally read this genre but decided I would give it a go based on the good reviews to date. "Bound by Steel" is a easy to read, relatively fast-paced steamy romance which follows two main characters Lyra and Ryker. It is mainly told from the point of view of each (and a few others). It can get steamy at times, I mean there's a liberal sprinkling of aching buds, pebble-like nipples and 9 inch manhoods but I suspect these are par for the course in this kind of book. The story has quite a few twists and turns, some expected and some not.
Did I like it? I thought it was okay. I have to be objective and not criticize the genre as clearly people are big fans of this kind of thing. It was well written. I did think the POV switches were at times a bit jarring. The female POV was a lot more convincing than the male (unavoidable because the author was female). I also couldn't understand how the protagonists were so into each other but also other people. Some of twists and surprises felt a bit "grafted on" and artificial. Oh, the whole time "so and so" was related to "so and so." The ending seemed a little rushed.
Overall, I'm the wrong person to be a fan. But I'm not silly. I sense Lafortune knows her target audience perfectly and has served them a treat. Good luck to her!
December 23, 2016
Ryker Steel is a man whose personality and job have supplied him control issues. After the traumatic loss of his wife he retired to rural upstate New York to grieve, until his isolation was interrupted by a woman who looked so like his deceased wife that it was uncanny.
After being saved from a car accident and hypothermia, Lyra finds herself held captive by a dangerous man, a man she soon finds irresistible, despite her longing to return to her life. When she finally becomes free she begins to rekindle her relationship with her boyfriend, only to find out that life has a few more surprises in store for her.
The book is told in the first person narrative, from the perspective of the main characters, and it sucks you in dearly then proceeds to drag you through the emotional ringer with the characters. An excellent read!
After being saved from a car accident and hypothermia, Lyra finds herself held captive by a dangerous man, a man she soon finds irresistible, despite her longing to return to her life. When she finally becomes free she begins to rekindle her relationship with her boyfriend, only to find out that life has a few more surprises in store for her.
The book is told in the first person narrative, from the perspective of the main characters, and it sucks you in dearly then proceeds to drag you through the emotional ringer with the characters. An excellent read!
October 24, 2016
Like Lyra about to be plunged into the lake, I was sucked into the story from the first page. An intricate tale of the complexities of love, betrayal and hope, this book has several big major twists that you don’t see coming and a few small ones where clues are given straight away that all may not be as it seems. Overall it makes for suspenseful reading.
It’s in four parts which is worth remembering because if like me you use the % read to gauge how far into a book you are, you could be forgiven for thinking the book was coming to a close on 40%. It’s not, that’s just the first part and I’m happy to say it ends on 98%.
Bound by Steel is a great weekend read that won’t disappoint.
It’s in four parts which is worth remembering because if like me you use the % read to gauge how far into a book you are, you could be forgiven for thinking the book was coming to a close on 40%. It’s not, that’s just the first part and I’m happy to say it ends on 98%.
Bound by Steel is a great weekend read that won’t disappoint.
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December 4, 2017💝 FREE on Amazon today (12/04/2017)! 💝
February 10, 2017
Wow...I am absolutely floored right now as I just finished this book realizing that it ended up being SO much more than your typical "cabin romance" that the book starts out to be! Connie Lafortune has managed to weave a steamy, captivating love story with mystery and suspense that will keep you intrigued until the VERY last few pages. It is for this reason that to avoid spoilers I cannot divulge too much information as to keep that mystery for you to enjoy.
The story centers around the two main characters of Ryker Steel and Lyra Harper. Ryker Steel...
...whose abs themselves I envision ARE Steel according to the delicious descriptions given. I am quite a fan of dominant alpha males who take what they want but also occasionally leak out their romantic side and Ryker was a poster boy for JUST that. He's the "bad boy" that you love to almost hate, that often times probably even offends with the words he speaks but at the same time also envelops you with carnal longing.
Then there is Lyra Harper...
A fun, charismatic heroine that has a continuous inner monologue that assures even though she may give into her utmost desires, she is fully aware her thoughts are almost crazy but also at the same time, cannot deny the attractive pull she has towards the Hero. She also stands up for herself and maintains her ground several times which implants a certain bout of respect from me as a reader whenever it comes to these types of stories.
Then lets not forget about Gage, Lyra's long term boyfriend who was clearly stated as looking like Theo James so I will not "divert" from that...HA.
