The Thalia Series: The Complete Collection

Thalia #1-4

by Jennifer Bene

The Thalia Series is a dark, gripping, and emotionally harrowing story that takes you on a rollercoaster ride from the deepest of dark romances all the way to the light.

Featuring all five Security Binds Her, Striking a Balance, Salvaged by Love, Christmas at Purgatory, and Tying the Knot!

Also includes the short stories 'The Branding', 'A Kalen and James Flashback', and a never before released story titled 'James at The Auction'.

Genres: BDSM, Erotica, Dark, Dark Romance, Romance

741 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

Jennifer Bene is a USA Today bestselling author of dangerously sexy and deviously dark romance. From BDSM, to Suspense, Dark Romance, and Thrillers—she writes it all. Always delivering a twisty, spine-tingling journey with the promise of a happily-ever-after.

Don't miss a release! Sign up for the newsletter to get new book alerts (and a free welcome book) at http://jenniferbene.com/newsletter

Reviews

[Cécile Smits · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has been in my library for far too long,and i was a fool for not reading it earlier.
Because it’s GOOD!! Dark,depraved,but SO GOOD!

It starts with Security Binds Her,and that’s as dark as you can get.
Because that’s where Thalia is taken….
And not “just” that,her kidnapper doesn’t hesitate to hurt,degrade and use her body against her from the start.
He tells her it was easy to take her,to make her disappear from the life she was living,and that it’s her own fault.
He keeps telling her she’s made for what he’s putting her through.
He knows everything about her,and uses it against her.
He pushes her to accept what she is…..his slave.
But even though Thalia knows there’s a reason her body reacts the way it does,she also knows she will NEVER be what he wants her to be!
Because she knows she’ll never give up who she is,and what she deserves….her freedom.
That strong will of hers gets her into trouble,though….
Because her Master’s partner is a sadistic bastard that doesn’t hesitate to show her the error in her thinking.
She’s theirs to do with whatever they want,however they want.
And she’s theirs to sell….to whoever pays the most.
When the day of the auction arrives,she knows she’ll have to at least behave like a properly trained slave,or chances are she’ll be in for a life of more misery…..

Next up:to give me a better understanding i read the bonus story James at the Auction.
To hear the POV of the man that ended up buying Thalia gave me hope.
Because even though he was the one that managed to convince her owners Marcus and Anthony to hold the auction sooner than planned,he sounded like a man with a conscience.
Even though he’d watched the footage of her being “trained”.
Even though he got hard seeing it.
Because this man planned to save her,to show her how beautiful her submission could be.
And he started showing that from the moment he had her kneeling at his feet.

After that i decided to read the Kalen and James Flashback.
Seeing a young James realizing he’d never be able to live his life the way he wanted to.
Being on summer holiday from University with his friend Kalen.
A Scot that lived a different life than he did,but was as close as a brother because he was the same as he,a Dominant.
It gives more insight into the man that bought Thalia,and i’m grateful for the glimpse.

So,now i’m ready to hear what happens next in Striking a Balance.
Where Thalia may be safe with James,and submission is not the problem….not really.
Because the problem is that she’s stuck somehow.
And even though James loves the way she submits so very beautifully,he can’t help,but worry.
Because in the normal day world she’s not coping….at all.
So,in the end,he asks Kalen for help.
His sister Ailsa is a therapist working with him at Purgatory,a training house for those into the lifestyle.
It’s there,in Scotland,,she has the breakthrough they both need,and it gives them hope for a happy future together…..the future they deserve so much after everything they’ve been through.
But James has to return to London because of his work….
And what happens there,leaves me with a killer cliffhanger!

So,i’m going straight to Salvaged by Love…..
And that one put me through the wringer,again!
James was in an accident on his way back to Thalia,and even though he wasn’t badly hurt,it shook them both.
Plus,it made Thalia realize she loved James,and couldn’t live without him.
She knew she had to wait until the deadline of them being together for 6 months to tell him,but she hoped he felt the same.
Hearing he loved her too was the most wonderful news she could’ve gotten,and seeing what he’d done to make sure she was taken care of in any situation,made her appreciate him even more.
Life seemed bright,the future ready to start.
Meeting his family was the next step,and his sister Katherine was the first to meet her.
After a tense introduction,they hit it off,and James and Thalia were invited to stay at Katherine’s for a while.
And then disaster struck……or rather Marcus did.
Only this time,Thalia had people to fight for,and even though she picked her battles,she didn’t surrender.
Would James find her in time,and in what condition would she be??
Would their love give them the strenght they were going to need?
After the last page,i needed a moment to catch my breath.
Because how much can a person endure without breaking?
It was understandable Thalia had scars,mentally and physically.
Having James meant the world,but he needed help too….because he couldn’t do it alone.
And it was so good to see they got the support they both needed!

Now all that’s left,is a wedding to plan….in Tying the Knot.
And what a wedding it was…..everyone close to them was there.
Getting dressed was chaos,but everything worked out in the end.
James sneaked a special gift in to make her feel him during the ceremony.
Kalen and Ailsa sneaked in her tablet so she could check up on the website she’d built with James containing a forum solely for the survivors of the Williams brothers,causing a panic when nobody could find her….
Their vows were beautiful,even if they both ended up improvising.
The wedding speeches were….unique….and the party a total succes.
The team that arrived at the rescue before James could,had a special gift…..one that ensured her safety even more so….
In short,it was the most wonderful wedding they could’ve gotten!

Only that branding….i know why,i know how,but the ceremony…..?
It all took place just 3 days before the wedding,at Sean’s club,SW3.
And even though James wasn’t keen on the idea when Thalia’d asked him months ago,he understood her reasons.
So,unknown to her,he’d done his research.
Nick and Analiese knew the perfect man for the job,David.
And everyone that mattered,in the scene,was in on the plan…..except Thalia.
The entire night was a surprise for her,one that would only go through if she was 100% sure.

All that’s left now,is the Christmas they spent at Purgatory….
With some very special gifts.
Where James gives Thalia the very thing she’d dreamed about,and more.
Where Thalia and Maggie get to play together.
Where Kalen and James team up on a punishment for Thalia,and share her after.
And when Thalia finds out that Maggie is pregnant.

This was a story that gave me all the feels,angst,agony,despair,hope,anger,and happiness.
It showed me that even in her darkest moments,Thalia was meant to find someone that would give her the freedom to be the woman she as meant to be.
To free the masochist within,of her own free will,to surrender her heart and soul to the only person that was worthy….her Master,James.
He was the rock that stood by her through everything,that suffered with her,celebrated her recovery with her,and gave her the world through his love.

[Louise H's Book Thoughts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely mind blowing, game changing, dark and twisted story. I loved Thalia, her guts, her determination and her strength. She never gives in, never gives up and is one heck of a heroine.

