Nights of Surrender (Forbidden Lovers 1)

Forbidden Lovers #1

by Shelly Bell, Mara Hoffmann (Translator)

Eine dunkle Vergangenheit, geheime Wünsche und eine verbotene Liebe

Bevor Tristan für einen neuen Job als Wirtschaftsprofessor in eine andere Stadt zieht, will er noch ein letztes Abenteuer ohne Verpflichtungen erleben. Doch was er stattdessen auf der Play-Party seines besten Freundes findet, ist eine unschuldige junge Frau, die ihn fast von seinen Plänen abbringt.
Isabella will etwas Neues ausprobieren und sich nicht länger von den schlimmen Erfahrungen ihrer Vergangenheit einschränken lassen. Als sie zum ersten Mal eine Play-Party besucht, trifft sie dort auf Tristan. Der ist zwar ein vollkommen Fremder, aber sie fühlt, dass sie ihm vertrauen kann, und in dieser einen Nacht verliert sie all ihre Hemmungen.
Die beiden müssen jedoch feststellen, dass sie sich schneller wiedersehen als gedacht. Denn schon ein paar Wochen später treffen sie sich an der Uni wieder. Nur ist Tristan Isabellas neuer Professor ...

Band 1 der FORBIDDEN-LOVERS-Reihe

Dieser Roman ist in einer früheren Ausgabe bereits bei LYX.digital unter dem Titel FESSELNDES VERLANGEN - FORBIDDEN LOVERS erschienen.

Genres: Romance, BDSM, Erotica, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, College

335 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 20, 2017

About the author

Shelly Bell is the author of the popular Shelly Bell is the author of more than a dozen romances. Her novels have collected numerous awards and have received starred reviews from both Publisher’s Weekly and Library Journal. An attorney for more than twenty-five years, Shelly lives with her family in southwest Florida. When she's not working, she enjoys teaching romance writing to aspiring authors, volunteering in her local community, and reading by the pool. To learn more about her books, visit www.ShellyBellBooks.com.

Reviews

[Kathleen R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: At His Mercy
Author: Shelly Bell

5 amazing stars

When I started this book, it didn't take long to figure out that sleep would come very, very late that night. And that's exactly what happened. I went to bed much later than I usually do but it was totally worth it (and anyways, sleep is over rated, right?!?). This is the second book I've read by Shelly Bell and each time I pick a new book from her, I fall in love more and more with her writing style and stories. At His Mercy was nothing like I expected ~ of course I expected the teacher/student taboo romance, but I hadn't expected all the suspense, the mystery, the roller coaster of emotions I went through as I read Isabella and Tristan's story, nor the BDSM aspect of their relationship.


4.5 sexy dreams

I was thrilled by this story. By the ups and downs. By the fact that so much happened to them and yet, it made sense. It's rare that I find myself reading a long story such as this one in one sitting and in less than 6 hours, even forgoing on some sleep (still totally worth it), just so I can find out what happens to the characters and their relationship. I had to know who in Isabella's past was coming back and how that would play out. I had to find out just how far Tristan's Ex would go to get what she wants. Most of all, I wanted to know if Tristan can give Isabella exactly what she craves and needs. This was the kind of book that made me smile, made me sigh and made me want to read more from Shelly Bell yesterday, son needless to say that I'll be looking forward to reading more from this series in the future.


*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books

 

  Goodreads | [image error]    Amazon |     Facebook |      By Email

Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram 

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

NOW LIVE!
Amazon *B&N * iBooks
Enter Giveaway HERE

"Tristan is more than her mystery man-he's her professor."
This is the line that I read in the blurb and could not ignore. I'm a sucker for a good professor/student book so I knew I couldn't pass this one up. It was everything I hoped for,a nd more. We got the sexiness of a forbidden relationship, the hotness of a Dom teaching a young sub, and even some suspense thrown in.

Tristan and Isabella had me hooked from the very first chapter and I loved the chemistry they had. Their one night stand was off the charts hot, and it really set the tone for how strong their connection was going to be throughout the book. I really liked how we got all that sexiness in the beginning but then got some sexual tension when they met again as professor and student.

This is actually my first book by Shelly Bell but it certainly won't be my last. I'm already craving more from this series and can't wait to get Ryder's story. Don't make me wait too long, please!

ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.

[✰ Bianca ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isabella just barely survived an attack by her ex boyfriend 18 months ago. Now she's finally about to leave for college. Just one more thing to do before she goes: she wants to lose her virginity at this BDSM play party her cousin invited her to. She started being intrested in BDSM when she found some books at her cousin's place. And she feels that this is exactly what she's been missing in her life.
Enter Tristan. He's about to leave town too. And he's also about to leave the party - nobody there interested him .... that's when he sees Isabella.
Instant attraction on both sides!
And after an amazingly sexy night together they think they'll never see each other again.
Wrong!
Isabella will be one of his students at his new job as a business professor! ☺
And if that wasn't bad enough - we have horribly mean and mentally ill exes that will definitely make this story very exciting! ☺

WHAT WILL HAPPEN WITH ISABELLA & TRISTAN?
WILL WE GET AN HEA??
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT ☺

This was an interesting book.
I don't really know what to think of it.
It starts as this kidnap and murder-suicide story and then it immediately turns into a BDSM story and then it turns into a forbidden professor/student romance - with BDSM. And then the kidnap murderer and more idiot people show up again.
So, I don't really know what to call this book. Erotic suspense? It was a bit weird. It was all a bit much. Maybe if the book had been 150 pages longer! Then it could've been perfect. Room enough for lots of excitement, suspense, sex, fun!

I love sex in my books but this starts off with a huge BDSM scene - before we could even fall in love with the characters. We meet them, they meet each other and insta attraction. But the reader wants/needs a tiny little foreplay too. Ugh, I don't know. I liked Tristan and Isabella ....but I couldn't connect with them somehow. I'm not a fan of BDSM. Well, it's more that I don't care for it - all that flogging and domineering stuff is not for me. When Christian Grey did it it was ok. It was a sweet fairy tale. It had nothing really to do with BDSM. But suddenly every book needs BDSM. Why?
I can totally understand Isabella's thoughts about it. With her kidnapping and almost dying, she wants to control who controls her. I totally get her. But I just don't like it much. This would've been a better story with only the kidnap-murder thing and the student/teacher romance.
BUT - it wasn't bad!!! I liked it. I liked reading it. But it was weird. It took me forever to finish a page, there were so many words, and I didn't love those words somehow. I know I'm weird.
Maybe I was just in a weird mood. I also have to say that I'm writing this now that I'm only 30% into the book ... but I have to already love a book by that time ... I might come back later and add to my review!
Back now! Finished it last night, and it really got better. Well, maybe not better, but more interesting. Which is also not good, because there was just way too much excitement in the last third of the book! It's like the author thought - oooh I'll pick THIS and THAT and THIS too and put it all in the end of my book!



It was a bit much and it wasn't all needed. And then it was all too rushed at the end. Ugh. I know I'm very complainy here, but I really liked the book too. And will definitely read the next book too! Don't let me scare you away. The book really has lots of interesting parts! Just a tiny little bit too many for my tastes.☺


♡ ♡
♡ ♡

[Shelly Bell]

Amazon US: http://bit.ly/ATHISMERCY
Apple: http://bit.ly/ATHISMERCYIBOOKS
B&N: http://bit.ly/ATHISMERCYBN
Google Play: http://bit.ly/ATHISMERCYGOOGLE
Kobo: http://bit.ly/ATHISMERCYKOBO

"I had to constantly remind myself to breathe. Shelly Bell packs a powerful punch with her flawless writing and suspenseful, passionate love story."—#1 New York Times bestselling author Jodi Ellen Malpas

"I was at Shelly Bell's mercy from page one. This novel sucked me in, and didn't let me go until the very last sexy page. This book had some of the hottest scenes I've ever read. 10 stars!" --- New York Times bestselling author Alessandra Torre

"Bell opens the Forbidden Lovers series with a sexy thriller that will leave readers breathless. This novel is sultry and hot in all the right places, with just enough plot to keep the pages turning." ---Publisher's Weekly, Starred Review!

"With a liberal dose of suspense and mega-hot sex, Bell’s compelling first novel in the Forbidden Lovers series is exciting right through to the epilogue…absolutely nothing is wasted in this taut tale.” –--RT Book Reviews, Top Pick!

[Susan (susayq ~) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!  This was HOT!  

Isabella and Tristan both had pasts that made them leery of getting involved with another person, but they spent a hot night together as strangers never thinking they'd see each other again.  Imagine their surprise when they each haven't been able to stop thinking about their night together and they run into each other in a college classroom...with Tristan as the professor and Isabella as the student!  It's hard for them to stay away from each other and their pasts come barging in making it even harder.

I'd classify this as a romantic suspsense with some hot BDSM and taboo relationship stuff going on.  It was awesome!  The huge twist in here caught me off guard.  Totally did not expect that!

I hope Ryder finds his Cinderella in the next book :)

*thanks to the publisher for sharing a copy with me*

[✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC received via Netgalley for an honest review

Hmm, where to start with this book? I wasn't sure what to expect when I chose it, but there was something in the blurb that intrigued me.

Now firstly, I will say that I liked it, however I did have my problems with it. Nothing to do with the BDSM subject matter, more to do with the fact there was too many other tropes in there as well.

It started out suspensey with Isabella's past, then it flew straight into BDSM - hope you have lube as there is no reader foreplay involved, then we flip over into a teacher/student taboo-ish relationship.

And to throw something more into the ring, every character had some kind of big issue to fight through, not just one (which would have been enough IMO)

But enough of that - it makes me sound like I didn't like it, however that it not the case at all. It was just a bit (lot) too much in the one book!

I did enjoy Isabella and Tristan's story, I could understand her interest in the BDSM lifestyle and why she threw herself right in the deep end

There were so many times I just wanted the characters to just be able to move forward without all the hullabaloo that was going on around them. There was enough with just her past and the teacher/student thing that at times I just couldn't help but roll my eyes at all the extras, that felt a bit OTT.

But again, this could just be me.

I did like the arc that Isabella and Tristan's story took, however with so much thrown in there, something had to give. And for me, it was the ending. It felt extremely rushed, and I was sure I had to have missed a chapter or two in there.

Sometimes less is more, and in the case of At His Mercy, I feel that this would have been the case.

I will read the next book in the series though.

[Mo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Generally, student/teacher books are my JAM. Unfortunately, this one was a bit of a miss for me. This book tried too hard to be too many things, and I ended up not really buying any of it.

