Book Review: Bound by Lorelei James

Bound
Mastered #1
Author: Lorelei James
Reading Level: Adult Fiction 18+
Genre: Romance | Erotica
Released: February 4th, 2014
Review Source: New American Library | Penguin

FIRST IN A NEW SERIES

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…

At First Sight:

• I must admit that I wasn't über excited about the cover. The orange is pretty and definitely my favorite color, although it didn't really jump out, screaming READ ME!! However, the cover does not at all take away from the story within. [Michelle]
• When I first received this book, I couldn’t stop staring at the cover. Why? Well, the cover looks like a rose. But when I stared at it for so long, I noticed it’s not a rose. It looks like more of a rope or some type silk veil. [Leydy]
• I really love the cover. It’s beautifully simple but at the same time the color makes it stand out. It would definitely catch my eye on the stand. [Heather]

Storyline:

• This is a story about martial artist Master Ronin Black and his student, Amery Hardwick. The two instantly have a connection .. A very strong connection. Ronin and Amery each have internal issues that they struggle with. They start unraveling each other's insecurities through adult play and discovery.  Amery struggles with trust, which is why it is so hard to grasp the fact that she is falling for this God like creature of a man. It seems as though Ronin may just share those same feelings. [Michelle]
• The story follows the journey of Amery Hardwick. She is a responsible young woman when it comes to her career but she is lacking experience in the love department. As one of her friend gets attacked, she helps her out by signing up for a self-defense class. On the first day, she meets the lovely Ronin Black and life after their meeting is never the same for her! [Leydy]
• Bound is about a small town girl that moved to Denver to pursue graphic design. She goes to a self-defense class to support one of her best friends and ends up having to sign up for the class herself and meets the mysterious, sexy Master Black. [Heather]

Hero/Heroine:

• I am thrilled giving this title to Ronin. He is so romantic, faithful and gorgeous, yet mysterious. He puts all of Amery's needs before his own, which in itself made me love him. [Michelle]
• Amery is shy yet she is bold. I love that about her. I love how her character develops to this strong persona. She learns that with a little help, there is another person underneath the many layers of fears she owns. Ronin is behind this discovery. The question is - How? ;) [Leydy]
• Amery for finally being in control of her own life and learning with a little help from Ronin of course, to relax and really feel things. [Heather]

Favorite Supporting Characters:

• This was a hard one. I think that I will say it has to be Chaz. Even though he doesn't approve of the relationship between Ronin and Amery, he only wants her happy. The vibe I get from him is that he will stand by her side, through thick and thin. [Michelle]
• Emmylou is the type of friend that will always tell you the truth, even if you don’t want to hear it. Best of all, Emmylou is the type of friend that will stay true by your side no matter the circumstances. [Leydy]
• I can’t choose between Chaz, Molly and Emmylou. All of them were there for Amery which like in real life can be rocky at times but in all I think these three helped Amery tremendously in her struggles and were there for her in the end like true friends are. [Heather]

Something we loved:

• The passion behind Ronin's eyes when he looks at Amery. He see's her and only her. To Ronin, she is the most beautiful and amazing woman. The best part about this is that he tells her every chance he gets. He never fails to compliment her beauty. [Michelle]
• I love how they met. I love the stunt Amery pulled on their first meeting. It was funny and hot. I don’t know how she did it, I would’ve cried in front of Ronin. [Leydy]
• This is a hard one. I loved every moment of the book but what stood out to me the most is the love between Amery and Ronin. I also loved the tenderness of Ronin and the way he put Amery’s needs before his own. [Heather] 

Something we hated:

• The sheer distrust that Amery has in Ronin. It hurts reading the parts when she comes down hard on him. It hurts my heart!! [Michelle]
• My issue is how everything was going too fast between Ronin and Amery. [Leydy]
• I hated how secretive Ronin was. Don’t get me wrong, that is one of the things that kept me reading, but it just killed me! [Heather] 

An even we never saw coming:

• I can't go into detail without a spoiler, so ... The special club that Ronin belongs to. That whole thing blew my mind, knowing that there was so much interest in it. [Michelle]
• Ronin’s true identity! What in the world? I didn’t see it coming. [Leydy]
• When I learned who Ronin really was and who his family is. [Heather] 

Cliffhanger:

• Oh my goodness, the ending killed me. I yelled "seriously"??? I want more, I have to know more. Lorelei can't end it this way!!! This cliffhanger is a big one and I am definitely ready to read what comes next. I think you will feel the same way. [Michelle]
• Big time! When I learned the truth and how it is left off. WHY? I need the second book! I need to know what happens next. [Leydy]
• Since I can’t really give any details on the cliffhanger without spoiling the book I will say it left me saying, WHY?!?! This was a very good book and made me change my views on certain things. [Heather]

Would I re-commend it?

• Yes, a million times yes. Great story, and I fell in love with the two as a couple. I can only hope that it turns out the way that I want it to. Absolutely 2 thumbs up!! [Michelle]
• Who wouldn’t want to read a steaming hot story? Seriously, this book is HOT. My answer is YES!! [Leydy]
• ABSOLUTELY!! Not only is Bound a hot, sexy read it’s also about love and letting go. Amery let her demons of being sheltered go and learned how to live how she wanted to live. I am counting down the days until the next installment of The Mastered Series comes out. [Heather]

Favorite quote:

• "That one." He pointed to the picture of her glancing over her shoulder, hair in motion, her eyes sultry, her lips parted. "Is mine."
• "What?"
• "That look belongs to me because I put it there. It's mine." [Michelle]
• “Bold is not only an action. Bold is an attitude. Bold is a state of mind… Sometimes the boldest choice is to let go. It takes courage to trust someone else to give you what you need than it does to just rely on getting it yourself”. – Ronin. [Leydy] 
• "I know we need to talk. But first I need this.: His mouth came down on hers. Kissing her as if he might never get another chance. [Heather]