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Windy City #1
Hidden Heart
WINDY CITY SERIES, BOOK 1
Royce Blandford follows a promotion to Chicago, because when he wants something- he gets it. He’s a man with determination.
And after one evening with Jessica, he’s determined to claim her as his.
Jessica is perfectly content keeping relationships casual. She’d rather fall in lust than love. And one glance at Royce- she’s definitely in lust.
But Royce doesn’t kiss and bail. Jessica may try to hide behind a thick wall, but he senses the fires burning hot. If he has to break through kiss by kiss, he will.
Royce Blandford follows a promotion to Chicago, because when he wants something- he gets it. He’s a man with determination.
And after one evening with Jessica, he’s determined to claim her as his.
Jessica is perfectly content keeping relationships casual. She’d rather fall in lust than love. And one glance at Royce- she’s definitely in lust.
But Royce doesn’t kiss and bail. Jessica may try to hide behind a thick wall, but he senses the fires burning hot. If he has to break through kiss by kiss, he will.
Kindle Edition
First published September 26, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
November 9, 2015
1.5 stars
September 13, 2019
I loved Royce from the start except for one fact. He hide a secret from Jessica that would come back to hurt his relationship he was building with Jessica. As for Jessica, I know she had been hurt numerous times in the past but her struggle to accept love from anyone was a bummer. She held herself from everyone, including her friends to a certain extent. When Royce starts worming his way into her life, she pushes back but eventually accepts a relationship , with conditions, with him. It was one of those books where I didn't want to put it down because I knew something was going to happen. When the secret Royce has been keeping from her shows up, she runs!! Will this tear them apart for good or will they be able to reconnect? Even though Jessica bugged me, this is still a story that I loved. Just get the book and read it for yourself. It's one I will eventually be adding to my bookshelves in print!
September 13, 2019
Jessica doesn't believe in love. Can Royce change her mind? A short, quick read sexy read. I really enjoyed it.
September 25, 2014
** I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads. **
** 3.5 Stars **
Hidden Heart had me from the first chapter. In my mind this was headed to a 4 star read but I will explain why I gave it 3.5 stars.
Jessica didn't believe in love or relationships. She had closed herself off in that respect. She had a past filled with pain, it's understandable. From the first time she laid eyes on Royce there was something about him, that was pulling her to him. He is a dominant. Was she ready to explore a relationship like that? Could she open up and be want Royce wants?
This story had me hooked and then BAM a rush to the finish. There was so much lead up and things from her past glazed over (which I get, it is only a novella) but at the end when a big reveal of feelings could of happened it was just a sentence. I felt let down. Don't get me wrong, it was written well, I guess I just expected more at the end.
** 3.5 Stars **
Hidden Heart had me from the first chapter. In my mind this was headed to a 4 star read but I will explain why I gave it 3.5 stars.
Jessica didn't believe in love or relationships. She had closed herself off in that respect. She had a past filled with pain, it's understandable. From the first time she laid eyes on Royce there was something about him, that was pulling her to him. He is a dominant. Was she ready to explore a relationship like that? Could she open up and be want Royce wants?
This story had me hooked and then BAM a rush to the finish. There was so much lead up and things from her past glazed over (which I get, it is only a novella) but at the end when a big reveal of feelings could of happened it was just a sentence. I felt let down. Don't get me wrong, it was written well, I guess I just expected more at the end.
September 21, 2014
So pleasantly surprised by this story, especially how much I want a Royce of my own.
Jessica is just like most girls who have had their hearts stomped on and thrown back at them, guarded, afraid of love and ok being on her own. She's got an awesome group of friends that are her support system, they are all she needs right now. That is until her friend Alex brings a new guy to their weekly gathering, Royce. He works with Alex and Jessica's friend Kelly lays it on thick trying to get Royce's attention.
