Judith’s review of Bonds of Desire (Wicked Play #3) by Lynda Aicher
Lawyer Allison English never planned to return to The Den—despite her naughty fantasies about being bound by owner Seth Matthews. But when club guest Tyler Wysong is injured in a scene, Seth turns to Allie for help. Aroused by both men, Allie should turn the case down. But she can’t .
After his bad experience, Tyler has no interest in being with another Dom. Yet he can’t deny his attraction to Master Seth. When Seth offers him a place to stay, Tyler agrees—if Allie will stay too. But what good is a chaperone who adds to his temptation?
Living with two subs brings out Seth’s protective instincts, though Allie insists she’s not into the lifestyle, and Tyler swears he’s done with it. But the chemistry between the trio prompts them to agree to submit to him for one week, and he’ll show them both the true pleasure that a Dom can provide.
There is no doubt that this series of short novels are erotic to the core, yet this third addition to the series is one that I think is even more deeply emotional than the first two. I read and enjoyed them as well, but I was captured by the deep hurts that resided in each of these three people. Yes the were drawn together by a series of happenings that resulted in serious injury to Tyler. Yet those physical injuries were nothing compared to the open wounds of his soul that no one had ever addressed. Allison was as needy as the other two–a woman of great proficiency in her professional life but who struggled to find that particular niche of satisfaction in her personal sphere. Seth, too, is a many of means and great talent, whose life had become pedantic and predictable, who finds in Allison and Tyler an energy and verve that seems to call to him on a level he has seldom experienced.
This story is really about how three needy people find opportunities to trust, yet are so damaged each in their own way they hesitate to act on the gift that is being given them. Lots of sex, sure. And certainly there is a BDSM component. But this tale is really about people and their deepest need, the striving to find someone who is worthy of absolute trust, and the courage to act when that person enters one’s life.
This entire series has been an emotional roller coaster ride, but I think this third story is more specific in that regard. My heart was captured by Tyler–a many who truly believes he is a piece of human trash and whose need to feel valued is screaming bloody murder throughout the story. But don’t be fooled: Seth and Allison are cause for weeping as well, and how these three manage to get it all worked out is very much at the heart of this tale.
It’s a story that will be appreciated by those who are fans of erotic romance fiction. The BDSM is not ‘hardcore’ but it is there. Nevertheless, I think there is true worth to be discovered in the reading.
I give it a rating of 4 out of 5.
The Series:
You can read more from Judith at Dr J’s Book Place.
This title is available from Carina Press. You can buy it here or here in e-format.
This sounds like something I would really like. Do these need to be read in order or can they stand alone?
I suppose there is always something to be said for reading series in order — I don’t think it is critical with this particular series. Even if they overlap (and I am trying to remember if that is so), there is sufficient information in each succeeding novel to keep the reader informed about the context of the story. Thanks so much for your comment.