Unwound

Mastered, Book 2

By: Lorelei James

Narrated by: Luke Daniels

Length: 11 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

In the conclusion to the Mastered Series by New York Times best-selling author Lorelei James, a man’s need for control is tested by the one woman he’ll risk everything for….

When sensei Ronin Black first encounters Amery Hardwick, the fire in her eyes ignites a sexual spark a thousand times better than the primal rush he used to get from mixed martial arts matches. She accepts his darker edges and admits to him that her desires aren’t as wholesome as he believed. And before long, Ronin is grappling with emotions he’s never felt before.

Yet despite demanding Amery bare her body and soul to him, Ronin holds a part of himself back. When she learns Ronin’s secret and walks out, his life begins to unravel. To regain her trust, he must let go of his pride and prove to her that it’s more than passion binding them together.

©2014 LJLA, Inc. (P)2014 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

awsome

has he ferfect balance of suggestion to steamy and is classy yet slice of life

Not In Love

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I felt like the first book flowed much better than the 2nd book. I kept waiting for something exciting to happen but nothing came.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

I didn't connect with the characters in this book and I was really looking forward to seeing how their story worked out. The way the couple get back together didn't flow with the ending in book 1. What happened to the Amery I fell in love with?

How did the narrator detract from the book?

I really wish they had used the same narrators as in the first book. The female vocals left a lot to be desired for me and killed some of the book for me.

Do you think Unwound needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No

2.5 Meh Boring Disappointing stars

Unwound by Lorelei James 2nd in the Mastered series. (Book Synopsis at the End of Review)

Overall Story: 2.5 Meh Boring Disappointing stars

Narrator: 3 Stars

Heat Level: 3

Type: Erotic Romance, BDSM/Bondage, Fighter

POV: Both main characters Ronin (H) Amery (h)

I had high hopes for this book after reading and loving Bound (it was refreshing and engaging). I was sadly disappointed. The story line was dull as dishwater. Compared to Bound it was just ‘Meh’ to me. What little life Lorelei James tried to breath into the story felt forced and unnatural.

It starts off with Ronin’s spiral after the break-up but we don’t get into Amery’s head until after they get back together. This was a shock for me, I was starting to think it was told only from his POV. Things just spiral down from there into a boring hum drum plot with some hot sex, forced emotions and conflict that wasn’t very well thought out. Oh and absolutely nothing ever got resolved because Amery was a hot mess through the entire book! She was so wishy washy she made me dizzy. I liked her in Bound and couldn't stand her in Unwound.

The only saving grace for the book was the side cast. I was more interested in them than the main characters! Then around the 70% mark life is breathed into the story and the pace picks up only to fall completely on its face. The drama and issues were resolved to quickly leaving the reader unsatisfied. The ending seemed like the author ran out of time and rushed to get it done! Everything is resolved and we all skip off into the sunset, tootles.

In closing; if you've already read Bound and can't wait to read Unwound, just make up your own ending in your head! It will save you the 1 to 4 days it will take you to read this ho hum book. If you must read it don't expect an epic knock your socks of read.

Started Reading May 19th 2014 Finished May 24th 2014

I also listened to the book on Audible.com when I didn’t have time to read.
Narrator: 3 stars wasn't terrible but left a little to be desired with the various voices, they were a little over done. The main characters were ok though.

In this conclusion to the Mastered series by New York Times bestselling author Lorelei James, a man’s need for control is tested by the one woman he’ll risk everything for

When sensei Ronin Black first encounters Amery Hardwick, the fire in her eyes ignites a sexual spark a thousand times better than the primal rush he used to get from mixed martial arts matches. She accepts his darker edges and admits to him that her desires aren’t as wholesome as he believed. And before long Ronin is grappling with emotions he’s never felt before.

Yet despite demanding Amery bare her body and soul to him, Ronin holds a part of himself back. When she learns Ronin’s secret and walks out, his life begins to unravel. To regain her trust he must let go of his pride and prove to her that it’s more than passion binding them together. But after their private pleasures are made public, Ronin is unsure if he’s the right man for Amery. Can they face the consequences together? Or will their differences rip them apart?
Paperback, 384 pages
Published March 25th 2014 by NAL Trade

Even better than book 1!

Everything about this book was amazing. I loved everything. After finishing book 1, I didn't even think to hesitate before starting book 2. It is sad knowing that there is one short novella left for this couple but I am excited to see what happens with the other characters in this amazing story.

The narration was yet again perfection.

narrator is really good

I have enjoyed this series Really enjoyed the first book and was almost surprised that the second book is just as good Most of the time its hard to maintain a series If you like the first one don't miss this one Finally Luke Daniels voice was so great as a dom Panty melting when he used his master voice Again nice to have a dom that is not brutal strong but caring man YUM

Ronin and Avery sittin' in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G

A continuation of Ronin & Avery's story - a good story and wild ride, full of ups, downs, misunderstandings and making up.

I enjoyed the first 2 books.

I really loved that Amery had a back bone and a smart mouth. I loved her clap back! You didn’t have a long drawn out dialogue.. about what she wanted to say.. because she said it.

great listen

I loved the audio version of this book! The narration was a nice listen. Great all around.

From the Hero’s POV!

This couple’s story is told through two novels and a novella. The first book is told from the Heroine’s point of view and the second is told from the Hero’s point of view.

With the exception of one chapter, the narration of book one is done entirely by Rachel Vivette. This narrator was new to me. She did an outstanding job, with book one. I like her character voice’s and cadence so much better then Luke Daniels does, in book two. I’m surprised to write this because I have love Luke in other books but, not so much in book two of this series.

Both the Hero and Heroine are complicated characters. They have both been emotionally scarred but, Avery, the Heroine, is much more self aware then Ronin, the Hero. Avery was raised by a Reverend and his wife that judge other’s harshly and unfairly while ignoring their own numerous shortcomings. Ronin was raised in Japan where gender roles and expectations are stringent and harsh. Avery’s upbringing makes her feel guilty about her wants, needs and desires. Ronin’s issues are a result of being conditioned to hide and not acknowledge his emotions. Therefore, he finds unhealthy ways to express his negative emotions and not acknowledge any emotions that make him vulnerable.

In book one, Avery finds a way to work through her issues but in unable to break through Ronin’s emotional blockade.
In book two, Ronin finally figures out that he has to give of himself if he want Avery to do the same. They both struggle to be completely open with the other. This is because they both have been betrayed by their significant other, in their previous relationship.

In book one, Avery’s ex shows up and tries to interfere with Avery and Ronin’s relationship. In book two, Ronin’s ex comes back and attempts to destroy what they are building.

Through it all, they finally figure out that it is the half truths and unwillingness to be transparent to the other, that is the real challenge to face.

I enjoyed the books, although I wouldn’t say that they were some of the best books I’ve ever listened to, they were entertaining and I never lost interest throughout.
-V from Kansas

Narrator Ruined It

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

Keeping the same narrator as the first book.

Would you be willing to try another book from Lorelei James? Why or why not?

Yes, love her books.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Luke Daniels?

Go back to Rachel Vivette.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Unwound?

Story was a little unfocused. There was too many side characters being set up for possible sequels. To be fair, the horrible voices kept me too distracted to concentrate on the story.

Any additional comments?

I usually prefer male narrators. I thought the switch up on this sequel would be an improvement. I just couldn't get over how horrible he made the female characters sound. They came off a little comical, sometimes too shrill, and just ridiculous. It didn't match the tone of the book at all. I loved the first book but halfway through book 2, I wanted to return this one. Unfortunately, it was a gift.