The first book is DARK. There are triggers on just about every page. There is no light at the end of the tunnel and no romance, that comes later. Subsequent books have a lighter feel, though by no means as sparkly as a contemporary romance, and it does wade through a couple of very murky pools before delivering our Hero and heroine their HEA.

It's hot, erotic, full of emotion, at times very difficult to read but also well worth the journey. 5+ stars all the way.

[Badh · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I love Thalia. I think Jennifer Bene and her Thalia series were really the first big introduction to what dark romance could be. I fell in love with Thalia and James and kind of thought that Marcus was interesting. So, a full boxset with a brand new story in it? Where do I sign up?

On top of the 4 full Thalia books, there are some others little gems in the set to read. I've read most of them before, so I was really happy to see them, but the one that really excited me was the new short story with James in it. We get to see Thalia's auction from his POV and get a look into his mind while the auction was happening. I love being able to see things from both sides like that. It's pretty awesome. And it just made me love James more, to see how he thought and behaved before he was able to save Thalia from Marcus and Anthony.

Security Binds Her introduces us to Thalia as she's abducted by Marcus. He sees her as a natural submissive and she's an easy target since she has no real friends, no family, etc. So, he takes her and begins to "train" her. He becomes obsessed with her and just can't let her go. But when an auction is forced, James buys Thalia and takes her away, after asking her if that's what she wants.

Striking a Balance is the second book, and in that book we see James and Thalia try to figure out who they are together and how their relationship will work. He asked her to commit to him for 6 months and then make a decision. James eventually gets frustrated because Thalia is having a hard time figuring everything out. I mean, she was abducted, tortured, and several other things, so life was so scary to her. But it's not healthy for either of them, so James calls his good friend Kellan and asks for help.

Salvaged by Love starts to get dark again, after the lightening up that SAB does. Marcus comes back on the scene and this time, not only does he get Thalia, he gets someone close to her. Marcus never got over his obsession with Thalia and kept track of her trying to get her back, since he thought she was his. However, while this may seem like a bad thing, good things do come out of it.

Tying the Knot is Thalia's happily ever after. Thalia and James finally get to tie the knot. But you didn't think that it wouldn't be kinky did you?

I love Thalia. I mean, look at where she started and look how far she came. She has a steel core in her that no one was able to touch, even Anthony at his worst. But, even with that steel core, she was submissive. Thalia learned the thing about submission that not everyone knows. Submission is a gift that one gives their dominant. Submission is all about strength and choices and not all about being forced or being weak. Just because Thalia was submissive towards Marcus doesn't mean that she was really submitting to him. It was a normal response to what was going on. However, going through that does let her figure out what real submission is and what it isn't.

All in all, the entire series is beautiful and loving. Yes, there are dark spots that are very dark, but Thalia has to go through that dark to see what the light is and to get to it.

[Ally Vance · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 Books. 5 Extras. Fantastic!

Security Binds Her - 4 Stars

Dark, deviously decadent and exciting.

*NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED. SERIOUSLY DARK STORY*

I really enjoyed this dark bdsm story, it was unexpected with turns I couldnt predict, as simple as the main male character not being who I expected. I was genuinely surprised by it. Well written and had a story that hooked me from start to finish. Such a surprising story with a finish that left me speechless. I loved how I couldnt work out how it was going to pan out as it went along. I really enjoyed reading Thalia's story and that she never loses her spark even in the most desperate situation. There was a good deal of intrigue, particularly with the anonymity of her Master which I felt worked really well with the story, reinforcing the themes in the book. His partner is a terrifying character that I cant decide if I want to read more of or not.

Striking A Balance - 5 Stars

Wow. Where to begin? This book carries on seamlessly from book 1, and we get to see the way Thalia adjusts to her new life. As you'd expect its not without some issue. I loved the insight into hers and James' relationship as dom and sub snd the building of trust between them. I think one of the things I enjoyed the most in this story is the struggle for balance (see what I did there?) and that its not an easy jump for Thalia to go from the fire into safety and comfort. Its gritty and painful but its so realistic because of it.

The scenes were an absolute pleasure to read, my mouth was dry and I found myself immersed in them. I wouldnt mind trying a few of those myself sometime hehe.

The new characters we get to meet are so interesting and I'd actually love to get to know them better, hopefully in the next book or maybe a spinoff. Kalen is a fascinating character and extremely attractive in the way he is portrayed and carries himself. I wouldnt mind a Kalen and James sandwich in the least.

Watching the characters coming into their own as the story went on, rediscovering themselves and finding new facets they werent even aware of through exploration, and pushing boundaries, it was a thrilling read and I was shocked when I came to end because I simply MUST know how it turns out.

Salavaged By Love - 5 Stars

This book was Dark with a capital D! Do not read this if you are sensitive because this one will push you to the edge of those boundaries and into the abyss.

Jennifer Bene swallowed me whole, twisted me up and spat me back out. I was an absolute mess after this story. The overhanging threat throughout had me on the edge of my seat and my poor nerves frazzled to bits.

After the last books ending we are left in a state of uncertainty and panic. The fear of the unknown and what will happen next and then being lured into a false sense of security because once I turned those pages I was hooked, I could not put this down, I had to see it through.

I felt so hard for Thalia, in spite of everything she always has this core of strength and resilience and the pure will to survive is admirable. Marcus has lost all grip and completely slipped into the realms of insanity, I truly feared for Thalia

Ill be completely honest, this book did hit one of my triggers but it wasnt to the point I couldn't read on. This was nothing more or less than a thrilling dark romance that will be added to the shelf of fuckery that I love.

PS. I LOVE the quote at the end of the book, it was very fitting.

Tying The Knot - 5 Stars

The perfect short resolution to the series, James and Thalia finally tie the knot amd get their kinky happily ever after. The wedding and all that led up to it was beauitful and not without some traditional naughtiness thrown in. The ceremony was lovely and the vows had me welling up. A completely different book to the others but so needed in order to let this series come to a close.

Off to read the mini Christmas story now! I need a sandwich, Jennifer keeps hinting and teasing about this scene and I really need it. If it doesnt deliver I will be staring hard at her until she writes it.

Christmas At Purgatory - 5 Stars

Short, sexy and sizzling hot! I loved the build up and the way the characters interacted during this little bonus feature, it was intense. I am also very happy because who doesnt love a good sandwich.

It seemed like everyone got their christmas wish fulfilled, everyone was satisfied. I thought it was a testament to the strength of James and Thalia's trust and relationship that they could share in the fantasy without negative emotions and repercussions.

Loved it!

The Branding

I loved this bonus scene, we see the last reminder of the horrifying circumstances that led James to Thalia burned away to ashes and a sexy as sin scene to follow. ;)

Kalen & James Flashback

I enjoyed the sneak peek into James and Kalen's past and their own introduction into this fascinating world. I find it fucking hilarious that Kalen never ceases to burn the ears off his priests in confession and that he keeps it up across

Total props for the accurate Scottish slang used in this book, well researched!

