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Embraced
Book 7 in the Bound Hearts series.
She's a temptation he can't afford.
Ian Sinclair, the man with no heart, the ultimate Trojan, the untouchable, the unreachable, may just have met his match.
As wild as the untamed winds, as innocent as love itself, Courtney's vivacious spirit shines as brilliantly as the brightest star. And he wants nothing more in life than to see the sweet innocence that is so much a part of her survive. That can never happen if he allows her to be drawn into the wicked, sexual excesses of his life.
He's a hunger she can't deny.
Courtney Mattlaw has understood her destiny her whole life. Her lifetime of happiness hangs on this moment in time, and forcing a man who feels he is unable to love, to trust his heart.
Haunted. Filled with loneliness. Incomplete. Ian is the very breath of her soul. She knows the battle to steal his heart could ultimately destroy them both, but it's a risk she must take.
When these two come together, sparks fly and the lust simmering between them ignites in a conflagration that will burn them to their souls and leave them…Shameless.
Reader This story has graphic sexual language and scenes - no closed bedroom doors (or other rooms) here!
She's a temptation he can't afford.
Ian Sinclair, the man with no heart, the ultimate Trojan, the untouchable, the unreachable, may just have met his match.
As wild as the untamed winds, as innocent as love itself, Courtney's vivacious spirit shines as brilliantly as the brightest star. And he wants nothing more in life than to see the sweet innocence that is so much a part of her survive. That can never happen if he allows her to be drawn into the wicked, sexual excesses of his life.
He's a hunger she can't deny.
Courtney Mattlaw has understood her destiny her whole life. Her lifetime of happiness hangs on this moment in time, and forcing a man who feels he is unable to love, to trust his heart.
Haunted. Filled with loneliness. Incomplete. Ian is the very breath of her soul. She knows the battle to steal his heart could ultimately destroy them both, but it's a risk she must take.
When these two come together, sparks fly and the lust simmering between them ignites in a conflagration that will burn them to their souls and leave them…Shameless.
Reader This story has graphic sexual language and scenes - no closed bedroom doors (or other rooms) here!
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2004
72 people are currently reading
1835 people want to read
About the author
Lora Leigh
191 books10.1k followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Lora Leigh is a New York Times bestselling author of erotic romance novels. Leigh started publishing with electronic publisher Ellora's Cave in 2003. Leigh's longest-running series is The Breeds. She won the 2009 RT Award for erotica. Leigh was born in Ohio and raised in Martin County, Kentucky, US.
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/6...
Lora Leigh is a New York Times bestselling author of erotic romance novels. Leigh started publishing with electronic publisher Ellora's Cave in 2003. Leigh's longest-running series is The Breeds. She won the 2009 RT Award for erotica. Leigh was born in Ohio and raised in Martin County, Kentucky, US.
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/6...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
June 30, 2019
3.5 stars
February 3, 2009
Rating: 3.5 / 5
Not one of my favorites of the series so far. Which doesn't meant I didn't like it, just that I've liked the other books better.
In this book, Sax Brogan finally goes after the woman he's wanted for years. Marey has avoided him like the plague. After a disastrous marriage to a man who abused her, she's afraid to get involved with Sax - or anyone. She's lost too many people in her life and doesn't want to risk her heart again. But not only that, she knows her insane ex-husband will never tolerate her getting involved with another man. Sax, though, it tired of waiting for Marey and decides to push her to accept and act on their feelings for each other.
I can't think of much to say about this book, for whatever reason (could be the nasty headache I have at the moment). I liked this book enough, but I didn't really feel like I connected with the characters as much as I have in other Bound Hearts books. The story was missing just a little something to pull me in - but I have no idea what was lacking.
Still, it was a good read. Lots of hot sex and a fairly interesting (if not original) storyline. And it was nice to catch up with some of the past couples. I enjoyed the interactions between the different woman who have been in this series.
So overall, a pretty good book, just not one of my favorites.
WARNING, this book contains: explicit sex, m/f/m sex, anal sex, bondage, dominance/submission and probably some other stuff I'm forgetting.
Not one of my favorites of the series so far. Which doesn't meant I didn't like it, just that I've liked the other books better.
