Restrain

Bound #4

by Shandi Boyes

The fourth and final installment in the Bound Series.

They say love can make you blind but is that the case with Cleo and Marcus?

You know what you saw.

You hate what you saw.

But is your gut cautioning you not to jump to conclusions; or are you slaying Marcus with the scorn of deceit before the entire story prevailed?

Get ready for a book that will keep you guessing until the very last word. Is everything as it seems or has your attention of the main players overshadowed those you should have been watching?

Because everyone knows. . . It is the quiet ones you need to watch the closest.

Author Warning: Due to adult content this book is not recommended for those under the age of 18.
*

For TWs please visit the author's website.

Genres: Romance, Dark, BDSM, Smut, Dark Romance, Contemporary

328 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 9, 2018

About the author

Shandi Boyes is a USA Today Bestselling Author who was an avid reader for many years before she discovered the love of writing in February 2016. Her first penned novel 'Perception of Life’ is a new adult rockstar romance that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat until the very last word.

In September 2016, her focus shifted to hot alpha men in steamy contemporary reads that sizzle off the pages. Shandi’s novel ‘Enigma of Life’ is an award-winning story on an FBI agent and the subject she was assigned to investigate. Her men are swoon-worthy, devoted, and alpha; and her heroines are strong-willed, determined, and loveable. You should start her stories first thing in the morning, or you may not sleep.

You will laugh and you will cry, but Shandi's characters will stay with you for a lifetime!

Join my newsletter: subscribepage.com/authorshandi

SERIES ORDER:
Perception of Life (Noah and Emily #1)
Reality of Life (conclusion of Noah's story #2)
Fight of Life (Jacob's story - standalone #3)
Player of Life (Nick & Jenny - standalone #4)
Beats of Life (Slater's story - standalone #5)

Enigma:

Enigma of Life (Isaac #1) - ** FREE **
Unraveling an Enigma (Isaac #2)
Enigma: The Mystery Unmasked (Isaac #3)
Enigma: The Final Chapter (conclusion of Isaac's story #4)
Beneath the Secrets (Hugo #1)
Beneath the Sheets (Hugo #2)
Spy Thy Neighbor (Hunter's Story)
The Opposite Effect
I Married a Mob Boss
Second Shot

Bound:

Chains
Links
Bound
Restrained

Russian Mob Chronicles:

Nikolai: A Mafia Prince Romance
Nikolai: Taking Back What's Mine
Nikolai: What's Left of Me

You will laugh and you will cry, but my characters will stay with you forever!

I love writing and reading. They are both my passion. My genre is generally set to new adult and contemporary, with a few twists thrown in.

Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/Author-Shand...

Amazon Author Page:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01D8C13WU

Enjoy reading!

Reviews

[Sheridan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy crap!!!
What a fantastic finale to a series I wish didn’t have to end!!!

I cried! Not just a little tear, it was a full blown sob leaving me with one killer headache!!

We left off the last book with Cleo answering a call that was going to change everything...

We are taken on one hell of a ride in Restrained!

This series has thrown in so many twists and turns it’s been an awesome roller coaster ride and I couldn’t put it down! It was filled with suspense, intrigue, passion and finally we get the answers to many questions that plagued us reading the series!

I can’t write to much about the story line as I want everyone to experience these books!!!! But I will say it is out of this world, it leaves you with so many questions and you just want more and more!

The chemistry continues to set fire to the book with each turn and you really wish you were in Cleo’s shoes!
But seriously if you haven’t started this series, you need to start with Chains right away!

Shandi you are just sensational with everything you write! Your characters are smokin’, your stories are phenomenal and you give the best book hangovers possible! xx

[Sarah Norsworthy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ok so I read the whole series because I wanted to know how it ended…. I was just over it. Cleo just became quite the complainer and I got tired of hearing about it. To be a journalist she didn’t know how to just stand there and demand answers.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The relationship between Marcus & Cleo is like a never ending roller coaster ride that you never want to get off. They have so much sexual chemistry, so much love, so many raw emontions (at one point in the story I cried real tears) The suspense around what secerts were being kept and why made the story so much more exciting and kept me captivate throughtout the whole story. I didn't want the book to end these characters have just gotten better ever the secondary characters are a major stand out and are always in the back of your mind. I really hope within the near future another Master Chains & Cleo book will be out.

