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Wicked Play #7
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Quando la vita e l'amicizia che lega i proprietari del Den, il noto club sadomaso di Minneapolis, piombano nel caos, l'avvocato Noah Bakker si mette in prima linea per affrontarne le conseguenze. Non ha un rapporto da dominatore da molto tempo ormai, né ha più partecipato a un incontro da quando una tragedia ha cambiato la sua vita quattro anni prima. Ma essendo uno dei soci dell'esclusivo circolo, non può scomparire come vorrebbe, soprattutto in quel momento dove deve garantire una continuità nelle gestione degli affari. Proprio nel bel mezzo del caos più completo, si ritrova attratto dall'ingenua Liv Delcour, sorella di una dei soci. Liv, fino a poco tempo prima, non aveva la minima idea di ciò che avveniva dietro le porte chiuse del Den, ma ora che i segreti sono diventati notizie alla portata di tutti è più curiosa che scioccata. Mentre si ritrova a lavorare di fianco a Noah per tenere a bada i media pronti a banchettare come avvoltoi, lei scopre che il piglio da dominatore dell'uomo la eccita oltre il consentito tanto da spingerla a esplorare i desideri che entrambi provano nei modi più perversi.
Liv, però, non è certa di essere pronta a entrare nel mondo che Noah rappresenta, mentre lui non è sicuro di poter sopportare il dolore di innamorarsi.
Quando la vita e l'amicizia che lega i proprietari del Den, il noto club sadomaso di Minneapolis, piombano nel caos, l'avvocato Noah Bakker si mette in prima linea per affrontarne le conseguenze. Non ha un rapporto da dominatore da molto tempo ormai, né ha più partecipato a un incontro da quando una tragedia ha cambiato la sua vita quattro anni prima. Ma essendo uno dei soci dell'esclusivo circolo, non può scomparire come vorrebbe, soprattutto in quel momento dove deve garantire una continuità nelle gestione degli affari. Proprio nel bel mezzo del caos più completo, si ritrova attratto dall'ingenua Liv Delcour, sorella di una dei soci. Liv, fino a poco tempo prima, non aveva la minima idea di ciò che avveniva dietro le porte chiuse del Den, ma ora che i segreti sono diventati notizie alla portata di tutti è più curiosa che scioccata. Mentre si ritrova a lavorare di fianco a Noah per tenere a bada i media pronti a banchettare come avvoltoi, lei scopre che il piglio da dominatore dell'uomo la eccita oltre il consentito tanto da spingerla a esplorare i desideri che entrambi provano nei modi più perversi.
Liv, però, non è certa di essere pronta a entrare nel mondo che Noah rappresenta, mentre lui non è sicuro di poter sopportare il dolore di innamorarsi.
320 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2014
45 people are currently reading
577 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 - 29 of 58 reviews
March 1, 2015
In the seventh installment of the Wicked Play series we finally get Noah's story. Noah is one of the owners of The Den and also represents them as their attorney. We've seen hints that Noah has a bit of a darker side... something that would link him to The Den, but until now we've never heard his story.
Liv is Mistress V's little sister. Always ensuring that everyone else has exactly what they need and never asking for what it is that she needs. When V's friends come through for her, she finds herself bringing brought into the fold of this close-knit group. But it isn't until tragedy strikes that she finally discovers just how they all know each other.
As their lives hang in the balance, Liv is ready to be there for the people that have shown such kindness to her. Although she knows little about the BDSM lifestyle they all seem to lead, she passes no judgement. Noah started out just helping her at the youth center, but when she needs to be shielded from the blow-back that could ruin her life, he brings her into his personal life. Something he hasn't done for a very long time.
As their attraction grows, Noah is battling the guilt of his past. His dominance is ingrained him him but he is unwilling to allow himself to be someone's master. He failed once already. Liv is curious about this lifestyle, unsure as to whether or not she has any desire to explore this new world. She knows that when Noah in control, her body sings - but she senses that there is a darkness in Noah that needs to be set free before they could ever do more.
As this group of friends navigate the situation they find themselves in, Noah and Liv are discovering a new chance at life, one that they aren't willing to take for granted.
I have enjoyed the journey this series has taken me on. With each installment we see get such a new story and Noah's book is no different. He was one of the characters that lingered in the background for so long that you felt yourself drawn to him a little more with each encounter. He was the stoic attorney, the man that said few words - but was always listened to. For the first time we get to see what is beyond the hard shell of this broken man.
Liv was so darn likable in the 6th book when we met her and even more so in this one. She has to be one of the sweetest fictional characters of all time. Experiencing her accepting all of these peoples lives and then doing so much to care for them when they needed it most... and the ultimate sacrifice she was willing to make when it came to Noah... sugary sweet goodness.
The Wicked Play series is a series is one of my favorite BDSM themed series. It's not just that you get hot kink, which you do - but you ultimately get a story that is well told, well written and is emotionally gripping. Each in this series tackles a different type of relationship - no kink is the same. Not all that live in this world are part of the lifestyle... but they all embrace it. Beyond the walls of The Den, their personal lives are woven into the story - the aspects of what they do in private being exposed to those that they hold dear and all that comes with that exposure. Some BDSM books only focus on the acts that take place between the characters, Lynda Aicher's books bring it all together - every aspect is perfectly told.
ARC received on behalf of Carina Press from NetGalley.
September 15, 2014
My Review:
I started out this book crying and I ended it crying. What an incredible book to end this series. Wow, this story was so good.
The book starts in a really explosive way...I seriously was blown away by the events at the beginning of this story (and was really, REALLY regretting that I started it at 11 at night...I should know better!) And while it gave the book a bit of a different feel than the others have had, it was so brilliantly done because the entire story is intertwined in the lives of the characters from the previous stories. Note...I haven't read all the stories, yet (I definitely plan to eventually) and it would have made this book even better if I had. I was definitely more emotional about the characters from the books I have read, but it's not necessary to have read those books to enjoy this one.
While everyone is in this book, it really focuses on Noah and Liv. Noah is one of the owners and the attorney for the Den. He's also one of the Dom's although he hasn't been active as such in years after a tragedy with his sub left him a shell of his former self. This is a guy who has completely closed himself off emotionally. He is a wall of complete control and nothing breaks through that barrier. But the incident at the beginning of this story throws everyone into chaos including Noah...which makes him vulnerable to Liv, a woman who already intrigued him, but he'd kept his distance.
Liv is a caretaker. She works at a center that caters to under-priveleged kids and when this incident happens, she's the one taking care of everyone...making sure they have food and clothing. She gives and gives and gives. She's just one of those people and she sees those tiny glimpses of vulnerability in Noah that just makes her want to hold him and make it better. She can't help herself...that's just who she is.
Pretty much everyone in this story needs a huge hug...and for this angst-loving girl, that made me very happy. Noah is so incredibly broken. I honestly don't think anything would have ever changed for him without this huge event happening which shook up the very basis of everything for him. I hurt for him. But Liv is such an incredible person...I loved her too. She's everything that Noah needs to live again. But whoa...I hurt for her at the end too when she's simply tired. It was so emotionally riveting.
The ending of this book could not have been more perfect...for the book and for the series. I literally read the epilogue laughing with happy tears in my eyes. It was so sweet and romantic and so perfect to see them all end this way. I'm going to miss this group of people from the Den (after I catch up on the 2-3 I haven't read yet), but I see that Lynda Aicher has a new Play series coming and I can't wait to see what it's all about. Bring it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I started out this book crying and I ended it crying. What an incredible book to end this series. Wow, this story was so good.
The book starts in a really explosive way...I seriously was blown away by the events at the beginning of this story (and was really, REALLY regretting that I started it at 11 at night...I should know better!) And while it gave the book a bit of a different feel than the others have had, it was so brilliantly done because the entire story is intertwined in the lives of the characters from the previous stories. Note...I haven't read all the stories, yet (I definitely plan to eventually) and it would have made this book even better if I had. I was definitely more emotional about the characters from the books I have read, but it's not necessary to have read those books to enjoy this one.
While everyone is in this book, it really focuses on Noah and Liv. Noah is one of the owners and the attorney for the Den. He's also one of the Dom's although he hasn't been active as such in years after a tragedy with his sub left him a shell of his former self. This is a guy who has completely closed himself off emotionally. He is a wall of complete control and nothing breaks through that barrier. But the incident at the beginning of this story throws everyone into chaos including Noah...which makes him vulnerable to Liv, a woman who already intrigued him, but he'd kept his distance.
Liv is a caretaker. She works at a center that caters to under-priveleged kids and when this incident happens, she's the one taking care of everyone...making sure they have food and clothing. She gives and gives and gives. She's just one of those people and she sees those tiny glimpses of vulnerability in Noah that just makes her want to hold him and make it better. She can't help herself...that's just who she is.
Pretty much everyone in this story needs a huge hug...and for this angst-loving girl, that made me very happy. Noah is so incredibly broken. I honestly don't think anything would have ever changed for him without this huge event happening which shook up the very basis of everything for him. I hurt for him. But Liv is such an incredible person...I loved her too. She's everything that Noah needs to live again. But whoa...I hurt for her at the end too when she's simply tired. It was so emotionally riveting.
The ending of this book could not have been more perfect...for the book and for the series. I literally read the epilogue laughing with happy tears in my eyes. It was so sweet and romantic and so perfect to see them all end this way. I'm going to miss this group of people from the Den (after I catch up on the 2-3 I haven't read yet), but I see that Lynda Aicher has a new Play series coming and I can't wait to see what it's all about. Bring it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
April 16, 2017
My thoughts/feelings while reading - lots of quotes included (May have spoilers) :) -
0% Looking forward to starting this :) looking forward to seeing these 2 get their hea - i vaguely remember them :D Im excited to see how this series ends but also sad to say goodbye to these characters!
4% “No.” Noah maintained eye contact until the man relaxed back and closed his eyes. Only then did Noah release the breath he’d been holding. Not yet, at least.
Omg! Holy shit no :'(
6% Noah stepped up and pulled the man into a tight embrace. “Damn it, Seth,” he said, the distinctive stench of blood turning his stomach. Seth held on to him like he was drowning. “How do I choose?” The rasping torture in Seth’s voice ripped open the last hold Noah had on his climbing grief.
Oh seth! This book is heartbreaking already n I'm only 6% in! :'("
9% Vanessa sat next to Deklan and pulled him into her arms. The man didn’t resist. Maybe Noah shouldn’t have been shocked by the action, but a part of him was. The devastation that had taken down the strong Dom reinforced his own conviction that some risks weren’t worth taking. The fact that he could relate to the man didn’t help the ball of anger that brewed within him
Oh Deklan! :'( and Noah?! What happened to you? I'm so intrigued - I have a feeling it's going to hurt my heart more then it's already hurting! :'(
11% Fuck. The second stab of guilt nailed him right in the heart. Four years later, and it still held him bound to solitude
Omg!!! Poor Noah! :'(
16% “How bad?” Carter’s voice had deepened. “Bad.”
Oh god .... This book may just break me! It better have a hea! This series deserves one :'( I didn't prepare for this heartache! :'(
17% I'm loving Liv and Noah so far! I love that they're only friends but theirs still something between them (and that Vi can see it!) - I love that Liv knows what he needs before he does! I can't wait to see more of them and this book! I'm loving it so far - I don't know why it took me so long to start this book! <3
20% He shook his head, a smirk lighting the curve of his mouth. “Why in the hell was V so worried about telling you?” “I have no idea.” She noted the easy way in which he avoided her question about him, but let it go as well. It wasn’t her business, even if the thought of it sent a sizzle of interest through her. “So this doesn’t faze you?” “To each their own.”
I totally LOVE Liv!!! <3
22% His pulse hammered in his ears at his almost-error. She didn’t need his attentions when he had nothing to give her. Not after Beth. The bitter taste of failure sat like ash on his tongue.
Oh Noah! :( I'm not sure what happened really with Beth but I do know it wasn't your fault n you should stop blaming yourself! :'( I really wish I could carry on reading but I have to be up early :( I loving this book so far :D just what I'm in the mood for :D <3
24% “You can cry,” she said, her voice cracking on the words, her hands trailing down from his wrists to stop at his thighs. “Then I can, too.” Shit. He clenched his teeth against the need to let go. To let the dam burst free on everything he’d been holding back, but he didn’t know if he’d survive if he did. His jaw throbbed, his teeth protested and it was all for nothing when her soft sniff reached him. He couldn’t deny her. Not the comfort she sought or the refuge she offered. He forced himself to open his eyes, lift his head and see the woman before him. It wasn’t Beth at all. Not the warm brown eyes or the vulnerability stuffed behind the indomitable will or the red lip that quivered between the teeth that held it. This was Liv. Strong, giving Liv. With a trembling hand, he guided her head to his lap and let the dam shatter with everything else in his life
Oh Noah! :'( I love him already! He's hurting my heart :'( I wish I could just devour this book!!! :'( these two are perfect together!!! <3
26% Fuck. A full-blown growl tore from his chest, and the animal within him burst free. He sunk his teeth into the juncture of her neck and grabbed her hips to lift her on to her knees. He was back in her before her cry ended
So hot!!! I fucking love these two so so much!!! <3 they've gotta be the best of the series!! <3
27% “I’m not leaving,” she said then threaded her leg between his. He kept his groan silent by burying his face in her hair and hugging her tightly. There was a roughness to his voice when he answered. “I don’t want you to.” That was the problem. Now that she was here, he didn’t know if he could let her go. It was wrong, right and something in between that he was too exhausted to analyze.
How is it possible to love Noah this much this quickly!! He's just stolen my heart completely! <3 <3
29% Noah’s eyes were hard and flat when he looked up. “We already prepared,” he said, the cold rigidity of his voice chilling her with foreboding. “Now we defend.”
I love that this group are more family then friends! <3 <3
32% “He’ll wake up.” He pressed a kiss to her temple. “He has to. He’s fought too hard to leave us now.”
:'( I hate this situation! I hate that they no longer have a choice! I hope their families understand - I really like Kendras family! :)
33% “Wow.” She sat back, eyes wide before they slowly narrowed. She crossed her arms, and he prepared himself for the fight to come. “Had a rough day, huh?” The tension ripped across his shoulders before he hung his head in defeat. That simply she’d won the argument before it started
I fucking love Liv!! I love the relationship between these two already!! <3 <3
36% “It’s not about you being a woman or not a Dom. It’s about them defending who they are.” Who they are. Was that what Noah was? Vanessa? Logic said yes, but she couldn’t wrap her head around either of them in that role. None of them, for that matter. And why should she? She didn’t go around envisioning the sex lives of any of her other friends
I seriously love liv! She's so right in everything she says! I can't believe I'm only 35% in and I'm loving it this much! It normally takes me longer to fall in love with a book this much! (Excluding KA) <3
42% The emphasis on the two beats of his name was all snark. It matched the spark in her eyes and reignited the flame that had been snubbed out by Beth. Liv wouldn’t blindly take or do just because he wished it. She’d give and give, but it wasn’t without limits
I fucking love that he knows liv is not Beth!! <3 <3 I hope we find out more about Beth?
43% She made him want again. Made him wish and dream and hope for the very things that could destroy him if he dared to reach for them. Dared to keep her
NOAH!!! Sooo perfect! <3 I love this book sooo much! I can't stop highlighting!! <3 <3
48% “I know.” Her words came out muffled beneath her arms. “Yet now is when that sexual relationship is happening. And I don’t want to avoid that.” She sniffed, not sure where the moisture was coming from. “He kind of needs me right now—not that he’d admit that—and I don’t want to walk away from something that could be great if it’s not all wrong.” Vanessa’s soft laughter lifted some of the pressure that was holding Liv down. “Why does that make sense when it shouldn’t?” “Because you’re the rare person who’s able to understand Liv Logic.”
I totally get it too Liv! <3 <3
50% He took her mouth in an aggressive kiss that drove her head back and left her limp and gasping for air. There was an edge of desperation to him that was a bit wild and at the same time tender
I fucking LOVE Noah!! <3
51% “Ohmygod,” she said, the sound a shade over a whisper. His lips curled in a focused snarl as he repeated the motion in almost agonizing slowness. “You feel so good.” The rough cut of his words was another aphrodisiac to her already overloaded senses. “I’m going to take you hard.” He snapped his hips in an almost brutal drive into her that lurched her toward the headboard
Soo hot! <3 <3
52% “For the most part. I don’t trust that they’re done though.” “Why?” “Experience.” He didn’t elaborate, and she let it go
I'm sensing something to do with Beth? :'(
55% I won’t give up Seth and Tyler or their love for my parents’ acceptance, so I have to deal with it.”
Oh allie! :( but I love that theirs no question about who'd she choose! <3 <3 I also love Kendras parents!
57% After that he’d thought he was better alone, where the pain of loss couldn’t touch him. It still did. The curse of love was the many variations in which it existed. He still loved and felt and cared, despite his desire to turn it all off. Shutting people out hadn’t stopped the emotions from taking root. And shutting Liv out wouldn’t keep him from loving her. The heartbreaking reality was he had no control over it or the level at which he would love her. He placed Liv in one of those beds for a mental second and broke into a thousand pieces. Sweat dampened his back and brow, and his breath rushed from his lungs in a gush of pure misery that sucked him dry. Losing her that way would leave him absolutely empty
Oh Noah!! :'( <3 <3
59% Back to the land of limbo that offered nothing actionable for men who were used to acting. That was a torture in itself. But he wasn’t stuck in that same place, and it was time he defined his own fate. Somehow in all the pain that’d been dished at them, he’d managed to find his own glimmer of hope. One he was ignoring. He did have choices and options and a chance with Liv. He just had to find the courage to act on it
Go Noah!! <3 <3
62% “What?” He spun around, his expression edged with barely suppressed anger. “This is why you’re here, right, Liv? Even though I told you I couldn’t do this.”
I think this might be good for both of them - I really really hope so anyway!
63% Go home. At some point, Noah had become her home. Logic said it was moving too fast, yet she didn’t want it to stop, even if she had derailed it with her actions tonight. Whatever he had to tell her, she’d help him deal with it. She’d give him what she had and hope it was what he needed.These two are sooo perfect! I wish I could just devour this book (it's sooo hard to put down!) but at the same time I'm scared to read it too fast coz I don't want it to end! :'(
64% He lowered himself to the stool with a sense of rightness. Back straight, chin raised, feet braced on the floor, he folded his fingers together and stared past the light to the shadowed darkness that trapped him. The past that refused to let him go
Oh Noah!! :'(
66% “Liv.” Her name was a tortured croak of shame and suffering. “What have I done? I can’t...” This was a Noah she’d never seen. A man who’d somehow hit rock bottom and was scrambling to hang on. So she clung to him and let him know he wasn’t alone, even though her own heart ached with every word she spoke.
Oh Noah!!! My hearts breaking! :'(
67% She loved him. It was fast and crazy and intense and more than she would’ve ever let herself feel for any one person. But he’d snuck up on her when she’d been distracted by all of the other stuff going on. And now, she was almost positive she was going to lose him, even if he didn’t want to be lost
Oh these two!!! They're shredding my heart!! :'(
69% Jake glared at him. “It all sucks.” Marcus winked. “Just wanted to clarify that.” “Ass.” “Dick.” “You’re both fucktards,” Rock cut in. “Says the cocksucker.” Marcus’s grin alleviated what could’ve been an insult
I so totally LOVE these guys!! <3
70% “I love you,” he whispered. So soft and tender, a breath filled with emotion that she wanted to dive into and keep. “I’ll be here when you’re ready for me,” she promised, her voice catching on the urge to reciprocate his words. But she couldn’t let them out. Not until he was ready for them
Oh my god! These two are so fucking perfect! <3 <3
75% Maybe it was time to listen to what others had been trying to get him to hear for years
Yes Noah! I love that he's sorting himself out - that he's doing that for Liv! <3 I don't want this book to end but at the same time I need to know what happens! <3
78% She launched herself into his arms for an impulsive hug she would’ve given anyone. But he wasn’t just anyone. He was the man she loved and couldn’t have. The one she would never pressure into a relationship he wasn’t ready for
Oh these two are perfect for each other! They're hurting my heart! :'(
79% Those questions were a never-ending circle in his subconscious that drove him to keep seeing Cass. He wanted to be whole for her, to be the person she deserved before he asked her to come back—if she still would
Noah!!! <3 <3 I love you so fucking much!!! <3 <3
82% Life hadn’t stopped because he’d willed it to, and love hadn’t evaporated because he’d refused to acknowledge it. Both still happened. He locked the door behind him, sucked in a long breath of freezing air and moved toward the future he’d denied himself for too long
Noah!!!! I love this man sooo fucking much! <3 <3
85% For now, all she could think about was getting away from there
Oh Liv! :'(
87% He met Rock’s gaze and gave up on the pretense. “Told you so.” “What the fuck?” Rock growled. “I told you.” “Can I get on this?” Cali piped in. “Because I think I said it first.” “No way,” Marcus objected. “I was definitely the one.” “You’re all wrong,” Seth said. “I called it long ago.” Deklan shoved Seth’s shoulder. “Because I told you.” “Not before me,” Holden countered. “I predicted it before all of you.” “Are we talking about Noah and Liv?” Tyler asked. “Because that shit’s so glaringly obvious I think Santa Claus saw it.” “What?” Jake asked. “What the hell does everyone know that I missed?” Laughter burst from everyone except Jake, who crossed his arms and glared at them. “Fuck you all.”
Hahahahahah I love this family!!! <3 <3 so so SO much! <3 <3
88% Fear of all that could happen if he let his love for Liv grow. The difference now was that it was overridden by the fear of missing out on her completely. The thought that it might’ve already happened terrified him into moving
Oh Noah!! <3 <3
89% "What are you doing here?” He set the firewood down and tugged the scarf off his face. A tentative smile spread over his lips before he answered. “I came for you.”
NOAH!!!!! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
91% He tipped her chin up, his thumb grazing over her bottom lip. It seemed as if everything inside her shook. Her skin flushed hot while her chest compressed and her stomach twisted in a dance that waffled between joy and pain, still unwilling to believe. “I love you so much,” he said, a rough catch in his voice. “I have for a while. But I’m more than ready to love you now. I hope you’re still waiting for me, but I’ll understand if this—us—isn’t what you want.” Tears sat on the rim of her eyes and she tried so hard to hold them back
These two are soooo fucking perfect!! <3 <3
94% That was absolutely perfect, too. He wrapped her in a hug and savored the reality that he finally had someone who complemented him in all the ways that counted. Liv would be his partner in life, which, despite his past beliefs, was what he’d always wanted. It’d just taken a strong, generous woman to show him that
Aww so perfect!!! <3
95% The woman had become a close friend since she’d started working full-time at the youth center with Liv three months ago.
Aww that surprises me but I LOVE it! :D
96% That was what this day was really about. The victory of love and the promise it had given them all when someone had tried to destroy it. She reached out with the hand he wasn’t holding to brush his curl to the side. “Noah,” she mimicked, ensuring her tone carried everything his had. “Do I need to say more?” He raised a brow, and she ran her fingers over the uplifted arc. She gave a small shake, smiling. “I already heard it.” “But I have more,” he said, his eyes open windows to his soul
Noah and Liv are perfect together! As are every single other grouping here! :D <3 <3
100% This family built on love was one that would endure and last. Adversity had only made them stronger, brought them closer and ensured that no matter what the future brought, they’d always have each other. Always.
Perfect!! Absolutely perfect! I have no idea why I left this one so long! <3 <3 the best of the series! This series is going on the to be reread shelf! I now need to read the other stories all over again coz this book made me fall head over heels in love with this family - so much more than I was before! <3 just perfect - so sad this series is over! If you haven't read this series you need to! I totally recommend it
0% Looking forward to starting this :) looking forward to seeing these 2 get their hea - i vaguely remember them :D Im excited to see how this series ends but also sad to say goodbye to these characters!
