Truly Helpless

Nature of Desire #10

by Joey W. Hill

Marius has all the things a Mistress could want in a one-night-sub encounter. Hot body, loads of charm and a willingness to get her off in any way she pleases. That’s his reputation at The Zone. But Marius has a dark side. When a Mistress pushes him for something deeper, he’ll push back, mess with her head. When he takes it too far one night, The Zone management has had enough. He’s kicked out of the club and there’s only one way back in — Lady Regina.

Regina’s been studying Marius for a while. She enjoys her submissives in all flavors, and she likes them challenging, though not usually the “knight-in-distress” type, so screwed up she’d need a backhoe to dig him out of his dysfunctions. But on that pivotal night, she sees something in Marius. He doesn’t know what it means to be truly helpless to a Mistress, but he needs it, more than any sub she’s ever encountered. And that’s a challenge this Mistress can’t resist.

Genres: BDSM, Romance, Erotica, Erotic Romance, Abuse, Contemporary, M F Romance

450 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 30, 2017

About the author

"BDSM Romance for the Heart & Soul"

A submissive herself, Hill brings authenticity to her intensely emotional BDSM love stories. With over fifty titles and seven series, her contemporary and paranormal romances feature everything from billionaires, bikers, SEALs, firefighters, cops and housemaids, to vampires, mermaids, witches and angels.

"Joey translates the world of BDSM with such intense power and exquisite beauty. LOVE is the most powerful element entwined through the Dominance and submission.” –Goodreads, Pink Lady

Joey is the recipient of the RT Book Reviews Career Achievement Award for Erotic Romance, and she loves to hear from her readers!

If you're on Bookbub, she'd love for you to follow her:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/joey-...

You can also find her here:
Website: storywitch.com
Facebook: @JoeyWHillAuthor
MeWe: mewe.com/i/joeywhill
Twitter: @JoeyWHill

Reviews

[Bibi · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I think this is the most authentic portrayal of the BDSM lifestyle that I've read so far, the story itself soon became repetitive, with far too many introspections from both protagonists. I skimmed. A lot.

[Starr (AKA Starrfish) Rivers · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting enough to keep me reading, tho I didn’t pore over every word. I wanted to understand Marius’ journey, I was invested. And Regina was an interesting Domme.

Still don’t like the fact that I have to pay $the 5.99+tax. Wish these were on KU.

[Jaycee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fine Hill-esque example of hidden pain but also, hidden depth in individuals, and how *not* to rely on first impressions. And it all evolves in a very layered story that slowly allows the reader into the pain that molded the man. The gradual unveiling is extremely effective in helping a reader embrace the seemingly unembraceable man that is Marius. And it makes one appreciate the individuals who have the gift of seeing the rose amongst the thorns; in this case Tyler (The Man!) Winterman, Marguerite, and of course, Regina.

As a reader, I appreciate a strong female Heroine, be she submissive or Dominant in nature. Regina stands out on the page as a confidently Dominant woman who does not compromise any aspect of her life, including the man with whom she can share it completely. And even though Marius struck that chord, and even though she went all-in to reach the man at the core, she knew she could, and would, walk away intact if he would not see himself.

Marius is a power sub. To the core. Like Regina, he is a 3-D character and as is the case in most of Ms. Hill's books, being a consumer of the story is like being a fly on the wall of the lives therein. Investment in Marius' journey is a given...said the spider to the fly...and to watch this truly gentle man-at-heart find himself; find a way to understand himself, is a thing of beauty. Life was harsh for him, people were harsh to him, and no one was harder on Marius than Marius himself. Time, patience and a supremely confident Dominant gave him the security to accept what his past had dealt him, but more importantly, to accept and embrace what his future could hold if he believed himself deserving.

I really loved this journal-of-life, and it more than merits in place among the stories that show us "The Nature of Desire".

[Sue "DavinciKittie" Brown-Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read the full review PLUS an exclusive excerpt and a special GUEST VISIT from author Joey Hill at GraveTells: http://bit.ly/GT-TrulyHelpless



Marius is an alpha sub, the kind of guy who likes control and will only hand it over to a Domme who is strong enough to handle his darkness. And this man's darkness runs deep. But his need to submit goes even deeper, and that emotional face-off manifests in violence and snark. In the fighting cage, he's called Rabid, and no one can take him down. But in the club, he's a man drowning, reaching for the salvation of a worthy Mistress, only to sabotage himself.