Shandi does an amazing job as an author at making all her characters even the unlikable one stay with you and make you love them all I really hope one day in the near future another Master Chains book will come out this can't be the last of him

[Penny Wissinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely good read

I loved following the characters to the end. It was a pleasure reading this series. I look forward to reading more.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series even more when I read it the second time

I reread this series of books after I read the "Perception " series. I am glad that I did. Those books added a whole other layer of depth to this story and the world of these characters. I liked Delilah and Cleo because they both had fiesty and strong personalities. Thanks for painting a favorable light ln the BDSM lifestyle. I feel that those that participate in this lifestyle choice are greatly misunderstood, judged and often looked at as though there is something wrong with them simply because their sexual prefrences. They are not right or wrong. They just are. Society in general is quick to judge that which it does not understand. People are often so stuck in their moral beliefs of right and wrong that they don't want see beyond their own prejudice. If people did not read books containing subject matter about BDSM, whether fiction or non fiction, they would not sell like they have been. Thus, there would not be such a huge interest. Look at Fifty Shades of Grey. The books and movies were extreemly popular even though they were highly critisised.

[Tamara Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review will stand for the entire series of Bound.

OH MY GAWD!!!! This wasn't just dipping a toe into the BDSM lifestyle but ended up being a full immersion. Whew~ #Vapors

Great writing and only a few gaps that I wanted answers to: Was it ever revealed why Marcus was at the hospital on that fateful day? I don't recall seeing the "why" to that query. What happened to Delilah (other than she was fired)? Like, I want to know that the Spawn of Satan got her comeuppance. Also, Mr. Carson? Why was there no follow up on his story and how/why his business was going down (other than the vague references). I mean, I WANT TO KNOW! And then when he is in the basement lurking around? What was that about? Why was there no development of that part of the story. As you can see, it really just left me wanting a little more ... as if immersing myself in the BDSM lifestyle with Marcus and Cleo wasn't enough ... pfft~

One aspect I enjoy about Shandi's approach to her universe is that she doesn't just give you the story in one book. No, she creates and crafts and frames all of the story into several deliverables that are worth the investment of time and energy and emotional fortitude to understand the nuances of each character's personality. This is something I respect and appreciate because it's a monumental task to intertwine all of these characters into her universe so seamlessly.

Chains was the initial "dip my toe in" approach to Marcus's BDSM lifestyle. The story, at least for me, skirted along the edges of Fifty Shades of Grey. I'm not complaining by any means, but there were parts that were reminiscent of that story. But then again, aren't all HEA stories a skirt along the edges of the main tropes time and time again? But back to the story, the introduction of Cleo's query of whether or not a feminist can be turned on by being controlled in the bedroom seemed to be center stage in her struggles for self-identity. While there was lots of tension between Marcus and Cleo, there was also tons of drama. It seemed a bit dysfunctional and I did find myself growing a bit weary of the tug/pull of that dynamic throughout the entire series (she recognizes their dynamic is somewhat dysfunctional but she can't/won't say no to him > is that a "mate" thing?).

Links was a move through the emotional separation of Marcus and Cleo and how he got her back into his life by whisking her away to Florida to his real home. This is also where some pretty amazing submissive scenes play out and it was all the steamy sex you c/should hope for in a hot hot hot read. The writing remained stellar with full character development, as well as the building of the twists and turns of the story.

Bound took me on a roller coaster of emotions. It is also the book that had me literally aching in my chest with the heartbreak that Cleo was suffering because of Marcus's actions. No spoiler alerts here, but I'm telling you I had physical chest/heart pain/hollowing as this part of the story unfolded.

