Redemption

By Olivia Duncan Craig

It’s a different world. Space has been colonized, the wealthy fly to work rather than drive, and slavery is legal.

Jason’s family has been ripped apart by tragedy. The only way he can save the ones left is to offer himself up as a bondmate. The more he’s willing to give, the higher the price he can command. And Jason is willing to give a lot.

Devin is wealthy and heartbroken after the wife he adored walked out on him. He isn’t looking for love. All he wants is a relationship he can control. Buying a bondmate seems like the perfect solution.

Yet when he purchases Jason’s contract, Devin gets more than he bargained for.

************

"The world and the characters were equally vivid and I didn't want to leave. A gem." 4.75 stars out of 5 - Reviews by Jessewave

"I hope this author has more stuff in the works, because she can write sweet and easy romance with lots of really great moments and the smexin was awesome..." - The LL's Word

"Redemption is a well written futuristic erotic romance with a ton of suspense mixed in." - Reader Views

• Language: English
• Publisher: Olivia Duncan Craig
• Release date: Jul 1, 2012
• ISBN: 9780985400606

Olivia Duncan Craig

Livvie has been writing in one form or another for more than fifteen years. Enough kind people encouraged her that she decided to try her luck in the wild and woolly world of indie publishing. So far, so good. Olivia Duncan Craig is not her real name. For various reasons, she needs to lead a double life. That may change one day. She is based out of Washington, DC, but travels extensively for work and play. She Recently returned from Turkey and has trips planned to the Seychelles, London, Dubai and Australia before the year is out. She lives with her adorable dog and long-suffering cat. Her apartment overlooks the water. Life is good.

Book preview

Prologue

Brow arched, the slender blonde studied her reflection in the mirror.

Hair? Sleek and shiny. Falling like a curtain to just past her shoulders.

Makeup? Flawless as a painting. Cheeks subtly blushed. Lips obviously red.

Nails? Freshly trimmed and manicured. White tips, gleaming.

Mirror, three-sixty. The perspective instantly changed.

Over two hundred years since pencil skirts first hit the runway, she murmured, eyes narrowed as she admired her ass. "And they still make business look sexy.

Satisfied with what she saw, she ran her tongue over her teeth, just in case any lip tint had stained them, before commanding, Mirror, off. Instantly, the view reverted to normal.

Showtime, Katie, she said, leaving the ladies' ready room at Redemption Unlimited, Earth's leading provider of high-end bondmates.

She might be only minutes away from negotiating her first contract in the Long-Term division, but that didn't mean she was going to fall to pieces like some know-nothing rookie. Katie DeWitt was nobody's pushover.

If this contract went through, she would stand to make a killing, her reputation within the company—within the industry—set.

All she had to do was get both parties to come to terms.

First stop, the potential bondmate.

She knocked on the door to his holding room. Not waiting for a reply, she pushed it open and stepped inside. The young man seated at the table stood when she entered the room. That was a good sign. At least the kid had manners.

How you holding up? she asked, making her voice friendly, but not too familiar.

The man rubbed his palms against his thighs before lifting his brows along with his shoulders. Okay, I guess. Is he here?

He will be shortly, she said, indicating the candidate should return to his seat.She pulled out a chair for herself and joined him at the table. We heard from his shuttle pilot. They're about five minutes out.

He nodded, then sat, folding in hands in front of him on the table. Dressed in the classic bondsman apparel, as was fitting for a first meeting, he looked good. The clothes suited him. They were simple enough—skin tight black pants, tucked into black boots; a silver-gray tunic wrapped across his broad chest, held in place by a black cloth belt tied in a knot—easy enough to untie if the client wanted a look at the merchandise. On some, the outfit looked like expensive pajamas. On him, it emphasized the width of his shoulders, his narrow waist, and long, smooth neck. No doubt about it. He was tempting.

If Katie could have afforded him, she would have been willing to sign on the dotted line.