Royce has had his fair share of bad relationship, one he just got out of before moving back to town, and that one just doesn't want to let go. He just can't get away from the last woman he broke up with. Royce feels the draw that Jessica has for him. She draws him in and he's not sure what it is but he wants to pursue it. He wants to push boundaries and get results from all the pleasure that a relationship with Jessica can bring.
Royce is one hot book boyfriend, the only fault I can find is that it's not long enough and I wanted more.
Jessica is just like most girls who have had their hearts stomped on and thrown back at them, guarded, afraid of love and ok being on her own. She's got an awesome group of friends that are her support system, they are all she needs right now. That is until her friend Alex brings a new guy to their weekly gathering, Royce. He works with Alex and Jessica's friend Kelly lays it on thick trying to get Royce's attention.
Royce has had his fair share of bad relationship, one he just got out of before moving back to town, and that one just doesn't want to let go. He just can't get away from the last woman he broke up with. Royce feels the draw that Jessica has for him. She draws him in and he's not sure what it is but he wants to pursue it. He wants to push boundaries and get results from all the pleasure that a relationship with Jessica can bring.
Royce is one hot book boyfriend, the only fault I can find is that it's not long enough and I wanted more.
September 21, 2014
4 Stars
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
I was drawn in by the cover and synopsis of this book. The writing was pretty good over all. I liked our heroine, Jessica. She isn't sure what to expect with Royce, a Dom, but she is willing to try, for a short period of time because he's sexy and he isn't going to let her get away with the usual things men let her get away with. He is different all around from other men she has dated.
Royce was harder for me to connect with. He could be a great Dom at times while at others I felt like he wasn't a dom at all. I felt like we didn't know anything at all about Royce except that he was a Dom and apparently friends with Jessica's friends (and co-worker with Alex too).
The naughty scenes were just okay for me. They seemed very limited to me and weren't all that sexy to me, but the spanking and clothes pins scenes were HOT so that sort of made up for it.
I look forward to the sequel to this story with hopes we get to see more of their relationship as it develops.
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
I was drawn in by the cover and synopsis of this book. The writing was pretty good over all. I liked our heroine, Jessica. She isn't sure what to expect with Royce, a Dom, but she is willing to try, for a short period of time because he's sexy and he isn't going to let her get away with the usual things men let her get away with. He is different all around from other men she has dated.
Royce was harder for me to connect with. He could be a great Dom at times while at others I felt like he wasn't a dom at all. I felt like we didn't know anything at all about Royce except that he was a Dom and apparently friends with Jessica's friends (and co-worker with Alex too).
The naughty scenes were just okay for me. They seemed very limited to me and weren't all that sexy to me, but the spanking and clothes pins scenes were HOT so that sort of made up for it.
I look forward to the sequel to this story with hopes we get to see more of their relationship as it develops.
September 27, 2014
~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads Review Team~
Jessica has walls up and won’t let anyone tear them down. Royce wants to tear those walls down and
more. Jessica is strong, independent and doesn’t want someone telling her what to do or love, she will do sex but none of the extra stuff. Royce is used to being in charge and getting what he wants and he wants Jessica. This was a really good book, I loved the fast pace and I only wish it was longer. I would have liked to have seen more of Royce and Jessica and their sessions.
Characters: The characters were well written and believable.
Sex: yes
Religious: no
Would I recommend to others: yes
More than one book in the series: yes
Genre: BDSM/Romance
Would I read more by this author: yes
~Wicked Reads Review Team~
Jessica has walls up and won’t let anyone tear them down. Royce wants to tear those walls down and
more. Jessica is strong, independent and doesn’t want someone telling her what to do or love, she will do sex but none of the extra stuff. Royce is used to being in charge and getting what he wants and he wants Jessica. This was a really good book, I loved the fast pace and I only wish it was longer. I would have liked to have seen more of Royce and Jessica and their sessions.
Characters: The characters were well written and believable.
