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8th out of 420 books
—
572 voters
Bound and Determined
by
Jane Davitt (Goodreads Author),
Alexa Snow
When Sterling Baker discovers the wonderful world of BDSM, he's ready to literally throw himself at the feet of the spectacular Owen Sawyer, but Owen is unwilling to take on someone so new to the scene—or so he says. Determined to get what he wants, Sterling sets out to convince the doubting Owen that he can be the best sub in the world, the fastest learning, the most obed...more
ebook, 230 pages
Published
October 20th 2009
by Loose ID
(first published 2006)
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I completely enjoyed this book. Sterling and Owen make a great couple. The story is long enough to build the relationship which I appreciated. The interaction between them has such strong chemistry the book is like a meth lab in your hands.
I know I should write more but the bottom line is that, for me, this was a great and enjoyable read in every way.
ETA: There is an age difference. Sterling is not yet 21 and Owen is 35. They don't have actual sex until past halfway through the book but that is...more
I know I should write more but the bottom line is that, for me, this was a great and enjoyable read in every way.
ETA: There is an age difference. Sterling is not yet 21 and Owen is 35. They don't have actual sex until past halfway through the book but that is...more
18 likes · like · see review
view all 15 comments
Despite the fact that I read a lot of BDSM erotica, I often find myself questioning what it is that compels people to need the dynamics of the Dom/sub relationship. I read the books because I am fascinated with the dynamics of BDSM (in a voyeuristic/train wreck way) & because they are usually heavy on the erotica and light on the (sometimes) too saccharine romance. Rarely do I find a book that makes it all make perfect sense; that balances BDSM & romance without compromising either. Boun...more
"Tell me Sterling, what do you need?"
"You."
Not exactly sure why I didn't read this one sooner! Actually I do know. I wasn't a fan of their "Room at the top" series and put off reading this one.
The book itself has an easy plot to follow since really nothing world changing happens in it. Though the play did get a little annoying since it was heavy on the spanking and not much else.
I normally prefer subs with a little more backbone but Sterling was "trained" from the get go to be what Owen need...more
Beautifully written, Bound and Determined is a book that does not disappoint. I’ve got books by both authors and their styles compliment each other hugely and make for very cool reading.
Sterling is such a brat and I loved his spark and innate cheekiness. It is such a perfect foil for Owen’s more reserved nature and theirs is a relationship that doesn’t always go smoothly as a result. The conflict was well written with the focus centered on the characters internal struggles. It was easy to read a...more
Sterling is such a brat and I loved his spark and innate cheekiness. It is such a perfect foil for Owen’s more reserved nature and theirs is a relationship that doesn’t always go smoothly as a result. The conflict was well written with the focus centered on the characters internal struggles. It was easy to read a...more
After Sterling accidentally catches a friend engaging in some light BDSM, he realises that he wants it too. And who better than Owen Sawyer, one of his lecturers? But Owen isn't willing to take on a new sub, and Sterling has his work cut out if he's going to prove he has what it takes.
I loved this book. I loved it because it's all about the interactions in a dom/sub relationships, and not just the bondage. Throughout the book we get to see Sterling develop both as a submissive, and a person.
As s...more
I loved this book. I loved it because it's all about the interactions in a dom/sub relationships, and not just the bondage. Throughout the book we get to see Sterling develop both as a submissive, and a person.
As s...more
Sep 27, 2010
Tina "coffee and books"
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommended to Tina "coffee and books" by:
SheSwitches
Shelves:
erotica
This book is nothing like I thought it would be. To be honest, I was a little frightened of it. It is my first BDSM experience and my first male-male book. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to relate and therefore get nothing out of it. Boy, was I wrong. I loved it!
Owen and Sterling are such a sweet couple. The trust that Sterling had in Owen made their sub-dom relationship romantic, caring and loving. Not at all frightening, demeaning or cruel.
I am so thankful to my friend for recommending this...more
Owen and Sterling are such a sweet couple. The trust that Sterling had in Owen made their sub-dom relationship romantic, caring and loving. Not at all frightening, demeaning or cruel.
I am so thankful to my friend for recommending this...more
This novel follows the beginnings of Sterling (sub) before and after his meeting with Owen (college professor and Dom). I usually love novels of apprenticeship wherin we follow the evolution of a young sub who does not know much of the BDSM Community, but very eager to learn. He does so through his mistakes and successes. The authors also show how a young inexperienced Dom (Kirk) may commit involuntarily significant physical and psychological damage.
- The majority of the BDSM books I've read ha...more
- The majority of the BDSM books I've read ha...more
I'm torn between 3 and 4 stars; there were some really, really, really great parts of this book. I adored Sterling and became very fond of Owen rather quickly...but I almost put the book down at the end of the first chapter (written from Sterling's POV), because Owen did something I couldn't wrap my head around a responsible Dom doing. Ch. 2 picked up from Owen's POV, which made his actions much more acceptable (i.e. when viewed through Owen's POV, we got the skivvy on the deal between him and t...more
Moderately hardcore BDSM with a sweet touch
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 9/10
PROS:
- The majority of the BDSM books I’ve read have included two (or three) people who are already in the scene or one who sort of stumbles onto it accidentally. This story contains a character who’s a total novice but goes actively searching for what he feels he’s been missing.
- The story doesn’t just focus on all the wonderful things that happen during Sterling’s init...more
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 9/10
PROS:
- The majority of the BDSM books I’ve read have included two (or three) people who are already in the scene or one who sort of stumbles onto it accidentally. This story contains a character who’s a total novice but goes actively searching for what he feels he’s been missing.
- The story doesn’t just focus on all the wonderful things that happen during Sterling’s init...more
Such a strong story - wow.
I'm very cautious with Sub/Dom books, I don't like them in general. They need to make me believe that the powerbalance is given, then I can get lost in it, too.
This book is ...beautiful. It has two very strong MCs and the exchange is portrayed in a way that made me forget that I'm reading a book. I was dissapointed when it ended, not because of the book but because I wanted to stay longer, much longer. It is an exceptional good book that I'll reread surely.
This book sho...more
I'm very cautious with Sub/Dom books, I don't like them in general. They need to make me believe that the powerbalance is given, then I can get lost in it, too.
This book is ...beautiful. It has two very strong MCs and the exchange is portrayed in a way that made me forget that I'm reading a book. I was dissapointed when it ended, not because of the book but because I wanted to stay longer, much longer. It is an exceptional good book that I'll reread surely.
This book sho...more
Why do I let people talk me into reading books when the blurb already tells me it's one of those totally exasperating wanking fantasies which drive me up the wall?
Why do authors keep calling ritualised (by them, not actually in the real scene!) shice bordering on constant abuse BDSM (be it because this stuff would bore holes into both players by its non-originality or be it because complete amateurs try their grubby hands at psychotherapy in them) ?
Why is it that none of these books contain a s...more
Why do authors keep calling ritualised (by them, not actually in the real scene!) shice bordering on constant abuse BDSM (be it because this stuff would bore holes into both players by its non-originality or be it because complete amateurs try their grubby hands at psychotherapy in them) ?
Why is it that none of these books contain a s...more
This is quite possibly my favorite BDSM book I’ve ever read. Because it’s a book that really gets it. Not just the “what” of BDSM, and not just the general “why”—but the nuances of what a D/s relationship is about. And particularly the nuances of how it feels to enter a D/s relationship for the first time. There’s a fantastic moment when Sterling and Owen are embarking on their relationship and are having a discussion in Owen’s living room. Owen walks a few feet away to sit in a chair leaving St...more
Well-written, and the characterization is excellent. The authors do a brilliant job of explaining without obviously explaining, showing and not telling. I think even those readers not familiar with the thought processes, motivations and desires of Doms and submissives will have an easy time understanding the psychology behind it, and how a D/s relationship "functions". The authors teach without pontificating, dismantle myths and stereotypes without preaching, using, instead, a riveting story I a...more
Jan 01, 2010
Elisa Ramblings
added it
Bound and Determined pushed my comfort boundaries on the BDSM world, but strange is, not so much for me to not like it. In a way Owen, the dominant in this story, is similar to me, he thinks that a D/s relationship not necessarily means that the submissive has to loose his independency.
Sterling is not a virgin to gay sex, but he is a virgin to the BDSM world. He met Alex, a submissive, and since their relationship remained on a friends with benefits level, everything is all right, but when they...more
Sterling is not a virgin to gay sex, but he is a virgin to the BDSM world. He met Alex, a submissive, and since their relationship remained on a friends with benefits level, everything is all right, but when they...more
Loving this so far.
For those of you who know me, you know I don't give 4 stars lightly but this book deserved a little something extra! Sterling is a senior in college who's intelligent and maintains straight A's and a part-time job. He comes from a wealthy family and has good friends. But still something is missing and when he accidentally walks in on a Dom and Sub at a party he thinks he knows what it is. So when he walks into the local BDSM club thinking he wants to learn to be a Dom little does he know that he...more
This is my first M/M book. I was not sure that I would be able to relate to the characters w/o a female lead but decided to read it just because I wanted to read something that I thought would be out of my comfort zone.
I was VERY pleasantly surprised. This book is fantastic! What a beautiful love story. I had NO problem connecting emotionally with the MCs. There wasn't as much sex as I thought it would have but this story didn't need it. I was entirely enthralled with their journey. I normally t...more
I was VERY pleasantly surprised. This book is fantastic! What a beautiful love story. I had NO problem connecting emotionally with the MCs. There wasn't as much sex as I thought it would have but this story didn't need it. I was entirely enthralled with their journey. I normally t...more
It was an interesting book.
[spoiler ahead]As always, I could not help compare it to the Deviations series, to see what kind of world would be depicted here. The reason why this book got a 3 star rating is simply due to how well my expectations were met by the level of one-sided control displayed between Owen and Sterling. I was expecting a bit more (as was the case in Chris Owen's books) and so it took me a while to warm up to the characters. Also, only after having read halfway through the stor...more
[spoiler ahead]As always, I could not help compare it to the Deviations series, to see what kind of world would be depicted here. The reason why this book got a 3 star rating is simply due to how well my expectations were met by the level of one-sided control displayed between Owen and Sterling. I was expecting a bit more (as was the case in Chris Owen's books) and so it took me a while to warm up to the characters. Also, only after having read halfway through the stor...more
Oh, how I wish that this book would have been longer!
Sterling is 20, almost 21, and has found out recently that he's drawn to the alluring world of BDSM. After some experimenting with his friend, Alex, Sterling decides he needs some guidance from a more experienced Dom in order to be able to meet both his and Alex's needs. That is until he meets his former teacher, Owen, at the local BDSM club. Then he realizes that what he really wants is not to be a Dom at all - it's to be a submissive under O...more
Sterling is 20, almost 21, and has found out recently that he's drawn to the alluring world of BDSM. After some experimenting with his friend, Alex, Sterling decides he needs some guidance from a more experienced Dom in order to be able to meet both his and Alex's needs. That is until he meets his former teacher, Owen, at the local BDSM club. Then he realizes that what he really wants is not to be a Dom at all - it's to be a submissive under O...more
I think what I liked the most about this book is the gentle and polite kind of dominance Owen practised, because it comes so naturally to him to top that he doesn't need to stomp over his subs in order to make them do what he says, and the book even provides us with an example of what isn't natural born dom.
At the beginning I was a little unimpressed with Sterling and his 'I'm soooo smart and so freakin' hot, you better pick me up' approach to Orwen. But he proves to be a kind and loving boy, d...more
At the beginning I was a little unimpressed with Sterling and his 'I'm soooo smart and so freakin' hot, you better pick me up' approach to Orwen. But he proves to be a kind and loving boy, d...more
I really liked this story. Yes there was lots of hot sexytimes and spanking going on, but I was more impressed with the storytelling. This was a pretty traditional BDSM couple, which was a refreshing change for me. (I've been reading some really kinktastic stuff. And Pony play just makes me giggle.)
I really loved how Sterling and Owen 's relationship evolved.They were real people with fully developed personalities. The plot was strong, the world seemed realistic. It wasn't too kinky. (Maybe that...more
I really loved how Sterling and Owen 's relationship evolved.They were real people with fully developed personalities. The plot was strong, the world seemed realistic. It wasn't too kinky. (Maybe that...more
I really enjoyed this book!
When reading BDSM books, I am often disappointed. Some books almost feel cartoonish, as if the author really doesn't understand the spirit of the culture. You know the books, it's "oh spank me, spank me!" in the sex and there is no mention of the psychology behind it. When I read those books I don't feel any tension, I am not squirming with the intensity and confusion.
One author to seems to get it right in the f/f work is Cherise Sinclair. I can now add Jane Davitt to...more
When reading BDSM books, I am often disappointed. Some books almost feel cartoonish, as if the author really doesn't understand the spirit of the culture. You know the books, it's "oh spank me, spank me!" in the sex and there is no mention of the psychology behind it. When I read those books I don't feel any tension, I am not squirming with the intensity and confusion.
One author to seems to get it right in the f/f work is Cherise Sinclair. I can now add Jane Davitt to...more
3.5 stars....I'm rounding up to 4 because I like Jane Davitt's narrative voice.
On the good side:
1. there are things about the psychology of BDSM and the way it's often depicted in fiction which sometimes offend me, baffle me, or make me laugh derisively -- but for the most part this book did a good job of making me believe what was going on inside the characters' heads.
2. Additionally, I appreciated that the book let readers see that one size does NOT fit all -- that different couples may find...more
On the good side:
1. there are things about the psychology of BDSM and the way it's often depicted in fiction which sometimes offend me, baffle me, or make me laugh derisively -- but for the most part this book did a good job of making me believe what was going on inside the characters' heads.
2. Additionally, I appreciated that the book let readers see that one size does NOT fit all -- that different couples may find...more
My first foray into m/m BDSM... I'm afraid it spoiled me for all followers. There are undeniably some great ones out there, but *this* one is the one all others get compared to.
::sigh::
Just how perfect are Owen and Sterling for each other? Sterling so completely new to the scene and Owen rather jaded and not even realizing that he needs the challenge Sterling will bring at first. There's no intercourse or even oral sex until over halfway through, but the buildup is oh, so hot. I've read lots of...more
::sigh::
Just how perfect are Owen and Sterling for each other? Sterling so completely new to the scene and Owen rather jaded and not even realizing that he needs the challenge Sterling will bring at first. There's no intercourse or even oral sex until over halfway through, but the buildup is oh, so hot. I've read lots of...more
There was a possibility I was going to get bored with this book. Longer BDSM books can slip into being repetitive and boring pretty easily, in my experience. This was not the case at all with this book. I really enjoyed the slow building of the relationship between the two main characters.
Sterling Baker knew little about the BDSM scene and even further from his mind was being a part of it. But curiosity and a close friend, who could safely “show” him around the club, brought it front and center. However, discovering his old English professor, himself a renowned Dom, guarantees Sterling’s commitment in becoming a submissive.
Owen Sawyer, a local college professor doesn’t want anything to do with the arrogant college senior. Having to train someone from the ground up is not in his...more
Owen Sawyer, a local college professor doesn’t want anything to do with the arrogant college senior. Having to train someone from the ground up is not in his...more
3.5 stars I'm a few days late in reviewing this, so some of the details have left me, but I'll do my best. Basically it was just good 'ol fashioned steamy, naughty, goodness. Owen is like the perfect Dom. Supernaturally aware of everything his sub needs and wants, but I can't fault him for it because it's just so freaken good. Sterling seems to have an abrupt personality change, but it seemed natural. Like a lot of bratty kids he needed structure and guidance and a hot, smexy man to tell him wha...more
4,5 star read
This was my second read from this author and I bought this book as I liked the other I read. I liked this one just as much if not more.
The two main characters feel very well developed and I really feel like I take part in their developing relationship and their growth with each other. Owen was so reluctant to take on Sterling as a sub and they have some bumps (and Sterling doesn´t always handle them very well), but they overcome them and seem to grow from them. The interaction betw...more
This was my second read from this author and I bought this book as I liked the other I read. I liked this one just as much if not more.
The two main characters feel very well developed and I really feel like I take part in their developing relationship and their growth with each other. Owen was so reluctant to take on Sterling as a sub and they have some bumps (and Sterling doesn´t always handle them very well), but they overcome them and seem to grow from them. The interaction betw...more
I've always been intrigued by the world of BDSM and the relationship between a Dom/Sub. In this story Owen is an overpowering presence that Sterling needed in his life especially with a Father who thought he could rule and control Sterling, using his influence and power to control his son. Asshole had another thing coming. Sorry, had to put that out there.
I admire the way Owen (the Dom) was written up in this story and Jane in her own way wrote Owen and Sterling's relationship uniquely. Even fo...more
I admire the way Owen (the Dom) was written up in this story and Jane in her own way wrote Owen and Sterling's relationship uniquely. Even fo...more
This is a brilliant book, one of my favorite m/m romance books and so far the best BDSM book I've read. It really explores the dynamics of a BDSM relationship and why the participants need it. It's the first fully fledged BDSM I ever read and perhaps that's another reason why I've got such a soft spot for it. But on re-reading it's still as fantastic as the first time.
Owen is hot and Sterling is cheeky and pushy and likeable. This is the book I'd rec to people who've not read a BDSM novel before...more
Owen is hot and Sterling is cheeky and pushy and likeable. This is the book I'd rec to people who've not read a BDSM novel before...more
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Jane Davitt is English, and has been living in Canada with her husband, two children, and two cats, since 1997. Writing and reading are her main occupations but if she ever had any spare time she might spend it gardening, walking, or doing cross stitch. She's recently taken up yoga and loves discovering her ability to bend.
Jane has been writing since 2002 and wishes she'd started earlier. She is a...more
More about Jane Davitt...
Jane has been writing since 2002 and wishes she'd started earlier. She is a...more
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“His expression softened, which made Sterling's throat tighten just a little. “You've cannonballed into the deep end when you don't know how to swim, haven't you?”
Sterling looked at him solemnly and smiled. “Yes,” he said. “Don't let me drown.”
—
7 people liked it
Sterling looked at him solemnly and smiled. “Yes,” he said. “Don't let me drown.”
“Enjoy your little field trip to the zoo—and, yes, some of the animals here do bite.”
—
7 people liked it
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