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One phone call. One mistake. One unmissable storyline.

Join Cleo and Marcus as they weave through a maze of deception, controversy, and secrets so guarded not even the main players know the game plan. Can a relationship built outside the rules of dominance survive in a world governing its demise? Or will outsider influences continue to impact this dynamic duo?

From the author who brought you the Enigma & Perception series comes book three in a brand new serial set in the intangible world of dominance. Lust has always been a sturdy foundation for any forbidden relationship, but what happens when love becomes involved?

Rules can stop foolish mistakes, but there is generally an exception to every rule. Can the rule creator set aside his need to govern? Or will his desire to dominate become too great for him to ignore?

Author warning: Due to adult content, sex scenes, swear words and hostile situations, this book is not recommended to anyone under the age of eighteen. This is book three in a four book series. It is not recommended as a standalone.
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For TWs please visit the author's website.

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About the author

Shandi Boyes

96 books2,198 followers
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!

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Community Reviews

5 stars
281 (48%)
4 stars
173 (29%)
3 stars
96 (16%)
2 stars
26 (4%)
1 star
7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Sheridan.
582 reviews15 followers
March 14, 2018
Get ready for a serious book hangover that leaves you wanting more! If you aren’t good with questions unanswered, maybe leave the story until book 4 comes out lol

Where should I start with this??
Maybe at the beginning we begin where we left off with Cleo answering the call that changes things and sets more of the story line in motion.

Cleo has to makes a decision, which Marcus feels was the wrong one... so what happens when you make a wrong choice by Marcus... delicious punishment! 😉

Marcus and his sexy alpha dominate maleness is hiding secrets, and as Cleo starts learning more truths, is he doing it because he loves her and is trying to protect her? Or is he being an absolute a**hole and will hurt her forever?

This story/series is addictive! If you love a good binge read this series is it but maybe wait for restrained to come out so you aren’t so stabby like me and want to punch people in the face!

5 bounding stars!

Profile Image for Tammy.
273 reviews11 followers
March 14, 2018
Marcus AKA Master Chain's still has me so intrigued his an possessive alpha male dom who is trying to be in a relationship for the frist time, the struggle of control outside the bedroom and playroom with Cleo has shown just how much he really does love her, secerts are being kept and as a reader and a major fan of Marcus I both want to b*tch slap him yet trust his doing everything to protect hurting Cleo his is a man of many talents I highly recommend reading this book it's full of suspense, sexy scenes and a tall sexy chocolate green eye alpha dom
Profile Image for Lauren Basham.
13 reviews
September 25, 2020
Fast-moving, lots of action, comedy and... fun and interesting sex. (Note: the BDSM is mild but effective... no blood, torture, masochism, etc.) Main characters are endearing and fun, and story line moves fast. (Wish I could have proofread these books for the author ... many typos, misspelled and missing words...these are annoying to me and my editorial eyes when reading.) I've read the first three, and will read the remainder of the series, and highly recommend these books and the author.
Profile Image for Bluejeanbby.
100 reviews1 follower
March 19, 2018
these are fabulous books but I'm so sick of all these cliffhangers I want to SCREAM in frustration!!

these stories are beautifully written, but I've hit my limit & I can't take investing my time in a story that DOESN'T END!!
Profile Image for Byron Washington.
732 reviews4 followers
November 15, 2018
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.👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Pam Snell.
567 reviews11 followers
March 16, 2018
Totally unbelievable!!!! This book had me on the edge of my seat. It was one of those books that like the others in the series I cannot put it down!!! I have to know what is going to happen next. No, I have no finger nails left. I was falling for Marcus more and more and getting swept up in his web. Then something happens and everything changes!!! This is a must read. Looking forward to the next book because I know Shandi is going to keep us on our toes. Just hope my finger nails grow back in time.
99 reviews2 followers
May 1, 2018
Three down,One to go

This author has me unable to read anything else until I finish this series. Thank goodness they are all published. I can't wait for the next one to be written when there are cliffhangers. I think this 3rd book is the best so far. This isn't typical bdsm and the characters are both so strong it will be interesting to see how it all comes out. Shandi has her own way of writing love scenes that are not run of the mill. She is obviously working to grow as a writer. Now I am ready to plunge into the last book and get all my questions answered.
Profile Image for Mary.
494 reviews5 followers
March 26, 2018
Mistaken

Love between Marcus and Cleo boils hot. They can't keep their hands off each other, but is it enough? Two different people with different ideas and likes. Both both are pig headed and won't accept what they can't change. Are they right for each other? Oh yes, but will they act on it?
Profile Image for Written Word Addict.
229 reviews13 followers
February 7, 2019
Just keeps getting better!

Omg, omg, omg this series is going to be the death of me and I mean that in the best possible way! Marcus is absolutely the book boyfriend I never knew I needed! Kudos to Shandi Boyle for keeping Marcus so darn mysterious throughout the series. Also, for having Cleo stick to her word about being a sub. I love everything about this series.
1,208 reviews
September 5, 2021
Cleo, Cleo, Cleo, what are you doing. I know that things Will work out in the end. Damn does Shandi knows how to write a cliffhanger. Makes you want to dig right into the next one. Equal parts of story, drama, and lets not forget the HEAT¡¡¡¡¡¡ I mean DAYUM. Cole seems to go one step forward then slips on the ice backwards.

On to see what next, thanks Shandi.
2 reviews
January 5, 2023
This was the first book that I read with a lot of smut in it. i really enjoyed it although the female lead did annoy me at times. I was shouting at the book because of some of the choices made. Overall though it was a really good book and I highly recommend to anyone that is into reading about BDSM. I have learned a lot about the BDSM community through this series of books.
54 reviews
March 19, 2023
It feels like Marcus is a voyer.

It seems he somewhere else watching his life unfold. I get no input from him as if he's a guest in his own life. This is frustrating and unfulfilling. This is a good storyline and I like Cleo's voice but its monotonous and I'm bored with it. There's one book left, I wish things could change but I know they won't at this.
Profile Image for Linda.
962 reviews2 followers
December 7, 2025
Chains of Temptation 🔥

Bound is a tantalizing continuation of Cleo and Marcus's tumultuous journey. Their passion is undeniable, but trust issues and secrets threaten to tear them apart. Cleo's insecurities and Marcus's dominance create a volatile mix. The ending leaves you breathless and eager for more. 🤓
3 reviews
April 21, 2018
Love? Or not!

This story kept me torn. Why is he doing these things to her? What is going on? Is he some kind of secret agent? Is he working with the FBI? HE DOES LOVE HER, THEN EHY DOES HE KEEP HER SO TORN!
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20k reviews257 followers
Read
December 21, 2019
Awesome read!!

This is the 3rd book in this phenomenal series and I was hooked throughout this riveting tale . I cannot wait to read the next book in this additive series which I highly recommend for all.
5 reviews
October 3, 2021
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 ;)
Profile Image for Jodie.
73 reviews
September 9, 2022
Throughout the middle of this book I was getting so annoyed. Cleo was forgiving Marcus way too quickly! He would touch her and all would be forgiven. I was also getting abit bored.
However, the ending! Yesss! It has made me buy the next book!
Profile Image for Anne  Young-Cronister.
958 reviews
January 10, 2019
This story is AWESOME! I'm entranced by this story
Shandi Boyes has created a fantastic world with
Wonderful characters. Take the time to read this series,
It's EXCELLENT!!
Profile Image for Susan.
23 reviews
March 3, 2020
Shandi is a great story teller her books are all great to read adult fiction books that are hard to put down
Profile Image for Sharon Noble.
2,187 reviews6 followers
December 14, 2020
Marcus & Cleo!

After being kidnapped by her own stupidity, Cleo is now back with Marcus. Marcus is worried sick with the actions Cleo has pulled!
Profile Image for Alora Milton.
6 reviews
December 27, 2021
More like a 3.5⭐ for me. Hoping the next book is better.
Love this series hoping for a amazing last book
Profile Image for Papermountain.
24 reviews2 followers
April 9, 2023
Kinda draggy on this book but I can’t stop cursing at Marcus for what he did… onto the last book
Profile Image for kai.
11 reviews1 follower
Read
May 13, 2024
give me my soul back ❤️
Profile Image for Ashleigh Jacobson.
270 reviews1 follower
July 10, 2022
This book was the beginning of the clusterfuck. Marcus was so sketchy in this book. And it made me really mad.
69 reviews
June 25, 2019
I loved this series even more when 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.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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