MAN why does he have to be so sweet and likable?! Why couldn't he be a total butthole...I'm kidding but seriously, I feel like I have to take a shower because I feel so DIRTY when you cheer more for the guy that gets turned on by getting scratched in this face rather than the sweetie pie that would move worlds for his girl (Not that Ryker wouldn't but you get my drift), and that my friends is Gage. The author managed to make him likable enough that for me I actually felt extremely bad for him and almost a little guilty that I was hoping for a not so happy ending for him. Poor guy.
There is a lot of intriguing and fun banter between the H and h through out the entire storyline and plenty of steamy scenes to wet your whistle to...pun pretty much fully intended. If certain questioning incidents occur towards the beginning for you, hold out because this book is just a roller coaster ride of suspense and surprise! I compliment Connie Lafortune for creating such a captivating story and I am most certain plenty of women would have no qualms with being locked in a cabin in the middle of nowhere with Ryker Steel after reading this book.
The story centers around the two main characters of Ryker Steel and Lyra Harper. Ryker Steel...
...whose abs themselves I envision ARE Steel according to the delicious descriptions given. I am quite a fan of dominant alpha males who take what they want but also occasionally leak out their romantic side and Ryker was a poster boy for JUST that. He's the "bad boy" that you love to almost hate, that often times probably even offends with the words he speaks but at the same time also envelops you with carnal longing.
One more hour, precious, and you would’ve been dead. Dry, warm clothes and my body heat are what saved your sorry ass. And don’t worry, your virtue is still safe because I love my women with a little more meat on their bones. More cushion for the pushin’ if you get my drift.
Then there is Lyra Harper...
A fun, charismatic heroine that has a continuous inner monologue that assures even though she may give into her utmost desires, she is fully aware her thoughts are almost crazy but also at the same time, cannot deny the attractive pull she has towards the Hero. She also stands up for herself and maintains her ground several times which implants a certain bout of respect from me as a reader whenever it comes to these types of stories.
Then lets not forget about Gage, Lyra's long term boyfriend who was clearly stated as looking like Theo James so I will not "divert" from that...HA.
MAN why does he have to be so sweet and likable?! Why couldn't he be a total butthole...I'm kidding but seriously, I feel like I have to take a shower because I feel so DIRTY when you cheer more for the guy that gets turned on by getting scratched in this face rather than the sweetie pie that would move worlds for his girl (Not that Ryker wouldn't but you get my drift), and that my friends is Gage. The author managed to make him likable enough that for me I actually felt extremely bad for him and almost a little guilty that I was hoping for a not so happy ending for him. Poor guy.
There is a lot of intriguing and fun banter between the H and h through out the entire storyline and plenty of steamy scenes to wet your whistle to...pun pretty much fully intended. If certain questioning incidents occur towards the beginning for you, hold out because this book is just a roller coaster ride of suspense and surprise! I compliment Connie Lafortune for creating such a captivating story and I am most certain plenty of women would have no qualms with being locked in a cabin in the middle of nowhere with Ryker Steel after reading this book.
March 19, 2016
Bound by Steel is a perfect rainy day, plant yourself on the couch, sipping hot chocolate (or a glass of wine) kind of book. At least, that’s what I call them; these dark, edgy, loaded with suspense stories. The stories that you know don’t come anywhere near real life but take you on a thrilling, Mission Impossible style journey nevertheless. It’s been quite some time since I’ve read one of these so it took me a few minutes to get my head in the proper mindset, let go of reality, and enjoy. This is the first book I’ve read by Connie LaFortune, therefore, I had no expectations based on her previous books. I will say, I found her writing style and voice were a great match for the dark and edgy.
If you love the mysterious, Alpha hero with a tragic past then Ryker Steele is your man. He’s a hardcore, DEA agent, who has been living off the grid for a few years. He’s also a tormented guy with a conscience that’s gone AWOL. He’d just as soon leave your sorry ass to die in a snowdrift in the middle of the woods than help you out. Although, it’s kind of a necessity when you’ve been considered dead for three years. No traces left behind and all that. But when his high-tech surveillance cameras pick up a car gone off the icy road, his gut tells him to break protocol. What he finds is a woman who catapults him back in time, and reopens wounds and feelings that haven’t quite been forgotten or healed yet. She also ignites his desire, unleashing a dirty talking, irresistibly sexy, and intriguing man.
Lyra Harper is also somewhat of a mystery. On the surface, she’s a beautiful young woman with a devoted boyfriend, loving parents, normal job. Her last thoughts were of succumbing to an icy death in her crashed car. She’s relieved when she wakes up in Ryker Steele’s cabin. She’s also scared out of her wits. The man is like the dark and brooding Mr. Rochester in Jane Eyre. He apparently has secrets as well. Especially when he tells her she can never go back to her life. What the hell? However, while biding her time until she can escape, she learns there’s more to this harsh man than he lets on. On the one hand, she’s curious and drawn to him. On the other hand, she slaps that down as just plain crazy. I like that she’s not one to blindly fall into the arms of a man she knows nothing about, whether he saved her life or not. And yet...his pull is too strong, her attraction undeniable. She wants to crack that shell he’s built around himself. And let him do all sorts of dirty things to her. If I were in her shoes, so would I. That man is hot.
Ryker and Lyra each take turns telling this story from their point of view. Which also serves to make you wonder just who’s telling the truth and what’s really going on. Seeing things from these two perspectives works to slowly unfold the story, taking us along on a twisty path until *bam*. I never saw that one coming! There were times I did the squinty eye thing, wondering just how “that” could have happened. Bound by Steel has its moments of unbelievability as far as plot goes. But remember, this is Mission Impossible stuff here. And Ms. LaFortune has an answer for every twist and turn, wrapping it all up in a neat box of escapism reading.
**** Reviewed for Xtreme Delusions ****
If you love the mysterious, Alpha hero with a tragic past then Ryker Steele is your man. He’s a hardcore, DEA agent, who has been living off the grid for a few years. He’s also a tormented guy with a conscience that’s gone AWOL. He’d just as soon leave your sorry ass to die in a snowdrift in the middle of the woods than help you out. Although, it’s kind of a necessity when you’ve been considered dead for three years. No traces left behind and all that. But when his high-tech surveillance cameras pick up a car gone off the icy road, his gut tells him to break protocol. What he finds is a woman who catapults him back in time, and reopens wounds and feelings that haven’t quite been forgotten or healed yet. She also ignites his desire, unleashing a dirty talking, irresistibly sexy, and intriguing man.
Lyra Harper is also somewhat of a mystery. On the surface, she’s a beautiful young woman with a devoted boyfriend, loving parents, normal job. Her last thoughts were of succumbing to an icy death in her crashed car. She’s relieved when she wakes up in Ryker Steele’s cabin. She’s also scared out of her wits. The man is like the dark and brooding Mr. Rochester in Jane Eyre. He apparently has secrets as well. Especially when he tells her she can never go back to her life. What the hell? However, while biding her time until she can escape, she learns there’s more to this harsh man than he lets on. On the one hand, she’s curious and drawn to him. On the other hand, she slaps that down as just plain crazy. I like that she’s not one to blindly fall into the arms of a man she knows nothing about, whether he saved her life or not. And yet...his pull is too strong, her attraction undeniable. She wants to crack that shell he’s built around himself. And let him do all sorts of dirty things to her. If I were in her shoes, so would I. That man is hot.
Ryker and Lyra each take turns telling this story from their point of view. Which also serves to make you wonder just who’s telling the truth and what’s really going on. Seeing things from these two perspectives works to slowly unfold the story, taking us along on a twisty path until *bam*. I never saw that one coming! There were times I did the squinty eye thing, wondering just how “that” could have happened. Bound by Steel has its moments of unbelievability as far as plot goes. But remember, this is Mission Impossible stuff here. And Ms. LaFortune has an answer for every twist and turn, wrapping it all up in a neat box of escapism reading.
**** Reviewed for Xtreme Delusions ****
March 14, 2016
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I became a Connie Lafortune fan soon after reading “The Claiming of Callan” and then went on to read “Because Of You”. So as soon as I read the blurb about Ryker Steel and Lyra Harper, I was addicted and ready to see where “Bound By Steel” would take me. Connie has found her niche in sexy suspense. She had me tied in knots, biting my nails, and on the edge of my seat. Ryker and Lyra are high on steam, mystery, and angst and had me falling hard for them early on in their story.
Lyra has lived the perfect life until one snowy day when she wakes up in a handsome strangers bed in the middle of nowhere after a near fatal car crash. Her rescuer, for reasons she can't understand, refuses to let her leave. We get to see the inner struggle that Lyra endures as she misses her family and boyfriend Gage and she becomes enchanted by the enigmatic, sexy Ryker who mystifies and seduces her with every breath he takes. Connie takes us along on Lyra's confusing, arousing, enlightening journey while reading from Lyra's point of view. I couldn't help but be drawn in and feel her ever changing emotions.
