Bound by Lorelei James

 

"In the new Mastered series by New York Times bestselling author Lorelei James, a woman’s desire to shatter her inhibitions leaves her unprepared for where that erotic journey will take her….

Former small-town girl Amery Hardwick is living her dream as a graphic designer in Denver, Colorado. She’s focused on building her business, which leaves little time for dating—not that she needs a romantic entanglement to fulfill her. When her friend signs up for a self-defense class as part of her recovery after an attack, Amery joins her for support. That’s where she meets him.

Ronin Black, owner of the dojo, is so drawn to Amery that he takes over her training—in public and in private. The enigmatic Ronin pushes Amery’s boundaries from the start, and with each new tryst, Amery becomes addicted to the pleasure and to him. But when Amery senses Ronin is hiding something, she questions her total trust in him, despite the undeniable thrill of his possession…."

Bound by Lorelei James a wonderfully written erotic fiction novel. Amery goes to a self-defense class to support her friend and co-worker to only discover that if she wants to support she has to participate in the class. From here she meets Ronin in the classroom when he questions why she isn't wearing the required uniform. I loved their first interactions together. Clearly, Amery is happy to be on her own and be her own woman but to defy someone isn't second nature. It takes effort but something about Ronin gets her hackles up. I really liked this aspect about Amery. The whole, I'm my own woman and don't need a man at the beginning of the book. She has friends and a business but with Ronin's help she sees that she can expand beyond that. It's OK to want someone more in your life.

I also liked the added layers to each of the characters. With Amery's parents and back story to Ronin's mute-ness about himself and his history. The last chapter in his POV was awesome and I'm looking forward to hearing more from him in the second book (finger's crossed!). The book also took a few nice twist and turns with an unexpected visit from a family member to an ex who doesn't like seeing someone happy.

Finally, the book had a certain amount of sexy to it. I wouldn't say that it focused on the BDSM at all but something more art and less pain called Shibari more correctly known as Kinbaku. Which is stated by www.hikarikesho.com/eng/shibari.php as "an ancient Japanese artistic form of rope bondage that has many styles and uses."

That alone made the book truly interesting...learning something new from another culture. Not the usual whip and chains type of erotic fiction...which I truly appreciated. While this book is sexy I would say it's not overly so...not in the sense of 50 Shades.

I was at the salon a few days ago and was asked by the girls working there what sexy book they should read next. With this book in my hands, I said Bound! The great storyline and many layered characters only enhances the sexy of the book. So, if you're looking for the next erotic fiction to read, give Bound a chance.

I was lucky enough to find a copy through the library and now I'm on the hunt for book two, Unwound, which will conclude the story of Amery and Ronin.