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Bondage Ranch #2
Pushing Limits
Samantha Grayson has been burned before by Doms, and her attempts at vanilla relationships haven't worked for her either. She's gotten such a reputation for being an unruly submissive that most of the dominants at Bondage Ranch won't take her on. Arthur Marcelli is up for the challenge. But the more they play the more serious it gets, and D/s is just for a little light fun -- isn't it?
Arthur knows that he has to treat Samantha gently. He also knows she can get a lot more out of herself if he can convince her to let her guard down. To do so he has to get her to trust him -- trust him so much, that he can start pushing her limits, one sensuous step at a time.
Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Anal play/intercourse, strong BDSM theme and elements, domination/submission, exhibitionism, voyeurism.
116 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 8, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 15, 2013
Oh, I liked this one even more then the first one. In here we meet an experienced dom and a sub who struggle to find common ground in their relationship. Sam has been mistreated by Doms in the past and has the 2 page list of limits to prove it. She is thought in the community to be difficult, but really, her trust has been broken so many times, it's no longer fun for her. Arthur is new to Bondage Ranch and hooks up with Sam for a casual weekend. Arthur realizes that Sam needs to be shown that she can trust him and sets out to prove it to her. As Arthur and Sam spend more time together, pushing her limits, their feeling deepen and Sam needs to decide if she can truly let go and enjoy everything Arthur has to show her.
Ths one is a winner for me. Once against the author shows a safe, sane, consensual D/s relationship that is still sexy, hot, and limit pushing without demeaning ether of the participants. I also like how she shows that being alpha and dominant doesn't mean you have to be an arsehole to your partner. She makes a good point in here when Arthur says he knows some Doms who could use a week as subs so they could feel what they were dishing out. I agree. :P The scenes are fun to read and while extremely hot, you can sense the fun in them. To often I read BDSM and it's so intense, emotional, and often angsty. Broody doms and scared subs don't do it for me. Where was it ever said that bdsm can't be fun? If it's not, then why bother?
Sam and Arthur were great together. Arthur respects her fears and gains her trust at a respectable pace. He may be the one in control but he doesn't lord it over her nor try to break her spirit. Good pacing, well defined characters, and an interesting storyline made for an engaging read. The romance emerges gracefully and our H/H gets a viable happy for now ending.
Ths one is a winner for me. Once against the author shows a safe, sane, consensual D/s relationship that is still sexy, hot, and limit pushing without demeaning ether of the participants. I also like how she shows that being alpha and dominant doesn't mean you have to be an arsehole to your partner. She makes a good point in here when Arthur says he knows some Doms who could use a week as subs so they could feel what they were dishing out. I agree. :P The scenes are fun to read and while extremely hot, you can sense the fun in them. To often I read BDSM and it's so intense, emotional, and often angsty. Broody doms and scared subs don't do it for me. Where was it ever said that bdsm can't be fun? If it's not, then why bother?
Sam and Arthur were great together. Arthur respects her fears and gains her trust at a respectable pace. He may be the one in control but he doesn't lord it over her nor try to break her spirit. Good pacing, well defined characters, and an interesting storyline made for an engaging read. The romance emerges gracefully and our H/H gets a viable happy for now ending.
April 1, 2013
3.5 stars
Liked this better the second time through. Sam made a lot more sense to me for some reason (maybe because my preconceptions were different, so I could empathize more with her prickliness?), so watching her get her HEA was really sweet. Sweet is kind of the tonal quality Ms. van Yssel seems to go for, and she does it well.
The one thing that really brought this down for me, and why I can't give it 4 stars, is the stalker thing at the end. It seemed kind of unnecessary to the story. Plus, the stalker's behavior seemed based on misogyny and privilege, so writing it off as mental illness was kind of unfortunate. (Unless it's treated as a symptom of societal illness, I guess, but it wasn't, so...)
Liked this better the second time through. Sam made a lot more sense to me for some reason (maybe because my preconceptions were different, so I could empathize more with her prickliness?), so watching her get her HEA was really sweet. Sweet is kind of the tonal quality Ms. van Yssel seems to go for, and she does it well.
The one thing that really brought this down for me, and why I can't give it 4 stars, is the stalker thing at the end. It seemed kind of unnecessary to the story. Plus, the stalker's behavior seemed based on misogyny and privilege, so writing it off as mental illness was kind of unfortunate. (Unless it's treated as a symptom of societal illness, I guess, but it wasn't, so...)
July 10, 2014
If the book had just been about Arthur, the bisexual, currently-straight Dom who used to be a gay leatherboy bottom, and his wooing of Samantha (aka "Sam"), the submissive woman with a
lot
of limits, and about the regulars of Bondage Ranch (especially Alex, the most imposing subbe you'll ever meet, and her Dom/husband Dylan - who sometimes needs to be made to submit right back!), I'd have given this story five stars.
Arthur and Samantha on their own are great characters, and watching Samantha run the gamut of emotions from Almost Impossible To Deal With (turns out she has reason to be that way!), to Desperately Torn Between Wanting to Flee and Wanting to Be Arthur's Forever, to HEA With a Master She Can Trust and Love Completely makes for a powerful and beautiful (in a very kinky way) story. The best stuff is quite literally watching Arthur turn into Samantha's White Knight - defending her reputation against charges she's a "Smart Ass Masochist", being tolerant of her tendency to flee rather than spend the night with him, and in the end saving her from the piece's bad guy - and how she falls madly in love with him while trying not to.
Unfortunately, there's also the bad guy - a creepy stalker rapey Dom ex-boyfriend of Samantha's. Admittedly he's not the only reason she's the way she is at the start of the book - she's had a bad time of it from a number of Asshole Doms, including recurring schmuck Gordon, and the only Dom she sort-of trusts, Master Bruce, is now in a committed Master/slave relationship with Laera (from the first book in the series, ROPED IN) and not inclined to play with other women any more! (Laera being a karate black belt as well as his loving slavegirl may have something to do with that.... :D )
Well, That's ONE Way To Make Sure Your
Master Doesn't Start His Own Harem! ;)
The problem isn't she had an abusive ex and sort of made a series of bad decisions as a result of his behavior - it's that it not only takes her far too long to admit he's the main reason she's got issues, but Arthur (who otherwise seems very perceptive) doesn't figure out why she runs so hot&cold until he quite literally ! Arthur, thankfully, saves the day and gives her enough self-confidence to press charges against Creepy Stalker Rapey Dom Ex-Boyfriend, even though he's . The story ends with Arthur and Samantha living together in his place, temporarily - and her suggesting they find a place between their two jobs to live together permanently.
The Idiot Ball gets passed around a bit too much here, especially for a generally smart and enjoyable b&d romance series. It's a pity, because I really like the characters and their interactions - I just wish the story had been better.
Arthur and Samantha on their own are great characters, and watching Samantha run the gamut of emotions from Almost Impossible To Deal With (turns out she has reason to be that way!), to Desperately Torn Between Wanting to Flee and Wanting to Be Arthur's Forever, to HEA With a Master She Can Trust and Love Completely makes for a powerful and beautiful (in a very kinky way) story. The best stuff is quite literally watching Arthur turn into Samantha's White Knight - defending her reputation against charges she's a "Smart Ass Masochist", being tolerant of her tendency to flee rather than spend the night with him, and in the end saving her from the piece's bad guy - and how she falls madly in love with him while trying not to.
Unfortunately, there's also the bad guy - a creepy stalker rapey Dom ex-boyfriend of Samantha's. Admittedly he's not the only reason she's the way she is at the start of the book - she's had a bad time of it from a number of Asshole Doms, including recurring schmuck Gordon, and the only Dom she sort-of trusts, Master Bruce, is now in a committed Master/slave relationship with Laera (from the first book in the series, ROPED IN) and not inclined to play with other women any more! (Laera being a karate black belt as well as his loving slavegirl may have something to do with that.... :D )
Well, That's ONE Way To Make Sure Your
Master Doesn't Start His Own Harem! ;)
The problem isn't she had an abusive ex and sort of made a series of bad decisions as a result of his behavior - it's that it not only takes her far too long to admit he's the main reason she's got issues, but Arthur (who otherwise seems very perceptive) doesn't figure out why she runs so hot&cold until he quite literally ! Arthur, thankfully, saves the day and gives her enough self-confidence to press charges against Creepy Stalker Rapey Dom Ex-Boyfriend, even though he's . The story ends with Arthur and Samantha living together in his place, temporarily - and her suggesting they find a place between their two jobs to live together permanently.
The Idiot Ball gets passed around a bit too much here, especially for a generally smart and enjoyable b&d romance series. It's a pity, because I really like the characters and their interactions - I just wish the story had been better.
January 10, 2012
This was an interesting book into the BDSM lifestyle. Although a pretty typical story of girl meets guy, girl skittish due to previous guy, guy gets girl's trust, guy meets previous guy and handles the issue, then girl and guy live happily ever after. Yes, this is an over simplification and the story is better than just "typical", so don't let this statement deter you.
I did enjoy this story and really like the intereaction between Sam (girl) and Arthur (guy). This story is not a high action story, but the building relationship between Sam and Authur are worth the read. I'm not sure I really believe that a man could be that patient and calm all the time; especially, with so many limitation placed on him by Sam during their scenes, and still want to spend time 'pushing' Sam to experience things beyond her "list", but the story is written so you do believe it (and would love to experience it ;-)).
Now, I'm not a participant in the BDSM lifestyle, though I am very curious, but in the "about the author" section, Ms. van Yssel says she is and feel this came through in this book. If you are curious about that lifestyle, I felt that the scenes in this book did ring true and are oh soooo hot and yummy. That being said remember there are fantasy men and then there's reality and to be careful expecting life to be similiar to a book.
Finally, this is definitely a book that I can give a satisfied sigh over with a nice dreamy smile!
Happy reading!
I did enjoy this story and really like the intereaction between Sam (girl) and Arthur (guy). This story is not a high action story, but the building relationship between Sam and Authur are worth the read. I'm not sure I really believe that a man could be that patient and calm all the time; especially, with so many limitation placed on him by Sam during their scenes, and still want to spend time 'pushing' Sam to experience things beyond her "list", but the story is written so you do believe it (and would love to experience it ;-)).
Now, I'm not a participant in the BDSM lifestyle, though I am very curious, but in the "about the author" section, Ms. van Yssel says she is and feel this came through in this book. If you are curious about that lifestyle, I felt that the scenes in this book did ring true and are oh soooo hot and yummy. That being said remember there are fantasy men and then there's reality and to be careful expecting life to be similiar to a book.
Finally, this is definitely a book that I can give a satisfied sigh over with a nice dreamy smile!
Happy reading!
September 7, 2010
Christy’s Review
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is the second in the Bondage Ranch series. Ms. van Yssel’s previous personal experience with BDSM shines through in her books. The characters were realistic and I really enjoyed learning all about them.
Samantha Grayson, aka Sam, is a struggling submissive. She has a long list of do’s and won’t do’s since having experienced some painful scenes in the past. She really wants to be a good submissive but must overcome certain fears, and learn to trust more freely. Arthur is a ruggedly handsome dominate, who’s familiar with the submissive side as well. He’s new to the Bondage Ranch after having just moved from Los Angeles, and immediately takes an interest in Sam.
Throughout the book Arthur tries to push Sam’s limits. She’s apprehensive at first but as things progress, her trust in Arthur grows. There’s an interesting twist towards the end of the book that I enjoyed.
There are a lot of scenarios within this book that I found interesting. Ms van Yssel is quoted as saying in her bio “Yes, people really do the things people do in my books!” If you like aspects of dominate/submissive then this book is for you.
4 Tea Cups!
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is the second in the Bondage Ranch series. Ms. van Yssel’s previous personal experience with BDSM shines through in her books. The characters were realistic and I really enjoyed learning all about them.
Samantha Grayson, aka Sam, is a struggling submissive. She has a long list of do’s and won’t do’s since having experienced some painful scenes in the past. She really wants to be a good submissive but must overcome certain fears, and learn to trust more freely. Arthur is a ruggedly handsome dominate, who’s familiar with the submissive side as well. He’s new to the Bondage Ranch after having just moved from Los Angeles, and immediately takes an interest in Sam.
Throughout the book Arthur tries to push Sam’s limits. She’s apprehensive at first but as things progress, her trust in Arthur grows. There’s an interesting twist towards the end of the book that I enjoyed.
There are a lot of scenarios within this book that I found interesting. Ms van Yssel is quoted as saying in her bio “Yes, people really do the things people do in my books!” If you like aspects of dominate/submissive then this book is for you.
4 Tea Cups!
December 13, 2010
I did like this one. It was different. Samantha has been with Doms before and she now has this huge list of limits thanks to the many lessons learned inthe past. Alex just moved to town and he is experienced. Other Doms don't like to play with Sam and her limit list or they see it as a challenge to ignore or push, Alex sees it as smart. Each one is a pretty wise choice. He takes his time building her trust and she starts removing things from the list so he can show her wax play doesn't have to end in 2nd degree burns, it can end in burning hot sex.
January 17, 2011
Ms. Yssel is a new author for me. After reading one of her bondage ranch books, I ended up purchasing all the rest. This is the last one I read. I liked how this book is from a narrative of once bitten, twice shy person. It's good to show the realistic things that can go wrong in a BDSM scene. I found this book to be very accurate on the required communications and how even those in the lifestyle can be unintentionally cruel. Good book and kinky scenes.
April 20, 2011
We've got a hot one here, whew! But there's much more to this book- the relationship development was more thorough than the first book and it felt more complete.
Sam was a bit of a PITA, although understandably so, she's been burned by Doms in the past and refuses to let that happen again. Luckily Arthur was extremely patient and respected her limits while gently pushing her further. I enjoyed their relationship dynamic, looking forward to the next book....
Sam was a bit of a PITA, although understandably so, she's been burned by Doms in the past and refuses to let that happen again. Luckily Arthur was extremely patient and respected her limits while gently pushing her further. I enjoyed their relationship dynamic, looking forward to the next book....
October 28, 2014
3.5 stars. Loved watching the relationship develop with Samantha herself shortening her list of hard and soft limits. The ending felt a bit off with the tacked on drama, but overall I enjoyed the story.
January 6, 2013
What I really liked about this book? The safe word was not seen as a thing, that the submissive had to be pushed into using, or that would cause the relationship to end if it was used. It gets major points for that from me.
January 25, 2013
Again a lovely romance-plus short. The sane, safe, and consenual mantra once again is extremely prevelant. I love the message throughout that not all relationships are the same, and what works for one couple may not work for antoher, especially within the community.
July 13, 2010
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April 20, 2011
Even though Sam drove me crazy with her insecurities, this did end up being a very good book.
September 4, 2011
3.5 stars
August 11, 2011
2/5; 2 stars; C+
I was bit disappointed in this story. The heroine was very hard to connect to and the action and dialogue felt stilted.
I was bit disappointed in this story. The heroine was very hard to connect to and the action and dialogue felt stilted.
July 2, 2012
After reading SM: 101 ... i read this short story of a Sub who being subjected to not very well trained D/s. The hero, Sir/Master Arthur was patient and grew to love Sam more than just a play thing.
October 21, 2012
wow i was quite surprised in the end i quite liked it, soft bdsm waxing and spanking.
January 17, 2013
3.5. Enjoyable story.
May 23, 2013
Yay!!! It started out slow, but then bam!! Really liked it!!!
October 20, 2021
Good read.
September 13, 2014
Not bad, but totally predictable.,
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews