Only Pleasure

Bound Hearts #10

by Lora Leigh

Since Chase Falladay came to her rescue two years ago, Kia Stanton has never been able to forget the powerful man or the kind of life he leads. So two years later when she runs into Chase and his friend, Khalid, and leaves with them that night, she knows exactly where it is all heading. However, little prepares her for what it is like to be in Chase's arms, and in his bed. After years of holding back, Kia is finally able to be the woman she's always dreamed of being in his arms.

Kia is a dream Chase has not allowed himself to entertain. Now that he has her, it's her heart he's after and he's determined to win it, no matter the cost. And even though they both agreed that it would only be for pleasure, somewhere along the way it becomes and all-consuming love.
Only Pleasure is a sizzling hot, sexy, erotic romance novel from bestselling author Lora Leigh.

Genres: Erotica, Romance, Menage, Erotic Romance, BDSM, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

345 pages, Paperback

First published January 6, 2009

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

Lora Leigh is a New York Times bestselling author of erotic romance novels. Leigh started publishing with electronic publisher Ellora's Cave in 2003. Leigh's longest-running series is The Breeds. She won the 2009 RT Award for erotica. Leigh was born in Ohio and raised in Martin County, Kentucky, US.


https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/6...

Reviews

[Auntee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was probably one of the better ones in the 'Bound Hearts' series by Lora Leigh. The 'Bound Hearts' series all feature men who belong to a secret, exclusive D.C. area club where all the members are dedicated to pleasuring their women, most often by engaging in menage relationships (m/f/m). There's no question it was a steamy hot, hot read, (sex in a limo, sex on the hood of a car, menage scenes...) and it didn't get TOO bogged down by either the hero or heroine's anguish over the state of the relationship--things seemed to move along at a good pace. That's not to say that everything developed smoothly--the hero was very stubborn when it came to admitting his true feelings for the heroine, but I was expecting that, since it is a Lora Leigh story. And if there's one thing consistent about Lora Leigh's uber alpha heroes, it's their inability to open themselves up and risk being vulnerable by admitting to themselves the love they feel for their women. It's almost as if they are angry that they have fallen in love, and it takes them a while to get used to the idea and accept it. Although the relationship between recent divorcee Kia and Chase, the man she'd always loved from afar, began as one that was "only pleasure" (meaning no strings, no emotions involved), I was happy that Kia laid down the law with Chase and told him just what she expected if he wanted to be with her. Sure, at first she let him have his way with her sexually (she had big time trouble resisting him) but after a while she wanted to be more than the woman who he used to scratch an itch. She wanted a real relationship, and demanded it, and if she lost him in the process, she was willing to deal with it. Even if it broke her heart. I liked that about her.

Chase was an interesting hero. Not only is he suffering some guilt over what he had to do in order to save his brother Cam and future sister-in-law Jaci's life, but he's also very, very afraid to risk his heart. Every time he did that in the past, he either lost the people he loved (his parents), or nearly did (his twin brother Cam). So he kept his heart isolated, even with his lovers, and I felt he was a very lonely man. But Kia is unlike any woman he's had before. Not only is he captivated by her beauty, but she's strong, and he likes that she challenges him, and it's not long before he feels that maybe, just maybe he's found the one woman who can deal with all his dark passions. A threat on Kia's life (from an unlikely source) finally makes him realize that he could never survive without her in his life--she completes him like no one else could.

I can't forget to mention the intriguing character of sexy, kind, Khalid, the 'third' in the Chase/Kia menage. I absolutely can't wait to read his story--lots and lots of hints were dropped about his background, and I'm wondering about the woman who holds his heart who he thinks he can't have.

It was also fun to again see the couples from past 'Bound Hearts' books, and was touching to see how the women befriended Kia, who needed to have some female friends in her life again.

This book is very explicit, in language and in sexual acts, so if that would bother you, then this isn't the book for you. But anyone who doesn't mind a hot menage story, with a little suspense thrown in, will certainly enjoy this one. And fans of Lora Leigh's 'Bound Hearts' series will absolutely adore it. 4 1/2 stars.

*Warning: This book contains explicit sex (including oral, anal) m/f/m threesomes, spanking, use of sex toys, light bondage, some violence, and explicit language. Not for the faint of heart.

[Julie (jjmachshev) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmmm, four stars or five? Five for the sex, and four for Chase's inability to 'let go' of his past? "Only Pleasure" is the next book in Lora Leigh's 'Bound' series and is the story of the brother of the hero from her last book "Wicked Pleasure". If you want more of the backstory, check out my review of WP.

Kia has wanted Chase for longer than she wants to acknowledge...even before her messy divorce. But she would never have cheated, it's just not in her nature. So when Chase is the man who asks for her help to keep the Club a secret, even after her husband tried to force her into a menage, she agrees...with the proviso that the Club will pressure her husband to a congenial divorce and ensure he doesn't 'bother' her anymore. Kia spends the next two years withdrawing more and more from society and friendships...no ties means no betrayal, right?

Chase wants Kia...BAD. But he's also sure the delicate woman wouldn't be able to handle his dark side. And Chase's motto is 'Only Pleasure'...no relationships, no ties...only pleasure. So when he and his 'third' spot Kia in a dimly lit bar, Chase finally approaches her. He's elated and bit scared by how quickly Kia begins to burrow under his skin, so he runs...and returns...and runs...and returns...well, you get it. Even he knows they can't continue like this, something...or someone...will have to give.

Perfect Lora Leigh; a tortured hero, a heroine with moxie, and two men looking to give a woman pleasure beyond her dreams. Whew, let me just fan myself for a bit! If you like Leigh's books, you'll love this one. If you don't, then quit reading about them!! Neither I, nor my Freudian subconscious, want to know why I love her books...I just do. So there!

[jenjn79 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm going to be one of the few people who didn't absolutely love this book or think it was one of the best of the series. I found it rather average. Most of the things that bugged me, though, were more series-related than specific problems with this book

Only Pleasure is the tenth book in the Bound Hearts series which is about men who take pleasure in sharing their women with a third. You can probably read this one without reading the series backlist, but I would definitely recommend reading the previous book, Wicked Pleasure, first. That book is about the current hero's twin brother and has some connecting events.

Chase Falladay has always wanted Kia Rutherford, but for a while she was married and then later he wouldn't let himself have her. He didn't think she could handle his darker sexual needs. And he was afraid to give his heart to someone again. He always seemed to loose those he loved. His desire for her becomes too much, though, and one night he and fellow Club member Khalid seduce Kia into a night of reckless passion. Chase tells her it's only for the pleasure.

The secret nights keep happening, but Kia finds that she wants more from Chase. Only Chase keeps her at arm's length. But his need for her is growing and he finds that she's worming her way into his heart. When danger threatens Kia's life, Chase has to face that fact that it's not only for the pleasure. It's for her and he's not willing to give her up.

One of the things I liked least about this book was how similar the character dynamics and emotions were to the previous book, Wicked Pleasure (Chase's twin brother's book). I kinda felt like I was reading the same book over again, but with different characters and a different suspense aspect. Both heroes were so caught up in their emotional scars they couldn't give their women anything but sex. Both heroines demanded more, didn't get it, but gave in to the desperate lust they felt anyway. Both had a character who slept on a couch instead of a bed because of emotional issues. Both heroines gave in to threesomes because it was what the man they love wanted. Both heroines were mostly loners. Etc, etc. I've read comments about how some think these two books read like a Part 1 and a Part 2 and how great that was, but for me, I didn't care for it. There wasn't enough uniqueness to this book to keep me thoroughly interested.

It also bugged me a bit that in the last book, Chase was all over his brother Cam about how Cam treated Jaci. About how he was going to loose her because of his actions; how Cam needed to be honest; how Cam needed to accept Jaci's love and all that. Then in this book, Chase turns around and acts just like Cam regarding Kia. That seemed kinda dumb to me.

There were also some continuity issues that bothered me. It started in the last book where at the end, it's suddenly mentioned that Chase was a bit sweet on Moriah and good friends with her when that had never been mentioned before (which, considering the end, was a rather important detail to miss). The same thing happens with Chase and Kia. There's supposedly this long running thing between them, but it comes out of the blue in this book. Which seemed a little odd to me when Chase played such a big role in the last book. You'd think it would have come up. But offhand, I don't even remember a mention of someone he wanted desperately but couldn't have.

It was also said in this book that Chase was a federal agent before coming to work with Ian and when I read that, I literally stopped reading and thought, what? I didn't remember it being said in the last book that he'd been an agent of any kind, just that he'd gone to school when Cam went into the military. To double check, I used the Google book preview feature for Wicked Pleasure and did some word searches to see if Chase's being an agent had ever been mentioned and I didn't find anything. Considering how much the twins' past played into the last book, it just seems really weird that it was a detail that was never before mentioned but suddenly popped up in this book.

Even Chase's apartment changes between the two books. In the last one, Cam and Chase's place is described as a sort of two-story apartment with Cam on the first floor, and Chase's bedroom upstairs with a weight room, office, bath and kitchenette. Then in this book, Chase's place is now completely separate with guest bedrooms, a full kitchen, it's own entrance, etc.

Plus there was the thing about how it was previously established that Khalid was Ian and Courtney's third, and in this book he becomes Chase and Kia's. I kept wondering about whether he was still third for Ian and Courtney because it was never mentioned. I wouldn't have necessarily minded if he thirded both, but I wanted to KNOW. But it wasn't until the very very end where it says he'd stopped partnering Courtney and Ian a few months before.

Those kinda of mismatches annoy the heck out of me. I'm a big fan of continuity between books in a series and these books lack it. I feel like Leigh drops details in willy-nilly to suit some new idea whether it fits with what's previously written or not. And when I read things like that, I find it really distracting because then I sit there trying to figure out how it fits and if maybe I'd missed something in a previous book. So on this angle, the book really suffered for me.

There were some parts of the book I enjoyed, though. I liked that previous characters in the series had roles, if minor. And I liked the hints about Khalid's life and the woman he wants but can't have. The sex was hot, as always for a Leigh book, even if there was quite a bit of it.

The minor suspense plot was okay. Not overly original, but it added a little depth to the story. I did think the identity of the bad guy was kind of obvious. There weren't any surprises for me when the end rolled around.

So all in all, this was just an okay book for me. It could have been a lot better.

Now that I'm all caught up on this series, I think I have to say that I mostly prefer the older, Ellora's Cave installments over the most recent three published by St Martin's Griffin. The newer books have better depth and character development and more thorough storylines, but the early books are more playful and fun, more experimental sexually. And I think the women in those books were more into the whole sharing thing. Among the last two heroines, Jaci only did it because it was the only way she could have Cam at the start...once Cam opened up, the sharing stopped. And Kia did the same. For most of the book, until the very end, Kia took pleasure in the sharing, but it wasn't something she particularly wanted. That's kind of a turn-off for me when women do something sexually they're not really into because their partner requires it. The earlier books, from what I remember, the women were more into it.

I'll still keep reading this series, though. And I look forward to the next book, which is supposedly Khalid's story.

WARNING, this book contains: explicit sex, explicit language, m/f sex, m/f/m sex, anal sex, toys, some spanking, light bondage, some rough sex, and a little violence.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author- and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Granted it was a story built around this club of men who enjoyed the pleasures of sharing their partners, I appreciated that there was a good balance to the story-line and it wasn't all about their desires. Though, that played the heavy part of the role.

This was a fast paced and easy flow of a story. I liked the fact that the adults were mature in their roles through out the story. I say that because a lot of stories these days make the adults so ridiculously immature and annoying. I liked that these characters weren't like that and that I could feel when Kia was trying to insert her spine of steel and when Chase was desperate to have her.

I really liked Chase, Khalid, and Kia and their togetherness. Khalid is Chase's good friend and well known 'third'. I actually liked the scenes with them all together, it didn't feel dirty. However, I wasn't too much into the scenes when it was just Kia and Chase- and I felt too much time was spent on pages filled with their 'love' making. But I did love how sweet Khalid was and how considerate he was to her feelings. I liked how slowly it took Chase to allow himself to be & feel more for Kia, and how he called her baby.

As far as the villain went, I was able to guess who it was the whole time, though -I gave myself a 5% chance of being right and second guessed myself until it became clear to who it was. I think a little more should have gone into that portion of the story, just like I think that Rebecca should have gotten comeuppance from the gossip she spread. I didn't like how the Rebecca situation 'resolved' and how it put Kia in the eyes of others in their circle.

Overall- I liked this story, but I could have used a bit less in the bedroom- granted the fact that YES I know what the title of this story is and what it was basically based around.

[Kris H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was pretty typical of Lora Leigh's other "Bound Hearts" books--smokin' hot sex scenes, lots of MFM, a strong, yet vulnerable damsel in distress, an uber-alpha, emotionally stunted male. I love Lora Leigh, but often have to seriously suspend my disbelief (which as a huge paranormal romance fan, I obviously have no problem doing) when it comes to some of her plot contrivances. This book, however, actually had a fairly believable plot and a villain that didn't come from the Austin Powers/Dr. Evil school of villainy. Only Pleasure included many of the characters from her other "Bound Hearts" books and was a nice conclusion to the story of the Falladay brothers which began in the previous novel, WICKED PLEASURE. We are also treated to a bit of back story on the enigmatic Khalid, who has been making cameos throughtout the series. ONLY PLEASURE seems to be leading us toward his story, which will no doubt be the next book in the series. I'm really looking forward to that one. I highly recommend this book to all Lora Leigh fans.

[Fiona Goodman · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was fun and sexy and Chase is pretty hot. Just a few questions.

What is a 'support group for men who enjoy a certain lifestyle?' I just keep imagining a group of these men sitting around in a dark room giving out their number just in case one of the thirds starts getting the urge to get a little too close to another man's woman.

Also, all these guys knew each other growing up and were introduced by the "lifestyle" by their fathers. How could the whole town not know?

I would love to be a fly on the wall during that father/son conversation.

Dad-"Well son, I think it's time we had a little talk"

13 year old son- "Yeah, Dad?"

Dad- "I know you're probably starting to get urges about the opposite sex.

Son uncomfortably- "Uh, yeah"

Dad- Well there are many options, but probably the best is sharing a woman sexually with a best friend or a stranger. Your mother and I do this often and I can tell you it really brings a relationship closer with both your woman and best friend. Of course, you wouldn't actually have sex with your friend, but if you do get that feeling it is perfectly fine for you or your friend to take your wife 'hmph, back there'(moves his head backwards) there's not harm in that, not at all."

Son- "I don't know dad...with another guy? Isn't that a little weird?"

Dad-"Not at all. In fact, Jason and Derek's dad are into it too. All of your friends parents do it. I happen to know that they are getting this talk as we speak. We all agreed it was time. But you need to remember that no one else in the town can know. Here's a list.

Son- " Well, it does kind of sound like fun. Actually, I can't wait to talk about it with Jason and Derek tomorrow. It's like we have a really cool secret. And maybe sometime before too long we can start to practice on the local girls. But don't worry dad. We'll make sure no one will know."

Dad- "That's my boy, I knew you were a chip off the old block."

Just a few musings.

[Joëlle · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 stars for “Only Pleasure – 10 – Bound Hearts” by Lora Leigh
There are 3 installments for this book and I loved them all.

*** ARC kindly provided by the publisher St. Martin’s Press, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ***

INSTALLMENT ONE

only-pleasure-book-1About 7 months ago I read my first Lora Leigh book. I liked Guilty Pleasure, book 11 in this Bound Hearts series but I loved this book which is book 10 in the series.

Two years ago Kia’s ex-husband tried to force her into a menage. Knowing her marriage had been a lie, the humiliation changed her. Even when she was married she was attracted to Chase but Chase has been hurt himself. He learned that he’s no relationship material. Both think ‘Only Pleasure’ will be enough but is it??

What I loved in this book is that we get more POV’s but unfortunately it isn’t always clear directly whose POV is being told.

I also really loved Khalid and if I hadn’t read it yet I would definitely want to read his book next.

I read this book in 3 installments. This was the first one and I immediately dived into the next one

INSTALLMENT TWO

only-pleasure-book-2This was the second installment for book 10 in the Bound Hearts series.

Chase and Kia both thought that just the pleasure would be enough. Kia wants more and so does Chase but he fights his feelings. Chase hasn’t let himself get close to anyone lately. Do you keep on fighting for someone denying his feelings or do you let them go. Going doesn’t go easily. Let’s hope Chase will give into his feelings in time…

This book was H.O.T. There were some very steamy scenes in it and I loved the chemistry between them!

I’m ready for installment three and that HEA they both deserve

INSTALLMENT THREE

only-pleasure-book-3*** ARC kindly provided by the publisher St. Martin’s Press, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ***

With danger lurking they finally both acknowledge their feelings but Chase hasn’t yet expressed his love. Kia however still needs to learn to trust Chase completely.

I loved this final installment but since I’m not a big fan of insta love it kind off went a little bit too fast for me.

But I really did enjoy it, the men are deliciously alpha so I look forward to read more books in this series.

I already read the next book in this series earlier and I loved that one a little bit more. If I hadn’t read it yet I would certainly do so now because the end of this book is a small prologue to book 11 with Khalid’s story.

[Kathy Davie · Rating 5 out of 5]

First read March 3rd, 2010; again on June 25th, 2011.

Tenth in the Bound Hearts erotic romance series based in Alexandria, Virginia. The couple focus is on Kia Rutherford-Stanton and Chase Falladay with Khalid as their third.

My Take
Okay, besides the heavy erotica, it's a great love story, and I just love this declaration Kia makes:

"Isn't that what love truly is? Being free even as you're being held? Knowing you can reach for the stars, and someone's there to share it with you? Or to give you a boost if you need it? Someone to laugh with, love with, cry and argue with? Someone you know will be there when you're moody, when you're dark, or when you just need a hug" Isn't that love?"

One of the things I like about this series, well, besides the sex…*grin*…is the caring part. Sinclair's Club may be about sharing a woman, but it has to be consensual and there is no hitting.

