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Who can deny a determined Italian Dom?

One night changed the course of Jamie's life forever.
Ripped the wild joy out of him and replaced it with trauma.
But he survived the darkness, and now one thing is clear…
He'll never be vulnerable again.

Except Dominic has other plans.

He wanted Jamie at first sight. Imagined him on his knees,
tied up in ropes, a sweet male submissive at his feet.
And Dominic always gets what he wants.

Jamie doesn't want his discipline,
or his creative punishments,
but it's a dangerous tug of war that Dom plans on winning.
He'll make Jamie see that by tying themselves together,
he will truly become unbound.

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 12, 2020

175 people are currently reading
399 people want to read

About the author

Lesley Clark

27 books592 followers
Lesley Clark is a USA Today bestselling author of romance with hot alpha men and sexy sassy ladies that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

She is also an unashamed southern girl with a love of all things fried and covered in bacon. Mountain Dew is the fuel that keeps her going.

When she isn’t writing or working as an RN, she is likely reading one of the thousands of books in her library. Since her nest is currently empty, she can often be found playing with her fur babies who rule her life.

Lesley writes stories with hot alpha men and sexy sassy ladies that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

When she has a spare minute between her fur babies, books, and nursing, Lesley loves to connect with her readers.

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5 stars
213 (57%)
4 stars
105 (28%)
3 stars
38 (10%)
2 stars
9 (2%)
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7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
Profile Image for Ed Davis.
2,894 reviews99 followers
January 17, 2022
This book was ok. I didn’t love it or hate it. I couldn’t really connect with Jamie very well. There was a lot of sex, but it seemed very repetitive and light on the BDSM.
Author 1 book12 followers
September 14, 2020
I waited for it seems like forever for this story!
I wanted Jamie's story since he was a supporting character in the Black Light Celebrity Anthology story called Jazzed that Lesley Clark wrote. I'll be the first to admit I may have gone on social media and nagged for more. 🤷‍♀️
What can I say? I have good taste!
This far exceeded my expectations, I mean you knew it was gonna be hot, hello......Black Light World!
But this, it was emotional.......Jamie's pain really hit me hard, sweet.......Dominic was as sweet as a firm Dom can be! And then we get the sexiness and OMG! It was hot, some of the things I most like to read about, lets just say I'd take a Dominic in a heartbeat!
And yes, some moments are darker, because of the subject but you know? I need some angst and darkness for my couples to overcome you know?
Just have to say it was perfect, just what I wanted for Jamie!!
Profile Image for Rhonda.
3,762 reviews63 followers
September 14, 2020
This book, oh this book!!!! Emotions were all over the place this evening as I read Jamie and Dom's story. A tragic event turns Jamie from a care free and happy man into someone who refuses to leave his apartment out of fear. It takes a good friend, Jazz, and a hot, hunky Dom, Dominic, to help him through his fears. Oh, Dom has his work cut out for him, no doubt, but after months of trying to get Jamie to warm up to him he's finally getting his chance. And when he hears Jamie's story, he's even more determined to break the ice that Jamie has surrounded his heart with. I laughed, I cried, I got ticked off and then I cried some more!! This story touched everything in my heart. Dom is just what Jamie needs and deserves.......a Dominant who is firm but will do everything in his power to help heal the heart of the man he is falling in love with. This was a beautiful story and it was so uplifting to see Jamie come out of his shell and take charge of his life again!!! A wonderful story that will stay with me for a very long time. And I believe it will be one that is going to go in the place I have for books that have truly touched my heart. Lesley Clark and Jennifer Bene have written a story that will stay with me for a long time! Bravo ladies, bravo!!! Be sure to check it out!!!
1,792 reviews38 followers
September 14, 2020
Let me start off by saying that the Black Light Series is my favorite, and this book just proves why. Yet again, the story isn’t just about BDSM and two men. It’s about overcoming fears, taking control of your life and even possibly finding love.

Jamie is a submissive who is looking for that right guy in his life, but when something happens to him, can he ever feel that need again? So, when he meets Dominic, a little spark takes hold of him. But can Dominic handle his demons? When Dominic first sees Jamie, he just knows he needs him in his life. But can Dom break Jamie’s barriers down? I certainly rooted for him to help Jamie.

I was also excited to learn that this book was written by two powerhouse authors, so I couldn’t wait to read this. I literally couldn’t put it down and read it in one sitting. They tackled a very real and sensitive subject and handled it with great care and dignity. Everything about this book was perfect. I laughed, I cried, I lusted and fell in love with these two amazing characters. I can’t highly recommend this book enough. You definitely need it in your life!
Profile Image for Kelly_Reads_Books.
2,124 reviews191 followers
September 20, 2020
What a beautiful story, full of tragic and horrific events followed by passion, hope, and love.
This story grasped my heart and did not let go. Dominic is a strong Dom with so much heart and strength, he took on the biggest task of helping a victim, or victor, to push past the violence he endured and become the "boy" that Sir has dreamed of.
Reading this book you can cry for Jaimie or you can celebrate his victory.
Profile Image for Julia Butterfield - Stevens.
903 reviews9 followers
September 18, 2020
First off, what a stunning cover, I love the rope, it's my favourite aspect of bdsm and with it being mm too, I couldn't wait to start!

I love the Black Light series, there is so much variety in action, story, the characters and the bdsm itself. This was no exception, I really enjoyed this first mm story in the series. 

It was an emotionally fuelled story. Jamie is subjected to a horrific attack that leaves him reclusive with ptsd. He's full of anguish, despair and fear, so different from the easy going, fun loving sassy man we see at the start. Closing himself off and shunning help even from his best friend Jazz (seen previously in Celebrity Roulette) could the delectable Dr Dominic be the answer? A little spark had already been ignited between the two and could combust if Jamie can find the courage to give him a chance.

I loved how the bdsm code of trust, honesty and consent show their wonderful colours here as the strength, determination, patience and growing love from the gorgeously dominant Dominic, helped bring Jamie back to life. This book showed dom/sub dynamic at it's best and was exactly what Jamie needed in his traumatised state. At the heart was a beautiful, steamy hot and emotional love story between two men who through all the mental and physical hardships, deserved their happiness.
Profile Image for Rose Howse.
914 reviews15 followers
September 14, 2020
This story was everything you could want from Black Light and more. Although the main story takes place away from Black Light, they do make their way there eventually. Jamie goes through a violent attack and although his life is spared, he suffers from severe PTSD. His good friend Jazz gets her dominant to seek help from a fellow doctor and gay dominant, Dom to try and help get Jamie through his fears. The sex is hot, I love a good M/m story and Dom is a dream come true. Dom's patience and skills do actually help Jamie, although it's touch and go at times, but his attack was traumatic both physically and mentally. The connection the two men had was very D/s and it was exactly what Jamie needed. You will want to cry for Jamie, but cheer for Dom as he patiently dominates Jamie into gaining the confidence he needs to carry on.
I LOVED this first gay males Black Light book!
Profile Image for Renee.
5,205 reviews73 followers
September 28, 2020
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review.

This book is so so good. This is the story of Jamie and Dominic. Jamie has experienced something in his life that stole his joy and made him a man who is afraid to leave the house. Jamie is also a submissive and really misses and nerds this part of himself. When Dom sees Jamie he knows that he wants this man to be his submissive. But can Jamie handle what Dom wants? Can Dom be the man to give Jamie what he needs? You have to read to find out. You know its going to be a hot one because its a Black Light book, but it is also a really emotional story. Lesley Clark and Jennifer Bene tackle some sensitive subjects in this book and handles them with such care.
Profile Image for Rhonda Hicks.
4,655 reviews84 followers
September 21, 2020
I have never read anything from the Black Light series or Jennifer Bene that I haven't truly enjoyed and Unbound is no exception. Seems like Jamie's story has been a long time in coming and Jennifer Bene and Lesley Clark have told it beautifully. This M/M journey kept me enthralled, enchanted, and emotional! Even if you've not read any of these other Black Light books, this is a must-read for sure!
Profile Image for Raisa Greywood.
Author 49 books818 followers
Read
September 21, 2020
This is an awesome addition to the world of Black Light. Lesley Clark and Jennifer Bene have created a fantastic story proving once and for all that love is love.
Profile Image for Jessica Kayuha.
108 reviews4 followers
March 2, 2021
No way