The fight scene near the start of the story is stark, gritty, immersive. It's as well penned as the cage matches I've seen in some series dedicated to MMA romances, but with a thread of darkness.

One of the things I look forward to most in any Joey W. Hill book is her creativity and unique insight into the head space of the players. Her stories never get repetitive or boring, and she gathers and grooms the undercurrents of power and need until the atmosphere hums with excitement.

Truly Helpless features a pony play scene, and it is beautifully crafted. Regina uses the special fetish and bondage gear to bring Marius into a safer head space, one where the wounded animal within can't lash out and do more harm. She uses the scene to give him what he needs but not what he wants.

This story is dark, and Marius is truly dangerous. Not in the I'm a badass fighters and I know five ways-to kill you sort of way, although he probably does. No, Marius is a man haunted by the demons of his past, so broken emotionally that he can't always control his reactions, and his skills make getting close to him, physically or emotionally, a risky proposition. Especially when he's vulnerable, and isn't that what Mistresses do best—bring out vulnerability?

I love that Ms. Hill is not afraid to take her stories outside the normal comfort zones many BDSM books tend to stay within—D/s, Master/slave, impact play and public sex. Oh, her stories have all that, but she also takes on themes like pony play, the Mommy/boy dynamic, electrical play, and sounding (sometimes in very intriguing combinations). The best part of Ms. Hill's storytelling is that she takes everything in stride, and while often tantalizingly voyeuristic, every scene or character dynamic has a purpose. She dives deep into the psychology of the BDSM lifestyle, giving her romances a heady, introspective quality that pulls a reader in.

Read the rest of the review, plus an EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT and AUTHOR GUEST POST at GraveTells here: http://bit.ly/GT-TrulyHelpless

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! Joey W. Hill comes up with characters as tortured as can be and drags our hearts through the muck and mire as we join them on their quest for redemption. Marius has been through hell since the day he was conceived. He has found coping methods that while not necessarily healthy have worked for him. Till now. When things start to escape his iron control Marius starts lashing out. Luckily for him love is stronger than hate and his friends from The Zone can give him the tools to cope if he will only let them. I LOVE Lady Regina! She is powerful and patient and the one woman who could get Marius through the maelstrom his life has become.
Warning! There are some intense emotional scenes and there may be one or two trigger scenes. If you can power through the story is so worth it. It was like coming through a horrendous thunderstorm to see the sunshine and a rainbow on the other side. Another fabulous read.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read all the books in this series but Natural Law was my favourite. I do like this authors writing style but this book is long...maybe too long. The majority of the book only covers a short space of time then near the end we're told more than we're shown and it seemed rushed. However, it's a good story.

I liked Regina, she's definitely a strong woman. Marius is a sub but he keeps making mistakes with mistresses. He has a scene with Regina and feels something but there is something happening in his life and it has an effect on him and after a bad scene with another Mistress, he is suspended from the Club but Regina is tasked with helping him.

I liked that most of the action took place outside of the Club (I loved their 'date). There are some shocking scenes and it did make Marius (or Duncan which is his real name) seem dangerous but as we slowly begin to learn about his childhood and what he has suffered, it made him vulnerable and I loved that side of him. Marius' age wasn't mentioned but Regina called him 'boy' a lot. She's around 35 but I'm presuming Marius was in his 20's? I felt when I first started reading that he seemed older but as the story progressed and we learnt about his past then he did seem younger but that was perhaps down to his vulnerability?

This is not my preferred genre of book but the authors writing sucks you in. I'm not a fan of the horse play and other aspects, but there is a love story and I was glad Marius let Regina in and that they found each other. A recommended read.

