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Bodhi
Audrey Simone is a thirty-something divorced mom looking for adventure when she accompanies her new friend, Kate, to a local dungeon.
What she doesn’t expect to find is Gavin...
His arms are the size of her thighs.
His eyes the color of Van Gogh’s sky.
And his tolerance for BS is minimal.
Playing becomes an addiction. Her desire to submit an innate need. And it doesn’t take long for Audrey to realize this world has surpassed her wildest imaginations.
But she lives in two worlds, straddling day and night, reality and kink — one foot has found its way into Gavin’s heart while the other rests on the outside.
And her Master — the man who chains her, ties her, binds her, frees her — doesn’t just want her submission … Gavin has decided he needs both feet.
Bodhi is a 63,000 word standalone novel.
What she doesn’t expect to find is Gavin...
His arms are the size of her thighs.
His eyes the color of Van Gogh’s sky.
And his tolerance for BS is minimal.
Playing becomes an addiction. Her desire to submit an innate need. And it doesn’t take long for Audrey to realize this world has surpassed her wildest imaginations.
But she lives in two worlds, straddling day and night, reality and kink — one foot has found its way into Gavin’s heart while the other rests on the outside.
And her Master — the man who chains her, ties her, binds her, frees her — doesn’t just want her submission … Gavin has decided he needs both feet.
Bodhi is a 63,000 word standalone novel.
298 pages, Paperback
First published October 14, 2018
113 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
About the author
A.R. Hadley
15 books191 followersA.R. Hadley writes imperfectly perfect sentences by the light of her iPhone.
She loves the ocean.
Chocolate.
Her children.
And Cary Grant.
She annoys those darling little children by quoting lines from Back to the Future, but despite her knowledge of eighties and nineties pop culture, she was actually meant to live alongside the Lost Generation after the Great War and write a mediocre novel while drinking absinthe with Hemingway. Instead, find her sipping unsweet tea near a beautiful garden as she weaves fictional tales of love and connection amid reality.
VISIT A.R. HADLEY'S AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01J7WHH16
CONNECT ON FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/arhadleywriter/
INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/arhadleywri...
TIKTOK:
https://www.tiktok.com/@arhadleywrite...
She loves the ocean.
Chocolate.
Her children.
And Cary Grant.
She annoys those darling little children by quoting lines from Back to the Future, but despite her knowledge of eighties and nineties pop culture, she was actually meant to live alongside the Lost Generation after the Great War and write a mediocre novel while drinking absinthe with Hemingway. Instead, find her sipping unsweet tea near a beautiful garden as she weaves fictional tales of love and connection amid reality.
VISIT A.R. HADLEY'S AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01J7WHH16
CONNECT ON FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/arhadleywriter/
INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/arhadleywri...
TIKTOK:
https://www.tiktok.com/@arhadleywrite...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
October 19, 2018
3.5 Stars
It has been a long time since I read an erotic BDSM novel, but I really enjoy A.R. Hadley's lyrical prose and just had to read Bodhi. Bodhi explores the relationship a woman has with her children, her public life, and the relationship she shares with her Dominant, her private life. She struggles to accept that she can be both a loving mother and a masochist, that she can love without strings, and that her beliefs of religious and society's expectations shouldn't keep her from her desire for pain. Audrey, a recent divorcee, has always wanted more in the bedroom, but struggled to express those desires to her now ex-husband. Bodhi, a dungeon in Tampa, and a new friend, Kate, present her the opportunity to learn more about herself and the world of BDSM.
Bodhi is a story of self discovery, with Audrey learning to accept her desires and to obey her new Master, Gavin. Gavin, however, has some self discovery to do as well and as their emotions begin to grow during their play he must choose to share or walk away. He does not know how to live away from the sexual world and Audrey, with one foot in the dungeon and one foot outside, soon falls for him and wants for normalcy, even hand holding, between them. While Bodhi is incredibly erotic, with nearly all of Gavin and Audrey's interactions taking place in the dungeon, it is also a story about religion, wrong and right, love and loss. Gavin has very strong beliefs and oftentimes he recites scripture during their vicious lovemaking. The scriptures have meaning for Gavin and Audrey struggles to connect the sadist with the God-fearing believer. As things heat up between them it is apparent that it will be impossible for both to keep their private lives separate from their arrangement and as they reveal the most private parts of themselves it is a difficult lesson in trust and love and life for both of them.