4% “No.” Noah maintained eye contact until the man relaxed back and closed his eyes. Only then did Noah release the breath he’d been holding. Not yet, at least.
Omg! Holy shit no :'(
6% Noah stepped up and pulled the man into a tight embrace. “Damn it, Seth,” he said, the distinctive stench of blood turning his stomach. Seth held on to him like he was drowning. “How do I choose?” The rasping torture in Seth’s voice ripped open the last hold Noah had on his climbing grief.
Oh seth! This book is heartbreaking already n I'm only 6% in! :'("
9% Vanessa sat next to Deklan and pulled him into her arms. The man didn’t resist. Maybe Noah shouldn’t have been shocked by the action, but a part of him was. The devastation that had taken down the strong Dom reinforced his own conviction that some risks weren’t worth taking. The fact that he could relate to the man didn’t help the ball of anger that brewed within him
Oh Deklan! :'( and Noah?! What happened to you? I'm so intrigued - I have a feeling it's going to hurt my heart more then it's already hurting! :'(
11% Fuck. The second stab of guilt nailed him right in the heart. Four years later, and it still held him bound to solitude
Omg!!! Poor Noah! :'(
16% “How bad?” Carter’s voice had deepened. “Bad.”
Oh god .... This book may just break me! It better have a hea! This series deserves one :'( I didn't prepare for this heartache! :'(
17% I'm loving Liv and Noah so far! I love that they're only friends but theirs still something between them (and that Vi can see it!) - I love that Liv knows what he needs before he does! I can't wait to see more of them and this book! I'm loving it so far - I don't know why it took me so long to start this book! <3
20% He shook his head, a smirk lighting the curve of his mouth. “Why in the hell was V so worried about telling you?” “I have no idea.” She noted the easy way in which he avoided her question about him, but let it go as well. It wasn’t her business, even if the thought of it sent a sizzle of interest through her. “So this doesn’t faze you?” “To each their own.”
I totally LOVE Liv!!! <3
22% His pulse hammered in his ears at his almost-error. She didn’t need his attentions when he had nothing to give her. Not after Beth. The bitter taste of failure sat like ash on his tongue.
Oh Noah! :( I'm not sure what happened really with Beth but I do know it wasn't your fault n you should stop blaming yourself! :'( I really wish I could carry on reading but I have to be up early :( I loving this book so far :D just what I'm in the mood for :D <3
24% “You can cry,” she said, her voice cracking on the words, her hands trailing down from his wrists to stop at his thighs. “Then I can, too.” Shit. He clenched his teeth against the need to let go. To let the dam burst free on everything he’d been holding back, but he didn’t know if he’d survive if he did. His jaw throbbed, his teeth protested and it was all for nothing when her soft sniff reached him. He couldn’t deny her. Not the comfort she sought or the refuge she offered. He forced himself to open his eyes, lift his head and see the woman before him. It wasn’t Beth at all. Not the warm brown eyes or the vulnerability stuffed behind the indomitable will or the red lip that quivered between the teeth that held it. This was Liv. Strong, giving Liv. With a trembling hand, he guided her head to his lap and let the dam shatter with everything else in his life
Oh Noah! :'( I love him already! He's hurting my heart :'( I wish I could just devour this book!!! :'( these two are perfect together!!! <3
26% Fuck. A full-blown growl tore from his chest, and the animal within him burst free. He sunk his teeth into the juncture of her neck and grabbed her hips to lift her on to her knees. He was back in her before her cry ended
So hot!!! I fucking love these two so so much!!! <3 they've gotta be the best of the series!! <3
27% “I’m not leaving,” she said then threaded her leg between his. He kept his groan silent by burying his face in her hair and hugging her tightly. There was a roughness to his voice when he answered. “I don’t want you to.” That was the problem. Now that she was here, he didn’t know if he could let her go. It was wrong, right and something in between that he was too exhausted to analyze.
How is it possible to love Noah this much this quickly!! He's just stolen my heart completely! <3 <3
29% Noah’s eyes were hard and flat when he looked up. “We already prepared,” he said, the cold rigidity of his voice chilling her with foreboding. “Now we defend.”
I love that this group are more family then friends! <3 <3
32% “He’ll wake up.” He pressed a kiss to her temple. “He has to. He’s fought too hard to leave us now.”
:'( I hate this situation! I hate that they no longer have a choice! I hope their families understand - I really like Kendras family! :)
33% “Wow.” She sat back, eyes wide before they slowly narrowed. She crossed her arms, and he prepared himself for the fight to come. “Had a rough day, huh?” The tension ripped across his shoulders before he hung his head in defeat. That simply she’d won the argument before it started
I fucking love Liv!! I love the relationship between these two already!! <3 <3
36% “It’s not about you being a woman or not a Dom. It’s about them defending who they are.” Who they are. Was that what Noah was? Vanessa? Logic said yes, but she couldn’t wrap her head around either of them in that role. None of them, for that matter. And why should she? She didn’t go around envisioning the sex lives of any of her other friends
I seriously love liv! She's so right in everything she says! I can't believe I'm only 35% in and I'm loving it this much! It normally takes me longer to fall in love with a book this much! (Excluding KA) <3
42% The emphasis on the two beats of his name was all snark. It matched the spark in her eyes and reignited the flame that had been snubbed out by Beth. Liv wouldn’t blindly take or do just because he wished it. She’d give and give, but it wasn’t without limits
I fucking love that he knows liv is not Beth!! <3 <3 I hope we find out more about Beth?
43% She made him want again. Made him wish and dream and hope for the very things that could destroy him if he dared to reach for them. Dared to keep her
NOAH!!! Sooo perfect! <3 I love this book sooo much! I can't stop highlighting!! <3 <3
48% “I know.” Her words came out muffled beneath her arms. “Yet now is when that sexual relationship is happening. And I don’t want to avoid that.” She sniffed, not sure where the moisture was coming from. “He kind of needs me right now—not that he’d admit that—and I don’t want to walk away from something that could be great if it’s not all wrong.” Vanessa’s soft laughter lifted some of the pressure that was holding Liv down. “Why does that make sense when it shouldn’t?” “Because you’re the rare person who’s able to understand Liv Logic.”
I totally get it too Liv! <3 <3
50% He took her mouth in an aggressive kiss that drove her head back and left her limp and gasping for air. There was an edge of desperation to him that was a bit wild and at the same time tender
I fucking LOVE Noah!! <3
51% “Ohmygod,” she said, the sound a shade over a whisper. His lips curled in a focused snarl as he repeated the motion in almost agonizing slowness. “You feel so good.” The rough cut of his words was another aphrodisiac to her already overloaded senses. “I’m going to take you hard.” He snapped his hips in an almost brutal drive into her that lurched her toward the headboard
Soo hot! <3 <3
52% “For the most part. I don’t trust that they’re done though.” “Why?” “Experience.” He didn’t elaborate, and she let it go
I'm sensing something to do with Beth? :'(
55% I won’t give up Seth and Tyler or their love for my parents’ acceptance, so I have to deal with it.”
Oh allie! :( but I love that theirs no question about who'd she choose! <3 <3 I also love Kendras parents!
57% After that he’d thought he was better alone, where the pain of loss couldn’t touch him. It still did. The curse of love was the many variations in which it existed. He still loved and felt and cared, despite his desire to turn it all off. Shutting people out hadn’t stopped the emotions from taking root. And shutting Liv out wouldn’t keep him from loving her. The heartbreaking reality was he had no control over it or the level at which he would love her. He placed Liv in one of those beds for a mental second and broke into a thousand pieces. Sweat dampened his back and brow, and his breath rushed from his lungs in a gush of pure misery that sucked him dry. Losing her that way would leave him absolutely empty
Oh Noah!! :'( <3 <3
59% Back to the land of limbo that offered nothing actionable for men who were used to acting. That was a torture in itself. But he wasn’t stuck in that same place, and it was time he defined his own fate. Somehow in all the pain that’d been dished at them, he’d managed to find his own glimmer of hope. One he was ignoring. He did have choices and options and a chance with Liv. He just had to find the courage to act on it
Go Noah!! <3 <3
62% “What?” He spun around, his expression edged with barely suppressed anger. “This is why you’re here, right, Liv? Even though I told you I couldn’t do this.”
I think this might be good for both of them - I really really hope so anyway!
63% Go home. At some point, Noah had become her home. Logic said it was moving too fast, yet she didn’t want it to stop, even if she had derailed it with her actions tonight. Whatever he had to tell her, she’d help him deal with it. She’d give him what she had and hope it was what he needed.These two are sooo perfect! I wish I could just devour this book (it's sooo hard to put down!) but at the same time I'm scared to read it too fast coz I don't want it to end! :'(
64% He lowered himself to the stool with a sense of rightness. Back straight, chin raised, feet braced on the floor, he folded his fingers together and stared past the light to the shadowed darkness that trapped him. The past that refused to let him go
Oh Noah!! :'(
66% “Liv.” Her name was a tortured croak of shame and suffering. “What have I done? I can’t...” This was a Noah she’d never seen. A man who’d somehow hit rock bottom and was scrambling to hang on. So she clung to him and let him know he wasn’t alone, even though her own heart ached with every word she spoke.
Oh Noah!!! My hearts breaking! :'(
67% She loved him. It was fast and crazy and intense and more than she would’ve ever let herself feel for any one person. But he’d snuck up on her when she’d been distracted by all of the other stuff going on. And now, she was almost positive she was going to lose him, even if he didn’t want to be lost
Oh these two!!! They're shredding my heart!! :'(
69% Jake glared at him. “It all sucks.” Marcus winked. “Just wanted to clarify that.” “Ass.” “Dick.” “You’re both fucktards,” Rock cut in. “Says the cocksucker.” Marcus’s grin alleviated what could’ve been an insult
I so totally LOVE these guys!! <3
70% “I love you,” he whispered. So soft and tender, a breath filled with emotion that she wanted to dive into and keep. “I’ll be here when you’re ready for me,” she promised, her voice catching on the urge to reciprocate his words. But she couldn’t let them out. Not until he was ready for them
Oh my god! These two are so fucking perfect! <3 <3
75% Maybe it was time to listen to what others had been trying to get him to hear for years
Yes Noah! I love that he's sorting himself out - that he's doing that for Liv! <3 I don't want this book to end but at the same time I need to know what happens! <3
78% She launched herself into his arms for an impulsive hug she would’ve given anyone. But he wasn’t just anyone. He was the man she loved and couldn’t have. The one she would never pressure into a relationship he wasn’t ready for
Oh these two are perfect for each other! They're hurting my heart! :'(
79% Those questions were a never-ending circle in his subconscious that drove him to keep seeing Cass. He wanted to be whole for her, to be the person she deserved before he asked her to come back—if she still would
Noah!!! <3 <3 I love you so fucking much!!! <3 <3
82% Life hadn’t stopped because he’d willed it to, and love hadn’t evaporated because he’d refused to acknowledge it. Both still happened. He locked the door behind him, sucked in a long breath of freezing air and moved toward the future he’d denied himself for too long
Noah!!!! I love this man sooo fucking much! <3 <3
85% For now, all she could think about was getting away from there
Oh Liv! :'(
87% He met Rock’s gaze and gave up on the pretense. “Told you so.” “What the fuck?” Rock growled. “I told you.” “Can I get on this?” Cali piped in. “Because I think I said it first.” “No way,” Marcus objected. “I was definitely the one.” “You’re all wrong,” Seth said. “I called it long ago.” Deklan shoved Seth’s shoulder. “Because I told you.” “Not before me,” Holden countered. “I predicted it before all of you.” “Are we talking about Noah and Liv?” Tyler asked. “Because that shit’s so glaringly obvious I think Santa Claus saw it.” “What?” Jake asked. “What the hell does everyone know that I missed?” Laughter burst from everyone except Jake, who crossed his arms and glared at them. “Fuck you all.”
Hahahahahah I love this family!!! <3 <3 so so SO much! <3 <3
88% Fear of all that could happen if he let his love for Liv grow. The difference now was that it was overridden by the fear of missing out on her completely. The thought that it might’ve already happened terrified him into moving
Oh Noah!! <3 <3
89% "What are you doing here?” He set the firewood down and tugged the scarf off his face. A tentative smile spread over his lips before he answered. “I came for you.”
NOAH!!!!! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
91% He tipped her chin up, his thumb grazing over her bottom lip. It seemed as if everything inside her shook. Her skin flushed hot while her chest compressed and her stomach twisted in a dance that waffled between joy and pain, still unwilling to believe. “I love you so much,” he said, a rough catch in his voice. “I have for a while. But I’m more than ready to love you now. I hope you’re still waiting for me, but I’ll understand if this—us—isn’t what you want.” Tears sat on the rim of her eyes and she tried so hard to hold them back
These two are soooo fucking perfect!! <3 <3
94% That was absolutely perfect, too. He wrapped her in a hug and savored the reality that he finally had someone who complemented him in all the ways that counted. Liv would be his partner in life, which, despite his past beliefs, was what he’d always wanted. It’d just taken a strong, generous woman to show him that
Aww so perfect!!! <3
95% The woman had become a close friend since she’d started working full-time at the youth center with Liv three months ago.
Aww that surprises me but I LOVE it! :D
96% That was what this day was really about. The victory of love and the promise it had given them all when someone had tried to destroy it. She reached out with the hand he wasn’t holding to brush his curl to the side. “Noah,” she mimicked, ensuring her tone carried everything his had. “Do I need to say more?” He raised a brow, and she ran her fingers over the uplifted arc. She gave a small shake, smiling. “I already heard it.” “But I have more,” he said, his eyes open windows to his soul
Noah and Liv are perfect together! As are every single other grouping here! :D <3 <3
100% This family built on love was one that would endure and last. Adversity had only made them stronger, brought them closer and ensured that no matter what the future brought, they’d always have each other. Always.
Perfect!! Absolutely perfect! I have no idea why I left this one so long! <3 <3 the best of the series! This series is going on the to be reread shelf! I now need to read the other stories all over again coz this book made me fall head over heels in love with this family - so much more than I was before! <3 just perfect - so sad this series is over! If you haven't read this series you need to! I totally recommend it
September 22, 2014
I wish there was a way to give SHATTERED BONDS a 10 star rating, as it rose head and shoulders above many of the books I've read this year.
Attorney Noah Bakker's got secrets. Secrets that could play a part in destroying the lives of his best friends should anyone find out about their ownership or participation in "The Den," a very exclusive BDSM club. When a disgruntled former Dom slams his truck into a carload of 7 of those friends and puts their very lives in danger, Noah and the unscathed ones will have to battle to keep those battling for their lives out of the press' crosshairs. But while making plans and arrangements, Noah doesn't anticipate the sister of one of the club partners becoming more than simply a peripheral addition to their circle of trust.
Though Vivian "Liv" Delcour had no clue that her sister Vanessa was a Domme or that she was part-owner of a BDSM club, she really couldn't care less. What she does care about are the people fighting for their lives who stepped up and helped her with her youth center fundraiser out of pure generosity. And she's really starting to care about the soul-damaged Noah, a man who seems to shoulder the burden of sorrow and blame himself. Liv is willing to put everything on the line to help Noah and her new friends as they fight for their lives and their reputations, but she is shocked at how much she's come to care for Noah in such a short time. But Liv quickly realizes that what she doesn't know about Noah could fill a book, and in order for them to have a future, he'll have to make an effort to heal from the demons of his past.
SHATTERED BONDS is book 7 in the Wicked Play series, and while I haven't read any of the other books, Ms. Aicher gives us just enough information to feel like you know each one of the characters in this novel. It helped that Liv herself was an outsider being brought in and told things for the first time too, making for a bit less confusion on who belongs to who (though it did take a while to sort through the dynamics of all of the relationships, which only makes me desperate to go back and read the previous books in the series). This book was dark and sad and poignant but with a sheer unabashed beauty that made me fall in love with not only Noah and Liv, but with their extended "family" as well. The two of them were both "fixers," Noah as an attorney for most of the people in his circle as well as the club itself and part-owner who carried the weight of the world on his shoulders. He took it upon himself to make the tough decisions and to make sure that the media firestorm and the fallout was minimal. This may be the only book I've read featuring a BDSM club where the characters weren't all out and proud of their association with said club. With careers and kids and judgmental families, their bedroom proclivities and even their ownership in The Den were kept private.
Liv was a lovely and sweet woman who wanted nothing more than to give comfort to those in her life. She was the perfect woman for Noah, who has never healed from the suicide of his submissive several years ago. He's shut down that dominant side, his sexual side and nobody has breached it in a long time. Along comes this playful yet caring woman who makes him FEEL again, something he hates himself for. What Liv went through keeping everyone in her life in good spirits, taking care of them, helping them heal was exactly what they all needed, especially Noah. I was shocked by the lack of BDSM in this book, and by the desires expressed by Liv and Noah after their relationship became sexual. I don't want to spoil the fun for anyone, so I'll just say that their relationship evolved into something stronger and more organic for the choices that they made. Their chemistry was second to none and the erotic passion between them blew my mind. I can not wait to go back and pick up other books in the Wicked Play series if SHATTERED BONDS is any indication how amazing they all are.
Attorney Noah Bakker's got secrets. Secrets that could play a part in destroying the lives of his best friends should anyone find out about their ownership or participation in "The Den," a very exclusive BDSM club. When a disgruntled former Dom slams his truck into a carload of 7 of those friends and puts their very lives in danger, Noah and the unscathed ones will have to battle to keep those battling for their lives out of the press' crosshairs. But while making plans and arrangements, Noah doesn't anticipate the sister of one of the club partners becoming more than simply a peripheral addition to their circle of trust.
Though Vivian "Liv" Delcour had no clue that her sister Vanessa was a Domme or that she was part-owner of a BDSM club, she really couldn't care less. What she does care about are the people fighting for their lives who stepped up and helped her with her youth center fundraiser out of pure generosity. And she's really starting to care about the soul-damaged Noah, a man who seems to shoulder the burden of sorrow and blame himself. Liv is willing to put everything on the line to help Noah and her new friends as they fight for their lives and their reputations, but she is shocked at how much she's come to care for Noah in such a short time. But Liv quickly realizes that what she doesn't know about Noah could fill a book, and in order for them to have a future, he'll have to make an effort to heal from the demons of his past.
SHATTERED BONDS is book 7 in the Wicked Play series, and while I haven't read any of the other books, Ms. Aicher gives us just enough information to feel like you know each one of the characters in this novel. It helped that Liv herself was an outsider being brought in and told things for the first time too, making for a bit less confusion on who belongs to who (though it did take a while to sort through the dynamics of all of the relationships, which only makes me desperate to go back and read the previous books in the series). This book was dark and sad and poignant but with a sheer unabashed beauty that made me fall in love with not only Noah and Liv, but with their extended "family" as well. The two of them were both "fixers," Noah as an attorney for most of the people in his circle as well as the club itself and part-owner who carried the weight of the world on his shoulders. He took it upon himself to make the tough decisions and to make sure that the media firestorm and the fallout was minimal. This may be the only book I've read featuring a BDSM club where the characters weren't all out and proud of their association with said club. With careers and kids and judgmental families, their bedroom proclivities and even their ownership in The Den were kept private.
Liv was a lovely and sweet woman who wanted nothing more than to give comfort to those in her life. She was the perfect woman for Noah, who has never healed from the suicide of his submissive several years ago. He's shut down that dominant side, his sexual side and nobody has breached it in a long time. Along comes this playful yet caring woman who makes him FEEL again, something he hates himself for. What Liv went through keeping everyone in her life in good spirits, taking care of them, helping them heal was exactly what they all needed, especially Noah. I was shocked by the lack of BDSM in this book, and by the desires expressed by Liv and Noah after their relationship became sexual. I don't want to spoil the fun for anyone, so I'll just say that their relationship evolved into something stronger and more organic for the choices that they made. Their chemistry was second to none and the erotic passion between them blew my mind. I can not wait to go back and pick up other books in the Wicked Play series if SHATTERED BONDS is any indication how amazing they all are.
September 21, 2014
I received my copy from the publisher through Love Romances and More and rated it 4.5 stars.
Shattered Bonds starts with a bang. Before you’re five percent into the story you’ll be worrying about at least half the characters you’ve come to love while reading the ‘Wicked Play’ series. Everything is suddenly uncertain. There are questions about life and death as well as the future of The Den and it’s impossible not to get caught up in the worry and uncertainty.
In the midst of the chaos that ensues, Liv is the light and bright spark keeping everyone going. There were times when she was a bit too much for me; too good, too cheerful, too understanding and too unquestioning. But overall she made me smile as well as wish I was a better person. And, given the darkness Noah struggles with, Liv’s character had to be both understanding and patient for the story and the romance to work.
Noah broke my heart for most of this book. His pain, fear and reluctance to commit ever again were so vivid it made me hurt for him. The way he eventually deals with his issues and the sacrifice Liv makes to make that possible for him, were both heartbreaking and utterly beautiful.
Ultimately this is a book about love, friendship and loyalty. Things that might shatter us if we have to face them alone, can be managed if those who are close to us gather around to see us through. It is a wonderful truth and powerful message.
As always Lynda Aicher has put several pearls of wisdom in her story. I’ve decided to not quote BDSM related statements this time since I covered those in my previous reviews. The following sentiment though rang very true for me:
“She didn’t go around envisioning the sex lives of any of her other friends.”
This is such a wonderful line. The whole world seems to feel they have the right to judge how people who are into kink or are gay or ‘other than the norm’ have sex. And yet those same people probably don’t spend a minute thinking about their neighbours’ sex life. Because they know it’s none of their business. Well, guess what. It’s none of your business either if the people concerned happen to like something you’re not into or you don’t understand.
The following scene brought tears to my eyes. Liv’s selflessness was astounding and inspiring.
“You have so much love to give, but your heart is still broken. Her actions shattered it. But it still beats. You’re still alive. You need to find a way to piece it back together so you’re not afraid to use it again.” – Liv to Noah.
As she did in the previous books in this series, Lynda Aicher manages to give us yet another perspective on BDSM. With Liv not being submissive, even though she does enjoy kinky sex, and Noah no longer comfortable with the idea of a full-time D/s relationship, this book shows that it isn’t all or nothing. We all develop our relationships based on our personal needs, and that’s the only way it can possibly work. I’m both delighted and impressed at how well Lynda Aicher managed to convey that message in this series.
I have adored this series from the very beginning. Every single title brought me hours of reading joy and all the characters I encountered in the stories will stay with me for one reason or another. For that reason, the epilogue left me with a big smile as well as a bit teary-eyed. It was a wonderful and very romantic ending to a series I’ve loved from start to finish. It was also goodbye. As much as it was great to have the series end on a high, I can’t deny I will miss these characters and The Den. The world and characters Lynda Aicher created became real for me and saying goodbye to them is a bit like saying goodbye to trusted friends. Not having a next book to look forward to is going to take a bit of getting used to. On the upside though, there’s a new series on the way and if the ‘Wicked Play’ books are anything to go by, it’s going to be fun losing myself in new characters.
“That was what this day was really about. The victory of love and the promise it had given them all when someone had tried to destroy it.”
Shattered Bonds starts with a bang. Before you’re five percent into the story you’ll be worrying about at least half the characters you’ve come to love while reading the ‘Wicked Play’ series. Everything is suddenly uncertain. There are questions about life and death as well as the future of The Den and it’s impossible not to get caught up in the worry and uncertainty.