[Debi Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review-Truly Helpless by Joey W Hill
Blurb: Marius has all the things a Mistress could want in a one-night-sub encounter. Hot body, loads of charm and a willingness to get her off in any way she pleases. That’s his reputation at The Zone. But Marius has a dark side. When a Mistress pushes him for something deeper, he’ll push back, mess with her head. When he takes it too far one night, The Zone management has had enough. He’s kicked out of the club and there’s only one way back in—Lady Regina.
Regina’s been studying Marius for a while. She enjoys her submissives in all flavors, and she likes them challenging, though not usually the “knight-in-distress” type, so screwed up she’d need a backhoe to dig him out of his dysfunctions. But on that pivotal night, she sees something in Marius. He doesn’t know what it means to be truly helpless to a Mistress, but he needs it, more than any sub she’s ever encountered. And that’s a challenge this Mistress can’t resist.
What defines us and how do we define ourselves? Is it the events from our past that mark who we are, or can we find that part of ourselves we aspire to be? What is the key to unlocking that door? In the more than capable hands of Joey W Hill we explore those questions as they pertain to the deeply troubled man named Marius and the Mistress who helps him find himself, Regina. A bone deep sub with the world’s biggest chip on his shoulder, Marius is a man spiraling out of control. Violence is the armor he wears, whether it’s using mind games to keep everyone at bay or his fists to shut down his emotions. Physical pain doesn’t break him, in fact it allows him to retreat into himself and shut down even quicker.
But there’s something there, just under the surface that captures the attention of Mistress Regina. A need, a hunger…to let go, to feel, to want. The one time in the past that they played together at the Zone a connection was felt. It’s that connection that Regina now believes may be the key to helping Marius find himself again. She knows it won’t be easy and may in fact be dangerous, but she’s willing to take him on. When she follows him after he’s thrown out of the Zone, she discovers what he uses as an outlet. It gives her an insight as to how to proceed. Their first session together sets the tone. In order for Marius to start opening up, she shuts him down, literally. Without the ability to use his smart-assed mouth as a deflection, Regina strips his shields and makes him feel both physically and emotionally. That she uses pony-play as a means to get the job done was a revelation. I’ve never looked at this particular type of play very closely. That their scene together had a sensuality, a deep sense of connection was erotic to the max. Connecting man to beast and beast to man, it lent an elemental feeling to the sex.
Regina is such an honest character. She knows her own mind, her own limits, is comfortable in her own skin and doesn’t walk around with “rose-tinted” glasses on. She knows that there’s a real possibility that she may not be able to save Marius, but she also knows that she’s his best chance. Never cruel, but always in control Regina is a force to be reckoned with. I’m not quite sure how Joey managed it, but this is a Domme who makes some of the more softer qualities of kindness, humor and gentleness a key part of her Dominance with Marius. It’s what’s needed for this man. While extreme kink, or some of the harsher elements of BDSM may work for a lot of Domme/sub stories, it was refreshing to see a Domme/sub relationship where the main forms of Dominance were more to do with the emotional/mental aspects of the power exchange in order to reach the man. (not that the relationship wasn’t physically intense or lacked D/s eroticism. The heat factor was off the charts, but the SM elements weren’t what were needed for this relationship) When we discover along with Regina just what Marius’s past involves, well, heartbreaking doesn’t even scratch the surface. Yet, how she handles that information, and what she does to help him work through it makes their eventual HEA even more powerful. When Marius finally has that moment when it all “clicks” into place and for the first time home, and belonging and love are all wrapped up in Regina…..it’s everything. At the end of the day, what defines who we are IMHO is our ability to forgive not only our past but ourselves, to open ourselves to loving and being loved and to living our lives to its fullest measure.

[Tam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Hill proves why she is "top of the heap" in her genre. Truly Helpless was about so much more than a Dom and her Sub. It was about being vulnerable and baring your soul, thus allowing someone else to see all of your torment and pain and the stark ugliness that lurks deep within. It was about unconditional acceptance of not only someone else but of self, as well, flaws and all. It was about being taken right to the edge of your limits (not just your sexual ones) and then discovering that, once you release your fears, you could push beyond those self-imposed boundaries and become so much more than you ever thought you could be. It was about learning to trust and the healing power of love.

