Review: Captivating
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 10 1, 2013
Mia is on top of the world.  It's her one-year anniversary with her Dom and they are dining at an expensive restaurant.  She is excited to hear the cherished words come out of his mouth to take them to the next step.  There is a reason why children are cautioned against making assumptions.  Mia's hopes are crushed in six small words in one sentence: "But it's time for us to move on."Mia is a social worker who dedicates her life taking care of others.  She's been the responsible one, raising her siblings as her mother struggled to provide food and shelter.  Mia's time as a submissive under a loving experienced Dom finally gives her the one thing she craves.  Mia's service needs to be balanced by a Dom who will, in return, provide for her needs.  Turned away so abruptly, Mia is lost and hurt.This story is beautifully written about a sub that loses her Dom without any notice.  The pain and betrayal from the rejection is laid out for all to see.  No one is more stunned to witness it than Francesco Ryan.  Francesco is friends with Mia's Dom, Philip.  Francesco, known as Master Chess in the BDSM world, is attracted to Mia and doesn't understand why Philip would let her go.  Determined to watch over her, Master Chess grows close to her, despite his own personal problems.Ms. Raines creates all too real painful conflicts.  Her characters are true to their life experiences and their responses to outside forces.  The sweetness she exhibits between a newly budding BDSM relationship is moving.  Even the side stories of Mia's work enhance this story to make it rich and believable.  Ms. Raines' writing voice is captivating and pulls the reader into the story, hurting for the characters and wishing for a happy outcome.  When it appears all hope is lost, Ms. Raines carefully pulls everything together in a happily for now resolution.  The unsurprising hidden secrets, once revealed, make sense.  The solution is a bit too close to a fairy godmother waving a magic wand and making it all right in the world.  Still, the reconciliation is bittersweet and the foundation for a new beginning.UNCOLLARED actually gets 3.5 stars from me. This BDSM story is recommended for romantics who cling to hope and are rewarded with a happy ending.Reviewed by BookAddictfor TheRomanceReviews.com