When I got to Restrain, Cleo and Marcus's drama continued to unfold. Around Chapters 13 through 15, I was literally physically sick to my stomach for Cleo and the emotional heartache she was suffering. I was Marcus-hating big time and he deserved it, all of it. Shandi did exactly what an author should do. She pulled me into her world in a way that I was physically and emotionally responding to her written prose. Just an amazing ability to draw the reader into her emotions and logic of the characters. Then, Shandi goes and provides Marcus's summary at the end and got me all ugly crying (Shandi is known for ripping your heart and soul out through your eyeballs, so be prepared, be very prepared) and offering understanding as to why Marcus made the decisions he made. Just all the feels and all the tears and all the fears. As an aside, I really really REALLY wanted Marcus to verbalize his love for Cleo. Did I overlook that? I don't think I read where he became vulnerable to the point of declaring his love verbally. But then again, words ard just that and actions do speak louder, so maybe I need to re-evaluate my approach to how love is expressed.

Finally, I'll close out with: DEXTER!!!! What the hell!!! I did not see that coming (I have read all of Shandi's series' out of order, some as recently as 3-months ago). Gurl!!!! (I don't always use exclamation points, but when I do, I use ALL of them!!!) But honestly, I'm glad I already new Dexter's story; I just didn't expect it to show up here ... HERE!!! (Exclamation points are like glitter – once you start, it’s hard to stop!!!)

Shandi, you're one of my favorite authors and I want you to write stories for me every day. Just be my own personal little author. Yes???

5 out of 5 chili peppers for spiciness (it's actually 10 out of 5, but I think you get my meaning)

#WorthTheRead

[Papermountain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chapter 29 hits different when you’ve been dying to find out what exactly is happening! I cried when Cleo and Marcus’s relationship was exposed to the public and that Marcus keeps breaking Cleo’s heart over and over again. It is indeed true that sometimes you have to pay attention to the QUIET ones. Overall this series gave me a lot of feelings (tho the smuts are hot) but I love what Marcus and Cleo have and what they are willing to fight for. They were both willing to fight for each other and their unborn child 🥲 if only I could have what they have. To sum up Chains series by Shandi Boyes, it’s a rockstar x reporter romance. Marcus is filthy rich and Cleo is fighting everyday of her life to make sure that Lexi gets her medication and that there’s food on the table. Marcus and Cleo’s relationship may look good at the start but at the final book things started going downhill for them. But in the end they found their happily ever after with their newborn daughter Tatum (named after Tate, Cleo’s brother). This story truly had a beautiful ending and I am GLAD that Marcus didn’t sell Chains as it is a part of him. Thank you for writing this amazing series 🙏🏻 I had a lot of fun reading it and at the same time I get to feel how Cleo felt when my heart is being broken into two 💔

[Pam Snell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sit on the edge of your seat and hold on for the ride!!!

I have been patiently waiting to get my hands on this book. This is one of those books that I don’t want anyone to talk to me or bother me. I have been thoroughly enjoying Marcus’ story and was relieved to finally sit down and read it. Marcus had broken my heart in the last book and I wasn’t sure how he was going to redeem himself. Marcus is a good person, don’t get me wrong and I love his character immensely!!! I cried, a LOT. I was confused until the very end. This is a rollercoaster ride that I was happy to be on. The characters are so real to me. I really feel a part of their story. I am a people watcher and I loved watching their story unfold and fold right back up leaving me going, what just happened??? I have been reading these books from the beginning and I can honestly say that Shandi keeps getting better and better as she goes along. They are all amazing to me and just when I think that this is the one then she goes and proves me wrong once again. One day I hope to meet this amazing person who has given me such an awesome high from these books!!! Way to go Shandi!!!

[Byron Washington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't remember how I stumbled upon this series, but I'm extremely happy that I did. It's not often that I identify with a character as much as I do with the male protagonist in this tale. I am now Eazy Rawlins, Jack Reacher, James Bond, Hawk and Marcus.🤣🤣🤣

My only complaint is this four book series could've easily been done in three books, and even though it is a multi-book series, there are SO MANY unanswered and unresolved situations that are impossible to ignore. The author had FOUR books to get it done, but the effort to do so comes up woefully short.

First and foremost the relationship with the protagonist's parents. Multiple times the author alludes to the existence of animus between son and parents, but never explains why. Is it this situation that created Marcus? Seeing as how Marcus' lifestyle is a central tenet of the book, it would've been nice to have it explained so that I would've had a better understanding of one of the main characters. How did he become the man that he is in books 1-4?

For this story to completed a fifth book is not only warranted, it is necessary. Other than that it is an EXCEPTIONAL read.👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥

[Ashleigh Jacobson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay….. so many feelings!!!!! Honestly was SO confused for the majority of book 3 and 4. I appreciate that it was trying to be mysterious and tricky but I think it was trying to hard. There were so many pieces. Maybe I’m just not an advanced enough reader ?? But I don’t think so considering I’ve read over 120 books in 7 months. I’m so so mad about Marcus hiding all the threats and trying to solve it on his own because I feel like so much could’ve been prevented if he just COMMUNICATED with Cleo!! I guess I could give this book 3 stars considering I read it so quickly because I had to had to know the answers! But it just made me so frustrated and confused that I’m sticking with 2. The ending was surprising and intense but then we just got major love bombed!!! Like they just cut straight to happily ever after. I feel like Cleo and Marcus had so much shit to work and everything with Dexter need more explanation. This book was just AGHHHHHH

[Ally · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one may have been my favorite of the 4! I really enjoyed the resolution and how we got everything put together by the end, even getting Marcus' POV to help us understand his behavior and all that happened.

I love the 'minor' relationships. Cleo and Lexi, Lexi and Jackson, Cleo and the band girlfriends, Brodie and Cleo, etc. I adore Marcus and Cleo but throughout these smaller but still important bonds really made the books even better and enjoyable to read.

Im sad to be finished with this series, and I DEFINITELY recommend.

It's good series for a quick read that's still slow paced and great.. I will say check the trigger warnings! Especially for this final book. If you can't find them, comment below and I'll give them to you bc there are very sensitive subjects in this last one.

[Claudia |✨Cushin Violeta's Bookish Realm✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just OH MY GOD. What an amazing finale to this amazing series. It has already been a crazy wild ride. But this book was just something else. So many twists and turns. I was so shocked and at times gasping. Like WOAH... WHATTTTT😳😳😳😳.
So many things that happen certainly shook me as was not expecting anything like it. But before I knew it the book ended and now I'm sad. Although this ends perfectly for Cleo and Marcus. I've just become a greedy person wanting more of them and certainly more of Marcus.
Here's looking forward to his his book from his POV. I'm grabbing it as soon as it is released. Loved loved this one 💖💖💖

[Gemma · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so disappointed with this book. The series started out so well and I really enjoyed the first couple but it seriously just dragged. I’m not even sure how it was dragged out into 4 books.

I loved the FMC to start but she was so annoying by the end! I ended up skim reading most of this book just to finish it. And I’m sorry, the way he treated her isn’t his book was not good, and then he tried to justify it by ‘I was trying to save you’. No pal. Not cool. And she just took it!! Then everything was just mopped up and explained in one Marcus POV chapter to make everything on again?

I really did love the first book but this one certainly wasn’t for me. Sorry!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Look at Those Around You

As the story of Marcus and Cleo is happily ending for now so much has happened throughout their relationship. People Cleo thought to trust end up in the wrong side of the fence. Marcus as usual his tight lipped and always trying to protect times he loves. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it backfired and backfired well. He almost lost his precious Cleo. The story has twists and turns that only Shandi can deliver and the story takes place in my hometown of Montclair! Can"t wait for more on these two lovebirds and hopefully tons of kids!

[maria gabriela · Rating 1 out of 5]

i don't even know how this site works but I'M SO FUCKING ANGRY WITH THIS BOOK AND HOW THE PIECE OF SHIT MARCUS HID EVERYTHING FROM CLEO AND LEFT HER THINKING HE WAS CHEATING ON HER WITH THAT STUPID BITCH KIERA AND NOT TELLING CLEO NOTHING FOR WEEKS!!!!!!! WHILE SHE RECEIVED CARDS IN HER HOUSE AND PEOPLE LYING ON HER FACE EVERYTIME!!! i'm at 68% but can't go to sleep not knowing what happend but i can't stand him making her the villan and shouting at her in front of his friends. kissing dexter was little for what he really deserved.

[Written Word Addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything and more!

I can honestly say, I didn't see that coming! Holy crap, the secrets, lies and deceptions go full tilt in this book! I can't say anymore because, spoilers but dang this book! Marcus and Cloe are everything and so much more! I have found I fall hard and fast into any of Shandi Boyle's worlds and I don't come back until the last word has been read. This series has been so far beyond my expectations!

[Mary F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remarkable!

This series has 4 books and each book is better than the one before. You don't have to be obsessed with the BDSM culture to be riveted by the story.Read them in order!! Reading just book 4 will land you in a plot that starts with book one. Had a little trouble down loading book four but it was more than worth the delay and frustration. Read it. Keep it. You will not be sorry to read it again!!

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant conclusion!!

This is the 4th and concluding part of Marcus and Cloe's story. This is a beautifully written flawless story which had me on tenterhooks throughout this amazing story which has unexpected twists, and I was totally captivated throughout this additive page turner and I cannot wait to read more from this extremely talented author whose work I highly recommend for all readers.

[Katie K · Rating 3 out of 5]

The series started out strong but there was no reason for it to have stretched across four books. Cleo was annoying and immature. She acted without thinking and it drove me crazy. Marcus should've been more honest but I can somewhat understand why he kept things from Cleo. I liked the dual POV at the end but the explanation of all of the conflict was a lot more telling than showing and I was very underwhelmed.

[Kiera_louise · Rating 2 out of 5]

listen did this series get me out of a like 6 month reading slump? yes. did i continue reading the entire 4 book series even though i only rated each book a 2/5? yes.

it was a very compelling read and i didn’t want to put the books down but i genuinely can’t rate it higher than a 2 because i have read much better books that i have awarded 3 stars to.

smut was okay, story was okay, plot twist at the end was a bit jarring like i wasn’t all that bothered about stalking storyline but anyway…

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the entire series. There were things that I would have liked to know tho. What happened to Deliah, Mr Carson, and Keria. Did they get the justice coming to them? Did Lexi marry Jackson or even start plans for that? So many questions still, bit a great series none the less.

Thanks again Shandi

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chains of Fate 🔥

Restrain is a emotional conclusion to Cleo and Marcus's journey. Secrets and misunderstandings drive a wedge between them, causing heartache and uncertainty. Marcus's decisions test Cleo's trust, and his secrecy is frustrating, to say the least. His actions leave Cleo questioning his feelings, making the tension between them almost palpable. 🤓

[shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good series must read

I think Marcus could of told Cleo what was going on so she wasn't so heart broken. I still hate the word knob. My heart went out to Cleo and her and Marcus loss. If you want to know what they loss read the book.

[Sandra R. Valdez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damnitt...

I definitely didn't see that coming. I was like😲... I didn't want it to end like that. I'm happy it all worked out. Even though I was crying like a baby. Shandi Boyes.. U did ur job to the "T".. Keep up the great work.. And hopefully there is a next one..

[Ellie Gardiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this entire series a week, which for me is a challenge as I work 50hr weeks. I couldn’t put this book down, the cliffhangers and twists are too good not to mention the blush inducing smut ;)

[Jolindie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot of the book really had a way of grabbing you and not let go ! The tension between Marcus and Cleo was remarkable . And the heartbreak that not only Cleo went through but also Marcus had me on edge the whole time . This book really is worth reading .

[Sammi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last half of this final book in the series made it worth it. The whole series definitely could have been condensed into 1, maybe 2 books with how much repetitiveness there was. BUT I did really enjoy how it ended!

[rachael strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Fantastic read. I loved Marcus and Cleo's story and I'm gutted it's finished. Amazing read and another brilliant book by this author.

[Monique Hebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

See series for review. Amazing book.

[Candace Crawford · Rating 3 out of 5]

My emotions are all over the place while reading this series!