Marius and Lady Regina were both extremely complex and multi-dimensional characters. I like how their many "layers" are peeled back slowly, allowing the reader to savor each new level of their persona that is exposed. I especially liked the moment and circumstances that brought Marius to realize that he was not "a monster". That scene had me crying as piteously as a newborn kitten for its mother. It was written so well, that I felt Marius' cumbersome burden lift and flow away. I felt the light flood back in, reaching to illuminate even the darkest recesses of his tortured soul. It has been a very long time, since I connected so intimately with a character.

At the conclusion of the scene, I felt as emotionally wrung out as Marius appeared to also be. I had to step away, have a cup of hot tea and decompress... all because of a BOOK CHARACTER'S palpable emotions!... which is a testament to the absolute brilliance of Hill's writing and why she is one of my favorite authors. Her ability to bring characters to life is second to none.

The heat level in this book was OFF THE CHARTS! I mean: Whips and Chains and Ball-Gags... OH MY!!! I had never read anything with such strong and detailed BDSM elements. And, I will unashamedly admit to finding myself googling various terms or phrases on more than one occasion... and swiftly clearing my browser history shortly thereafter! I've never thought of myself as "vanilla" before but, now, I am starting to wonder. Pony play? Really??? Not MY thing, but I guess whatever tickles your withers. LOL!

Although this book is part of an ongoing series, it can be read as a stand alone. This was the first book in the NoD series that I'd had the chance to read, and I am very interested in now going back to read the previous books in the series, as well as looking forward to any future offerings.

This was a solid 5 out of 5 stars! Great job, Joey! You NEVER disappoint!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly Helpless by author Joey W. Hill is the 10th book in the Nature of Desire series. This series is not a stand alone series. You really do need to read the books in order. People we know and love from previous books are introduced again, and Regina herself is in other stories. Personally I was really excited that this story is hers. Out of all the Domme she is always been the most fierce and independent. I was really looking forward to seeing her use those skills on a worthy Submissive.
Marius is just the submissive Regina needs to truly test her skills as both a woman and a Dominate. Marius seems hell bent on destruction. He is willing to take everyone with him for the ride too. He does have a weakness. Lady Regina is the one he would submit too if he still felt he could submit. Marius is very broken. Lashing out, and needs Regina. He needs her strength, compassion, and most of all her discipline to finally come out of the darkness that is eating him up inside.
Regina herself has the chops to make him crawl on his knees for her. But she knows he equally needs understanding and compassion. I liked that she is strong, sexy, and feminine all rolled into one bad-ass domme.
There are many layers to this book. I felt the BDSM added an extra psychological layer to this book. I have been a fan of Ms. Hill's works for many years, and I always love how she brings us to the edge and makes me fall in love with her characters.
Marius is not a simple character. He is a bundle of contradictions and a man who needs love more than he needs air.
This story is for those who love the strong characters finding a home and love. Both of these head strong people clash but love can save them both.



Five Shooting Stars and a Star Dust Award

[Mspraise50 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second book by this author. She is a great storyteller. I loved that this was a black woman Dom. I could relate to her. I loved that she did not give up on her sub just because he was broken and haunted. She stayed the course and got through to him. This story was a long read but very satisfying. I loved how when the other Doms at the end wanted to take our their revenge on him when he was trying to make amends that his Mistress stood up for him. A good read.

[Eve Dangerfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved

So charming and sexy. I love this authors work. This book was rather long but all the more satisfying for it

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly Helpless, story 10 in the Nature of Desire Series, earns a PERFECT 10!!

I don’t usually tell people to leave a story from Joey W Hill alone but, until you have the time to immures yourself into this story you may want to wait unless you are ready for one hell of a book hangover.

Joey gives us amazing main characters in her stories. She also during stories introduces intriguing secondary characters that capture our imaginations and make us want to know more about them. Marius is one of those characters and Truly Helpless is his story. The title of this story is not only about the sexual adventures of some great characters but how helpless one can be because of life itself. Unfortunately you can run but you can’t hide from life, the choices made by others and by yourself. Joey is a master at weaving a story that you can see and feel at the same time and she gives our imaginations and emotions a great work out with this one.

Marius is one of those delightfully decadent alpha male submissives that women and men fantasize about. He is not into anything permanent he appears to be all about the pleasure. Lady Regina has been keeping an eye on him trying to figure him out, to see if he would be a submissive she would enjoy. She has a very keen eye and is smart as a good Mistress should be. She has noticed a change in Marius not just his reputation but in the man. This is where we really get to know who Marius is.

This is also one of the most enjoyable and emotional aspects of the story. We get to learn as Regina does who Marius is and why things have changed. The timing of events and pace of this story is spot on, from the light and fun, sexy and romantic to the dark and dangerous. I feel that Truly Helpless also showed me another aspect of BDSM. We all associate it with the physical but for me this story showed me a more psychological aspect of this lifestyle. Well done Joey W Hill and thank you for another story that will be read again and again.

[Vettech · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can not saying enough wonder things about this series. I'm so glad Marius got his story.

Naughty boy Marius has finally done his worst and got kicked out of the BDSM club The Zone. He's a master manipulator, yet has a very submissive heart. Marius is heading for a crash landing, never to be heard from again unless a special kind of Mistress can get to the root of his anger and get him to be Truly Helpless.

Mistress Regina is just the right kind of woman to snapped the out of control sub back to reality and save his soul from the torment of a childhood nightmare. Can Regina give Marius what he truly needs? Has she bitten off more than she can chew with this sub? Will they be able to trust each other enough to rid this young man of his demons and set him on the right path to happiness?

This may be BDSM and not everyone's "cup of tea" so to speak, but this story had me once again in tears. What an absolutely touching tale of true love, though both Regina & Marius had to navigate a minefield of obstacles to find that ever elusive HEA!

[Spynonu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marius, a sub, physically strong but emotionally broken. Regina, a domme, strong in the ways he needs her to be to save him from self destruction. Lots of fireworks and angst in this story and lots of players from previous JH books lending their support to pull this couple together. HURRAY!

I am not usually into femdom stories but every once in awhile I hit on a book I love- like this one. to me it is not quite as good as Natural Law but that story is hard to beat. Oh and -PONY PLAY ALERT!

I found this book very difficult to put it down. (Dang adult responsibilities) Unless you are a fast reader -I'd suggest saving this one for a long weekend.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Joey W. Hill

I am never disappointed in Joey's books. She takes me on a ride I never want to end. I want to go on with the characters' lives-do they stay together-do they get married, have kids? I hope yes to all. Her characters are so so deep and complex. Even though, being vanilla, I don't understand the D/s relationship, especially not the female D to the male s, I can appreciate the complexities of the relationship. 5 stars

[littleKitten · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 "Lost Soul" Stars

[Edna · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this series!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This romance was tough to read at times but mesmerizing and heart wrenching. Marius's horrendous childhood is something no human being should have to live through. It colors every action in his adult life. His charming facade covers his deep seated anger and frustration. Only two Dommes have seen beneath that facade: Mistress Marguerite and Lady Regina. In order to lift him up Lady Regina must first break him down. At times it seems she may be in danger but her resolve helps her to save him. It's a rough road that they must travel toether.

I absolutely love this series and sincerely hope this is not the last of it. These characters with their flaws, strengths and courage are remarkable. Their stories while unique have underlying themes that resonate with the reader. Joey W Hill is a master wordsmith and talented story teller.

[Iman EL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book and no less is expected from Joey Hill. it was mind blowing and emotional. the characters were very interesting and well built. I really liked Regina ( she's officially my favorite after Violet)
The d/s relationship in this book was a bit more hard core than what i'm used to though. Especially the punishment/making amends thing at the end. I mean, while an apology, however sincere, would have been far from enough, wasn't that a bit too much. But, well, what do I know ?!
All in all, great read ! keep at it Joey W Hill.

[Rene' Hurt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!!

