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What would you do if your worst fears came true? If everything you loved was stripped away in one indifferent stroke? Who would you become if you blamed yourself? Who would you turn to for absolution?

When Agnes Bright loses her infant son and her husband files for divorce, she finds herself drowning in sorrow and bitterness, unable to grieve. She seeks an expert to help her explore the sensual world of masochism and test the boundaries of her quiet rage. What she finds sets her on a path of lies, love, and self-discovery. How far can she bend before she breaks?

Successful entrepreneur and experienced Dominant David Lake isn't looking for love. But when he meets an irresistible woman, he doesn't hesitate to show her what it means to be his. When one night with her isn’t enough, David grows hungry for more and determined to claim her in every possible way.

The three book Absolution series is meant to be read in order:
Bend Me (Absolution part one)
Break Me (Absolution part two)
Bind Me (Absolution part three)

Be advised that this novel contains BDSM content, dark elements, and mature subject matter. Due to explicit sexual content and adult language this novel is recommend for readers 18 and older.

104 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 3, 2015

21 people are currently reading
630 people want to read

About the author

Sophia Scarlet

7 books172 followers
Sophia Scarlet is a Maryland native. She lives with her husband, two children, and cat in the woods not far from the Potomac river. When she is not writing or shuttling her children around, you can find her practicing yoga, cooking, or picking seasonal vegetables at the local CSA.


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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
Profile Image for SueBee★bring me an alpha!★.
2,417 reviews15.3k followers
August 15, 2017
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★★★★! Bend Me, book 1 of 3. To cope with tragedy Agnes sets out to explore masochism, but comes across a Dom who’s inclined to connect emotionally!

Books in Absolution Series should be read in order:
Book 1: Bend Me
Book 2: Break Me
Book 3: Bind Me


Bend Me (book 1) opens up six months after tragedy struck scholar and University guest lecturer Agnes Eliza Stuart-Bright aka Eliza Stuart’s life. To cope she wants to explore her masochistic tendencies and seeks out Sadist Marcus Stone.

But their initial scene is derailed by entrepreneur and business owner David Lake who spots Eliza and wants a chance to top her. An intense scene has the two men vying for Agnes and pushing boundaries within themselves and with Agnes. The aftermath leaves them all at a crossroad.

David wants more; in fact he is set on owning Agnes yet confused by his fierce feelings. What will it take for Marcus to step aside? And… David is a Dom, but not a Sadist. Can he give Agnes what she needs?

Agnes is looking for release and an outlet for her feelings of inaptness. Will she lose focus by allowing herself to connect on an emotional level?

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Seven words to describe David Lake: Intense, confused, relentless, emotional, immature, nurturing and determined.

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Seven words to describe Agnes Eliza Stuart-Bright aka Eliza Stuart: Focused, broken, confused, emotional, impressionable, smart and private.

Bend Me, told from alternating POV’s starts off as woman’s journey to cope with loss and rejection. But once the intense David enters the picture, with insta-lust and a touch of insta-need the sexual exploration takes an emotional turn forcing them both to Bend for their fierce attraction.

Story ends abruptly, to be continued in book 2, Break Me.

Intense and scorching sex scene! Engaging story-telling! Story-line with message of growth, hope and second chances at happily after.

***
Hero rating: 4 stars
Heroine rating: 4 stars
Sexual tension rating: 4 stars
Sex scenes rating: 4.5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 4 stars
Plot rating: 4 stars
Dialogue rating: 4 stars
Storytelling rating: 4 stars
Story ending rating: N/A
Book editing rating (5 = no edits spotted): N/A, ARC
**********************************************
Overall rating: 4 stars

Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this series: Maybe later.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.


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ARC provided to me by author Sophia Scarlet in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for CC.
1,234 reviews729 followers
December 27, 2015
Agnes Bright suffered a terrible tragedy with the loss of her infant son and her broken marriage. Amidst the heartbreak, she desperately needs an escape and badly wants to feel any emotion besides emptiness. After trying conventional methods to emotionally heal, Agnes starts sparring with a trainer at her gym and she starts respond to physical pain. Her next step to her restoration is a giant leap because she is convinced the lifestyle choice of BDSM is her answer.

description

Agnes’ decision to experiment leads her to the man she’s been communicating with for weeks. When they finally meet at the club, Agnes is convinced he is the sadist that can offer her the mind numbing pain she is searching for. However, when Agnes is approached by David, another Dominant in the club, he is not about to let this opportunity go by the wayside.

