“Whatever your dark tastes may be, this is where you transition from your tattered and stained and mundane life into Black Ties, our underground world of pain and pleasure, dominance and submission.”
Desi is no stranger to pain. Her young, newlywed life had been blissfully perfect before tragedy turned it into daily emotional hell. When she meets a kind stranger outside a mysterious members only club, she’s drawn into a secret world that promises to show her how to turn her pain into pleasure.
Vaughn would do anything to protect his wife and save his marriage. When he discovers unexplainable bruises and marks on her body after solo outings late at night, he resolves to discover the secrets she’s been keeping and fight for their marriage at all costs.
Will Desi’s secrets destroy her? Can Vaughn fulfill his wife’s darkest desires?
With hope, Desi and Vaughn attempt to find the beauty of letting go while fighting the demons of their past that threaten to destroy them for good.
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CONTENT WARNING: This book contains sexually explicit scenes and mature themes. Desi's story features a sexual journey that involves kink, bondage, multiple partners, a sex club, and questionable fidelity (with a purpose). It is not a standalone and the books must be read in order. This is book 1 of 2.
TRIGGER WARNING: This book is about healing after a loss. A stillbirth occurs in the prologue. Details are brief and limited, but the emotions may be triggering for some readers.
Brynn Ford is a USA Today Bestselling Author of dark romance for daring readers. She writes emotionally heavy love stories that will twist your soul and shatter your heart before pulling you back together with a hopeful happily-ever-after.
Brynn's books are dark, sometimes disturbing, and often overwhelming. But they're always brightened by an insistent, spicy romance that will live rent-free in your head long after you've turned the final page.
When Brynn isn't obsessively writing, you may find her binge-watching favorite shows while eating far too much junk food or fanatically reading, always seeking to lose herself in the emotional roller coaster of a damn good story. She's a firm believer that her characters continue to live outside the pages in the minds of her readers. Stories don't end just because there aren't any more pages to turn.
This was absolutely outstanding the characters are amazing and so well written I couldnt turn the pages fast enough at the intensity of these characters situation. Things happen and thats life and I cannot wait for more I need to know it all.
I think this book is probably worth 4 1/2 stars, I'm not going to round it up to five for one reason. This is book one of a duet and the very fact that it's left me with a cliff hanger means that I'm just going to hold onto that last half star for now. This is a story about love and about pain. It's about physical pain in the form of a BDSM relationship, or rather some relationships. It's also about the pain of loss and love. I probably should have included this at the beginning of the review, but it's worth noting that the storyline features a stillbirth and the loss that goes with that. In fact, it's this that drives much of both Desi and Vaughn's actions as they struggle to come to terms with the death and loss of their daughter. This is also a book that more than flirts with cheating and something that is more than an emotional affair. That said, this was a great read. I couldn't help be pulled into Desi, Vaughan, Law and Ris's world. So much so that I read this book in one day, despite it not exactly been a short read. I've also had to buy book two in the duet because I just have to know what happens next. I'm going to see if I can resist diving straight in, just because I don't want it to end too soon. I doubt I'll last though. This is definitely a greedy read storyline. I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Desi and Vaughn are newlyweds with all their life ahead of them. A tragic event occurs and throws them into turmoil and so much pain. Desi meets a stranger outside a club named Black Ties and she begins to see a different way to handle her heartache. Law owns the Black Tie club and is attracted to Desi but respects her marriage and wishes not to cheat on Vaughn. The couple go through so much but start to come out the other side. I can't wait to read the next book to see what happens with Law and the couple's friend Ris. This was an awesome read and I can't wait for more.
I received a copy of this book from the author and am leaving an honest review.
After reading the description of this book I wasnt sure if i wanted to read it or not...cheating is a hard limit for me.. But I'm so glad I gave in and read it...I seriously could not put it down...there were times I wanted to throw my kindle and stop reading but I knew I had to keep going and see what happened...my heart breaks for them...ALL...great characters you cant help but fall in love with...my only issue was the ending....just like most readers I hate cliffhangers and wanna know how this story ends NOW
This is a new author to me that I without a shadow of a doubt will read again. This book is so intense you feel it seeping of the pages leaving you raw and your head in a loop. Desi and Vaughn thought they’d be the perfect couple for life until there life is turned upside down and are just trying to deal with the hand that’s been dealt until Desi thinks she might of found a outlet for her pain. This is definitely one I would recommend reading!!
I voluntarily reviewed a advanced readers copy of this book
I would like to thank Brynn Ford for providing an ARC to #Blue via #NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review
Blue by Brynn Ford centers around three people: Desi/Blue, wife to Vaughn and suffering from an unimaginable loss, Vaughn, Desi's incredibly loving husband, who is struggling watching his wife and marriage circle the drain, and Law, Desi's friend and a dominant who is suffering in his own way.
I will start this out by admitting that after reading the first few chapters, I wasn't convinced I was going to like this book. I honestly think because the prologue starts off so happy. Falling in love, getting pregnant, marriage ... it was kind of perfect. Then they lose their baby. Lately, I try to stay away from spoilers, but the trigger warning says it all, so I hope you don't mind. Understandably, Desi spirals. I'm a mother. I'm a mother who has gone through preterm labor. I was lucky. My babies survived. And although Desi and Vaughn are fictional characters, I was broken-hearted for them. As someone who has suffered from severe depression, it was relate-able in a way that made it hard to read. I was unsure if I could finish.
I am SOOOOO glad I continued though. Brynn Ford is a great writer, and I couldn't pay attention to any of the other books I am reading until I finished this one. While parts of it were predictable, I was riveted. The BDSM is not like fifty shades, which I blame for romanticizing it, and not showing a true portrayal of BDSM. It's raw, and honest, and I can tell Brynn Ford took her time to try to portray a controversial world. Were there some parts of the story I wasn't crazy about? Sure! But I couldn't put the book down.
The characters are really well written, and their emotions are clearly expressed in the book. While it was hard to read about Desi's depression, it was realistic. It was triggering. I was crying before the first chapter. I understood Desi's character. Perhaps not her masochism, because I am not one. Brynn Ford's writing made her feel real, which is impressive. Now Vaughn ...oh my god. Read this book and tell me you don't love him. Someone so devoted to his wife ... ugh. My heart. Swoon. Swoon. Swoon.
And let's talk about Law. We should hate the "side-guy", right? BUT I COULDN'T!!! Sure, he wanted a married woman. He respected her boundaries. And while morally in a grey ... close to black area ... he helped bring Desi back to life. Despite his feelings for her, his desire to see her happy, he HELPS her and Vaughn. Again. Swoon. The other characters were great too, including Desi's new best friend Ris.
The ending of book 1 ends on quite a cliffhanger, and I can't help myself. I'm invested enough in this story and the characters to purchase the second book. Especially after reading the sneak peek. If you like slightly dark erotica, or BDSM, you will love Blue. The story is kind of beautiful, in a twisted way. The sex is hot if that is what you are into. You won't regret it.
It was a reading that surprised me enormously because it was not what I expected. Love each main and supporting character because they are all so complex and human.
I could feel Desi's emotional pain. I could feel Vaughn's betrayal. I could feel Law's love. I could feel the strength of Ris.
As I progressed I was consumed by sadness, anger, confusion and frustration. I can't share some decisions made but that just goes to show how real the author tried to make both Desi and Vaughn feel. That ending left me in shock. I never expected it but I can understand it. I just wish it wasn't a bad decision for everyone's future.
Law and Ris have been shocking and I am dying to know their story.
This book was so good. Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. Brynn had me hooked from the first couple of pages. I truly enjoyed reading this book and I couldn't wait to read the second book in this series.
Steamy, sexy, erotic, playful and sensual novel that plays with a little bdsm. Not my usual read but definitely worth a read. Whitt’s banter and some great characters make you thoroughly enjoy this book. Thank you for my ARC
Blue is the first novel in a duo series. Desi falls in love at first sight with Vaughn while giving a college tour. The two get pregnant and married within months of knowing each other, but everything falls apart when Desi loses the baby. Desi can't forgive herself and winds up running into Law on a late night run. Law runs several club and introduces Desi into the world of dominance and submission. Is Desi cheating on her husband if she is only looking to Law for pleasure, not pain? Can she not fall in love with Law as he helps her become the person she was always meant to me? Will Vaughn forgive her? Read this novel about love, forgiveness and self-exploration.
I just...I can't even find the right words to describe this story. I can't wait for book 2 to come out to see how it all ends. The storylines of Desi and Vaughn, Desi and Law, Vaughn and Law, Ris and Law...I feel like this story has true potential to be something real life. I feel nearly equal parts heartbroken, proud, and angry at Desi throughout the entire story.
There are points where I want my own husband to be Vaughn.
I know we tend to read to escape real life normalcy...but I truly think that this storyline could actually happen in real life. I'm actually sure that it has happened to someone in this world!
If cheating in a story is a hard limit for you...this might not be your cup of tea. HOWEVER, I encourage you to look past that and dive in to this story anyways. Some lines are crossed, I won't say they weren't, but you have to get to the root of the cause. No, this is not me saying there is ever a justification for cheating, but just trust me on this...
You must...you must read this... And I am now eagerly, anxiously, "patiently" waiting for book #2 (Switch) to be released!!!
I Enjoyed everything about this book there was nothing I didn't like about the book. I Like the story that was being told. I Like the setting,the writing style,the plot,the plot twists and the characters in the book were amazing.I would gladly reread it again. I Also like the concept of the book. I Would recommend this book to anyone.
Brynn Ford is a new to me author and the first book I read had after reading the back of the book, intrigued captured and kept my attention. You find books that come into your life that you know you will read it more than once.
Reading this you feel the layers of emotions from happy to sad to really just being pissed, the characters are easy to invest in, their personalities endearing. What do you do when you have to deal with an all-encompassing pain, that keeps you on a roller coaster and your husband clueless... until he's not.
Law and Black Ties, the Dom can be my book boyfriend anytime, oh yeah just put him on the top of the list. Desi's pain called to him the Dom wanted to fill that need. Desi's married and in so much emotional pain has she found a way to release it? What about Vaughn? he's determined to find out what going on with his wife, how accepting will he be when he does find out?
This story was amazing from front to back, the cheating bleh.. and the bit of a cliff.. bleh but yeah so worth the read. Enjoy.
So unexpectedly good! I was expecting to enjoy this newest release based on the tease but what I got was more than I expected. Emotionally satisfying, sizzling heat and surprises that will have you asking so much questions, this was beyond fantastic. The emotional turmoil that I could not personally want to be in brought the characters to life from the start to the end. I loved how the characters evolved and how they fit so perfectly with each other. I can’t wait for the next book in this series that will leave you wanting more.
I wasn’t sure at first as it did have a sensitive subject, that I have personally suffered through. That and I don’t usually read books that have anything to do with cheating. Yet once I started reading, I couldn’t stop. It was so good! I needed to know what happened with all the characters. I got so caught up in the storyline.
I am so in love with this book. I absolutely love Desi,Vaughn, Law and Ris. Wow what a story. So much heartbreak but also so much love. Definitely love alpha men who will do anything for their women. I was not ready for this book to end so I definitely am ready for next book. If I could rate this a 100 stars I would. Loved it that much
Wow this book was amazing I absolutely loved it I have read books kinda of like this one but this one was more intense and after reading it I was like omg I need the next one to this one it was soo good and can’t wait to find out more
I’m so glad I took a chance to read this book. It was more than I ever expected. I love Desi and Vaughn, and Law and Ris. I can’t wait to read the next part to see what happens next. Another new author I’m glad I found!
this book was intense! they had everything until one day it was ripped from them. now she is broken shell of a person. she meets a guy who might beable to help with her pain. her husband is getting nervous that something is wrong. read to find out what happens.
This is the first book in a new series, and is Desi and Vaughn’s story. This is a well written dark story which is heartbreaking, and with an engaging plot, as well as secrets and love. I look forward to reading the 2nd book in this riveting series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review.
Desi is no stranger to pain. Her young, newlywed life had been blissfully perfect before tragedy turned it into a daily emotionally awful place to be. When she meets a kind stranger outside a mysterious members only club, she's drawn into a secret world that promises to show her how to turn her pain into pleasure. Vaughn would do anything to protect his wife and save his marriage. When he discovers explainable bruises and marks on her body after solo outings late at night, he resolves to discover the secrets she's been keeping and fight for their marriage at all costs. Will Desi's secrets destroy her? Can Vaughn fulfill his wife's darkest desires? With hope, Desi and Vaughn attempt to find the beauty of letting go while fighting the demons of their past that threaten to destroy them for good.
This is the first book in the Black Ties Series for Brynn Ford. This book is dark and intense and you need to heed the warnings at the beginning of the book. It may contain some triggers for some people. This is the story of Desi and Vaughn who thought they were the perfect couple who would have a perfect relationship until their life is turned upside down on its head and they have to adjust to life as it is now. And with that they find that life is emotionally painful and Desi is not dealing with that well at all. As fate would have it one night she meets a stranger, Law, outside of the Black Ties club, which is an exclusive private club. Law is so attracted to Desi but he also respects her marriage and her not wanting to cheat on her husband but he wants to help Desi. Then you have Ris who is a friend of the couple. You have to read the book to see how this all plays out and I don't want to give anymore of it away than what I have already said. This book was good but had me all over the place. I so can not wait to dive into the next book to see what happens to all these character that I have fallen in love with.
This is more than a typical romance/erotic story. The main characters, Desi and Vaughn, start out a whirlwind romance that ends in loss. Desi spirals into depression with and begins to push away her husband Vaughn. She finally starts to find herself again through pain, masterfully delivered by the dark and mysterious Law. Only problem, this is all happening behind Vaughn's back.
I don't think I've read a book before that dealt so heavily with cheating. It was uncomfortable at times and awkward at others, but honestly, I think that made this book more realistic. Desi is constantly conflicted about her actions with Law, since she's not cheating in the traditional sense.
This is a duology and it does leave off with some big stuff going on. I imagine to get some real resolve I will have to read the next book. Not that I'm upset to continue reading about these characters.
I do not typically read romance or erotica given the genres are notoriously filled with cheap characterization and shallow dialogue. Blue caught my eye because of its high ratings. I gave it a try and to my surprise breezed through it. I was hooked on the book's philosophically challenging mediation of loyalty and consequence within the characters' partnerships. Ford does a good job showing the inner psyche of her characters, making them emotionally exposed and refreshingly articulate. The sex scenes were sophisticated, and the novel itself moved at a good pace without quick, filler scenes. Well done.
OMG....This book...It shattered my heart, played with my emotions, got me all hot and bothered and the ending left me without release, wanting more. This book dominated me!!! I absolutely loved every single character, Desi/Blue, her husband, Vaughn, Law/Jasper and Christina/Ris. All of them had flaws, they weren't perfect, but in the sense they were perfect because they were so real. I've never experienced the loss that Desi and Vaughn did, but their grief was raw, devastating and I felt it, in every part of my body. My heart was breaking for them, and I understood them. The way they literally clawed their ways back to each other, as unconventional as it was, was real and believable.
This book is freaking FANTASTIC!!!!!! It has everything a storyline, a love story, BDSM, sex, acceptance, understanding. I am in love, I need a man like Vaughn in my life.
Characters are so beautifully written, with their psyche exposed, and their emotions laid bare for us to feel through and understand. This was kind of read where you want to keep your book aside but also want to learn what happens next. It was so gripping, I can't even tell.
This is what a romance novel needs to be, relatable characters, pain for us to feel, emotional outbursts, understanding, being their for each other when time is tough. I am so excited author's next read.