Bound

Written by Angel Payne

Narrated by Aiden Snow

Two of Angel Payne’s most beloved series collide for the first time!

They’re on borrowed time. But is it a gift to be savored or a torture to endured?

Jayd Cimarron and Max Brickham gave themselves to each other during a night that was only supposed to be just that. But when the retrieval mission for Jayd turned into the rescue mission for Brick, their finite hours turned into an accidental extension in Jayd’s island kingdom.

But palm trees and Mediterranean breezes aren’t big enough erasers for their twisted challenges. Brick is a wanted man by nearly every law enforcement agency on the globe, and Jayd is still in the crosshairs of the ruthless renegade who wants her as his ticket into Arcadian politics. Jayd’s brothers don’t see Brick in any better light, especially after discovering he owns two high-end dungeons that cater to people’s hottest fantasies. Their edict is clear. The sooner Brick leaves Arcadia, the better.

Desire dictates other plans.

Brick and Jayd can’t ignore the soul-deep bond that draws their bodies—and hearts—closer. In the furnace of their passion, they have no choice about acknowledging the power of their bond: a connection that’s tested when Jayd disappears during a hostile invasion on Arcadia.

Until now, Brick thought his worst fears had already been faced and beaten. With the help of some trusted friends, he must dive to a new level of terror inside himself—because there, in his heart, is where he’ll find the way back to Jayd. The unbreakable bond of their invincible love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: Oct 26, 2021
• ISBN: 9781543665307

Angel Payne

USA Today bestselling romance author Angel Payne has written for four publishing houses, and is also independently published. She loves to focus on high heat romance with emotional twists. She has numerous book series to her credit, including the Honor Bound series, the Suited for Sin series, the Cimarron Saga, the Temptation Court series, and the Secrets of Stone series (with Victoria Blue). Angel is thrilled to be an author for the Waterhouse Press bestselling Misadventures series, and looks forward to the launch of the Bolt Saga, featuring her super hero Reece Richards, launching in Summer 2018. Angel lives in Southern California with her soul mate husband and beautiful cosplaying daughter. As an “anime family”, they enjoy attending pop culture cons together.

Reviews for Bound

[lauren2013_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Bound
3 Stars

Accompanying a friend to a woman’s self-defense class, Amery Hardwick meets the dojo’s owner, sexy and domineering Ronin Black. As the sparks between the two develop into a smoldering desire and then a passionate affair, Amery becomes addicted to the pleasure of losing herself in Ronin’s sensuality. However, Ronin’s secrets and his inability to open up and fully share himself with Amery rapidly begins to fray the fragile bonds that tie them together. Will their romance survive the challenges that they face?

To be fair, BDSM is not my usual reading fare, however, some of my GR friends are fans of Lorelei James and I am giving her writing a try. After my initial foray with Saddled and Spurred met with limited success, I had hoped that this one would fair better. Unfortunately, this has not turned out to be the case as the book ends on a cliffhanger just as it is getting interesting.

To begin with, the BDSM elements are actually quite original as they focus on the Japanese style of bondage known as Kinbaku, which has an interesting history and is even considered an art form. That said, the numerous sex scenes involving scarves and ropes and blindfolds ultimately begin to lose their impact as they are repetitive and almost mechanical rather than intimate and sensual.

The romance has potential, but is marred by the heroine’s insecurities and repetitive angst as well as the hero’s aloof reserve. Much of this is exacerbated by the fact that the story is presented primarily via Amery’s point of view and the reader is seldom privy to Ronin’s thoughts and feelings.

Another problem is with the characters - none of whom are particularly likable. Amery starts out as a smart, sassy and spirited woman, but turns into a submissive doormat the moment Ronin turns his sexy smile on her. What happened to her snarky comebacks?

Ronin runs hot and cold. One minute he is a tender and patient lover eager to introduce Amery to his world, and the next he is a controlling sensei determined to keep her in her place both physically and emotionally. This is NOT a turn on!

The secondary characters in the form of Amery’s obnoxious and selfish friends, and Ronin’s judgmental colleagues are not appealing in any shape or form.

All in all, I’m beginning to realize that Lorelei James simply isn’t for me and the fact that the story ends so abruptly just as Ronin and Amery are beginning to show some real emotion only emphasizes my problem with her writing. With fewer unnecessary sex scenes, better character development and cohesive plotting, this story could have been wrapped up in one book. Instead, I am left with the bitter feeling that everything was drawn out so that James could continue with a superfluous sequel to increase profits.

[readerscandyb · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

When I started this book I was immediately sucked in. The story was packed with storyline and I was interested. However, about half way through the book the storyline faded and sex scenes took over. Every time Ronin came into the picture I was hoping for plot, but instead got erotica. I understand that this book is in that category so I should expect that... I just wish there was more depth to it.

I wanted to finish this book, but I didn't. I would however recommend this book to those looking for an erotica. The writing was good and the characters were very likeable.

[darkfaerietales_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie TalesQuick & Dirty: Steamy martial arts with a serious Fifty Shades feel…..Opening Sentence: “So this is where you’re learning to kick some ass.”The Review:Amery attends a self defense class with her friend Molly, as support. Molly wants to come out of her shell after being attacked. Amery is immediately noticed by Ronin, aka Master Black, the Sensei of Black Arts! Okay total side note, when I saw the name of the dojo I really did wonder if this was a paranormal romance! Master Black begins to teach Amery and soon after starts showing up in her life! The attraction is immediate and fierce. Ahh, I feel like I am already doing this book an injustice.Amery and Ronin are downright hot and steamy, I enjoyed getting to know Amery and Ronin is a bit of a hot mystery, which does cause problems later, but for now he is a hot bad ass! Amery and Ronin are navigating business, their relationship, his bondage fascination, and her friends. As they get deeper and deeper, some of his habits send Amery running, but will it be the bondage that ends their relationship or his unwillingness to let down his guard?Oh my word, what can I say about this book? It was so unexpected, although I guess the name should have been a hint, right? But honestly, I really didn’t know anything about this book, or the author. So from the moment I opened this I was all in… Amery is a total gem, she breaking out of her shell and finding herself, she is snarky, smart, and talented! I love her flaws and her honest struggle to take in information and process it. And the ending…. I was almost in tears and the other half of me was like, hell yeah, get it girl! Major cliffhanger, the moment I am done with this review I am heading over to buy book 2, and maybe 3 and 4 because I loved this book!I knew I was enjoying it, but when it ended I knew it kicked me in the gut, this book was so much better than Fifty Shades. I don’t even know why I put that in the quick and dirty other than to let you know this is erotica with a similar feel. The mix of martial arts and Japanese culture and the bondage was just amazing. I was enthralled and loved every single minute of it. Ronin was a bit of the ugh/and I love him mix for me. I really did like them as a couple and I am totally invested in seeing how this all plays out. You know how some romance novels remind you why you don’t just read that genre too much anymore? Then you pick up another romance novel and it just blows you away and reminds you why this was once your favorite genre….yes Bound is in this category! What are you are waiting for? Go forth and get it now!!!Notable Scenes:“The blast of the heat from these liquids gold eyes reminded her that her boldness was only an act.”“Butterflies danced in her stomach as she waited for him to answer his own question.”“She trembled with heart-pounding, body-tingling anticipation.”“The man had all the right words.”“The man had ninja sex skills too.”“But she could admit part of her reluctance had been fear.”“On the outside he might look like a sophisticated gentleman, but on the inside Ronin Black was a pure sexual beast.”“When his words for you to understand who I am echoed back to her, she realized this secret would’ve come out eventually.”FTC Advisory: NAL/Penguin provided me with a copy of Bound. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.

[cc123-3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a surprisingly great story! I know little about Japanese Customs and even less about jujitsu but I found it all fascinating.

Ronin and Amery have an unconventional relationship but, boy, is it fun to read about. BOUND maybe my favorite book so far of 2014!

[christih-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Strange book to me.