UnBound

Steel and Desire #2

by Kendra Greenwood

You’re not allowed to be a coward and be in love. You must choose one. Special Agent Laura Logan had a difficult childhood and that’s putting it mildly. She channeled her buried rage into her studies, earned a law degree and joined the FBI. As a member of the new human trafficking task force, she wants to impress – and she wants to make the perps pay. Detective Lieutenant Steve Moretti moonlights at a very exclusive club in return for free membership and other perks. His family is pressuring him to find a nice woman and settle down, but that bridge was burned by his ex. His new Marriage is betting half your stuff that you’ll love someone forever. A kidnapping shocks Steve’s town and the FBI is called in. Steve and Laura meet at the crime scene, sparks fly, and they work the case together. As passion ignites, their ‘no love’ commandment is tested. Can they overcome the heartbreak of betrayal and learn to love before it’s too late? Or are they so afraid they’ll refuse to love at all? This is book two in the Steel and Desire series, but can be enjoyed as a standalone. Publisher’s This steamy romance contains elements of mystery, suspense, adventure, danger and power exchange.

Genres: Romantic Suspense

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 21, 2018

About the author

Kendra Greenwood has always been a storyteller. She often told stories to her kids at bedtime in lieu of reading to them. A serious daydreamer, she used to think it the complete opposite of her education and work in the sciences, but alas, she now realizes that all true scientists are daydreamers. Fantasy has always been an escape for Kendra. Weaving a thrilling romantic tale around her favorite TV and film characters, her favorite way to fall asleep at night. Eventually she wrote them down and found a place to share her stories.

Kendra grew up on the beaches of Long Island’s bucolic east end, but recently relocated to Virginia. When she’s not writing you can find her in the kitchen whipping up something scrumptious or in the studio fusing glass into decorative dishes.

Reviews

[Hope W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbound is the second book in the Steel and Desire series but can be read as a standalone. The story is filled with crime and intrigue. However, the story is also a mind field of emotions. Each character lives with heartache and past betrayal that overshadows their happiness. Steve works in local law enforcement and at a BDSM club while Laura works for the FBI. As they investigate a sex trafficking ring they work closely together and become deeper involved than either expected. Their chemistry can be off the chart hot but also sweet and emotional in just the right moments. Can these two overcome their pasts to find happiness? Only reading will tell but, I can say that watching the interactions between Steve, Laura, and the bad characters lead to some on the edge of your seat moments throughout the story. I hope you will enjoy the story as much as I did and I highly recommend this book! I voluntarily received an arc copy of this book.

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Detective Steve Moretti and Agent Laura Logan meet at a crime scene where some teens and a nun have been taken by a human trafficking ring, it's not exactly love at first sight. It is lust, but sort of dampened, considering the circumstances and considering Laura's very strong walls, built by a lifetime of repressing memories of abuse. When Laura finds out Steve is a Dom who has met and worked with her boss, she's even more wary and even more curious about him and his world of kink. Can Steve be the one to give her a big O? Can he work past her walls and help her deal with her horrible past?

I liked the premise of UnBound, a lot. I loved Steve and I loved the case they were working on. What I didn't love was that their connection was all a little muted. It didn't feel as strong as I know the author was trying for. And the reason why is because Laura was a distant, clinical character. Not her fault, especially because of her past, but I just could not for life of me, connect with her or see what Steve saw in her. If I could have connected with her, I would have been able to give this 4 stars, but as it's written, I just couldn't honestly give it more than 3 stars. Other than her, though, I liked UnBound. It's well-written, the plot is interesting and moves along quickly, Steve is a fabulous, layered character, and the sex scenes and the BDSM scenes are really hot. Too bad Laura wasn't equally hot.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

UnBound is the second book in the Steel and Desire series. Laura, FBI agent, and Steve, police detective, meet when three teenaged girls and a nun go missing, which soon evolves into a human trafficking case. Feeling an odd draw to each other, they work well to find the ladies, but one of the abductors goes missing. Even with dead ends, they edge closer to finding their man, and Laura and Steve heat up their no-strings relationship. But with his help and guidance, she blossoms and both realize they mean so much more to each other, just as Laura goes missing. Can Steve find Laura and their man before she’s taken and harmed?

This book just sucked me in right from page one! We get insight into the kidnapper’s mind, his intentions, and I absolutely loved that! Laura and Steve are absolutely dynamite, both in their professional worlds as well with their intimate scenes. I absolutely loved Steve’s patience and his ability to open Laura up to a whole new world. Her past just about broke my heart, but I loved their way to help heal the hurt. I liked some of the parallels of her past with the ending of the book, and loved how strong Laura was! Even though this was the second book in the series, this acted as a stand alone, and even with the previous characters’ presence in this book, I never felt lost or like there was an unknown. I really loved these characters, enjoyed reading this book, and am excited to see where this series will go next!

[Lalaland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbound is the second book in a series about female FBI agents working to bring an end to human trafficking. FBI special agent Laura Logan is a member of an FBI task force set up to tackle human trafficking called in by the local police force after a shocking kidnapping. Detective Leiutenant Steve Moretti is in charge when three teenage girls and a nun are abducted. Steve is also an experienced Dom and works part time as a Dungeon Monitor at a local BDSM club in return for his membership and a place to play. Obviously there is attraction between Steve and Laura but they are both carrying lots of angst and baggage from the past and who knows how they can get past his dominance when she is not submissive in any shape or form, or is she. This story has all the ingredients for an erotic thriller, action, mystery, a really rotten villain (hiss), hot erotic scenes and spanking, what more do you need. Very entertaining read, look forward to the next one.

[Chris Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The story addresses some serious elements of sex trafficking and sexual abuse and the associated consequences for the sufferers. It is also a strong romantic story of two law enforcement officers brought together to solve the abduction of three teenagers and a young nun. The attraction between Steve and Laura seems to be very strong and almost instantaneous. Both characters have experienced trauma and have issues that need to be overcome in order to find their happy ever after. The author kept me totally involved in the story and I just couldn’t put the book down until the conclusion of the story. The concept of sex trafficking and sexual abuse is treated in a compassionate and understanding way by the author. I think I would give this book 5+ if I could.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot, hot, hot…

This is a wonderfully addictive romance novel. More realistic and well written than 50 Shades, this story has everything a reader could want, from intrigue and angst, to romance and steam. The characters virtually leap from the page and the story-line wraps around your heart and mind, sucking you deep into the pages. A truly entertaining second book in the Steel and Desire series, which can be read alone or in order. Well done Ms Greenwood for writing such a compelling and realistic, heart wrenching novel – I will certainly be back for more!

[Ann Holden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book from Ms. Greenwood and I enjoyed it very much. Steve is a little unusual for a Dom and Laura is not who I would have thought of as a sub. I also liked this for the minimal amount of spankings. Some books of this genre seem to be all about the spanking and less about the relationship. This book is more about the characters and their story. I recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her life has been hard and she put all the anger into her studies and becoming part of the FBI. He is a cop and works hard. His family wants him to marry but it is not for him as he had been burnt once before. They meet during a case. Can they find the love they need? Can they solve the case? See what will happen next

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

UnBound is the second book of the Steel and Desire series and is a standalone. The book is a mixture of suspense, action, danger, romance and spankings. The characters are great. Laura and Steve do have great chemistry, the intimate scenes were explicit and very steamy. The plot is also very interesting and kept me reading. I liked this book very much.

[Heart5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The blend of action and romance was perfect. I loved the interaction of the two dominant characters, trying to find a a balance. This is the first book I have read from the series and it worked perfectly well as a standalone. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

[Kat Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written romantic suspense, tight and crisp and clean. The romance is sensual, adult and satisfying. Both Hero and Heroine enter the relationship with baggage from the past--rightfully are reluctant to commit to anything long term. Through the course of the book, feelings change and the ending is satisfying.
This is a beauty. Not to be missed.
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author did a great job of developing the story using wonderfully descriptive prose. I felt like I was actually there, especially with the BDSM scenes. Very steamy. The characters were interesting. I thought she had an awful past and I hoped that he would provide a wonderful future. You'll have to read to find out, but it is well worth it.

[Summer Graystone · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t read the first book but it wasn’t needed! This is also the first book I”m reading by this author and I wasn’t disappointed. This book was filled with suspense and action, heart break and sparks! The sparks were flying for sure but I felt like it was missing some passion. Wasn’t a bad read! Will check out more from the author.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.  Special Agent Laura Logan and Detective Steve Moretti meet over a case.  A nice long read with plenty of emotion, intrigue, danger and lite BDSM.  I wish every woman who has suffered sexual abuse could find a Steve.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two in the Steel and Desire series but it can be read as a standalone, there is danger, drama, suspense, an evil step-father. A book well-worth reading. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kim F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely entertaining, captivating and interesting read. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong, intriguing characters. I want to read more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan Landowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly emotional. Great range of feelings and tragic pasts that while never forgotten healed with love. Love a story that has mystery, suspense, eroticism and a happy ending. While long this story was extremely hard to put down as you are sucked in. Read this book please.

[evieo17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent read. A rollercoaster of a ride from beginning to end and I didn’t really want to get off. It was so realistic that I wanted to wrap my daughter up in bubble wrap and not let her out of my sight. Would defend read more from this author.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is intense and sexy, with an air of danger. Their relationship is complicated by their pasts. But their chemistry is great. This is a definite must read.

[Misty Goan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great well written standalone second in the series. It is filled with crime, intrigue, mild emotions, lust, heartache, and past betrayals. Laura works f ki r tge FBI. Steve is a detective that works in local law enforcement and at a BDSM club. They meet at a crime scene and begin working the case together. Their connection iscstrong and the lust is undeniable while they are trying to catch sex traffickers. I really enjoyed this story and appreciated Sean need to tame down and Laura's willingness to increase the kink.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.