It's rather sad that such things have to be in the rules; doesn't say much for humanity. On the fun side, Chase's confusion and frustration over his enthrallment with Kia versus his guilt about Moirah keeps things interesting. It's not so much fun for Kia, but it is for the reader.

Leigh drove me wild with the mysterious person spying on Kia and Chase. She words it so well that I could have sworn it was one person, but then she'd drop a few words, and I'd be reeling off in another direction. And whoever it is, he/she is sick!

Kia's hurt made me cry for her loneliness, and yet I do understand her reasoning. You just don't do this, you don't betray a friend's confidence! As for the sharing, her conflict with Chase's rule and her own attraction is so frustrating. I understand her wanting more, and I applaud her for deciding that she's worth more and then standing up for herself.

I do love it! The women we've met in earlier books in this series are caring, loyal friends, and they take Kia to their hearts. Ian, however, is not so happy as it means that Courtney is plotting again. It's never good for Ian when Courtney is back in play, LOL.

I do like Khalid. He's so gentle and his compliments are an absolute treat. Oh, man, then there's Cam and his ticking off the list of all the horrible things that happen to a man "trapped" in a monogamous relationship...crack me up! I like Kia too. She seems so compliant until she decides what she wants, and then look out!

I am curious when Tally Raines-Conover picked up a new name, Rafferty.

The Story
She's been warned, and at the same time, she'll be cared for. Chase Falladay has a soft spot for Kia Rutherford-Stanton, and he'll do what he can for her. Even if it does take two years…

It happens that night that she flees another tedious charity and discovers Chase and Khalid at the same bar. A night in which Kia learns of the pleasure that can be had.

A pleasure that infuriates Kia's ex-husband. After all, it was what he had tried to force onto her...

The Characters
Kia Rutherford-Stanton is the "naughty" wife we hear about throughout the series, who spread the rumors about the Sinclair Men's Club, but it wasn't her fault! Timothy and Celia Rutherford are Kia's very understanding parents. He runs Rutherford Logistic Solutions, which Kia will publicly rejoin.

Chase Falladay is Cameron's twin and still reeling with the guilt of Moirah Brockheim's death (see Wicked Pleasure , 9). Both men are private investigators for Ian Sinclair and his club. Jaci and Cam Falladay are engaged.

Khalid el Hamid-Mustafa is the bastard son of a little-known Middle Eastern prince who is sucking up to his son big time, sending him all sorts of presents: a Hummer, a free gas card, ahem, six women under the age of 20. Abdul is his driver. Martha is Khalid's bête noire.

Other male members of Sinclair Men's Club include:
Ian Sinclair with his wife, Courtney ( Shameless , 7); Lucian and Devril Conover are married to Tally Raines/Rafferty ( Wicked Sacrifice: Wicked Intent , 4); Cole Andrews, vice-president of Delacourte-Conovers, is married to Tessa, a schoolteacher and daughter of the owner/founder of Delacourte ( Ties That Bind: Surrender , 1); Jared and Kimberly Raddington, a security expert, ( Wicked Sacrifice: Sacrifice , 5); James and Ella Wyman ( Submission , 2); and, Sebastian de Laurents, a friend of Courtney's from Spain, who likes to dance.

Carl "Drew" Stanton is Kia's ex-husband. And an idiot who wants his wife back. Harold and Margaret Brockheim refuse to accept the detective's story of their daughter's, Moirah's, death. Rebecca Harding was the woman Kia had thought was her friend. Her husband, Marion, works at Rutherford and wonders if Kia's criticisms about his projections are because of his wife. Liza Ison is Kia's secretary at Rutherford. Detective Allen is a member of the club, and the cop they call on when there's a problem. Dr. Sanjer is Ian's personal physician.

The Cover and Title
I'm not buying the guy on this cover. He's just too young looking…! I'm guessing that the couple are meant to be Kia in the black bra lying on her back as a nude Chase hovers over her, and they're about to kiss. The top "half" is red with all the text information.

The title is Chase's mantra. The sex is Only Pleasure; he doesn't intend it to be anything more.

[Shannon · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is one very generous star.

Kia Rutherford has spent the last two years hiding. She's hiding from her ex-husband Drew Stanton, who tried to force her into a ménage à trois with another man, a "third" from an exclusive club of men who enjoy sharing women. She's hiding from her old friends who spread the story of this secret club, which brought Chase Falladay to her doorstep, making a deal with her to retract the story. And she's hiding from Chase himself, the one man she's always wanted but could never have.

Or so she thought.

Chase has always desired Kia, but she seems untouchable, an ice queen. When he offers her pleasure at the skilled hands of himself and his "third", Khalid, a wealthy Saudi émigré, he finds her far from cold. Yet he holds himself back, fearful of his past, of his history with women, of hurting Kia and demanding more than she can give - he thinks her weak, and unable to manage him and his dark side.

But Kia has had enough of being there only for the pleasure, and gives him an ultimatum: return alone, or don't return at all.

With someone threatening Kia's life, Chase isn't about to let her out of sight, let alone out of his bed. First he has to convince Kia, and then he has to face the truth of his own feelings for her.

This book was so far from pleasure it was like everything I hate in romance fiction put into one book. If someone told me "Lora Leigh" was a pseudonym for Christine Feehan on her worst days, I would not be surprised - while there are differences in writing style, the bad habits and clichés are all there. All of them.

First of all, the characters and the premise. The characters are all rich white socialites who lead the kind of empty gossipy lives that seem glamorous on the surface but are really thin veneers for some utter tackiness. I felt nauseated, reading about these people, the waste that is their lives. I don't care about them, I'm revolted by their lifestyle, they just make me angry.

Kia had her moments, her ballsy moments, her moments of complete abjection - I could feel for her at her lowest moments, but she was a bit of a sap. You can't really blame Chase for thinking she's weak-willed, as satisfying as it is to find out she's not. But she's just so good, so nice, it's very blah.

Kia was nothing compared to Chase, though. I don't know that a male lead has ever frustrated me as much as Chase did. For sure, a lot of it has to do with the writing, which I'll get to. He was just so completely aggravating, so short-sighted, so pompous, and so tacky. He's a man who wears his mobile in a holster attached to his belt! He promised dark sensuality in bed and perhaps he was able to deliver, but you'd never really know it thanks to the writing.

If I met someone studying writing, or who wanted to write a romance book, I would recommend this book (or one of Feehan's bad ones) to read and, as an assignment, get them to note down every bad writing habit and cliché they could find, as a way to learn how not to write. I didn't make such notes, but I'll point out the worst offenders.

One of the big ones is the repetition. Not just of adjectives and lines used to describe something, of which the novel abounds. But also in the tiring angst-filled mental anguish of the characters second-guessing themselves, moaning about their pasts, their present, their futures until I lost all sympathy for them and just wanted them to grow up. Talk about self-indulgence.

There was little character growth here, beyond a superficial falling-in-love thing. The chemistry between Kia and Chase was ruined by his complete lack of respect for her (or for any woman) and her clinginess. The sex scenes were the worst parts to read, because they were so poorly described you could hardly tell what was going on sometimes, and the characters kept interrupting with internal monologues about their own anxieties - talk about mood killer.

Another bad habit was the constant switching of perspective. The third-person perspective would flit from Kia to Chase to her dad to his brother to Khalid to some random other person, all without warning. Sometimes it would switch from Kia to Chase and back again practically in the same sentence - a bit of an exaggeration, I know, but that's what it felt like a lot of the time. It left you confused, disorientated, pulled you out of the story and whacked your head against the wall. Oh wait, that was me throwing the book.

It's writers like Leigh who give the romance genre a bad rep. I spent much of the time reading it (it took me a great deal longer to read than a book of this genre would normally) bitching about its many flaws, typos included. With two glaringly big flaws - writing quality and dismal plot - to contend with, that one star is looking more extravagant by the second.

[Mrs. Badass · Rating 1 out of 5]

I generally like Lora Leigh, but I could barely stomach this book. I had to force myself to finish it. I didn't like Chase, I barely liked the chic, (see I can't even remember her name, it was that bad) If I had to read about one more "I can see into her soul, because I'm buttsmexing her..." I mean really? Seriously? While they are having a threesome with Kahlid, (she is taking two at once, um OUCH) Kahlid is whispering to her how Chase must love her b/c he is going sans condom... up the arse. OMG, was this for real? Yes. This was what they were talking about, and all the "Dam you's!" As they are fucking. When they are mad; it's "Dam you I wanna go up the butt you"! and Dam you, I like that you want to go up the butt me, and Hey now, let's not forget the third person, might as well fill all my orifices... Worst book I've read in a long ass time... It was funny however... in a twisted, I can't believe they are doing this sort of way. And Sex on the hood of a car is awesome, except when it's freaking snowing outside... um yea, who does that?

[Martina Nix Govoni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Niente di più e niente di meno di quello che ci si può aspettare dalla Leigh, e per fortuna! Rispetta tutti i suoi cliché, senza particolari velleità, con il valore aggiunto per una volta di un personaggio femminile comprensibile e coerente e anche abbastanza forte caratterialmente. Per il resto il giallo è ampiamente prevedibile e non pretende di essere un mistero, viste le premesse dal libro precedente della serie era difficile non arrivarci. La threesome regge, soprattutto perché quel poco di psicologia dei personaggi è coerente con il loro comportamento. Ottimo per passare un paio di giorni in "allegria".

[Robin Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first time reading Lora Leigh. I knew that she wrote steamy romance, but I was pleased that there was also an actual story, with a plot, and with well written characterization.

This is book ten in the Bound Hearts series. I normally like to read series books in order, and I definitely felt I would have benefited from reading book nine, about the hero's brother. I went to Goodreads and ready the synopses of all the books after this one in the series, and was sorely disappointed that Khalid, who played a big part in this story, was not the hero of any of those books. The epilogue seemed to be setting him up for the next book. I will have to hunt down the first book so I can start at the beginning now.

[Cocktails and Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only pleasure by Lora Leigh is equal parts hot, steamy sex and romantic suspense. Get a tall, cold glass of water ready and a box of tissues because this romance will have you needing both.

Kia Rutherford-Stanton is a beloved daughter and nearly a rape victim courtesy of her ex-husband and another man he invited into their bedroom. Fortunately, the rape does not happen thanks to the third man that distracts her husband long enough for Kia to run into the bathroom. Her father arrives just in time to find her hysterical and literally carries her home with him. Kia confides the events of that night in a close friend only to have the friend spread the information. At this point I was a goner for Kia. You have enough trust and faith in your spouse to join yourself to them for a lifetime, and they betray you by attempting to rape you and bring along a friend for the fun. That's just unforgivable. The author did such a great job of describing the scene and Kia's emotions. What made the story even better is that she continued to sort of show the reader how that interaction shaped Kia's life, relationships, and attitude for the next 2 years. For me it made me reflect on my life when a romantic relationship failed because my trust was betrayed. The author described the feelings so accurately I was really pulled into this story. I stayed up all night to finish reading this book because I just felt so connected to the characters and the storyline.

In addition to the betrayal by her husband Kia was also betrayed by her friend. I think every woman can understand what it means to have a close girlfriend, and the bond that is forged by sharing confidences. We call our best friend when things are great and when things are absolutely at rock bottom. So it was easy to see how being betrayed by her friend after the betrayal by her husband devastated Kia. I'm certain I cried a bucket of tears just imagining how hurt I would be if my best friend shared some of the things that I told her. The author's skill at drawing the reader in and appealing to the depths of human emotions was really the centerpiece of this novel. There is just no way for you to read it and not be affected.

Chase Falladay shows up on Kia's door shortly after her husband backhands her leaving a bruise. Kia has secretly harbored sexual fantasies about Chase. Her husband is a member of a secret society that engages in alternative sex practices. This information was revealed by the same friend while sharing Kia's confidences with others. Chase is charged with keeping the centuries old group as a figment of imagination rather than a fact and Kia's information could shatter the group. Kia finds an ally in Chase and agrees to say that her information was lies. Chase becomes a protector of sorts and acts an advocate for Kia.

Kia and Chase meet on a snowy evening in a bar 2 years later and despite her ex-husband calling her boring in bed and inept, she decides to seize the moment and leave with Chase and Khalid for a steamy sexual encounter. The sex is just simply off the charts hot. The only thing that I didn't find realistic was that even though she was having sex with both men she only acknowledged Chase. It sort of fit with the storyline, but I can't think of any man that would put as much effort as Khalid did into loving her and then listen to her only call another man's name. But this was not a major distraction.

Of course Chase and Kia work through their issues and again the author did a masterful job of leading the reader through the process of their healing. Intrigue occurs when Kia is mugged and later kidnapped. Chase is in his finest hour, and I forgive him for some of the things he did earlier in the book. I totally fell in love with him. He is the epitome of what every woman would want in a man. The couple defy all the odds and another happily ever after occurs.

Read this book ....it's a delight that is not to be missed and there are other books to come so the pleasure continues.

Reviewed by Michelle for Cocktails and Books

[Aղցela W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the tenth book in the Bound Hearts series. Chase Falladay from the last book. Kia Stanton knew what she was getting into when she bumped into Chase left with Chase and Khalid, however she didn't know except it to be one of the hottest nights in her life. Kia and Chase have history Kia Stanton discovers the reality of the club when her husband brings a member home with him and tries to persuade Kia to have a threesome with this man by using force and alcohol. That left Kia lost and hysterically searching for resolution and leads her to tell her friend of the activities of this club. Her best friend betrays Kia and begins to gossip about what Kia had said this of course, brings Chase Falladay into the situation by trying to get Kia to retract her story. Instead, Kia, goes into isolation in an attempt to rediscover herself. Chase I wanted to slap him upside his head at times Kia wanted to have sex with her without Khalid. With a little coaxing Kia finally gets Chase alone and as they begin to fall in love issues from Chase's past begins come back haunt them. This book was really good and I love reading this series. This book was well written like all the books in this series with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

[Evelyn Bryant · Rating 1 out of 5]

Reading this book and am of "several minds" about it. First why would these women want to be part of a threesome, that some bunch of men , immature men, have started? And if taking it up the butt is so great why aren't the men taking it up theirs? Why would a man who actually cared about a woman, much less loved her want another man to be sexually involved with her while he was. Strikes me that these men are sexually, emotionally, physically inadequate because otherwise they would not feel the need for some other man to take up the slack.

This author generally writes fair erotic fiction, but this aspect , is a bit distasteful. I am not against sex, but I can't help but think these people are bound to all catch aids from each other with all the butt action that goes on.


Plus at certain points its just down right stupid: Chase demands that Kia stay away from her ex husband , who by the way she doesn't want to be around in the first place and has threatened with a restraining order, yet Chase feels he must "lay down the law". With his "third", Khalid there for back up, of course. Oh please..... can we get a grip here???

Don't get me wrong.... I generally like Lora Leigh books, but this series, not so very much at all.

[Travi-gaye · Rating 1 out of 5]

So I finally got around to reading this the 10th installment in the bound hearts series. Let let me just say off the bat that is was the most insipid read I have tried to stomach in a long while. It was repetitive and lackluster and that's putting it mildly. Chase the witless hero and Kia the reformed doormat heroine they trip, stumble and engage in some of the most unkinky sex 3 people can have. Still they manage to fall in-love regardless of the fact that he disregards her and treats her like his personal sex toy. He systematically goads her just to see her reaction and has a 50/50 shot of having a boner by it, if not he just steam rolls her; God what a guy sign me right up UGH!

Honestly I have loved the bound hearts series up until now. I feel that when the publisher of the series changed then the series changed and not for the better mind you. I am crossing my fingers as I start Khalids' book as he is one of my favorite characters. I really hope this folly was temporary insanity on the part of the author and not a representation on the direction she is heading in with the series. I shudder to the think of the heights of boredom I can reach if she continues in the same vein.

[Stormy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall this was not my favorite read, but I didn't expect the emotional ending. I couldn't put it down towards the end. It was tough starting my adventures with this series towards the end of it, so many folks made an appearance, folks who's stories readers would know...but I didn't, so those characters came off as flat, fake and sort of suspicious. Chase was kind of a jerk. Didn't really like him and didn't ever really come to understand his "darkness". And what the heck was that part about where he'd never really pictured himself with a wife...after all the nonsense about him and his brother building their current home to be idyllic and ready for them to have families together. Whatever.

I would have given the book 2 stars, but the end somehow captured me. I didn't think it was possible, but hey, stranger things have happened.

Might start back at the beginning of the series to see if I can understand what this club is all about cuz from this book...I'm not much of a fan. Time will tell if I get much further with this series, but I am following it on FictFact.

[Johanna Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's quite clear that I adore this author, I have read so many of hers and fail to be disappointed. This story was book ten in the series and she write m/m/f situations like she lives it. Such a fantasy fiction that has me tuning out everything in my life to kick back and enjoy one of her action packed books. She seems to epitomize the ménage a trois situation that it almost makes me laugh when there's only one male and female. It's like they forget how to have sex with two people, that how submersed I get. She also keeps you guessing until the end which is a nice touch also. I can't think of a thing I hated, she even draws you into the next book by detailing the third man in the trois. I guess his single time is up in the next book....lol.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this book was very well written. I didn't know from one time to the next what was going to happen.
The two main characters are so opposite of each other. One is stronger then she thinks and the man has to learn to accept it,
One wants a long lasting the relationship the other just wants to pleasure that they both get during sex but I think it will work out for the best.
Lora Leigh's books are good. She comes up with great story lines and makes the book interesting to read page after page.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far one of my favorite books. I've lost count on the number of times I've read it. There's just something about Chase and Kia that gets me in the feels. Maybe it's because Kia takes the opportunity to get what she wants, accepting having a third person if it means a chance to be with Chase. I also loved that she's strong. She doesn't hesitate to call Chase on his actions and tell him what she wants. She also didn't hesitate to kick Chase out and tell him not to come back unless he's ready for more.

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like Kia. She is a strong woman who takes responsibility for her choices and actions. The fact that her friends are crap, is another story. I wanted to kick Chase's ass. What an emotionally stunted jerk! UGH! His yo-yo actions with Kia are passive aggressive and he should be shot. I'm glad he had to almost lose Kia to come to an understanding.

Kia, I hate to say it, but I think you ended up picking the wrong twin.

[Stef · Rating 5 out of 5]

bdsm. erotica. menage. men. hot, steamy sex and fun for the main characters chase and Kia. this book keeps you interested in the book from the start to the end. fast read. 1st book I have read of Lora Leigh. May read more from her. would recommend to others to read. yummy hot sex scenes.

[Jan Springer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable Lora Leigh book! Recommend!

[Beth Hiatt · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5
I enjoyed the plot once it started, after 200 pages of sex scenes and fancy gala balls
think I need to take a break from romance after this one

[Sarah Hutchinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't put this one down until I was falling asleep reading it. First I've read from this author and it won't be the last!

[Bonnie G. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Let me start by saying I have nothing at all against porn. It is generally not my cup of tea, but I don't find it inherently offensive and I think its great if others enjoy it. Erotica, unlike porn, needs to have character development and a story that exists to do more than string together sex acts. That story can be frankly sexual, but it needs to be more too. In Only Pleasure there is no story at all. Two pretty and utterly vacant people, neither possessing a sense of humor, dress up, go to parties separately. They then leave those parties together, always conspicuously early. After leaving they have a lot of mind-blowing sex. Sometimes there is another person involved in the sex, sometimes there is not. Based on that, they determine (quite separately) that they are in love but can't reveal their true feeings. Why? How? What in this story could lead to anything approaching love. I know great sex can mess with your ability to reason, especially when the great sex is frequent and when there is not a lot of other intersting stuff going on in your life. Been there more times than I care to confess, and it has always been really fun. That said, when I would get all dreamy and try to turn great sex into a relationship, my dear friend Chris was always there to say "sweetie, you're seeing the world all cock-eyed, no moving any furniture until you take a couple nights off." And he was 100% right. That "I think I am falling in love" feeling goes away the first time anyone has a hard deadline to make at work, or gets the flu and the endorphins have a moment to level off. If only either of the people in the book actually had friends maybe they would have realized that as well.

I wish Leigh had either avoided the love thing entirely, or had given us some story, some character development, some anything to make love credible. Great sex and love can co-exist, and it is spectacular when they do, but one does not lead to the other unless there is more going on. I gave this two stars because the sex scenes are amazing. They are hot, inventive, well written, descriptive, and very yummy. Ms. Leigh is capable of writing well, she does it here, and in other books she has written (the Seal books are great.) She could have given us a better piece of erotica, a piece that included sex in an otherwise engrossing story. It might also have included characters that we could like, because honestly no one wants to see people they don't like having great sex, it just seems so unjust.

[Annina_ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ultimamente tutti i libri che leggo di Lora Leight sono tutti uguali e piatti! Per fortuna si è ripreso un pò sul finale sennò era solo sesso spicciolo, volgarotto e senza emozioni, solo "per il piacere", come dicono 174323456786543 volte i protagonisti, senza trama. Erano bei tempi quando la Leight scriveva "Menage Proibito", a mio avviso, il suo miglior libro.
2 stelline sono più che sufficienti. E' ovvio che continuerò a leggere lo stesso questa serie come tante altre, anche in futuro, tanto mi conosco! :P Ammetto però che fatico sempre di più a leggere i suoi libri...

[Christine Galletly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a well written series of books (I read them in the three instalments).
The content flowed, it had a really good story line and excellent characters.
I am glad that I had all three parts to read one after the other as it did grip me!
Would definitely recommend - 5 stars!!

[Denise Mesnard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite book in the series.

[Rose · Rating 1 out of 5]

**UPON FINISHING EDIT (11/20/2013)**
So the sexism in this book only gets worse. The attempted rapist is protected by his victim. She refuses to "ruin his life" because it was "really her fault" that he raped her I guess... Seriously people she actually says this shit. This book is so full of victim blaming it makes me sick. Especially when at the end the attempted rapist is REDEEMED for his attempted rape because 1) it wouldn't have been rape because he is her husband and 2) he only wanted her so the main-man couldn't have her and 3) he volunteers to help "save" her. Knowing the people and their actions in this book "save" probably translates to "rape" and the publishers had to edit out a nasty gang bang at the end of the book that left the main lady in the hospital for a few days.

OTHER SEXIST SHIT IN THIS BOOK:
1)the women always take responsibility for the shitty actions and behaviours of the men... because you know men can't do anything rape-y of their own accord.
2)the man-man-character constantly refers to the main-lady as "little" and blames his inability to control his sexual urges on her "cuteness".
3)the main-man-characters inner dominant (rapist) comes out often.
4)any sex that is outside of what is considered "normal" is "dark" and "dangerous" and "going to destroy you". I shit you not people, the author spends two pages talking about how the man-characters sexual urges are going to "destroy" the main-lady. Its worse than fucking shitty shades!! In fact! I think the james lady read THIS BOOK before she wrote the shades and then was like "oh hey I like all this stuff its really cool, now lets make the heroine even more of a damp dishrag." and no, not a "wet dishrag" that would imply she actually had some character. Implying that she had some character would be implying that the author did some characterization...

yeah no. this author knows two forms of characters: rapists and rape victims.

barf.

but anyways, I counted the word "destroy" in every other sentence for like three pages! remember when I said this lady goes through the dictionary looking for her "word of the day" and just keeps shoving that shit in there? well here it is!

I swear, if I ever see the word pleasure EVER AGAIN im going to freak out and punch my guinea pig.

no, I could never punch my guinea pigs... ill punch my mother instead.

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY:
5)main-man-character threatens to spank main-woman-character for "allowing" herself to get into a situation in which she was severely injured by the father of the ex-girlfriend of the main-man-character that he apparently killed in the previous book.

AND IF THAT WASNT BAD ENOUGH:
6)the men in this book (who are apparently mostly ex-federal agents) constantly display complete disregard for human life and are constantly spouting about their homicidal urges.

so yeah... this book is a pile of sexist rapist garbage and I wouldn't even feed it to my dog. in fact... I think my dog could crap out a book better than this.


DISECTING THE SEX OF "Only Pleasure"
(11/16/2013)

So I have finally relegated this steaming pile of adjectives to "toilet literature" aka it has been shelved as "book I read while using the bathroom". Now, you might think to yourself "doesn't she use that shelf a lot?" well yes, I do, for books that I give negative reviews to. And its not just because of the negative review. No, actually the only way that I can get through most of my "toilet literature" books is to physically SIT ON THE TOILET WHILST CONSTIPATED because my choices are then: 1) stare at funny shapes on wooden cabinet doors and freak myself out when I start thinking there are ghosts trapped in the wood because I see faces, or 2) read the books I take with me. And sometimes I'll take a whole stack and read maybe fifty pages of each. And that is why they get bad reviews. Honestly, the book is usually shelved as toilet literature before I'm even close to rating it.

Now I've got a book that's so bad that its too bad to read while on the toilet. I thought the shitty fifty shades was bad... but this is worse! Between the crappy characters ("dominant" aka "rapist" man-character, irritating socialite women who are dependent on trust funds, and the overbearing family figurines ((yes I said "figurines"))), the revolting sex scenes and the overall "barf" vibe that I'm getting from this book, one might wonder, why go on? Why suffer through a thousand hours of illiterate torture just for the claim to fame that I am capable of finishing what I start?

The word count. Yes you heard that right. I am counting these words.

"But how are you counting those words? That book is so long! What are you talking about?"

Well you see, as I was reading this crap on the crapper, I realized, why should I suffer alone?!

No, I shouldn't have to suffer alone! So for your reading pleasure, (oh barf I hate that word now and you'll find out why soon) or displeasure, I am now going to dissect a sex scene from this book and show you exactly what makes this book such a nightmare for those of us cursed with irregularity in the area of the bowels.

So my pretties, take out your books and turn to page 124, or as this book calls it "Chapter Nine".

First we get to hear about chase's inner "dominant" (see "rapist")for about two pages. Because guys remember, when a woman is yelling at you, all you should be sing is her tits and ass in that snazzy t-shirt and jean combination.

On page 126 we finally get to the good stuff as our "hero" (see "dominant" ((see "rapist"))) informs our "heroine" that he is going to, and I quote "...spank your ass." As he "kept his voice as calm, as certain as the decision he was making."

So basically this chick is going to get it whether she wants it or not.

Sexy! No! Rape-Culture! Yes!

Heroine does a lot of sneering. The third guy (this book is about ménage) says "Why, his third, of course."

That's what they're saying, but what I'm hearing is: "This chick is about to be gang raped." (or is it something else when its only two guys doing the raping?)

So our heroine answers "Make me". Now some people would qualify this as consent.

Those people are really making me sick right now. You see, the way I was raised, when I tell a man to gtfo of my apartment, he does it. Because I said so. No excuses, no explanations needed.

Apparently the way this chick was raised, its perfectly normal to be assaulted by two men and perfectly ok to not report it to the police because they made her enjoy it...

The funny thing is though, this woman is a RAPE VICTIM.

And the men raping her are 1) the man who saved her from her rapist husband and 2) the man who forced her to recant her accusation of being raped because her husband was in some club he was also in.

Wow... puts a funny twist on things now don't it?

So anyway, lets just fast forward to the sex shall we?

I'm going to do something funny now. Remember when I told you a word count? Well instead of describing the sex scene I am going to pick out a few... reaccuring words and literally tell you how MANY of them are in the sex scene. Because apparently this author proscribes to the notion that "Repetition a sexy sex scene doth make."

And we're going to do a page by page thing, so every word on every page that is a sex scene will be counted and notated.

The scene starts on page 127 and goes to 136.

So here we go, first with the title word of the book:

PLEASURE:
127: 2
128: 1
129: 0
130: 0
131: 1
132: 1
133: 0
134: 2
135: 5
136: 2


And now onto the word "dominant" which our main-rapist-man chase seems to favor. (And since going through each page is taking longer than I thought it would, I'm just going to tally the rest.):

Dominant/Dominance:5
Tempting:7
Control:2
Challenging:5
Sexually/Sexual:3
Sensitive:2
Spank/Spanked:4
Slap: 4
Sweet:2
Struggles:5
Pain: 4
Dare:4
Strength:3
Nipped:5

Now some of these you think "Hey, that's not so bad, there aren't so many after all it is nine pages." But it is bad, because the problem is that leigh becomes fixated with one of these words and the four times it appears in this sex scene are on the same page in the same paragraph.

Now that is a problem.

I can't believe her publishers never noticed this!

So that is the end of my little rant... for now.

it seems to me like every person in this book who isn't kia thinks that kia is some sort of five year old... and I just would like the author to know that enormous quantities of adversity does not a heroine make. also this whole "im so dark and dangerous even though im a typical business guy person, but still im so bad for you and I would just DESTROY you with my big bad sex dick"... THAT DOES NOT AMMOUNT TO A PLOT! THAT DOESNT EVEN MAKE A GOOD PLOT POINT!!! I get that romances are all about two people fighting attraction and facing adversity and falling in love but the whole "IM SO FUCKING BAD FOR YOU BECAUSE OF MY KINKY SEX LIFE" shtick is really getting old! that is not a probably diversity. I have NEVER had a guy tell me that I cant "handle his nefarious sex life ways" because guess what? ITS NOT A REAL THING!!! and any guy who does go on about that crap is a melodramatic asshole who needs to be kicked in the ass for thinking that girls get turned on by that bullshit.

I understand that we are living in a post-fifty-shitty-shades world people! NOW GET OVER THE HYPE ALREADY YOU FUCKERS!

ugh.

also! the rampant sexism in this book is pissing me off to no end. I get that the women in this book are all rich little house fraus... NOW STOP RUBBING IT IN MY FACE HOW DOMESTICATED THEY ARE!! I mean who automatically thinks, when asked about what is attractive in a man "oh I want a guy whos a good provider"?? are you kidding me? now that may have been another book... im not sure... but there is a lot of crap in here that is JUST LIKE THAT!! oh my freaking fucking hell!! what is this the fifties? cause last time I checked it was 2013!!!