David Lake is a successful entrepreneur and approaches all things with verve and honesty. When he spots Agnes at the club, he is instantly drawn to her but learns that she is meeting his best friend and fellow Dominant. With Agnes committed to an evening with someone else, David successfully convinces them that he should also partake in the action. During this one night, there are many powerful factors at play. Agnes is embarking into a world of the unknown and David is fiercely certain that he will be the victor of her affections in the long term.

”I am going to enjoy fucking you in every possible way before I let you leave tonight.”

As Agnes learns and tries to comprehend how her body reacts positively to physical pain, David relentlessly pursues her and offers a 24/7 two-month trial as Dominant and submissive. Despite her doubts and current state of instability, she accepts David’s offer because for the first time in her life, she feels safe and cherished. However, there are certain elements in Agnes’ life that need to be reconciled and the timing of David’s offer may be the impetus she needed, but how it will happen remains to be seen.

”There is still so much I need to learn about this woman. Who is she? What brought her here to me? Will I be able to keep her?”

For me, I immediately felt Agnes’ sense of hopelessness. In turning to bdsm, her need to be free of her depression and to feel something is a heavy component and I wanted to support her decision. At times, I felt her decision to move forward with David was rash, especially given that so much in her life is unresolved, but Agnes is a grounded character and doesn’t just make decisions lightly.

David is like a warm, sexy breeze in Agnes’ life. While he is logical in business and a Dominant the bedroom, he is also prone to letting his emotions guide him in his personal life. There were some parts when I felt that David was too naïve but I did appreciate how he was willing to take a risk on Agnes. As Bend Me ends, we are left with many questions as to how the arrangement between Agnes and David is going to develop.

This is my first book by Sophia Scarlet and I enjoyed her elegant style of writing. For a novella, the character development was appropriately paced with the plot progression. The secondary characters also offer real dimension to the storyline. I will continue reading to see how Agnes and David will achieve their happy ending.

Absolution Series:
Bend Me (Absolution, #1) by Sophia Scarlet Break Me (Absolution, #2) by Sophia Scarlet Bind Me (Absolution #3) by Sophia Scarlet



** Note: Thank you to Sophia Scarlet for inviting me to be an Alpha reader and part of her writing process. Additionally, an ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. **
Profile Image for Dusti Hanrahan.
298 reviews96 followers
November 18, 2015
This was a super hot read!
Agnes has recently endured a deep loss and divorce, she has emotionally shut herself off. In trying to figure out who she is, she discovers BDSM via internet. Agnes starts chatting w Marcus online (she uses the name Eliza) and they agree to a scene that will have her fully submit to him. Marcus is super dominating and wants to help her deal through pain play.
When she finally decides to meet up w Marcus she runs into David Lake who is dominating in a whole dif way.
There is a sense of 'insta-love' between Agnes (Eliza) and David but she is tied to Marcus and committed to letting him give her the pain she so desperately craves. David was consumed by her from the second he met her and, although Marcus is his friend, he WANTS her to be his. He wants to OWN Eliza and will stop at nothing. *Insert* M/F/M scene and it is HOT HOT HOT.

The aftermath of the release she gets from the pain play plus the connection she feels w David leaves her confused. Agnes has to make a choice....

For the most part I enjoyed this book. It was a quick and hot read but I was left with a desire for more. I did not 'connect' w the characters other than sexually.
I am def interested in where this series will take David and Agnes!

Copy given by author for review for BDSM Goodreads group
description
Profile Image for Carissa.
269 reviews62 followers
November 3, 2015
Bend Me tells the tale of a woman's tragedy - the death of her infant son, a shattering of vows and love, and the grief of losing all she once thought possible.

Agnes Bright had it all, only to lose everything she once wanted and needed in the blink of an eye. Her guilt over the loss of her son lures her towards self-punishment. The need to be punished for her contribution to her son's death. After her devastating loss, and living as a shell of a person, Agnes attempts to fill the void in her life, by entertaining Masochism. Using an alias, Eliza Stuart, via the internet she communicates for weeks with Marcus Stone. Getting comfortable until their first meeting.

While waiting for Marcus, a chance encounter at the Grotto with David Lake, leaves her unsettled and yearning for more. This initial scene was hot and sexy as hell. The pages were steaming up.The divine usage of grammar made this scene's portrayal hit all those wanton spots. Creating marvellous and lustful images in my mind.

David Lake is an entrepreneur, looking for a taste of satisfaction to sate his desires. But, when he meets Eliza Stuart, he wants nothing more than to OWN Eliza. The way she owns HIM. David now seeks out Eliza in efforts to turn their first night together into something MORE, while exploring all their sexual desires and removing all her inhibitions.

Sophia Scarlet gave us two doms in this story, each displaying and exploring differing domination techniques, while still creating erotic scenes. Each Dom ensured and evoked such intense orgasms from Eliza, that is was uniquely pleasing to read their first scene together.

This is Eliza's journey to self discovery and redemption. The books ends abruptly, so let's see what book 2 has install for us.

*ARR - Reader's Corner > ARR # 87. - provided on behalf of the author for an honest review*
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,511 reviews85 followers
October 11, 2015
ARC received from author

I'm not liking Agnes/Eliza much right now...She still lives in the house with her soon-to-be ex. Yes, they aren't technically together right now, but she's still married until she opens that envelope and signs the divorce papers.

Yes, Marcus and David are HOT. I'm sorry one of them got the boot. I would have liked more of him. The one left behind pushes limits a little to quickly and with no conversation.

I'll read the rest cause I want to see what happens, and I want to know about the rejected guy.
Profile Image for Rodin.
1,453 reviews
June 5, 2016
I rated this book 5 stars
Agnes is a natural submissive - Sophia does a great character development through her. She explains her female leads desire to explore her submissive side very thoroughly. Her dominant male is stretched to the limit with his introduction to Agnes - also a great character development.
The orientation of the story and the complication in the plot are terrifically developed.
A great spicey read.
Profile Image for Kit.
348 reviews251 followers
February 22, 2016
Writing: ★★★★★
Story: ★★★★★
Characters: ★★★★

Overall rating: 4.6

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

*****5 "Bend to my will" Stars*****

"The woman I'm looking for will bend to my will and bask in the pain I gift her. In return I will give her everything I have and everything I am."

Agnes has had a rough time of it over the last year. The birth of her son, only to find out that he has terminal cancer, then to lose him at around 6 months old. Her marriage doesn't survive the loss, and without the support of her husband, she may not either.

One thing leads to another and she finds herself seeking out a Dominant. Someone to help her feel... something... anything again.

Enter Master Marcus. The meet online, and for many weeks they talk and get to know each other. Master Marcus is hopeful that the relationship will become something more once they meet.

Agnes, being cautious, uses her middle and maiden name as her online persona, becoming Eliza Stuart, and it's Eliza he's looking for when she agrees to meet him at the upscale BDSM club.

Agnes is excited, and nervous about her first time in a BDSM Club, but she puts on her big girl panties and heads through the door of the club and to the bar where Master Marcus has asked her to wait for him.

But then, there's more.

David sees the beautiful woman standing by the bar taking in all the scenery around her. The minute their eyes meet, he's done. He doesn't believe in love at first site... until now. He introduces himself, and who should walk up to claim her? But his best friend... Marcus.

Things get really interesting at this point!

Who will have Agnes/Eliza? Who will she want? Will the "therapy" of pain in the club help her to center her life again after such a tragic loss?

The best way to find out is to run as fast as you can and grab this book. If you enjoy a juicy BDSM story with real feelings, romance, and smexy sex, then look no further for your next book boyfriends!
Profile Image for  Joyce .
1,013 reviews28 followers
October 19, 2015
This is my first time reading this author.

This book is well written and I don't recall a single spelling or punctuation error. Which was a joy in itself!