Sex: yes
Religious: no
Would I recommend to others: yes
More than one book in the series: yes
Genre: BDSM/Romance
Would I read more by this author: yes
~Wicked Reads Review Team~
November 1, 2014
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
A great first book in what I hope is a long series. I enjoyed Jessica's notion of "love doesn't exist", and how Royce breaks her out of her shell.
Royce's introduction of romance outside the lines was tender and touching. A Master that any sub would love to have school in her in the ways of BDSM. Jennifer's initial reluctance is natural and the discussion of her fears and ideas of what was expected was nice to see.
I hope that we see more of Royce and Jessica in other books in this series. There is so much more that I would love to know about Royce and Jessica, particularly why Jessica gave up on love.
A great first book in what I hope is a long series. I enjoyed Jessica's notion of "love doesn't exist", and how Royce breaks her out of her shell.
Royce's introduction of romance outside the lines was tender and touching. A Master that any sub would love to have school in her in the ways of BDSM. Jennifer's initial reluctance is natural and the discussion of her fears and ideas of what was expected was nice to see.
I hope that we see more of Royce and Jessica in other books in this series. There is so much more that I would love to know about Royce and Jessica, particularly why Jessica gave up on love.
March 25, 2015
Jess meets her friends for dinner one night and is introduced to Royce. Holy hotness! Royce is one fine bossy man and he wants Jess in his life. Only problem is that Jess has convinced herself that she doesn't do the whole love and relationship thing. Funny as she constantly has a romance novel in her hands reading. Have I mentioned hot as hell Royce? Yeah there's that and his whole strip and get on your knees thing happening. The counting was a big clue. What I really loved about him is that in typical Dom fashion, he wouldn't let her hide or run from him. From the time they met on he demanded honesty from her which made her face some of her issues. He cared enough about her to do that. I really loved the shoes on the mat at the door reveal. It was sweet to hear Jess share her heart with that as the prompt.
I give Hidden Heart 4 hearts!
I give Hidden Heart 4 hearts!
September 27, 2014
This was a really great story. As its only over a hundred pages I read it in one sitting.
Jessica has closed herself off from men. She doesn't believe in love. She's got a great group of friends who meet up each Friday for dinner. When her friend brings along the delicious Royce Jessica's life is about to change. Will Royce break down the barriers and push her boundaries ?
The name Royce brings to mind sophistication, elegant, sexy and smooth. I might be describing a Rolls Royce but the words suit Royce in this story too.
This books getting four stars. It would have been five stars only for two things annoyed me. Firstly as I'm nosy I'd like to have known what happened to Jessica in the past. The second reason was the ending I thought was rushed.
Having said that I really enjoyed this and will be recommending it to friends.
Jessica has closed herself off from men. She doesn't believe in love. She's got a great group of friends who meet up each Friday for dinner. When her friend brings along the delicious Royce Jessica's life is about to change. Will Royce break down the barriers and push her boundaries ?
The name Royce brings to mind sophistication, elegant, sexy and smooth. I might be describing a Rolls Royce but the words suit Royce in this story too.
This books getting four stars. It would have been five stars only for two things annoyed me. Firstly as I'm nosy I'd like to have known what happened to Jessica in the past. The second reason was the ending I thought was rushed.
Having said that I really enjoyed this and will be recommending it to friends.
September 28, 2014
"I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads."
This short novella packed a lot of punch. I really enjoyed the build up and the opening up of the hidden heart. I did think that it ended too soon - but in a way that is because I cared enough to want more! Royce was the perfect foil for Jessica and we got to enjoy a dominating alpha male, but with a gentle touch. I loved it when he counted lies - and it made me think just how many we all tell, just for expediency's sake ...
This short novella packed a lot of punch. I really enjoyed the build up and the opening up of the hidden heart. I did think that it ended too soon - but in a way that is because I cared enough to want more! Royce was the perfect foil for Jessica and we got to enjoy a dominating alpha male, but with a gentle touch. I loved it when he counted lies - and it made me think just how many we all tell, just for expediency's sake ...
September 29, 2014
Could you open your mind to an experience that felt completely out of character? Jessica Stanley is a paralegal who has always lived a very safe, predictable life. Royce Bradford is the new guy in town, an executive who works with Jessica’s best friend. At their very first meeting, sparks fly. Jessica is very attracted to Royce, but he operated in a sexual world in which she has no experience. Can she open her mind and experience the pleasure he is convinced he can give her?
This book is extremely well written and it is very easy to get lost in Jessica and Royce’s worlds, feeling as if you are actually in the story. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading Dom/Sub stories or is curious about those experiences.
This book is extremely well written and it is very easy to get lost in Jessica and Royce’s worlds, feeling as if you are actually in the story. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading Dom/Sub stories or is curious about those experiences.
October 5, 2014
I was one of the good reads winners for the giveaway of this book.
I loved the book . I was please with the plot. Jessica was not looking for love due to pain but there was something about Royce that caught her eye I guess his dominant state of mind drew her closer made he eager and curious.
How Royce wanted Jessica to become his sub and how he wasn't going to let her go
Classic bsdm although I didn't like how it was a very short novel I wish it was longer. Looking forward to reading more of your work .
I loved the book . I was please with the plot. Jessica was not looking for love due to pain but there was something about Royce that caught her eye I guess his dominant state of mind drew her closer made he eager and curious.
How Royce wanted Jessica to become his sub and how he wasn't going to let her go
Classic bsdm although I didn't like how it was a very short novel I wish it was longer. Looking forward to reading more of your work .
October 11, 2014
holy crap ....
new fan here! :)
I won this book ... and what a blessing!
I'd never heard of Measha Stone before the goodreads giveaway
but the book sounded interesting when I entered
this book was short, yes, but it contained a lot! and it was hot hot hot...I loved it ... can't wait to read more
if you like hot and sexy stories with a taste of bdsm ... and a little romance ... get this book, read it and be prepared to want more
:)
new fan here! :)
I won this book ... and what a blessing!
I'd never heard of Measha Stone before the goodreads giveaway
but the book sounded interesting when I entered
this book was short, yes, but it contained a lot! and it was hot hot hot...I loved it ... can't wait to read more
if you like hot and sexy stories with a taste of bdsm ... and a little romance ... get this book, read it and be prepared to want more
:)
October 10, 2014
HIDDEN HEART (WINDY CITY BOOK 1)
BY MEASHA STONE
4 STARS
I won this book from GoodReads. I really loved this story between Jessica and Royce. The story is hot, hot, hot and it kept me reading it from beginning to end. I did feel that the ending was rushed and I had unanswered questions. Maybe the next will answer some of those questions, but this is still a good read. If you are looking for a really hot and a short read this is the one.
BY MEASHA STONE
4 STARS
I won this book from GoodReads. I really loved this story between Jessica and Royce. The story is hot, hot, hot and it kept me reading it from beginning to end. I did feel that the ending was rushed and I had unanswered questions. Maybe the next will answer some of those questions, but this is still a good read. If you are looking for a really hot and a short read this is the one.
Want to Read
April 29, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/15/2019)! 🎁
February 9, 2022
The first slow burn BDSM relationship I've read in a while. However, the joy I felt reading the book was ruined for me with the miscommunication trope at the end there.
September 20, 2019
I loved the original, and it only gets better with the reworkng. Royce and Jessica embark on a relationship that will have you melting at the heat and romance. This author has the knack of taking a great storyline and interweaving a tantalizing D/s relationship with such realism that you can imagine having the characters in your circle of friends. You want their relationship to work and I found myself unable to put the book down as if my continued reading would somehow keep them together. Great read with a great cast of characters.
September 16, 2019
This is the story of a journey to love.Jessica has been badly hurt in the past and is immune to love. Royce is a dominant and when he meets Jessica he sees a submissive woman looking for direction in her life. Their journey is a struggle and a battle of wills, that will open Jessica’s eyes and heart to happiness and completeness as a person. I honestly volunteered to review this fabulous story.
