lifeinthebooklane's review
4.0
Wowsers, I've always been a bit your-kink-isn't-my-kink-but-that's-ok about pet play, but Measha Stone certainly makes it sound hot!
Despite what I'm sure some readers will think, this is a FULLY consensual BDSM romantic suspense. I've read all three previous books in the series so didn't even need to read the blurb, I just one-clicked on this. Whilst it very briefly mentions characters from previous books this can definitely be read as a stand alone, as can the other books in the series.
I know these books will contain humiliation play and push my boundaries a little, but the heroine ALWAYS has a safe word. In fact there are several scenes where the hero even points out that Julie could have walked away at any point. For me this makes the difference between a book that feels almost abusive and one that I can enjoy.
Julie is searching for her Mother, but this puts her in danger and being hunted down by some very bad men. John is the policeman who comes to her rescue and helps keep her from danger. However Julie often acts without thinking, putting herself at risk, so John uses their shared need for BDSM to calm Julie down and help her behave more rationally.
John is all hot alpha male with a really tough, dominant streak. He is not one to back down but all his discipline comes from a good and caring place. Whilst some might see her actions as foolish, I 'got' Julie's choices and decisions. She is a really strong character and I, for one, really liked her. She is a survivor but has never lost her hope and kindness.
The plot had good pace and a perfect balance of plot to kinky scenes. I loved how we saw their connection grow both through their 'play' and their regular interactions. You really got a feel of how genuinely John cared about Julie's mental well-being, as well as her physical safety. The story has some really good plot twists at the end, and a very unexpected saviour!
I bought and devoured this book in one day. I loved every single word of it from start to finish, so much so that I now want to re-read the entire series! It isn't a story that will be for everyone, it contains humiliation play, pet play and sado-masochistic punishment scenes. It's very steamy and both NSFW and very 18+. If you love kinky reads that push your boundaries then you'll enjoy this.
Despite what I'm sure some readers will think, this is a FULLY consensual BDSM romantic suspense. I've read all three previous books in the series so didn't even need to read the blurb, I just one-clicked on this. Whilst it very briefly mentions characters from previous books this can definitely be read as a stand alone, as can the other books in the series.
I know these books will contain humiliation play and push my boundaries a little, but the heroine ALWAYS has a safe word. In fact there are several scenes where the hero even points out that Julie could have walked away at any point. For me this makes the difference between a book that feels almost abusive and one that I can enjoy.
Julie is searching for her Mother, but this puts her in danger and being hunted down by some very bad men. John is the policeman who comes to her rescue and helps keep her from danger. However Julie often acts without thinking, putting herself at risk, so John uses their shared need for BDSM to calm Julie down and help her behave more rationally.
John is all hot alpha male with a really tough, dominant streak. He is not one to back down but all his discipline comes from a good and caring place. Whilst some might see her actions as foolish, I 'got' Julie's choices and decisions. She is a really strong character and I, for one, really liked her. She is a survivor but has never lost her hope and kindness.
The plot had good pace and a perfect balance of plot to kinky scenes. I loved how we saw their connection grow both through their 'play' and their regular interactions. You really got a feel of how genuinely John cared about Julie's mental well-being, as well as her physical safety. The story has some really good plot twists at the end, and a very unexpected saviour!
I bought and devoured this book in one day. I loved every single word of it from start to finish, so much so that I now want to re-read the entire series! It isn't a story that will be for everyone, it contains humiliation play, pet play and sado-masochistic punishment scenes. It's very steamy and both NSFW and very 18+. If you love kinky reads that push your boundaries then you'll enjoy this.
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