From page one to the end you will be amazed. The intensity and emotions run very high. I was on edge from wanting to cry to wanting to punch a few . Marius had a lot of issues to deal with , Lady Regina was just the Mistress for him. If you are looking for a strong female Domme this is the book for you. I loved seeing other characters for the series in this book.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joey W. Hill is one of my favorite authors. She is one of a handful of authors whose new issue I always get immediately upon publication and is one who I drop everything to read. Her work transports me to its reality and affects me to the depths of my soul. This tenth book in the Nature Of Desire series goes so far beyond what the ordinary BDSM novel tells its readers and touches upon the very meaning of existence; the life and death struggles that purge the heart, the body, the very essence of what it means to be human. Marius is an arrogant, power sub who goes one step too far with a mistress and is thrown out of the Zone. Tyler wisely allows mistress Regina to see if she can help guide him back to a place where he doesn't destroy himself. The transformation of all involved is a journey you don't want to miss taking with them.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Ms Hill sure knows how to take the most broken souls and finding the one person that helps build them back up. Marius, poor broken Marius. There were several scenes that just made me cry, but I think the one that stands out most is the scene with the kitten, that just tore my heart out. I know that he had treated the other Mistress's was so wrong on so many levels, but what Siren did is inexcusable. I hope to never see her again. Also I love when there are crossovers from other books & was happy to see Peter & Dana. I know this one just came out but I can't wait for the next one to come out.

[Sassy Southern Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though this is the 10th book in a series you could read it as a standalone. I know I will be reading all the prevoius books. The characters were enjoyable and I always enjoy a book when the female character can hold her own. We follow the relationship between Regina and Marius. A dom and sub. Lady Regina only wants to help Marius cope better. He's usually able to keep everything under control until he cant anymore. I absolutely enjoy when a writer can bring me to tears and give me all the feels. This was an amazing book. I cant wait to read the other books in thus series. - Mandi

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come!

[Proudbookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. When an author can move me to tears and then give me a satisfying and believable happily ever after, I am completely satisfied. Ms. Hill completely achieved that for me in this novel. Another review described this story as multilayered, and I completely agree. If you are already a fan of the Nature of Desire series, you will not be disappointed. If you have never read a Nature of Desire book, you can read this as a stand alone, but I have no doubt that you will be hooked and you will want to go back and read all of the back list!

As she advertises, Ms. Hill has provided us with absorbing characters who not only attract fans of the BDSM genre, but readers who would "never" read BDSM romance.

[Lidia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 Stars
It's always a pleasure read Joey W Hill's books, this series especially. And as always the story is pretty intense , dominance and submission are delicate and difficult matter to deal also for experienced Dommie as Lady Regina. I would have enjoyed more the reading if was been less long though.

[X · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too much internal dialogue and overanalyzing and not real action.

I was skimming to actual scenes where she talked to someone rather than her thinking.

Didn't like this book. The cameos seemed forced and too much repetition. Tyler passing thru the fight scene not necessary.

Maricus was a mystery for too long.

I don't recall Marcius training or doing any type of sports to stay fit for the fights.

Overall the whole book seemed off for me.

[Traann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the series "A Nature of Desire" and this was a tough book to read. Marius is such a damaged character and Joey handles him so well. A bit more brutal than I was comfortable with but that may be just me. Someone else might have given this a 5 if they were OK with all of it.

[Lynee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might be my favorite book of all times from this author. I won't repeat the blurb here, but all I can say is it is a MUST READ.
This is by no means a tame book, so it's definitely not all flowers and unicorns and happy thoughts... The storyline is really unique, and I love the fact that the characters stayed true to themselves from start to finish. - Regina had an ultra strong personality - she knew her worth and when to ask from advice. Marcus was just such a broken character that I am not even sure how to describe him. I was dying my eyes out during the cat adoption episode.
Note that there are some strong BDSM themes/plays, so if that makes you cringe, it's probably not the best choice to read this book. But the romance/sex aspect is just sizzling!!
This is the best book I have read in a while with a strong female character and I LOVED it!!

[Wendy❤Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven’t run across another author yet who does Female Dom/submissive male quite like JWH! And wow, this one packed more than one punch – pun intended. What a powerful combination in Lady Regina and Marius. You’ll need stamina to power through this meaty volume, but thank goodness for the content because it takes every last bit to understand the conundrum that is Marius and come out the other side liking him. I love and admire the author’s ability to get me as a reader into the very complex head space of the MC’s with Marius being one of the most challenging characters to date. Lady Regina’s creativity in subduing what I would consider part wounded animal, part wild beast, and part Alpha male was inspirational and wholly hot. Lucky me, I won this book as part of a contest and couldn’t be more thrilled with my selection of prizes!!