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Bound Hearts
To Love Again
A Dominant who doesn’t believe in love and a submissive who can’t forget, can love truly overcome everything?
When Aaron Langford walked out of his life years ago, Brendan Mackenzie felt his heart break and made the decision to never love again. When his best friend shows up on his door with a scruffy stranger, it takes long moments for Brendan to realise the stranger is actually his ex-boyfriend.
Physical scars tell the story of where his ex has been and the life the other man led. Promising to find a good master for the submissive male, Brendan finds it increasingly difficult to imagine Aaron with anyone but him.
Can love be salvaged or will the past be too much to overcome?
When Aaron Langford walked out of his life years ago, Brendan Mackenzie felt his heart break and made the decision to never love again. When his best friend shows up on his door with a scruffy stranger, it takes long moments for Brendan to realise the stranger is actually his ex-boyfriend.
Physical scars tell the story of where his ex has been and the life the other man led. Promising to find a good master for the submissive male, Brendan finds it increasingly difficult to imagine Aaron with anyone but him.
Can love be salvaged or will the past be too much to overcome?
103 pages, ebook
First published April 18, 2011
1 person is currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Simone Anderson
24 books35 followersSimone currently lives in west Michigan with their family and three cats. They have lived in and traveled to dozens of states and countries, including four years in Japan. They have been writing all of their life, seriously only after returning to Michigan. A lifelong learner, they still takes classes in a variety of subjects and an ever expanding list of hobbies and dreams of having their own library one day. When not writing they can be found sewing, quilting, reading, cooking, baking, trying their hand at gardening and canning, traveling, genealogy research, and photographing anything that looks interesting or inspiring.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 17, 2011
The author lost me about three pages in! It started out good...a dumped lover tearing up photos after three years without his lover...angry..very angry.
Then a knock at the door and the beaten lover is brought over to Brendan's house as there is no place for his ex-lover to go. Brendan makes it clear he doesn't want him around...but within a day or two he is calling him 'pet', sitting him on his lap and a sharing a bed with him! All at the same time as trying to keep a distance from him! It didn't make sense. Brendan should be pissed at him!
Further more the characters weren't fully developed. I don't know what Brendan or his ex look like. Although his lover was gone 3 years he was abused terribly by dominant owners......which seemed to scar him deeply.....to the point where he was already calling Brendan "Master" and he was very maudling.
The rest of the story about the rules of the lifesyle of BDSM read like a 'how to' book. It really sucked the life out any story......which in this case....there was no story wrapped around this lifestyle and how Aaron go caught up in.
I could not get involved in either character and if felt that although the bones of the novel was bdsm there was not enough 'flesh' or story to make me care about it at all.
I skimmed most of it and it didn't get much better. More like BDSM 101.
Then a knock at the door and the beaten lover is brought over to Brendan's house as there is no place for his ex-lover to go. Brendan makes it clear he doesn't want him around...but within a day or two he is calling him 'pet', sitting him on his lap and a sharing a bed with him! All at the same time as trying to keep a distance from him! It didn't make sense. Brendan should be pissed at him!
Further more the characters weren't fully developed. I don't know what Brendan or his ex look like. Although his lover was gone 3 years he was abused terribly by dominant owners......which seemed to scar him deeply.....to the point where he was already calling Brendan "Master" and he was very maudling.
The rest of the story about the rules of the lifesyle of BDSM read like a 'how to' book. It really sucked the life out any story......which in this case....there was no story wrapped around this lifestyle and how Aaron go caught up in.
I could not get involved in either character and if felt that although the bones of the novel was bdsm there was not enough 'flesh' or story to make me care about it at all.
I skimmed most of it and it didn't get much better. More like BDSM 101.
July 28, 2011
BDSM written by someone who's never actually practiced or understood it.
My biggest issue with this book is the plot holes. It felt like the author came up with this 'really great idea' about a couple where one guy was abused and the other was going to try and save him. And then the author worked her way backwards to try and figure out how and why the guy got abused. That didn't go so well. Other than the procedural and technical holes that abound in this book ( really? this person's never even watched a few episodes of CSI or something? That would have fixed half the problems! ) there's just moments where you stop and say "well, that's just stupid".
The author asks to reader to suspend disbelief a little too much without justifying it in the book. You can write the most improbable, crazy stuff that will work, as long as it's supported by the rest of the book. But there's just no support here for the "this would never happen!" moments. Too much stuff is just glossed over or barely explained/justified.
I spent a lot of time irritated while reading this book.
My biggest issue with this book is the plot holes. It felt like the author came up with this 'really great idea' about a couple where one guy was abused and the other was going to try and save him. And then the author worked her way backwards to try and figure out how and why the guy got abused. That didn't go so well. Other than the procedural and technical holes that abound in this book ( really? this person's never even watched a few episodes of CSI or something? That would have fixed half the problems! ) there's just moments where you stop and say "well, that's just stupid".