Although the connection between Tristan & Isabella was hot as hell, I didn't buy the love aspect of it, and I had trouble accepting him as a Dom.

There was too much melodrama in the suspense plot, and the last few chapters were like an out of control roller coaster.

It was all just too much, and I would have preferred the plot pared down some, with more exploration into some elements. Too many plot holes and completely unbelievable scenarios for me.

[Michelle Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/ab...



At His Mercy was a great 5 star read.

We get pulled in right from the beginning when we see into Isabella’s past with her ex-boyfriend. We jump ahead to Isabella going to a BDSM play party with her cousin Dreama. She has been studying the lifestyle and is ready to see if this is what she is looking for.

Tristan is disappointed in the sub choices at the play party, they all want commitment and he only wants one night. Then he see’s Isabella, She was new blood, a little lamb who had stumbled into a den of hungry wolves . He couldn’t leave without learning more about her.

When Isabella meets Tristan she is instantly pulled in by him. A man like Tristan was exactly what she needed for tonight. You want to know what I’m going to do to you if you consent to playing with me tonight? Anything I want. WOW is all I can say, it was very hot and steamy. Tristan is going to make the most of his one night with Isabella and boy do they ever.

Little did these two know that fate would step in and bring them back together once again. I loved the chemistry between these two, it came right off the pages. The past also comes back to haunt both Tristan and Isabella adding even more to the story. There was suspense, romance, mystery, murder, BDSM, and some great twists and turns. We do get a HEA and I have to say that I can’t wait to read more in this series. I would love to read something on Tristan’s business partner and best friend Ryder, yum. This is my first read from Shelly Bell and I really enjoyed it. 1-click and get started today.


I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

At His Mercy is the first book I have had the chance to read by Shelly Bell. It certainly will not be my last. Ms. Bell has a way of telling a steamy hot story that also includes deep emotions, mystery, suspense, and love.

Isabella is a girl with some deep issues. She experienced a horrific event that very nearly took her life. Now she wants to live life to the fullest. She discovered BDSM by reading some of her cousin's books on the subject. She takes classes and then is ready to enter into her first BDSM play party. She meets man there that is everything she could ask for. Tristan, is the perfect man for Isabella's first BDSM encounter.

Tristan has issues of his own. He has a wicked ex-wife that only wants money. This women is a, well she is a piece of work to put it nicely. Tristan has a rule, he has one experience with a lady at a play party and then he's done. Well that changes when he discovers Isabella on his campus.

Tristan and Isabella try to fight their attraction to each other. They both give it a good try to keep their hands off each other. Their attraction is just too strong. Neither of these two are looking for a happily ever after. That is until they met each other. They have a lot thrown at them that they are going to have to work through though. They are going to have to work through a lot of issues if they want to be able to continue their relationship and if they are even going to think about happily ever after.

I don't want to tell you too much about this great book. I will say that there are unexpected events that had my heart racing and I was flipping pages just as quickly as I could. I had to find out what was going to happen to these two and if they were going to be able to get out of the mess their lives become. This is one really great story with mystery, suspense, those oh so hot and steamy scenes, romance, and drama.

I was given the opportunity to read this great story and it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you.

[Steffi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

"Fesselndes Verlangen" hat mich mit seinem Klappentext sehr neugierig gemacht und ich wurde nicht enttäuscht.

Der Einstieg ist heiß und der Leser weiß sofort was einen erwartet. Isabella macht zunächst einen sehr schüchternen Eindruck, aber sie ist dennoch ein interessanter Charakter, den ich wirklich gerne mochte. Tristan war ebenfalls sympathisch und interessant. Zusammen waren die beiden ein nettes Paar, deren Geschichte ich sehr gerne verfolgt habe.

Die Handlung hat mich mit seinem Thriller-Anteil sehr überrascht und dieser Teil hat mir richtig gut gefallen. Dadurch war sehr viel Spannung in der Geschichte und ich war neugierig was am Ende hinter allem steckt. Die Auflösung fand ich dann sehr gelungen.

Der Sexanteil in diesem Buch ist ebenfalls sehr hoch, aber ich fand die Szenen ansprechend formuliert und es wurde immer viel Wert auf Sicherheit gelegt. Es gab Safewords und Isabella wurde immer gefragt, ob sie einverstanden ist.

[~Mandi~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

At His Mercy
Shelly Bell
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"She was at his mercy. And she wouldn’t have it any other way."

Loved this one 💜 Such an awesome romantic, suspenseful BDSM story. Sexy professor Dom meets innocent freshman sub and falls hard.

One last, no-strings night of indulgence. That's all Tristan wants before he begins a much-needed new chapter in his life. Instead he finds an innocent angel in pink who brings him to his knees.

Isabella is done hiding from the world . . . and her haunting memories. Discovering courage in the arms of a perfect stranger, she finally lets go and sheds her inhibitions.

To Isabella's shock, she soon learns that Tristan is more than her mystery man-he's her professor. But Tristan isn't the only person who's found Isabella on campus. A dark figure from her past has come back for her. Now Tristan will risk anything to protect Isabella . . . even if it costs him his life.

Can't wait to read more from Shelly Bell. Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

***ARC Provided by the Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley***

3.5 Stars

This is my first title by Shelly Bell, and I enjoyed it.

I am not sure what I was execting, but it took a slightly different turn than I thought it was going to, which was both interesting and, at times, a little overdone. I liked it, but at the same time, there was a plot twist that I thought was a little too close to the end of the book to allow it to fully be worked through by the characters.

Other than the small issue with the pacing, I enjoyed this. I was intrigued by Isabella and Tristan. I liked their first meeting and I liked the idea that they thought it was a one time thing between them, allowing both of them to be more open with the other than they possibly would have otherwise.

I loved that he was her teacher, which is in the blurb so not a spoiler, and I thought the evolution of the draw they had that was initially being forbidden in one way and moving to forbidden in another was interesting.

I am definitely interested in reading other titles by this author and I do recommend this title.

[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for teacher/student romance. Isabelle wants to live her life after nearly loosing it to an abusive ex so when she accepts her cousin’s invitation to a BDSM club she never was surprised to see someone like Tristan there. After their passionate night they never thought they would be seeing each other again especially in a professor/student situation. Would they be able to continue a relationship now that they were in the same place or would they walk away from each other with just the memories?? There is drama, mystery and that twist was unexpected. Get comfy and ready for a hot read. Kara- 4 Stars

[Carissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I should've read this sooner! Definitely fast paced and I got sucked in from the first chapter. I also love the mystery suspense element to it.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything about this story was exceptional. Tristan and Isabella are by far my favorite fictional couple. They both had a haunted past that was threatening to reemerge and tear apart what was building into an amazing relationship filled with trust and most importantly love. In addition to the amazing sex scenes, there was suspense and a twist that I didn’t see coming. But let’s talk about those sex scenes, shall we? Oh. My. Gosh! Talk about out-of-this world chemistry! The sex in this book is OFF THE CHARTS and oh so HOT and delicious! It’s edgy, steamy and intense. Oh, did I mention HOT? The sex didn’t overpower the story though, but complemented it and made it breathtaking!

It has been forever since a book has consumed me, but At His Mercy did just that - controlling my life until the very last page was read – it was impossible to put it down! It’s a story that grabbed me from the very first page and consumed every waking moment. It’s superbly well-written and flows effortlessly. I am truly excited and totally in love with the start of this series and will most definitely be picking up the next installment when it releases.

This book won’t be for everyone, but if you love erotic romance that includes some light BDSM, an enthralling plot and a happy ending that will leave you utterly satisfied, then pick up At His Mercy. Shelly Bell has some serious talent with her amazing storytelling ability and is an author I will be adding to my list of favorites. This story is well deserving of a five-star rating and one that I would not hesitate to recommend.

*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[books are love · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tristan is one panty melting heart palpitating dom. I mean wowza how he can just have you melt with words and commands or a look just wow. In that respect and his need for control he reminds me of Soren in Tiffany Reisz’s original sinners series. both are sexy beasts who were forbidden to those they fall in love with. Both are dominant and their voice, way they carry themselves, looks or command will have you melt.

Tristan though is more lost than Soren. He is feeling guilt and in need of control. He doesn’t really trust himself and is afraid to let others in. He carries the burden of pain inside him and tries to protect those around him. So when Isabella walks into the play party was at he is blown over.

Isabella is trying to gain back control after Tony. She is hoping before she goes away to have one night where she gives herself over totally to someone with no strings attached. Only she meets Tristan and holy batcave we get some serious sexual chemistry. They heat up the kindle with just looks. The sizzle between them really comes off the page and has you wanting more of them.

And we get more just not as expected. We see them in a awkward situation. She is his student. And they are trying really hard to be good dangit. but they can’t stop the attraction and a forbidden romance begins. A romance that has your panties melt.

Tristan and Isabella will both have your heart. ryder too as you see how loyal he is to his friend. Morgan is like Cruella daville and you just want to see her get her just desserts. Unfortunately she ends up causing more issues and almost tears Tristan and Isabella apart. Isabella though has moments of clarity and sees through Tristan’s actions. there is more than just the hot moments between Tristan and Isabella going on.

We have Tristan and him relinquishing his fears and anger. Him learning to let others in and seeing he has family even where he felt there wasn’t. He takes a journey and finds that there is more to the world than just money and success. There is happiness and love. His love for Isabella helps to heal him and realize that he has all we needs and wants in her, Ryder and Isaac. He has family, friends and love. He finds peace and love with Isabella and realizes he is worth it.

Isabella starts off as a woman who is smart and sweet but in pain and trying to gain confidence in herself. Tristan helps her see that she is beautiful, smart and amazing. He gives her back her control and confidence. She keeps him in line and he helps her heal. But her past does come back to haunt her in unexpected ways that will have your jaw drop at the twist in the tale. What I love is Tristan helps her lose control and be at his mercy but see that she still has power and finds a peace within when she is at his mercy.

The story of Tristan and Isabella overcoming who they are, the danger surrounding them, the acceptance and love they have for each other and finding peace and acceptance as well with themselves and each other is intriguing. The tale is fast paced, sexy as all getup with a suspenseful tale as well. Seeing Tristan figure things out and come to terms with his past and his mom’s death was heartwarming. Seeing Isabella gain back control and confidence wonderful to see and their love for each other and their fight for it was sexy and sweet. A sexy tale of love and suspense that will keep you hanging on to the end and rooting for them to make it to a HEA with all that is stacked against them you just hope they make it. Now I can’t wait to see Ryder fall in love.

[Ilana · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off i should thank the folks at Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for giving me this ARC to read. I"m a huge fan of discovering new authors and series and this one is definitely one that i'm intrigued to learn more about.

What we have here is an introduction to the world of Tristan and Isabella - 2 people who've had a really tough life so far because of people who they mistakenly trusted and well, now they are both guarded and jaded and really just looking to the end game professionally. NOT romantically.

The story starts with a view about a year and a half in the past to ground us on what's driving Isabella's life. She was almost killed by her jealous and mentally ill boyfriend and now as she's trying to put her life back together, we see that it's taking a few interesting turns. The first being that she's finally getting herself to college and the 2nd is her interest in exploring the BDSM lifestyle.

Thankfully for her, she's got her cousin Dreama there to guide her into the lifestyle and when she's brought to her first ever play party - just days before she's heading to college, she gets a surprise that she wasn't expecting. It was supposed to be an opportunity to enjoy a night with no strings and when a connection is made that shocks her to her core, well i think that we know things will get good from there.

Then there's Tristan, a Dom who's had a lot of turmoil from women in his life and is absolutely not looking for something more than just a night, and in the group of subs available at the party - not even that is interesting to him. Until Isabella walks in.

What starts as a night turns into something more when Tristan shows up at Isabella's college not just as a professor, but as the one that she's due to be an assistant to. So - you know sparks will fly.

If that weren't enough in this story - knowing that you're going to get some of the most intense scenes because first, she's being introduced into the lifestyle and those scenes are often amazing but second because there's so much chemistry between them that regardless of the fact that their situation is 'forbidden' - they still try to figure it out.

Add to that the fact that Isabella's crazy ex may be getting out of his rehab program, and Tristan's ex is trying to blackmail him again, and you know that there's a lot of anxiety. All wrapped up in this story is murder, suicide, multiple attempts on killing folks and well a twist that i sorts of figured out early on but had confirmed towards the end. It was really nicely written and i can't wait to see what's next since i know that we'll get a story on Ryder (Tristan's best friend and business partner) or perhaps Dreama - Isabella's cousin.

[Matilda Dix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely romantic suspense in the erotic category. *fans self* This was the first book I have read by Shelly Bell, so I was looking forward to discovering a new author. The author delivers with a great story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, when you are not fanning yourself during their explicit scenes ;)

I love Isabella and Tristan as a couple. He is a bit older than Isabella, but nothing unusual in the romance category. It took a bit of a turn when it turned more into a student/professor relationship (no spoiler since it's in the book description), but it was tastefully done. They were keeping it a secret, but readers will know they met each other at a play party before the university thing happens.

Isabella thought she was going to die by the hands of her boyfriend and after physical recovery, therapy and a new outlook on life, she is ready to start over as a university student. If you live in Michigan, you will appreciate the Michigan references. That may have influenced how much I loved the story, but then the characters were really complex and the story was full of unexpected twists and turns. The story may set you on the path to emotional overload, but the expected HEA will keep you reading. The author does not disappoint and I think I may have found someone new to fan girl over.

Tristan is hot, smart, rich and a Dom. He is getting over a failed marriage and has a few hurdles to overcome. He is working hard to get his business off the ground with his partner and friend, Ryder. The semester he is spending as a professor is a bit of a reset button for him as well. If you are on the hunt for some well written, explicit, romantic and suspenseful stories, this book is for you.

[Nerdy Dirty & Flirty · Rating 4 out of 5]

☆☆☆☆.5
~ Lindsey

Heart pounding, soul shattering, heat inducing love story. I freaking loved Isabella and Tristan's story of love and happiness. This was a great story of finding love and dealing with the past . As I’ve said before love is never easy but when it’s worth it when it happens. Love even at its kinkiest and most taboo is so worth it. This book was very well written and so easy to get lost in. I really enjoyed every word of it. These characters were so easy to love, and the story was so easy to follow. This was the first book by Shelly Bell that I have read and I cannot wait to read more. The characters, the plot, and just the plain flow of this story made it what it was awesome. The connection between the two was off the charts and let’s be honest sometimes a little kink and heat is just what you need. If you enjoy a hot DOM and A troubled soul then this is the story for you. There is no way anyone will be disappointed with this story.

[Timitra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rated 4.5 Stars

At His Mercy is the first book I've read by this author and I can say without a doubt it won't be my last. I loved that it was the perfect blend of kinky, sexy times and suspense with an awesome twist. I definitely recommend it.


ARC won during Shh...Dispelling the MYTHS about BDSM Giveaway

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

At His Mercy, had me at Shelly Bell's Mercy from page 1! This page turner has enough of smokin' hot chemistry and exciting plot twists to keep every reader on the edge of her seat! Tristan and Isabella have an undeniable connection that made me root for them right from the beginning, despite their obvious challenges. I can't wait to meet the next forbidden lovers that Bell conjures up for her readers!

[ralou ✿ travelling with a book · Rating 5 out of 5]

review to come

[Meli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabella will auf ihrer ersten Playparty ohne Versprechen auf eine Zukunft Spaß haben und endlich mal loslassen. Was sie nicht erwartet, ist, auf einen so unwiderstehlich dominanten Mann wie Tristan zu treffen und mit ihm die unvergesslichste Nacht ihres Lebens zu verbringen. Das ändert aber nichts daran, dass sie die Stadt verlässt um weit weg von ihrer Vergangenheit zu studieren.
Zwar wollte Tristan noch nie eine feste Sub-Dom-Beziehung und die meisten Frauen sind schnell vergessen, aber bei seiner Angel ist das anders. Kein anderer Mann soll sie haben. Aber sein neuer Job als Professor in Edison wird ihn wohl davon abhalten, sie bald wiederzusehen.
Denkt er. Denn plötzlich sitzt seine Angel, Isabella in seiner Vorlesung ...

Protagonisten
Ihr verrückter Ex hat Isabella beinahe umgebracht und seitdem ist sie nicht mehr dieselbe. Nun will sie beweisen, dass sie ihr Leben im Griff hat, obwohl ihre Vergangenheit sie nicht ganz in Ruhe lässt, da sie ständig mit der Angst kämpfen muss, dass dieser Wahnsinnige wieder auftaucht. Ihre sexuellen Vorlieben hat sie erst vor kurzem entdeckt und will sie unbedingt ausprobieren, dabei ist sie froh, bei einem erfahrenen Mann wie Tristan gelandet zu sein, der sie führen kann. Sie ist eigentlich eine starke Persönlichkeit und entschlossen, keine Schwäche zu zeigen, und auch ihre freche Art stehen im Kontrast zu ihren Ängsten, was sie nur noch sympathischer macht.

Bei Tristan ist es ähnlich. Auch er hat seine Schwächen, aber ansonsten zeigt er sich so selbstbewusst und dominant, dass man das nicht von ihm vermuten wurde. Solche Dinge können, wenn sie nicht gut umgesetzt sind, den Charakter unglaubwürdig erscheinen lassen, aber seine beiden unterschiedlichen Seiten haben wirklich gut harmoniert.
Er ist direkt von Isabella verzaubert, obwohl das sonst gar nicht seine Art ist, seitdem seine Ex-Frau ihn dermaßen enttäuscht und hintergangen hat, dass er in dieser Hinsicht keine Hoffnung mehr hatte. Doch danach hat er sich gut weiterentwickelt und verfolgt seine Ziele mit einer neuen Hingabe. Natürlich soll ihm da nichts im Weg stehen, vor allem nicht diese hinterlistige Schlange von Ex-Frau, aber gegen seine Gefühle für Isabella und seinen Beschützerinstinkt kann er kaum etwas tun.

Handlung und Schreibstil
Ich habe hier nicht die originellste aller Geschichten erwartet, aber ich wurde durchaus positiv überrascht. Die beiden Hauptcharaktere haben beide eine Vergangenheit, die sie nicht in Ruhe lässt, und beide gute Gründe für ihre Handlungen.
Die Anziehung zwischen Isabella und Tristan kann man gut nachvollziehen und auch die Faktoren, die die beiden davon abhalten, miteinander glücklich zu werden. Sie haben erstmal gar nicht damit gerechnet, diese Gefühle füreinander zu entwickeln und dann sind diese aufgrund der Lehrer-Schüler auch noch verboten, was die Sache nochmal interessanter macht.
Die nervige Ex-Frau von Tristan sowie der verrückte Ex von Isabella haben den beiden nochmal eine Vorgeschichte gegeben und erklärt, warum diese der Liebe nicht mehr so vertrauen. Außerdem gab es dadurch weitere interessantere Handlungen, sodass es wirklich nie langweilig wurde. Zum Schluss konnte ich auch noch von einer dramatischen Wendung überrascht werden und das hat mich dann wirklich endgültig überzeugt!

Fazit
"Forbidden Lovers - Fesselndes Verlangen" konnte mich mit seiner spannenden Handlung wirklich positiv überraschen! Zusammen mit den sympathischen Charakteren und dem fesselnden Schreibstil konnte es mich überzeugen!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

 

Want I liked about At His Mercy :

Hot chemistry - I felt the chemistry between Tristan and Isabella and found their attraction very believable
Kink - I liked the D/s elements of the BDSM romance wasn't over the top. I think for this story and the characters the kink level was just right.
No Virgins were hurt in the making of this book - I really loved the fact that Isabella wasn't a virgin. I just knew during their first sex scene he was going to find out after he pushed into her that she was a virgin. But nope so YEAH FOR NO VIRGINS.
She did her research - While Isabellas was not a virgin, she was a newbie to the BDSM lifestyle but she spent time researching and taking "classes" before she stepped blindly into the world of play. I like she wasn't someone who was talked into being a submissive or found herself in that role without knowing anything about it.

 

I had a couple issues with At His Mercy :

Isabella's age (19) - Nine years is not too much of an age difference if the people are a little older, but her 19 to Tristan's 28 was a little icky for me personally. I think I would have been ok if Isabella was at least 21. I guess the fact that she's technically still a teenager didn't sit well with me.  This bugged me enough that anytime the age issue came up it took me out of the moment. I guess considering At His Mercy is the first book in the Forbidden Lovers series, points of the age difference and Tristan being Isabella's professor made them well, forbidden lovers. I think the taboo between teacher and student would have been enough with their ages being a little closer to each other.
Villains / "crazy" exes - Both Isabella and Tristan had messed up exes. I feel like one would have been enough and made the suspense aspect stronger. Just felt like too many balls were being juggled in some parts of the plot.

 

While I had a few small issues with At His Mercy I'm looking for to reading the next book in the series, His to Claim which will be about Tristan's friend/business partner and other Dom, Ryder.

 
Read this review in its entirety at The Book Nympho

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

“She had no idea what those words did to him. Like a siren’s song, they called to the Dom in him. She made him want to master her, to teach her not about business and economics, but about pleasure and pain, domination and submission.”

It’s been quite some time since I’ve had a chance to pick up a Shelly Bell novel, so when I read the synopsis for this one, I just knew I had to read this one. And let me tell you, I was not disappointed.

At His Mercy is fun, seductive and utterly sexy. Add in a little taboo quality and I am a goner. At His Mercy is told from dual points of view and follows the story of Tristian and Isabella. Isabella is new to the world of BDSM and wants to spend her last night in town experiencing what has been calling to her. She meets Tristian by chance and spends one unforgettable evening with him. The last thing Isabella expected was to find out her new professor is actually the man that haunts her dreams. The two try to fight their connection, but the pull is too strong to deny. Things are all going well until the past catches up to both Tristian and Isabella and their lives will be forever changed because of it.

At His Mercy hooked me from the very first page. I mean this book starts off with one heck of a bang and keeps you begging for more. This book is smart, sexy as hell and written well. The characters are intriguing and keep you wanting to know more of their story. Overall, I thought this book was a great read. I devoured it in just a few short hours. Not only was this book incredibly sexy, but it also had some really wonderful twists and turns that kept me guessing right until the very end. At His Mercy was a very enjoyable read and I’m glad that I decided to pick it up.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, via the publisher and NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 3 out of 5]

Awkward when your one night stand turns out to be your professor at college. This story was odd for me. It felt like it was going several different directions. My guess is to make the story a bit more complex with layers, there are several subplots going on. For me, they were not integrated that well and felt a bit klunky. I liked how this story started. Isabella has overcome a terrible trauma in her life and is going to live a little. Intrigued by BDSM, she hits up a club and somehow finds a dominant who takes her for a wild one night stand. Not particularly realistic, but it is erotic and I enjoyed the scene. With a memorable experience, she heads off to university with a light heart. This comes to a screeching halt when her professor whom she also will TA for is the man she slept with. Now from here, I'm expecting some naughty kinky professor/student sex. Whilst there is a bit and it is quite hot, there is a "single white female" and "fatal attraction" thing going on too.

These two other subplots made the story a bit messy. It was still easy to follow and anticipate what was going to happen. What happens is a complete train wreck and a bit crazy out there. I felt badly for Isabella because all roads lead to her, even Tristan's crazy ex-wife leads back to her. There are several "what just happened" moments for Isabella and the reader. Still, Isabella is a sweet girl with delicious submissive tendencies. The kink in this story is what saved the book for me. The power exchange between Tristan and Isabella is lovely to watch. The kinky scenes are happily realistic and fun. The erotic parts are written well and keep the book in a nice simmering arousal.

This erotica romance is recommended to kinky readers who enjoy a bit of taboo between teacher and student.

*provided by NetGalley

[Whispers From · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabella meets Tristian at a play party for Doms and subs. They both just want one night. She's going off to college and he has a job opportunity. They are both in for a big surprise.
Tristian is being blackmailed by his ex wife and Isabella was almost killed by her boyfriend and now he's about to get out of the psychiatric hospital. But she is stronger now and won't live her life in fear.

This is an excellent story. I know this is short but I don't want to give anything away. First time reading this author and I enjoyed it very much. Lots of sex. BDSM. Crazy ex's. Edge of your seat suspense. This story will stay with you long after you've finished it.

*VOLUNTARILY REVIEWED THIS FOR NETGALLEY *

[Mollien Fote Osterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: At His Mercy
Author: Shelly Bell
Series: Forbidden Lovers
Publisher: Forever
Reviewer: Mollien
Release Date: June 20, 2017
Genre(s): Romantic Suspense
Page Count: 352 pages
Heat Level: 4 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:

"I was at Shelly Bell's mercy from page one. This novel sucked me in, and didn't let me go until the very last sexy page. This book had some of the hottest scenes I've ever read. 10 stars!" --- New York Times bestselling author Alessandra Torre

Angel in his arms . . . Devil at her heels

One last, no-strings night of indulgence. That's all Tristan wants before he begins a much-needed new chapter in his life. Instead he finds an innocent angel in pink who brings him to his knees.

Isabella is done hiding from the world . . . and her haunting memories. Discovering courage in the arms of a perfect stranger, she finally lets go and sheds her inhibitions.

To Isabella's shock, she soon learns that Tristan is more than her mystery man-he's her professor. But Tristan isn't the only person who's found Isabella on campus. A dark figure from her past has come back for her. Now Tristan will risk anything to protect Isabella . . . even if it costs him his life.

Review:
This is the first book in Shelly Bell’s new series, Forbidden Lovers. I have not read anything from this author before and I was very happy to receive the opportunity to read and review this story. The story is a romantic suspense that touches on BDSM. It is set on a college campus with the forbidden relationship between a Professor and his student. The story starts with Isabella’s desire to explore the BDSM lifestyle before she leaves for college. Attending a party with her cousin, she meets Tristan, a Dom. Tristan is instantly taken with the beautiful girl with all her innocence and a hint of something that he can’t put his finger on. When Tristan spends the night with his Angel, he wishes that there could be more, but he is leaving town to start a new job. Besides, after his ex-wife left him taking everything from him, he really has no desire to form a relationship again. When the two meet up in the classroom Tristan, the professor, and Isabella the student there is no turning back. Isabella is at college to study business and get into one of the limited spots in the highly competitive business program. Getting involved with her professor is not one of her wisest moves, but she needs the safety that she feels in his arms especially now that she is getting letters from her ex. An ex that tried to kill her. The chemistry between Isabella and Tristan is A+. The BDSM is mild. Tristan is a Dominant, not a Sadist. The pacing is fast and the conflicts between Tristan and his ex and Isabella and her ex, make this an exciting, emotional read. I loved the dramatic conclusion to this story. This story is the first in a series. I am not sure how the rest of the series will play out. This book had an ending so my guess would be that the series will continue with a new story, not a continuation. That is an educated guess so don’t quote me on it. There was strong character development in this story. I knew exactly who these characters were and how they got to be the characters the ended up being at the end of the story. I highly recommend this story.

PLOT: 5 Stars
CHEMISTRY: 5 Stars
PACING: 5 Stars
ENDING: 5 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 5 Stars



Review Copy of At His Mercy provided by the Forever Yours I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE ILLUSION OF CONTROL

What an amazing, spine-tingling-page-turning story. I love when the story is a mystery, suspense, with danger, and romance, all tied up together and this book did not fail to give all that and more. Throw in secrets, BDSM, with just the right touch of dominance and submission. From beginning to end, I was engrossed in this tale, the characters, the horror, and the surprises. This was the first time reading this author, but definitely not the last. Ms. Shelly Bell has a way of drawing her reader into the story, holding you hostage from page one to the end.

Isabella Lawson is done with the nightmare that has altered her life from high school. She has high hopes and dreams, and they include going to college twelve hours away from her family at Edison. She wants more than just to work in the family bakery; she was to succeed at business.

Tristan Kelly plans on one more night at Ryder’s place for a BDSM play party and then it is time to pack and leave for his new job for the next year. He and Ryder need it so that he has a better chance for them to get the loan they need to launch their new business, Novateur.

The plot will have Isabella going to a play party with her cousin, Dreama, as one last night before leaving for college. Meeting and scening with Tristan was all she dreamed and then some. Tristan and Isabella never completely exchange names, and he calls her Angel. They will do more than a scene; they will have a forbidden night that includes incredible sex, but when morning arrives, she has disappeared.

“Feeling a bit like the Big Bad Wolf seducing Little Red—Feel like breaking the rules with me tonight?”

“Dominance wasn’t about whips and chains or fancy sex toys; it was about assertion of power. It’s not supposed to be easy. Nothing worthwhile ever is. But the reward—the reward will be worth it.”

Now it is time to go to Edison and immerse herself in her education and take back her life. She is excited to start her Intro to Business class and intern for Professor Crawford. But arriving at her first class will come as a shock for both Isabella and Tristan. How could they be seeing each other again with twelve hours from home and their one night together?

The story takes on a sinister twist with Isabella’s past boyfriend haunting her with letters and text, and to learn he is being released from the mental facility. Tristan’s past, in the form of a conniving ex-wife, is causing him issues, her favorite MO, blackmail. Tristan and Isabella have continued their affair at school but has someone figured it out and if so, what is going to happen now?

“She couldn’t shake the feeling that everything she thought she knew was wrong. Some things are out of our control.”

Life, death, threats, exposure, secrets, murder and secret rendezvous all make up this intense roller coaster ride of a tale that is heavy on BDSM, sex, dominance, submission, mystery, and suspense. The good, the bad, and the ugly are all characters in this amazing story.

[Misty (Reds Romance Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tristan is hungry for one last night of no strings attached fun before he leaves town, and he thought attending his friends play party would give him the perfect opportunity to find what he is looking for, but nothing seems to be inspiring him... that is until an innocent looking angel walks through the door. The moment he notices her, his body starts humming with excitement, he can tell she is a newbie, and while most would shy away from her for that reason, it seems to be what is drawing him to her the most. He has to get his hands on her... but once he does, will one night be enough?

Isabelle has been living in sheltered world for the last eighteen months, and she is finally ready to start living again, and experience things she would have never dreamed of doing before, no matter how nerve wracking they maybe. She has always been intrigued with the BDSM world, but never been brave enough to experience it, but now she is ready to face her curiosity head on, and indulge in one night of fun before she leaves town to attend college. Once she arrives at the play party her nerves start to subside, and her excitement from what she is witnessing is starting to build, now she just has to find a friend for the night to do a little playing of her own. The minute her eyes land of Tristan she knows that she has found him, and is certain he can help her explore what she has been longing to experience... and she is more than ready for anything he has to offer her. If it doesn't go as she hopes, she has nothing to worry about, because they'll never see each other again right?

This riveting and tantalizing little page turner grabbed my attention from the prologue, and held on tight until the last page was swiped! After reading the synopsis I thought I had an good idea of what I would find, but Ms. Bell totally pulled the rug out from under me, and hit me with lots of unexpected surprises that kept me on the edge of my seat and burning through the pages... she totally outdid herself with this one!! Isabelle and Tristan's relationship started off a little unconventionally, and neither one of them were looking for a commitment, but it was evident after their first encounter that fate hate other plans for them. The chemistry between them was explosive, full of lust, passion and unquenchable desire, and it inspired lots of steamy between the seats action ... action that left me a little flustered and red in the face more than a few times!! I highly recommend you get your hands on this one, Ms. Bell's seductive little tale is sure to give you everything you could possibly want in a story... and then some!!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title.