All I can say is move over Julian because there is a new favorite book boyfriend in town! Ryker is bad ass in every way! He is one of those men you want to slap, sleep with, and wrap your arms around. I wanted to moon over him and ogle all of his body parts from his piercing eyes to his pierced...you get the picture. I was enamored and couldn't wait to get to know this sexy beast from the moment that Lyra opened her eyes and looked into his gorgeous face. I loved delving deep into this mysterious man when reading his point of view and seeing Lyra chisel away at the ice surrounding his heart. I am so in love with Ryker and couldn't imagine a sexier, dirty talking hero for Lyra.
Bound By Steel took me away to a snowy wonderland full of deceit, intrigue, passion, and multiple twists and turns that a reader would never expect. Lyra and Ryker have a tempestuous love story that grabs a hold from the first word and doesn't let go with the last. The beginning is gripping, middle is titillating, and the end is mind blowing. I cannot wait to revisit this fascinating couple again and again! Connie has captivated and impressed me with her talent to pen a riveting and sexy tale. I highly recommend for lovers of breath taking suspense, suffocating heat, and heart wrenching love!
I became a Connie Lafortune fan soon after reading “The Claiming of Callan” and then went on to read “Because Of You”. So as soon as I read the blurb about Ryker Steel and Lyra Harper, I was addicted and ready to see where “Bound By Steel” would take me. Connie has found her niche in sexy suspense. She had me tied in knots, biting my nails, and on the edge of my seat. Ryker and Lyra are high on steam, mystery, and angst and had me falling hard for them early on in their story.
Lyra has lived the perfect life until one snowy day when she wakes up in a handsome strangers bed in the middle of nowhere after a near fatal car crash. Her rescuer, for reasons she can't understand, refuses to let her leave. We get to see the inner struggle that Lyra endures as she misses her family and boyfriend Gage and she becomes enchanted by the enigmatic, sexy Ryker who mystifies and seduces her with every breath he takes. Connie takes us along on Lyra's confusing, arousing, enlightening journey while reading from Lyra's point of view. I couldn't help but be drawn in and feel her ever changing emotions.
All I can say is move over Julian because there is a new favorite book boyfriend in town! Ryker is bad ass in every way! He is one of those men you want to slap, sleep with, and wrap your arms around. I wanted to moon over him and ogle all of his body parts from his piercing eyes to his pierced...you get the picture. I was enamored and couldn't wait to get to know this sexy beast from the moment that Lyra opened her eyes and looked into his gorgeous face. I loved delving deep into this mysterious man when reading his point of view and seeing Lyra chisel away at the ice surrounding his heart. I am so in love with Ryker and couldn't imagine a sexier, dirty talking hero for Lyra.
Bound By Steel took me away to a snowy wonderland full of deceit, intrigue, passion, and multiple twists and turns that a reader would never expect. Lyra and Ryker have a tempestuous love story that grabs a hold from the first word and doesn't let go with the last. The beginning is gripping, middle is titillating, and the end is mind blowing. I cannot wait to revisit this fascinating couple again and again! Connie has captivated and impressed me with her talent to pen a riveting and sexy tale. I highly recommend for lovers of breath taking suspense, suffocating heat, and heart wrenching love!
November 14, 2016
Wow!!! That was the first word that escaped out of my mouth as I touched the end of the book. The book seriously took me to a fantasy land. I really wonder if men like Ryker Steel exist in reality. He was so perfect in everything… I mean everything ;) that it took me hard time not to fantasize about him. The author describes the characters so well that it creates live images of various characters in readers mind.
Now, coming to the story, Ryker rescues Lyra when her car crashes down during a bizarre snowstorm. Ryker brings her home and takes care of her as she recovers from the accidental trauma. While staying at the cabin, Lyra soon discovers that she can’t leave the place on her own wish. She has to embrace the truth that now her life is in charge of the owner of the cabin, i.e, her rescuer, Mr. Ryker Steel.
During the course of her stay at the cabin, Lyra finds herself lost in the masculine charms of her rescuer. Captivated by Ryker’s tough personality and the alpha male dominance, Lyra soon realizes that Ryker is the one who she always wanted in bed not her previous boyfriend Gage.
She lusted a man who held her captive but why couldn't she just leave the cabin, that’s the suspense. And, not only that, there is hell lot of twists, turns, and complexities that ultimately take the readers on a roller coaster ride.
Ryker’s and Lyra’s chemistry was sizzling. Not only the steamy sequences but their conversations were equally passionate and sexy, especially, their dirty pillow talks.
All in all, Bound by Steel is a book that has everything in it. It has thrill, suspense, drama, romance, sex and lots of it that it will satiate all your hunger and desires.
The story is told in alternate POVs and that’s the best thing about it because it let me get into the skin of the characters and allowed me to feel what they are exactly thinking and doing.
Besides the steamy sequences that made me turn pages one after another, the twisted tale of lovers, their lovers, their friends, and their lovers, kept me on the edge of my seat all the time, and it was pretty frustrating when I’d to stop reading to follow my daily routine. Needless to mention, Bound by Steel kept me coming back till I finished it.
Lastly, I highly recommend this book to all those who are looking for a sexy romance novel with lots of intrigue and plot twists to curl up with.
Now, coming to the story, Ryker rescues Lyra when her car crashes down during a bizarre snowstorm. Ryker brings her home and takes care of her as she recovers from the accidental trauma. While staying at the cabin, Lyra soon discovers that she can’t leave the place on her own wish. She has to embrace the truth that now her life is in charge of the owner of the cabin, i.e, her rescuer, Mr. Ryker Steel.
During the course of her stay at the cabin, Lyra finds herself lost in the masculine charms of her rescuer. Captivated by Ryker’s tough personality and the alpha male dominance, Lyra soon realizes that Ryker is the one who she always wanted in bed not her previous boyfriend Gage.
She lusted a man who held her captive but why couldn't she just leave the cabin, that’s the suspense. And, not only that, there is hell lot of twists, turns, and complexities that ultimately take the readers on a roller coaster ride.
Ryker’s and Lyra’s chemistry was sizzling. Not only the steamy sequences but their conversations were equally passionate and sexy, especially, their dirty pillow talks.
All in all, Bound by Steel is a book that has everything in it. It has thrill, suspense, drama, romance, sex and lots of it that it will satiate all your hunger and desires.
The story is told in alternate POVs and that’s the best thing about it because it let me get into the skin of the characters and allowed me to feel what they are exactly thinking and doing.
Besides the steamy sequences that made me turn pages one after another, the twisted tale of lovers, their lovers, their friends, and their lovers, kept me on the edge of my seat all the time, and it was pretty frustrating when I’d to stop reading to follow my daily routine. Needless to mention, Bound by Steel kept me coming back till I finished it.
Lastly, I highly recommend this book to all those who are looking for a sexy romance novel with lots of intrigue and plot twists to curl up with.
November 1, 2016
When I first read the blurb, I thought I knew what I was getting into. Snowy crash, rescuer, some hot steamy scenes and they fall in love with maybe a twist here or there. I was so absolutely wrong. Lafortune weaves an intricate story full of intrigue, betrayal and so much more. It had me thinking it would go one way, and then swept the rug out from under me.
Lyra crashes her car in the middle of nowhere New York only to be rescued by Ryker, who brought her into his home and forces to stay there, basically forever. We don't exactly understand why she can't leave, though there are some hints here and there. Lyra is understandably a mess. She had loving parents and a sweet boyfriend and she misses her life. Ryker is uber hot, all male sexiness, but abrasive and so very alpha. Not Lyra's cup of tea - or so she thinks.
There are way too many plot twists and things going on in this story that it would be far too easy to give up a spoiler. I don't do that, so you'll have to read it to get them, but they're good. Oh so very good and though I was supposed to be reading other books, I kept coming back to this one so I could find out what happened next.
It's told in 4 parts, which I liked as it helped me keep my bearings. The writing is smooth and well crafted, told in alternate POV that allowed me to delve deeply into each character. And delve I did. I may in fact be in love with Ryker myself.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a steamy read with a lot of plot twists. Must be 18+
Lyra crashes her car in the middle of nowhere New York only to be rescued by Ryker, who brought her into his home and forces to stay there, basically forever. We don't exactly understand why she can't leave, though there are some hints here and there. Lyra is understandably a mess. She had loving parents and a sweet boyfriend and she misses her life. Ryker is uber hot, all male sexiness, but abrasive and so very alpha. Not Lyra's cup of tea - or so she thinks.
There are way too many plot twists and things going on in this story that it would be far too easy to give up a spoiler. I don't do that, so you'll have to read it to get them, but they're good. Oh so very good and though I was supposed to be reading other books, I kept coming back to this one so I could find out what happened next.
It's told in 4 parts, which I liked as it helped me keep my bearings. The writing is smooth and well crafted, told in alternate POV that allowed me to delve deeply into each character. And delve I did. I may in fact be in love with Ryker myself.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a steamy read with a lot of plot twists. Must be 18+
September 7, 2016
From the very first page, Bound by Steel had my attention, and for a range of reasons it continued to hold my attention until I finally put it down ... after the last page. There are a fair few sexy scenes in this book that are explicit but tasteful, but what held my attention even more than that were the surprising twists and turns. It isn't often that books don't give some feeling as to where the story might be leading, but this book took me by surprise, again and again. I will say nothing about the story itself in this review, because the power of it, I feel, is in the unknowing. But it is a great read - there is suspense, raunchiness and even though it isn't a 'whodunnit' book, the tone of it and the way it inspired me to keep wondering, invoked in me the same kind of feeling as if I were reading a crime novel and wanting to know what happens next! This is one to read, and this book left me quite eager to read more by Connie Lafortune.
November 25, 2016
I really enjoyed this well-thought out book. I loved the way it begins at a steady pace, but picks and the suspense really kicks in, and you find yourself on the roller coaster ride of a lifetime.
The story begins around a car accident after which Lyra Harper meets Ryker Steel and their lives collide and the chaos begins.
If you love romance, mystery and suspense then these two characters will give you plenty and a bit more besides. The detail in this story is amazing – you’ll really feel yourself being drawn into the drama. You’ll find yourself torn and tumbled along with all manner of emotions in this captivating story.
If you love your romance set on a knife edge, you are going to be enthralled with Bound by Steel. But be warned, this is not the sort of book you can casually read – once you’re hooked you won’t want to put it down
The story begins around a car accident after which Lyra Harper meets Ryker Steel and their lives collide and the chaos begins.
If you love romance, mystery and suspense then these two characters will give you plenty and a bit more besides. The detail in this story is amazing – you’ll really feel yourself being drawn into the drama. You’ll find yourself torn and tumbled along with all manner of emotions in this captivating story.
If you love your romance set on a knife edge, you are going to be enthralled with Bound by Steel. But be warned, this is not the sort of book you can casually read – once you’re hooked you won’t want to put it down
November 8, 2016
Going Into this I was expecting a romance with some drama thrown in to add Suspense. This book was so much more. It was awesome! We get all that plus the kitchen sink. Ryker is now one of my favorite male MC'S.
This book had so many unexpected turns I had a hard time putting it down. When I thought it was going one way the author hit the breaks and did a street racing drift in another direction.
The intimate scenes in this book can only be described with one word. Yum. I loved the characters and the main lead. That says a ton right there as I usually can't stand the leading women in romance novels. There's not even anything I could say to describe this without giving away one of the major plot twist. If you haven't already, read this book.
This book had so many unexpected turns I had a hard time putting it down. When I thought it was going one way the author hit the breaks and did a street racing drift in another direction.
The intimate scenes in this book can only be described with one word. Yum. I loved the characters and the main lead. That says a ton right there as I usually can't stand the leading women in romance novels. There's not even anything I could say to describe this without giving away one of the major plot twist. If you haven't already, read this book.
August 6, 2018
I was hooked from page one. A mysterious widower, Ryker, still in mourning for his wife Bella’s tragic death; a young woman, Lyra, who nearly died in a snowstorm near his house, who looks exactly like Bella. “What is going on,” I kept asking myself as the two shared a growing attraction for each other, and a dangerous situation in which they found themselves due to Ryker’s past. As the plot unraveled, I couldn’t stop wondering who Lyra really was and what will happen now that she has returned back to her ordinary life. Will she choose her boyfriend Gage or will she follow her heart and stay with Ryker? Tension-filled, steamy, and riveting, “Bound by Steel” is a great read for all fans of the romance genre. Five stars!
Read
February 13, 2017If you are looking for a booking that has lots of twist in it, Bound by Steel is it. Ryker went from a character that I didn't like at all to someone who ended up being a really good guy. He lost the love of his life and basically fell off the face of the earth. Then Lyra enters his life and turns it upside down. Just when you think you have it all figured out, you don't. The book is very well-written and entertaining.
March 13, 2019
‘Bound by Steel enveloped me in a world of intense, raw emotional need.’-
Told in rare second person perspective, Bound by Steel tells the tale of Alpha-type secret military operative, Ryker Steel, and Lyra- a book-loving young woman whom Ryker saves when Lyra crashes her car near his top-secret cabin.
As I read past Ryker and Lyra’s initial encounter, I saw a natural chemistry start to develop between the pair. It was as though they already knew each-other and this feeling persisted, if not increased as time went on.
Abject loneliness sparks an intense connection between the pair, leaving them at the mercy of their own emotions. I found it easy to relate to Lyra’s character with her intense interest in books, and the arts in general. However, I found it hard to share in Ryker’s profound sense of pain, considering the tragic past he has lived through.
What I did find refreshing was Ryker’s growing emotional sensitivity throughout the novel. Whereas most Alpha-male characters seem like the rest, locking down any emotion and only lusting after women and power (makes for rather one-dimensional male characters in my opinion), Ryker Steel has a softer side, which he buries three years prior to the start of the story’s events.
This man has witnessed some truly tragic events.
This book was a refreshing change from the novels I usually find myself reading.
Not just another Alpha story, but a complex narrative that deals in themes of
love, loss, and personal sacrifice.
My rating? 5 Stars!
Recommended reading age: 16-18 and up.
Recommended for lovers of romance, action/thrillers, and light-erotica.
Told in rare second person perspective, Bound by Steel tells the tale of Alpha-type secret military operative, Ryker Steel, and Lyra- a book-loving young woman whom Ryker saves when Lyra crashes her car near his top-secret cabin.
As I read past Ryker and Lyra’s initial encounter, I saw a natural chemistry start to develop between the pair. It was as though they already knew each-other and this feeling persisted, if not increased as time went on.
Abject loneliness sparks an intense connection between the pair, leaving them at the mercy of their own emotions. I found it easy to relate to Lyra’s character with her intense interest in books, and the arts in general. However, I found it hard to share in Ryker’s profound sense of pain, considering the tragic past he has lived through.
What I did find refreshing was Ryker’s growing emotional sensitivity throughout the novel. Whereas most Alpha-male characters seem like the rest, locking down any emotion and only lusting after women and power (makes for rather one-dimensional male characters in my opinion), Ryker Steel has a softer side, which he buries three years prior to the start of the story’s events.
This man has witnessed some truly tragic events.
This book was a refreshing change from the novels I usually find myself reading.
Not just another Alpha story, but a complex narrative that deals in themes of
love, loss, and personal sacrifice.
My rating? 5 Stars!
Recommended reading age: 16-18 and up.
Recommended for lovers of romance, action/thrillers, and light-erotica.
February 11, 2018
This is not your standard gruff, arrogant male kidnaps female, she gets Stockholm syndrome and falls for him, and there's some sort of scene where he suddenly redeems himself for holding her hostage. This book has a lot of twists, turns, and reveals that it ends up not being that at all and I wasn't sitting there wanting to throw my kindle at the wall.
One of the things perhaps, that didn't work with all the plot twist bombs that get dropped later in the book (and trust me, they are massive. You will be sitting there like, did the author just go there?) was that this book is multi perspective first person. So, we see everything in each characters inner thoughts. I get why the twists were revealed when they were, but when you look back at the previous chapters when certain characters had their AHA moments that are being revealed later, I was wondering why their thoughts weren't immediately screaming that big reveal in the chapters earlier on. And they are huge reveals. That's just me personally.
This book straddles the line between romance and psychological thriller since the author chose to take a plot trope a lot of other authors are using and completely turn it on its head and make it her own. I have to say, I adore what she did with that trope. I'm afraid I don't really understand the books where women fall in love with jerks who kidnap them, but the further I got into this book, the more I couldn't put it down because I loved where it was going and I wanted to see what was going to happen
One of the things perhaps, that didn't work with all the plot twist bombs that get dropped later in the book (and trust me, they are massive. You will be sitting there like, did the author just go there?) was that this book is multi perspective first person. So, we see everything in each characters inner thoughts. I get why the twists were revealed when they were, but when you look back at the previous chapters when certain characters had their AHA moments that are being revealed later, I was wondering why their thoughts weren't immediately screaming that big reveal in the chapters earlier on. And they are huge reveals. That's just me personally.