The author asks to reader to suspend disbelief a little too much without justifying it in the book. You can write the most improbable, crazy stuff that will work, as long as it's supported by the rest of the book. But there's just no support here for the "this would never happen!" moments. Too much stuff is just glossed over or barely explained/justified.
I spent a lot of time irritated while reading this book.
April 22, 2011
Good potential for a story, completely wasted by the awful, pretentious writing. The characters talked and thought about themselves as if they were carrying a dissertation in self-analysis; the terribly abused ex-slave repeatedly demanded to fuck him silly (despite his physical and mental scars and despite his submissive nature); the reasons of most action were unclear or simply illogical.
I abandoned it after reading the 1/3 of the book.
I abandoned it after reading the 1/3 of the book.
May 25, 2011
Possibly the dumbest book Ive ever read. It's hard to imagine - I've read a lot of dumb books, but at the moment I can't think of one that trumps the stupidity of this mess.
All telling, no showing, and most of it redundant and nonsensical.
They say 'write what you know'. I'm not sure what the author knows, but it sure isn't bdsm, or grown-ups.
All telling, no showing, and most of it redundant and nonsensical.
They say 'write what you know'. I'm not sure what the author knows, but it sure isn't bdsm, or grown-ups.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2025
The MC was verbally and emotionally abusive to an obviously traumatized Sub.
Not my thing. Probably never finish this.
Not my thing. Probably never finish this.
August 23, 2011
Originally posted at: http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...
Aaron’s life was perfect except for one thing. He could not tell anyone about his secret need to be dominated. So instead of facing ridicule from his lover, family and friends he decided to go to New York where dreams turn into realities. For Aaron, however his dream became a living nightmare.
After three long years, Brendan was finally prepared to close the Aaron chapter in his life until Aaron showed up at his door. I have to say that I really appreciated Brendan’s willingness to help his ex-lover. Sure, he was reluctant at first, but I don't think I would have been so kind-hearted. Then again, Brendan is one of the most self-confident characters I have ever had the pleasure to read about. Yet, with all his confidence there is nothing arrogant about him. Since both usually go hand-and-hand, I was impressed by the writer’s ability to create such a unique character.
I wished I had been able to find out more information about Aaron and Brendan’s previous relationship. While I appreciated their current one, I think had I been provided with some insight in how they were previously I would have felt that much more connected to them and their storyline.
Due to Aaron’s past, they do discuss how he was forced into sexual activities during his time as a slave. In addition, there are some violent whipping scenes between Aaron and a protagonist that lead to him having to be hospitalized. Therefore, this story may not be for the squeamish.
The BDSM element within this story is spectacular. It really demonstrates many of the misconceptions surrounding the lifestyle and shows people that a BDSM relationship is so much more than just sex. Part of what really helped was that you get to understand when it is done wrong, and see how it should be done correctly. The strong tie that Brendan and Aaron are able to build not only because of their previous emotional connection but also their mutual appreciation for the BDSM world created a relationship between that the two that I truly envied. It is a relationship that only few get to experience and only comes once in a lifetime,if ever.
If you want to get a glimpse of a truly inspirational relationship, I urge you to pickup this story today.
Aaron’s life was perfect except for one thing. He could not tell anyone about his secret need to be dominated. So instead of facing ridicule from his lover, family and friends he decided to go to New York where dreams turn into realities. For Aaron, however his dream became a living nightmare.
After three long years, Brendan was finally prepared to close the Aaron chapter in his life until Aaron showed up at his door. I have to say that I really appreciated Brendan’s willingness to help his ex-lover. Sure, he was reluctant at first, but I don't think I would have been so kind-hearted. Then again, Brendan is one of the most self-confident characters I have ever had the pleasure to read about. Yet, with all his confidence there is nothing arrogant about him. Since both usually go hand-and-hand, I was impressed by the writer’s ability to create such a unique character.
I wished I had been able to find out more information about Aaron and Brendan’s previous relationship. While I appreciated their current one, I think had I been provided with some insight in how they were previously I would have felt that much more connected to them and their storyline.
Due to Aaron’s past, they do discuss how he was forced into sexual activities during his time as a slave. In addition, there are some violent whipping scenes between Aaron and a protagonist that lead to him having to be hospitalized. Therefore, this story may not be for the squeamish.