In this book, Sax Brogan finally goes after the woman he's wanted for years. Marey has avoided him like the plague. After a disastrous marriage to a man who abused her, she's afraid to get involved with Sax - or anyone. She's lost too many people in her life and doesn't want to risk her heart again. But not only that, she knows her insane ex-husband will never tolerate her getting involved with another man. Sax, though, it tired of waiting for Marey and decides to push her to accept and act on their feelings for each other.
I can't think of much to say about this book, for whatever reason (could be the nasty headache I have at the moment). I liked this book enough, but I didn't really feel like I connected with the characters as much as I have in other Bound Hearts books. The story was missing just a little something to pull me in - but I have no idea what was lacking.
Still, it was a good read. Lots of hot sex and a fairly interesting (if not original) storyline. And it was nice to catch up with some of the past couples. I enjoyed the interactions between the different woman who have been in this series.
So overall, a pretty good book, just not one of my favorites.
WARNING, this book contains: explicit sex, m/f/m sex, anal sex, bondage, dominance/submission and probably some other stuff I'm forgetting.
March 15, 2015
I love that Lora Leigh never makes you work for it. She just serves up the smokin' hot sex straight from the get go.
November 23, 2016
FINAL DECISION: Too short but really hot, this novella has the elements of the Bound Hearts series but the connection between Sax and Marey is not as intense as others in the series.
THE STORY: Marey has wanted Sax for years but her fear of her ex-husband has kept her from taking that last step towards Sax. Now Sax is determined to protect Marey from her ex-husband and claim Marey for his own.
OPINION: The Bound Hearts series have similar setups. A man who participates in menages, a woman who wants him (many time she is wary of his lifestyle but attracted to it) and some suspense or danger which threatens them.
This novella follows that pattern, but the connection between Marey and Sax isn't as strong as with the other book in the series. Their connection is too quick and their problems are entirely dependent upon accepting that Marey's desire to keep them apart because of her crazy ex-husband is reasonable. While she is right to be concerned about her ex, it doesn't seem enough to keep the two of them apart for years. I also couldn't stop thinking that Marey should just get a restraining order against her ex instead of capitulating to him.
Aside from that point, the story between Marey and Sax was hot and the story progressed in an orderly fashion that was good enough for a pleasant one time read. There are other books in this series that are better, but I didn't dislike this one.
WORTH MENTIONING: There is a menage scene in this book mmf which is standard for this series.
CONNECTED BOOKS: EMBRACED is book 6 in the Bound Hearts series, but can be read as a standalone even though couples from the series make an appearance here.
STAR RATING: I give this book 3 stars.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
THE STORY: Marey has wanted Sax for years but her fear of her ex-husband has kept her from taking that last step towards Sax. Now Sax is determined to protect Marey from her ex-husband and claim Marey for his own.
OPINION: The Bound Hearts series have similar setups. A man who participates in menages, a woman who wants him (many time she is wary of his lifestyle but attracted to it) and some suspense or danger which threatens them.
This novella follows that pattern, but the connection between Marey and Sax isn't as strong as with the other book in the series. Their connection is too quick and their problems are entirely dependent upon accepting that Marey's desire to keep them apart because of her crazy ex-husband is reasonable. While she is right to be concerned about her ex, it doesn't seem enough to keep the two of them apart for years. I also couldn't stop thinking that Marey should just get a restraining order against her ex instead of capitulating to him.
Aside from that point, the story between Marey and Sax was hot and the story progressed in an orderly fashion that was good enough for a pleasant one time read. There are other books in this series that are better, but I didn't dislike this one.
WORTH MENTIONING: There is a menage scene in this book mmf which is standard for this series.
CONNECTED BOOKS: EMBRACED is book 6 in the Bound Hearts series, but can be read as a standalone even though couples from the series make an appearance here.
STAR RATING: I give this book 3 stars.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
December 27, 2014
The time has come for Marey to stop running and embrace the dream that Sax represents that is if her ex-husband lets her live long enough in this exciting erotic contemporary romance.