I am unable to finish this one. It's written well, but my brain cannot believe that poor Jamie's PTSD could be "cured" by the way Dominic treats him. I probably wouldn't have finished this one anyway, because I'm not a fan of Dom's making their subs into slaves, but in this particular case, after Jamie's incident, it really turns my stomach.
912 reviews5 followers
July 3, 2021
Couldn't finish

**potential plot spoilers**
Potential trigger warning relating to physical violence against a gay man. That should have been clearer in the blurb.
The characterisation isn't great although the empathy for Jamie is considerable. Dom the Dom isn't so likeable.
I got to about 40% and then gave up. I couldn't bear to read it any further and it's the first book in this series, so, 18 books in, that I couldn't continue.
The attack on Jamie is described in fairly graphic detail, which is upsetting enough but to then have the Dom being all precious about being touched by Jamie and exerting quite strict rules all the while knowing about the attack was just too much.
I've read previous books in this genre where there is an element of recovery after a traumatic incident but the utter lack of emotional and physical consideration in this book left me furious.
Dom knows Jamie's knee was shattered and knows he limps but still has him kneeling and crawling. He knows how vulnerable Jamie is and the psychological problems but still insists on humiliation. That's the point at which I gave up.
There was no emotional support for Jamie amongst all the BDSM, no building Jamie up before starting on the sex, no trust established and no negotiation of triggers or hard limits.
The storyline felt like an opportunity for the author to explore a topic and I dislike intensely using an attack as a plot device when it's so badly handled.
Where was the psychological evaluation? The BED cornerstone is safe, sane and consensual, Jamie isn't well enough to even enter a club let alone play but that's ok because Dom the Dom is a radiologist and has his own brand of SSC.
Maybe I'm doing the book a disservice, maybe it becomes more emotionally supportive but I don't think I will be purchasing more by the author.
Profile Image for Anij.
1,327 reviews12 followers
October 2, 2021
I was another who really wanted Jaime to find his one after reading Jazzed. I would have never wished it if I had known what he would have to suffer to find his love. My heart absolutely broke into a million pieces that sweet, sassy, friendly Jaime was hurt so very badly. I totally believe that surviving such a terrible attack would change him so completely. I was thrilled when Dominic began to pursue Jaime and once he found out what had happened chose to be the one to bring Jaime back. He was the perfect partner/dom for our sassy boy, a match truly made in heaven they were so perfect for each other. I loved how open Dominic was and how he knew exactly how to dominate Jaime but still knew when to be tender and loving. My only regret was that it had to end. I want to know what happened next, to be reassured that as the years pass Jaime really does leave the horror behind. I think a little epilogue would have been just the perfect addition.

I had one issue with the book. The editor did a terrible job of catching grammar and continuity errors. There were so many that more than once I was pulled out of the story and twice I was even completely confused when the book said Dominic said something that clearly was Jaime saying it since Dominic answered him. There is zero excuse for such dreadful editing and I suggest Lesley get a new editor.

I usually have no tolerance for a book with so many editing errors and the fact that I didn’t take a star is a testament to how much I loved the story and the characters. I was that moved by them and invested in their story. It was that good.

Please overlook the editing mistakes, of which there are many, and read this book. It will touch your heart in so many ways.

#LoveIsLove
Profile Image for Anne (Izzie).
381 reviews1 follower
September 20, 2020
This is an incredibly well written book in my opinion - a great addition to the Black Light series. The authors have not shied away from describing the terrible PTSD Jamie goes through after a terrifying hate attack from which he barely survives. He changes from the happy laid back sassy guy in the first three chapters into a traumatised shadow of himself, who barely exists. Even his best friend Jazz cannot get through to him. Dom lives in the same building and had briefly met Jamie prior to the attack, and both were aware of the instant Dom/Sub attraction. Dom promises to protect Jamie and help him feel safe again and takes him to live in his apartment with him. Their story is so emotional, Dom is a true Dom, and set rules Jamie has to live by, but his tough love brings Jamie back from the brink. He slowly starts to show an occasional glimpse of his true sassy self, and their love story grows as Jamie starts to become stronger and more confident under Dom’s love and protection. Some of their sex scenes are incredibly hot (their first trip together to Black Light is just amazing!) but throughout Dom shows great care to allow Jamie to recover and enjoy their relationship without setting off any triggers. I hope we will catch glimpses of Jamie and Dom in future Black Light books.
Profile Image for Kay Parker.
Author 45 books974 followers
September 17, 2020
I'm going to hold my hands up straight off the bat and say I am not a huge MM reader. I think Unbound is possibly my second MM book I've ever read, and I'll be honest, the lure for me here was the fact the book is part of the Black Light series.
However, I loved Jamie and Dominic. I hope it doesn't make me a bad person to wish Dominic could be straight, but that's a debate for another day. This pair is perfect for each other, and I finished the book within a couple hours. There are a lot of sweet moments, a few gritty ones, and I loved how the dynamics unfolded between the two men.
A huge part of reading BDSM books, for me, is the development between the two main characters. This is true for all romance books, but with BDSM comes that extra added thrill of dominance and submission. Learning to trust your partner to do the unspeakable even when you're afraid or uneasy. Whether the characters are straight or gay, nailing that key component is what makes me love a book beyond all the other details, and Unbound certainly nailed it in more ways than one.
Lesley Clark and Jennifer Bene have done an amazing job with their guys. They might make an MM fan out of me yet.
144 reviews1 follower
September 15, 2020
This is another cracker from the Black Light series, where in addition to the BDSM aspect they are not afraid to tackle the difficult topics and do so with great care and sensitivity. Immediately you are pulled in and connected to Jamie from the very start - he was a supporting character in the Jazzed story from the celebrity roulette anthology - and engages you with his caring and happy attitude towards life. Unfortunately life is not smooth sailing for him and after his traumatic experience his challenge is to try to overcome his fears and regain control of his life. Dominic is another great character who is steadfast in his determination to help Jamie. I loved how adaptable, understanding and empathetic he was; whilst remaining firm and in control at all times. This was an emotional, sometimes dark but also sweet read, and let’s not forget the hotness - whew!! Loved to get an MM story from Black Light, the writing was excellent and seamlessly crafted - highly recommended!
I read an ARC in exchange for my true and honest review of this book.
Profile Image for Maureen.
1,456 reviews28 followers
September 15, 2020
This certainly has been the best m/m books i have read to date and i have read a few from various authors. Its emotional and takes you for a rollercoaster ride. What sets this apart from others is that this Dom uses his control to help a young man overcome a tramatc event. I really loved both of these characters, Jamie is such a wonderful bubbly person in the start but what happened to him broke him, so reading this story it really was a delight to see him strong with the help and trust of his Dom.
Dominics character, he really did like this sub, but helping get Jamie past everything he was wonderful.
Another well written book in the series of Black light series.
Lesley Clark certainly has done an excellent job of writing such a great story along with Jenifer Bene, i certainly hope to be reading more like this in future. Hands down i have given this a 5 star plus rating. I dont want to put spoilers in this really because if you have read the authors blurb then you will just know its going to be good.

Thank you ladies for a great story
Profile Image for Badh.
3,311 reviews66 followers
September 16, 2020
This is the first full MM story in the Black Light universe, and I really hope it won't be the only one. We've seen MMF before, with Jaxon, Chase, and Emma, but this is full on MM.

Jamie is just a sweet guy, even though we don't see a lot of him before his attack. But from the way that his best friend loves him and the little bits that we see, it's obvious that he's just sweet, loving, friendly, and fun. After the attack, he hurts just so much. No matter how much he tries to be fine, there just isn't any fine. He's dealing with PTSD and depression, which is perfectly normal after everything that happened. He hurts his friend, not that he means to or wants to, but just because he is so full of pain.

Dom is a good guy. He gives Jamie the tough love that he really needs, but you can tell that he's not just there to be mean to Jamie. Nor is he just there to get his rocks off. He really wants to support Jamie and help Jamie heal, recover, and grow stronger. Dom is very careful to make sure that Jamie is OK all the time.

This was just fantastic.
Profile Image for Carolyn Spence.
1,912 reviews16 followers
September 16, 2020
I am a fan of the Black Light Series and this was no different for this chapter, it 's different in its own right. Jamie is attacked for going to do something that he loves, basically a hate crime against him and he is suffering from PTSD. Such a small world, Dominic meets Jamie "before" just by chance. Jazz, his best friend reaches out and asks for help, it comes in the form of Dom ... The Dom! He's really not that funny of a guy either! Dominic gives him exactly what he needs and he's very patient with him. My emotions were all over the place with this book, I was thinking about this book when I was not reading it, when I woke up in the middle of the night, when I was working and I could not get back to reading it. This story took place mostly outside of Black Light, but it did make an appearance a few times and when it was most important. Very much recommend this book, even if M/M is not your typical genre.

I voluntarily reviewed this book.
Profile Image for Gladys.
13.9k reviews162 followers
September 14, 2020
This book was such a roller coaster ride of emotion for me. I think what makes the Black Light series so special, at least to me, is that it dares to give you more than you might expect. Sure you can always count on getting steam, kink and romance but it very often also touches on some very deep issues in honest ways. That is just the case with Jamie and Dominic's book. I refuse give spoilers but what happens to Jamie simply wrecked me emotionally. Tragic, gut-wrenching and all the more horrifying and heartbreaking because it happens in real life. I felt so much for Jamie, so much. Dom was just what he needed though and thankfully he had the perseverance to go the distance and put in the work that was needed to earn Jamie's trust and help him recover. A very powerful and poignant read. I am electing to post a forthright review.
Profile Image for Kaye Robinson.
935 reviews4 followers
September 17, 2020
A Light in the Darkness..

The first thing about this book is you may need a box of tissues near by as this story is emotional as it was inspirational...
Jamie is a young man who has it all..he knows he is loved and mostly happy with his life all except for that missing piece..a Dom to share his submission with..but one night that is all taken away from him...
Dominic has admired and fantasied about Jamie since the first time he saw him in the gym but after months of watching and single words he asks Jamie out only to be turned down...but when a friends asks Dominic for a favour that brings Jamie in under his Dominance, Dominic takes it and with loving stern dominance he helps Jamie to thrive…..
This is the first M/M book in the Black Light series and I truely loved this story with its highly emotional background plot to the steamy HEA makes this a def 5 star book.
Profile Image for Zelda.
1,456 reviews
September 18, 2020
A perfect addition to the Black Light series, which can be read as a standalone. Black Light is a BDSM club, and this pairing is MM. We met Jazz and Michael in the Celebrity Roulette Black Light anthology; this story is about Jazz's best friend, Jamie. His story had my emotions all over the place and sometimes his pain was so real & raw, I wanted to stop reading. Dom the dom had it under control-the connection between him and Jamie was powerful and electric. I cheered for them so hard, and loved Jamie's strength in the end. I loved this book more for acknowledging the political decision-making at the expense of individual justice. I don't normally seek out MM books-this was wonderfully written, so if you're unsure, this one would be great to start with.

I received a copy of this book. My honest opinion is voluntarily provided.
Profile Image for Jo-Ann Forrest.
2,938 reviews23 followers
September 19, 2020
Jamie is glad to be back home from his friend Jazz's tour and upon his return he decides to go to a BDSM club,when he is brutally attacked and almost died. Months later he meets Dominic a hot guy in his home gym, when Dom tries to approach him Jamie shies away. When his friend Jazzy asks her boyfriend to help him, he comes face to face withthe object of his lust Dom. They start on this unusual journey of discovery for Jamie and fufillment for Dominic. Can the sexy dominant help the mentally frail sensible sub and helphim reclaim his life? An amazing story that will be explaining the struggles victims live through after tragedy, the despair and darkness that can take residence in their minds. This is the first book I read from this author and it will not be my last. I volunteered to review this amazing story.
1,160 reviews1 follower
September 22, 2020
Jamie and is BFF, Jazz are finally home from touring with her band. Jamie decides to go to a club but on the way there two men accost him. They beat him within an inch of his life. After months of recovery, Jamie is much better off physically. His injuries may have healed but mentally he's stuck. He won't leave his house. Meanwhile Dominic, whom Jamie had seen while working out at the gun, wants to get to know him but doesn't understand what is up with him. Jazz has been trying to help him. He just pushes her away. Jazz's Dom, Michael, sees her fretting and decides to bring in his friend, Dominic, to help Jamie. Little do they know they know each other from the gym. Dominic is up for the challenge of helping Jamie. They enter into a D/s relationship. Can Dominic help Jamie? Can Jamie face his biggest fears. Loved the story and ending.
296 reviews3 followers
September 23, 2020
I picked up this book because of the mm aspect. I've only ever read real short mm stories and I wanted a longer mm story. I haven't read many books from the Black Light series so I didn't know how much of the BDSM was going to be involved. This book barely had any. I was hoping that there would be more hot steamy scenes. The ones that were at Black Light had what I was looking for but as always I want more.

Although I did like this book I was a little disappointed that there was a hate crime that brought Jaime and Dom together. I think I wanted a little more in the romance department. The author did a nice job with the character development. I felt for Jaime and was sad to read his struggles. I loved how Dom was able to pick him up and bring him back close to his normal self.

I will be looking for more books from this author.



799 reviews4 followers
September 17, 2020
I cried for Jamie in this book, and the contrast between the confident, outgoing Jamie that opens the book and the fragile Jamie after the incident still brings me to tears. And Dom – I just loved him and his care for Jamie, the gentleness when needed, the strength when needed, and the understanding. This book will haunt you, and, although Black Light is not a big part of the story, the part it plays is vital. Jazz (from Jazzed in the Auction) and her Dom prove the value of caring friends, and Jazz’s love for Jamie and her Dom’s love for her and by extension for her friend are crucial to Jamie’s recovery and to Dominic (handy to have a Dom who is, well, Dom)’s approaching him. I can’t praise this book enough.
Profile Image for Kat.
774 reviews24 followers
September 19, 2020
Oh this story, I don’t know where to begin!
The cover, storyline, characters, all the feels..everything was more than I ever hoped for after seeing an announcement for this book!
I enjoy a good MM story, but actually rarely read them since it’s hard to find a really good ones. But this one definitely takes the cake!
This story was so much more than MM BDSM romance!
It was emotional and heartbreaking at first, and authors did a great job with writing about sensitive topic and hate crime.
And it was absolutely wonderful to see Jamie healing and slowly going back to his true self under a strong and strict hand of his Dom. These two were just perfect for each other and I couldn’t help but get all teary-eyed for their happy ending. They more than deserved it!
Profile Image for Aedrea Androus.
8 reviews
September 28, 2020
A work perfectly balanced between wrenching trauma, emotional intensity, and incredibly hot chemistry. I’ve never read anything like the story of Jamie and Dom before.

The trauma you witness through Jamie sets up the relationship between Dominic and Jamie in a way that wouldn’t have been otherwise quite as deep, and not nearly as fascinating to watch.

And damn, the scenes between Dom and Jamie are just intensely sexy, existing outside of what you thought you wanted; and they’re everything you needed. I don’t know whose eyes I liked viewing the world from: the sexy dominant or the sassy submissive.

Another fantastic addition to the Black Light world (and if you haven’t read any of those, you are absolutely missing out!).
351 reviews3 followers
October 19, 2020
Black Light, Lesley Clark, and Jennifer Bene do it again! This story is unique in that it is the first MM story in the BL world! I love that the authors and creators of BL are not afraid to explore and traverse the dynamic landscape presented to them! Jaime is a strong man who goes through a traumatic experience. Dominic sees a sexy man who needs a bit of guidance and love. I love how this story unfolds, getting to see characters that we love from stories past as well as discovering powerful chemistry between these two sexy men!

I love the expectation Dominic has and that he is not willing to waiver when it comes to Jaime! This story shows true love in the face of man adversities and challenges! Bravo Lesley and Jennifer!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews

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