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Bound: Reflection
This book is a retelling of the events in BOUND. It's recommended to read that book first. The one thing I was never allowed to have growing up has come for me. Love. My brother is dead. My mother might as well be dead. My father? Dead as well, but he’s the reason nobody knows my big brother died twenty-five years ago. They think I died. They think I’m him. For most of my life, I have posed as my brother. I’ve shed everything that naturally came to me and embraced the life of a man. It’s the only way, I was told. To keep and save everything my family has built over generations. The only price? My identity. My sanity. Then she came along. An intern named Natalie. A man like Eric isn’t supposed to fall in love with his interns. It’s bad enough his ex-fiancée is his personal assistant. But an intern? An unknown quantity who doesn’t know the truth? A woman like Erica would definitely fall in love with Natalie, a woman who will either set me free… or destroy me. Do I follow my heart and embrace this vivacious, brilliant woman who claims to want to know every dark part of me while risking everything I’ve ever known? Or do I follow my head and continue to live the lie I was thrust into as a child? If I'm telling you this, we already know which path I chose.
- GenresLesbian RomanceBDSM
414 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 17, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 26, 2018
‘Bound: Reflection’ is the story of Eric/Erica Mann and Natalie Chen. The first book in these complementary tales, ‘Bound,’ is written in Natalie’s (the love interest) voice, while ‘Reflection’ is written from Eric/Erica’s perspective.
I really enjoyed ‘Bound’ and ‘Bound: Reflection,’ as I tend to like well written books that take on gender roles. The heartbreaking element in this story, however, is that the choice was taken from our protagonist. Eric Mann was born Erica Mann and forced into the role (by her misogynistic father) of her twin brother at the age of 5 when Eric died due to trauma to head. The psychological effects of this, were it to happen in real life, I cannot even fathom. Dane/Billings do a pretty good job of raising a lot of questions for the reader to contemplate, though not many of them are tied up neatly in a bow at the end of this tale. I don’t even think it would be possible to do so.
E. Mann, now 30 and falling in love, struggles with his/her identity as Eric or Erica Mann. Is E. Mann a transexual straight male or a lesbian? This story dives into the headspace of the protagonist and allows us, as readers, to experience the confusion and heartache that has plagued Mann from the age of 5 to current.
I’m glad this companion piece was written. I really enjoyed ‘Bound,’ but also had a lot of questions in regards to Mann’s thoughts and feelings on her journey with Natalie.
Natalie, one of Eric’s new interns, catches his attention right away. In the first book, this part of the story felt a bit predatory because Natalie is unaware of the fact that Eric was actually a woman underneath all of his binding and clothing. While I still don’t find it necessarily a forgivable offense in Eric/Erica’s POV, I had enough compassion for the situation to let it go. It probably also didn’t hurt that I knew in advance that Natalie would fall in love with Erica, as well. Her ‘what the fuck?’ moment broke my heart for E. in this installment, but was completely understandable. She eventually takes the time to learn of E.’s story and realizes that she loves the person underneath no matter.
Overall, I really enjoyed both of these books. In the first, I felt all of the confusion Natalie experienced and appreciated her journey towards understanding the person she loved regardless of gender. In the end, she truly was the first person to love E. Mann for exactly who she is, whether that be Eric one day or Erica the next. In the second book, some of the pieces that left us questioning Eric(a) in the first story were pulled together nicely. Being allowed a glimpse into this point of view, even though we get a pretty good picture of E. from Natalie’s perspective, made it all the more enjoyable and formed a more complete picture.
Personally, I think these are Dane/Billings best books. The characters are still rich, spoiled, and gorgeous, as always, but the struggles presented add more depth to the characters.
I do recommend these books, but I also recommend that they’re read with an open mind. ‘Bound’ should be read first because some stuff that happens in that book is completely glossed over in the second, which would make parts of ‘Bound: Reflection’ confusing.
I really enjoyed ‘Bound’ and ‘Bound: Reflection,’ as I tend to like well written books that take on gender roles. The heartbreaking element in this story, however, is that the choice was taken from our protagonist. Eric Mann was born Erica Mann and forced into the role (by her misogynistic father) of her twin brother at the age of 5 when Eric died due to trauma to head. The psychological effects of this, were it to happen in real life, I cannot even fathom. Dane/Billings do a pretty good job of raising a lot of questions for the reader to contemplate, though not many of them are tied up neatly in a bow at the end of this tale. I don’t even think it would be possible to do so.
E. Mann, now 30 and falling in love, struggles with his/her identity as Eric or Erica Mann. Is E. Mann a transexual straight male or a lesbian? This story dives into the headspace of the protagonist and allows us, as readers, to experience the confusion and heartache that has plagued Mann from the age of 5 to current.
I’m glad this companion piece was written. I really enjoyed ‘Bound,’ but also had a lot of questions in regards to Mann’s thoughts and feelings on her journey with Natalie.
Natalie, one of Eric’s new interns, catches his attention right away. In the first book, this part of the story felt a bit predatory because Natalie is unaware of the fact that Eric was actually a woman underneath all of his binding and clothing. While I still don’t find it necessarily a forgivable offense in Eric/Erica’s POV, I had enough compassion for the situation to let it go. It probably also didn’t hurt that I knew in advance that Natalie would fall in love with Erica, as well. Her ‘what the fuck?’ moment broke my heart for E. in this installment, but was completely understandable. She eventually takes the time to learn of E.’s story and realizes that she loves the person underneath no matter.
Overall, I really enjoyed both of these books. In the first, I felt all of the confusion Natalie experienced and appreciated her journey towards understanding the person she loved regardless of gender. In the end, she truly was the first person to love E. Mann for exactly who she is, whether that be Eric one day or Erica the next. In the second book, some of the pieces that left us questioning Eric(a) in the first story were pulled together nicely. Being allowed a glimpse into this point of view, even though we get a pretty good picture of E. from Natalie’s perspective, made it all the more enjoyable and formed a more complete picture.
Personally, I think these are Dane/Billings best books. The characters are still rich, spoiled, and gorgeous, as always, but the struggles presented add more depth to the characters.
I do recommend these books, but I also recommend that they’re read with an open mind. ‘Bound’ should be read first because some stuff that happens in that book is completely glossed over in the second, which would make parts of ‘Bound: Reflection’ confusing.
April 23, 2018
Bound: Reflection is a companion piece to Bound by the same writers.
Natalie Chen narrates Bound. Bound: Reflection switches the perspective to Eric/Erica Mann. Indeed the characters, storyline, setting and issues are mirror reflections in these two books. Of the two main characters, Natalie made the more interesting narrator. It could just be that a second reading of their coming out story was less dramatic than the first. Eric or Erica stumbles along the path toward liberation after a lifetime as a "woman trapped in a man's life." All the trauma, abuse, manipulation, misogyny, betrayal, heartache and depression inherent in her forced impersonation of her dead twin brother comes off as background noise. Sherman and Brooke claim to look out for Erica or Eric as they try to separate her from Natalie. Of these three love interests, only Natalie Chen really wants, needs and loves first Eric Mann and then Erica Mann. Sherman and Brooke have moved on to other relationships, but stay so invested in their version of E. Mann that their actions border on the predatory.
The love story between Natalie and Erica forms the bridge between self hatred and self acceptance for the Mann character. Taught to hate her female identity, to fear the risks of living as a woman and torn up over the conflict between her two sides, E. Mann battles the monster within. Her father gave birth to her monster by forcing male socialization on her starting at age five. Her corporate responsibilities reinforce the idiotic idea that no woman could fill her father's shoes so she creates a monstrous work life. Guarding the monster, Sherman bullies, controls, belittles and befriends the woman that he wants and the male impersonator that he protects. Brooke reinforces every self hating and self blaming instinct that E. Mann harbours. It took three years for Brooke to discover that her lover and fiancee wasn't the man that she loved. Working together, but never resolving their relationship issues, only heightens the despair that plagues the monster.
Every step that Erica takes toward healing her damaged psyche is hard won. She uses prostitutes and therapists as surrogate lovers, friends or parents. Natalie provides her with a real chance at a new life. Their romance began with the same deception that destroyed her relationship with Brooke. Natalie Chen and Eric Mann share an instant attraction and mutual respect, but one is the new intern and the other owns the company. Their personal relationship overshadows and outpaces their professional restrictions. Natalie identifies as a straight woman, but her lover wants a girlfriend. Erica gets exactly one chance to play out her Eric persona with Natalie in the bedroom. Bound and blindfolded, Natalie accepts the pleasures that Eric has perfected. Their next encounter leads to the big dramatic revelation that Eric's imaginary and Erica's real. Natalie reacts with a heartbreaking "WTF" and bolts from the hotel room. Erica fears her monster has scared Natalie off like it drove Brooke away.
Bound: Reflection retells a story already explored in Bound. Eric Mann plays the part of beast to Natalie's role as beauty. Erica fights an almost insurmountable battle with her past, her psyche, her business world and her inner circle. Against all odds, Erica strives to become the woman that she longs to be and to be with the woman that she longs to love.
Natalie Chen narrates Bound. Bound: Reflection switches the perspective to Eric/Erica Mann. Indeed the characters, storyline, setting and issues are mirror reflections in these two books. Of the two main characters, Natalie made the more interesting narrator. It could just be that a second reading of their coming out story was less dramatic than the first. Eric or Erica stumbles along the path toward liberation after a lifetime as a "woman trapped in a man's life." All the trauma, abuse, manipulation, misogyny, betrayal, heartache and depression inherent in her forced impersonation of her dead twin brother comes off as background noise. Sherman and Brooke claim to look out for Erica or Eric as they try to separate her from Natalie. Of these three love interests, only Natalie Chen really wants, needs and loves first Eric Mann and then Erica Mann. Sherman and Brooke have moved on to other relationships, but stay so invested in their version of E. Mann that their actions border on the predatory.
The love story between Natalie and Erica forms the bridge between self hatred and self acceptance for the Mann character. Taught to hate her female identity, to fear the risks of living as a woman and torn up over the conflict between her two sides, E. Mann battles the monster within. Her father gave birth to her monster by forcing male socialization on her starting at age five. Her corporate responsibilities reinforce the idiotic idea that no woman could fill her father's shoes so she creates a monstrous work life. Guarding the monster, Sherman bullies, controls, belittles and befriends the woman that he wants and the male impersonator that he protects. Brooke reinforces every self hating and self blaming instinct that E. Mann harbours. It took three years for Brooke to discover that her lover and fiancee wasn't the man that she loved. Working together, but never resolving their relationship issues, only heightens the despair that plagues the monster.
Every step that Erica takes toward healing her damaged psyche is hard won. She uses prostitutes and therapists as surrogate lovers, friends or parents. Natalie provides her with a real chance at a new life. Their romance began with the same deception that destroyed her relationship with Brooke. Natalie Chen and Eric Mann share an instant attraction and mutual respect, but one is the new intern and the other owns the company. Their personal relationship overshadows and outpaces their professional restrictions. Natalie identifies as a straight woman, but her lover wants a girlfriend. Erica gets exactly one chance to play out her Eric persona with Natalie in the bedroom. Bound and blindfolded, Natalie accepts the pleasures that Eric has perfected. Their next encounter leads to the big dramatic revelation that Eric's imaginary and Erica's real. Natalie reacts with a heartbreaking "WTF" and bolts from the hotel room. Erica fears her monster has scared Natalie off like it drove Brooke away.
Bound: Reflection retells a story already explored in Bound. Eric Mann plays the part of beast to Natalie's role as beauty. Erica fights an almost insurmountable battle with her past, her psyche, her business world and her inner circle. Against all odds, Erica strives to become the woman that she longs to be and to be with the woman that she longs to love.
June 6, 2022
Erica's point of view of their story
SAPPHIC BOOK BINGO: different gender identity, character with a disability (gender dysphoria and PTSD), coming-out story; UNICORN: 400+ pages, period, twin, BDSM (possibly other categories)
I loved the first book in this duology, which was from Natalie's POV, and this one was equally as good. Some of the content was covered in Bound, but it was much more in-depth and moving coming from the tortured and conflicted MC. Erica's struggle with her nature vs nurture gender was handled delicately, and it felt genuine and true to life. It was eye-opening to consider how someone lived with her dilemma. Even the significant secondary characters were complex with their own personal conflicts by the changes and choices Eric had made to be with Natalie. Eric's decision to come out as truly being Erica was the most terrifying for all of them. This was more than a love story - it was a tale of self discovery and acceptance after being forced to live a lie.
SAPPHIC BOOK BINGO: different gender identity, character with a disability (gender dysphoria and PTSD), coming-out story; UNICORN: 400+ pages, period, twin, BDSM (possibly other categories)
I loved the first book in this duology, which was from Natalie's POV, and this one was equally as good. Some of the content was covered in Bound, but it was much more in-depth and moving coming from the tortured and conflicted MC. Erica's struggle with her nature vs nurture gender was handled delicately, and it felt genuine and true to life. It was eye-opening to consider how someone lived with her dilemma. Even the significant secondary characters were complex with their own personal conflicts by the changes and choices Eric had made to be with Natalie. Eric's decision to come out as truly being Erica was the most terrifying for all of them. This was more than a love story - it was a tale of self discovery and acceptance after being forced to live a lie.
January 10, 2024
If you enjoyed the first book (Bound), you'll enjoy this one too. And if you haven't read the first, I recommend reading it, well, first. There are things to discover about the characters and unfolding story that would be spoiled if skipping to this book first.
I wasn't sure if I wanted to read this book after reading finishing the first one. Not because I didn't like it. On the contrary, I greatly enjoyed the first book. I was hesitant because I wasn't sure how dark it would go based on Erica's past and her continual internal conflict. I'm glad I took a chance to read it. The tone of the book didn't go any darker than the first. It mainly stuck to the general timeline and scenes from Book 1 but from Erica's POV and even brought in a new character, briefly, that comes from Erica's past.