A fast pace and smooth flowing plot keeps readers on their toes with lots of suspense and passion. Marey has run from Sax long enough and the reader can’t help but get caught up in the story as Sax tries to convince her of that. Their combustible attractions scorches readers as they give in to their desires but the relationship is shadowed by Marey’s past and her belief that she has to keep Sax safe.
Spine tingling excitement builds as the danger to Marey and Sax escalates and the red hot passionate sex scenes burn up the pages including a menage scene that rocks Marey’s world. The well written scenes and details capture the imagination and bring the story to life and ensure that the reader enjoys the quick and passionate romance.
4 ½ STARS
A fast pace and smooth flowing plot keeps readers on their toes with lots of suspense and passion. Marey has run from Sax long enough and the reader can’t help but get caught up in the story as Sax tries to convince her of that. Their combustible attractions scorches readers as they give in to their desires but the relationship is shadowed by Marey’s past and her belief that she has to keep Sax safe.
Spine tingling excitement builds as the danger to Marey and Sax escalates and the red hot passionate sex scenes burn up the pages including a menage scene that rocks Marey’s world. The well written scenes and details capture the imagination and bring the story to life and ensure that the reader enjoys the quick and passionate romance.
4 ½ STARS
May 21, 2010
I liked the story of this one. I've noticed that every book there's less sex and more of a story. The usual pattern is there's a sexual attraction between the characters for a very long time now and it's in here that they decide to make something happen between them.
Marey has a deranged ex-husband who has this thinking that he still owns her. Sax has been giving Marey enough space because she asked him to, although both of them know what's good for them. In this case, Marey is afraid of heartbreak and losing Sax because of her violent ex. It was stupid of her and it's a lame excuse, but she made up for it in the end. It was a psychotic move but she really showed how much she trusted Sax - and that's a whole lotta trust.
The sex scenes were really hot, I liked how the author put danger in the story, it's another reason for the characters to be together. I liked how Sax was really protective and he really cared for her and he showed how in little ways. It's the little things that make such a big significance and I was really touched by them.
Marey has a deranged ex-husband who has this thinking that he still owns her. Sax has been giving Marey enough space because she asked him to, although both of them know what's good for them. In this case, Marey is afraid of heartbreak and losing Sax because of her violent ex. It was stupid of her and it's a lame excuse, but she made up for it in the end. It was a psychotic move but she really showed how much she trusted Sax - and that's a whole lotta trust.
The sex scenes were really hot, I liked how the author put danger in the story, it's another reason for the characters to be together. I liked how Sax was really protective and he really cared for her and he showed how in little ways. It's the little things that make such a big significance and I was really touched by them.
February 5, 2022
No tenía grandes expectativas con la serie pero a medida q vamos avanzando en las historias, saltan algunas historias interesantes. Marey&Sax ya habían aparecido o sido nombrados en libros anteriores, tiene básicamente la misma dinámica q las parejas anteriores: ella huye, él la persigue; ella se niega hasta q él la convence y ya cuando la atrapa aparece el tercero para condimentar la relación.
Es un patrón q se ha venido repitiendo con algún q otro factor cambiado y aquí la cuestión pasa x el loco del marido de ella q la quiere matar. También los personajes tienen sus características especiales: Marey no es necesariamente una belleza, tiene un carácter tranquilo siempre y cuando no aparezca su troyano personal para alborotarla. Y Sax es mucho menos refinado q los anteriores troyanos conocidos, por momentos crudo y hasta obceno pero me comería ese bombón de chocolate cualquier día de la semana. Con cobertura o solo.
Fuera de eso, es un buen pretexto para leer erótica sin grandes complicaciones.
Es un patrón q se ha venido repitiendo con algún q otro factor cambiado y aquí la cuestión pasa x el loco del marido de ella q la quiere matar. También los personajes tienen sus características especiales: Marey no es necesariamente una belleza, tiene un carácter tranquilo siempre y cuando no aparezca su troyano personal para alborotarla. Y Sax es mucho menos refinado q los anteriores troyanos conocidos, por momentos crudo y hasta obceno pero me comería ese bombón de chocolate cualquier día de la semana. Con cobertura o solo.
Fuera de eso, es un buen pretexto para leer erótica sin grandes complicaciones.
June 11, 2011
Lora Leigh has done it again. I was enthralled with Sax and Marey's love story. Pulled in the first few pages, rooting for them to get together. (Yes, I know, its a romance and they always get together. But it's the things in between that make you feel for them and want them to tell each other they love each other.
The story kept me captured. Marey had to be strong and didn't realize that she could lean on Sax. All Sax wanted to do was to love, protect and yes, even spank Marey. The characters in Lora Leigh's books are always well developed and easy to love even when they are being stubborn and willful.
The book was hot, it was erotic it made me shiver. I felt the need the hero and heroine had for each other. Nothing like a good book when you can read it and imagine it's you there between the pages.
That is what this book did for me.
The story kept me captured. Marey had to be strong and didn't realize that she could lean on Sax. All Sax wanted to do was to love, protect and yes, even spank Marey. The characters in Lora Leigh's books are always well developed and easy to love even when they are being stubborn and willful.
The book was hot, it was erotic it made me shiver. I felt the need the hero and heroine had for each other. Nothing like a good book when you can read it and imagine it's you there between the pages.
That is what this book did for me.
March 5, 2012
This is the sixth book in Lora Leigh's Bound Hearts series about relationships that have a strong menage elimate. In this story, our heroine has been in lust and in love with our hero for years but because of an abusive ex-husband she's afraid to reach for what she wants. When Marey is attached again, Sax isn't willing to wait anymore for her to come to him. As always, Ms. Leigh gives us a compelling read and fantastic characters, and it's always wonderful to read about characters from earlier books in the series.
October 27, 2014
Embraced is book 6 in the Bound Hearts series, and it's definitely as hot as the previous books. Lora Leigh never fails to disappoint me. I can definitely count on her to deliver a hot, sexy read that will leave me panting. The sex scenes are hot, the characters are well developed, and honestly, any book by Lora Leigh is worth the read.
February 17, 2014
Lora Leigh has done it again not put them d o wn
If you want to read sexy hard strong romance she writes the best books. When I start reading her books I can not put them down. I have read the bound heart series twice. keep writing I will always read them. I love all of her series.
If you want to read sexy hard strong romance she writes the best books. When I start reading her books I can not put them down. I have read the bound heart series twice. keep writing I will always read them. I love all of her series.
June 4, 2014
This was one of the more intense books of this series. The main character was almost murdered and she has to learn to live and trust herself again. She is a strong woman who has to find it in herself to reach out for what she wants. Her ex husband is insane, but Sax will protect her. She has no doubt about that. A good book in the series.
May 27, 2011
Marey & Sax are so meant to be. It was such a great story. I loved every minute of it & couldn't put it down.
June 6, 2011
I am so happy with this story this really touched My heart
January 21, 2013
Passionate love at its finest. Lora is a wonderful author. The hardest part is waiting for her next book to be released!
February 23, 2013
This is a relatively short story. The story is about Sax Brogan and Marey Dumont. Sax has been the third for a number of the Trojans. He is all dominant male who loves making women scream with pleasure. He has been waiting three years to claim Marey. He works at Delacourt Electronics. When Vince, Marey's ex-husband, attacks and almost kills her Sax decides enough is enough and sets out to claim his woman.
Marey has hid from making a commitment to Sax because of her insane ex-husband Vince. She is afraid that Vince will harm Sax and that Sax will break her heart when he leaves her. Mary took care of her parents while they were ill so she did have much of a life. Marey wants Sax she just isn't sure how things are going fall out. When she takes her courage in her hands and tries to make a better life for herself Vince strikes again.
Ms. Leigh does manage to pack a lot into this short story. There is the search for Vince. Sax convincing Marey that she is the only one for him. Marey finally realizing Sax is the one for her. Finally we are introduced to Daniel Conover, Lucian and Deveril's brother. He is the third and a private investigator. Finally as always there is the very hot and steamy sex scenes that will have you searching for a snowbank to cool off. This is a very good story and hits well with the rest of the series.
Marey has hid from making a commitment to Sax because of her insane ex-husband Vince. She is afraid that Vince will harm Sax and that Sax will break her heart when he leaves her. Mary took care of her parents while they were ill so she did have much of a life. Marey wants Sax she just isn't sure how things are going fall out. When she takes her courage in her hands and tries to make a better life for herself Vince strikes again.
Ms. Leigh does manage to pack a lot into this short story. There is the search for Vince. Sax convincing Marey that she is the only one for him. Marey finally realizing Sax is the one for her. Finally we are introduced to Daniel Conover, Lucian and Deveril's brother. He is the third and a private investigator. Finally as always there is the very hot and steamy sex scenes that will have you searching for a snowbank to cool off. This is a very good story and hits well with the rest of the series.
January 9, 2011
I have a hard time understanding being stalked. I think this is a terrible thing to be stalked and not know who it is doing this stalking. But if you know who the stalker is ... I guess I'm fine with confrontation. I'd have words with the stalker and that person would understand, it's healthier for them to leave me alone. Personally I think stalkers are bullies who are cowards inside. And if they can't stop stalking, I have no problems with them dying, by my hand or someone else's. Harsh, I know.
So back to this story, reading about Marey and her issue with an ex who is stalker, it just baffles me that she can think she can fix it herself. She obviously can't and she doesn't allow others to help her out until it's almost too late. I don't understand this mindset. For me, I'd just say, hey, a train is going to run you over since you are on the rail road tracks. Do you want me to give you a hand to get up since you appeared to be stuck? The person goes, "oh no, leave me, there is no way out. I'm afraid anyone else will be hurt if they try to help."
Still I liked this book due to the sex and Sax. Sax, help Marey get her head on straight, cuz obviously, she's too dumb to live on her own w/o a man to keep her alive.
So back to this story, reading about Marey and her issue with an ex who is stalker, it just baffles me that she can think she can fix it herself. She obviously can't and she doesn't allow others to help her out until it's almost too late. I don't understand this mindset. For me, I'd just say, hey, a train is going to run you over since you are on the rail road tracks. Do you want me to give you a hand to get up since you appeared to be stuck? The person goes, "oh no, leave me, there is no way out. I'm afraid anyone else will be hurt if they try to help."
Still I liked this book due to the sex and Sax. Sax, help Marey get her head on straight, cuz obviously, she's too dumb to live on her own w/o a man to keep her alive.
May 10, 2017
El drama al final no fue tanto como parecía al principio... En esta historia, la protagonista, Marey, tiene un ex marido bastante loco, y obviamente la persigue, pero ahí está Saxon para evitarlo, ja.
Sax es un personaje bastante interesante, pero aunque se vea el amor que siente por Marey, aquí ha resaltado mucho su posesividad, creo que viéndolo de cerca no tiene mucho para resaltar. Marey, en cambio, parece la típica mujer asustadiza que no quiere arriesgarse a aceptar sus sentimientos, pero al final revela un coraje y una confianza tan plena en el hombre que ama que resulta sorprendente.
Y por supuesto, aquí ha aparecido un nuevo personaje que promete, Daniel Conover. Veremos si le llega aunque sea a los talones a sus hermanos, ja.
Lo que más me gustó de la historia es ver a todas las mujeres reunidas como amigas, pero igualmente sigo con ganas de ver mejor cómo le va a las otras parejas. Recomendable.
Sax es un personaje bastante interesante, pero aunque se vea el amor que siente por Marey, aquí ha resaltado mucho su posesividad, creo que viéndolo de cerca no tiene mucho para resaltar. Marey, en cambio, parece la típica mujer asustadiza que no quiere arriesgarse a aceptar sus sentimientos, pero al final revela un coraje y una confianza tan plena en el hombre que ama que resulta sorprendente.
Y por supuesto, aquí ha aparecido un nuevo personaje que promete, Daniel Conover. Veremos si le llega aunque sea a los talones a sus hermanos, ja.
Lo que más me gustó de la historia es ver a todas las mujeres reunidas como amigas, pero igualmente sigo con ganas de ver mejor cómo le va a las otras parejas. Recomendable.
January 8, 2020
Książka typu przeczytać i zapomnieć, erotyk dość niskich lotów, każdy kolejny z tej serii jest coraz słabszy. I tutaj mamy do czynienia z dziewczyną, która, żeby odziedziczyć rodzinny majątek, musi pozostać dziewicą, więc musi sobie jakoś radzić i pozostają jej stosunki analne. A żeby było ciekawiej, dziewczyna lubi na ostro w klubie BDSM. Tam też spotyka ją syn jej macochy, pracujący u jej ojca jako jej ochroniarz. Sporo seksu, a tytułowe poświecenie to dylemat, czy poświęcić majątek rodzinny dla uczucia. I to by było na tyle.
July 30, 2014
I can’t promise I won’t die, Marey,” he whispered, ... “All I can promise you is that while I live, as long as I draw breath, I’ll love you. And I’ll pleasure you with everything I have."
Lora Leigh writes adult novels with stories that will blow one's mind. Some novels alike are pure erotica that the author forgot to incorporate a word, phrase or a whole chapter to make us feel we're part of the story, her 's are well written. period.
Lora Leigh writes adult novels with stories that will blow one's mind. Some novels alike are pure erotica that the author forgot to incorporate a word, phrase or a whole chapter to make us feel we're part of the story, her 's are well written. period.
March 5, 2012
I can't really identify what it was that I liked less about this book. I was really looking forward to it, because Saxon had appeared in a few of the other books. Marey wasn't my favourite, and I felt the conclusion of the book and the whole fight scene was confusing and rushed. I still enjoyed the rest of the book, but it definitely wasn't my favourite in the series.
June 7, 2012
2.5 stars
...and yet I finished it, so I guessed it can't be that bad, huh?
Next question, can there be...too much sex??? I was actually getting bored with all the sex. It's the background story of Marey that had tugged at my heart and got me finished the story.
I thought the storyline can be so much better if LL explored more feelings btwn the characters...so much potential...IMO.
...and yet I finished it, so I guessed it can't be that bad, huh?
Next question, can there be...too much sex??? I was actually getting bored with all the sex. It's the background story of Marey that had tugged at my heart and got me finished the story.
I thought the storyline can be so much better if LL explored more feelings btwn the characters...so much potential...IMO.
May 15, 2013
The books in this series are starting to be very similar. Man loves woman but gives her freedom, woman loves man but is too afraid to go after what she wants...
Its nice and entertaining bit gets boring after a while.
The back story with the crazy exhusband is a bit weird, but then again that´s starting to become trademark in this series.
Its nice and entertaining bit gets boring after a while.
The back story with the crazy exhusband is a bit weird, but then again that´s starting to become trademark in this series.
March 13, 2016
I do love an alpha male. I liked how Marey was strong but she was also denying herself so much. not just love but happiness and joy.
Sax was not going to let her continue to run from him. she needed him, needed to let him love her needed to love herself and see her needs could be taken care of and they wasn't wrong or perverted.
Sax was not going to let her continue to run from him. she needed him, needed to let him love her needed to love herself and see her needs could be taken care of and they wasn't wrong or perverted.
May 16, 2016
Hm, not the best but also not the worst. One thing that I take offense is the off-handed manner with which the word "rape" keeps getting thrown in these books. It is not something funny or sexy and it troubles me every time one of the characters say it. I did like the little action and suspense with the ex husband.
August 20, 2010
This one bounced back a bit for me from the last one. It had a nice twist with the insane ex-husband. I was surprised by the prologue! As always seems the case with these, the menage seems to happen so quickly, but at least this one wasn't planned.
November 21, 2011
I am enjoying this series as a whole - however, for some reasons I just could not get into this book. I did not find the character's history to validate the kind of love that they were both supposedly repressing for years. Overall the story/characters were simply not believable.
March 2, 2012
Marey has spent her life taking care of others, now with her ex husband, Vince, trying to kill her, Sax the man who loves her wants to take car of her for a change. Will she let go and let him love her and take care of her? Great book, awesome ending, Love it!
January 21, 2013
I love Sax and have been waiting for him to get a story!! This one was pretty emotional but an interesting read. I really wish he were all possessive and did not want to share. But hey that is one of the tenants of this series, sharing!
March 29, 2014
Too short, I thought it was at least two hundred pages but it was just over 100 which means I didm't feel like I knew the characters, more like you get a glimpse of them which I don't enjoy. I enjoy Lora's writing always but this is more of teaser for me so thus 3 stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews