Bound

Mastered, 1

By: Lorelei James

Narrated by: Rachel Vivette, Luke Daniels

Length: 11 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

In the 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…

©2014 LJLA, Inc. (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Warning: Incomplete

Would you listen to Bound again? Why?

This story is dependent on at least the next book in the series for the resolution of the relationship between Ronin and Amery. The story is complex and really well written but without an ending the listener is left in the air about whether or not Amery and Ronin end up together. I intend to purchase the next story but I will be very careful about any other books I purchase from this author.

It is kind of mean-spirited to end a book with a cliffhanger without letting your audience know they may HAVE to purchase other books for closure to the story between the main characters. It kind of breaks the trust to do so without a warning. If the next book does not end the story I will not purchase any other book from this author no matter how well written. At issue is the trust between an author and the audience. Ms. James broke trust by not stating that at least one other book would be required.

I feel cheated. All Ms. James needed to do was say up front that BOUND was not a stand alone story and I should be prepared to purchase another in the series to complete the story. This was not done so I purchased the story and was broadsided when it the file ended and I did not know what happened to the main characters. I actually replayed the last chapter to see if I had been distracted and missed something. Once I purchase and listen to the next story if it is not clear that the Ronin and Amery story is ended one way or another, I will waste no more money on any thing by Ms. James.

The narrators did an excellent job. They really made listening to the story enjoyable. They add to the reason why I am willing to purchase one more in the series to get closure. Even with their stellar work though, if there does not end with closure for the Ronin and Amery story I will not purchase another of Ms. James' books. I will know that she does not really care about breaking the trust of her listener/readers.

HORRIBLE Narrator!!!! & Stupid Tantrums

First of all, the narrator of this book is probably about 90% responsible for ruining this book for me. She has a very strange accent, and mispronounces SOOOOO many words that should be common sense. It seems like she is trying WAY too hard which bites her in the ass because she sounds 100% unnatural; no one talks like that!

As far as the story goes, I'm so sick of the female lead in these types of books getting pissed about stupid stuff. ****Spoiler Alert****

Amery finds out that Ronin is a billionaire and is pissed that he hid it from her...HELLO! Did she ever stop to think that he did that to make sure that she was interested in being with him for who he was not for his money?! I'd hide the shit too!!

She also finds out that he had her background checked out when he first met her and gets pissed. Again, if you are super rich and have been burned in the past, it is smart to want to know who you're inviting into your life!

And finally, she's mad because he wanted to help her get her business back on it's feet?! ..... Ronin, dump her stupid, petty, drama queen ass!!!

I've found a new erotica author!!

Having already found several erotica authors that I love (Lizbeth Dusseau, Sylvia Day & Shayla Black), I wasn't looking for another.

But something about this Lorelei James book caught my attention and I decided to try it out. And I'm glad I did. I was so enthralled that when it ended, I had to immediately download the next book in the series. I have to know what happens next to these characters. Much as I did with Sylvia Day's Bare to Me series

Surpisingly Interesting and Consuming

Where does Bound rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

First, I'll be honest: I was unsure if I was going to like this book. I've never really read anything that tackles the sexual choices that this book does. That being said, it is definitely one of the more interesting and immersive books I've read in a long time.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Bound?

From the first page, I was struck by the strong personalities of both Amery and Ronin. I loved the relationship Amery had with Molly - how she was willing to go through so much to support her decision. Ronin's dominant, controlled persona was a refreshing change from the usual male romantic lead. I loved how he was so concerned about Amery's boundaries, and didn't push too hard, too fast.

Which character – as performed by Rachel Vivette and Luke Daniels – was your favorite?

This might be surprising, but my favorite character is Molly. I love how she overcame her fears, how she supported and defended Amery, even from their other friends, and how she was willing to take and implement good advice.

Hot hot hot!!

This book was hot hot hot!! Good overall back story and major alpha vibes won me over. I can't wait to listen to the next one.

YES YES YES!

I loved this book! I have to admit I am reviewing this a little late and I already finished the series and let's just say it's definitely got all the kink and hot passion you could want along with a good story and lovable characters. Great as a read on its own, but definitely great as a read as a series. The series is left so they can add more books in the future. Which I hope the author does. Hot hot hot!!!

Different but culptivating

Where does Bound rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It was one of the better books that I have read, although I have read a lot of audio books.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Bound?

I liked that the story didn't end up a "happy" ending like most books do, it left you hanging a little and curious what the next book will have in store for you.

What does Rachel Vivette and Luke Daniels bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I like the different voices because it really lets you get in the head of the opposite sex you wouldn't experience otherwise.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It mad me laugh in a few spots, mainly when she was telling him off or when she actually thought she could take him down, but overall was an upbeat book with some mysteries.

Any additional comments?

Overall, a great book and although the typical "romance" novel, it had a different approach and outlook.

Different but interesting

Would you listen to Bound again? Why?

Probably not, only because I rarely re-listen to audiobooks.

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

Introduction to world of bondage would be the most interesting aspect. The authors dependence on sex scenes to fill pages was the least interesting.

What does Rachel Vivette and Luke Daniels bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Rachel was great as usual. Luke was fair.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The lessons learned around the world of bondage. I liked the male character pretty well. For some reason authors love to make the male damaged and the woman annoyingly sensitive and whiny. Just when I thought the script would change and this chick would tough it out, she goes whiny. Drives me nuts.

Any additional comments?

Interesting twist on an erotic tale. Learning about the practices of Japanese martial arts and shibari was very interesting.

Worth a re-listen!

A great story with excellent narration. The character are addictive. You sit on the edge of your seat waiting for what happens next!

Can There Be Too Much Detail?

What did you like best about Bound? What did you like least?

Avery agrees to go with her timid friend to learn self-defense. They go to the local dojo and meet Ronan Black, the owner. Without forgetting her friend, Amery begins private lessons with the owner. Lorelei James spins an interesting tale about possession, attraction and more.

This series is a lot different than the beloved Rough Riders and Blacktop Cowboys. It is very detailed and specific, the ropes and knots intricacies

The narration is fantastic. I enjoyed Luke Daniels very much. I've not heard Rachel Vivette before but really enjoyed her performance too.

Lorelei James tells a great story and she is queen of the cowboy romance writing, in my opinion. Perhaps because this is a totally different set up, it didn't have the same effect on me. It's not a bad thing, I am not dying to get the next book. However, they are on my Wish List and I'll purchase at the next sale.

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