James At The Auction

This was an interesting little extra, I loved getting into James' head here and seeing the events that led him up to one of the most defining points of Security Binds Her, the party which set up the rest of the series. Lots of raw emotion from him as guilt battles with his dark desires and need for Thalia in an early form. His abilities and power against Anthony and Marcus in this mini story showcases his morality in spite of the skewed and twisted circumstances that led him to be there in the first place. There's a darkness in James but it's well controlled and channelled in a totally different way to Anthony and Marcus. A great little extra that gives it a bit more flavour.

[Saskia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This amazing box set features the complete Thalie series and a new short story “James at the Auction”. If you have never read this series before, then grab this chance to dive into the world of Thalie and James. It is a series that tugs on your heartstrings. It is a rollercoaster of emotions from high to low. And not to mention scorching.

And James’s story is perfect. We get an inside in why he was at the auction and his struggles with his conflicting feelings.

Security Binds her


First book in this series and like Jennifer said it is pretty dark.

I liked Thalia as a character. She was real and Jennifer Bene did an amazing job portraying her struggles. Thalie was trying to deal with the betrayal of her body and her feelings of submission in an impossible situation. I actually felt a bit sorry for the Guard too, because he wasn't free to be himself either. Looking forward to reading the next part.

Striking a Balance
The second book in the Thalia series. It starts right after the first book ends with James having bought Thalia at the auction. This book deals with the aftermath of the traumatic events in book one. Thalia may be freed, but the emotional and psychological chains aren't broken that easily. Thalia is trying to come to terms with her submission and finding out who she is. Can she even be “normal” again. Questions that are not easy to answer or deal with. This is also the introduction to Purgatory and it owners Kalen and Maggie. Two characters I fell in love with instantly. And there are also some really hot and sexy scenes in this book.

Salvaged by Love

The last book in The Thalia series and what an ending. While Striking a Balance was a gentle wave. This book was a rollercoaster ride of emotions for everyone involved. Thalia earned her name as bad ass. And I am sucker for a happy ending.

Christmas at Purgatory

A wonderful novella in The Thalia series. It is not any Christmas story. It is Christmas at The Purgatory. It is wonderful to see all the characters again and catch up on them. It will make you laugh and all hot and bothered.

Tying the Knot
The last book in The Thalia Series and what a beautiful ending of the series. I loved this series and Thalia’s journey from darkness into the light. This book will make you laugh out loud, melt your heart and get you all hot and bothered. It was a beautiful wedding and amazing wedding night. I could just picture it all and I was so happy to see the whole Purgatory gang back together. Also loved the two bonus stories.

[Paula D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what dark, twisted intense series that had me stay up all night to read this entire book! What do you when your whole world changes in a snap? Thalia I felt her pain and emotions all through the book and her strength was so amazing after everything she’s gone through. James amazing, sexy, sweet Dom James there are not even enough words to sum up him. James is the light into the darkness and just his smile alone makes you blush at the thought. Read this series seriously yes it’s dark and may make you cringe at parts but it’s so real and amazing! 5/5 stars

[Rin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kidnapped For Sale

Thalia leaves work, late one night and ends up attacked, bond, raped and thrown into her own trunk. She's brutally trained by her capture, to be sold as a sex slave.

Not a book to read if you have triggers

The story line was great but sometimes found myself skimming through the many, many sex scenes, wanting more of the story line. Awesome job

[M. Shane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starting a story with an event which is extremely discomforting for most people, one would believe, is not a new concept; think specific books, chapters and verses within the Bible, for example, and then fast-forward to a novel like The Bone Collector, and you’ve pretty much covered the ages and spectrum where this has been the case. However, special is the novel that gets the reader to continue past that initial event and beyond to read the remainder of the story. When taking that approach with the start of a novel that is a definite challenge for an author to overcome, and in the Thalia Series, the author (Jennifer Bene) has achieved just this to perfection. This series of four separate novels (Security Binds Her; Striking A Balance; Salvaged By Love; and Tying The Knot) begins based around a introductory scenario which, if handled differently, could have ended with this reader having not gotten past the first book (or even the first chapter, honestly). However, the author has created a narrative in which the characters draw you into their world in such a way that you want to see what happens to them beyond the initial episode, and by the end you are so glad that you did. This is a series borne out of pain, and agony, turning to self-introspection, then ultimately to growth, happiness, finding oneself, and – yes – even love. It is a journey that is hard to begin, but once you’ve started, you cannot pull yourself away from it until by the end you wish it didn’t have to come to a close. The author uses a quote by Robert Frost at one point that sums this up perfectly: “The best way out is always through.” This is the Thalia Series to a ‘T’. Along the way – yes - there is plenty of sex, as one would expect. The real joy in this series In my opinion comes, however, from watching how the characters in the novels evolve, and that is especially true for the protagonist Thalia. Accept the challenge the author puts before you and make it through everything before the Happily Ever After, especially the beginning, hard though it may be. Because the reward at the end is simply incredible.

SECURITY BINDS HER

This is the tough one. The one that is the most difficult to get through, because this starts with events which are brutal, painful to read, and terrifying, and contains situations that are honestly gut churning. This is the beginning, and because this series of novels is built upon a certain premise, it requires us (the readers) to go through this darkness, and this novel is without doubt dark. At times, very, very dark. The initial set up is…. rough. Savage. It is a terrible, horrifying situation that our protagonist for the entire series - the titular character Thalia - finds herself put in. For some, it may be overwhelming. However, what takes place is completely necessary for several reasons which become clearer as the novel goes on. Thalia finds herself placed in a horrifying situation, one which no person should ever be put into. Yet, the author allows the character to overcome some of the dreadfulness of this situation to discover things about herself. Discover aspects of the strength of her own personality, her desires, and just who she is as a person in the midst of this barbaric situation which unfolds upon her. The further you go into this novel, the more you become drawn to Thalia. Here is a woman who embodies everything that a strong person can be, and yet who gives up nothing of her own personality to placate or adhere to constraints put on her by anyone. She does not succumb to the evil which she finds herself in, and at the same time embraces certain things that take place in which she discovers much about herself while being put through this trial, without falling victim to it. She takes agency over what she can, involving what is happening to her in a way that the antagonists of the novel – brothers Marcus and Anthony- could not envision or imagine. In fact, this becomes a major plot point that is important throughout the remainder of the series. This story builds up Thalia into a person whom you just cannot help but be drawn to. You want to know her. You revel in the discoveries she makes about herself in the midst of this terrible situation, even as she refuses to let those same circumstances completely overwhelm her, or to become entirely what others would have her be. The antagonists believe themselves to have ‘broken’ her, but the reality is that it is they themselves who are broken (at least in one case), as the ending of this novel spells out clearly. It is also here where we are introduced to a new character which comes into Thalia’s life - James. It is this character that provides Thalia with a clearer understanding that some of the things that she’s discovered about herself are not, and need not, be directly tied to what she has been forced to endure. That these feelings, desires, can happen in an environment outside of the terrible one she’s been forced to suffer through, and be both healthy, and fulfilling. This allows her to make a decision that gives her back control over her life, by making a choice that ultimately has life-altering consequences for a great number of the characters introduced in this novel. By the end, the things that Thalia has discovered about herself, then manner in which she makes the choice to be with whom she desires, and the ramifications (and foreshadowing) of what lies ahead overshadow, in this reader’s opinion at least, much of the earlier discomfort that this novel started with. You see Thalia blossom into something far greater than the sum of the parts of what she has gone through, and you want to follow her to see where the new path of her life’s journey takes her. Her new par amour James is an enigma; he offers her a chance to expand upon some of what she has already discovered, but the very setting of how and where this takes place leaves the reader with questions of what his own motivations may be. This, and the drama of how the novel closes, are the perfect enticement to tease the reader to continue onto the next novel. Thalia will have gotten underneath your skin by now, no less than she has two of the characters within the world of the story. And you want to be there with her to find out just how all of that is resolved.

STRIKING A BALANCE

The second novel in the series picks up the story of Thalia, and expands on her newly established relationship with James, a character briefly introduced at the end of Security Binds Her. This novel is so much brighter in tone than the first, and comes as somewhat a welcome relief from the darkness and intensity of the first novel. This novel is all about finding. Finding oneself, finding community, and finding peace. Thalia is taken from a world of horror, a world in which she was forced to confront certain aspects of herself in circumstances that were far less than ideal. She is then brought into a world where she is given opportunity and the chance to build a life for herself, with the chance to discover more about aspects of her personality brought out during the trial’s she’d been through in the first novel. The growth of the Thalia character in this novel is so well played out, and that is what drives this story forward. To watch as Thalia becomes acclimated to her new world, how she overcomes the PTSD-like aspects of recovery from what she suffered through in the first novel, and how her burgeoning feelings for James expand make this novel a joy to read. The tension here is far less about external forces; this is the novel in the series which really deep-dives into the character of Thalia. Her emotions, how she feels, why she feels the way she does, and the discovery of all of that and more. A journey filled with introspection, and all comes with that. Anxiety, fear, joy, self-doubt, anger, frustration, and the wonder of finding that even though she may not understand it, that there are people who see the beauty within her far more than she can see herself. The pacing of this novel is quite different from the first novel, as it needs to be for all of this to take place. Choices are presented to Thalia that will directly impact her future, and the author spends considerable time allowing us to see within Thalia , not only as to how she makes the choices she does, but the processes she goes through to get to them. Both good and bad. Anguish and joy. This novel fills in some of the blank spaces about Thalia that the first novel left open. Motivations, internal reasoning for certain reactions, and the conflict we all face within ourselves at times when we question why we are who we are, especially when faced with something that we feel we don’t deserve. The wonder of this novel is how Thalia comes to terms with all of this, dealing with her own ‘demons’, and yet not allowing herself to be bound by events of her past, while at the same time not pushing away nor denying herself the right to take agency over aspects of herself that those events brought forth. At the end, you have watched as Thalia has become a fully fleshed out character, flaws and strengths combined, and one who is so empowering that you cannot help but like her. Is she perfect? No. However, that ultimately becomes the point of this novel. No one person is ever perfect. We are all the sum of our experiences, and how we chose to build upon them, accept who we are, and not buy into any conceit that any of those things makes us ‘bad’ or ‘broken’. Thalia could quite easily become the quintessential ‘Mary Sue’, and yet the author doesn’t allow that to happen. Thalia becomes someone you want to know, and in doing so the author makes it so easy to want to continue reading her story.

SALVAGED BY LOVE

And then we go back to the dark.

The third novel in the series continues with Thalia and James relationship, but also draws back in the two major antagonists from the first novel in the series. In doing so, we head right back into some of the by now familiar dark places that we experienced in the first novel. While this could easily have been nothing more than a re-hashing of the first novel’s premise for the sake of titillation, it never goes into that territory. Where Striking A Balance was about finding, discovery, Salvaged By Love is about understanding, recognition. Understanding who you are. Recognizing the worth of not only yourself, but that you are worthy in the eyes of those who surround you. Equally, it’s about recognizing that your worth can only be subverted by another if you allow them to do so, if you give them that power by your own hand. Thalia discovers this in circumstances that are as dark and horrifying as any she has been through so far, but the strength of character she has obtained and built on during the time of the second novel allows her to weather the events of the third in ways that wouldn’t have happened in the first. Thalia is a stronger person by now. A fuller person. One who takes ownership of whom she is, and refuses to let another deny her that, even when her own personality traits trend toward submissiveness of her own desire and making. She defines what embodies the essence of that personality type; someone who allows a power exchange to take place on her terms and her terms alone. Never under duress, and never under coercion. When forced into a situation where that does take place, she refuses to give in, to giving the power for someone to define her worth to them, rather than retaining that agency herself. The moments where this is taking place within the novel are some of the most powerful and at the same time disturbing as any in the series. Thalia is the reed that bends, but does not break. However, the author does not take the easy way out, and the reader is never certain which direction the ultimate outcome may go. This is intensified by the actions of one of the main antagonists, which brings up probably one of the more interesting character developments in the series, and which came completely unexpectedly for this reader.
The author chose in this novel to explore in more depth the mindset and rational behind what motivates one of the major antagonists of this novel and series. While this person had been fleshed out in a broader sense in the first novel, in Salvaged By Love the author really dives more in depth into this character’s thoughts. It is a bold move, considering all of the circumstances and actions of this character in relation to Thalia and what she is forced to endure. The choice works, however. Having shown just how strong and wonderful a person Thalia has become in the second novel, the motivations and actions of this antagonist in the third are all too easy to recognize in this story. While you cannot truly sympathize with him, you can, at the very least, recognize why he is doing what he is doing, even if it is in a bizarre, twisted way. It is somewhat analogous to the Clarice / Hannibal Lecter relationship in Silence of the Lambs. There is always a tiny bit of the devil in each of us, and you can recognize what motivates him even as you abhor what and why as he is doing it. It not only strengthens the readers understanding of the tenacity and fortitude of Thalia, but also increases the recognition of the sway that she holds over others, even if she (Thalia) does not recognize it fully of herself. The antagonist’s actions are never forgiven, and yet knowing what we do about Thalia, and how drawn we are to her by this point, there cannot help but be the tiniest sliver of empathy for the antagonist. He’s a terrible man, as any character put in his position must be, but you can understand why he is so drawn to Thalia, and ultimately why his fate ends as it does.

Without spoiling the ending of this novel, suffice it to say that the resolution is both satisfying, and yet a tad bit frustrating at the same time. There is one arc which seems to be deliberately left unresolved, and that was frustrating, at least to this reader. I wanted the same closure that seemed to be given to most of the other arcs here, and yet it was tantalizingly left open and ambiguous. Yes, the HEA is here, but not without that single dark cloud on the horizon. Given the character that that cloud embodies, it was a small but frustrating burr that stuck with this reader at the close of this novel.

TYING THE KNOT

This, the final novel of the series, is pure light. Well, that is not entirely true, but when compared to the others, including the second novel, this is by far the lightest and most joyous of them all. Essentially this novel is an extended Happily Ever After, and given the darkness of both Security Binds Her and Salvaged By Love, it comes as the perfect ending to the series. This is a love letter to both Thalia, and to the people she has surrounded herself in her life. Her friends, her lover, and everyone who has recognized her strength, her character, and her innate goodness, even when she herself has questioned those things. This novel centers around one day in particular, when all that Thalia has ever dreamed for, a day she quite honestly had thought would never come, does. There is a great deal of humor in this novel, and outright joy, and while the author is well-known for the darker aspects of her novels, this clearly shows she has the ability to write beyond that. Lest it be thought that there is nothing but light in this novel, there are, in fact, dark moments, but they mostly happen ‘off screen’. One very important plot point throughout the novels is finally cleared up (one which was left unresolved as noted previously), and some other issues are also addressed and brought to conclusion. There are a couple of scenes which address characters which have been affected by events in similar ways as the protagonist Thalia, and how she finds community with them and helps them on their path to recovery. These scenes address very dark issues, but are tempered with the knowledge that what you are witnessing is people who are dealing with their trauma in their own ways. These are people who, as Thalia herself did, discovered that they are not alone, and that there are people whom they can lean on and look to for support, as they themselves can provide the same for others. It is an empowering message, and while the subject matter is certainly dark, it is not one that leaves the reader feeling bleak at any time.
Beyond those moments and the resolutions mentioned, this novel is truly the proverbial ‘icing on the cake’. It is sweet, delightful, “awwwww” inducing, and provides the HEA that you would want (assuming that you are one of those readers who, like me, needs that when reading dark romance). In the strictest sense, this novel could easily have been thrown in at the end of Salvaged By Love in an abbreviated form to close out that novel. I’m glad the author chose not to. Though I would not suggest this novel be read as a stand-alone without the context of the previous three (and I would think many readers would be confused if they did), that this was written as its own separate novel is the perfect bookend to the other three in the series. The reader gets the resolutions to circumstances and story arcs that the three previous novels introduced, and then an incredibly beautiful, sweet, and just all-around heart-warming close to Thalia and James’ story. By the final word, you just really couldn’t ask for more.

(Conclusion notes will be added as a separate comment, due to formatting restraints)

[Lisbeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ojalá se pudieran otorgar estrellas negativas.

[Gab · Rating 5 out of 5]

A journey from desolation to complete satisfaction

Security Binds Her
This book takes you on a gripping ride between horror and fascination. In just one week the heroine is turned from a lonely, unassuming girl into an unwilling but nevertheless responsive participant in a cruel game of dominance without care.
At times I hated myself for loving this book.
But in her own inimitable way Ms. Bene sucks you into the story and does not let you go until you arrive at the end, dizzy and out of breath.
A gut wrenching, spine tingling tour de force !

James At The Auction
This short snippet describes the auction from James' point of view and sets the ground rules of their relationship.

Striking a Balance
In this second part of the series Thalia is finally out of the clutches of her abusers and starting life with James. But the transition is not as seamless as they wished. It soon becomes apparent that the training methods of Marcus have far reaching consequences that endanger their relationship.
Finally James reaches out for help, and ensconced with accepting and helpful friends things are starting to look up.
Kink and love abound !!

Salvaged By Love
In this third book of the series Thalia and James finally get their chance at working on their relationship. Being accepted and integrated into a circle of like minded friends helps a lot. And it's a chance to witness some hot and inventive play scenes.
But soon the past rears its obsessive head and Thalia is back in her worst nightmare. After a scary salvage operation she slowly fights her way back to "normal", Thalia and James style that is, and they get their HEA.
This conclusion of the series is a skillful blend of light and dark.

Christmas at Purgatory
A Christmas dinner for four and for desert a steaming hot menage plus surprises for everybody.
Ms. Bene's present is a sweet, decadent short with a bite.

Tying The Knot
The fourth book in the Thalia series is a true delight. From the first scene in the brides and bridesmaids room, preparing for the wedding, you are enveloped in the feeling of love and belonging. All of the Purgatory family, James's family and Thalia's "Bad ass" family are there to witness those two celebrate their commitment to each other. The poetic language that is Ms. Bene's trademark elicits a deep feeling of contentment, whether she's describing everyday life or kink scenes. She even managed to make my eyes wet with this sensual, light, and loving ending of J and T's story.
But to satisfy the feeling of outrage about past wrongs, Thalia and all her "girls" even get the present of rightful retribution.
And at the very end of the book we get the present of a promise of more stories from the Purgatory world.

The Bonus scene is a sweet, and deeply moving piece of kinky poetry !!
Ms. Bene surprises with every new book. You might think after a while the scenes might get repetitive, but she manages to grow in expressive language and inventive ideas with every story.

[Kelly_Reads_Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Security Binds Her is a wonderful story featuring Thalia and her Master. From the very beginning Jennifer Bene created an anxious energy with her words. I was grasped from page 1 until the end. I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN. I look forward to reading Thalia's story as she continues on with James.
Striking a balance Thalia and James story is beautiful and tragic and frustrating. To have come through so much can Thalia finally find love and be a submissive or will her training and conditioning at the hands of Marcus keep her from achieving those goals?
I fell in love with James from book 1and he has endeared me so much more with his patience and kindness.
Jennifer Bene you write fabulous stories that draw the reader in from chapter 1 until the end. As a reader you gave me everything I could ask for and more. I felt your suggestions. I imagined your descriptive words in my mind as though the scenes were played out right in front of me.
Salvaged by love -James and Thalia's story continued in this 3rd book and it was a roller coaster ride of love and hate, calm and chaos, with lots of pleasure in between. The finale was perfect, both finding the HEA that they deserve.
Jennifer Bene you are an extraordinary author. The way you use words and description to capture the reader and keep them wanting to read this story to the end is second to none.
Tying the Knot -The finale to James and Thalia's story was wonderful! I love these 2 characters, and I especially love how they found each other and trudged through all the conflict that they encountered.
To finally have them married and given their happily ever after is the perfect ending to this love story.
BONUS James at the auction It was wonderful to see this story from James POV. As much as he saw the auction, and the Williams brother's "training" of these women as horrible, he knew he had to have Thalia and give them a chance at a Dom/sub relationship

[RoseyLovesBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Thalia Series: The Complete Collection by Jennifer Bene

Security Binds Her

Temp worker Thalia is kidnapped by the handsome Marcus to be trained as a submissive and sold to the highest bidder. Thalia can't believe she'd been dreaming about Marcus, who can be soft, gentle and protective but also harsh, violent and abusive. Better the devil you know, than the devil you don't. Marcus wants the beautiful Thalia for himself and it shows, which is why his brother/business partner Anthony moves up the auction. Marcus knows he can't convince Anthony to let him keep Thalia but he doesn't want anyone else to touch Thalia so he'll just have to deter the buyers' interest in Thalia. On the day of the auction, James, a good looking buyer, tells Thalia "I want you to know that with me you could have something consensual. You could stop me with a word." James offers to buy Thalia and asks her "Do you want to come with me?" Marcus shouts "No! She's not for sale!" Will Thalia stay with Marcus or leave with James?

Striking a Balance

Thalia leaves the auction with her new Master James and starts a new life in London. James offers Thalia choices, the one thing she wanted but was denied with her kidnapper Marcus, who desparately wants Thalia back. Thalia is so traumatised by her experience with Marcus that she doesn't want choices any more, she just wants James to tell her what to say so she can't choose incorrectly. James wants a girlfriend, not a full-time sub. James had thought that as Thalia healed physically that she would heal heal mentally and he'd finally get to know the feisty girl she used to be. When Thalia admits she wants to be normal but is struggling, James asks for help from his good friend and fellow Dom Kalen, who runs Purgatory, a sub training school. Will Purgatory be what Thalia needs to find a balance between being a sub and being normal?

Salvaged by Love

Thalia has been able to find a balance between being a sub and being normal and is happy that James loves her. Thalia envisions a beautiful future with James, a wedding, a little boy or a little girl ... life couldn't be better. Marcus wants Thalia back and wants her to look at him with longing, the way she does with James. Marcus could make Thalia want him, need him, crave him. Marcus just hadn't had enough time, and tells himself "You'll be mine again." Just as Thalia's life is falling into place, Marcus finds her. When Thalia rejects Marcus, he tells her she has 2 options, she can be obedient or he'll start her training over and break her. James is frantic with worry after Thalia is abducted and hires the best team of mercenaries money can buy to get Thalia back, but they be able to rescue her before Marcus breaks her?

Tying the Knot

Yoga instructor Thalia and business executive James have gone through a lot together to get to their special day, which they celebrate surrounded by family and friends. Perfect for a catch up with everyone, plus 2 bonus scenes. You're going to laugh, you're going to cry, and you're going to miss Thalia, James and company when you reach the last page.

Jennifer Bene delivers a dark, action-packed, suspenseful, sweet and steamy series that you won't be able to put down

[Corinne Kapsner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an epic dark romance series! One that will make you experience every emotion that you could possibly feel! This was the first dark romance that I read. I can guarantee you a HEA but you have to go through the dark to get there! I really like the couple extra bonus scenes that are provided at the end of this book!

SECURITY BINDS HER
This is my first book by Jennifer Bene outside of the Black Light Series. I have been wanting to read this book for a while but kept talking myself out of it because I was worried since this is my first dark romance. But I finally ripped off the band-aid and I am so glad I did!

Jennifer Bene does an amazing job bringing to light an issue that many people don't think is as prominent as it is. The feelings that Thalia goes through are an accurate depiction of a dark and scary reality.

Jennifer made me feel all sorts of confused about Marcus. His actions and feelings are contradictory. I want to view him as an asshole but there is a part of me that wonders if he can be redeemed.

Jennifer gives us an enticing story that keeps us guessing as to what is gonna happen next! It is a good book to start with if you are venturing into the dark world for the first time!

STRIKING A BALANCE
This is the continuation of Thalia's story and her developing relationship with James. Jennifer Bene takes me on another roller coaster of emotions! James wants to protect Thalia! But is he protecting her to the point of hindering her? This is what this story is all about! Thalia and James finding a balance.

My initial confusion with Marcus having redeeming qualities is pretty much voided in the this book when we get his POV once during the book! I am going back to my original assumption of grade A asshole. LOL

I really like that Jennifer has a scene that focuses on Thalia's self preservation! I think since we hadn't seen her pushed to a limit yet that it was important to establish just how strong Thalia actually is! I also really like the scene where Thalia makes a realization and tells off Kalen's sister during her therapy session! I really hope we get to see Thalia's dream become a reality in detail! I read this in one day, I couldn't put it down!

SALVAGED BY LOVE
This is the third book in the Thalia series! This book is a great balance of love and dark. I think Jennifer Bene takes the best of SBH and SAB and combines them in this epic tale! Jennifer puts me through a lot of feelings and there was one point I was ready to be done because of what she wrote in the story making me angry. I am glad that I didn't put it down and pushed trough because the story and the emotions from Thalia and James are very real. Read this book if you haven't done so yet!

TYING THE KNOT
This is the final book in The Thalia series! I think that Jennifer Bene wraps up this story very nicely! I think she bring the perfect combination of spicy and sweet! This is the Happily Ever After that everyone wants for Thalia and James! This is definitely a series that I want to see make it to audio book! Amazing story!

[Leslie OBrien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since this boxed set REALLY needs more people snapping it up, what follows are my reviews of the different books in this set all mushed together. Enjoy!

I will readily confess to not getting any work accomplished that afternoon. I meant to do it…stares at Kindle…but something came over me. If blame is to be handed out, and I’ve already accused her of this, Jennifer Bene is an enabler. She won’t be able to deny it because yes, I absolutely ate up this story. I adore dark stories. Ones that nip at our baser instincts of right and wrong—dark and light—and how there never really is a firm line between the two. And I was instantly drawn in to the story. Granted, I wasn’t completely lost. I did remember to feed and walk the dog. Eventually. Even took a cool shower. It got really hot in here. But then I buried my head in the story again and didn’t come out until I had finished. You should too. Especially if you like your erotica dark and powerful. Mmmm….

Oh boy, is it hot in here because…wow. I so loved the continuation of Thalia and James’ story. The gradual transition from what was an incredibly dark story in “Security Binds Her” to “Striking a Balance”, so much happens as Thalia fights to figure out who she is and where she belongs. *Spoiler alert: She belongs with James. I LOVED Purgatory (Okay, as an ex-catholic that sounds weird). I loved reading about the other doms and subs at the school. It was an amazing way to draw out the turmoil going on inside Thalia’s head as she fights with her inner demons. So, good.

“Salvaged by Love” is story 3 in the saga of Thalia and James and it was all sorts of good in all the right ways. This is it. If you’ve read stories 1 and 2, then you definitely NEED to read through to the end. Will they get their happily ever after? Will Marcus surface again and spoil everything? What? Once again, I admit to skipping out on work to finish this story. Twice over two evenings, I sat down to read a bit and the next time I looked at the time, it was almost two hours past my normal bedtime. This series was dark in all the right ways and light in all the meaningful ones.

This series was a roller coaster of emotions taking us from the darkest days and drawing us, with much relief, well into the light and it was worth every sniffle, profanity uttered, dark chocolate eaten, and batteries burned through.

And where but in one of Jennifer Bene’s stories would an aristocrat have a mercenary as a groomsman. Okay, there might be others but go with me.

If you haven’t started the series and you love your erotica on the dark side then you need to start with “Security Binds Her” and then work your way through the four stories culminating with all things happily ever after. From there, it’s just a matter of feeding your addiction over the course of a few days until you get to “Tying the Knot.” Plan to call in sick because you won’t be able to put the stories down.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the Thalia series!
Security Binds Her: Thalia is abducted from her work location by Marcus, the building security guard who trains her to be a submissive. Thalia fights Marcus and is punished, but eventually she submits to Marcus whom she never feels safe with. Thalia gets under Marcus’ skin so he is reluctant to let her go at the auction. James makes the winning bid, yet offers her a choice to go with him. Thalia accepts James’ life raft much to the angst of Marcus. James just asks for 6 months to see if the lifestyle is what she wants. If not, he will help her rebuild her life. The book ends on a cliffhanger though the other 2 books are available.

Striking a Balance: After James leaves the auction with Thalia, he explains how he wanted to get her out of Marcus and Anthony’s clutches sooner. James is frustrated with the dynamic between them, so he takes Thalia to his friend Kalen who runs Purgatory. Thalia struggles to learn to be the submissive that James needs, but the overall program works on Thalia’s issues. You will enjoy Thalia’s times with the other women in training, and especially the steamy scenes with James and Kalen. It ends on a cliffhanger, but thankfully the 3rd book in the series is available.

Salvaged by Love: The story continues with Thalia realizing she loves James. The dynamics of the other couples continue to play a part with Thalia learning to be a true submissive for James. After James and Thalia leave Purgatory upon completing her training, they visit his sister where Thalia is abducted by William again. James is besides himself and hires mercenaries to rescue Thalia. When all is said and done, can Thalia and James have their happily ever after? You have to read to find out.

Tying the Knot: I love an author who writes in dual point of view. Thalia and James are getting married, but there are some behind the scene stories that make you laugh and cry. One of Thalia’s wedding presents is to put a part of her past behind her and especially for the other women who had been abducted and freed. This was a short story but well worth the read to bring a happily ever after for Thalia and James.

[Mary Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not what you think

I almost threw this book down in disgust many times in the first story thinking it was going somewhere else. Somewhere too many author's fall into. I am so glad I stuck with it and let the author pleasantly surprise me. So don't give up if you think like I did. This author shows us both sides of BDSM. A healthy one and a very unhealthy one. They are worlds apart, but this was Dom done right. Some author's think I don't understand bdsm when I condemn a story for excessive uncalled for punishment. I am not against punishment between two consenting adults who both enjoy it. I don't care how far they go with it if both are loving it. I care when one gets off on it and the other obviously hates it. When love develops there it's nothing more than Stockholm syndrome. I am a sub, but not a masochist, so I could never enjoy the extremes Thalia does. At least I don't think so. Might surprise myself. But that doesn't mean everyone is like me and not ever Dom is a sadist either. This book explores the relationship between a sadist and masochist, but it's also loving and beautiful and shows how a true consensual respectful D/s relationship should be whether they are into S/M or not. It's a thing of beauty. She also showed us what's so very wrong with a bad one. Not every Dom u understands or cares about a healthy D/s relationship. To them it's only about their urges and needs and they have no care or consistency with their sub. It's only about power. It takes a confident man to be a good Dom. Anyway, loved reading a truly wonderful bdsm romance. I wish many more author's jumping on the dark romance theme would get it. Kidnapping okay in a book, but I don't want to read torture from the love interest. I am hoping BEth's story will feature Jake. I loved his character!

[Katie Shifflett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Security Binds Her:
I have read this book multiple times and only recently realized I never wrote a review. This book single handedly turned me onto dark romance. Please respect the trigger warnings. Thalia is like gravity, drawing everyone to her. However, she manages to draw herself right into being a sex slave. Her captor uses and abuses her, and much to Thalia's dismay, she enjoys most of it. Her captor gets in too deep with her (no pun intended) and is forced to sell her early. The author does a fantastic job of making you feel as intense as Thalia and all the torment she goes through.

Striking A Balance:
This is a continuation of what happens once James gets Thalia back to his home. He tries to help Thalia get some of her spunk back, but learns he needs some help. Enter Kalen and Maggie and their little place called Purgatory. I wish I could teleport myself into Purgatory because despite the name, this place is heaven for me. This book is a must read!!

Salvaged By Love:
This story wraps up just about everything from the first two books. James and Thalia thought they were headed for their HEA when Marcus makes an entrance. You have GOT to read this to see how it gets handled. No shortage of the dark themes here. Trigger warnings are real.

Tying The Knot:
The Thalia series is my absolute favorite in this genre. And I was not disappointed by this final book. The same dynamics exist between James and Thalia only he gets to add husband to his list of titles. I love this series!

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully Told Story (about an awful subject)

Well, wasn't this a surprise. I was going to say pleasant surprise, but most of the first volume (and much smaller portions of the remainder) weren't pleasant at all. Human trafficking and lack of consent, by definition alone, never is. Therefore, once you've read this, you will understand what I mean when I say that the retribution was very satisfying.

I learned of this series when reading a review of a different book, where the reviewer was comparing that storyline (negatively) to this series as the ideal. I then added this series to my To Be Read/ Wish List for the future and am glad I did. For, as horrific and demoralizing as portions of this story were, they portrayed exactly what was intended - the overwhelming difference between enforced slavery and a consensual BDSM relationship.

It's difficult to find the right word(s) to reflect my response to this series. Similar to my avoidance of the word 'pleasant' earlier in this review, I have issues with saying how much I enjoyed this story. It was riveting and extremely well developed, with characters who were so well defined, by word and deed, that I could probably cast them without any difficulty. And it was a complete storyline, not rushed or at all pressured to conclusion, as so many books in this genre often tend to be. It told the whole story in exactly the way it needed to be told. And that's why it needs to be read.

[Mom2three · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't even know how to describe how I'm feeling now that I have finished this series. This story pulled me through every emotion imaginable, from gut-wrenching pain and sorrow to passion-filled love and hope. There were some parts that were so brutal my stomach would cramp, and other parts that were so beautiful they brought tears to my eyes. If it had been a movie I would have been watching parts of it through the cracks of my fingers covering my eyes. The only words I can use to describe it are captivating, gripping, and passionate. I have never felt so emotionally wrung out after finishing a series as I did this one, and I mean that in the best way possible. I finished the last page and just stared at the wall for a few minutes. I had to give myself time to return to the real world and absorb the incredible journey these books took me on. I was mesmerized by the way Jennifer Bene wove the tale. It was the perfect pace and the perfect blend of dark and light. From the horrifying beginning to the beautiful end, this series is perfection. If you like your love stories with a little more bite, than this is a series that you must read. I know it is one that I won't ever forget.

[Sylvia McCullers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harsh !!

The first book in this series is almost too intense to read . The first book is just all about the rape , torture and degradation of a kidnapped woman . There is NO nice love scenes or feel good scenes in it. I found it unsettling and disturbing , but I read it anyway . I read it because it is about the beginning of a womans induction into the world of bdsm ( especially the SM part ) . I didn't say that I liked it , only that I read it .
Book 2 is about the woman's life after being sold to a new " master " . The reading then becomes much more tolerable and " reader friendly ".I
Book 3 is the woman finding her true self .
Other than the first book , this was a good series , interesting even . The lifestyle is not portrayed as being deviant or sick but a choice . A choice made for one's own happiness . With a consenting adult(s) each person can achieve complete fulfillment without feeling like a freak . Be warned though , this is no fairytale love story with fru fru hugs and kisses . Don't read it if thats what you're looking for .

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing series. Logically, I should despise some one who would buy another human being, but everything about James compels the reader to love him and hope he and Thalia have a happy ending. Thalia is an incredibly strong woman and survives kidnappings and brutality without losing her ability to trust and love, and as despicable as Marcus and Anthony (especially Anthony who has no redeeming qualities and Marcus doesn't ' have many) are, without their heinous actions Thalia would not have met James so I guess they do have a very limited purpose, but no tears were shed with their departure. This series has many dark elements but it also has moments of humour and tenderness. The time at Purgatory is insightful and ocassionally humorous and the short stories the author includes in the series are equally wonderful. However, be warned there are many potential triggers in these books, but if you are not affected, they are a compelling read I would recommend to anyone who likes dark romance

[Jacque RidesAndReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this author by reading Exposed. I really enjoyed it so I thought I would read a little more from her.

This series is dark and has a lot of non-con parts. The series itself was pretty good. The author knows how to paint a picture. She is able to describe things in just the right amount of detail for me. I felt invested in the book and had to know how it ended. In the end I was rooting for Thalia and James. Strange enough I felt for Marcus, he was truly a disturbed man.

I didn't care for the last story. I felt it dragged on where I had to skip through a little. I would like to know more about the other characters in the series. I know she has a book about Beth so I might have to check that out. I need a little light in my reading so I will have to come back for Beth.

[Terri Trawets · Rating 5 out of 5]

I began this series by reading Security Binds Her as a stand-alone. WOW! It is an intense, graphic, disturbing, riveting, and incredulously erotic roller coaster ride full of pleasure, pain and confusion. It was the first book I had read by and reviewed for Jennifer Bene, and it has hooked me bad. Therefore, when the ability to have all of the Thalia books in one place, plus two bonus stories, became available, it was so enticing that I one-clicked this series the minute it was released. And I have not been disappointed.

The continuing story of James and Thalia is an intense, difficult, loving, erotic journey that allows them to eventually overcome numerous pitfalls and obstacles to attain their “Happily Ever After.”

I truly LOVED this series, and I recommend it to everyone who has an interest in a beautifully written, insightful view of a Dominant/submissive lifestyle.

[Niki Roge · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most amazing story of the darkest of dark circumstances that ends up bringing Thalia through the pain, suffering, PTSD and love until she finds the light that makes up the journey of her and James. A HUGE book, this collection will leave no question unanswered as you read about Thalia's story. From her kidnapping, her brutal, extremely merciless training to be a sex slave, her sale at auction, her reconditioning with James and the fallout from Marcus and Anthony, this leaves you on a breathless journey as she tries to recover from her terrifying ordeal. Eventually, and only after a long and difficult road as the author makes no rush, love and happiness finally wins out as James and Thalia find the balance needed for them to live the lifestyle they have needed the entire time.

[marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really took my time with this—one being that the first part of the series was pure agony. Prior to finding out that the ‘guard’ wasn’t the MMC, I was so worried I was going to hate this book and forced to drop it. But after skimming some reviews and finding out that James is the true MMC and would reveal himself down the line, I stuck around. Even though it was dragging on with Marcus, I’m glad I kept reading Thalia’s story because pheeeeeeewie—the growth, the love, the swingers, KALEN??? 😮‍💨 the bonus scenes in the end of the book…. God. So hot. So healthy. This was a great read. Dunno if I have it in me to reread it though since the beginning was so l o n g and h o r r i b l e lol but maybe in the distant future.

[Christy Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!!

I highly enjoyed this journey and experience. Thank you for sharing such vivid, in-depth characters that secretly attached themselves to my life. I will miss them. I fully intend to delve into Beth's story...taking a deep breath! This tale definitely appealed to the dark and the light inside of me. I find it curious that it is so uncommon to read about the light side as most authors tend to focus on the dark. I also liked the whole healing issue being addressed by the characters, even some good ideas for those that might have suffered a similar experience. Kudos to Jennifer Bene!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! Thalia's life changed so much but there is hope. That hope is James. They go through so much together and make discoveries along the way. Despite the darkness of the story it is also enlightening. The series had me on the edge of my seat at times and crying in others.
I cannot sing the praises of the ending of this book enough. Thalia had been through so much and James helped her to overcome her demons and him with his own. The wedding was a fitting conclusion and the HEA they both deserved.
I loved how she included James at the auction. He knew he had to have her and this short read just confirmed that.
All in all the series is freakin awesome to read.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series tore me up! I was shredded and then put back together all with this one little series. Goodness gracious. Thalia's story had me laughing, tearing up, angry, scared, and giddy all within a few hours. I don't think I moved much while reading this other than to get coffee it was that good. As long as you can handle some of the more brutal scenes this series was top notch. Thalia is a champ an actual survivor with the help of someone we should call...the real master? eh eh? Read it..you wont be disappointed.

[Gina Burkart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will take you on many different rides that will have you needing more. As you finish one story you will be holding your breath for the next story. You will have amazing steamy intense dark. Sexy scene that will have you waiting and needing more. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat and will have you hooked on this series that you will want to read this book again.. If you have trigger with PSD this will not be the story for you. This book will show you how a amazing man that truly loves his partner that he will do anything to her feel safe again.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to begin...

This series was in some parts gut wrenching and heart breaking to read. I regretfully found myself rooting for the Marcus in the first book because I thought he loved her, and maybe in his own strange and sadistic way he did. But it wasn't until the subsequent books did I see how wrong I was. That wasn't love. It was fear garnered control. However, I absolutely love how Thalia overcame all of it with the real and true love of James and their group of friends and family. This series will stay with me always, and Jennifer Bene has found a new fan!