I wasn't sure if I wanted to read this book after reading finishing the first one. Not because I didn't like it. On the contrary, I greatly enjoyed the first book. I was hesitant because I wasn't sure how dark it would go based on Erica's past and her continual internal conflict. I'm glad I took a chance to read it. The tone of the book didn't go any darker than the first. It mainly stuck to the general timeline and scenes from Book 1 but from Erica's POV and even brought in a new character, briefly, that comes from Erica's past.
June 1, 2019
Everything I was hoping for
Reflection was everything I was I hoping it would be. For those who have read Bound and are debating if it's worth it to read Reflection, it is definitely worth reading. It filled in a lot of the questions I had while reading Bound while diving deep into to the psyche of Erica. We get to see first hand how the choices of made impact her life and everyone deals with them. It shines a light on why one relationship works and the other doesn't. While the story could be complete without this addition, I feel that it was necessary. Loved it!
Reflection was everything I was I hoping it would be. For those who have read Bound and are debating if it's worth it to read Reflection, it is definitely worth reading. It filled in a lot of the questions I had while reading Bound while diving deep into to the psyche of Erica. We get to see first hand how the choices of made impact her life and everyone deals with them. It shines a light on why one relationship works and the other doesn't. While the story could be complete without this addition, I feel that it was necessary. Loved it!
March 21, 2024
This is such a richly emotional rewrite from the inside point of view, I am actually breathless!
Wow, I am not sure I have ever read something as profoundly powerful as this book. I loved the original story, yet this one has affected me deeply. If you have not yet real the original, I strongly suggest you do, then turn to this one. You will not believe how strongly it affects your emotions. The writing is superb, the characters are drawn deeply and the story is a tough one to read, but so worth it.
Wow, I am not sure I have ever read something as profoundly powerful as this book. I loved the original story, yet this one has affected me deeply. If you have not yet real the original, I strongly suggest you do, then turn to this one. You will not believe how strongly it affects your emotions. The writing is superb, the characters are drawn deeply and the story is a tough one to read, but so worth it.
June 3, 2019
Loved it!
I had read Bound and liked the story. When I saw there was a second story, I decided to.give that one a go as well. I wasn't hooked at first but not long into the story, I became enthralled. Even though I knew what was going to happen, I continued to read. In the end, I was wiping tears from my eyes (No one saw me). Do read Bound first, you will enjoy the story. Then read this one, you will fall in love.
I had read Bound and liked the story. When I saw there was a second story, I decided to.give that one a go as well. I wasn't hooked at first but not long into the story, I became enthralled. Even though I knew what was going to happen, I continued to read. In the end, I was wiping tears from my eyes (No one saw me). Do read Bound first, you will enjoy the story. Then read this one, you will fall in love.
May 10, 2019
Good read
This was mildly disappointing. I expected to like it at least as much as Bound (which is this couple's story from Natalie's eyes). But I didn't.
I'm glad for it, though, as it tells some things that are missing from Bound.
This was mildly disappointing. I expected to like it at least as much as Bound (which is this couple's story from Natalie's eyes). But I didn't.
I'm glad for it, though, as it tells some things that are missing from Bound.
October 25, 2020
Excellent!
I really enjoyed this book presenting "the other side" of Natalie and Erica's relationship, from Erica's point of view. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in this series! This book belongs on your must read list!
I really enjoyed this book presenting "the other side" of Natalie and Erica's relationship, from Erica's point of view. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in this series! This book belongs on your must read list!
May 3, 2018
Good book
It was interesting to read both sides of the same story. I really found it enjoyable to read Erica's side of the story.
It was interesting to read both sides of the same story. I really found it enjoyable to read Erica's side of the story.
May 5, 2018
Fascinating
As fantastic as the original story in "Bound" was, being able to read the other side of the story, from Erica's perspective, makes it even better.
As fantastic as the original story in "Bound" was, being able to read the other side of the story, from Erica's perspective, makes it even better.
June 19, 2018
The first was ok, even good. This one? Totally boring. Sorry
May 28, 2020
I liked the first book but this one should have been incorporated with the first book. I found this quite boring.
March 10, 2022
Bound book 1 and 2
I really enjoyed both books and would really like to know how this power couple take over the world .
Thank you for sharing their lives with us.
Well done.
I really enjoyed both books and would really like to know how this power couple take over the world .
Thank you for sharing their lives with us.
Well done.
December 3, 2022
Usually like CD, however this one was beyond me. Little too deep and some of it didn't make sence, like the ending.
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