Look, this isn't going to be painful, she said, pushing away such musings. All you're going to do is talk. Think of this as a job interview, only for a very different kind of job.

I'll say, the man muttered, though he didn't look at her.

He's already read your file, Katie said, continuing as if he hadn't spoken. So there shouldn't be any surprises. He's just going to ask you some questions, clarify some of the information.

The man bobbed his head. And if he decides he wants me, will I go with him today?

Katie shrugged. Normally, the bondsman or woman is released once payment is received. From what I know of Blair and the way he does business, I'd expect you'd leave immediately.

"What do you know of Blair?" the man asked, his eyes lifting to meet hers, his question quiet, yet not fearful.

Katie crossed her legs and sat back in her chair, reciting from memory what she'd learned. "Let’s see…he's twenty-eight, his family's only son—though he has a younger sister named Martha.

"He's single. His mother passed away when he was still a boy. His father owns the largest, most successful interplanetary mining company in the galaxy, Blair Geo Assets. He's been groomed from birth to one day fill his father's shoes, earning degrees in Finance and Law from two of Earth's most prestigious universities, and graduating from both with honors.

Currently he heads up Mergers and Acquisitions for BGA. He makes his home in Los Angeles. All reports say he's smart, driven, doesn't suffer fools gladly, and deals fairly with those he does business with. He's looking for a personal assistant with Class One benefits, preferably male, and can afford the price you're demanding. You could do worse. I've seen the man. He's easy on the eyes.

The man seated across from her smiled, quick and tight, as if thanking her for the information. So…any words of advice?

Katie smiled back. She could tell the candidate was nervous. While making the warm and fuzzy 'don't you worry, sweetheart, everything will be alright' speech wasn't exactly her forte, she wasn’t averse to telling someone they needed to man the hell up.

First and foremost, this isn't the time for nerves, she said, leaning forward in her seat. You've got to realize something—the price you've set for yourself is high. Yeah, you're willing to give a lot. But you're asking for a lot in return, and not many are going to be able to afford you. This guy is rich, young and handsome. You've hit the jackpot on your very first try. So don't waste this opportunity.

The man looked down at his hands before nodding one last time. He slicked his lips with his tongue, then spoke. Yeah. Alright. Let's do this.

As if on cue, the com chirped.

Yes? Katie asked. A pleasant female voice responded.

Mr. Blair' shuttle has touched down. He and his escort are on their way to Suite 4312.

Thank you, Katie replied. We'll be right there.

She pushed to her feet. The man seated with her stood as well.

Come with me, Jason, she said. It's time for you to meet your future.

He should cancel.

That's what Devin kept telling himself during the flight down from Seattle. He should put in a call to that DeWitt woman and tell her the timing was bad. Rather than meeting after business hours on a Friday, he'd have his office get in touch with her to reschedule for the following week. And if the delay meant he missed out, well…he'd have to miss out.

That's what he'd told himself he should do.

But he hadn't made the call.

Still…

He was fucking exhausted. Not only had he landed at Fairburn Intergalactic Freight that morning before sunrise, ready to make the case, yet again, for their companies' potential merger, but that week had also featured trips to New York and Chicago. If he didn't get a little time at his own desk soon, he was going to lose it. As it was, when he looked back on the last several days, he was having trouble recalling what conversation had taken place in which city and with whom. His life was in danger of becoming an all too forgettable blur.

So when he'd checked his messages just before his working lunch with FIF's attorneys, and seen he'd received a new bondmate dossier from Redemption, complete with a proposed appointment time for later that same day, his initial inclination had been to say no. Hell, no. Then he'd opened the file. And reconsidered.

DeWitt had said in her transmission:

You're going to want to meet this one. He won't be on the market long.

Based on what was in the file, Devin had to agree.

This candidate looked promising.

You buckled in, boss? Devin's pilot asked over the com. I'm getting ready to bring her down.

I'm good, Alby, Devin replied, bringing his seat back up and closing his travel computer. Take us in.

Devin looked out from the shuttle as the Los Angeles skyline turned into more than just a silhouette, details coming into focus, as if the window were a lens and some phantom photographer were sharpening the image before capturing it. It was late, past rush hour, so shuttle traffic wasn't as heavy as it could have been. Still, he could make out travelers, both on foot below, and in various modes of transport. Devin smiled. Among other things, the City of Angels was his home, had been ever since he'd graduated college. He could almost feel the familiar energy pulsing below. It was good to be back. He was looking forward to spending the weekend at his own place.

As Devin had known he would, Alby set the shuttle down gently on Redemption's rooftop pad. Before Devin had even had the opportunity to push to his feet and stretch the kinks from his back, he saw through the window a company representative stepping free of the roof hatch and heading towards the ship to greet them.

Yawning as he rose from his seat, Devin checked his appearance in the cabin's mirror on his way to the exit. Great. He looked about as bad as he felt—rumpled clothes, stubble beginning to darken his jaw, his eyes bleary and red.

Oh, well. At least work was to blame and not some playboy lifestyle. There was a certain dignity in that, he supposed.

Mr. Blair, welcome, said the young woman waiting for him at the bottom of the shuttle steps. She was his age, maybe younger, and pretty, with short brown hair and big blue eyes. We're so glad you could make it. My name is Lindsey. If you'll follow me, I know Katie has been awaiting your arrival.

Devin chuckled to himself. Katie. DeWitt had introduced herself to him as Katherine. Glad to be here, he said, before looking back at his pilot. Alby was young and fit, with dark skin and even darker eyes. You're probably going to want to power down. I don't know how long we'll be, but this may take a while.

When he's finished, your pilot is welcome to wait in our lounge, Lindsey said. We can offer him refreshments and a comfortable place to rest.

If you're offering, honey, I'm accepting, Alby said with a wink and a confident smile. Just give me a few minutes to close up here.

Lindsey inclined her head, too professional to be charmed by Alby's flirting, or at least to reveal as much. I'll send someone out to escort you.

Be good, Devin murmured before following Lindsey inside. Alby nodded. Devin wasn't truly worried. Alby might like to play up his hotshot pilot persona. But he knew when to rein it in. He wasn't going to do anything to embarrass BGA or the son of its CEO.

I hope you had a pleasant trip down, Lindsey said, as they stepped into the elevator. She hit the button for the 43rd floor. I know Katie was pleased you were going to be able to make it this evening.

It wasn't bad, Devin said, watching as the floor numbers flashed to life, one by one, overhead. The ride was smooth. Do you always take such late appointments?

Lindsey looked over and smiled at him. When it makes sense to.

In other words, when the commission is large enough.

The elevator doors opened. Right this way.

Devin had to hand it to Redemption. Business must be good. Their offices were luxurious in the extreme. Thick carpeting cushioning their steps, they walked along buffed paneled walls hung with obviously valuable, yet not ostentatious, works of art. The hallway was lit to be soothing, more like a residence than a business. If he hadn't known better, he might have believed the firm's focus was consulting or media, something where prestige and image meant more sometimes than actual numbers.

You'd never know they buy and sell people.

Here we are, Lindsey said, stopping outside a door marked with the number twelve. Opening it, she gestured for him to enter. Devin saw the woman he now thought of as Katie DeWitt waiting for him.

Thank you, Lindsey, Katie said. I'll be calling for the candidate in a few minutes. He's in the ready room at the end of the hall. Please stay close.

Certainly, Lindsey said, closing the door behind her.

Once they were alone, Katie crossed to Devin, her hand outstretched. Glad you could make it, Mr. Blair. I know the timing was less than ideal.

Devin shook her hand. It was narrow and cool, but her grip was stronger than that of some of the men he'd met that week. Devin, please. I appreciate you looking out for my interests.

It's my pleasure. Can I offer you a drink?

I wouldn't say no to whiskey, neat.

A man after my own heart. Katie smiled, but she didn't show any teeth. Please, have a seat.

The suite was as beautifully decorated as everything else Devin had seen, calm, neutral colors and elegant furnishings. A tailored couch and matching chairs made up a conversation group in the corner, complemented by a sleek coffee table and coordinating end tables. On the back wall stood a full bar that faced a wall of windows overlooking the beauty that was Los Angeles at night.

So, you've had a chance to review the file, Katie said, stepping behind the bar and retrieving from below it what Devin recognized to be an excellent bottle of Irish whiskey. Do you have any questions?

Devin sat in one of the chairs near the couch. Plenty of them. But you're not the one I need to ask.

Do you have any concerns I can address before the candidate comes in?

Devin shrugged. I'm a little worried about his proposed length of service.

Katie nodded. Yes. Twenty years. I can see how that might seem like quite a commitment.

Given the kind of relationship I'm looking for, I doubt I'll need someone like this in twenty years.

That's not surprising. But you don't have to worry.

Why is that?

Two glasses of amber spirits in hand, Katie returned to where Devin sat and gave him one of them. I mean you can always submit his contract for resale.

Devin took a sip before he spoke. It went down smoothly. How does that work?

Katie took a seat on the end of the couch nearest Devin. For contracts of longer than five years, Redemption is willing to take back the bondmate if the buyer decides they're no longer interested in keeping them. We would then negotiate a contract for them with a new buyer. With someone like your candidate, we refund the original client the balance of the contract minus ten percent for processing.

Ten percent on a contract of this size is a fair number of credits, Devin commented with a lift of his brow.

Katie looked at him over her glass of whiskey. You can afford it.

Devin had to laugh. The girl was utterly fearless. True enough.

Katie chuckled with him. She may be a barracuda, but at the very least, she seemed competent at her job. Devin respected competence. So are you ready to meet your boy? she asked.

Devin lifted his glass in a mock toast. Now is as good a time as any.

Katie took a drink from her glass before saying, Communications, contact Lindsey.

Instantly, a chirp sounded from the speakers overhead. Lindsey here.

This is Katherine. Please bring in the candidate.

He'll be there shortly.

Devin frowned for a moment into his whiskey. All at once, changes loomed. After reviewing and rejecting the first dozen or so candidates DeWitt had shown him, this was the first he'd agreed to meet in person. If everything went well, he might soon have a stranger living under his roof. So what does this Jason come with?

Katie appeared confused by his question. Well, as you saw in the file we prepared, we've done a full background screening and health check.

Devin shook his head. That's not what I mean. What I'm asking is what would he be bringing with him—clothes, furniture, pets?

Katie laughed. No, not at all. I mean…he does have a suitcase or two of belongings. Most candidates bring with them clothes, toiletries and some small personal effects. But the whole point of an individual offering themselves up as a bondmate is to raise credits. Candidates typically sell off or give away all they can before entering into the contract. It doesn't make sense for them to do anything else. The agreement the client signs states, among other things, they'll be responsible for providing the bondmate with necessities like shelter, food and clothing. These people don't bring their former lives with them, Devin. They're starting new ones.

Devin nodded. He supposed that made sense. Although he didn't know if he would ever fully understand what might drive a person to make such a decision.

There was a knock on the door.

Katie stood. Come in.

The door swung open. Lindsey was back. This time she brought with him a tall, well-built young man with longish brown hair. Devin immediately recognized Jason from the photographs in his file.

They hadn't done him justice.

Redemption's presentation had been low-tech by design—no video or sound files—all that had been included beyond a brief profile of Jason and his accomplishments were two pictures taken from the chest up, one with Jason facing front, the other with him in profile. Devin knew the intent was to whet a client's appetite, to encourage them to agree to an appointment so they could meet the candidate in person. The strategy had succeeded.

Beautifully.

Thank you, Lindsey, Katie said, stepping forward. That will be all.

Lindsey nodded and smiled before exiting. She closed the door behind her.

Jason, Katie said, taking the newcomer by the arm and leading him towards Devin. I'd like you to meet Devin Blair. He's considering purchasing your contract.

Devin stood to greet the man who might soon become part of his life. Pleased to meet you, Jason, he said, surprised by how sincerely he meant that, and extended his hand.

Jason took it. His palm was warm and slightly moist, yet his fingers closed strongly around Devin's. Hi. It's…nice to meet you too.

Why don't we all sit down? Katie said. Devin returned to his seat. Jason sat opposite him in the other chair. Katie sat between them on the couch. Devin couldn't help but think she was positioned like a referee.

With Jason sitting there, dressed in his bondmate costume, and looking at Devin with curiosity, Devin hesitated for a moment, unsure whether there might be some protocol he was supposed to follow. For reasons that had never been made entirely clear to him, there were some ritualistic aspects to the whole bondmate process. He knew part of it was to give those choosing the lifestyle a kind of comfort, the assurance that formal steps were being taken, and the arrangement they were entering into was sanctioned not only by law but by tradition. Yet some of the ceremony involved—the clothing, the contract, the oath—felt uncomfortably to Devin like the trappings of marriage.

And he had already been burned once by that particular rite.

Before the room's silence could get awkward, Katie broke it. Devin, you'd mentioned you had some questions for Jason. Now is your opportunity to ask them. What did you want to know?

Grateful for her giving him his cue, Devin took another sip of his whiskey before he spoke. Yes. Well, I suppose the most obvious question is why you would be interested in something like this. I've read the information Redemption pulled together. You seem to be someone who has a great future ahead of them. Why would you want to throw that all away?

Yeah, Jason said, bowing his head for an instant before once more meeting Devin's eyes. I'm not surprised you're asking me that. I mean…that's what I would want to know if I were you.

So tell me.

Jason nodded. I…um…I've had some things happen in my life recently that have made me need credits more quickly and in greater number than I could earn by regular means. I'm single. I don't have anything tying me down. Entering into a contract seems like the best solution.

What kinds of things have happened? Devin asked.

Nothing you need to worry about, Jason hurried to assure him. I've done nothing illegal. I have no addictions or even any outstanding debts. I would come to you with a clean slate.

He's telling the truth, Katie said, inserting herself into the conversation. You've seen the background screening we performed. We use the same vendor as the United Planetary Police. They're very thorough.

Devin considered that for a moment. He had no doubt the background screening was accurate. As far as it went. Only he'd love to know what criteria they'd used. Maybe if his own people could expand upon it, he might find out more, learn what had prompted Jason's sudden need for credits. He suspected that was the key here, and that the information was more important than Jason was willing to let on.

So what kind of skills would you offer me? he asked.

The question seemed to perk Jason up, like he was primed to answer it. Well, Ms. DeWitt has said you're looking for a personal assistant. Now I've never actually worked as one of those before. But I've got plenty of corporate experience and I know that kind of culture inside and out.

Experience doing what exactly? Devin asked. Your work history said something about you being a designer, yet your degree was in Technology, if I remember right. What do you design?

Jason smiled slightly. Still it was enough for Devin to see he had dimples. Nice. Right, um…my degree was in Holographic Technology. My first degree anyway.

Jason has been going to school for his Masters in Art, while working full-time, Katie interjected. He knows, however, that as a bondmate, his studies would need to be suspended.

That's right, Jason said, nodding. I understand that. It's fine. I'm done with classes anyway. I'd planned to use this semester to finish my thesis project. But I've already learned what I wanted to learn, so the degree isn't any big deal. It would only be a credential, and it's not like I'm going to need it. Not for a while.

What is it you wanted to learn? Devin asked.

My interest has always been in holographic environments, Jason said with obvious enthusiasm.

Used how exactly? Devin asked, wrinkling his brow. This was really not his area of expertise.

There are actually a lot of applications, Jason said, his voice turning just the slightest bit professorial. Training, entertainment, the medical field.

All right, Devin said, conceding the point. But weren't you working in a law office?

Jason ducked his head. His hair slipped forward. Devin thought he might be blushing. Well…yeah. I had to pay the bills, especially while I was going to school. It’s not like every new grad lands a sweet gig with a media company right away. You have to build a portfolio first.

Which leads back to my earlier question, Devin said. What did you design?

Presentations mostly, Jason said, as if the words were the most damning confession imaginable. For trials and meetings. That sort of thing.

So you're good with computers, Devin said, wanting to help him out. It seemed as if the guy were apologizing for something. But really—Devin had a lot more use for someone who was good at presentations than he had for someone who could create fairy tale kingdoms out of light.

As if he could sense what Devin was trying to do, Jason's enthusiasm returned. Yeah. Really good. I've never been timed or anything, but I'm pretty fast with a keyboard. I know all the major software programs, and some of the more specialized ones. I can even troubleshoot—hardware and software—if I have to.

Devin smiled. We've got an awfully good tech support unit. I don't foresee you being asked to do a lot of that sort of thing.

Good to know. Jason mirrored Devin's smile. I'm also a decent writer. I'm very organized—I've had to be with my schedule. I have a lot of energy, and I'm good with people. I'm a hard worker.

Again, we can confirm that assessment, Katie said, a certain amusement shining in her eyes. Devin thought perhaps the glint might stem, at least in part, from how eager Jason seemed to please. Devin had to admit—there was a kind of charm about it. Jason offered us references as part of our application process. We've contacted them and they had nothing but praise for his work ethic. I can share the transcripts with you.

That won't be necessary, Devin said. I believe you. I believe you both.

Jason practically beamed.

The thing is, Devin began, knowing what he was going to say would all but certainly wipe the smile from Jason's face, I don't just need a personal assistant. If I did, I'd post the job and probably have a hundred applicants by this time next week. I'm also looking for a companion.

As Devin had expected, Jason's face slowly fell. Yet he didn't appear revolted or worried. Instead, his expression turned thoughtful. Why are you doing that? he asked.

Doing what? Devin asked in return.

Why are you hiring someone to be intimate with you? Jason asked. I mean…you're a good-looking guy. You must be pretty wealthy, or you wouldn't be considering my asking price. So why shell out credits for something you could probably get for free?

Jason was looking at him so earnestly, like he was concerned Devin was doing something he would later live to regret, that at first Devin didn't know whether to laugh or tell the guy it was none of his God damned business.

I'm looking for someone who can help me with both my private and professional lives as a matter of convenience, Devin said, settling against the arm of his chair. I just had my personal assistant tell me she's going to stay at home with her new baby. I'd rather not train a new PA, only to have something similar happen a year or two from now. I ask for a lot from my assistants. There's travel and pressure. They work a great deal of overtime. Even with a generous salary, turnover tends to be high.

Jason was listening carefully, his brow furrowed. When Devin was finished, he shrugged. Okay. I can understand why you'd want to bond someone to you for a position like that. Only that's not what I was asking. I was wondering more about the personal side of things.

Jason, it's not really appropriate for you to question the motives of our clients--, Katie began, a warning look on her face.

Devin waved her off. No, it's all right. It's a fair question. He wants to know what he would be getting himself into.

He's a Class One, Katie said, shooting Jason a final quelling glare before focusing her gaze on Devin. It's not as if he's set many limits.

I've heard that terminology before, Devin said with a frown. But I'm not familiar with it. What exactly does 'Class One' mean?

Katie hesitated, the corner of her mouth lifting in a rueful little smile before she spoke. The words flowed easily, as if the phrase were one she was familiar with and had recited often. It means Jason has agreed to be considered for contracts involving sexual relations with either gender, all acts, save anything that could result in permanent injury to him or disfigurement.

Permanent injury or disfigurement? Devin said, practically spitting the words back at her. He'd had no idea. Are you kidding me? How the hell is something like that legal?

"It's not legal, Katie said, her hand outstretched as if she thought to soothe him. Or at least…not within the terms of any contract involving Jason or Redemption. That's what I'm trying to explain. RU won't broker contracts like that, although some of our less reputable competitors might. The parameters Jason has set for himself are as lenient as we allow. We'd never knowingly give a client carte blanche to hurt a bondmate, not in that way."

I have no intention of hurting him in any way, Devin growled, appalled by the very notion.

That's a relief, Jason murmured, his lips stretched in a faint smile. His light-hearted response made Devin see red.

What are you thinking? Devin demanded. Potentially putting yourself in a situation like that? DeWitt here may say her company is opposed to their candidates being injured, but the reality is that sort of thing happens all the time. Even with the best screening processes and all the check-ups in the world, bondmates are abused or sometimes even killed. You have to have seen the news vids, same as me.

Jason nodded and chewed on his lower lip for a second before speaking. Yeah. I have. Which is why I'm taking this interview very seriously. I know the terms of any contract must be signed by both parties, and I have no intention of giving over twenty years of my life to someone I'm worried might abuse me. He chuckled then, his laughter sounding as if it were directed more at himself than at Devin, and sat forward in his chair, his hands laced loosely before him. You might be pleased to know, based on your reaction just now, I'm not really worried about that with you.

Devin glared at him for a moment longer, annoyed that a person who was selling himself into virtual slavery was doing a better job of taking it all in stride than the person who was considering buying him. Glad I could set your mind at ease, he grumbled at last.

Jason's smile widened.

Only Devin wasn't going to let him off so easily. Now maybe you can return the favor, he said, pinning Jason with his gaze.

As before, Jason's expression turned choirboy earnest, all searching hazel eyes and wrinkled forehead. I'll try.

You're confident I won't hurt you, Devin said. "And I wouldn't, at least not knowingly. But what confidence do I have that you'll be what I'm looking for in a

Reviews for Redemption

[bea_writer · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Decent book. I enjoyed the sci-fi aspects and the whole "family dynamics". I have to admit that our main character Devin was a bit of an A-hole and it took me a bit to like him.



I enjoyed the book, even though there were moments of typical tropey romance.

[vampkiss · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

4 stars. I thought this was a very good read about a high power executive buying a bondmate, who happens to be trying to escape his past. Liked the characters and enjoyed the progression of the romance.

I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Estarianne · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It was OK,. but still just a formula romance with a lot of.cliches and weak efforts to create suspense. It gets 3.5 stars because it mostly made sense and was cute, but there was nothing amazing or special about it.

[srobin1961 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent story line, strong characters and visually stimulating

[shazov-133293 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Stunningly simple, yet beautifully written story set in a future United States. I enjoyed this book so much that I resented having to put it down to participate in family obligations lol, and when I had the chance, read until I finished it. Sleep? Who needs it? *grin*

This story is set in a time where, if you have debts you need paid, or you need money (or more accurately credits, as they are called) you have the opportunity to basically sell yourself as a "bondmate". Depending on the amount of credits you need or want, you set the terms to your duties yourself. Jason needs a lot of credits, so he's willing to basically sell himself completely.

Devin is a bi-sexual man burnt by an ex-wife and sick of having to replace his PA's. He decided to capture two birds with one stone and to purchase a bondmate who can fulfill both roles in his life.

For a story that starts in principle with slavery, this is a surprisingly romantic and touching book. While Devin and Jason seem to hit it off immediately, there are a lot of issues working in the background. Doubts and warnings from well-meaning friends and acquaintances heavily play on both their minds. And of course Jason's past is there as well, throwing a spanner in the works.

Luckily for these guys, they manage to overcome all these issues and we are left with a very HEA which is what both of them deserve.

I have to admit that I am quite impressed with this author and I'm looking forward to reading another story of hers.

[gigi9988776 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I read this one when it first came out and absolutely loved it. I plan on re-reading it over the holidays. Tons of angst, smokin' hot sex and a fabulous HEA. All my requirements met.

Highly recommended.