Judith’s review of The Silver Chain (Unbreakable Trilogy #1) by Primula Bond

Bound by passion, she was powerless to resist.

One dark evening in London, photographer Serena Folkes is indulging her impulsive side with a night-time shoot. But someone is watching her – mysterious entrepreneur Gustav Levi. Serena doesn’t know it yet, but this handsome stranger will change her life forever…

Serena is fascinated by Gustav, the enigmatic owner of the Levi Gallery, and she soon feels an irresistible pull of attraction. The interest is mutual, and Gustav promises to launch Serena’s photographic career at his gallery, but only if Serena agrees to become his exclusive companion.

To mark their agreement, Gustav gives Serena a bracelet to wear at all times. Attached to it is a silver chain of which he is the keeper. With the chain Gustav controls Serena physically and symbolically – a sign that she is under his power.

As their passionate relationship intensifies, Gustav’s hold on the silver chain grows stronger. But will Gustav’s dark past tear them apart?

This book is one that you’ll either like or you won’t.  It’s the kind of story that grows out of a chance meeting in a foggy London square and moves on to a much more formal relationship.  It was not an easy book to read in its style which I didn’t feel comfortable with much of the time, and it was uncomfortable to read of the intensity of these two people when they knew so little about each other.  I’m still uncomfortable with the idea of people falling into bed with someone they really don’t know, sharing their most intimate selves with a stranger with the ease of sitting down at MacDonald’s and sharing a large order of fries with someone you’ve just met.  Yet there was a sense to the story and one I did pursue through the  novel.

There’s lots about BDSM that makes lots of us uncomfortable, perhaps the deep needs for it that are the most curious.  That is not a judgmental statement.  I know it’s a matter of “different strokes for different folks.”  I guess there is a sense of belonging that Serena needed and Gustav provided that for her.  As a person who has been surrounded by loving family most of my life I do know that the emptiness of not belonging has to be excruciating.  The symbolism of the Silver Chain is important for someone who needs that belonging and overt connection.

My greatest problem with this book was its style.  Sometimes it was so easy to read no matter how involved the story became.  At other times the way the book unfolded really “lost” me and I had to struggle to keep on.  I just had the feeling . . . and this was only a feeling, mind you . . . that the author was trying out different ways of telling the story, as if one style became boring and now it was time for another way of relating the tale.

I guess my summary is that I was not thrilled with this novel and found it to be troubling in a number of ways.  I thought the heroine was shallow–yes, she had baggage that was not enviable and it is always a difficulty when one feels that they must live through their career or their photographic connection to others.  But I was uneasy with some of her childish behavior at times.  I have to say that I liked Gustav, a caring and considerate Dom and a man who knew what he liked and what he wanted.  That he cared deeply for Serena was never in doubt, but I am not sure that his life was enriched by her participation.  I guess that’s for him to decide, eh?

Tough book which will appeal to a very particular audience.  I have my favorite BDSM books but I have to report that this isn’t one of them.  I give this novel a rating of 3 out of 5.

You can read more from Judith at Dr J’s Book Place

This title is available from Mischief Books. You can buy it here or here in e-format. This book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.