Review: Good Story
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 9, 2014
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.After reading Bound to be Taken (Emergence #1) by Becca Jameson, I needed time to mull over my review. Usually it’s pretty black and white as to whether I like a book. This time I’m finding it more in shades of gray and I wanted to properly explain my thoughts.So I’ll start with all the things I loved about Bound to be Taken. (By the way, this list is definitely longer than what I didn’t like.) First of all, it’s about a ménage a trios. I’m a sucker for ménage and this trio is hot, hot, hot.Aiden and Dane are an established couple and it’s obvious in their connection and ability to communicate. But both consider themselves bisexual so they are looking for the perfect woman to add to their life. Both men have developed a passion for domination and submission, so the woman they choose has to be willing to be part of that scene.Stephanie needs a date for a work party to prove to her bosses that she’s the right person for a promotion. She’s been lusting after her neighbors for quite some time but thinks they are gay. She finally gets to know them better after a chance encounter in the elevator and learns that they are interested in her. The three work out a trade. One of them will be Stephanie’s date while she will be their sub for a date at a party at a BDSM club.Starting four days before the party at the club, the three embark on preparing Stefanie for her role as a sub. What follows is some of the hottest sex that I have read in a while. Ms. Jameson knows just how to describe the tension the partners are feeling as they withhold orgasms or the relief when finally allowed to come.The relationship between the men was so beautifully authentic and their inclusion of Stephanie flowed seamlessly. I loved how the men were able to push her sexually while still cherishing her and treating Stephanie like a princess. The writing flowed effortlessly and I found myself unwilling to put the book down. The dialogue was natural and I could easily picture each conversation as it was happening.So you’re probably wondering why I am so torn about Bound to be Taken. It comes down to the actual BDSM part of the storyline. Dane and Aiden have only been exploring this lifestyle for six months but feel confident that they can teach Stephanie. Then instead of easing her into everything, she’s given a crash course and expected to understand and like it all. At one point, Stephanie is punished for some infractions. Aiden tells her directly “We’re exaggerating a bit on what offenses you might have committed today. But for the sake of the experience, we’re going to be harsh.” Huh? How is this safe, same and consensual?Some of the things they do to Stephanie she found degrading. I don’t understand why she doesn’t speak up or share her concerns. She is way too new to all of this to be pushed so harshly and quickly.Now I know this is fiction. That’s why I accept that she agrees to be their sub and develops the sense of trust needed for this type of relationship in only four days. It’s why I accept that they could also fall completely in love in only four days. I just wish Ms. Jameson had been more careful in her treatment of domination and submission.This is only my opinion and I still recommend that you read Bound to be Taken and form your own. It’s still a good story with interesting characters and Ms. Jameson is a good writer. I am certainly intrigued enough to read other books of hers including the next book in the Emergence series.