This story is about Eliza who is a grieving mother and whose husband blames her for her infant sons illness and files for divorce. I found it odd that they were living in the same house but in separate room an rarely saw each other. This wasn't really addressed in this book which I thought was a bit odd. It seemed they both have come to terms with moving on so why live in the same house. Anyway...lets get to the good stuff. When Eliza looks for althernate methods to help deal with her grief she turns to both exercise and masochism. She finds a Dom who after talking to for several weeks, they agree to meet at the local club. When she arrives at the club she first meets David, who falls in love wiith her instantly only to find she is there to meet his very good friend and sadist Marcus. He approaches Marcus and agrees to a very hot and steamy first night for Eliza at the club. David vows to make Eliza his.

I loved this book and found it very easy to give it 5 steamy stars!
Profile Image for Willow Brooks.
Author 3 books58 followers
October 30, 2015
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

This book will tug at your heart strings and leave you hurting for Agnes/Eliza.

Imagine having something so precious and dear to you taken away far too soon. That's what happened to poor Eliza. Her loss didn't end there. Jonathan, the man who made vows for better or worse lost his desire for Eliza. I hurt just thinking about it.

In a tragedy like Eliza's most people turn to family, drinking, or fall into a deep depression, however, Eliza turned to a hot Dom she connected with over the internet. She hoped that somehow the pain of his lash could heal the pain in her heart. Marcus made a fine Dom and he knew what Eliza needed and just how to give it to her, but then she met David.

If you like love-at-first-sight types of stories, this book is for you. It's on the lighter side of BDSM to me. The writing was solid, and the characters seemed real. There were secrets revealed in this story, but by the end there are more secrets to be revealed.

Man, David was *Hot* and I really liked the friendship Marcus and David had. I respect Marcus for how he handled the 'other guy' situation.

Wish it was just a bit longer.
Profile Image for Joëlle.
367 reviews36 followers
October 9, 2015
*** I received this ARC for free from the author through The Fifty Shades Support group on Goodreads in exchange for a honest review ***

This short novel brings us the story of Agnes who lost her little baby boy 6 months ago and started to already lose her husband before little Asher was born. After their little boy dies her husband suggests divorce. Now she is ready to move on with her life and after enjoying the pain in a few boxing sessions she thinks pain might help her achieve this. She reacts to an ad from a (sadist) Dom… I won’t tell more since this is already a very short book, a little bit too short for me to really get into the story. I liked Agnes and you can really feel her pain. She has been through a lot but she’s a strong, determined woman! David was likable too and he knows what he wants but I’m not very fond of insta-need/love in books. I hope they get their HEA in the next books and am looking forward to reading them. Book 1 Bend Me gets 3.5 stars.
Profile Image for ☼♎ Carmen the Bootyshaker Temptress ☼♎.
1,747 reviews163 followers
March 14, 2016
 Received this book for an honest review 

I really enjoyed this book a lot. Agnes loses so much, her infant son and her husband, which the jer files for divorce when she needed him. Agnes tries to let her anger and sorrow out by going to therapy and boxing but none of it works to relieve her sorrow and just let her be able to grieve for all she lost until she goes online to a fetish website. That's when she meets Marcus Stone and David Lake. Both are Doms in Grotto. She decides to meet at Marcus under a different name, Eliza, but also meets David. David Lake can't seem to keeps his eyes off of Eliza and will do anything to make her his.

This was a good book and wished there was more and can't wait to read more.


Profile Image for Aղցela W..
4,438 reviews315 followers
October 12, 2015
I received this book for an honest review

This was a really good book that I liked a lot. When Agnes Bright loses her infant son and her husband files for divorce, she finds herself drowning in sorrow and bitterness, unable to grieve. Agnes is in therapy but she realizes that it is not helping her so she tries boxing as a form of exercise. She goes online to a fetish website and meets a Dom by the name of Marcus Stone although she doesn't use her first name she uses her middle name Eliza. Eliza realizes that she is a masochistic and Marcus is just the Dom to help her so they agree to meet. While waiting for Marcus she meets another Dom David Lake who is rich and sexy and he can't take his eyes off of Eliza and will do anything to make her his. This was a really good book that I wish was longer and that is the only reason that I gave it 4 stars. The first scene with Marcus and David was not a true menage scene because David really didn't want to share her. I also liked how Marcus back up when he saw how much David liked her. This book was well written with no errors in spelling or grammar. This is my first time reading this author and I think this is her first book and I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series and more books by this author.
Profile Image for J. Kahele.
Author 15 books438 followers
January 31, 2016
After losing her baby and her husband, Agnes sinks into a deep depression. She searches desperately for something to ease the pain. She thinks taking her pain out in the gym will be exactly what she needs, but soon finds it’s not enough and delves into the world of BDSM. After researching, she meets Marcus. Marcus is everything she thought a BDSM partner should be until she meets David. Although, Marcus gives her the pain she begs for David gives her something entirely more. Now faced with two men who will she choose?

The writing was very smooth and easy to read. I really loved the characters.
Profile Image for ⊱✿⊰ Alicia ⊱✿⊰ .
675 reviews464 followers
November 5, 2015
Arc provided for honest review

This was hot, steamy, quick read and I really liked it. There is a good story in it too although it is very short so the story doesn't really get a chance to get going. I rated this a 5 because even though it was short everything in it was great, the writing, the characters, the settings and the steaminess was perfect and it has left me hanging for the next one in the series.
Profile Image for Alexandreia.
54 reviews
February 1, 2016
OMFG....i didn't see that one coming!!!!!

I can't stop reading this story
Agnes is really making me curious with her personality, her mind, her character, her life, her sorrow, her struggle of losing her both of her soul, her son and her (asshole) husband but i'm glad that she fight back for her life.

Speaking of the devils....i really like the friendship between Marcus & David, their opposite characters, they made me laugh tho....

Can't wait for book #.2

xoxo
Lexa
Profile Image for Nikki "The Crazie Betty" V..
803 reviews128 followers
November 19, 2015
Right in between I liked it and it was ok, so I'm giving this one 2.5 stars. Unfortunately I just couldn't stand the H, David so I had a hard time with it. Besides basically being an erotica version of insta-love, I just found David to be a little sociopathic and I just couldn't by into the suddenness of their relationship. I don't like insta-love/lust in my normal literature either and it's even harder for me in erotica since I can't help but feel like these people should be adults and more mature than that. I also really wish David hadn't been so pushy about the nipple play. It just made me dislike him that much more. It also made me dislike the h more because she made such a big deal about it being a hard limit and then as soon as David asks it's magically ok.

I will say that I did find the sex scenes to be erotic and sensual and I quite enjoyed them, which was surprising for me because I'm not generally a fan of the m/m/f combo. Really that was the best part of this read for me and why it ended up getting the .5 star bump up. I wouldn't preferred to see this first installment focus more on the masochistic natures of the h since that was the whole thing that started the story. I'm sure we'll get more of that in the next installment but unfortunately I don't think I'll be continuing the series, it's just not my style. Although I have no doubt that there is quite a large market for this kind of story with the erotica to go along with the insta-love (I know a lot of readers who really enjoy that). I will, however, be looking for other reads by this author as I did enjoy her writing style and I think she can write a very compelling story.

I received a copy for free in exchange for my honest review through the BDSM group r2r discussion.
Profile Image for Nadine Bookaholic.
3,716 reviews517 followers
December 27, 2015
Some minor spoilers in review

Agnes is going through a lot she not only lost her infant son but her husband wants a divorce because he blames her for their son's illness that cost him his life. Like loosing your child isn't hard enough? Anyway, Agnes decides to take a sparing class and somehow figures out that he can release the guilt that she is holding onto through pain, so she goes online and starts to find out about BDSM and more importantly S&M. Marcus and Agnes (aka Eliza) begin an online relationship and they are finally going to meet in a sex-club. Upon Eliza's arrival she sees David, and more importantly David sees her. David's first impression is that he wants her all for himself, when he finds out that she is there to meet Marcus he isn't happy.

I have to mention that although Agnes is going through a divorce she is still legally married and living with her soon to be ex-husband. While they live in the same house they have separate bedrooms and do not socialize with one another. I felt the need to mention this because there are many people that will not read a book when there is cheating involved and while I do not consider this cheating there are some that might.

My one and only complaint about this book is that it's to short. I WANT MORE! I need to know what happens with Agnes & David & Marcus.

**I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.**
Profile Image for Paulien.
489 reviews13 followers
October 7, 2015
Characters
Agnes: I liked her, but there were a lot of secrets around her, there are still lots of secrets. I kind of liked it and hated it at the same time. I think that I’ll find out a lot more about her in the second book.
David: was such a hot cutie. I know he’s not the typical cutie, but I like him so much. I think he will do the surprising in the next few books. But most of all, he’ll help her heal. Love it!

Storyline
This was an erotic story. I expected it, but I what I didn’t expect was a story that wasn’t really that predictable. I liked that there were several surprises. Like the two men fighting for her, David winning, she willing to remove her boundaries for his pleasure. It was a lovely story, but it had a rather sudden ending. No epilogue, because this wasn’t the ending of their story yet.

Title
This title is rather double, it has a more erotic side but I think it’s also about bending your personal boundaries in certain situations.

Cover
I loved it, it was hot, but still classy.

Ending
Well, I think we’ll still have to read the next books, because there was no real ending her. It was a very open one.



I’m giving this book 4.5 stars, because I’m hoping that I’ll get to give even more stars to the next ones!



Profile Image for Robin.
Author 3 books27 followers
January 31, 2016
I was asked to read this book for an honest review.
There are some book that catch you at the first sentence and keep you enthralled to the last word. Bend Me is a book like that. The characters conversations are so well done. Through the dynamics of their relationships and the conversations they have you get to know the characters more.
This story is about a woman who looses all she holds close to her heart and is trying to find her way back to the living. She explores unconventional methods to try to heal herself. The irony is by doing so she meets someone who can provided the love and support she so desperately craves. There relationship is new and she is sucked into it. Can she find tenderness and love after so much pain and heartache? Will she allow herself the chance . In the next book we find out.
Profile Image for JMV.
1,076 reviews1 follower
October 15, 2015
Received from the author for a honest review. Talk about letting go of your past pain. Agnes is trying to do just that. She needs to feel anything but the sadness and guilt. She needs the pain to help her forget the pain. She needs to be someone different. She is hoping that Marus Stone can do that and when they decide to meet, she didn't think it would be this good (or bad). And she didn't expect David. This Exrotic Romance is a quick read and leaves you hanging for more. One complaint is that I really hate novellas and even more, hate waiting to see where the story will go in the next book. (Break Me -Part two)
Profile Image for  Thea™.
3,766 reviews11 followers
December 31, 2015
ARC provided to me by author Sophia Scarlet in exchange for an honest review.
This was a quick but good read. I loved the story and can't wait to read the next book in this series. I liked the characters; Agnes/Eliza, Marcus and David, I liked the multiple POV and I liked the sexy and classy cover. Downsides: too short ;-) and an open ending. I'd give this book 4,5 stars rounded up to 5 in anticipation of the next books in this series.
2,080 reviews24 followers
April 8, 2017
Before you get into this book - this is not a complete book. It is typically released in small parts - the book has been split up. Book one is on KU and finishes at 80%, Book 2 and book three are short but not on KU.
Profile Image for Kay (❦ ᴗ ❦ ✿) BooksandMe.
470 reviews7 followers
February 15, 2016


“Eliza dear,” he rasps, sending spikes of heat straight to my dripping, wanton slit, “we’re about to get very well acquainted.”


Exploring sexuality is one of my most favorite area in reading books and this one offers that. Agnes has been living by the sidelines, numb and just letting the world pass her by. Somehow, she wanted to reclaim herself, the old her before she became the shell that she is now.



I had a hard time connecting with Agnes at first. The first few chapters were too fast for me to ease into the character, to build up the anticipation I’ve wanted and get into the feel of things. But as I went on, I am captivated and just wanting to see where everything will go.

What hooked me more than anything else is that I felt Agnes’ character deep. Like she is me, and I am her. Numb and wanting to feel. And that I can’t seem to grasp what will happen next. In a good way, because there’s no predictability. It’s like I have to focus more or minutiae might pass without me noticing it.



I’ve actually thought long and hard. This was a great read but something is missing for me. I guess it’s that I felt disconnect with David. Oh, I want him and his intensity and all that he can offer, but I want Marcus. There’s something in him that draws me more than David. But, considering the supporting characters in the whole book, everything kind of work out actually and I love the dynamics.

I think I expected more hurt too. I wanted to be immersed in Agnes’ character that I want to feel her numbness and her loss in a very deep level. I understand her actions and everything she is going through, but my mind is saying that if you don’t have something so precious taken away from you like Agnes had, you wouldn’t really understand what she is going through.



Sophia Scarlet is a new to me Author. There’s no expectations and I was going in blind. But she writes in a way that makes me think of the book and analyze it while enjoying it at the same time. I am excited about Agnes’ journey and what her decisions might be.

Aside from my thoughts and issues, this book is riveting, beautiful and so fucking hot!

“She’s meant to be mine forever.”


Absolution Series should be read in order:
Bend Me (Absolution, #1) by Sophia Scarlet Break Me (Absolution, #2) by Sophia Scarlet Bind Me (Absolution #3) by Sophia Scarlet





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Profile Image for Liv.
471 reviews43 followers
January 4, 2016
4.5 Stars for this great read. I really loved it though there were a few things that bothered me (from the story, not from the writing) but that’s just a matter of opinion and that’s my review… so yeah.

The Story:
Agnes Bright lost her Baby as a result of a disease. Her marriage is shattered and so is Agnes. Feeling empty for too long she seeks pain to stop the numbness in her life. Stumbling across two handsome men (Marcus and David), she soon finds herself in a new world Agnes is eager to explore. Especially David Lake pulls all the right strings on her and Agnes gets to experience things she never did before.

My thoughts:
This was a hot read! Oh my. I really liked those two men fighting for one woman. Which woman doesn’t want that? And the sex scenes were scorching hot.
I normally don’t like different POVs but in this case I really enjoyed it because it gave so much more perspective.

What bothered me a little was that Agnes

I also didn’t like that David

Other than that, I wasn’t fond of Agnes character but I liked David’s. Though he was so twisted. He kind of fell for her and then he was such a Dom. (This really creeps me out actually.)

All in all this was a quick and great read and I am looking forward to reading the next book because I really need to know how the story will end.

- I received an ARC of this book from the author Sophia Scarlet through the Fifty Shades Support Group on Goodreads in exchange for a honest review. -
Profile Image for Deb Hanson.
1,358 reviews15 followers
April 5, 2016
Book received in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, where do I start with this book. Well I'll start with fast paced, involved, drama, angst and heat... So much heat. Bend Me, is book one in the Absolution series and tells the story of Agnes Bright and David Lake, bought together through very different scenarios but a joint result.

Agnes, is struggling mourning the loss of her newborn son, and the subsequent loss of her marriage. Now needing something to help with the unbearable pain, she makes contact with a man through a BDSM club. On meeting Marcus Stone, she thinks she has found the man who can bring her back to life, she just never planned on David Lake, coming in and stealing Marcus' thunder.

David cannot believe his eyes when they set themselves on a stunning woman, looking lost at the Grotto the BDSM club he frequents. Quite literally he is taken by her, and then discovering she is there to meet and be with masochist Marcus, his instincts tell him to stop his friend and gain Eliza (aka Agnes ) for himself.

Unsure how to deal with two demanding men, she spends that night with both. And what a hot night that was... But Agnes must decide whether she wants Marcus and his cane wielding ways, or the intimate connection she shares with David. Choosing David should be easy, his affection is so sweet, yet his alpha male dominance shows the real man, but with him not knowing her true identity, her huge loss that drove her here, and the loss of her marriage all may be a lie.... Only the feelings between both of these characters are very true.

This was a quick read, only taking a few hours, but so fast paced, I was vigorously page turning to see what happened next.
I'm keen to follow the rest of Agnes and David's relationship in the following Absolution series.
Profile Image for Shan ~A~.
3,206 reviews63 followers
August 26, 2016
I received this book for an honest review.

This is one of those books that is hard to review, because it is a novella (short), that you don't want to give anything away. I am going to try very hard not to spoil this for anyone.

Agnes is grieving the loss of her child and the loss of her marriage, and she is finding it hard to express her grief with anything but numbness. I got the feeling that she was in some form of shock and all the things that she had to deal with wasn't penetrating enough for her to be able to physically express what she was feeling.

She goes to counseling and takes up other things to try to feel something. In a desperate attempt to get out of the numb state, she comes to the realization that she may need a sadist. Someone to give her physical pain to jolt her into her feelings and out of the numbness.

She finds someone to give her what she needs right now, but ends up discovering someone who can give her what she needs and wants long term.

The scenes at the BDSM club were smoldering hot, and you can clearly see that that was exactly what she needed to start to move ahead.

I can't even imagine what it would feel like to go through what Agnes has had to endure. The author has done a great job of showing her anger and disillusionment over it all. It would have been even better had we got to see her interaction with her husband, Jonathon, but I guess they way they conducted themselves says it all. There were a few typos, but not enough to take away from the story.

Now, I will be looking forward to reading the remaining stories in the series/trilogy.





Profile Image for Mspraise50.
1,597 reviews67 followers
October 11, 2015
I was given ARC copy of book 1 of a 3 book story by the author for an honest review. This will be my second story by this author.

What I can tell you about this author is that she writes out of the box. She pulls you into the story right away.

Agnes has experienced a loss that no mother should ever have to experience. She blames herself and is unable to grieve. So as a way of punishing herself and coming to terms with her loss she looks for a way that she can really experience the depth of that loss. Her loss is two fold she lost her son and is losing her husband too. She decided to explore the world of masochism to see if this will ease her pain. She meets two men Marcus (who reminds her of her husband Jonathan) and David. With the help of these two men she starts the journey of dealing with her loss. Only the story get even more complicated at this point.

Agnes has not been honest with any of the men in her life about what she is doing and how she is feeling and ultimately this could come back and destroy her.

Agnes is biracial, David is African American and Jonathan and Marcus are white.

We will have to wait until Break Me is released to see if Agnes can hold on to any of her relationships with any of the men in her life based on the deception she is living.

The three book Absolution series is meant to be read in order:

Bend Me: November 3, 2015
Break Me: Early 2016
Bind Me: Coming Soon
Profile Image for Anna.
580 reviews20 followers
December 18, 2015
Agnes has experienced some serious tragedy in the last year of her life. The loss of her infant child leads to the loss of her marriage (specifically her husband filing for divorce). She is angry, bitter, and experiencing enormous grief, but has not really been able to feel the emotions she knows are there. Agnes knows that it is time for her to find a way through her pain and try to start living again. She finds that experiencing physical pain helped her to connect to and release some of her emotional pain. This leads her into a BDSM community where she meets David Lake. David is a successful and sexy man who finds himself attracted to Agnes/Eliza quickly and in a way that doesn't make sense to him. He just knows that he wants her and is going to try hard to claim her.

This is a quick sexy read. Agnes/Eliza is a character who is easy to sympathize with and root for. She has been through a lot and it seems she has found a way to start moving forward. The connection between Agnes/Eliza and David is strong and their sexual chemistry is intense. The sexual connection is easy to see, but the element of insta-attraction makes it difficult to know whether this relationship has the potential to turn into anything beyond the temporary sexual and pain-fix Agnes/Eliza needs. When this installment ends, we are left wanting more, and I am eagerly anticipating the next in the series.

*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Stefanie.
913 reviews46 followers
May 10, 2016
ARR gifted to me by Fifty Shades of Grey Support Group in exchange for a honest review.

Writing: 4.5 Stars
Story/Plot: 4 Stars
Characters: 3.5 Stars
Sex Scenes: 5 Stars

OVERALL RATING: 4.25 PANTY DRIPPING STARS

Agnes Bright aka Eliza Stuart is at a major crossroads in her life after suffering the lost of her infant son and the dissolution of her marriage. She is numb and depressed at this point and is just going through the motions of her life. Simply put she might be alive but she has stopped living her life. She has tried therapy but after months of it still not working, she decides to take matters in her own hand. While at the gym she starts sparring with a trainer and soon realizes she is experiencing some sort of break through by responding to physical pain. This leads her to the world of BDSM.

Eliza meets Marcus via an online ad and after a couple of weeks of emailing Marcus, she decides to meet him to potential start a Dom/Sub relationship. Little does she know that she will also meet David Lake and he will stop at nothing to have her all to himself. David feels some sort of connection to Eliza from the very first start, something he has never really experienced before. David convinces Eliza to embark on a trial Dom/Sub relationship for the next two months.

Honestly I loved everything about this novella and can't wait to finish the next two books, as this one ends on a cliffhanger!
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