September 13, 2019
A great start to a new series as Royce and Jessica explore a new relationship with kinks and lots of hot chemistry. They attempt to unwind from past hurts to a full relationship. I think this tale is well written and very entertaining as it captures your attention from the beginning and keeps you reading until you are finished. I highly recommend it as a great story that is well worth getting to read. This is my honest opinion.
October 15, 2019
I love this story so much. A definate page turner and i can't wait for more of this author. Royce and Jessica have so much chemistry throw in a crazy ex who doesn't know to take no for an answer this book is great.
September 12, 2019
Jessica doesn't want love, doesn't want any type of attachment besides friendship. Talk about walls!!!! Out with her friends one night, she meets Royce. Oh Royce, you delicious man! The patience he has...Saint him immediately!
Jessica is one tough cookie, she is truly set in her ways. To watch the relationship between her and Royce...my heart ♡
I really enjoyed the changes these two characters made together. They were honest, believable, raw. Fantastic read!!!!
Jessica is one tough cookie, she is truly set in her ways. To watch the relationship between her and Royce...my heart ♡
I really enjoyed the changes these two characters made together. They were honest, believable, raw. Fantastic read!!!!
September 29, 2014
Jessica Stanley has found her normalcy in her job as a paralegal at a hot shot lawfirm. “No man is out for true love, they are only good for one thing.”
She didn't expect the domineering Royce Bradford to come strolling into her life. Royce exercises control in all things, but will one of those things become Jessica? Jessica wants their “arrangement” to only be casual and not include love. Royce is not settling for anything less than what he desires. Will Royce be able to break down the ice around her broken and shattered heart?
I liked this story because of all the horny details. This is book one in the series and I feel like you have to be intrigued by a book to want to continue on with a series. Yes I was intrigued into this series because I feel like information was missing. I don’t know if what I felt was missing is information to come later on in the series or not. I felt like the book jumps forward a lot without a lot of details. Sometimes less is best, but sometimes every single little detail helps lay it out more. I felt like the beginning of a new chapter was leading into something else, when I was still trying to figure out where I was standing from the previous chapter. I am looking forward to seeing what’s to come in the rest of this series because Measha always brings out what I love best in my dark side. I am hoping they are even more exotic scenes in book 2, because her dark side is very vivid and realistic.
**ARC given in exchange for honest review**
She didn't expect the domineering Royce Bradford to come strolling into her life. Royce exercises control in all things, but will one of those things become Jessica? Jessica wants their “arrangement” to only be casual and not include love. Royce is not settling for anything less than what he desires. Will Royce be able to break down the ice around her broken and shattered heart?
I liked this story because of all the horny details. This is book one in the series and I feel like you have to be intrigued by a book to want to continue on with a series. Yes I was intrigued into this series because I feel like information was missing. I don’t know if what I felt was missing is information to come later on in the series or not. I felt like the book jumps forward a lot without a lot of details. Sometimes less is best, but sometimes every single little detail helps lay it out more. I felt like the beginning of a new chapter was leading into something else, when I was still trying to figure out where I was standing from the previous chapter. I am looking forward to seeing what’s to come in the rest of this series because Measha always brings out what I love best in my dark side. I am hoping they are even more exotic scenes in book 2, because her dark side is very vivid and realistic.
**ARC given in exchange for honest review**
September 30, 2014
This punchy little novella is well worth the time it will take you to get to know Jessica and Royce
Life as a paralegal is just what Jessica Stanley wants, normal. She keeps her head down at work, works hard and plays even harder – just one thing – no ties!
But when Bryce Bradford enters her world, life as she knows it will never be the same again.
Royce is the perfect depiction of a dominant man, he likes things to be done exactly as he desires and since his first meeting with Jessica, he desires HER!
But Jessica has never experienced the sort of relationship that Royce is offering her and she has no idea whether or not she is capable of being the submissive that he believes she can be. But with more than a little trepidation, for him she agrees to try.
Royce has a hold on her that she cannot explain, something about him and his personality calls to her at a level that it completely subconscious.
The book was vividly descriptive, and highly emotional. The sex scenes are hot and well what that man does with a clothes peg had me reaching for the fan!
It gave little away but kept your mind guessing at what the next step could be.
I liked the fact that nothing was black and white and that we have only begun to scratch the surface of both Bryce and Jessica.
As the first book in the series there is much more to go, and I think that the relationship will have more than a few twists and turns as the relationship between Jessica and Bryce settles into itself.
The next book cannot come quickly enough!
Life as a paralegal is just what Jessica Stanley wants, normal. She keeps her head down at work, works hard and plays even harder – just one thing – no ties!
But when Bryce Bradford enters her world, life as she knows it will never be the same again.
Royce is the perfect depiction of a dominant man, he likes things to be done exactly as he desires and since his first meeting with Jessica, he desires HER!
But Jessica has never experienced the sort of relationship that Royce is offering her and she has no idea whether or not she is capable of being the submissive that he believes she can be. But with more than a little trepidation, for him she agrees to try.
Royce has a hold on her that she cannot explain, something about him and his personality calls to her at a level that it completely subconscious.
The book was vividly descriptive, and highly emotional. The sex scenes are hot and well what that man does with a clothes peg had me reaching for the fan!
It gave little away but kept your mind guessing at what the next step could be.
I liked the fact that nothing was black and white and that we have only begun to scratch the surface of both Bryce and Jessica.
As the first book in the series there is much more to go, and I think that the relationship will have more than a few twists and turns as the relationship between Jessica and Bryce settles into itself.
The next book cannot come quickly enough!
September 28, 2014
I received this book in exchange for a honest review. 4 STAR RATING
We follow Jessica in this book. She is content with her ordinary life, having had bad experiences with men in the past, she thinks men are only good for one thing. Her life is thrown into whirlwind when she meets a very dominating man when out for a meal with friends one night.
Royce is a man used to getting what he wants, until he meets Jessica. She is guarded but he wants to know more. He wants to break down her walls and find out her secrets.
I really enjoyed this book, it was a quick easy read. I got attached to the characters straight away, I loved Royce. He is a very dominating man and I love this in a book. Jessica is a strong women which I loved but when it comes to the bedroom she likes to let someone else have control and that someone is Royce.
Jessica is guarding her heart because of her past experiences she has had with men, she agrees to try out some new things in the bedroom with Royce just because he is sexy and seems different to other men she has dated.
There was a very HOT scene in the book which included clothes pins. I think we needed to find out a bit more about Royce, his past, background etc.
Overall this was a good book and I look forward to reading the next one to find out where their relationship goes.
We follow Jessica in this book. She is content with her ordinary life, having had bad experiences with men in the past, she thinks men are only good for one thing. Her life is thrown into whirlwind when she meets a very dominating man when out for a meal with friends one night.
Royce is a man used to getting what he wants, until he meets Jessica. She is guarded but he wants to know more. He wants to break down her walls and find out her secrets.
I really enjoyed this book, it was a quick easy read. I got attached to the characters straight away, I loved Royce. He is a very dominating man and I love this in a book. Jessica is a strong women which I loved but when it comes to the bedroom she likes to let someone else have control and that someone is Royce.
Jessica is guarding her heart because of her past experiences she has had with men, she agrees to try out some new things in the bedroom with Royce just because he is sexy and seems different to other men she has dated.
There was a very HOT scene in the book which included clothes pins. I think we needed to find out a bit more about Royce, his past, background etc.
Overall this was a good book and I look forward to reading the next one to find out where their relationship goes.
October 9, 2014
This story should be called "40 Shades of Grey" or "50 Shades: The Cliffs Notes" as I'm not sure there was much original thought put into this book. It's definitely a tribute to "50 Shades," and there is one scene in this book that was not in the original "50", otherwise if you've read "50 Shades" you've read this book already. I do, however, appreciate anyone who dares to create anything and put it out there for others to enjoy, so I have to applaud this author's courage, however I wish she would have taken a more original route to tell her story. I got this book via a First Reads contest.
February 25, 2020
I really loved the dynamics in this story and the patience of Royce bringing out Jessica and her feelings and desires when she is such a closed off scared woman of commitment. The emotions and feelings were very powerful as step by step they bring each other higher. I found the characters very well developed and mature and I really enjoyed it.
September 25, 2019
Jessica doesn't believe in love. Can Royce change her mind? A short, quick read sexy read. I really enjoyed it.
March 27, 2017
Review can also be found in Chill and read
Jessica Stanley is comfortable in her orderly life as a paralegal at a high end law firm. Having dated her fair share of liars and manipulators, Jessica views men through a pair of thick, cynical lenses. Men are good for one thing in her eyes, and one thing only. Things are about to change when she meets Royce.
Royce Bradford is an imposing figure. He is a successful man, an executive, that has recently returned to Chicago. He has some particular taste in relationships and sex that are not so casually found in everyday life. When he meets Jessica, he wants to make her his, in his own way and by his terms.
The story is about turning a not-a-relationship-girl to love a man that is different to her ex’s in so many different ways. The heroin has been hurt many times in the past by her lovers. She used to believe in their relationship, though they didn’t share her feelings. She also has some remnants from her parents’ divorce, that threw all her trust to men out of the window.
Even with this background, she is being attracted by a man again and she decides to give it a try. Not only that, but she does not back out even when she finds out about his special preferences. Now, that was a bit hard to believe, however the author really tried to support it in any way she could. BDSM is not the easiest genre to write or read about. If it is not your thing and if the writer is not a master, then the reader ends up thinking, what am I reading and why am I reading this.
The story is a bit short and could elaborate more on the relationship, the characters and their past, in order to give the reader a more holistic view of the characters’ emotions and actions.
Jessica Stanley is comfortable in her orderly life as a paralegal at a high end law firm. Having dated her fair share of liars and manipulators, Jessica views men through a pair of thick, cynical lenses. Men are good for one thing in her eyes, and one thing only. Things are about to change when she meets Royce.
Royce Bradford is an imposing figure. He is a successful man, an executive, that has recently returned to Chicago. He has some particular taste in relationships and sex that are not so casually found in everyday life. When he meets Jessica, he wants to make her his, in his own way and by his terms.
The story is about turning a not-a-relationship-girl to love a man that is different to her ex’s in so many different ways. The heroin has been hurt many times in the past by her lovers. She used to believe in their relationship, though they didn’t share her feelings. She also has some remnants from her parents’ divorce, that threw all her trust to men out of the window.
Even with this background, she is being attracted by a man again and she decides to give it a try. Not only that, but she does not back out even when she finds out about his special preferences. Now, that was a bit hard to believe, however the author really tried to support it in any way she could. BDSM is not the easiest genre to write or read about. If it is not your thing and if the writer is not a master, then the reader ends up thinking, what am I reading and why am I reading this.
The story is a bit short and could elaborate more on the relationship, the characters and their past, in order to give the reader a more holistic view of the characters’ emotions and actions.
October 30, 2023
This had potential. There was no "why" to anything in the beginning. Why did he decide he wanted her? Why did he keep crossing her boundaries and why did she keep allowing it? Why did he fall in love with her? Just because she followed directions? Why could she not have a private thought in her head? Why do all the men in these kinds of books never have ANY consequences when they do something wrong? When it's like that, the power balance is off. It has to be an equal partnership in what is acceptable in a dom/sub relationship. It will never be equal if the man never has to be held accountable for his actions. Also, she had no reason to trust him or take him at his word. They hadn't even know each other very long.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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