I did not expect Bodhi at all, it completely blew me away. I actually really enjoyed Audrey and Gavin, their romance, their struggles, it all felt very real. They do come together very quickly and break many of the BDSM and dungeon rules along the way, but hey, fiction allows for that and it makes the book better. However, as A.R. Hadley did predict she might find of some reviewers, the religious nature of the novel is difficult for me to connect to the BDSM world. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm completely accepting of both, but Bodhi is the first read for me with both playing equal parts. I found myself having to think quite a bit with this read and, like I love of all her work, it was incredibly heavy. I think if I were to read this novel at another time, more with more time to stew on it, it might rate even higher for me.
Society has us believing that things they deem "not normal" are wrong and somehow immoral, Bodhi takes several of those beliefs and turns them upside down. Audrey and Gavin love openly, however they also love differently, with bruises and burns and marks that Audrey must hide when she leaves the dungeon's walls. I really enjoyed A.R. Hadley's views on the BDSM world, she writes characters with such skill and the introspective thoughts they have are presented in such a detailed way that you begin to feel as though you are having a philosophical discussion with the novel. I swooned for Gavin just as Audrey did, I hurt for her when she hurt, and I felt every emotion alongside them as they stumbled through a new journey together. Bodhi is incredibly unique, in my opinion, in the erotica genre and I do recommend it to fellow open minded readers.
ARC provided.
It has been a long time since I read an erotic BDSM novel, but I really enjoy A.R. Hadley's lyrical prose and just had to read Bodhi. Bodhi explores the relationship a woman has with her children, her public life, and the relationship she shares with her Dominant, her private life. She struggles to accept that she can be both a loving mother and a masochist, that she can love without strings, and that her beliefs of religious and society's expectations shouldn't keep her from her desire for pain. Audrey, a recent divorcee, has always wanted more in the bedroom, but struggled to express those desires to her now ex-husband. Bodhi, a dungeon in Tampa, and a new friend, Kate, present her the opportunity to learn more about herself and the world of BDSM.
Bodhi is a story of self discovery, with Audrey learning to accept her desires and to obey her new Master, Gavin. Gavin, however, has some self discovery to do as well and as their emotions begin to grow during their play he must choose to share or walk away. He does not know how to live away from the sexual world and Audrey, with one foot in the dungeon and one foot outside, soon falls for him and wants for normalcy, even hand holding, between them. While Bodhi is incredibly erotic, with nearly all of Gavin and Audrey's interactions taking place in the dungeon, it is also a story about religion, wrong and right, love and loss. Gavin has very strong beliefs and oftentimes he recites scripture during their vicious lovemaking. The scriptures have meaning for Gavin and Audrey struggles to connect the sadist with the God-fearing believer. As things heat up between them it is apparent that it will be impossible for both to keep their private lives separate from their arrangement and as they reveal the most private parts of themselves it is a difficult lesson in trust and love and life for both of them.
I did not expect Bodhi at all, it completely blew me away. I actually really enjoyed Audrey and Gavin, their romance, their struggles, it all felt very real. They do come together very quickly and break many of the BDSM and dungeon rules along the way, but hey, fiction allows for that and it makes the book better. However, as A.R. Hadley did predict she might find of some reviewers, the religious nature of the novel is difficult for me to connect to the BDSM world. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm completely accepting of both, but Bodhi is the first read for me with both playing equal parts. I found myself having to think quite a bit with this read and, like I love of all her work, it was incredibly heavy. I think if I were to read this novel at another time, more with more time to stew on it, it might rate even higher for me.
Society has us believing that things they deem "not normal" are wrong and somehow immoral, Bodhi takes several of those beliefs and turns them upside down. Audrey and Gavin love openly, however they also love differently, with bruises and burns and marks that Audrey must hide when she leaves the dungeon's walls. I really enjoyed A.R. Hadley's views on the BDSM world, she writes characters with such skill and the introspective thoughts they have are presented in such a detailed way that you begin to feel as though you are having a philosophical discussion with the novel. I swooned for Gavin just as Audrey did, I hurt for her when she hurt, and I felt every emotion alongside them as they stumbled through a new journey together. Bodhi is incredibly unique, in my opinion, in the erotica genre and I do recommend it to fellow open minded readers.
ARC provided.
September 25, 2018
Where are my friends who let their kink flag fly? Who love SERIOUSLY dominant men and their belts. Who want to be pushed by a raw and real BDSM book that is BEAUTIFULLY written and transcendent?
You need this. You really do.
You need this. You really do.
October 18, 2018
Uncomfortable
Throughout this book I squirmed, not in a good way. I put this book down several times just so I could step away to let some clean air refresh me. But I always came back, determined to finish. I love this author. Love her style. I’ve read BDSM before but this book for some reason left me feeling so uncomfortable until the last couple of chapters where I started to have a glimmer of sun. Then came the Epilogue and the squirming and uncomfortableness returned.
Audrey is the main character, divorced and mother of two sons, 12 and 9 years. The object of her devotion is Gavin, owner of a BDSM club. I didn’t really like them. I didn’t connect with them. But I was fascinated, captivated, and obsessed with them. Any book that has me not caring for an MC but mesmerizes the heck out of me earns 5 stars. Oh one more thing, I want a sequel. Go figure.
Throughout this book I squirmed, not in a good way. I put this book down several times just so I could step away to let some clean air refresh me. But I always came back, determined to finish. I love this author. Love her style. I’ve read BDSM before but this book for some reason left me feeling so uncomfortable until the last couple of chapters where I started to have a glimmer of sun. Then came the Epilogue and the squirming and uncomfortableness returned.
Audrey is the main character, divorced and mother of two sons, 12 and 9 years. The object of her devotion is Gavin, owner of a BDSM club. I didn’t really like them. I didn’t connect with them. But I was fascinated, captivated, and obsessed with them. Any book that has me not caring for an MC but mesmerizes the heck out of me earns 5 stars. Oh one more thing, I want a sequel. Go figure.
October 15, 2018
Rating: 4.5*
Wow, this was hot!
Whilst it was hot, there was a purpose and reason behind it all. This was a sensual and erotic journey of self discovery. Audrey has always wanted more than just vanilla sex, wanting and needing more she wants pain and humiliation and her husband couldn't and wouldn't give her that. Joining Gavin's club, she is wanting to step outside the confines of what is expected. But she struggles to maintain the balance between being mom and being trued to herself, especially when her exploration of her sexuality brings her to Kate and Peyton as well as Gavin.
Gavin has struggled to maintain a life outside the lifestyle, following what happened to his previous submissive. With Gavin fully in the BDSM world and Audrey straggling the two worlds there is plenty of conflict that adds to this very sexy story.
This was well written, fully exploring the world of BDSM and what is considered normal. It was also about that exploration of being true to yourself without fear or judgment. A fabulous read.
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
Wow, this was hot!
Whilst it was hot, there was a purpose and reason behind it all. This was a sensual and erotic journey of self discovery. Audrey has always wanted more than just vanilla sex, wanting and needing more she wants pain and humiliation and her husband couldn't and wouldn't give her that. Joining Gavin's club, she is wanting to step outside the confines of what is expected. But she struggles to maintain the balance between being mom and being trued to herself, especially when her exploration of her sexuality brings her to Kate and Peyton as well as Gavin.
Gavin has struggled to maintain a life outside the lifestyle, following what happened to his previous submissive. With Gavin fully in the BDSM world and Audrey straggling the two worlds there is plenty of conflict that adds to this very sexy story.
This was well written, fully exploring the world of BDSM and what is considered normal. It was also about that exploration of being true to yourself without fear or judgment. A fabulous read.
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
January 22, 2019
I absolutely fell for Gavin as I love the story of the alpha who doesn't realize what he needs/is missing. I found Audrey's character very easy to relate to as she tries to discover what it is she needs. I found the personal growth and self discovery for each character to be a great ride and I felt like the story had a great and easy flow to it.
This book is more on the dark side than not so if you are a little squirmish I wouldn't recommend but for anyone else... dive in and enjoy the ride
This book is more on the dark side than not so if you are a little squirmish I wouldn't recommend but for anyone else... dive in and enjoy the ride
Want to read
May 18, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/18/2021)! 🎁
October 4, 2018
I won this ARC through a giveaway, after I had seen this cover and blurb in another group. I was so intrigued by the blurb as well as the HOT excerpt!
If Søren and Kingsley, from Tiffany Reisz Original Sinners, had a kid it would be Gavin. When I first started this book I kept thinking about how his characteristics were so much of both of them,as they have been my only reference in the dom/sadist/kink in the true, what i think is a BDSM, relationship. He was the Dom/Sadist/Switch that literally had me panting at my reading device!
This is not my normal read. I’m more into the contemporary romance novel with the HEA with the angst and sometimes dark,hard to read element thrown in there. This was BDSM at its finest and this man makes Christian Grey look like a freakin choir boy!
I did like this book...A LOT, however there were a couple things that I didn’t care for and I will get them out of the way. The author went back and forth from the present to the past and sometimes that was a bit confusing. I wish she had let the reader know that at the beginning of each passage because I found myself going back to make sense of that. Sometimes it felt a bit disjointed. This also had a HUGE biblical reference and sometimes i found myself feeling a bit blasphemous 🙈THAT IS JUST ME! Not everyone will feel that way! I found myself trying to figure out the metaphors and references and then my head started to hurt and at that point I was just like “screw it, it’s a book!”
Things I loved...
The immediate connection that Gavin and Audrey had! It was palpable! The white hot searing sex...made we want to be a submissive!! Audrey’s constant battle between being what she wanted and the mother that she was. The way that Gavin was truly broken as well and the way he had to come to terms with that all on his own, through a huge life change that had him re-evaluating everything he thought he knew. The way the author wrote this book was beautiful and really drove home that you can’t limit your wants and desires to what “society” deems right or wrong. You have to do what YOU want to do, what’s right for you.
In the end I did get that HEA and it was perfection and Audrey got what she ultimately wanted!
I really did love this story! The whole plot of the book was very real for me. It’s something that I’m sure so many in this lifestyle have to deal with. How do you really balance your sexual wants and desires that aren’t “vanilla” in a relatively “vanilla” world??
Angst⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cheating None
Sexy time ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Epilogue ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If Søren and Kingsley, from Tiffany Reisz Original Sinners, had a kid it would be Gavin. When I first started this book I kept thinking about how his characteristics were so much of both of them,as they have been my only reference in the dom/sadist/kink in the true, what i think is a BDSM, relationship. He was the Dom/Sadist/Switch that literally had me panting at my reading device!
This is not my normal read. I’m more into the contemporary romance novel with the HEA with the angst and sometimes dark,hard to read element thrown in there. This was BDSM at its finest and this man makes Christian Grey look like a freakin choir boy!
I did like this book...A LOT, however there were a couple things that I didn’t care for and I will get them out of the way. The author went back and forth from the present to the past and sometimes that was a bit confusing. I wish she had let the reader know that at the beginning of each passage because I found myself going back to make sense of that. Sometimes it felt a bit disjointed. This also had a HUGE biblical reference and sometimes i found myself feeling a bit blasphemous 🙈THAT IS JUST ME! Not everyone will feel that way! I found myself trying to figure out the metaphors and references and then my head started to hurt and at that point I was just like “screw it, it’s a book!”
Things I loved...
The immediate connection that Gavin and Audrey had! It was palpable! The white hot searing sex...made we want to be a submissive!! Audrey’s constant battle between being what she wanted and the mother that she was. The way that Gavin was truly broken as well and the way he had to come to terms with that all on his own, through a huge life change that had him re-evaluating everything he thought he knew. The way the author wrote this book was beautiful and really drove home that you can’t limit your wants and desires to what “society” deems right or wrong. You have to do what YOU want to do, what’s right for you.
In the end I did get that HEA and it was perfection and Audrey got what she ultimately wanted!
I really did love this story! The whole plot of the book was very real for me. It’s something that I’m sure so many in this lifestyle have to deal with. How do you really balance your sexual wants and desires that aren’t “vanilla” in a relatively “vanilla” world??
Angst⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cheating None
Sexy time ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Epilogue ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 16, 2018
A. R. Hadley held nothing back!
I love a good erotic story and A. R. Hadley gave her readers a real treat. Hadley is a natural when it comes to writing BDSM--her choice of words, the scenes, the intensity...Bodhi had it all. Audrey and Gavin's story was rich in emotion and desire. Audrey was in need of something different in her life and Gavin happened to be the one who took her along for the adventure. I say the word 'adventure' because that's what it seemed like to me--over the top at times but I could see and feel how Audrey got so caught up in the club and all it had to offer, which was quite a bit.
Hadley's writing was very good, so good that I had to make myself put the story down a couple times. It was just so easy to take this curious journey with Audrey. The heat and desire was hot and often times I found my jaw was hanging open. Oh yes, it was that erotic!
Though this isn't the kind of story I want to read all the time, it's more like a treat, something to send your imagination to the wild side. Bodhi was just that! Kudos to Hadley for this naughty little tale, because sometimes you just have to let your imagination run wild.
I love a good erotic story and A. R. Hadley gave her readers a real treat. Hadley is a natural when it comes to writing BDSM--her choice of words, the scenes, the intensity...Bodhi had it all. Audrey and Gavin's story was rich in emotion and desire. Audrey was in need of something different in her life and Gavin happened to be the one who took her along for the adventure. I say the word 'adventure' because that's what it seemed like to me--over the top at times but I could see and feel how Audrey got so caught up in the club and all it had to offer, which was quite a bit.
Hadley's writing was very good, so good that I had to make myself put the story down a couple times. It was just so easy to take this curious journey with Audrey. The heat and desire was hot and often times I found my jaw was hanging open. Oh yes, it was that erotic!
Though this isn't the kind of story I want to read all the time, it's more like a treat, something to send your imagination to the wild side. Bodhi was just that! Kudos to Hadley for this naughty little tale, because sometimes you just have to let your imagination run wild.
October 15, 2018
Holy Hotness! What a read!
I expected this book to be smoking hot and extremely sexy but what I didn't expect was the story. It transcended the genre and really brought this book to life. I have never experienced BDSM but yet I related to these characters in a way that I never expected.
The only criticism that I have was the back and forth from past to present. You could get a little lost and had to really stay in the story to keep up. It could have been a smoother transition. But believe me, the story will keep your attention.
This was my first book by A.R. Hadley but it definitely won't be my last.
4 Stars from Reviews By Reds.
I expected this book to be smoking hot and extremely sexy but what I didn't expect was the story. It transcended the genre and really brought this book to life. I have never experienced BDSM but yet I related to these characters in a way that I never expected.
The only criticism that I have was the back and forth from past to present. You could get a little lost and had to really stay in the story to keep up. It could have been a smoother transition. But believe me, the story will keep your attention.
This was my first book by A.R. Hadley but it definitely won't be my last.
4 Stars from Reviews By Reds.
October 17, 2018
This is the first book I've read by this author, and I was intrigued by the blurb so I gave it a chance. I loved how this book unfolds! The basis of the book is a divorced mom trying to find herself in the world of BDSM. What starts as a way to explore what she wants sexually, leads to her own awareness of herself and what she believes. The characters are incredibly well written, and I found it difficult to stop reading. It's a great story!!
Read
June 7, 2021Intense!
A.R. Hadley has really wowed me! Bodhi is intense and deep. It's not a romance, although Audrey and Gavin love each other immensely. It's realistic and almost tangible. Although, I enjoy reading about BDSM, it's not my lifestyle. But, I could relate to what Audrey was going through. I can imagine how difficult it would be to live with one foot in each world. This story has given me a new understanding of the lifestyle.
A.R. Hadley has really wowed me! Bodhi is intense and deep. It's not a romance, although Audrey and Gavin love each other immensely. It's realistic and almost tangible. Although, I enjoy reading about BDSM, it's not my lifestyle. But, I could relate to what Audrey was going through. I can imagine how difficult it would be to live with one foot in each world. This story has given me a new understanding of the lifestyle.
October 19, 2018
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a ARC copy of this book. Wow loved the rollercoaster ride of ups and downs of this book, a must read if you have dark fantasy kinks.
The love between a dom/sub is power in its self.
The love between a dom/sub is power in its self.
October 17, 2018
This book was really good. Definitely different from other BDSM books. Audrey's personal struggle was heartbreaking. Gavin is sexy hot. This is the first book of A.R. Hadley that I've read, and I can't wait to read more!
October 16, 2018
I loved this read. Loads of drama and suspense, great characters and a story that had you hooked from beginning to end. One intense wild ride.
November 1, 2018
If you are in anyway prude-ish, don't read. If you love sex, erotica, BDSM, definitely read!
That being said, this book is so much more than some sexy BDSM story. As in the usual A.R. Hadley fashion, this book is deeply emotional, poetic and thought provoking.
There were times I had to stop reading for a moment, set it aside and just process what I was reading. It is truly one of my favorite things about A.R. Hadley's books. The fact that I'm not just reading some hot kinky erotica where two people hook up and fall in love, then HEA. There are a vast array of emotions to process. There are parts that are uncomfortable. There are times when you're are annoyed with one character or another and think, wth.. where's my HEA, how can there be one after this? But when you push through to the end you realize the lessons, the struggles, and love are all worth it.
I have experienced and can see myself as the newly single mother that Audrey is in this story, with a decent battle of the awful 'mom guilt' that so many of us suffer. She's trying to balance the real life stuff of work and kids with her own wants, needs, and desires.
Audrey is a mom and a masochist. She is looking for her happiness, her place in the world, a place she doesn't feel like a freak. Gavin is the sadist to Audrey's masochist. He wants to give pain and humiliation as much as she craves to receive it. He lives this life almost full-time. He wants her complete submission, not straddling two worlds, just all in.. Can she give him what he wants? Could he switch things up and give into what she wants? Can the love they develop for each other sustain them?
Despite the cover I was not expecting for there to be a religious aspect in this book. The cover means so much more after reading. Religion, society, family and cultural expectations rule so much of our lives. Juggling the rules can be feel impossible, but f*** it! Rules are meant to be broken, just live your happiest and best life. Well.. that's what I learned from this story. I recommend reading the journey of Audrey and Gavin, and see what things you feel and learn.
That being said, this book is so much more than some sexy BDSM story. As in the usual A.R. Hadley fashion, this book is deeply emotional, poetic and thought provoking.
There were times I had to stop reading for a moment, set it aside and just process what I was reading. It is truly one of my favorite things about A.R. Hadley's books. The fact that I'm not just reading some hot kinky erotica where two people hook up and fall in love, then HEA. There are a vast array of emotions to process. There are parts that are uncomfortable. There are times when you're are annoyed with one character or another and think, wth.. where's my HEA, how can there be one after this? But when you push through to the end you realize the lessons, the struggles, and love are all worth it.
I have experienced and can see myself as the newly single mother that Audrey is in this story, with a decent battle of the awful 'mom guilt' that so many of us suffer. She's trying to balance the real life stuff of work and kids with her own wants, needs, and desires.
Audrey is a mom and a masochist. She is looking for her happiness, her place in the world, a place she doesn't feel like a freak. Gavin is the sadist to Audrey's masochist. He wants to give pain and humiliation as much as she craves to receive it. He lives this life almost full-time. He wants her complete submission, not straddling two worlds, just all in.. Can she give him what he wants? Could he switch things up and give into what she wants? Can the love they develop for each other sustain them?
Despite the cover I was not expecting for there to be a religious aspect in this book. The cover means so much more after reading. Religion, society, family and cultural expectations rule so much of our lives. Juggling the rules can be feel impossible, but f*** it! Rules are meant to be broken, just live your happiest and best life. Well.. that's what I learned from this story. I recommend reading the journey of Audrey and Gavin, and see what things you feel and learn.
October 15, 2018
I'm a fan of A.R. Hadley's as her writing is always original, and keeps me turning the pages, but for whatever reason, Bodhi, wasn't my thing, and I hate saying that. It's the story of Audrey Simone, who is a mom of 2 boys, and recently divorced, who goes to Bodhi, to find what was lacking in her marriage. She meets Gavin, the owner & sadist, and they embark on a journey that is everything she was looking for. Some may ask me if it wasn't my thing, why did I rate it 4 stars, and I'll tell you, it's because despite my feelings, I couldn't stop turning the pages to see how it panned out. However, I just didn't imprint on Audrey & Gavin, which is a big thing to me, despite the drama of it all. I won't lie, some of their scenes were scorchin' HOT, lighting things on fire HOT, but there were other times that I wasn't quite down with, probably because I'm a huge control freak among other things. I'm sure this review is confusing, as it's confusing to me, but I can't help my personal feelings. So I'm just going to stop it here, and recommend that everyone reads it for themselves, as I believe many will really love it!
October 13, 2018
AMAZING! LOVED IT! This was an incredibly well thought out and detailed complex dive into these characters lives. This is the first book I've read from this author (its a stand alone) and it won't be my last. Super hot BDSM but more, so much more, about the why and how these people delve into this world. I don't know that any of its factual but it definitely seemed plausible and most even likely so I found it super intriguing as it really delved into the underlying reasons some people like what they like, why they crave the subjugation the way that most would never understand, in a way that seems objectively beautiful. It is masterfully explained far more eloquently than I could ever put into words, its something everyone should read if only to see BDSM from a new perspective. Audrey and Gavin have a story that needed to be told. It was well done just all the way through and I think everyone who reads it will come away with a better understanding of things they thought they already knew.
October 13, 2018
Bodhi
Who knew what could lie beneath the surface? Just waiting to be exposed; to be brought forward by the perfect hand?
Wanting……. No, needing to be dominated in more ways than just sexually, to be made to feel the physical pain to overcome her mental pain, wanting to fly above it all but not knowing or understanding those desires.
For Audrey that was everything, once she let go of the fears and let her desires come forth. Gavin was the perfect man to do this
Audrey, what a brave women to finally go and explore her secret desires. Secret desires that lead her to Gavin. These two have an instant spark. This one I could not put down! AR Hadley...this was tablet gripping the desire I felt yes.. FELT between these two was just enough. LOVED
Hope you give Bodhi a chance to win you over! LOVED!
Who knew what could lie beneath the surface? Just waiting to be exposed; to be brought forward by the perfect hand?
Wanting……. No, needing to be dominated in more ways than just sexually, to be made to feel the physical pain to overcome her mental pain, wanting to fly above it all but not knowing or understanding those desires.
For Audrey that was everything, once she let go of the fears and let her desires come forth. Gavin was the perfect man to do this
Audrey, what a brave women to finally go and explore her secret desires. Secret desires that lead her to Gavin. These two have an instant spark. This one I could not put down! AR Hadley...this was tablet gripping the desire I felt yes.. FELT between these two was just enough. LOVED
Hope you give Bodhi a chance to win you over! LOVED!
October 16, 2018
This is my first read from this author and what pulled me in was the blurb. It’s a story with an interesting plot...divorced mother finds a part of her self she was missing in a BDSM club. You would think this would be the usual Dom meets sub, Dom tried to keep it strictly to the club but can’t and they fall in love. Well I can tell this isn’t the case. There are more characters that have an effect on their relationship. I won’t give anything away but just be prepared for something unconventional. Which I’m totally cool with but I feel that the story needed a little bit more of something. A large part of me wishes we could have delved more into the main characters back stories so that we could really understand what was the driving force behind their decisions. Overall this is a good BDSM read. I hope we can get more of these characters in future books so we can learn more of them.
October 10, 2018
This was the first book I read by A.R.Hadley and was wowed by her raw & gripping writing style.
"Bodhi" is a poignant , transcendent BDSM-story that will take you on a gut wrenching journey of discovery , complicated adult relationships , so that you find out what you have is not what you thought you wanted, and what you want you probably shouldn't have, but at the end you can't help but be drawn to it and finally letting yourself go in search of something you always wanted and just never knew. I truly enjoyed watching Audrey find her way with Gavin through life's complications.
Can't wait to read more by this author .
I was lucky I got this book through Hidden Gems and I 'm voluntarily leaving a review .
"Bodhi" is a poignant , transcendent BDSM-story that will take you on a gut wrenching journey of discovery , complicated adult relationships , so that you find out what you have is not what you thought you wanted, and what you want you probably shouldn't have, but at the end you can't help but be drawn to it and finally letting yourself go in search of something you always wanted and just never knew. I truly enjoyed watching Audrey find her way with Gavin through life's complications.
Can't wait to read more by this author .
I was lucky I got this book through Hidden Gems and I 'm voluntarily leaving a review .
October 13, 2018
What a fascinating, intense, well written and compelling book. Exploring and dismantling the thought processes of a woman pursuing her desires, needs, wants, Bhodi succeeds in being very much more than 'just' a book about the complex world of BDSM. It expands beyond describing the search for fulfilment through dominance and submission, into a heartfelt exploration of the heart and mind, the turmoil that taking the chance on exploring different sides of the self in an unforgiving world can bring and sets a realistic time line for all the events and changes, in both Audrey and Gavin, to take place. The journey, and its destination, are both deeply satisfying.
October 15, 2018
This is the first book I have read from A.R. Hadley and wow, I picked a good one!! This book is so wonderfully written you won't be able to put it down. This story not only explores the world of BDSM, but self awareness and exploration for Aubrey. She was able to find her true self and it's so well written, you feel as if you are living the story with her. I can't wait to read more from this author in the future.
December 14, 2018
This book was steamy HOT!! Audrey wanted a new adventure but got more then she bargained for.. She wanted more sexually and got it. She found herself and what she liked and disliked. Gavin opens her up to a world she never experienced before and found she enjoyed more then she thought. She found a love that took her to a new space. Gavin has his own things that he needs to work on as well. He needs control but he also needs pain. Things were good until Audrey opens his eyes and makes him see what's really important. I didn't expect things to certain things to happen but they did. This book was good and the sex scenes are incredibly hot. I liked Gavin and Audrey together.
February 25, 2019
I went into this book knowing the content and was fully prepared for it. It ended up being so much more! Two people, finding each other. Giving and taking. Lots of sexy time scenes. There are also feels. Yeah I said it, feels. I couldn’t put it down. I had to know what would happen next! Who needs sleep? This is definitely one of those guilty pleasure reads. Loved the story and the characters. From beginning to end, this was a highly enjoyable read for me. I give this 5 stars.
September 27, 2018
This expertly written story will take you into the kinky world of Bodhi, a club where you leave your normal life and troubles at the door to experience something a lot hotter.
While I'm not a typical reader of BDSM, the author provides a unique perspective through the eyes of a new submissive - a woman who has found a baser need to be dominated. To let go and be free of restrictions and complications that exist outside the walls of the club.
While I'm not a typical reader of BDSM, the author provides a unique perspective through the eyes of a new submissive - a woman who has found a baser need to be dominated. To let go and be free of restrictions and complications that exist outside the walls of the club.
October 8, 2018
Bodhi is a story of sexual awaking and self-reflection. It's a story of personal struggle divided between living in and outside the accepted norms. I loved the character struggle, the depth of their emotions and internal battles. The acts of BDSM are not only intensely intimate but also 100% steamy. 5 Stars!
October 13, 2018
Review by: Jennifer
(3.5 stars)
Audrey is newly divorced from a man that still loves her, even though he has no understanding and worse doesn't try to understand just what Audrey needs. Her kinky friend, Kate, introduces her to the world that she always wanted to be a part of, BDSM. Audrey finally has found what she has always needed, but is the person she wants to experience this world with too broken?
I love the BDSM genre. The excitement of reading about a new sub and seeing it through his or her eyes is part of the thrill of reading them. The right/wrong aspect, the fighting the craving for the taboo, are all high points of reading about a new sub. There were things I liked and others that I really didn't in this story. The biblical stand point was a real sour point for me, just IMO not needed. At one point I felt that Audrey and Kate had more of a romantic connection than Audrey and Gavin and for a second wondered if I had read this wrong. It felt like this was more around the scene, which is not a bad thing, but I do want a story to go along with it. The scenes themselves were really hot and would leave a nun sweating. I give this 3.5 stars.
(3.5 stars)
Audrey is newly divorced from a man that still loves her, even though he has no understanding and worse doesn't try to understand just what Audrey needs. Her kinky friend, Kate, introduces her to the world that she always wanted to be a part of, BDSM. Audrey finally has found what she has always needed, but is the person she wants to experience this world with too broken?
I love the BDSM genre. The excitement of reading about a new sub and seeing it through his or her eyes is part of the thrill of reading them. The right/wrong aspect, the fighting the craving for the taboo, are all high points of reading about a new sub. There were things I liked and others that I really didn't in this story. The biblical stand point was a real sour point for me, just IMO not needed. At one point I felt that Audrey and Kate had more of a romantic connection than Audrey and Gavin and for a second wondered if I had read this wrong. It felt like this was more around the scene, which is not a bad thing, but I do want a story to go along with it. The scenes themselves were really hot and would leave a nun sweating. I give this 3.5 stars.
October 15, 2018
Audrey and Gavin’s story is about choosing and reflecting on life’s choices. This is a well written story, which is raw, gritty, gripping, and a steamy tale. I was intrigued and captivated throughout this addictive page turner. I look forward to reading more of this talented authors’ work, and highly recommend for all readers.
October 16, 2018
Amazing book
A.R. Hadley has truly outdone herself but really exposing the BDSM but also showing the side of a religious couple in a unique way. Gavin and Audrey have a special connection and they have to find out more about themselves along the way. I was surprised how Hadley ended the book. Don’t Miss it!
A.R. Hadley has truly outdone herself but really exposing the BDSM but also showing the side of a religious couple in a unique way. Gavin and Audrey have a special connection and they have to find out more about themselves along the way. I was surprised how Hadley ended the book. Don’t Miss it!
February 11, 2019
#notatouristanymore
Audrey, a vanilla single mother meets Gavin, a resident sadist and the owner of Bodhi, a BDSM club. Audrey is fascinated; Gavin gives her a tour. When the night is over, she's not a tourist anymore. The author created a world that read like a monastery. Bodhi is home to a devoted community of sadists and masochists, a type of purgatory, where pain transforms to bliss and humiliation is but a prayer.
Audrey, a vanilla single mother meets Gavin, a resident sadist and the owner of Bodhi, a BDSM club. Audrey is fascinated; Gavin gives her a tour. When the night is over, she's not a tourist anymore. The author created a world that read like a monastery. Bodhi is home to a devoted community of sadists and masochists, a type of purgatory, where pain transforms to bliss and humiliation is but a prayer.
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