In the midst of the chaos that ensues, Liv is the light and bright spark keeping everyone going. There were times when she was a bit too much for me; too good, too cheerful, too understanding and too unquestioning. But overall she made me smile as well as wish I was a better person. And, given the darkness Noah struggles with, Liv’s character had to be both understanding and patient for the story and the romance to work.
Noah broke my heart for most of this book. His pain, fear and reluctance to commit ever again were so vivid it made me hurt for him. The way he eventually deals with his issues and the sacrifice Liv makes to make that possible for him, were both heartbreaking and utterly beautiful.
Ultimately this is a book about love, friendship and loyalty. Things that might shatter us if we have to face them alone, can be managed if those who are close to us gather around to see us through. It is a wonderful truth and powerful message.
As always Lynda Aicher has put several pearls of wisdom in her story. I’ve decided to not quote BDSM related statements this time since I covered those in my previous reviews. The following sentiment though rang very true for me:
“She didn’t go around envisioning the sex lives of any of her other friends.”
This is such a wonderful line. The whole world seems to feel they have the right to judge how people who are into kink or are gay or ‘other than the norm’ have sex. And yet those same people probably don’t spend a minute thinking about their neighbours’ sex life. Because they know it’s none of their business. Well, guess what. It’s none of your business either if the people concerned happen to like something you’re not into or you don’t understand.
The following scene brought tears to my eyes. Liv’s selflessness was astounding and inspiring.
“You have so much love to give, but your heart is still broken. Her actions shattered it. But it still beats. You’re still alive. You need to find a way to piece it back together so you’re not afraid to use it again.” – Liv to Noah.
As she did in the previous books in this series, Lynda Aicher manages to give us yet another perspective on BDSM. With Liv not being submissive, even though she does enjoy kinky sex, and Noah no longer comfortable with the idea of a full-time D/s relationship, this book shows that it isn’t all or nothing. We all develop our relationships based on our personal needs, and that’s the only way it can possibly work. I’m both delighted and impressed at how well Lynda Aicher managed to convey that message in this series.
I have adored this series from the very beginning. Every single title brought me hours of reading joy and all the characters I encountered in the stories will stay with me for one reason or another. For that reason, the epilogue left me with a big smile as well as a bit teary-eyed. It was a wonderful and very romantic ending to a series I’ve loved from start to finish. It was also goodbye. As much as it was great to have the series end on a high, I can’t deny I will miss these characters and The Den. The world and characters Lynda Aicher created became real for me and saying goodbye to them is a bit like saying goodbye to trusted friends. Not having a next book to look forward to is going to take a bit of getting used to. On the upside though, there’s a new series on the way and if the ‘Wicked Play’ books are anything to go by, it’s going to be fun losing myself in new characters.
“That was what this day was really about. The victory of love and the promise it had given them all when someone had tried to destroy it.”
May 14, 2019
Che dire… stupendo, come gli altri e forse un po’ di più.
In questo ultimo capitolo della serie I padroni del piacere, (i bellissimi Dom del Den) troviamo tutte le coppie formatesi nei precedenti, la trama è più incentrata nei sentimenti e meno sul locale quindi amicizia, amore, paura, l’accettazione e il rifiuto fanno da cornice alla storia tra Liv e Noah.
Noah è un avvocato, socio del Den e ovviamente l’avvocato del locale, Liv è la sorella minore di Vanessa (Padrona Vi), i due si sono conosciuti nel romanzo precedente, nell’occasione in cui, al centro per ragazzini, Noah e Holden avevano aiutato Liv, donando tempo per giocare con loro e aiutarli nei compiti, dando così un esempio di adulto positivo rispetto al degrado di dove vivono. Holden invita tutti i soci del Den a una partita ma al rientro una delle macchine viene coinvolta in un incidente, rimangono feriti quasi tutti, in maniera lieve come Allie, Seth, Cali e Deklan mentre Kendra e Tayler sono tra i più gravi. Cici e Marcus non sono rimasti coinvolti perché erano andati via prima mentre Rock e Carter si trovavano in macchina per i fatti loro come Noah e Liv. Si scopre che l’autista che ha causato l’incidente è Remington merdaccia Harcourt (ve lo ricordate?) non casualmente ma per vendetta, e in più ha lasciato una lettera dove spiega le motivazioni e infama i soci del Den. Da qui inizia la corsa di Noah per tutelare i soci e le loro compagne per mantenere l’anonimato e in contemporanea inizia una relazione con Liv, la quale è all’oscuro di cosa si faccia nel locale, ma visto ciò che è successo gli altri sono obbligati a dirglielo, con la paura che reagisca male.
“Però, se vuoi delle informazioni più esaustive devi parlare con Noah o con Vanessa. Io ho solo dei contatti superficiali, perché il BDSM non è qualcosa di cui Rock e io abbiamo bisogno.”
Bisogno, si ripeté Liv, pensosa, mentre lo seguiva, quando Carter uscì dall’ascensore. Essere legati, dominati, sottomessi, frustati… erano giochi erotici di cui si poteva aver bisogno? Che differenza c’era con il semplice desiderio? Per vivere aveva bisogno di cibo, ma le piacevano le patatine. Desiderarne un piatto non equivaleva a non essere in grado di farne a meno. Lo stesso concetto poteva essere applicato al sadomaso?
Ma Liv è una persona intelligente e non reagisce male, vuole piuttosto capire cosa spinga le persone a certe pratiche. Noah pian piano s’innamora ma ha paura che Liv non sia pronta, eh sì anche lui è un Dom… non pratica più a causa del suo passato, ma l’istinto c’è ancora. Liv dovrà faticare per scoprire cosa nasconde e quando lo farà lo lascerà per aspettarlo, perché prima di iniziare una relazione con lei deve chiudere con il passato.
A un tratto Liv si rese conto che non avrebbe mai compreso quelle dinamiche, proprio come Vanessa aveva tentato di spiegarle. Ogni persona era attratta da quella dimensione da motivazioni diverse. Lei aveva tentato di svelare il mistero che non aveva risposta univoca e che avrebbe potuto comprendere solo partecipando in prima persona.
Come in tutti i libri Mrs Aicher riesce a farti percepire le emozioni sulla pelle, entri nella vita dei personaggi tifi per loro, dai consigli come se fossero di fianco a te, ti domandi tu come reagiresti ai vari drammi che succedono, piangi e ti emozioni con loro. In questo romanzo il BDSM è solo accennato non ci sono scene esplicite, ma solo sesso caldo e intenso con tantissimi sentimenti da tutti i personaggi, perché anche se la storia riguarda principalmente Noah e Liv, alla fine della fiera siamo di fronte a un romanzo corale che chiude tutte le relazioni nate nei libri precedenti… quindi buon viaggio ragazzi è stato bello conoscervi tutti, compreso il Den. E tu sei pronta a entrare al Den? Sìì? Allora…
Benvenuti al Den
.
Tayla - per RFS
In questo ultimo capitolo della serie I padroni del piacere, (i bellissimi Dom del Den) troviamo tutte le coppie formatesi nei precedenti, la trama è più incentrata nei sentimenti e meno sul locale quindi amicizia, amore, paura, l’accettazione e il rifiuto fanno da cornice alla storia tra Liv e Noah.
Noah è un avvocato, socio del Den e ovviamente l’avvocato del locale, Liv è la sorella minore di Vanessa (Padrona Vi), i due si sono conosciuti nel romanzo precedente, nell’occasione in cui, al centro per ragazzini, Noah e Holden avevano aiutato Liv, donando tempo per giocare con loro e aiutarli nei compiti, dando così un esempio di adulto positivo rispetto al degrado di dove vivono. Holden invita tutti i soci del Den a una partita ma al rientro una delle macchine viene coinvolta in un incidente, rimangono feriti quasi tutti, in maniera lieve come Allie, Seth, Cali e Deklan mentre Kendra e Tayler sono tra i più gravi. Cici e Marcus non sono rimasti coinvolti perché erano andati via prima mentre Rock e Carter si trovavano in macchina per i fatti loro come Noah e Liv. Si scopre che l’autista che ha causato l’incidente è Remington merdaccia Harcourt (ve lo ricordate?) non casualmente ma per vendetta, e in più ha lasciato una lettera dove spiega le motivazioni e infama i soci del Den. Da qui inizia la corsa di Noah per tutelare i soci e le loro compagne per mantenere l’anonimato e in contemporanea inizia una relazione con Liv, la quale è all’oscuro di cosa si faccia nel locale, ma visto ciò che è successo gli altri sono obbligati a dirglielo, con la paura che reagisca male.
“Però, se vuoi delle informazioni più esaustive devi parlare con Noah o con Vanessa. Io ho solo dei contatti superficiali, perché il BDSM non è qualcosa di cui Rock e io abbiamo bisogno.”
Bisogno, si ripeté Liv, pensosa, mentre lo seguiva, quando Carter uscì dall’ascensore. Essere legati, dominati, sottomessi, frustati… erano giochi erotici di cui si poteva aver bisogno? Che differenza c’era con il semplice desiderio? Per vivere aveva bisogno di cibo, ma le piacevano le patatine. Desiderarne un piatto non equivaleva a non essere in grado di farne a meno. Lo stesso concetto poteva essere applicato al sadomaso?
Ma Liv è una persona intelligente e non reagisce male, vuole piuttosto capire cosa spinga le persone a certe pratiche. Noah pian piano s’innamora ma ha paura che Liv non sia pronta, eh sì anche lui è un Dom… non pratica più a causa del suo passato, ma l’istinto c’è ancora. Liv dovrà faticare per scoprire cosa nasconde e quando lo farà lo lascerà per aspettarlo, perché prima di iniziare una relazione con lei deve chiudere con il passato.
A un tratto Liv si rese conto che non avrebbe mai compreso quelle dinamiche, proprio come Vanessa aveva tentato di spiegarle. Ogni persona era attratta da quella dimensione da motivazioni diverse. Lei aveva tentato di svelare il mistero che non aveva risposta univoca e che avrebbe potuto comprendere solo partecipando in prima persona.
Come in tutti i libri Mrs Aicher riesce a farti percepire le emozioni sulla pelle, entri nella vita dei personaggi tifi per loro, dai consigli come se fossero di fianco a te, ti domandi tu come reagiresti ai vari drammi che succedono, piangi e ti emozioni con loro. In questo romanzo il BDSM è solo accennato non ci sono scene esplicite, ma solo sesso caldo e intenso con tantissimi sentimenti da tutti i personaggi, perché anche se la storia riguarda principalmente Noah e Liv, alla fine della fiera siamo di fronte a un romanzo corale che chiude tutte le relazioni nate nei libri precedenti… quindi buon viaggio ragazzi è stato bello conoscervi tutti, compreso il Den. E tu sei pronta a entrare al Den? Sìì? Allora…
Benvenuti al Den
.
Tayla - per RFS
September 8, 2014
http://ripeforreader.blogspot.com/201...
My rating: 4 of 5 ⭐️
******
An impressive conclusion to a series that had me anticipating each new installment!
In SHATTERED BONDS, Lynda Aicher has put the spotlight on Noah Bakker, part owner of The Den - and Liv Delcour, the rather innocent sister of one of his partners. However, the full scope of the story encompasses all of the The Den clan. Every one of the main characters we have seen before, plays a role in this final episode of the series, bringing it to an at times heartwrenching conclusion.
As part owner, but also the one responsible for all legal matters regarding the club, Noah carries a stiff load on his shoulders. It isn't the only burden he carries, and it is almost as if he punishes himself with the weight. Very controlled and rather aloof, Noah tends to stick to the business side of the club, no longer venturing in to play - finding little to draw him in that direction. Although Vanessa's little sister Liv certainly seems to have awakened something in him. He doesn't trust himself, though. So despite her ability to cut straight through his protective layers, he feels the need to protect her against himself.
Liv keeps herself so busy making sure everyone around her is taken care of and happy, she doesn't think too much about what would make her happy. She has silently made herself a place in the tight circle of friends that make up the core of The Den, without even realizing its significance. When she finds out, and recognizes that Noah, who has had her eye for a while, likely is a part of that lifestyle, some doubt begins to form. She isn't sure whether she would be able to handle that side of the tightly controlled man who hides such pain in his eyes.
The book starts with a huge shocker and had me on the edge of my seat for quite some time. In contrast the ending was relatively mild, but it didn't take away from some important messages that are projected throughout the book. Mostly dealing with acceptance, non-judgement, the beauty of love in all its forms, and many more that should be straightforward, but unfortunately aren't.
Lynda Aicher's books have opened my eyes to a new way of looking at the many faces and expressions of love and passion. And I will miss the wonderful variety of characters and their individual preferences and personalities, that make up The Den.
✨An explosive, passionate, gut-wrenching and fitting finale!✨
**Copy provided in return for an honest review.**
My rating: 4 of 5 ⭐️
******
An impressive conclusion to a series that had me anticipating each new installment!
In SHATTERED BONDS, Lynda Aicher has put the spotlight on Noah Bakker, part owner of The Den - and Liv Delcour, the rather innocent sister of one of his partners. However, the full scope of the story encompasses all of the The Den clan. Every one of the main characters we have seen before, plays a role in this final episode of the series, bringing it to an at times heartwrenching conclusion.
As part owner, but also the one responsible for all legal matters regarding the club, Noah carries a stiff load on his shoulders. It isn't the only burden he carries, and it is almost as if he punishes himself with the weight. Very controlled and rather aloof, Noah tends to stick to the business side of the club, no longer venturing in to play - finding little to draw him in that direction. Although Vanessa's little sister Liv certainly seems to have awakened something in him. He doesn't trust himself, though. So despite her ability to cut straight through his protective layers, he feels the need to protect her against himself.
Liv keeps herself so busy making sure everyone around her is taken care of and happy, she doesn't think too much about what would make her happy. She has silently made herself a place in the tight circle of friends that make up the core of The Den, without even realizing its significance. When she finds out, and recognizes that Noah, who has had her eye for a while, likely is a part of that lifestyle, some doubt begins to form. She isn't sure whether she would be able to handle that side of the tightly controlled man who hides such pain in his eyes.
The book starts with a huge shocker and had me on the edge of my seat for quite some time. In contrast the ending was relatively mild, but it didn't take away from some important messages that are projected throughout the book. Mostly dealing with acceptance, non-judgement, the beauty of love in all its forms, and many more that should be straightforward, but unfortunately aren't.
Lynda Aicher's books have opened my eyes to a new way of looking at the many faces and expressions of love and passion. And I will miss the wonderful variety of characters and their individual preferences and personalities, that make up The Den.
✨An explosive, passionate, gut-wrenching and fitting finale!✨
**Copy provided in return for an honest review.**
November 16, 2014
This BDSM series is a hit or miss sometimes. This one felt more like a filler for the next story. Perhaps it is because Liv is too vanilla for me to enjoy. In Shattered, the Den's privacy and livelihood is torn apart. A vengeful ex-member attacks the Den owners in a manner which exposes their private life for the public to criticize. It's a lifestyler's worst nightmare. While several of the main members are recovering in the hospital, others are trying to circle the wagons to protect the Den's destruction.
Noah Bakker is the one who steps up to help keep the Den together. What he doesn't expect, is Liv Delcour becoming mixed up in this mess. It's bad enough he's been warned away by her overprotective sister, Vanessa. Vanessa is a dominatrix whose job could also be threatened by the BDSM exposure. Although, honestly, in her line of business, if people don't think she's a dominant, it would be surprising. As a side note, being known as a whip wielder may not hurt Vanessa's image.
The BDSM in this story is light as Liv's been kept out of Vanessa's kinky private life. Liv isn't that sheltered and what she learns intrigues her. It is interesting to see how the characters in this story expect Liv to be innocent and devoid of any kinky inclination. With a sister like Vanessa, why would this assumption hold true? It doesn't make sense. Liv shows that she too can bring her kinky desires to the fore front, just not in a dominant manner.
This is a sweet representation of a newbie to BDSM learning the ropes with a recalcitrant dominant. Noah is experienced and feels a bit too old, too jaded and too wicked for the angelic Liv. Liv pursuing Noah is amusing. She keeps pushing until he finally decides to show her how he takes a woman in hand. The false starts are pretty accurate. The fears of Noah help show how even a dominant isn't all knowing.
What really bugs me about this story is more the public reaction as well as family response to those who have been forcefully out-ed. It pisses me off because it isn't anyone's business. Ms. Aicher did present a plausible scenario and conflict with devastating effect. Ms. Aicher balances it well with the community coming together to defend. The BDSM is just a small tangent in this book. This story is really about friendships and in time of need, who can one really call their friend. This is what makes the story enjoyable. This erotic romance is recommended for those exploring their kinky side.
*provided by NetGalley
Noah Bakker is the one who steps up to help keep the Den together. What he doesn't expect, is Liv Delcour becoming mixed up in this mess. It's bad enough he's been warned away by her overprotective sister, Vanessa. Vanessa is a dominatrix whose job could also be threatened by the BDSM exposure. Although, honestly, in her line of business, if people don't think she's a dominant, it would be surprising. As a side note, being known as a whip wielder may not hurt Vanessa's image.
The BDSM in this story is light as Liv's been kept out of Vanessa's kinky private life. Liv isn't that sheltered and what she learns intrigues her. It is interesting to see how the characters in this story expect Liv to be innocent and devoid of any kinky inclination. With a sister like Vanessa, why would this assumption hold true? It doesn't make sense. Liv shows that she too can bring her kinky desires to the fore front, just not in a dominant manner.
This is a sweet representation of a newbie to BDSM learning the ropes with a recalcitrant dominant. Noah is experienced and feels a bit too old, too jaded and too wicked for the angelic Liv. Liv pursuing Noah is amusing. She keeps pushing until he finally decides to show her how he takes a woman in hand. The false starts are pretty accurate. The fears of Noah help show how even a dominant isn't all knowing.
What really bugs me about this story is more the public reaction as well as family response to those who have been forcefully out-ed. It pisses me off because it isn't anyone's business. Ms. Aicher did present a plausible scenario and conflict with devastating effect. Ms. Aicher balances it well with the community coming together to defend. The BDSM is just a small tangent in this book. This story is really about friendships and in time of need, who can one really call their friend. This is what makes the story enjoyable. This erotic romance is recommended for those exploring their kinky side.
*provided by NetGalley
August 14, 2014
3.5 Stars
Shattered Bonds is the 7th book in the Wicked Play series by Lynda Aicher. It’s the story of Noah and Liv, (Vivian). Noah is haunted by the pain and guilt of an event that happened over 4 years ago. He has been living a stoic and celibate existence since that time. It is not until after he starts getting close to Liv that he begins to break down the walls he’s built around his heart. Liv is an outgoing, warm hearted, vivacious woman who spends the bulk of her time selflessly helping others. She’s been attracted to Noah ever since she met him but fear of rejection has held her back. That is until one fateful night.
Liv and Noah find comfort in each other after a tragic night shatters their world. Liv sees the stress and pain that he hides from others and in her way works to bring some light and laughter into Noah’s life. But she knows that if she wants any hope of a lasting relationship with Noah then he has to heal himself and move past the anguish holding him back.
I enjoyed Shattered Bonds. If you’ve read the other books in the Wicked Play series then I urge you not to miss this one. It contains a pivotal moment that the makes a huge impact and affects all the characters in the series. Shattered Bonds starts with a bang that will have you holding your breath but loses some steam around the midway point. I still liked it but it just wasn’t as good as the first half.
Shattered Bonds is a good contemporary romance. The emotions run high and the characters show their strength. I liked Noah and Liv and enjoyed seeing them come together. Their romance is intense, heartfelt and sexy. Shattered Bonds highlights all the past characters and their romances. It showcases the strong bonds that exist between them all. Ultimately it’s a story about love, friendship and pulling together and supporting one another when the going gets tough.
I highly recommend Shattered Bonds to fans of the Wicked Play series.
*ARC (Advanced Review Copy) received from Carina Press via NetGalley.
Shattered Bonds is the 7th book in the Wicked Play series by Lynda Aicher. It’s the story of Noah and Liv, (Vivian). Noah is haunted by the pain and guilt of an event that happened over 4 years ago. He has been living a stoic and celibate existence since that time. It is not until after he starts getting close to Liv that he begins to break down the walls he’s built around his heart. Liv is an outgoing, warm hearted, vivacious woman who spends the bulk of her time selflessly helping others. She’s been attracted to Noah ever since she met him but fear of rejection has held her back. That is until one fateful night.
Liv and Noah find comfort in each other after a tragic night shatters their world. Liv sees the stress and pain that he hides from others and in her way works to bring some light and laughter into Noah’s life. But she knows that if she wants any hope of a lasting relationship with Noah then he has to heal himself and move past the anguish holding him back.
I enjoyed Shattered Bonds. If you’ve read the other books in the Wicked Play series then I urge you not to miss this one. It contains a pivotal moment that the makes a huge impact and affects all the characters in the series. Shattered Bonds starts with a bang that will have you holding your breath but loses some steam around the midway point. I still liked it but it just wasn’t as good as the first half.
Shattered Bonds is a good contemporary romance. The emotions run high and the characters show their strength. I liked Noah and Liv and enjoyed seeing them come together. Their romance is intense, heartfelt and sexy. Shattered Bonds highlights all the past characters and their romances. It showcases the strong bonds that exist between them all. Ultimately it’s a story about love, friendship and pulling together and supporting one another when the going gets tough.
I highly recommend Shattered Bonds to fans of the Wicked Play series.
*ARC (Advanced Review Copy) received from Carina Press via NetGalley.
August 29, 2014
Shattered Bonds (Wicked Play #7) by Lynda Aicher
A-, inferno, mild kink, contemp
Noah is one of the owners of the Den, a BDSM club, but he's been out of the scene for 4 years now, since the tragic death of his last sub. But when he meets Liv, the sister of one of the other owners, he starts to feel tempted to give in to desires he separated himself from years ago. When an accident happens, the Den finds itself shaken to its core. Noah and Liv grow closer while trying to hold the club together.
This is really a telling of 2 tales. The first being the story of Noah and Liv. The second being the culmination of the last 6 books. Lynda Aicher does a fabulous job of weaving the two stories together. Giving us enough of our favorite characters without cheating us of Noah and Liv's relationship. Because the characters from the other 6 books play such a huge part in this one, I think you would have a hard time reading this one as a stand alone.
The characters is this one, *insert happy, contented sigh here* blew me away. Noah is so conflicted and hurting. At times his pain almost made me cry. Liv is such a caring and giving person, yet she realizes that she can't "fix" Noah. I loved that they supported each other, rather than fixing each other.
A note for fans of the BDSM in the first books of this series: This one is extremely low on the kink scale for this series, comparatively. If you're looking for whips and chains and crosses and pain, you won't find it in this one. Just some very mild restraints (hands only) during sex and oral. But the lack of kink doesn't detract from the story one bit.
If you liked the first books in this series, this is a must read. If you haven't given this series a try, you need to start at the beginning. It's well worth the time and investment if you like BDSM. The Wicked Play series is one of my favorite series and Lynda Aicher has become one of my favorite BDSM authors.
A-, inferno, mild kink, contemp
Noah is one of the owners of the Den, a BDSM club, but he's been out of the scene for 4 years now, since the tragic death of his last sub. But when he meets Liv, the sister of one of the other owners, he starts to feel tempted to give in to desires he separated himself from years ago. When an accident happens, the Den finds itself shaken to its core. Noah and Liv grow closer while trying to hold the club together.
This is really a telling of 2 tales. The first being the story of Noah and Liv. The second being the culmination of the last 6 books. Lynda Aicher does a fabulous job of weaving the two stories together. Giving us enough of our favorite characters without cheating us of Noah and Liv's relationship. Because the characters from the other 6 books play such a huge part in this one, I think you would have a hard time reading this one as a stand alone.
The characters is this one, *insert happy, contented sigh here* blew me away. Noah is so conflicted and hurting. At times his pain almost made me cry. Liv is such a caring and giving person, yet she realizes that she can't "fix" Noah. I loved that they supported each other, rather than fixing each other.
A note for fans of the BDSM in the first books of this series: This one is extremely low on the kink scale for this series, comparatively. If you're looking for whips and chains and crosses and pain, you won't find it in this one. Just some very mild restraints (hands only) during sex and oral. But the lack of kink doesn't detract from the story one bit.
If you liked the first books in this series, this is a must read. If you haven't given this series a try, you need to start at the beginning. It's well worth the time and investment if you like BDSM. The Wicked Play series is one of my favorite series and Lynda Aicher has become one of my favorite BDSM authors.
September 19, 2014
Reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors that Rock
4 fangs
Shattered Bonds by Lynda Aicher is the seventh book in the Wicked Play series. I have not read the other books in the series so I can't give to much background information. There are several characters that own a club called The Den. One night after a get together a bunch of them and friends are car pooling home when they are T-boned by another vehicle. People are seriously injured and have to go to the hospital. After some investigating they find out the person who T-boned them is Harcourt. It had been leaked to the media that Harcourt was involved with BDSM and was abusive. He was apparently out for revenge on the owners of The Den.
The story carries well even without having read the other books. I would probably enjoy the book more if I had read the other books though. There are a lot of characters introduced at the beginning of the book which got confusing. There were many spots that I was not sure who was talking. I hope this gets fixed in editing because it got confusing. Other than that the writing was very good.
I would recommend this book to mature adults that enjoy BDSM.
4 fangs
Shattered Bonds by Lynda Aicher is the seventh book in the Wicked Play series. I have not read the other books in the series so I can't give to much background information. There are several characters that own a club called The Den. One night after a get together a bunch of them and friends are car pooling home when they are T-boned by another vehicle. People are seriously injured and have to go to the hospital. After some investigating they find out the person who T-boned them is Harcourt. It had been leaked to the media that Harcourt was involved with BDSM and was abusive. He was apparently out for revenge on the owners of The Den.
The story carries well even without having read the other books. I would probably enjoy the book more if I had read the other books though. There are a lot of characters introduced at the beginning of the book which got confusing. There were many spots that I was not sure who was talking. I hope this gets fixed in editing because it got confusing. Other than that the writing was very good.
I would recommend this book to mature adults that enjoy BDSM.
March 10, 2016
Noah Bakker
Liv Delcour
Read: 17/10/14
Rating; 4+ stars
Shattered Bonds is the final book in the Wicked Play series. It starts with something major happening, so this book deals with the aftermath of that and the romance of Noah and Liv. I was sad to know this would be the last book as each book has gotten better and better. This one was excellent, great epilogue. I am looking forward to the spinoff series.
Liv Delcour
Read: 17/10/14
Rating; 4+ stars
Shattered Bonds is the final book in the Wicked Play series. It starts with something major happening, so this book deals with the aftermath of that and the romance of Noah and Liv. I was sad to know this would be the last book as each book has gotten better and better. This one was excellent, great epilogue. I am looking forward to the spinoff series.
March 20, 2021
Received an ARC for review from NetGalley
I have read all the books in this series. Still trying to figure out why I haven't marked any of them read since the first one. Weird. This series is AMAZING! Four and five stars all the way.
When this book started, I thought Ms. Aicher was heading for my poop list. Drama for all the friends from the previous six books. Some emotional angst for Noah and Liz with just a touch of BDSM. And the epilogue was perfect. I'm sad this series is over.
I have read all the books in this series. Still trying to figure out why I haven't marked any of them read since the first one. Weird. This series is AMAZING! Four and five stars all the way.
When this book started, I thought Ms. Aicher was heading for my poop list. Drama for all the friends from the previous six books. Some emotional angst for Noah and Liz with just a touch of BDSM. And the epilogue was perfect. I'm sad this series is over.
May 23, 2022
Since I finished book 6, it made sense to finally get to the ending of this series! It's been a few years since I read the rest so it was a nice catch up (though a bit of a shocker at the beginning) and great to see V's sister Liv find a partner. I've missed this author's writing, I'm going to have to go back into my TBR and see what other ones I've still got to read.
August 11, 2014
Liv and Noah
Pretty awesome final book in this series. I love how everything came together even if there was heartache along the way. Full review to come on Fiction Vixen Book Reviews
Pretty awesome final book in this series. I love how everything came together even if there was heartache along the way. Full review to come on Fiction Vixen Book Reviews
June 21, 2016
4 stelline e mezzo.
January 7, 2018
I am voluntarily writing this review for this book I received through Overdrive.
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
A bad accident involving most of the people from the Den. The driver of the car that crashed into their car was a person with a personal vendetta against the owners of the Den. Dealing with their personal problems Noah their Attorney helped with the day to day things and yes Liv was their to help. Liv was Mistress V (Vanessa)sister even though Liv had no idea exactly what BDSM and about her sister other than she was a sports PR person. Liv help run the youth center so she was always volunteering for different things. After the accident V told her all about her life style. Since V and her partner/submissive Holden were going on a mini vacation so V asked Noah to watch over her sister. Liv goes and stays with Noah where they proceed to get to know one another. Noah is starting to feel something for Liv but his past keeps him from acting on it. Finally Noah tells her about his past and she decides to leave and go back to her sister's house. Noah is left to his past. Will Liv and Noah get back together or is the damage to much to change
Wonderful Series
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
A bad accident involving most of the people from the Den. The driver of the car that crashed into their car was a person with a personal vendetta against the owners of the Den. Dealing with their personal problems Noah their Attorney helped with the day to day things and yes Liv was their to help. Liv was Mistress V (Vanessa)sister even though Liv had no idea exactly what BDSM and about her sister other than she was a sports PR person. Liv help run the youth center so she was always volunteering for different things. After the accident V told her all about her life style. Since V and her partner/submissive Holden were going on a mini vacation so V asked Noah to watch over her sister. Liv goes and stays with Noah where they proceed to get to know one another. Noah is starting to feel something for Liv but his past keeps him from acting on it. Finally Noah tells her about his past and she decides to leave and go back to her sister's house. Noah is left to his past. Will Liv and Noah get back together or is the damage to much to change
Wonderful Series
December 30, 2024
Dull read.
The story had the perfect set-up for an intense, emotional ride but instead the forlorn tone, long-suffering male lead, saintly female lead and lack of passion created a boring, dreary story that was often disjointed, contained baffling moments, left out pertinent information, had too many repetitive inner monologues and too much tell and not enough show.
The relationship-building between the lead characters was pretty much non-existent since there was zero communication while they were 'falling in love'. By the time he got around to opening up and airing his past, it was too little too late to create a credible, let alone satisfactory romance, and their subsequent separation just dragged things out.
Also Marcus staying away made no sense. His name and position as a professional dom/sex worker in the club had already been established by the media in his and Quinn's book. It was Quinn's romantic connection to him and social connection to the rest of them that needed to be hidden.
And I really hated that the doms in the club were treated as if they were all misogynist douches who would attack the female lead if she wasn't physically protected from them at all times.
Do not recommend.
The story had the perfect set-up for an intense, emotional ride but instead the forlorn tone, long-suffering male lead, saintly female lead and lack of passion created a boring, dreary story that was often disjointed, contained baffling moments, left out pertinent information, had too many repetitive inner monologues and too much tell and not enough show.
The relationship-building between the lead characters was pretty much non-existent since there was zero communication while they were 'falling in love'. By the time he got around to opening up and airing his past, it was too little too late to create a credible, let alone satisfactory romance, and their subsequent separation just dragged things out.
Also Marcus staying away made no sense. His name and position as a professional dom/sex worker in the club had already been established by the media in his and Quinn's book. It was Quinn's romantic connection to him and social connection to the rest of them that needed to be hidden.
And I really hated that the doms in the club were treated as if they were all misogynist douches who would attack the female lead if she wasn't physically protected from them at all times.
Do not recommend.
January 27, 2018
All the characters are together and interacting as they try to manage tragedy that outs them to the public. This isn't just Noah and Liv's story it's about friends and the family that isn't always blood related.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2018
adoro lynda e sarà anche un romanzo bellissimo, ma quanta ansia! l'incipt narra di un incidente nel quale vengono coinvolti quasi tutti i personaggi migliori della serie... anche no!
April 13, 2019
So hard to see all the characters we’ve met suffer so much.
October 3, 2021
Semplicemente il finale perfetto per la serie ❤️ l'ho adorato!
April 26, 2023
Absoletly love this series
December 8, 2024
I started it and finished it but it didn't captivate me.
March 11, 2015
See the full review and a wine pairing at Romance Bound Reviews - Wino Wednesday: Shattered Bonds
Book Description
Tragedy rocks The Den and it’s up to Noah Baker, lawyer and fellow owner to the exclusive BDSM club, to deal with the ensuing chaos. Though he hasn’t participated in a scene or taken on a sub in four years due to a scarring event in his life, as an investor he cannot avoid the lifestyle completely. Noah finds himself in a media uproar once the nature of the club is released and finds an unlikely ally in the naïve sister of one of the other owners.
Liv Delcour is a light among the darkness. She spends her life at a youth center for low-income children focusing on making a safe place to learn and be cared for even for only a couple of hours a day. When her sister’s world is turned upside down and her business endeavor as a sex club owner comes to light, Liv is shocked, but definitely intrigued. As she works with Noah to keep the media from destroying her family and friends, she can’t help but find herself wanting to explore Noah’s more dominant side.
Review
Shattered Bonds is the last book in Lynda Aicher’s Wicked Play series. I’m sad to see the series over, but am oh so satisfied with how everything is wrapped up. Aicher’s writing is, as always, fabulous. I love her affinity to tell a unique story in a way that I cannot unglue the book from my hands!
We finally get Liv’s story! I fell in love with her character in Bonds of Courage, which follows her sister, Vanessa. Her love of life and desire for helping others is admirable. Her openness and happiness in life made me smile constantly. I love how Liv does so much for others yet doesn’t expect anything in return and is actually baffled when someone reciprocates her kindness. It’s nice to see a character that stands apart from the typical romance heroine that is maybe a little too self-involved and introspective. It’s Liv’s optimistic and bright attitude that allows her to shake Noah out of his darkness.
The dynamic and progression of Liv and Noah’s relationship shows a level of maturity that a lot of other stories lack because as we all know, love can make us do crazy and irrational things. It took a lot of strength to recognize that they shouldn’t be together until Noah healed and moved on from the past. Though staying together and winging the mental recovery from his past tragedy would be tempting, they choose to put their physical desires aside to better themselves, which is really refreshing.
The fun part of this being the last book in the series is being able to catch up with past characters and see where they end up. When chaos strikes The Den owners, we get to see the dynamics strengthen among the characters seen in all of the previous books. The epilogue is perfection. It really wraps up the whole series bringing all the couples together to celebrate their love. It was great and left me completely satisfied.
I highly recommend Lynda Aicher’s Wiked Play series if you are looking for sexy erotic novels set in and around an exclusive BDSM club. Be sure to start the series from the beginning with Bonds of Trust.
I received this book for review purposes via NetGalley.
Book Description
Tragedy rocks The Den and it’s up to Noah Baker, lawyer and fellow owner to the exclusive BDSM club, to deal with the ensuing chaos. Though he hasn’t participated in a scene or taken on a sub in four years due to a scarring event in his life, as an investor he cannot avoid the lifestyle completely. Noah finds himself in a media uproar once the nature of the club is released and finds an unlikely ally in the naïve sister of one of the other owners.
Liv Delcour is a light among the darkness. She spends her life at a youth center for low-income children focusing on making a safe place to learn and be cared for even for only a couple of hours a day. When her sister’s world is turned upside down and her business endeavor as a sex club owner comes to light, Liv is shocked, but definitely intrigued. As she works with Noah to keep the media from destroying her family and friends, she can’t help but find herself wanting to explore Noah’s more dominant side.
Review
Shattered Bonds is the last book in Lynda Aicher’s Wicked Play series. I’m sad to see the series over, but am oh so satisfied with how everything is wrapped up. Aicher’s writing is, as always, fabulous. I love her affinity to tell a unique story in a way that I cannot unglue the book from my hands!
We finally get Liv’s story! I fell in love with her character in Bonds of Courage, which follows her sister, Vanessa. Her love of life and desire for helping others is admirable. Her openness and happiness in life made me smile constantly. I love how Liv does so much for others yet doesn’t expect anything in return and is actually baffled when someone reciprocates her kindness. It’s nice to see a character that stands apart from the typical romance heroine that is maybe a little too self-involved and introspective. It’s Liv’s optimistic and bright attitude that allows her to shake Noah out of his darkness.
The dynamic and progression of Liv and Noah’s relationship shows a level of maturity that a lot of other stories lack because as we all know, love can make us do crazy and irrational things. It took a lot of strength to recognize that they shouldn’t be together until Noah healed and moved on from the past. Though staying together and winging the mental recovery from his past tragedy would be tempting, they choose to put their physical desires aside to better themselves, which is really refreshing.
The fun part of this being the last book in the series is being able to catch up with past characters and see where they end up. When chaos strikes The Den owners, we get to see the dynamics strengthen among the characters seen in all of the previous books. The epilogue is perfection. It really wraps up the whole series bringing all the couples together to celebrate their love. It was great and left me completely satisfied.
I highly recommend Lynda Aicher’s Wiked Play series if you are looking for sexy erotic novels set in and around an exclusive BDSM club. Be sure to start the series from the beginning with Bonds of Trust.
I received this book for review purposes via NetGalley.
September 25, 2014
Shattered Bonds is the seventh and final book of the Wicked Play series by Lynda Aicher, and I want to start my review by telling you that this series has been one of my favorites that I’ve read so far. It really is so much more to me than just another BDSM series, and I love how it focuses on the developing relationship between the characters and the emotional ties that lie between them. The BDSM aspects are in the background as something that just enhances the intimate connection between the characters, and this is done exactly the way I think it should be. Not only are each one of these books deliciously sexy, but they are also so very passionate as well. These are romantic stories that will leave you with a warm feeling in your heart all while leaving you hot and bothered as well. *winks* So with that said, let’s get on to the review, shall we?
I have to say that Aicher outdid herself with Shattered Bonds, and it will forever remain my favorite in this series. My gut was clenching and I had tears in my eyes by 6% of the way through (that was still in the first chapter guys), and honestly it was an emotional roller coaster that I just couldn’t put down. Seriously, I can’t stress enough my opinion that Aicher is such an amazingly talented writer, and I really appreciate how she is able to keep the focus on the budding relationship of her characters all while allowing the BDSM elements to enhance that connection between them. With some of the books I’ve seen coming out lately; Aicher is definitely the exception in the very best possible way. I think that her characters in Shattered Bonds, Noah and Vivian, were both amazing examples of her exceptional talent.
Noah has endured something I don’t think any of us could ever imagine, and Vivian is the healing balm to those deep seeded wounds that he harbors. Liv’s compassion and giving is unsurpassed by anyone in this series, and I definitely can see how she was able to break through the steel shell encasing Noah’s heart since Beth’s death. Although Liv gives herself freely to all those around her with no expectations of anything in return, Noah was able to also be there for her as well to bridge that important gap of give and take that all relationships need to have to survive.
Shattered Bonds was an emotional, sweet romance and a wonderful conclusion to a series I adore so much. I must admit that it is a bittersweet end though too, because I am also sad to let them all go. On the other hand, I am absolutely looking forward to what Aicher has in store for us in the future, because I just know that it will be something equally as special as the Wicked Play series has been.
*I was given a review copy from the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*
Catch more of my reviews on
Blending Perspectives Book Reviews
I have to say that Aicher outdid herself with Shattered Bonds, and it will forever remain my favorite in this series. My gut was clenching and I had tears in my eyes by 6% of the way through (that was still in the first chapter guys), and honestly it was an emotional roller coaster that I just couldn’t put down. Seriously, I can’t stress enough my opinion that Aicher is such an amazingly talented writer, and I really appreciate how she is able to keep the focus on the budding relationship of her characters all while allowing the BDSM elements to enhance that connection between them. With some of the books I’ve seen coming out lately; Aicher is definitely the exception in the very best possible way. I think that her characters in Shattered Bonds, Noah and Vivian, were both amazing examples of her exceptional talent.
Noah has endured something I don’t think any of us could ever imagine, and Vivian is the healing balm to those deep seeded wounds that he harbors. Liv’s compassion and giving is unsurpassed by anyone in this series, and I definitely can see how she was able to break through the steel shell encasing Noah’s heart since Beth’s death. Although Liv gives herself freely to all those around her with no expectations of anything in return, Noah was able to also be there for her as well to bridge that important gap of give and take that all relationships need to have to survive.
Shattered Bonds was an emotional, sweet romance and a wonderful conclusion to a series I adore so much. I must admit that it is a bittersweet end though too, because I am also sad to let them all go. On the other hand, I am absolutely looking forward to what Aicher has in store for us in the future, because I just know that it will be something equally as special as the Wicked Play series has been.
*I was given a review copy from the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*
Catch more of my reviews on
Blending Perspectives Book Reviews
March 23, 2015
A BDSM romance - with no BDSM in it! The story of a Dom who's refused to get into a relationship since his collared subbe committed suicide in their dungeon some years back, falling slowly for the giving and energetic disadvantaged youth volunteer kid sister of his Domme friend, you keep waiting for the story to make the twist to her discovering emotional and sexual fulfillment in being his submissive - Which Never Happens. Yes, he (mostly) wears the pants in their relationship, but aside from occasionally pinning her arms over her head during sex or giving her butt a playful smack, he never dominates her - and once they admit they love each other and want to live together, he tells her he doesn't WANT her to be his submissive nor he her Dom, and they turn the dungeon into a family room or something.
I'm sorry - WHAT?!?!? It's not like you can switch on and off your desire to be a Dom or a subbe - any more than you can Stop Being Gay. For most of us, it's an essential part of our makeup, and once we find it, we realize it's That Missing Part of Ourselves. While it's true that there are situational Dom/mes and sub/bes, who get into it because the person they love is and really have no interest in pursuing it with otherwise, Noah (the Male MC) shows no signs of being that kind of a Dom - he got into it while in college and was active in The Scene for over a decade, even helping to set up a successful BDSM club which he runs when the story starts.
I got this book because it was flagged as being 99 cents on BookBub, so I figured I'd give it a try. Now, I have no interest in reading any other books by the author, since clearly her grasp of the psychology of BDSM is right down there with Ms. 50 SHADES herself, E.L. James - that is to say, laughably off the mark. It's a shame, because Noah and Liv (the Female MC) are largely an appealing couple, and the series seems to have an interesting backstory built in that pays off here....
I'm sorry - WHAT?!?!? It's not like you can switch on and off your desire to be a Dom or a subbe - any more than you can Stop Being Gay. For most of us, it's an essential part of our makeup, and once we find it, we realize it's That Missing Part of Ourselves. While it's true that there are situational Dom/mes and sub/bes, who get into it because the person they love is and really have no interest in pursuing it with otherwise, Noah (the Male MC) shows no signs of being that kind of a Dom - he got into it while in college and was active in The Scene for over a decade, even helping to set up a successful BDSM club which he runs when the story starts.
I got this book because it was flagged as being 99 cents on BookBub, so I figured I'd give it a try. Now, I have no interest in reading any other books by the author, since clearly her grasp of the psychology of BDSM is right down there with Ms. 50 SHADES herself, E.L. James - that is to say, laughably off the mark. It's a shame, because Noah and Liv (the Female MC) are largely an appealing couple, and the series seems to have an interesting backstory built in that pays off here....
June 16, 2016
★ 3.5/5 ★
Avec ce tome, Lynda Aicher clôt de façon à la fois tendre et poignante une série plutôt osée. Alors disons le tout de suite, cet opus est nettement moins sulfureux que les autres. Certes, Noah a un passé de Dom, mais il a mis celui-ci derrière lui après un évènement particulièrement horrible. Liv est la sœur de Vanessa, héroine du tome 5.
Noah et Liv se côtoient au sein du centre social géré par la jeune femme. Au début du livre, un terrible accident vient balayer toutes les cartes et remet en question tout ce que l'auteur a construit jusque là. Je dois dire qu'il est assez osé de faire subir 'ça' à tous ses personnages dans un tome final, mais Lynda Aicher s'en sort très bien !
La romance est faite de tendresse, de douceur, mais aussi de tristesse. Liv est bien plus solitaire qu'elle ne veut le montrer, et Noah est envahi par son passé. Elle rêve de vivre une vraie histoire avec lui, il est très attiré par elle, mais il est bloqué dans une sorte d'entre-deux particulièrement noire et triste. La psychologie de ces personnages est fine, toutes leurs réactions, leurs craintes, leurs reculs sont parfaitement vraisemblables, et cela donne un côté vraiment touchant à cette romance. Et je ne parle pas de ce fameux évènement du début qui va donner un fil conducteur à tout le tome ...
Le BDSM n'est pas présent ici, même si on peut dire que les héros ont des jeux érotiques un peu épicés, mais vraiment, on est loin des autres tomes.
Bref, un tome plein d'émotions, qui célèbre l'amour, l'amitié, la générosité ; un joli tome de clôture !
Avec ce tome, Lynda Aicher clôt de façon à la fois tendre et poignante une série plutôt osée. Alors disons le tout de suite, cet opus est nettement moins sulfureux que les autres. Certes, Noah a un passé de Dom, mais il a mis celui-ci derrière lui après un évènement particulièrement horrible. Liv est la sœur de Vanessa, héroine du tome 5.
Noah et Liv se côtoient au sein du centre social géré par la jeune femme. Au début du livre, un terrible accident vient balayer toutes les cartes et remet en question tout ce que l'auteur a construit jusque là. Je dois dire qu'il est assez osé de faire subir 'ça' à tous ses personnages dans un tome final, mais Lynda Aicher s'en sort très bien !
La romance est faite de tendresse, de douceur, mais aussi de tristesse. Liv est bien plus solitaire qu'elle ne veut le montrer, et Noah est envahi par son passé. Elle rêve de vivre une vraie histoire avec lui, il est très attiré par elle, mais il est bloqué dans une sorte d'entre-deux particulièrement noire et triste. La psychologie de ces personnages est fine, toutes leurs réactions, leurs craintes, leurs reculs sont parfaitement vraisemblables, et cela donne un côté vraiment touchant à cette romance. Et je ne parle pas de ce fameux évènement du début qui va donner un fil conducteur à tout le tome ...
Le BDSM n'est pas présent ici, même si on peut dire que les héros ont des jeux érotiques un peu épicés, mais vraiment, on est loin des autres tomes.
Bref, un tome plein d'émotions, qui célèbre l'amour, l'amitié, la générosité ; un joli tome de clôture !
March 1, 2015
This is a wonderfully well written series. I read all seven books in a little over a week. The characters are fully realized and compelling. I honestly did not want the series to end. Even though I knew each book would have a happy ending, the stories were constructed in such a way that I was still kept wondering what would happen next. I love the characters warts and all. Lynda Aicher is a master of nailing emotional nuances. I really believed the pain, pleasure, saddness or joy each character experienced. Her characters are so believable be they are not stock characters. Some were young, others middle aged. They were a cross section of people that you might meet anywhere. The BDSM element was tasteful and erotically done. Unlike some BDSM books where the story is secondary to the sex scences, this series blends that aspect into the story seamlessly. This series is what 50 Shades of Grey wants to be when it grows up.
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