This book straddles the line between romance and psychological thriller since the author chose to take a plot trope a lot of other authors are using and completely turn it on its head and make it her own. I have to say, I adore what she did with that trope. I'm afraid I don't really understand the books where women fall in love with jerks who kidnap them, but the further I got into this book, the more I couldn't put it down because I loved where it was going and I wanted to see what was going to happen
March 29, 2016
I want my $3.99 back..... The blurb had me, the cover had me, but the story.... The story is so far fetched that I think I did so many eye rolls is amazing I am not blind. It started off well, and then as the plot started to gain speed all the intertwining and cross references of characters and relationships was so unbelievable. Add in the love affairs with side characters for both main characters, and it was just a huge no! I can handle some side stuff but the dragging on of relationships and the constant reveals just made no sense. I honestly have to say after reading this book I am angry I won't get my time or money back. I am angry at myself for falling for a good cover and a seemingly good story line. In addition to the unbelievable plot line, be aware of plot holes and editing issues.
February 5, 2017
Astounding
An absolute page turner!
Raw emotions are captured page after page.
Lyra Harper is held captive by a man named Ryker Steel in a secluded cabin.
Over the months their relationship evolves. Lyra isn't sure if what she is feeling is real or Stockholm Syndrome. When she is finally reunited with her family and Boyfriend Gage life just doesn't feel complete.
Lyra is torn between the two men that she has fallen in love with.
This book is an absolute page turner! It's constant evolution keeps you enthralled and begging for more!!
An absolute page turner!
Raw emotions are captured page after page.
Lyra Harper is held captive by a man named Ryker Steel in a secluded cabin.
Over the months their relationship evolves. Lyra isn't sure if what she is feeling is real or Stockholm Syndrome. When she is finally reunited with her family and Boyfriend Gage life just doesn't feel complete.
Lyra is torn between the two men that she has fallen in love with.
This book is an absolute page turner! It's constant evolution keeps you enthralled and begging for more!!
December 26, 2016
This story is told in multiple pov.....
Love triangle...with hint of mystery along with love story..
#quirkyblinddate
Love triangle...with hint of mystery along with love story..
#quirkyblinddate
March 6, 2018
Ryker, a man mourning the death of his wife, isolated from the dangers of the world, is suddenly confronted with a moral dilemma. For everyone’s safety, anyone entering his world is sentenced to life of isolation with no opportunity for freedom.
A lonely road deep in a New York mountain range is a bad place for Lyra to have an accident. December, with an impending snow storm, increases the danger ten-fold. She needs to get to Gage and her parents before they start worrying.
Hawk wants her eliminated. Dragon refuses. Lyra is confused by her own feelings.
We all know how small the world can feel. It’s even smaller when connections are discovered between strangers. The mystery weaving through the lives of Lyra and Ryker become a tangled mess. A pulled thread becomes knotted long before the unraveling begins.
The final reveal makes me wonder… Are the connections coincidence or masterly manipulated? I am left with one questions, however. What was the true purpose of the psychiatrist?
A lonely road deep in a New York mountain range is a bad place for Lyra to have an accident. December, with an impending snow storm, increases the danger ten-fold. She needs to get to Gage and her parents before they start worrying.
Hawk wants her eliminated. Dragon refuses. Lyra is confused by her own feelings.
We all know how small the world can feel. It’s even smaller when connections are discovered between strangers. The mystery weaving through the lives of Lyra and Ryker become a tangled mess. A pulled thread becomes knotted long before the unraveling begins.
The final reveal makes me wonder… Are the connections coincidence or masterly manipulated? I am left with one questions, however. What was the true purpose of the psychiatrist?
January 17, 2018
My review:
Bound by Steel, written by Connie Lafortune
Wow. Just wow. I loved this book. If you are going to download any book. Grab this one today. I enjoyed the story, the love, the heartbreak, the mystery, whom to trust and the road we follow, waiting to turn at the intersection of love. A love story with a very big twist and a surprise ending.
Two men, Gage and Ryker and two women Lyra and Isabella or is that one woman? Gage and Ryker both love the woman they want to be with; but do they really deserve her. Finding out the truth, can hurt. Can the heart truly overcome the pain and betrayal?
A love story with an explosive twist.
Download a copy today, you will not regret it.
Bound by Steel, written by Connie Lafortune
Wow. Just wow. I loved this book. If you are going to download any book. Grab this one today. I enjoyed the story, the love, the heartbreak, the mystery, whom to trust and the road we follow, waiting to turn at the intersection of love. A love story with a very big twist and a surprise ending.
Two men, Gage and Ryker and two women Lyra and Isabella or is that one woman? Gage and Ryker both love the woman they want to be with; but do they really deserve her. Finding out the truth, can hurt. Can the heart truly overcome the pain and betrayal?
A love story with an explosive twist.
Download a copy today, you will not regret it.
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