The BDSM element within this story is spectacular. It really demonstrates many of the misconceptions surrounding the lifestyle and shows people that a BDSM relationship is so much more than just sex. Part of what really helped was that you get to understand when it is done wrong, and see how it should be done correctly. The strong tie that Brendan and Aaron are able to build not only because of their previous emotional connection but also their mutual appreciation for the BDSM world created a relationship between that the two that I truly envied. It is a relationship that only few get to experience and only comes once in a lifetime,if ever.
If you want to get a glimpse of a truly inspirational relationship, I urge you to pickup this story today.
December 19, 2011
A Dominant who doesn’t believe in love and a submissive who can’t forget'. That truly captures the heart and soul of this intricately woven tale of love lost and second chances. One of the most thought provoking aspects of this story is the irony of the situation these two men find themselves in. The very thing that led to their separation is ultimately that which brings them back together.
After three years in a living hell, Aaron is now free and under Brendan's protection. He finally experiences dominance and control at the hands of a true master. Dominance tempered with tenderness, blending past and present, everything he ever wanted and more. All that's left is to prove to Brendan that he is finally with whom he most wants to belong. Aaron is a lost and damaged soul and I connected with him immediately. Of the two men his transformation is the most stunning.
Brendan knew nothing about BDSM or Domination and submission until after Aaron left. When Aaron returns, Brandon is immediately drawn to him. Before he can claim Aaron for himself he needs to know that Aaron is back to stay. It took me a bit longer to connect with Brendan. He was at first very hard edged and unforgiving. Once he stopped thinking about himself and focused on Aaron he more than redeemed himself.
I enjoyed this story on so many different levels. It follows a smooth and natural course as it unfolds, and held me captivated. I was impressed with the author's attention to detail in depicting Brendan and Aaron's individual experiences. The true beauty of the story lies in the almost tangible emotional depth of these two men. Not only as individuals in moments of introspection, but most especially in the way they relate to each other as Dom and sub.
If you enjoy BDSM themed stories that focus equally on the emotional as well as the physical aspects of BDSM and Domination and submission, this story more than delivers. It's one I will most definitely revisit.
NOTE: This book has been provided by Total-E-Bound for the purpose of a review on Queer Magazine Online.
After three years in a living hell, Aaron is now free and under Brendan's protection. He finally experiences dominance and control at the hands of a true master. Dominance tempered with tenderness, blending past and present, everything he ever wanted and more. All that's left is to prove to Brendan that he is finally with whom he most wants to belong. Aaron is a lost and damaged soul and I connected with him immediately. Of the two men his transformation is the most stunning.
Brendan knew nothing about BDSM or Domination and submission until after Aaron left. When Aaron returns, Brandon is immediately drawn to him. Before he can claim Aaron for himself he needs to know that Aaron is back to stay. It took me a bit longer to connect with Brendan. He was at first very hard edged and unforgiving. Once he stopped thinking about himself and focused on Aaron he more than redeemed himself.
I enjoyed this story on so many different levels. It follows a smooth and natural course as it unfolds, and held me captivated. I was impressed with the author's attention to detail in depicting Brendan and Aaron's individual experiences. The true beauty of the story lies in the almost tangible emotional depth of these two men. Not only as individuals in moments of introspection, but most especially in the way they relate to each other as Dom and sub.
If you enjoy BDSM themed stories that focus equally on the emotional as well as the physical aspects of BDSM and Domination and submission, this story more than delivers. It's one I will most definitely revisit.
NOTE: This book has been provided by Total-E-Bound for the purpose of a review on Queer Magazine Online.
August 6, 2011
2.5 stars. Ok kinky m/m romance about a writer and dominant whose vanished ex-boyfriend turns up on his doorstep as an abused and escaped slave. While the storyline had potential, I never connected to the characters and felt, at times, as if I was reading parts of a research paper or something.
August 25, 2011
Did not finish.
I agree with the other reviewers
(http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/..., http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/..., http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/..., http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...)
I agree with the other reviewers
(http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/..., http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/..., http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/..., http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...)
May 6, 2013
The story was promising. I liked the slow (re)built in the relationship and I liked the ending.
But I never felt emotional connected to the main characters. Some parts of the story ware more about techniques and analysing - and I couldn't really connect to that.
But I never felt emotional connected to the main characters. Some parts of the story ware more about techniques and analysing - and I couldn't really connect to that.
August 14, 2014
Loved this better second time round....Aaron really got himself into a mess with his previous masters making him a slave..Brendan rightly didn't want anything to do with him but i'm glad he came round x
April 29, 2011
good bdsm story but i think it lacked some bdsm scenes.
February 20, 2012
Way too much telling about BDSM, not enough showing how the characters related to one another or why they got satisfaction out of the roles they played.
March 8, 2012
3.5 stars
July 12, 2012
It was an enjoyable read. Looking forward to reading more in the bound hearts series.
March 23, 2012
Enjoyed!!!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews